Gc 974.701

V.2

pt.2 1755073

REYNOLDS HISTORICAL GENEALOGY COLLECTION

ALLEN COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY .

3 1833 01145 0779

Digitized by the Internet Archive

in 2010 with funding from

Allen County Public Library Genealogy Center

http://www.archive.org/details/historyofseveral22bolt

HISTORY

OF ,.

THE SEVERAL TQWx\S, MANORS, AND PATENTS

OF THE

County of Westchester,

FKOM 1?^

V. oL , ^-' ' =o ITS FIRST SETTLEMENT

PxRESENT TIME.

Carefully Revisid hy its Author.

By the Late Rev. ROBERT BOLTON,

author op the " gcide to new rochelle," and a member of n. y. historical society.

Edited by the Rev. C. \Y. BOLTOX, New Rocikli.e.

VOLUME II. i^

''ItistJifpri-oiL-ge of History fo impart the experience of a^e, r.nthout its mfi.nnitu-s; iijbri,,^ oack thi,ie:s louz obsciireJ by time, or sinking info oblii-ion ; aiut^amblf us to fern: lonie reasonahU- ccnjeetures of what may happen to pcst.eritv'---\\^v.i .so.\"s Hist, of Hoi.dekness. '

jO NEW YORK:

^3^ CHAS. F. kOI'EK, 2; Rose Street.

I ^^ ^ i88i

1755073

40O HISTORY OF THE COUNTY OF WESTCHESTER.

for the pulpit, and communion table. Tlie church just burnt containcl, besides tho monuments to Doctors \^'ilkins and Jackson, a bcauu; .1 scdlptured slab in early English style of variegated marble containin^.,' :>. head of Christ, which is said, alone, to have cost $1,500, ad.;'rned witii Uie monogram of I.H.S., an ancient Labarum, and bearing the followin^.; inscription : --

IN MEMOKY OF

GOVErvNEUR MORRIS WILKINS,

born November 4th, 1797, Died February 7, 1S71. Erected by bis widow.

"I am the resurrection and the life."

Tlie church just burnt containcl, besides tho monuments to Doctors \^'ilkins and Jackson, a bcauu; .1 scdlptured slab in early English style of variegated marble containin^.,' :>. head of Christ, which is said, alone, to have cost $1,500, ad.;'rned witii Uie monogram of I.H.S., an ancient Labarum, and bearing the followin^.; inscription : --

IN MEMOKY OF

GOVErvNEUR MORRIS WILKINS,

born November 4th, 1797, Died February 7, 1S71. Erected by bis widow.

"I am the resurrection and the life."

The late chancel window, which was an exquisite production of fine

art in stained glass, designed and executed in London expressly for this

church in 1876, represented the revs-ard of the righteous as given b_\- owr

Blessed Saviour in His parable recorded by St. Matthew, xxv : 35, 36:

" For I was an hungered, and ye ye gave nie meat ; I was thirsty and ye gave me driuk, <tc."

It consisted of six medallions containing figures, representing the six.

works of mercy with a scroll, in the centre, beneath which were the

sentences in Latin placed upon olive branches interlacing or covering

the entire window « This beautitul memorial was erected by the relatives

of the late Mrs. Catharine Wilkins, (widow of Governor M. Wilkins. ; to

commemorate \\-ith gratitude the constant deeds of love and chanty

which she maintained to the closing days of her life on earth.

The chime of three bells, but little damaged by the fire, contain the

following inscription :

3 Keyed BeUs, ^

sentences in Latin placed upon olive branches interlacing or covering

the entire window « This beautitul memorial was erected by the relatives

of the late Mrs. Catharine Wilkins, (widow of Governor M. Wilkins. ; to

commemorate \\-ith gratitude the constant deeds of love and chanty

which she maintained to the closing days of her life on earth.

The chime of three bells, but little damaged by the fire, contain the

following inscription :

3 Keyed BeUs, ^

D. B. G.

754, 908, 1322,

JOHNKS & HlTCKCOCK,

Foundry, Troy, New York.

3 Keyed Eells, D. B, G. Presented to the Ep. Church,

Westchester, A.D. IS.')?. Geor-o T. Adee, Goverueur

Morris Wilkins, Denton Pearsall, William Watson,

Edward Haidit, William K. Strong, John

51. Furman, Alfred Seuton, William

Whitehead, D. Lynch Lawrence, -

Wilhani L. Youlo, Daniel M.

Edgar.

{Pc rich to n ers . )

. a By .1 happy (:n>iK-i<lonr,.'\Uo:Tf>rhPf fnrruifoii'^. tho above menUoiunl '.vinWnn-w.i^ sfen la \'* plac? hy Uv; c'.nKr' tjutiou f'.r the lir.-t tiiii":it jnni-tuns; scrvio: •.u ilie fnurri'. ■!;;!! ^;u:i-iv jf: ' Triniry wh-n \\\~- tWL-ur\.:if:h elia!i:.-t of .Sr..M:i!!hew -.v.ii !li • ainHK^u-d -ot-'uil K•^•^Mll.' i.-'voruour \\ iikius, E.-q., j;.ivo trie wliit.- ijiui I.1-! Joiit.

THE TOWN OF WESTCHESTER. 4OX

On or near the site of the old Court House and Jail, adjoining the church-yard on the south, was erected in iS , a beautiful parochial school-house, costing $18,000. The building is well fitted up, and answers the double purpose of a chapel and school-room.

To St. Peter's church is attached a portion of the ancient glebe which was given by the town in 1703, sometimes called the " Parsonage Land," consisting of S iVo acres, bounded north by river road, or Westchester turnpike ; east, by Avenue B ; south, by I'hirteenth street ; west, by Fourteenth street ; and 2 /oo acres, bounded east, by Glebe avenue, and west by Lalayette street.

The building is well fitted up, and answers the double purpose of a chapel and school-room.

To St. Peter's church is attached a portion of the ancient glebe which was given by the town in 1703, sometimes called the " Parsonage Land," consisting of S iVo acres, bounded north by river road, or Westchester turnpike ; east, by Avenue B ; south, by I'hirteenth street ; west, by Fourteenth street ; and 2 /oo acres, bounded east, by Glebe avenue, and west by Lalayette street. The church holds also the grave-yard and the land on which the parochial school house stands, containing 2 /JJ^j acres, also 4 "0 acres of salt meadow, bounded north, by Pugsley Farm ; south, by Pugsley creek ; east, by Pugsley meadow ; and west, by a ditch.<» The former parish house, or parsonage, which was purchased by the vestry in 1763, stood at no great distance from the present edifice.

PR1^XIPAL BENEFACTORS OF ST. PETER'S CHURCH. Queen Anne, Col. Benjaraiu Fletcher, Edward Viscount Cornbury, Col. Jamea Graham, Col. Caleb Heatlicote, Col. Lewis Morris, The Venerable Propagatiou Society of England, the Rev. John Bartow, the Borough Town of Westcliester, Basil Bartow," Abijah Hammond, George Love, Robert Watts, '> the corporation of Trinity church, Isew York, &c. The latter have made the following liberal grants to this clmrch, viz: In 1795, the sum of S750 ; in 1796, $500; and in 1S09, five lots of ground in Reade, Chamber and Warren streets. New York. The church still owns four of tliese lots, the present value of which is 655.000.« It deserves to be mentioned, however, that this parish contributed one-half of the original value of the lots.i^

John Bartow, the Borough Town of Westcliester, Basil Bartow," Abijah Hammond, George Love, Robert Watts, '> the corporation of Trinity church, Isew York, &c. The latter have made the following liberal grants to this clmrch, viz: In 1795, the sum of S750 ; in 1796, $500; and in 1S09, five lots of ground in Reade, Chamber and Warren streets. New York. The church still owns four of tliese lots, the present value of which is 655.000.« It deserves to be mentioned, however, that this parish contributed one-half of the original value of the lots.i^

The first dalegate from this parish to the Diocesan Convention in 1790, was Joseph Brown, M.D.

a Copied from maps belonging to Vestry of St. Peter's clmrch.

n Mr. Basil lurtow, by his wli!, d.it>;(i iGtli of Dec. ITSO, bequeathed "unto the minister, ciiurch-wunlous and Vi.'<tryiQ.'ii. itir th- time beinjj, of ttie lucorporated Church of England, Itnoivu by the uaiiL! of S;. recer's chaich. i:i the iioroujrli town of Westcliester, the tuiii of £'•<) to^vard.^ bui;Um_' a uew cli'ii ea In said horouijli town, or repairing or enlarKiun: the present church, for the worship of Almighty God, to be paid to them when they shall actually eae ige ill said work." This will was proved lith day of >Iarch, 17S4, m Surrogate's otllce, N. i.. Folio xxw.

6 KoOert Watts and Mary his wife, released 35 acres to the vestry of St. Peters church, 29th of May, 1797.-- West. Co. Kec Lib. .M. of Deeds, pp. 116, 118.

ITSO, bequeathed "unto the minister, ciiurch-wunlous and Vi.'<tryiQ.'ii. itir th- time beinjj, of ttie lucorporated Church of England, Itnoivu by the uaiiL! of S;. recer's chaich. i:i the iioroujrli town of Westcliester, the tuiii of £'•<) to^vard.^ bui;Um_' a uew cli'ii ea In said horouijli town, or repairing or enlarKiun: the present church, for the worship of Almighty God, to be paid to them when they shall actually eae ige ill said work." This will was proved lith day of >Iarch, 17S4, m Surrogate's otllce, N. i.. Folio xxw.

6 KoOert Watts and Mary his wife, released 35 acres to the vestry of St. Peters church, 29th of May, 1797.-- West. Co. Kec Lib. .M. of Deeds, pp. 116, 118.

e The reetor and inhabitants of the ciry of New Vork, iu coramunioa of the Prot. Episcopal Church to St. Peters church, Westchester, 17th Jan., lsa._Kec. in the otllce of the Clert of tl 3 city of New ^ orK, l.lo. No 05, of cotiveyances, p. 547, 8th June, lill.

d la I'--'17 the sum of $l,t'3U was raised by St. Peter's church, Westchester, tendered to, and accepti-i by irinlty churcli, Sew York, foVtUe lots conveyed by their corporation to the vestry of St, Pt ^i-'s. One of the above-mentioned lots was takrn by the Corporal loii of New York, for wideniiiL,- Chapel stieet, and the award a[)plitd to the erection of pallery pews anrl the carriage shed. In the possession of the cierk of the vestry is a lease from James McDonald, of Pcd"f.>rd, a W. C. Co. fiirnier, to thf Trustees of the Episcopal Church of .st,. Peter's, in the township of Westchester, for a farui in the township of Pediord, bein« the farm where Juo. Banks furmerly lived, contaiuintf i'H acres, for one yi-ar at the sum of os. -.Jtip, Sept. 17U1; also a lit of four acres, cMnriKiulv known bv II. line of "Court House I.nt,'' in tint town, signed by Jam. 's .MeDonaM; witn'>.-s..s.

In the possession of the cierk of the vestry is a lease from James McDonald, of Pcd"f.>rd, a W. C. Co. fiirnier, to thf Trustees of the Episcopal Church of .st,. Peter's, in the township of Westchester, for a farui in the township of Pediord, bein« the farm where Juo. Banks furmerly lived, contaiuintf i'H acres, for one yi-ar at the sum of os. -.Jtip, Sept. 17U1; also a lit of four acres, cMnriKiulv known bv II. line of "Court House I.nt,'' in tint town, signed by Jam. 's .MeDonaM; witn'>.-s..s. Alfre.lLiviiutstou and James O. l'o»vler. The lease, however, 13 nut elghed, inierchangeablT, by the Trusieea uf the church.

402 HISTORY 6i- THE COUNTY. OF WESTaiESTER.

TOMB-STONES. .

The church-yard, which is coeval with the settlement of the villa, contains numerous interments; among the earliest are the following' :-

" Here lyeth the body of

WILLIAM (BAILY) QL'ERY, ESQ.,

n. 1718. aged 50 years, B. P. O., 1727.

Deceased, March 27thi 1702."

In memory of PHILIP HONEYWELL, ESQ.,

He died of a lingering ilhiess, at Greenburgh,

on the Sth day of Sepembcr, 1813,

in the 53d year of his age.

He was an active character during the Revolutionary War.

He lived respected, and died regretted.

Anne Eustace, his wife, died May 11, ISll, xCtat 50.

" Look on this stone and you will find. My journey's o'er, and yours behind ; Think then, before you turn awaj-, That yours may end before this day."

• In memory of OLIVER DE LANCE V, SEN., who departed this life April 4th, 1840, Aged 70 years.

in the 53d year of his age.

He was an active character during the Revolutionary War.

He lived respected, and died regretted.

Anne Eustace, his wife, died May 11, ISll, xCtat 50.

" Look on this stone and you will find. My journey's o'er, and yours behind ; Think then, before you turn awaj-, That yours may end before this day."

• In memory of OLIVER DE LANCE V, SEN., who departed this life April 4th, 1840, Aged 70 years.

Sacred to the memory of

CAPTAIN STEPHEN BAYARD,

who was born Oct. 26th, 1785, and died July 11th, 18U:

' My blessed Saviour receive my epirit," were his last words, and Whosoever Ix'Ueveth iu Him, the' he die, yet shall he live again.

Ever will the sweet remembrance of your useful, generous,

forgiving and uftectionate virtues, best of Inisbauds and

fathers, be clicrished in the hearts

of your wife and family.

' THE TOWN OF AVESTCHESTER, 403

, Sacra memoria of

PHILIP LIVINGSTON,

■whose family were suddenly bereaved of a loving parent,'

on the 27th Nov., 1S03,

aged 74 rears.

His aOictions were numerous and deep felt, yet vras he comforted.

His heart, its confidence

Reposecl in God, its stren<;th -ind shield,

The pat!i3 c-f death in glory shine,

V/hen saints tiie call ohe)',

A light from Heaven, an arm divine,

Are with them on the way.

Here lies the mortal remains of

"WRIGHT POST,

during many years eminent as

physician and surgeon

in the city of New York,

he was distinguished for sound judgment,

His aOictions were numerous and deep felt, yet vras he comforted.

His heart, its confidence

Reposecl in God, its stren<;th -ind shield,

The pat!i3 c-f death in glory shine,

V/hen saints tiie call ohe)',

A light from Heaven, an arm divine,

Are with them on the way.

Here lies the mortal remains of

"WRIGHT POST,

during many years eminent as

physician and surgeon

in the city of New York,

he was distinguished for sound judgment,

practical skill and unwearied diiigeuco ia

Lis profession, and for modest, dijniiled and

mild deportment in all the walks of life ;

an enlightened and attached member of the

Protestant Episcopal Church,

he was for many years a vestryman

of Grace Church

in the city of Nev,' York,

- and for several years its souior warden.

OverpUcd by professional labours,

his feeble frame gradually gave way

to the attacks of pulmonary consumj)tion.

He retired from the city to his country seat

in this neighborhood, and after a rcsidt^nce

of a few weeks, he departed this life

in full possession of his mental faculties,

at peace with the world,

and a devout hope of acceptance

yrith God, through faith in the merits of

Jesus Christ.

Ho died June 14, 1S23,

aged 62 ycnrs, 3 montha

and rC days.

There arc also memorials in the yard, to members of the Kunt, Doty. E::;<.ter, Bartow, Lewis, ArJen, FinJlay, Tucker, Reed, Burnett, Holsmaa

404 HISTORY OF THE COUXTV OF WESTCHESrER.

and Wright families, Sec, besides vaulte belonging to the families of Timpson, Adee and Ludlow, &c. Near the Episcopal grave-yard, i-i situated the Ferris burj-ing-ground,"' which contains the family vaults of Benjamin Ferris, and numerous head-stones to the Pell family.

aged 62 ycnrs, 3 montha

and rC days.

There arc also memorials in the yard, to members of the Kunt, Doty. E::;<.ter, Bartow, Lewis, ArJen, FinJlay, Tucker, Reed, Burnett, Holsmaa

404 HISTORY OF THE COUXTV OF WESTCHESrER.

and Wright families, Sec, besides vaulte belonging to the families of Timpson, Adee and Ludlow, &c. Near the Episcopal grave-yard, i-i situated the Ferris burj-ing-ground,"' which contains the family vaults of Benjamin Ferris, and numerous head-stones to the Pell family.

... PEW HOLDERS IN 1790. The following names appear on the Minutes, of individuala who purchased pews in August, 1790, vii:: -- James Ferris, John Bartow, Jr., Pliilip Livingston, Stephen Bartow, Elizabetli Harrison, John Valentine, Jonathan Fov.-ler, William Hunt, Marcus Baxter, Solomon Baxter, Isaac Valentine, Jr., Peter Biusing. Elizabetli Williams, Augustus Bartow, David Iluestace, Ebenizer Loggett, Phinchas Hunt, Anthony Bartow, Israel Underhill, Anthony L. Underhill, 3 scats, Israel Underhill, Israel Honeywell, John Doty, Robert Tucker, William Smith, Thomas Bartow, Benjamin Roe, Joseph Brov.m, Lewis Graham, Robert Watts, John Bartow, Benjamin Ferris, Samuel Bayard, Warren de Lancey, 2 seats, Thomas Hunt, John Cox.

The old Orthodox Friend's meeting-house now held by the Hicksite party, which stands south of the church, was erected in 1723.'' The first meeting of this numerous and respectable society in America, is said to have been held at Westchester. '■'■Monthly meeilug" was appointed by the yearly meeting of Friends at Flushing, Long Island, to be held at Westchester, N. Y., on the ninth day: of fourth montli, (.A.pri!,) 1725'^' There is also a tradition, that George Fox, the dauntless founder of their sect, preached here in 1672. Nearly opposite stands the meetinghouse of the Orthodox Friends, erected in 182S.

The old Orthodox Friend's meeting-house now held by the Hicksite party, which stands south of the church, was erected in 1723.'' The first meeting of this numerous and respectable society in America, is said to have been held at Westchester. '■'■Monthly meeilug" was appointed by the yearly meeting of Friends at Flushing, Long Island, to be held at Westchester, N. Y., on the ninth day: of fourth montli, (.A.pri!,) 1725'^' There is also a tradition, that George Fox, the dauntless founder of their sect, preached here in 1672. Nearly opposite stands the meetinghouse of the Orthodox Friends, erected in 182S.

The Methodist f^piscopal Society of Westchester was first organized in 180S, and incorporated 8th of March, 1S09; Vv^illiam Johnston, Gilbert Lewis, Abraham Seacord, Benjamin Morgan, Moses Hunt, and Gilbert Hunt, trustees. The present church edifice was erected about SiS.

The Roman Catholic church, dedicated to St. Raj-mond, is situated on the road leading from Westchester to West Farms in close vicinity to the present depot of the Harlem River Railroad ; and attached to the church is an extensive grave yard, rectory and parochial school house. Its clergy has been the Rev. A. Higgins.

In the immediate vicinity of '\ • .Tarlem River Railroad station is situated "The New York Cathc ; -otectory." This institution was incorporated on the 5th of May,

a John FcDls of ttie borough town of W •- tor. In ITir., by his last ttHI. "rpserves the

bnryltig groiiiul for t?je poo[<lo to b;iry their i th*^ place vvtiere t'lL-y formerly buneil

Raj-mond, is situated on the road leading from Westchester to West Farms in close vicinity to the present depot of the Harlem River Railroad ; and attached to the church is an extensive grave yard, rectory and parochial school house. Its clergy has been the Rev. A. Higgins.

In the immediate vicinity of '\ • .Tarlem River Railroad station is situated "The New York Cathc ; -otectory." This institution was incorporated on the 5th of May,

a John FcDls of ttie borough town of W •- tor. In ITir., by his last ttHI. "rpserves the

bnryltig groiiiul for t?je poo[<lo to b;iry their i th*^ place vvtiere t'lL-y formerly buneil

■wUh')uc any let or imidraiic'. yincu known ■ ■- jastar'e hi!l buryi!:^,' frroonil "

&."In that yei'-, mi-nti'-a is niaJ" of tJi''- >•< uiet-\i;ic-hoa"-'f inAVt-striiesfcr vi;.'aP'*',

'en'rerliiK of hiirhWiiv-'.' In ('•ook uf liecorJa ."ouc"^ C.cik's Ouloi.'. Wkito I'laiiw, i<-.J. -- Riii:-ils lii-.r. of iiye, p. M:.

c Diito.

T3aac, of Ulster Co.==Millin Ob. at. 65 I

Elislia„So Piorson I A

Abner n.^Iary, da. of N. Y. i Isaac Gedney i)

William J., of M.J. ^Louisa

Elinor

Abraham, ob. ,.Mercv Paddock, July 2t;, ITK; i Jany. Ust, 1S20 ; set. 66 yrs. vet. T5 yrs,

ISl

IJanies, Oneida Co. Jel>oraTi, da. nnt. Sdpi. 26, ITuS; I Sani'l Souttie o^. Apr. 3, 1.S49 land, nat ITCSl Ob. 1S43

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Eliza I).,natJ 1S(U ; Ob. 1376

Y. i Isaac Gedney i)

William J., of M.J. ^Louisa

Elinor

Abraham, ob. ,.Mercv Paddock, July 2t;, ITK; i Jany. Ust, 1S20 ; set. 66 yrs. vet. T5 yrs,

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IJanies, Oneida Co. Jel>oraTi, da. nnt. Sdpi. 26, ITuS; I Sani'l Souttie o^. Apr. 3, 1.S49 land, nat ITCSl Ob. 1S43

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;M D.

Wilvam

nat. lo

Ob. 3. IS

A.

James M nat. Sept :i 1S!S; oh. IXn yo, 1ST6

i L

O 0=

5 i

i.iria I night

£=-52 2 *^b'5.

AareUa_^.sa Wsrtennan

from an old deei, 1567.

Nfitlinnicl, of West.fieHicr, n^r. Fc JtJflS; Diiirrleil, Dcjcmber, 1685;

PEDIGREE OF THE UNDERHILLS OF WESTCHESTER COUXCY.

Captain John UoderbUl, nat, oboot lfiOO;_E:i2abeth Fete, 2J wife, da. Robert marrtetl, 1653; ol). JuJy Zlst, 1672 . I Feke, of KlosUlng, L. I. Nat. 163i ;

I ol). 16T4 I

H, Pavld, ofOysrer r.ay,_Uannah Deborah, nat Sejt. 2C''.S,a653;_IIenry TownseiiU ^^l;n■ah, nut. Feb. lOtli, lCCC;„Th'j

nat. Feb. lat, 1673 no l.'.sue ob. Jannary 30th, 16D3 of Oyster Bay ah. 175T of .

, May 2(l,_Josbn3 S Jacob, nat. Oct a

Nathaniel, of Wostchcaicr, nat, _Mary U^*ueywell Auff. lllh, lC50;olj.Nov.2Tth, I

Thoinsa of New Ca-itle, _ rtfccbe Davenport Wesichesier .,■ k.V. i

Abraliam, of White P\n will pnivcd lT50,ob. a abont 50 yrs.

^Hannah Cromwell

ELT.laminor„

Son residing SoutTi-ex^t i M*ary .ITortrm

Samuel Wlliiam,.Mary Suttoi

^ Fticcbo Dodge I

Feb. lOtli, lCCC;„Th'j

nat. Feb. lat, 1673 no l.'.sue ob. Jannary 30th, 16D3 of Oyster Bay ah. 175T of .

, May 2(l,_Josbn3 S Jacob, nat. Oct a

Nathaniel, of Wostchcaicr, nat, _Mary U^*ueywell Auff. lllh, lC50;olj.Nov.2Tth, I

Thoinsa of New Ca-itle, _ rtfccbe Davenport Wesichesier .,■ k.V. i

Abraliam, of White P\n will pnivcd lT50,ob. a abont 50 yrs.

^Hannah Cromwell

ELT.laminor„

Son residing SoutTi-ex^t i M*ary .ITortrm

Samuel Wlliiam,.Mary Suttoi

^ Fticcbo Dodge I

Tbomaa of Pbnilpsl.r.ifr.^Sarah Weekii.ii. Sopt. Stiieni, nat. Mar. an.HKS; j i.%lTii; ob. 0(1^3, 1825: roar. ITfli; ob. Mar 25. iS'Ji | da. Abel We

r Co._SaraliThbrn

.lairnjs, ElizaSoth,

i'Km naiinah Pfifube Basiieba

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Daniel, of ridtor Co. J... and Neiv CaJitlc '1

Dftu. _JameiiniiTln

Benjamin, of Cayuga Co., N. Y..

TCo._Miinnc.i Daniel MaiIianlel,_PhfEi)c Saratiel, N. Y Amy Plurbe JVa-iIia

I Orange Co. j - ob, Oct. 2, 197ii

EUstia„Soplila, da. of Hiwmali^'. Ponloii Plcrson I Abner DeaioQ

Carpenter

Josh, ob. 8.p. Sarah I{;U!he!

Plioebo A. liftld-

Abel, nw.Peh. Wlh, nTn^fiiccbe, da. nt .Iijitsc Klpp

William J., of N .J. „I,oatsa Prince

nenjajnlii, Salem, oat. .May 10

JcMe^PumelLPurdy Anua, nau July a, 17[H_Winiam Smith

. ]$46 flbby, da Kichardson Sutton, naU Dec. 12, l

yarah, nat. Nov. 25, i795„Slla3 Weeks

E.^i her Sarah Benjanjin Silas

Mary E. J. Miller

Sophia Phdena

■J A. E. Conovc

J I I I 1 I I |< r o > tJ ^ g

Abraham ob. ,„irercy Paddock, ob. Juiysr,. UTO; I Janv. 1st. 1S20; ffit, 66 yrs. ici. 75 yrs.

William J., of N .J. „I,oatsa Prince

nenjajnlii, Salem, oat. .May 10

JcMe^PumelLPurdy Anua, nau July a, 17[H_Winiam Smith

. ]$46 flbby, da Kichardson Sutton, naU Dec. 12, l

yarah, nat. Nov. 25, i795„Slla3 Weeks

E.^i her Sarah Benjanjin Silas

Mary E. J. Miller

Sophia Phdena

■J A. E. Conovc

J I I I 1 I I |< r o > tJ ^ g

Abraham ob. ,„irercy Paddock, ob. Juiysr,. UTO; I Janv. 1st. 1S20; ffit, 66 yrs. ici. 75 yrs.

Willtam, naL.Uiiffail, da. July 24. 17 H; I Wallace, nat. Di ob. April 10,

17T0 ob.July 2d,lSGl williani Austin John AlpUtu

Naihnn'ri.of Dorset, ^Lt Tina nat. 177?; in.j,%ii. 15, lyoo | strong

I i 1 ^1

Phabe^Gco. Clark

Honor Tlmnias W.„ITannnh 1'

nat. Feb. 9, 1 da Aaron I.

I7?4; oil. June, JlayiuOQ-JX^

1 1 HH^H-

ob. e-'iil

James vr._ai!retila.<lii. n.-nryB.^l. Harriet fish

lat. sopt l-j, 1 John Bollne natScpLM l ob. July n, 1%= is;oh.uocM 1S2: „2..^u^^i■5tl^

• n.„M.iria ^ l-^; I Knight 3

Urnry II. ^

i i

11, oh. M.irci;! L S;uif<.r I. ob ^'^^ 3^^, \S^^,y. Y Jalia_S. a Clotk, Xeti York

I. _Su?a[i

Anr'.-Uft..Asa Waterman

_:i.,iii;|l; .^. coril,

j f

WUliam A. c-i'or^e U

Horriei

No. 2.

Mary, nat.„l.Dr. N.Bayley Jauy. 2, TiPurdy

1--M

Josepli Obediah

o T £ 2.

Elizabeth, nat. Feb --Gilbert Drake, iTtri, itns j mar. iTs;

GilbLrt Nathau'l Elizabeth Frances

.llarcIilO, 17C6;,

21, ITSS; : 1st, ISRl

^Wynant Van

§'„F

Thoraas

Chai-lea A, Robert B.

Edwin

5^ g p 5

L S;uif<.r I. ob ^'^^ 3^^, \S^^,y. Y Jalia_S. a Clotk, Xeti York

I. _Su?a[i

Anr'.-Uft..Asa Waterman

_:i.,iii;|l; .^. coril,

j f

WUliam A. c-i'or^e U

Horriei

No. 2.

Mary, nat.„l.Dr. N.Bayley Jauy. 2, TiPurdy

1--M

Josepli Obediah

o T £ 2.

Elizabeth, nat. Feb --Gilbert Drake, iTtri, itns j mar. iTs;

GilbLrt Nathau'l Elizabeth Frances

.llarcIilO, 17C6;,

21, ITSS; : 1st, ISRl

^Wynant Van

§'„F

Thoraas

Chai-lea A, Robert B.

Edwin

5^ g p 5

o *• F n

Clarina, nat. Jane 1, 1792;^.JobnI. Mumford, Ob Jaa. SCU, ISC'i I nat. 1791; ob. ISC'd

Ferdinand John P. | Julia Angelina >;a;y L.

O CE O =^

3^

cr o y

S.^Kobert Piper

Charlotte A., nat. Jan. 21, ISiiS^John Hall

Antolnett^Sylvester King

Mary^Myer Sher- I wood

Thomas

Jane=Moscs I Clark

1 I rr

g; K > v!

0 3 2.='=.

Parah„Sarnuel I Killuiu

~ \ r

53 ta a

-3d § 3

Charlotte^Wm.Wriglit

[inderhllli

PEDIGREE OF THE UNDERHILLS, OF WESTCHESTER COUNTY.

Captain John Underbill ^Elizabeth Feke

NatliaQlel_JIary Ferria

Frcni en old deeJ. 1667.

Nath.inJel^^ary lioneyweU

Jotin, of Tonkers^Ann Bonn, Natbaniel, of WeBfchester^nn, da. of I nat. Aug. S, 1713 I naL Dec. lO, 1723 nat. Aug. 31, 1723; will irDQejTceU I Ob. Aug. IC, 173C proved Fob. 13, 17S4; See No. 3' Lord Mayor Westchestef

William ^Dorshla Gllbi it_Gedney Jonathan_Uanaah 5 > S

Israel, of ^'eai mar. March -1, 1761 ; buiriijd at Westcliest'-:r; i^h. Sei^t. 23d, ISOG

Sept. 21, 1731; ^Abigail r.espeuard, f 3 H =; ^ Mit-y. nat.„l.Dr. N-Bayl^:

Jotin, of Tonkers^Ann Bonn, Natbaniel, of WeBfchester^nn, da. of I nat. Aug. S, 1713 I naL Dec. lO, 1723 nat. Aug. 31, 1723; will irDQejTceU I Ob. Aug. IC, 173C proved Fob. 13, 17S4; See No. 3' Lord Mayor Westchestef

William ^Dorshla Gllbi it_Gedney Jonathan_Uanaah 5 > S

Israel, of ^'eai mar. March -1, 1761 ; buiriijd at Westcliest'-:r; i^h. Sei^t. 23d, ISOG

Sept. 21, 1731; ^Abigail r.espeuard, f 3 H =; ^ Mit-y. nat.„l.Dr. N-Bayl^:

i.^L I>cc.4, 1^9; _< ^ p 7 t Jaiiy. 2, riPurdy

lb. Feb. 3d. 1S06 55 - S -"' 1720 |

" ji " r; ~ Joseph ObeOlah

GUbtrt Nathau'l Elizabeth Frances

of Gr>-enburg, nat. I7ji;-j Taylor

lat. 177U Hyatt

i " Z.S I i -4 -^L -i- co'

\nt!io!iy L. of N'ew York, „Ci.iriiia da. of Basil Bartow, ^

nat. Dec 3'itti, 1763; I nat. March 4tti, 17C9; . £

mar. jQly 24th, 17S3; ob. June 9th. 1S3(>. s

Ob. July isih, IMT B"irleil in Maryland ^

Miiiy, A. uaU Jlarch 10, lTCC;_WyDant mar. June21, 17td; I Van

Ob. Augu.-: Ut, is.-^l

ViiUain Charlo'! Tdorci.

Charles A, Robert E.

Z 2?

Pncuerson B._Cliarl--i

21, 1737; mar. ISIO; Ob. 1S4I

Charles, of EInil?a,.l. Caroline Ilarf, N. Y., nat. Aug. | „2,Portla 51. dii. Jw

25th. nw

Brooks

Henry, of N.Y..^Kcht;cca, nat. Mar. 2.MI1, I da. of 179T; mar. 1820 Samuel I Hallett,

I Ob. 1^23

L i^ O L S-l ?V^st?rr ^ oJorBeK. JaLsA.^Caih .^ ° g 1=3 r < mar. itiJ-S 1 Ha

Ob. Augu.-: Ut, is.-^l

ViiUain Charlo'! Tdorci.

Charles A, Robert E.

Z 2?

Pncuerson B._Cliarl--i

21, 1737; mar. ISIO; Ob. 1S4I

Charles, of EInil?a,.l. Caroline Ilarf, N. Y., nat. Aug. | „2,Portla 51. dii. Jw

25th. nw

Brooks

Henry, of N.Y..^Kcht;cca, nat. Mar. 2.MI1, I da. of 179T; mar. 1820 Samuel I Hallett,

I Ob. 1^23

L i^ O L S-l ?V^st?rr ^ oJorBeK. JaLsA.^Caih .^ ° g 1=3 r < mar. itiJ-S 1 Ha

S -^ank Starr -.

e I = i

ri'?

Clarina, nat Jnnel,i:0'3; _.Jolm I. Mumford, Ob Jau. 0th, isci I nat. iry:; ob. isoa

Ferdinand John P, | JuUa Angelit

Anthony L.. nat. ISL.0; mar. 1^51 ..Charlotte L. .McBeth

ChaiiL^ A., uaL Junel

WUliam n. Edwin S. John Art-lia L. Charlotte

Robert L, Falh. >'.Y.^Fn tut. Drc. 1,1511; i named l-SC |

Henry, nat. April, lS17„Henrie:!

Mary E . nat. June 25, „Jno. Newall

. IS. 1S15_.T, B. Eli

^Apri?S,'!Sy Eliza S.„Robert Piper Charlotte A., nat. Jan. 2J, iS23„John Hall Antdlnett .Sylvester King

Edward H. ^'orthrop Robert, nat. Eug. 19, 1S41; ob. Nov. 12. 1S70 Denk't H.. n; "f ^^^' °^- ^*^' Ambrose S., nat. July 1, 1S53, ob. ls.iT Charlotte E. Hannah L.

Koaj. Gre^Ebcrg. X. Y. rNsircy Travla Nathaulel, of N. T. Elizabeth Oakley GUbtrt ff Greenbtarg. N. Y.„l.Eliziibeth ILn-t^ L Alexander Xaibaniel. Jaila^amea -^ ■

Lawrence Margaret_Ha-t Emeline r? Thonj.^ R.

Mary _Mycr She Thomas

Jane^Moses Sarah„Sarauel

I Clark I KUlmii

Eattte B«ate

[ Patrick

JoHepb A.

-t -plu-ii !!■ z:ikiah Ab'-r

Eug. 19, 1S41; ob. Nov. 12. 1S70 Denk't H.. n; "f ^^^' °^- ^*^' Ambrose S., nat. July 1, 1S53, ob. ls.iT Charlotte E. Hannah L.

Koaj. Gre^Ebcrg. X. Y. rNsircy Travla Nathaulel, of N. T. Elizabeth Oakley GUbtrt ff Greenbtarg. N. Y.„l.Eliziibeth ILn-t^ L Alexander Xaibaniel. Jaila^amea -^ ■

Lawrence Margaret_Ha-t Emeline r? Thonj.^ R.

Mary _Mycr She Thomas

Jane^Moses Sarah„Sarauel

I Clark I KUlmii

Eattte B«ate

[ Patrick

JoHepb A.

-t -plu-ii !!■ z:ikiah Ab'-r

B-'tijauilit Xancy

WlUiano H, Charie«_^Tones Maria H.

"TipaloTc Maliiida Saruh

No. 3.

■ I I I I I I

ot„1.neatcr Donnett Sarah, mar. SuHan, inur. Etflo, mar. ITaurmh, KilzubPth, Nancy,ra<»r. i-q ! Noah TompKlns Ti)ini)KlnH oh, r. miir. Jrio. llorton

Nloholas^Tiebecca A. Lancaster _n:me M. Esther.^ J. W. Llvlna Magaaleua^l. V. I UcuMtict!, (la. I Tarbox Fowler I of Daniel J

PitrmoUa, SuHan^l.Duscnlmry Jotui^Euiihcmla M. Thorno

l)\). H. _'<!.VUU WOlt I

Grace

John n , of Now Itochollo,., Archil Uonnett Jatic.AblJah Morgan Ann, ob. a.

Ob. July, iHOs I I

Peter

Peter J , (JoorKe VV. L ,_Julhi llarker Wm. ilenry„Mary Hurpo Sarah Ann

Tucki'hoo, New Kochelle I I

ob. ». J J

.Tolin Q, A. Oeorgo Euscina Sanih A., Win. ITenry Ma

ob. s.

r.fYon- Ann, mar. Sarah .„ John 8. llel8ey_Joiiii Mo n«miiili, 111.

mar. John I Martlno I .i.^.bu- j.mi. n... r-

•tollllflt I i

of m

SlllUll

tar,0 liILKO 40ft, vol. II.

Proin an old deed. 1667.

John, of„I.Anno llurkcr,

- ■ I

I'KDIORKE OK THE UNDICRll.ILI.H, OE WESTCHESTER COUNTY.

L ,_Julhi llarker Wm. ilenry„Mary Hurpo Sarah Ann

Tucki'hoo, New Kochelle I I

ob. ». J J

.Tolin Q, A. Oeorgo Euscina Sanih A., Win. ITenry Ma

ob. s.

r.fYon- Ann, mar. Sarah .„ John 8. llel8ey_Joiiii Mo n«miiili, 111.

mar. John I Martlno I .i.^.bu- j.mi. n... r-

•tollllflt I i

of m

SlllUll

tar,0 liILKO 40ft, vol. II.

Proin an old deed. 1667.

John, of„I.Anno llurkcr,

- ■ I

I'KDIORKE OK THE UNDICRll.ILI.H, OE WESTCHESTER COUNTY.

Ou.l.lln .I.iliii Un.J.TIilll-Kllzuljclli Ktlco > N«thaiil(?(_Mary ForrlH

yatfmnlel^MiirT HoncypTcll

No. 3.

1). Poc. !, 1122; nciijnmln, nt_Ellznliclli . ijiicuHlor, of_En.l(i»la,ilii,nraJ.

Tfemown, I ob. Aiir. Ifl, iTsfl ConL tDiilhorlHft Oiutiouso l_ I

i J- 4 i, i. I I i I I

Honnctt FuHtclicrtUT

littt. nil; m. I 2-Jtti, 1752; oh. 1772; Olj. 18-15 ! .Sept. 2lBt, 1S2S

NVw''ur!,'^!,'lt>,°'T"K Thn. "'™;'""''--Y™.ko™-J'""o .^icliola.,, o;_IIannal, pi.or ot_1.ne„c.r ISomiclt

r-cw urunsB-lok, Ja. THon. nal. Star. 2T, I-JD- Bonncl Yoiikcra, I Iluir Yocikfra I

'^■'' Ward 01), Oct si, 1621 „t,. 1357 „,, ,0,.. ' _2.Aim Soliure-

't^r^YB ^'^S'^^rnin I«v,„ A„„EK.aS„„lc "^f^an^ C^„H^ „>^L J g|^ ^^1 ^^

Wllltiir.^)nnilnui Hii"*i g, DiiKiiiMirr ">»•■

Kvalloll ^^ h h ^ k ^ 3 nulla T, Ma'ry t

af B S- i 8 -3 5

Sarnli, lllalloli

i,ini.r. Eillo.mar. Hannah, E]lz„l.(,lli, Nancy.mir.

NIcllolas IlcbrccaA. lancastcr.Kllli' M. Eatlicr J. WIlvli IlcuNtici^ da. ITarbox " ■•'-"" I orUanU I

Ju!iri_Ruiilmnila M. Tlmrno

rdi

TuuKrboo, New Hocht'lle

W„;!!;,.M„-,'"""' ""'■'"'■" "'"■■ "'■"■■y-Marylhiri.n .SarU

Klnnhmn,..SaraSiiiini lilsimp t Vnn i t f i, ^ \ ~ ~" ~ \

't^r^YB ^'^S'^^rnin I«v,„ A„„EK.aS„„lc "^f^an^ C^„H^ „>^L J g|^ ^^1 ^^

Wllltiir.^)nnilnui Hii"*i g, DiiKiiiMirr ">»•■

Kvalloll ^^ h h ^ k ^ 3 nulla T, Ma'ry t

af B S- i 8 -3 5

Sarnli, lllalloli

i,ini.r. Eillo.mar. Hannah, E]lz„l.(,lli, Nancy.mir.

NIcllolas IlcbrccaA. lancastcr.Kllli' M. Eatlicr J. WIlvli IlcuNtici^ da. ITarbox " ■•'-"" I orUanU I

Ju!iri_Ruiilmnila M. Tlmrno

rdi

TuuKrboo, New Hocht'lle

W„;!!;,.M„-,'"""' ""'■'"'■" "'"■■ "'■"■■y-Marylhiri.n .SarU

Klnnhmn,..SaraSiiiini lilsimp t Vnn i t f i, ^ \ ~ ~" ~ \

.'ofiii (;, A. fleoigo Eugclsm Sumli A., Win, II«niy mL

I.Y. I ;)fftti. 1(1, 1374, 1

JoiM) K.oryuii- Aim,

•f.iriili_Ji.lin 8. lIoiMOy_.,IniinMn Hm

J r s

? M_l

i"

J,

p

a

a

s

f

0 ^

i

^

-^

'^a

i

3 [^

■^

s

==

'3

i'^c

•^ =

,.„.,_,,,,.,.«,.,l

I UnJc-'blll .T.il;..

, F. Mai

'Wlllium I Mary F. E ■

^i .,'„,

Bcnliimln, o( Enst-_Hiirr, ila. ntTlinn. Nnah, o( I-a«li-hrai..r ■• ,

r_hc,cr,n«t.Fcb., | Fowler, nut. 177(1 ""'"cc/n?;!!, ™!';7'-'^';J'°''' °'l^;';

.AlilitnUOrloll, nat.Mnr.

I 21, i;I9;oli. Alllf., Ibffl

Oil. U'->^ less I 1

i ITT.J

^IKarfth Taylor

Pvter, nat. _Mary ■ Dec. Btli, I Shuto

Hunt, nat.„,r.lt7,ab(;th Auif., 17S0; I Shute Ob , lb37

Clara, nut. _Atitlrow ShonnarJ, 17.49; Ob. nut. 1774

lew Ot). 1.S32

Binran, nat. _Wllllom UnderhlU 1709; Ob. Now York, son

IH.^3 aX NiiuU

Aijurr, Peoria. _Hartow 9itiiinel, of Joseph,

Jolin,or_K«lhrrl'in N. V. I iml. 17TC;

S. Aiiiii«ia_I)uir 7UaryA._.0ndcrduiick Ciirrlo EuBlno Emily

r;dwln„Margurot,da. J, L O.ni'M Joseph IsJie. Elizabeth Brltllnshnm Marfarct, pb. a, 16f)2 Claru_J. Bonnett llebcccn.A. Eurtia AimMurln Elizabeth, ob. a.

Pvter, nat. _Mary ■ Dec. Btli, I Shuto

Hunt, nat.„,r.lt7,ab(;th Auif., 17S0; I Shute Ob , lb37

Clara, nut. _Atitlrow ShonnarJ, 17.49; Ob. nut. 1774

lew Ot). 1.S32

Binran, nat. _Wllllom UnderhlU 1709; Ob. Now York, son

IH.^3 aX NiiuU

Aijurr, Peoria. _Hartow 9itiiinel, of Joseph,

Jolin,or_K«lhrrl'in N. V. I iml. 17TC;

S. Aiiiii«ia_I)uir 7UaryA._.0ndcrduiick Ciirrlo EuBlno Emily

r;dwln„Margurot,da. J, L O.ni'M Joseph IsJie. Elizabeth Brltllnshnm Marfarct, pb. a, 16f)2 Claru_J. Bonnett llebcccn.A. Eurtia AimMurln Elizabeth, ob. a.

Allred_Wc.!d Ihiiry _Kniiiia Morton 01iiil««a„I!orl

Joshua, of _1. PeKRy, ,1a of Bll Aoaev ScarHdalo *^

Ob. isoa I „!.nu7itiab Underbill

\__ _3.8ufian Angevlnc

Di.vul. ot_Kll7.iibe

IIi\nnali_Stei)tienIIoi

Jtnry_narne3 Umtcrhllt

Euplienitu, lb. 853

.L I I

< g Flizabotli, llaira«li_Tlioina

^ ^ ^'''- s. Hunt

Dcivlcl Il.,_Calhurlne Aluli-im, n1 N. Y., ..Jane Hc>'

Ann Eliza _Jrtcob Luff

Jolin. of

Orccn County, N. Y.

>>t N. Y., „l.Mary, da. ol nen). Underbill

_«.rolly,da otiluntl'nderblu

, Josliiia, Ob. B. Jaiuea, ob.

William, Ob. ». Elinor _Odcll Saruh_3)unn Fanny ^Taylor

Alphcua David Jidjn OeorBO Caroline

illi-Riien-TbomcotN. Y. Mary _llurnmrl

Suaun .Richard Grldln

[ESTER COUNTY.

la Bailee k, 1, 1T2S;

tn, 1803

Mary.,Caleb Ilortoa, o:

^

da. Jacob Conklin Reuben, Joseph, Phc oh. s. Ob. s.

: Townsenu X., of=Emi;y I

Thiil N.T., Ob. l*tT j Smith

)avid=Emil; Brad

ratir. Xm'. 17, lST3^..\r'hur D. We

f Pavia, of N. Y.^Sarah, da. of

Ob. July, 1^70 1 Tlios. Pierce ■ i

Abraham <

nat. Mar

III 1 t; rt 'D Amanda o * -

Adelaide

Ig ? 1 „l._.

[ESTER COUNTY.

la Bailee k, 1, 1T2S;

tn, 1803

Mary.,Caleb Ilortoa, o:

^

da. Jacob Conklin Reuben, Joseph, Phc oh. s. Ob. s.

: Townsenu X., of=Emi;y I

Thiil N.T., Ob. l*tT j Smith

)avid=Emil; Brad

ratir. Xm'. 17, lST3^..\r'hur D. We

f Pavia, of N. Y.^Sarah, da. of

Ob. July, 1^70 1 Tlios. Pierce ■ i

Abraham <

nat. Mar

III 1 t; rt 'D Amanda o * -

Adelaide

Ig ? 1 „l._.

1 ^J.,__

Daniel | Emily^ Oscar

PEDIGREE OF THE' UN'DERHILUS, OF WESTCFIESTER COUN'TY. Captain John rQ<icr!iiU..EIlzabetliFefee a

No. 4.

from an old deed. 1667.

Natliaiilel_Mary Ferrla

Abraham _Jldnnah Cromwell

Ah^u^aI^, of New Cafllle,_l.riial>^. «J.i. or ,h>iin Ilallc-ck or rnUlpsburg, m. lT4fi; I _'-'.Kq/.I.*Ii, or Karrlngton

iBaac, of Torklpwcjrtel.„Sarah, Ua. of Kobert Flelil, Jano 21, IT'^C ; ra. tbS- I nat. February Gth, I'.'M ; lStlL,lT3fl; Ob. Dfcai- ob. March «0tli,18ia ber 8tli, 181-1

Jacob, of New Castle, nat.„Amv, da. Jo iti Halleck, May 25th, 1730; ni- J;in. I nrt. JnneS-l, iT-iSr i9rh, 1747; Ob. September ob. Jane 30:h, i:i03 26th, 130T

llarj., Caleb llortoa, of White Plains

Martt]a_^abez Locfewootl

Abraham isi

r 1 I ofNewCaatle Sarah da of Kecnr' Cox, Lsnifl, or New Castle^Sophia, tla. Ab|ah Halght Amoa, of K. Y.^Paroeiia Avery Solomon, of Sing SiDg^Phtebe, ila. Jacob Cuuklin Reuben, Joseph, Phoebe,=AJex 5rartha_\VaUer Haimah_Jag. S;irah_Saml. Anne, Amy.Isaj ^t.Mar.5th,lTf5; 7 nat.'Nov. 2-^th, 17^;" " ' 1 | I °^- ^ Ob. s. Young Haight Birdsall Sutton ob. 6. Pk-n

Ob. Jan. 17lh, 1W7 ob. Nov. Wth, I'^'i I I

llarj., Caleb llortoa, of White Plains

Martt]a_^abez Locfewootl

Abraham isi

r 1 I ofNewCaatle Sarah da of Kecnr' Cox, Lsnifl, or New Castle^Sophia, tla. Ab|ah Halght Amoa, of K. Y.^Paroeiia Avery Solomon, of Sing SiDg^Phtebe, ila. Jacob Cuuklin Reuben, Joseph, Phoebe,=AJex 5rartha_\VaUer Haimah_Jag. S;irah_Saml. Anne, Amy.Isaj ^t.Mar.5th,lTf5; 7 nat.'Nov. 2-^th, 17^;" " ' 1 | I °^- ^ Ob. s. Young Haight Birdsall Sutton ob. 6. Pk-n

Ob. Jan. 17lh, 1W7 ob. Nov. Wth, I'^'i I I

Abljah, Sarah „Adonllah Fhci-b

laaac, or III inoia .Jane, tla. o: Townseml N., of_EmiIy D^ivid ^mily Eliaa=Jane C, da. of John_Sarah CaruIlne_Aaron Jane^Vifred

AdoijAhL'nd.Thiil N.Y., ob. i*it I Smith Brady I Thos. Carpenter Younfe' Qulmby Underhill

j..\rthurD. Week.q

JTH^l

'm h ofN Y Deborah da. Daniel Sle[.heu, of N.Y._Phcebe C , da. BenJ. Levi, nf NL-wybrlc.^EUzatieLh Anlrew, of Pon^hkeepsie.l. Hannah, da. Jas, Clapp S. C'. David, or N. Y._Sarah, da. of Abraham C, of N'.Y.„I.Ellzaheth, da. Peter Buckley IsvaU, N'.Y.^Mary L , da.

nat Feb ItIiTSsT Sutton; ob. 18T4 iiat. .Sept. Blh, | Cornell, nat. 1703; cal. He.. |h, ITy-i | Martignoy naM791 ; ob. !>>75 ^s.^arah Uptou, da. Jor.a- ^r ob. July, t>70 | Tho.s. Pierce nat. Mar. is, 1790 | ^.2.Almyra nat. July 7, | Jno. Wi!- = B -^~= ^

ob. 1M^3 ^"^^

ob. June 22d, IS73

It mi

^1

r4

William, of N. Y. 06. ISOI!

.-Ranoy Jenkins

( 1

i? (-3

»iHr

William A.

Llile

11 iu

III I ! J I I I I

Amanda ■ .t^delai

He.. |h, ITy-i | Martignoy naM791 ; ob. !>>75 ^s.^arah Uptou, da. Jor.a- ^r ob. July, t>70 | Tho.s. Pierce nat. Mar. is, 1790 | ^.2.Almyra nat. July 7, | Jno. Wi!- = B -^~= ^

ob. 1M^3 ^"^^

ob. June 22d, IS73

It mi

^1

r4

William, of N. Y. 06. ISOI!

.-Ranoy Jenkins

( 1

i? (-3

»iHr

William A.

Llile

11 iu

III I ! J I I I I

Amanda ■ .t^delai

Jolm„Sarah C. Andrew _.Kate \v. I Flcec I Grady

Tl II I I I I

Henry S._l.Mar7 Doty Adouljati, c

I „2.Anu Doty

pjctmr.l Mary Ann

Jane „TRaac Underbill Anna K„EO;:irljuiig Louifia-.I! -ury Cos. Harriet . Deborah„Frank ?iracy

i!k. ob. 1-si ^Plio-l.c Pus-3le,

Ipaai-, of Ifn:L'lii;.ss Ci., N.V._.,l,Ar.ne Pugsley

^i'. Rebecca Hunt

Aug. H, 17T2,nerry WUson, Oyster B^j) *

RlcbanlsOB^eoklM > Isaac, mar. lS04„Ellaor Cove

~i ^ M r- 3 Loulfla.Edraund PiUet

~ * '■= T "^ EdwardP.,ob.qi I An

James, of Yort;ti na'., D.-c 11. 1; oti. Pel', ill, 1^:

.Lyd;a, da of Danl. Carpenter ^ '.'.Tamer, Ua. of ifuniel Car-

J:i.-ob T. _Uannah, dx of

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■orriella cliliariiie J..V.1I11, Carrie

SllQllla^naviil

AcKemian

l3„Pha>lJt Knapp

No.

S35 I Crot< a VuUcy, imt. li55;ob. ls-14

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J:i.-ob T. _Uannah, dx of

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; ob. Feb. l5,._M.ary K.^:r;i;hi \Vi!:;.i;ii V-

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Miiry, nut MnyRi.^lHnliili QuInby.Now Ilaunuh, uat. July„l.Jaini!S<Jii!niiy 1739; mar. niO; I Cua'.lc, luiU Deo. 15, ncj; oi). Oct ( „2 iKiUic Mcki-el ol). 1S2I 3, n09;Ob. 1810 4lh, 1*40 I

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LipderhllliJ

, To /aco pago 400, vol. U.

PEDUJREJO OF ■'■'■'■■ UN'DERIIU.I.S, Of AVKSTCyESTKR COUNTY.

Captain John Unilerhlll^Ellzabelli FoVe

Natl>atiloI_VBry Ferris fcU .'..i !* -

Nw. £.

Al)rnliaui_lran:ijili I'r i

Holj'jrl, .i( Cr.jli.n-Mary ila. Jchso Piihil, n»l. ./'iiiol llallock, iiau in, iieiioii.Apr. | nor; m.. Nov.

acih, 11.'3 1 20111, Wit

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JtilyTlri. !;d$;iil. I l!lr.I.;,i,l8oa Hat, JtinclO, I7T0

M..» I3,l7«..i,. hmia„,„„i. mar. 1791; oh. FrKlrt'J» "art. i;r,7 Nov. «h. 1834

Kihvanl »., Vorkli

Natl>atiloI_VBry Ferris fcU .'..i !* -

Nw. £.

Al)rnliaui_lran:ijili I'r i

Holj'jrl, .i( Cr.jli.n-Mary ila. Jchso Piihil, n»l. ./'iiiol llallock, iiau in, iieiioii.Apr. | nor; m.. Nov.

acih, 11.'3 1 20111, Wit

, .10. JmLu«, N. Y . 0.iL.,M

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JtilyTlri. !;d$;iil. I l!lr.I.;,i,l8oa Hat, JtinclO, I7T0

M..» I3,l7«..i,. hmia„,„„i. mar. 1791; oh. FrKlrt'J» "art. i;r,7 Nov. «h. 1834

Kihvanl »., Vorkli

Winlalii, of N.Y ,_rii"l«', ila. Jolm lial. May r., 17M; I nillllii, nal.l7M; Ob. Bi'pU 7, IMill oil. mt

Joaluh (^iiliiby nat. Jan. 'Jill, 1774; ol). Si pf.

1772; Isimc'Mikcpl

oil. .Apr. W, 1SI3

»3il, 1757;

.".i r I I

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Jonlah J , IViiiRh- Haiiiiali,ila Alirn kioiv.li.,i>ai.,Mit'"t>ii,lulim,nal.

Mayo, 1 Til I ■ob.,Itlly W, 1870 Or.t. 2, 18711

laaao IJ-, ;i, .7. .MaW 'l'>- mil. .l.r.y r., n«;| Wiiiwm Ob. Nov. IS, IM 1' SuliiiU

1 -- T -- r \'^L

I I

Willi t c , N. J , . Nauoy, iln. '^■^ liaf. .Mar 27, ISd-jl MoHCa ~J Ob. jMlR. IS, 1829 Smith

P 1 ~i "'T ~

Ob. P

nai. Mar._Ellzabclli lllo ; 10 laiT; VaiMic- loi b. 73, 1874 voorl r..

iarilM.,York-„llaiiriiili, 11, llal. Mar. ila. of W'S; In 1 ;!s; Jlo^cs

t

a !3

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Willi t c , N. J , . Nauoy, iln. '^■^ liaf. .Mar 27, ISd-jl MoHCa ~J Ob. jMlR. IS, 1829 Smith

P 1 ~i "'T ~

Ob. P

nai. Mar._Ellzabclli lllo ; 10 laiT; VaiMic- loi b. 73, 1874 voorl r..

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t

a !3

i. 1 I .1

h ^h^zl

AU'.viimlcr, !irook-_7.riin!lio W. Albcnmin

liifl.c,_.sir|ih,.|i Wi)o,r

■TZR COUNT!

Samuel of Ycj^.^^ j^. of Is'

nat. 1704; Hjg ,t^ jj^j_ ^^^_ 4,

21,1769; Ob i-cy. Ob. May J

h. 1S49

pi

Pau!iiia„Janic Cartel

idoon, Ob. s Aaron =,

NoTeml>er l»th, \'G6;

A\\^ v*-""-^ ' r|jj To f aoc pano W5, vol L

PEDIGREE OF THE UNDERHILLS, OF WESTCHESTER COUNTY. Captalo JcjhD L"naerhm„Eli2abeth Feke -^ •y/'-i-O'^ r '-'

Nathanlel^Mary Ferris

From an old deed. 1567.

Ahraham^IIannah CromwRll

Jacob „^ni7 Uallock

Samoel ol Torktoivn, ^Mwtha, (la. of EilwarJ, of.^Tcruj4ha, daof James, ol N«.*w Ca«tie, chflrlly,.'a. or Samuel Barnes, Jacob, of Ne\T Caatle, ^Autie, da, of Jesse, of New Ca3tlc,„Sorliia, Ja. of Isa.ic, rat. Oct. ^Pauline, da, Jeddedtali Ilannah.=.Qul[nljy CoruelE, ^ > Sarah _I>alitel Ilaviland

nai. !:«; m. Hcc I JIo-ics Quimby, Dutchess I Saninol Barnes Ob. 1618 -car. Pei-l 70, UIO nat. Mar. 5, ITM; I David ConkJln nat^Nov, 7th. 1767; I Hiigif, nat, Nov. 4, 1769; mar, I AUen, I niarMarnt!', =-' ? I

!I, ■.760; Ob, 1S19 I nat, Oct 19, i;k Co., mar, _;, rnmbf, da. of Reese Cox ob, 3laj 37th, isra ob, Oct. SOlh, l&ll 16, 1766; ob. May June 11, 1795 2. Jano Ann McQaln- 176S

Hcc I JIo-ics Quimby, Dutchess I Saninol Barnes Ob. 1618 -car. Pei-l 70, UIO nat. Mar. 5, ITM; I David ConkJln nat^Nov, 7th. 1767; I Hiigif, nat, Nov. 4, 1769; mar, I AUen, I niarMarnt!', =-' ? I

!I, ■.760; Ob, 1S19 I nat, Oct 19, i;k Co., mar, _;, rnmbf, da. of Reese Cox ob, 3laj 37th, isra ob, Oct. SOlh, l&ll 16, 1766; ob. May June 11, 1795 2. Jano Ann McQaln- 176S

Jan. 15, 1778 1 T , ^1 iVlh.lMS | ~ ckcrs, ob. 1870 I

= § E 5 5 B ?

-Rlc'liinl Hal.steaa

I i A,

Jacob _Sarah, da. ob. I Wm. Cn- ISsO I derhlll

Charles .Mar' ob. s. Wm. Henry

Jcs^en.„Eliza,da.

Pha;be_Jamea ^'i

!-ol I

Jacob J:ilzab'>th, da, of il. Thresher

I J I I 'L I

I i. '. •! j, ' cL

""it.

Charles 1{., of New Castle, ..Elizabeth, du. of ^3 nat. 1703; ob. Dec. 6th, I James Qiilmhy, fi 1361 ob. Jan. 10, 1S6U £

Ly'iljt_Jjbf'.'inry.,vn

Davld^nannah, da. Peter DatOeld NoaU^.^Uina C, da. Wm. Sar'.e _l I .

u V V .3 =t 4 ^ V

AaroQ„riia;b>e, (la. Paal Uptnn Amy, ob. -Tunes:, HTO„Georj,'e Siittou Lctltla^ltobu Gritlln rhoebe, ob. 8. Dorcas .Ezra Haight

i t t

i..ni/,aheth Ilannnl

JrwUh, o( NewCBj'lle.^Phtctio L,, rta. ot Isalfth, of,.riitlcncc

Phttbe_Samlford Iloag SaraTi, ■

MafT^tcphcu Cornell

r ooiumi:«io[i, report to A. S. rmlerhiU, Vew Torlc.

THE TOVv-N OF WESTCHESTER. 405

About two miles north-west of the village of \'\''estchester is the resi- <icnce and estate of the late William A. Spencer, Esq., now owned by liis son Lorillard Spencer.

Paal Uptnn Amy, ob. -Tunes:, HTO„Georj,'e Siittou Lctltla^ltobu Gritlln rhoebe, ob. 8. Dorcas .Ezra Haight

i t t

i..ni/,aheth Ilannnl

JrwUh, o( NewCBj'lle.^Phtctio L,, rta. ot Isalfth, of,.riitlcncc

Phttbe_Samlford Iloag SaraTi, ■

MafT^tcphcu Cornell

r ooiumi:«io[i, report to A. S. rmlerhiU, Vew Torlc.

THE TOVv-N OF WESTCHESTER. 405

About two miles north-west of the village of \'\''estchester is the resi- <icnce and estate of the late William A. Spencer, Esq., now owned by liis son Lorillard Spencer.

This property' originally belonged to the Underbill family, having been purchased by Nathaniel Underbill of John Turner in 1685. Nathaniel Underbill was the youngest son of the celebrated Captain John Underbill, commonly called Lord Underbill -- descended, as we shall have occasion to show presently, of an ancient and honorable family in Warwickshire, England.

" The name of Underbill," says Lower, " is local, from residence at the foot of, or under a hill. This hill was situated in Nether-Eatendon," a little below Halford on the eastern bank of the Stoure. The letters <ra, in our English, signifying water and dune or don, an ascending ground j for at the foot of an hill just near the river doth it stand."^

There can be no doubt that Capt. John Underbill was descended of the Underbills of Huningham in Warwickshire, a town four miles east of Kenilworth on the river Learne; for their Christian names and arms are the same.

The arms of the Huningharn Underbills were:, "argent a che\Ton gules between three trefoils sUpped vert," and the crest as usually given, " a hind lodged or on a mount vert ;" but an old seal of the Underbills in the possession of >Ir. Evelyn Ph. Shirley exhibits it as " a buck trippant"* The seal of Captain John Underbill attached to his name as a witness in a conveyance from the Indian propriet'-xa x.i . la Jnecock, Long Island, to Matthew Prior, dated Killingworth, 22d of June, 1664, are "arg, three trefoils, slipped vert," while the crest resembles that on the old seal before mentioned, viz : " a buck trippant " which clearly proves that the bearer belonged to the old or parent stock carrying the original coat plain without a difference. ^j

Shirley exhibits it as " a buck trippant"* The seal of Captain John Underbill attached to his name as a witness in a conveyance from the Indian propriet'-xa x.i . la Jnecock, Long Island, to Matthew Prior, dated Killingworth, 22d of June, 1664, are "arg, three trefoils, slipped vert," while the crest resembles that on the old seal before mentioned, viz : " a buck trippant " which clearly proves that the bearer belonged to the old or parent stock carrying the original coat plain without a difference. ^j

" During the reign of Elizabeth, when the prosperity of tlie family was at its height, the Underbills acquired properly in almost every parish within six miles of Eatington. They became connected by marriage, also, with many of the best families of the county of Warwick, and attained the honors of Knighthood. * From the visitation of War\^'icka Patronyniica Crittanica-Lower.

b Unt''iale"8 War-.TicksSire, p 4T9.

0 See MisceUauPJ Gen. et Iler.ildeca by Jos. Jackson.

d rn a c.itnl'^a^.ie of vcpiJi^iits in ihu c.ountvof Warwiftc, taTcen by nenrv Ferrers of Hafi(Jf-.<»slev. E-'i-i in ^'^^ twoiui>-tri Vfar ot niio,'!i Eli'z.ibeth. A.l). ir>;r-S, nri>tlie followlnsr Ofuriuv' lb.t) name of UiKU.Thill: Tti'Mii-.ts l[i(i..ThilI. of >,L'thtr-};tui^loa; Uuuifrv T'ruHriiiU.of Kiiiofcfl, hw brother; John rivlL-rlu.!. of WljirL-liurcU, his iiro'hei-; William I'liilcrinli, of Sn-aiiivf!:. U|n^n-Avon, son of Wiliiani. Uro-ht-r of IMohilis; E.iw;»ri.i rii<!i.Tt!!'.;. of liiirton on rlif" Heath, hrothi rof TUoir.js; ih'.'!i,!- L hiUtIuU. of Jlulford, suconU aouo' Thomas.-- CoUectaut-a 'Uv);>- jjraphica cl <-ii-riiMi(i-ii;;i, vi.;. viii., li>S.

« Loaecu^t;* i'oiJot', t-i c-tatJ-iegita, vol. vi, 3.il-r;S4.

E-'i-i in ^'^^ twoiui>-tri Vfar ot niio,'!i Eli'z.ibeth. A.l). ir>;r-S, nri>tlie followlnsr Ofuriuv' lb.t) name of UiKU.Thill: Tti'Mii-.ts l[i(i..ThilI. of >,L'thtr-};tui^loa; Uuuifrv T'ruHriiiU.of Kiiiofcfl, hw brother; John rivlL-rlu.!. of WljirL-liurcU, his iiro'hei-; William I'liilcrinli, of Sn-aiiivf!:. U|n^n-Avon, son of Wiliiani. Uro-ht-r of IMohilis; E.iw;»ri.i rii<!i.Tt!!'.;. of liiirton on rlif" Heath, hrothi rof TUoir.js; ih'.'!i,!- L hiUtIuU. of Jlulford, suconU aouo' Thomas.-- CoUectaut-a 'Uv);>- jjraphica cl <-ii-riiMi(i-ii;;i, vi.;. viii., li>S.

« Loaecu^t;* i'oiJot', t-i c-tatJ-iegita, vol. vi, 3.il-r;S4.

4o6 HISTORY OF THE COUN'TV OF WESTCHESTER.

shire in 1619, we leani that William Underhill of Wolverhampton, County of Stattord, '-lyved in the ycre of our Lord 1423," and by his wife * * * * daughter of Stanley, of Bromuack, left Nathaniel Underhill, who married * * * * daughter of * * * * Butt, County of Warwick, their son John Underhill,** of Huningham, County of War%vick, had a lease for eighty years of the Manor of Eatington. Sec, County of Warwick, from Sir Ralph Shirley, in 1509; he died November 29th, 1518; By his v/ife Agnes, daughter and heir of Thomas Porter, of Eatington, County of Warwick, he had two sons -- Edward Underhill, his second son, who had a fresh lease for one hundred years of the ISIanor of Eatington, in 1541 ; Francis, son of Sir R. Shirley died Nov. 5th, 1546, and was the ancestor of the Underbills of Eatington,^ TaUicote and New Place, Stratford, &c.

"In the body of tlie church be severall marble grave stones," says Du2:dale, whereoa are portriar.ures in brasse, viz : The first of n Bum in a gown with lils wife, over whose heads arc two coats of arms, I a cheverou betwixt o trefoils 1 1 partr per cljeveron arg and sable, 2 morccocks, of the second, iu chief, and at their feet a plate with this epitaph:

Shirley died Nov. 5th, 1546, and was the ancestor of the Underbills of Eatington,^ TaUicote and New Place, Stratford, &c.

"In the body of tlie church be severall marble grave stones," says Du2:dale, whereoa are portriar.ures in brasse, viz : The first of n Bum in a gown with lils wife, over whose heads arc two coats of arms, I a cheverou betwixt o trefoils 1 1 partr per cljeveron arg and sable, 2 morccocks, of the second, iu chief, and at their feet a plate with this epitaph:

Here Ij'eth buried under this stone

EDWARD UNDERHILL,

sometime gentleman of this town, ■with

Maegaret,

> ':' -r'. .'e, which Edward deceased this world

„lit ii'.'.li day of November, A.D. MDCLVL, oa

whose follys Jhesu have mercy, amen."

On another is the follo\'\'ing inscription :

" Here lyeth buried the bodyes of

THOMAS UNDERHILL,

of this town, Esquire, and

Elizabeth,

his wife, who lived married together in perfect amitle

almost sixty-five years, and had issue between

them XX children, viz : XIII sons and

yil daughters.

a Joiiu Uo'lcrhlll was born in St. Martin's p;'rU'n, Oxford, cnton-tl >"<-w CoHrjre ia that, city, twfcame au tmiDetit prtiictitr, chaplain to (iii'tu KlizatK-th, and rr.afie Bishop of OxforiJ us ]5Sy, and died ia Lj J.', and was protiably of the WiirwiokdUiro faruily.-- CoUecraaea Topitgraphica ct Gentolo;,'ica. vol. lu, p. 0(31, p. ISi.

b Th ^ch-'.r-hof r.'i-x.r Eir.'ndon, or Eatintrton. sltnatoil In tiicniannroftU.it name whi< ;i til; crmvn ;.'avi- t.ith-- cuiuas of Ki'n'.iWi.rtti. .~t!ll cnutuiasaum;; remains of itiu brajJd c:li;;i' -"^ iascrii-tioas of the aLicieuc faiuily of tho Underhills.

Martin's p;'rU'n, Oxford, cnton-tl >"<-w CoHrjre ia that, city, twfcame au tmiDetit prtiictitr, chaplain to (iii'tu KlizatK-th, and rr.afie Bishop of OxforiJ us ]5Sy, and died ia Lj J.', and was protiably of the WiirwiokdUiro faruily.-- CoUecraaea Topitgraphica ct Gentolo;,'ica. vol. lu, p. 0(31, p. ISi.

b Th ^ch-'.r-hof r.'i-x.r Eir.'ndon, or Eatintrton. sltnatoil In tiicniannroftU.it name whi< ;i til; crmvn ;.'avi- t.ith-- cuiuas of Ki'n'.iWi.rtti. .~t!ll cnutuiasaum;; remains of itiu brajJd c:li;;i' -"^ iascrii-tioas of the aLicieuc faiuily of tho Underhills.

THE TOWN OF WESTCHESTER. ^ 4°?

She dyed 2-t June, An. D. +. 1603 ; - and be the 6th day of Oct. next after

Their f morality inprovision for their children, their charitable depositioLi to relieve the needy and gjeat bounty in hospitality was a pleasing specfacle to their neigbours, and may be an alluring precedent to their posterity, as they lived to the liking, and with the love of mortal men, so thev dved^in the true service and love of the immortal God -\-. The poore, their tenants, neighbours, will for a time bewaile the want of' them ; but the angells of Heaven and Saints of God will perpc-tu;xlly rejoice in the company of them ; for God they feared, God they served, God they loved, and to God they dyed. Their ■warfare in God's Church militant on earth hath been short, but their glory in His Church Triumphant in heaven will be eternal." -- Antiquities of Warwickshire, illustration by William Dugdale, London, MDCLVI.

Thomas Underbill, the eldest son of John, of Huningham, married .\nne, daughter of RobL Winter," of Hardington County, Worcester and of Willey County, Warwick ; their eldest son was Edward Underhill of Huningham, which he sold in 1545. He was distinguished by the title of the " Hot Gosjieller," and exchanged the Hfe of a country- gentleman for that of a soldier and courtier.

Their ■warfare in God's Church militant on earth hath been short, but their glory in His Church Triumphant in heaven will be eternal." -- Antiquities of Warwickshire, illustration by William Dugdale, London, MDCLVI.

Thomas Underbill, the eldest son of John, of Huningham, married .\nne, daughter of RobL Winter," of Hardington County, Worcester and of Willey County, Warwick ; their eldest son was Edward Underhill of Huningham, which he sold in 1545. He was distinguished by the title of the " Hot Gosjieller," and exchanged the Hfe of a country- gentleman for that of a soldier and courtier. In 1543 he served as a man-at-arms u.nder Sir Richard Cnimwell, captain of the horsemen in the Contingent, >cnt to assist the Emperor at the siege of Landrevi in Hanauit, and in t;-.c following year when King Henry went to Boulogne, Sir Richard procured for Underhill a nomination among the men-at-arms who were embodied to attend upon his Majesty's person being a band of two hundred attired in a uniform of red and yellow damask with the bards of their horses and their plumes and feathers of the same colors.

At the revival of the band of gentlemen pensioners in 1539 Edward Underhill was appointed one of its first members. " In the year 1549 lie, a second time, went to France on military service accompanpng the anny of six thousand men sent under the command of the Earl of Huntingdon to check the French who were then aiming at the recaptm-e of lioulogne. On this expedition, Underhill ser\-ed as comptroller of the ordnance. His subsequent history, except as connected with the religious jK^rsecution of the times in which he lived, is merely that of domestic iifc."^ i -■ /.i-,

" In the year 1549 lie, a second time, went to France on military service accompanpng the anny of six thousand men sent under the command of the Earl of Huntingdon to check the French who were then aiming at the recaptm-e of lioulogne. On this expedition, Underhill ser\-ed as comptroller of the ordnance. His subsequent history, except as connected with the religious jK^rsecution of the times in which he lived, is merely that of domestic iifc."^ i -■ /.i-,

" In 1645 he married Joan, daughter of Thomas PenyTis, the daugha lioM. Wintor npon paration of that inhoritance hart, it seems, the luauorof Huaingnani, ti! cii!,veye.i the same to JuHn Underhill.-- Dugdale'3 War. b Narratives of the Reforinatioa printed by Camden SocietT, ISCO, p. 1C2.

4o8 HISTORY OF THE COUNTY' Or WESTCHESTER.

ter of a citizen of London, of an obscure and unknown family ; "<^ by her he had issue four sons and seven daughters. Guilford the eldest son. (godson to Queen Jane and named after her husband, the Lord Guilford Dudley, brother of Robert Dudley, Earl of Penestor,) was born 3d July, 1553, and died young. Edward, the second son and heir, was bom the loth of February, 1555; John, the third son is said to have died young in 1556,'' while Henry, the fourth son, was born the 6th of September, 1561. The daughters were, first, Anne, born on St. John's day, on Christmas, 1548; second. Christian, born i6th September, 1548; third, Ehnor, born loth of November, 1549; fourth, Rachel, bom the 4th February, 155 1 ; fifth, Unyca, born on Palm Sunday, April loth, 1552; sixth, Anne, born the 4th of January, 1554; and seventh, Prudence, born 6th of September, 156 1.

Edward, the second son and heir, was bom the loth of February, 1555; John, the third son is said to have died young in 1556,'' while Henry, the fourth son, was born the 6th of September, 1561. The daughters were, first, Anne, born on St. John's day, on Christmas, 1548; second. Christian, born i6th September, 1548; third, Ehnor, born loth of November, 1549; fourth, Rachel, bom the 4th February, 155 1 ; fifth, Unyca, born on Palm Sunday, April loth, 1552; sixth, Anne, born the 4th of January, 1554; and seventh, Prudence, born 6th of September, 156 1.

"On tlie 13th of April, 1562, was buried at St. Botulphi without Aidgate, London, iSIistress Underbill, a dozen of scucheons of arms, and there did preach for her one whose name is not recorded.""

"Edward Underbill is styled of Bathkington. This not improbably Bagginton near Coventr}', to which neighborhood he removed, according to his own account in the "autobiographical ancedotes."'' PTe must have died sometime between the years 1562 and 1577, as he was still living at the time of his wife's decease, and likewise when the anecdotes were ^vritten in 1561, and moreover his name does not occur among the hst of residents in Wanvickshire taken during the latter year. " It is a little remarkable that the once wide spreading branches of the Underbill family are no longer to be found among the gentry of Warwickshire."

Tradition seem.s to point to a son of Edward Underbill, the " Hot Gospeller," who was doubtless Edward, the second son, before mentioned as having, like his father, embraced the life of a soldier and a courtier. This individual, a youth of about twenty, v.-ho must have resided with his father, at Bagginton, (a town belonging to the Earl of Leicester and about three mil(-s from Kenilworth), probably like many of the neighboring squires and their sons, helped to swell the pomp of Leicester, in tlie capacity of servant or page, during Queen Ehzabeth's visit to the castle of Kenilworth, on the 19th of July, 1575 ; an event which his son, the famous Capt.

This individual, a youth of about twenty, v.-ho must have resided with his father, at Bagginton, (a town belonging to the Earl of Leicester and about three mil(-s from Kenilworth), probably like many of the neighboring squires and their sons, helped to swell the pomp of Leicester, in tlie capacity of servant or page, during Queen Ehzabeth's visit to the castle of Kenilworth, on the 19th of July, 1575 ; an event which his son, the famous Capt. John Underbill, was after\vards- proud to commemorate in the naming of his first purchase from the Matinecock Indians of Long Island in 1667, Kenilworth, or "commonly Killa Narratives of the Reformation printed by Camflon Society, 1S60, p. 132. , b iloTV coniO John the third son have died the following year that his elder brothtr, Edward, i.T fcaid to hLLVo bei'n bum ?

e Narriitivca of the Keforraation, &c.

d Narratr.%9 of the Iteformation, ic, by the Camden Society, pp. 132-133.

THE TOWN OF WESTCHESTER. 409

In-^worth."" Family tradition also associates him with the Earl of Leicester, as the bearer of dispatches from Queen Elizabeth to the Earl of Leicester, then commanding the Englig.h forces in the Low Countries. This is somewhat confirmed by the following extract taken from a letter of" Mr. Suntsey Wals}Tigham to the Earl of Leicester, December, T5S5," •''My verie, good lord, your letters, sent by Mr. Henrie Astell and your servante Underbill, I havereceived,&c.'' Upon Leicesters recall and return to England, Underbill joined him ; and upon the Earl's decease, in Sept., 15SS, he attached himself to the fortunes of the Earl of Esse.x, the unfortunate successor to Leicester, in Queen Elizabeth's favor. He accompanied that gallant nobleman in his successful attack upon Cadiz, and shared his ill fortune in his fruitless' expedition against Tyrme, the rebel chief of the revolted clans of Ireland; and, returning with the Earl into England, by his attachment to that imprudent nobleman, sailing into the streets of London in the petty insurrection, which cost Essex his head, he was obliged to seek safety in Holland until the accession of King James, in 1603, when he applied for pardon and leave to return to his native country ; but no interest of friends, v/e are assured, could procure it.

He accompanied that gallant nobleman in his successful attack upon Cadiz, and shared his ill fortune in his fruitless' expedition against Tyrme, the rebel chief of the revolted clans of Ireland; and, returning with the Earl into England, by his attachment to that imprudent nobleman, sailing into the streets of London in the petty insurrection, which cost Essex his head, he was obliged to seek safety in Holland until the accession of King James, in 1603, when he applied for pardon and leave to return to his native country ; but no interest of friends, v/e are assured, could procure it. When the Re\'. Mr. Robinson, with a number of other separatists, fled from England to LloUand, in 1603, he dwelt and communed -vnth them a number of years. The date of his death is unknOT\m. His son, the redoubtable Capt. John Underbill v/as born circ, 1600, and had early imbibed an ardent love of liberty, civic and religious, by his service as a soldier under the illustrious Maurice of Nassau, Prince of Orange, in the Low Countries. " He vras strongly solicited to go with Governor Carver, Elder William Brewster and other worthies, part of the Rev. John Robinson's church, to the settlement of Plj-mouth, and had partly engaged with them as their chief military officer ; but. Capt. Miles Standish, his brave fellow-soldier in the Lo'w Countries, undertaking the business, in 1620, he declined. How he joined Governor Winthrop, does not appear ; but he came over to New England with him "as captain of any militia force that might be employed or instituted, as he had served under the great Dutch Prince in the war of the Netherlands,*'in 1630; and soon after we find him disciplining the Boston militia, where he was held in such high distinction that he was appointed one of the first deputies from Boston to the General Court,'*''

How he joined Governor Winthrop, does not appear ; but he came over to New England with him "as captain of any militia force that might be employed or instituted, as he had served under the great Dutch Prince in the war of the Netherlands,*'in 1630; and soon after we find him disciplining the Boston militia, where he was held in such high distinction that he was appointed one of the first deputies from Boston to the General Court,'*''

u Camden'3 Brlttama.

h Lcycoster Correspnndenc-o, Camdeu Soc. Eaitod Iiy John l!tnci\ F S. A., >lDOi~CXI.IV, letter xvl pp. S4, 35. The letter convevecl by UmleriitU was prot>al)ly i ti;U of trii^ Karl 'o • W;il>in!.'ham. flated 2r>ttiof Dec., i??.:;, "p. '20, of ahovt-, siniioK {(irtti the g^.-^titui]e ut th.- pt'oplo of the Low Countrk'S to <^Ufeii Elizabeth for her ussistauce io.

*■ " Al-erinc Captive," by D. Vp.iiKe VnUtrhll, vol. 1, 23, priaied at Walpole, .Vow Ilani:)- ehire, iii iTai. e

4IO HISTORY OF THE COUNTY OF ^VESTCHESTER.

and one of the earliest officers of the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company." "He was sworn freeman, iSth of JSIay, 1630. In 1637, his great friend Sir Harry Vane, sent him as commander of the colony troops, to Saybrook,'* Connecticut." The same year he was "disfranchised, and eventually banished from the jurisdiction of Massachusetts-- his ideas of religious toleration being more liberal than those around him." "In 163S, he returned to England, but was banished thence for certain religious and moral delinquences. WTiile there he published a work entitled " iN'evves from America, or a New and Exper. imental Discoverie of New England ; containing a true relation of their warlike proceedings there, two years last past, with a figure of the Indian Fort, or Palizado. By Capt. John' Underbill, a commander in the warres there." The book gives a very good account of the Pequot war, m which he was a conspicious actor.

In 1637, his great friend Sir Harry Vane, sent him as commander of the colony troops, to Saybrook,'* Connecticut." The same year he was "disfranchised, and eventually banished from the jurisdiction of Massachusetts-- his ideas of religious toleration being more liberal than those around him." "In 163S, he returned to England, but was banished thence for certain religious and moral delinquences. WTiile there he published a work entitled " iN'evves from America, or a New and Exper. imental Discoverie of New England ; containing a true relation of their warlike proceedings there, two years last past, with a figure of the Indian Fort, or Palizado. By Capt. John' Underbill, a commander in the warres there." The book gives a very good account of the Pequot war, m which he was a conspicious actor. " Myself," he wTites, "received. an arrow through my coat-sleeve, a second against my helmet, on the forehead; so, as if God, in His pro\'idence, had not moved the heart of my wife to persuade me to carry it along with me, (which I was unwilling to do), I had been slain. Give me leave to observe two things from hence -- first, when the hour of death is not yet come, you see God useth weak means to keep His purpose inviolated ; secondly, let no man despise advice and counsel of his wife, thougJi she be a ivcinan." The book abounds in similar quaint passages. It is filled wath religious cant, for he was an arrant h}^ocrite. He appears to be equally fond of sinning and repenting. It is amusing to read in these pages of Winthrop, how ingeniously he managed through several years, to delude the Puritans by his professions of sanctity, while he led in their midst the most dissolute of lives."*

Give me leave to observe two things from hence -- first, when the hour of death is not yet come, you see God useth weak means to keep His purpose inviolated ; secondly, let no man despise advice and counsel of his wife, thougJi she be a ivcinan." The book abounds in similar quaint passages. It is filled wath religious cant, for he was an arrant h}^ocrite. He appears to be equally fond of sinning and repenting. It is amusing to read in these pages of Winthrop, how ingeniously he managed through several years, to delude the Puritans by his professions of sanctity, while he led in their midst the most dissolute of lives."*

"In 1638 he was chosen Governor of Dover, New Hampshire, in place of Burdett. The same infirmity rendered his removal unavoidable, and he went to the Dutch; with them he succeeded," for governor Kieft gave him a command of one hundred and twenty men in their wars with the natives. In February, 16^4, the Dutch soldiers, under their valiant leader, encountered the Indians on what is now called Indian Hill, in the town of Bedford, leaving five hundred of their enemy dead on the field. He totally extinguished the Pequots. Besides this, Underbill is"said to have killed one hundred and fifty Indians on Long Island. He was a representative from Stamford to the General Court of Connecticut, in 1633.'' In 1644, he came uith the Rev. !Mr. Denton,

a KilUnsnvorth, near SaybrooS, is sniJ to have been named by rntlcrhill.

In February, 16^4, the Dutch soldiers, under their valiant leader, encountered the Indians on what is now called Indian Hill, in the town of Bedford, leaving five hundred of their enemy dead on the field. He totally extinguished the Pequots. Besides this, Underbill is"said to have killed one hundred and fifty Indians on Long Island. He was a representative from Stamford to the General Court of Connecticut, in 1633.'' In 1644, he came uith the Rev. !Mr. Denton,

a KilUnsnvorth, near SaybrooS, is sniJ to have been named by rntlcrhill.

h Manriiittiiu Papers. No. 10. By VanwarKcn.-- .^'^Tid.'iv T/mcf.

c III li'-"'3, I'rivateer's cordnii-=>ioa was Kiveii to Cap'. .;nH'i I'liili-rhill k^A nrrior.s "to froe apainst lUu l/utcH or any euemled of ye Commonwea.tti of New Euglani.1."-- Ncv vul. vU. No. 1, P "

THE TOW'S OF ^VESTCH ESTER. -41I

i:u\ Others of his church, to Long Island and soon after became a resif .](.■:■: of Mushint,', where he evinced the same restless temper as formerly,

i* and was anxious for a military employment." " After wandering about

in ililTerent placts he settled at Oyster Bay, in or aboui the year 1655." - i In 1665 he was a delegate from that town to the meeting at Hampf ^^x:n\, by order of Governor Nicoll, and was by him made.high sheriff of

f the North Riding on Long Island. In 1667, the Matinecock Indians

conveyed to liim a large tract of their land, a part of which, called Kenihvorth or Killingworth, a portion of which still remains in the family.

in ililTerent placts he settled at Oyster Bay, in or aboui the year 1655." - i In 1665 he was a delegate from that town to the meeting at Hampf ^^x:n\, by order of Governor Nicoll, and was by him made.high sheriff of

f the North Riding on Long Island. In 1667, the Matinecock Indians

conveyed to liim a large tract of their land, a part of which, called Kenihvorth or Killingworth, a portion of which still remains in the family.

Captain John Underbill died at an advanced age on ttie 21st of July, 1672, and was baried on his estate at Kenilworth, or Killingworth, Queens Count}% L. 1. By his first wife, Helena, who came with him originally from Holland, he had issue, John Underbill, of Matinecock, who was bom during his father's stay at Boston, i ith of April, 1642, and baptized 24th of the same month." He became a member of the Religious Society of Friends and died on the 29th of October, 1692. This individual was the ancestor of the Long Island branch of the Underbill family, and left issue by his wife, Mary, daughter of Matthew Prior, (married Aug. ist, 166S,) John Underbill, of Kenilworth, who had five sons and four daughters; the sons were, John, born ist May, 1670; Daniel, Samuel, Abraham and Jacob ; the latter left Peter Underbill of Westchester. Elizabeth, the daughter of Captain John Underbill by his first yviie, was baptized at Boston, 14th February, 1636. By his second vriie, Elizabeth, daughter of Robert Feke, (whose wife was the widow of Henry Winthrop, son of Gov, Wintlirop,) he had issue, Nathaniel Underbill, before mentioned, who was born 2 2d of February, 1663, removed to Westchester in 16S5, and bought lands of John Turner; a second son of the Captain was David, born 4th of February, 1672, who died young, leaving a natural son Peter.

Elizabeth, the daughter of Captain John Underbill by his first yviie, was baptized at Boston, 14th February, 1636. By his second vriie, Elizabeth, daughter of Robert Feke, (whose wife was the widow of Henry Winthrop, son of Gov, Wintlirop,) he had issue, Nathaniel Underbill, before mentioned, who was born 2 2d of February, 1663, removed to Westchester in 16S5, and bought lands of John Turner; a second son of the Captain was David, born 4th of February, 1672, who died young, leaving a natural son Peter. By his last will, bearing date the

o "18th of Septemeee, 1671.-- Captain John rnderhill bequeathes his whole estate in possession of Ins wife, Elizabeth Underhill, during ye time of h(y widowhood ; but if she marry, then my brother John Bownes, Ilenrj' Townsend, Matthew Pryor, and my son, John Underhill, I empower hereby that they see to ye estate, that yc children bo not wron.^ed, nor turned off, without some proportionable allowance, as yc estate will afford ; and that my son, Nathaniel remain with his mother until twenty-one years, &c."^'

Letters of administration were granted unto John Underhill of ye

• a Sivage's Biojr. Diet. The family Bible of Jao. UnaerUill says, born 4th mo. April 12th, 1fi:!l. 6 Tnoinpsoa's ni=t. of Lon^ Inland, vol, ii, ZCA.

412 mSTORY OF THE COUNTY OF WESTCHESTER.

estate of his father, of Kiliingworth, 4th of November, 1975. Upon" th- 22d of March, 16S6 7, Nathaniel UnderhiU and Mary, his wife, of tV.c town and county of Westchester, conveyed all their land of ever>' kind at Matinecock, Oyster Bay, " which is the land that my father, John Underhill, Senr., lived upon, with forty acres in the woods, which 1 bought of th6 Indians,'' to John Underhill of Matinecock. ''

412 mSTORY OF THE COUNTY OF WESTCHESTER.

estate of his father, of Kiliingworth, 4th of November, 1975. Upon" th- 22d of March, 16S6 7, Nathaniel UnderhiU and Mary, his wife, of tV.c town and county of Westchester, conveyed all their land of ever>' kind at Matinecock, Oyster Bay, " which is the land that my father, John Underhill, Senr., lived upon, with forty acres in the woods, which 1 bought of th6 Indians,'' to John Underhill of Matinecock. ''

The sons of Nathaniel were Thomas, John, Nathaniel Underhill, Jr., from whom descended the late Anthony L. Underhill of New York,' and Lancaster Underhill, of Eastchester, and Abraham, from whom came the Underhills of Yorktovv^n and New York.

Nathaniel Underhill, Jr., grandson of Capt. John Underhill, died at Westchester, in 1775. The following epitaph is inscribed on his headstone in the family cemetery : --

" Here lies the body of

NATHANIEL UNDERHILL,

■who was bora August the 11th,' 1690,

and departed this life November 27th, 1775,

aged 85 years, 3 months, and 16 days,

Nathaniel, the eldest son of this individual, filled various public offices. He was one of the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas, for the County of Westchester, in 1759; and in 1775, ^vas elected Mayor of the Borough of Westchester.

Nathaniel Underhill. son of John UnderhiU, of Yonkers, (great grandson of Nathaniel and Mary Ferris), appears to have been a firm and devoted loyahst during the Revolutionary War. On one occasion he was captured by a party of Tories or Cowboys, led by Isaac MartUngh, who conveyed their prisoner to a neighboring barn, suspended him by his feet, comijelled him to eat oats off the floor, and otherwise badly treated him. The sufferer on being released, vowed vengence on his tormentors, declaring he would shoot every one of them if an opportunity should ever occur; and happening to encounter MartHngh soon afterwards, shot him dead on the spot.<^

On one occasion he was captured by a party of Tories or Cowboys, led by Isaac MartUngh, who conveyed their prisoner to a neighboring barn, suspended him by his feet, comijelled him to eat oats off the floor, and otherwise badly treated him. The sufferer on being released, vowed vengence on his tormentors, declaring he would shoot every one of them if an opportunity should ever occur; and happening to encounter MartHngh soon afterwards, shot him dead on the spot.<^

The house of James Quimby (who married Hannah, daughter of Isaac Underhill, of Yorktown, grandson of Nathaniel Underhill and Mary Ferris), near the Spencer place, now owned by Doctor Pearsall, "was often robbed during the Revolutionary War, and the famil}- had a place of concealment to which they always fled whenever attacked on

a New York Surrogates Offlce, No, 1, 212. 6 Queen's County P.ec. Lib." B. ?l.

heard hi.sfaih.r, a bioi.UT of N;itiaiuel, recount tUe adventure. ^^-^''''"■^'-^ '^^^ ^^'^ °"-"

THE TOWN OS' WESTCHESTER.

these occasions. One night Robert Underbill, (the brother of Mrs. (Juimby), James Underbill and Isaac Mekell, were stopping here Avben Robert Underbill proposed defending the premises should the robbers ni:ike their appearance during their stay -- provided James, his cousin, would only assist him. Singularly enough, the marauders came that very night, demanding entrance; but the heart of James failed him, and he tied with the rest. Robert, however, provided himself with a large club and arranged chairs along the entry, upon which he suddenly commenced a violent attack, striking furiously with his club, at the same time stamping furiously on the floor and making all the noise possible, as though there were others aiding him on the inside, then he would strike the door and dare the robbers to come on saving, " we are ready for you this time 1 " adding occasionally the hoarse blast of a conckshell.

Robert, however, provided himself with a large club and arranged chairs along the entry, upon which he suddenly commenced a violent attack, striking furiously with his club, at the same time stamping furiously on the floor and making all the noise possible, as though there were others aiding him on the inside, then he would strike the door and dare the robbers to come on saving, " we are ready for you this time 1 " adding occasionally the hoarse blast of a conckshell. The marauders somewhat bewildered, contented themselves with firing a volley into the house, which fortunately missed its brave defender, and retired. The defeated " Cowboys " afterwards reported that they thought "the Devil was in the house.""

Upon ''■ Dorinaiis Island" (so called prior to 1704), in the north-east corner of the town, the Eastchester creek bridge communicates v.ith the • Westchester shore and Pelham neck.

The adjoining estate, Annies Wood, is the property of John Hunter, Esq., son of the late Elias Desbrosses Hunter, by his wife Anne Maria, sixth daughter of Peter J. Mum-o, and grandson of the late John Hunter, Esq , former owner of Hunter's Island, who for many years represented this district in the State Senate ; and, in 1846, was chosen a member of the convention for revising the State Constitution.

The Hunter family is originally from the County of AjTshire, Scotland; two houses of that name having existed in that country, for many centuries. " The surname," says Robertson, " is obviously derived from the chase, before the use of ftxed family names, as at present. Thus Johne le Hunter, de la Forester de Paisley; the Hunter of Stragrife, appears in the Seoitish rolls." The great-grandfather of the present proprietor was Robert Hunter, of Armagh County, Ireland, whose ancestor emigrated thither from Scotland, circ, the beginning of the seventeenth century.

The Hunter family is originally from the County of AjTshire, Scotland; two houses of that name having existed in that country, for many centuries. " The surname," says Robertson, " is obviously derived from the chase, before the use of ftxed family names, as at present. Thus Johne le Hunter, de la Forester de Paisley; the Hunter of Stragrife, appears in the Seoitish rolls." The great-grandfather of the present proprietor was Robert Hunter, of Armagh County, Ireland, whose ancestor emigrated thither from Scotland, circ, the beginning of the seventeenth century.

The estate of Rockfield, on the south, is the property of John M. Furman. The views of the water from this place are of a beautiful description. In the immediate vicinity are located the residences of Lawrence Waterbury and Lorillard Spencer. In close vicinity is Bayside, the Harlem River Railroad depot for this section of Westchester a AleiiiurauJuni of conirersatiDn ; with .VbraUaai I. Unci rluil, of Yorktos\-u,

414 HISTORY OF THE COL^-^Y OF WESTCHESTER.

This portion of Throckmorton's Neck, together with Dorman's Island formerly constituted the old Bayard estate, as noticed in the early part of this town.

One of the most ancient and noble families of the County of Dauphing in France, is that of Bayard ; and well have those who have sprun^ from it maintained the honor of their house. For at the battle of Poictiers, the great-great grand-father of Pierre Bayard, the good knight without fear and without reproach, fell by the side of the French King John. At the battle of Agincourt, was slain his great-grand-father; his grandfather was left on the field of Montlerey with six mortal wounds, not to speak of lesser ones ; and at the battle of Guignegaste, his father was so severely wounded, that he was never afterwards able to leave his house, where he died at the age of eighty."

For at the battle of Poictiers, the great-great grand-father of Pierre Bayard, the good knight without fear and without reproach, fell by the side of the French King John. At the battle of Agincourt, was slain his great-grand-father; his grandfather was left on the field of Montlerey with six mortal wounds, not to speak of lesser ones ; and at the battle of Guignegaste, his father was so severely wounded, that he was never afterwards able to leave his house, where he died at the age of eighty."

Pierre duTerrail Signeur de Bayard was born in 1476, at the Chateau de Bourg in the valley of Graisivudun, a few leagues from Grenable, the principal city of Dauphiny. For more than thirty years he served in the armies of France. For valor and skill as a leader he was unsurpassed, in an age when chivalry was still honored. He was killed by a gun-shot at Biagrassa on the 13th of April, 1524, at the age of forty-eight years and died unmarried, and without issue.

During the religious troubles which distracted the kingdom of France in the sixteenth and seventeeth centuries, some of the family descendants from a branch of the Chevalier Bayard's house, emigrated to Holland ; among these was Balthazar Bayard, a Huguenot clergyman and professor of languages in Paris, who early in the seventeenth century left France to escape persecution on account of his religion. There is a tradition in the family that he was shipped from Rochelle in a hogahead. He soon rallied around him a congregation of Huguenot refugees, whose pastor he continued until his death. He mirried, in Holland, Anna Stuyvesant, sister of Peter Stuyvesant, the last Dutch Governor of New York. Madame Anna Bayard, her husband being then dead, accompanied her brother, Peter Stuv-^-estant, to New York v/ith her three children, all sons-- Balshazar, Peter and Nicholas-- where they landed on the fourteenth of May, 1647.

There is a tradition in the family that he was shipped from Rochelle in a hogahead. He soon rallied around him a congregation of Huguenot refugees, whose pastor he continued until his death. He mirried, in Holland, Anna Stuyvesant, sister of Peter Stuyvesant, the last Dutch Governor of New York. Madame Anna Bayard, her husband being then dead, accompanied her brother, Peter Stuv-^-estant, to New York v/ith her three children, all sons-- Balshazar, Peter and Nicholas-- where they landed on the fourteenth of May, 1647. From these three brothers are descended all who bear the name of Bayard in the United States. Peter purchased lands on the Bohemia Manor, in 16S4 -- a portion of which were in Delaware, and a portion in Cecil County, Maryland; he married Blandinas Corde, a lady of fine talents and great culture. From them the Delaware, the Philadelphia, and the Pittsburgh Bayards, came. Nicholas, the youngest of tlie three sons of the first Balshazar Bayard, was manv years a member of the Council of State for the Colonial Government of New

THE TOWS OF WESTCHESTER. 415

Vi.'r'i. I"^^ ''■''^s eminent for his piety, as well as his political influence. I:: tiie turbulent period in which he lived, his integrity was esteemed by a!! j;arties. In the changes from Dutch to Enghsh, and from English to Dutch, and again to English supremacy, he maintained a high position. Tiie demagogue Leisler, du'-ing his usurped authority, found in Bayard a formidable impediment, and caused him to be indicted for high treason. The judge -- Atwood -- like another Jeftries, compelled the jur\' to find him guilty and sentenced him to be hung. He appealed to Queen A-ne, and was pardoned."* Leisler was subsequently tried and convicted of high treason, and hung.

In the changes from Dutch to Enghsh, and from English to Dutch, and again to English supremacy, he maintained a high position. Tiie demagogue Leisler, du'-ing his usurped authority, found in Bayard a formidable impediment, and caused him to be indicted for high treason. The judge -- Atwood -- like another Jeftries, compelled the jur\' to find him guilty and sentenced him to be hung. He appealed to Queen A-ne, and was pardoned."* Leisler was subsequently tried and convicted of high treason, and hung.

Nicholas was several times mayor of New York, and when not mayor was generally an alderman. He died in 1 7 1 1, leaving a son Samuel, Col. Samuel Vitch Bayard, (a descendant of Nicholas, (was owner of the Rivington property on Throgmorton's neck, lately owned by Daniel M. Edgar, Esq., and now held by La\^Tence W. Waterbury. Col. Samuel Vetch Bayard, served under the Crown of England, and was a distinguished mihtary officer. He died in Wilmot, Nova Scotia, A. D. 1832, aged seventy-five, and was the father of Capt. Stephen Bayard, born Oct. 26th, 1785, was basely murdered, July nth, 1814; married Eliza, daughter of Oliver de Lancey, (son of Peter), an officer c,f the British Navy, and owner of the Mills on the Bronx, by his wife Rachel Hunt. Their son was the late William Bayard, jNI.D., of West Farms ; the late Mr. Edward Cooper of Throg's neck, was another grandson of Col. Vetch Bayard.

Bordering the Westchester and Pelham road, in this vicinity, is situated " Stony Lonesome," a portion of the old Drake farm, lately heUl by John Benson who sold forty acres to the present proprietor, Edward Haight, Esq. On this property stands the celebrated " Spy Oak," so named from the fact that a spy found prowling around the American camp, swung for his crime, from one of its largest branches -- tradition says it was the limb that once overhung the road, but has been cut short, upon which he died -- much legendary lore is associated with this ancient denizen of the forest, which has reached the huge dimensions of feet in circumference.

On this property stands the celebrated " Spy Oak," so named from the fact that a spy found prowling around the American camp, swung for his crime, from one of its largest branches -- tradition says it was the limb that once overhung the road, but has been cut short, upon which he died -- much legendary lore is associated with this ancient denizen of the forest, which has reached the huge dimensions of feet in circumference. Many superstitious persons would raLher go a mile out of their way than pass this dreaded tree, beneath which the dead soldier was buried; especially as the ghost has never been laid lo their certain knowledge.

Further south lies the Ferris property, which has been held by the Ij family of that name for five generations. The Ferris's were originally from Leicestershire, England, and dccendcd from the houst; of Feriers,

a S;e Ilowell'd SrAt3 Trials, vol. .xiv.

4l6 HISTORY OF THE COUNTY OF WESTCHESTER.

Ferrerr, Ferries or Ferris, the first member of v/hich (in England) was Henrj- cle Feriers, the sot: of Gualchelme de Feriers, master of the House of the Duke of Normandy, who obtained of the Conquerer, large grants of land in the counties of Staffordshire, Derbyshire and Leicestershire. From Gualchelme de Feriers,'' descend, the Ferrers of Groby, who bore for their paternal coat of arms "gu. seven mascles or. a canton erm; while their Westchester decendants carried, gu. a fleur de lis or., a canton erm, with a crescent for difference. Jeffrey Ferfiger or Ferris, of : Watertown, Massachusetts, was admitted a freeman, A.D. 1635.* From thence he removed to Weathersfield, in 1658, and nmst have been residing at Fairfield, in Connecticut, according to the following extract taken from the Probate Records. -- "Order of the Courts of Probate, Fairfield, on estate of Jeffrey Fferris, relative to marriage contract with his deceased wife Susanna, by which he agreed to pay certain legacies to children of Robert Lockwood, deceased," " according to the administration entered in Courte, 20th October, 1658, &c.<= At an early period, John Ferris, removed hither from Fairfield, and became one of the ten proprietors of Throckmorton's neck.

Jeffrey Ferfiger or Ferris, of : Watertown, Massachusetts, was admitted a freeman, A.D. 1635.* From thence he removed to Weathersfield, in 1658, and nmst have been residing at Fairfield, in Connecticut, according to the following extract taken from the Probate Records. -- "Order of the Courts of Probate, Fairfield, on estate of Jeffrey Fferris, relative to marriage contract with his deceased wife Susanna, by which he agreed to pay certain legacies to children of Robert Lockwood, deceased," " according to the administration entered in Courte, 20th October, 1658, &c.<= At an early period, John Ferris, removed hither from Fairfield, and became one of the ten proprietors of Throckmorton's neck. These lands he probably obtained by purchase from Thomas Pell, formerly of Fairfield. John Ferris was one of the first patentees of the town of Westchester, in 1667. He lived to an advanced age, and died in 1715. His will was proved 25th of Feb., 1715-16. He left five sons, viz: Samuel, one of the first assistants and common council of the borough of Westchester; James, proprietor of the homestead in 1746; Jonathan, John and Peter,- of Westchester. His grandson, James Ferris, possessed this estate in 1776, when it was occupied by the British troops, under Gen. Lord Plowe. The family happened to be at breakfast, in the present house, on the morning of the 12th of October, 1776, when a gun from the British flag-ship announced the disembarkation of the troops ; this signal was instantly answered by the enemies' shipping, which lay at anchor between City Island and Throckmorton's neck. On the next day Gen. Lord Howe, supposing that he had been deceived by his guides and landed upon an island, summoned them before a board of officers; as they entered, he struck the table violently with his sword, and demanded in a threatening manner, how they could dare to deceive him P*^ After

The family happened to be at breakfast, in the present house, on the morning of the 12th of October, 1776, when a gun from the British flag-ship announced the disembarkation of the troops ; this signal was instantly answered by the enemies' shipping, which lay at anchor between City Island and Throckmorton's neck. On the next day Gen. Lord Howe, supposing that he had been deceived by his guides and landed upon an island, summoned them before a board of officers; as they entered, he struck the table violently with his sword, and demanded in a threatening manner, how they could dare to deceive him P*^ After

a The arms of Gualclioime de Feriers, vrera ar. sl.t horse shoos pierced sa. The ancient arined of Ferrers, sa. .>iix hotse sfioe.-f. arir. three, two and one. The anus of Ferrie lies Ferrii^, a.ru)s: Jjetraenles, a tmia anneii-ts il. or. Couroime df Couiie, supports Deux I. ions. In VIC.5, Ri;iiert Ferre, Ecuyer, IJI Je liauul ou, Kodulyhe Ferre. bee de Alaguy XobiiUare <Je NiriuaiKlie, Tome 2.

b There was a Benjamin Ferri', of Silem,ln 164U,who mig-ht have been a brother of Jeffrey,

<■ FairrtelilProti. Kee., ir^S-- I'r.r,. p or. ■ d 2!st Sepfi-niber, li'.'i'.>, Nitk'>Ia-< Kiiyl-y, of Westchester, carpententer, sells his house lot, whli-ii li>'s over ajr.ilrisc Mr. Pell'-; house, and aJJoi-uu;; lo '.hat; lui wl.ieh w.is I'onnerlv miu", and now h, Julm Fcniases, to Joha Wiuter, of WesicUeiter, aud the commonage Uiereuuco beloiigiug, tc.

THE TOWN OF WESTCHESTER. 417

.1 proper explanation had been made, he solemly declared he would iun^ every one of them, unless, conducted safe from his present position. The retreat was ultimately effected by a bridge of boats.

Kee., ir^S-- I'r.r,. p or. ■ d 2!st Sepfi-niber, li'.'i'.>, Nitk'>Ia-< Kiiyl-y, of Westchester, carpententer, sells his house lot, whli-ii li>'s over ajr.ilrisc Mr. Pell'-; house, and aJJoi-uu;; lo '.hat; lui wl.ieh w.is I'onnerlv miu", and now h, Julm Fcniases, to Joha Wiuter, of WesicUeiter, aud the commonage Uiereuuco beloiigiug, tc.

THE TOWN OF WESTCHESTER. 417

.1 proper explanation had been made, he solemly declared he would iun^ every one of them, unless, conducted safe from his present position. The retreat was ultimately effected by a bridge of boats.

James Ferris, the proprietor, was subseq'jcntly captured -by the " Queen's Rangers," and removed to the New York Provoost. His descendants are very numerous in the town. Mr. John Van Antwerp is the present occupant of the homestead.

Throckmorton's Point, situated at the south east extremity of the neck proper, derives its name, as already stated, from John Throckmorton, who took a grant for it under the Dutch, A.D. 1643. The name has been abbreviated from Throgmorton s to Throg's, and finally corrupted to Frog's Neck.

From t!ie Throckmorton's and others the point passed by purchase to the late Abijah Hammond. Esq., whose heirs sold to JSIr. H. Le Roy Newbold, Mr. V\'. V\'hiteliead, Mr. James Duck, and the late Mr. Chas. King. The mansion erected by Abijah Hammond is now owned by Frederick C. Havemeyer.

The house occupies a splendid situation near the entrance of the point, commanding on the right and left extensive prospects of the East River. ^Mr. Hamm.ond was the son of Abijah Hammond and grandson of John Hammond, who emigrated to Massachusetts in 16S0. His first M-ife was Catharine, a daughter of Abraham Ogden, by whom he had, with other issue, a son -- the late Ogden Hammond -- who resided for many years on the point.

The house occupies a splendid situation near the entrance of the point, commanding on the right and left extensive prospects of the East River. ^Mr. Hamm.ond was the son of Abijah Hammond and grandson of John Hammond, who emigrated to Massachusetts in 16S0. His first M-ife was Catharine, a daughter of Abraham Ogden, by whom he had, with other issue, a son -- the late Ogden Hammond -- who resided for many years on the point.

Upon the extremity of Throckmorton's Point is situated Fort Schuyler which was begun in 1S33 ; and in 1S51 was estimated to have cost in construction and repairs $873,013. It was built to accommodate one thousand two hundred and fifty men, and to mount three hundred and eighteen cannon. With the projected work upon Wilkin's Point, in Flushing, Queen's County, these fortresses would effectually protect New York against the approach of a hostile fleet from the Sound. The fort is built of granite from Greenwich, Connecticut; adjoining the fort is a light-house, for this portion of the Long Island Sound.

Throckmorton's Pomt is distinguished as being the scene of important military operations, and was for a short time in the possession of the enemy during the Revolationar)' War. The following account is from General Heath's memoirs : --

" OcTOBEi: 3d, 1776. -- Thi; brigiiJier pjencrals of our p:oncrars division, « were in council, and sevenil new works w<'re laid out ; ainonir oihprs. a redoubt on the liill ahnvc William'.s Bridgo. Our general, in leconnoitcrin^ lii3 position, acconia Geaoral llcutii.

Throckmorton's Pomt is distinguished as being the scene of important military operations, and was for a short time in the possession of the enemy during the Revolationar)' War. The following account is from General Heath's memoirs : --

" OcTOBEi: 3d, 1776. -- Thi; brigiiJier pjencrals of our p:oncrars division, « were in council, and sevenil new works w<'re laid out ; ainonir oihprs. a redoubt on the liill ahnvc William'.s Bridgo. Our general, in leconnoitcrin^ lii3 position, acconia Geaoral llcutii.

4l8 HISTORY OF THE COUNTY OF WESTCHESTER.

pained by Col. Hand, below tlie camp of the rifle corps, being approhcusive tint tlie British niiglit iand on Frog's Neck, tooli a view of the cause-way Ijctw.'t-i; Westchester and tlie Point. Upon the neclx, -which runs between these two, is .-i tide mill, and a plank bridge at the mill, at the west end of the causeway, uhv side of the American army,) Avas at this time a range of cord wood, as advantageously situated to cover a party to defend the pass as if constructed for the vcrv purpose. After taking a full view, our general directed Col. Hand, immediately on his return to his camp, to fix upon one of the best subaltern officers, a:i,l twenty-live picked men of his corps, and assign them to this pass, as their alarr.ipost at all times ; andinca.«e the enemy nadei; landing on Frog's Neck, to direct this officer immediately to take up the planks of the bridge ; to have evcrythin.- in readiness to set the mill on fire ; but not to do it, unless the fire of the riflcn-itn should appear insufEcient to check the advance of the enemy on the causeway :• to assign another party to the head of the creek ; to reinforce both, in case the enemy l-andc d ; and that he should be supported.

Hand, immediately on his return to his camp, to fix upon one of the best subaltern officers, a:i,l twenty-live picked men of his corps, and assign them to this pass, as their alarr.ipost at all times ; andinca.«e the enemy nadei; landing on Frog's Neck, to direct this officer immediately to take up the planks of the bridge ; to have evcrythin.- in readiness to set the mill on fire ; but not to do it, unless the fire of the riflcn-itn should appear insufEcient to check the advance of the enemy on the causeway :• to assign another party to the head of the creek ; to reinforce both, in case the enemy l-andc d ; and that he should be supported. Col. Hand made Lis arrangements accordingly."

•' OoTOBv.K 7th. -- General Lincoln came to camp. He had come from ilas.?:ichusetts with a body of militia. This was the first of his joining the main army. The same day the British were putting over horses from Horn's Hook to Long Island, and fi-^ing their pontoons."

'' October Dth. -- Our general's division was formed in line, with its advance, reserve flank-guards, and artillery, all in order of battle, when they were moved down over the different grounds, which it was supposed might be the scene of action. Some of this ground was very broken, and there were many fences. These afforded frequent opportunities for the troops to break off and form, for the pioneers to open avenues, &c., and for the whole to become acquainted with every part of the ground, and the best choice of it, if suddenly called to action."

'' October Dth. -- Our general's division was formed in line, with its advance, reserve flank-guards, and artillery, all in order of battle, when they were moved down over the different grounds, which it was supposed might be the scene of action. Some of this ground was very broken, and there were many fences. These afforded frequent opportunities for the troops to break off and form, for the pioneers to open avenues, &c., and for the whole to become acquainted with every part of the ground, and the best choice of it, if suddenly called to action."

" OcTOBEU 12rn.-- Early in the morning eighty or ninety British boats, full of men, stood up tlie Sound, from Montresor's Island, Long Lsland, &c. The tioop.s landed at Fr()g's Neck, and their advance pushed towards the causeway ar.d bridge at Westchester mill. Col. Hand's riflemen took up the planks of the bridge, as hail been directed, and commenced a firing with their rifles. The British moved towards the head of the creek, but found here also the Americans in possession of ihe pass. Our general immediately, (as he had assured Col. Hand he would.) ordered Col. Prescoft, the hero of Bunker Hill, with his reigment, and Capt. Lieut. Bryant, of the artillery, with a three pounder, to reinforce the riflemen at Westchester causeway, and Col. Graham of the New York line, with bis regiment, and Lieut. Jack.<;on of the artillery, with a si.v pounder, to reinforce at the head of the creek ; all of which was promptly done, to the check and disappointment of the enemy. The British encamped on the neck. The rifleraen and yagers kept up a scattering popping at each other across the marsh ; and the Americans on their side, and the British on the other, threw up a work at the end of tlie caiiseway.

Jack.<;on of the artillery, with a si.v pounder, to reinforce at the head of the creek ; all of which was promptly done, to the check and disappointment of the enemy. The British encamped on the neck. The rifleraen and yagers kept up a scattering popping at each other across the marsh ; and the Americans on their side, and the British on the other, threw up a work at the end of tlie caiiseway. Capt. Bryant, now and then, when there was an object, saluted tlie Briti-^h with a fiehl piece.

"In the afternoon forty or fifty sail oC vessels passed up, and came to anchor

THE TOWN OF WESTCHESTER- 419

off Frosj's Point. The same evening Gen. McDougal's brigade joined our genfral'a division,"

"OcTOEEH ISxn-- Tlie brigade formerly under the commard of our general, when be was brigadier, joined his division. The division novr became very strong. The general officers of the army "were this day in council at our general's quarters."

" October l4Tn. -- Our general, with the generals under his command, reconnoitred the enemy at Frog's Neck ; afterwards the general otiicers of the army reconoitred the various grounds. The same day Major Gen. Lee Avas ordered to the command of the troops above Kingsbridge, now become the largest part of the American army. But Gen. Washington had desired him not to exercise the command for a day or two, until he could make himself acquainted with the post, its circumstances, and arrangements of duty. A great number of sloops, boats, &c., Mere passing the Sound eastward, just at dusk, probably conveying ammunition, provisions, &c., to the troops at Frog's Point."

Lee Avas ordered to the command of the troops above Kingsbridge, now become the largest part of the American army. But Gen. Washington had desired him not to exercise the command for a day or two, until he could make himself acquainted with the post, its circumstances, and arrangements of duty. A great number of sloops, boats, &c., Mere passing the Sound eastward, just at dusk, probably conveying ammunition, provisions, &c., to the troops at Frog's Point."

"OoTOBEE 15th. -- Five sailors came off from the La Brune ; they informed that there was a large body of the British on Frog's Point, and that an attack might be soon expected. The scattering fire across the marsh continued, and now and then a man was killed."

' ' October 16th. -- Two works were discovered on Frog's Neck, nearly finished. The general officers of the army rode to reconnoitre the ground at Pell's Neck, &c., and it was determined that the position of the American army should be immediately changed ; the left flank to be extended more northerly, to prevent its being tiu-ned by the British."

"October 17th. -- Wadsworth's and Fellow's brigades came to Kingsbridge. The British shipping, &c., continued moving eastward."

"Octobes 18th. -- The regiment at Westchester causeway had been relieved by another. The officer on command tliere, this moniing, sent up an express to our general, informing him that the British were opening an embrasure in their work at the end of the causeway, and that he apprehended they intended under a cannonade from this, to attempt to pass. Our general ordered one of his aids to gallop his horse to the officer commanding the brigade near Yalentine's, the nearest to Westchester, and order him to form his brigade instantly. Arriving himself by the time the brigade was formed, he ordered the otficer to march with the utmost expedition, to the head of the causeway, to reinforce the troops there; himself moving on ^vith them.

The officer on command tliere, this moniing, sent up an express to our general, informing him that the British were opening an embrasure in their work at the end of the causeway, and that he apprehended they intended under a cannonade from this, to attempt to pass. Our general ordered one of his aids to gallop his horse to the officer commanding the brigade near Yalentine's, the nearest to Westchester, and order him to form his brigade instantly. Arriving himself by the time the brigade was formed, he ordered the otficer to march with the utmost expedition, to the head of the causeway, to reinforce the troops there; himself moving on ^vith them. "W^hcn the troops had advanced to about half the way between the head of the creek and the post at the head of the causeway, another express met him, informing him that the whole British army were in motion, and seemed to be moving towards the pass, at the head of the creek. Upon this, the brigade was ordered to halt, the whole to primo and load, and the rear regiment to file off by the loft, and march briskly to reinforce the Americans at the pass, at the head of the creek. At this instant, Gen. Washington came up, and having inquired of our general the state of thing.", ordered him to return immcdi.toly and have his division formed ready for action, and to take such a position as might appear best calculated to oppose the enemy, should

Upon this, the brigade was ordered to halt, the whole to primo and load, and the rear regiment to file off by the loft, and march briskly to reinforce the Americans at the pass, at the head of the creek. At this instant, Gen. Washington came up, and having inquired of our general the state of thing.", ordered him to return immcdi.toly and have his division formed ready for action, and to take such a position as might appear best calculated to oppose the enemy, should

420 HISTORY OF THE COUNTY OF \VESTCHESTER.

they attempt to land another body of troops on Morrisania, -which he thought not improbable. Our general immediately c^be^ed the order.

"The wind was now fresh at south-west. Tbe British crossed to the other side of Frog's neck, embarked on hoard their boats, crossed over the cove, and landed on Pell's neck."*

Throckmorton's point is likewise remarkable as the place where the tides meet in the Sound. Directly opposite City Island, on the northeast side of the point, are the famous stepping stones^ a number of rocks which project in a line from the Long Island shore, and show their bare tops at low water ; upon the highest of which stands the light-house commonly called '-Stepping Stone Light." '\\n Indian origin (says Hon. Egbert Benson) is asserted for this name, and tradition vouched as the authority." " It is said, that at a certain time, doubtless some years ago, the evil spirit set up a claim against the Indians, to Connecticut, as his peculiar domain j but they being in possession, determined, of course, to try to hold it. By Connecticut, the premises in question, is to be understood, the original Connecticut proper -- the territoiy between the oblong, our eastern boundary in that quarter, and the Sound." The surfaces of Connecticut and Long Island, were then the reverse cf what they are now.

Egbert Benson) is asserted for this name, and tradition vouched as the authority." " It is said, that at a certain time, doubtless some years ago, the evil spirit set up a claim against the Indians, to Connecticut, as his peculiar domain j but they being in possession, determined, of course, to try to hold it. By Connecticut, the premises in question, is to be understood, the original Connecticut proper -- the territoiy between the oblong, our eastern boundary in that quarter, and the Sound." The surfaces of Connecticut and Long Island, were then the reverse cf what they are now. Long Island was covered with rocks, Connecticut was free from them. The Indians were fully sensible of v/hat they had to dread from such an adversary, and accordingly betook themselves to a course not unusual on occasions of great difficulty and danger ; they referred tlie case to tlie squav/s, the mothers of the tribes, who, it is said, recommended an offer to quit, on being allowed their betterments -- a Novanglican law term, devised to signify the dwelling and other erections, and comprehending girding the trees to disencumber the land of the wood, by a person entering without title, on land never before cultivated, known as T?eii.> or \\'ild land, &:c. ' No answer, as was to be expected, was given to this o.^'er; and the parties claiming to be entitled to the riglit of sovereign States, and there being no federal court to interpose between the.m, had recourse to the '" alternate means, of discussion between princes -- to arms." The parties foreseeing there would be war, were, as behooved them, prepared for it.

The Indians were fully sensible of v/hat they had to dread from such an adversary, and accordingly betook themselves to a course not unusual on occasions of great difficulty and danger ; they referred tlie case to tlie squav/s, the mothers of the tribes, who, it is said, recommended an offer to quit, on being allowed their betterments -- a Novanglican law term, devised to signify the dwelling and other erections, and comprehending girding the trees to disencumber the land of the wood, by a person entering without title, on land never before cultivated, known as T?eii.> or \\'ild land, &:c. ' No answer, as was to be expected, was given to this o.^'er; and the parties claiming to be entitled to the riglit of sovereign States, and there being no federal court to interpose between the.m, had recourse to the '" alternate means, of discussion between princes -- to arms." The parties foreseeing there would be war, were, as behooved them, prepared for it.

The renowned arch-leader, an host in himself, took the field alone ; and being an over-match for the Indians in skill and spirit, he at first advanced on them ; but, they having provided there should be constantly reinforcements on their march, thereby preserving their conps entire, and harrassing him incessantly, giving him no rest night or day.

a licatn's ?Iera. 6T.

THE TOWN OF WESTCHESTER.

he was obliged finally to yield to vigilance and perseverance, and fall

luck. He retired collected, and, as usual, giving up the ground only

The renowned arch-leader, an host in himself, took the field alone ; and being an over-match for the Indians in skill and spirit, he at first advanced on them ; but, they having provided there should be constantly reinforcements on their march, thereby preserving their conps entire, and harrassing him incessantly, giving him no rest night or day.

a licatn's ?Iera. 6T.

THE TOWN OF WESTCHESTER.

he was obliged finally to yield to vigilance and perseverance, and fall

luck. He retired collected, and, as usual, giving up the ground only

inch by inch ; and, though retiring, still presenting a front whenever an

.ittack threatened ; he kept close to the Sound to secure his flank on

tJiat side; and, having reached Frogs point, and the water becoming

narrow, to be crossed by the Indians in bark canoes, easily to be made

ia the night, and the tide being out, and the rocks showing their heads,

he availed himself of them, and stepping from one to another, effected

his retreat to Long Island. He at first betook himself sullen and silent

to Coram, in the middle of the island ; but it being in his nature not to

remain idle long, and " rage superadded, soon roused him and ministered

to him the means of revenge. He collected all the rocks in the island

in heaps at Cold Spring, and throwing them in different directions, to

dirTerent distances across the Sound in Connecticut, covered the surface

of it with them as we now bee it; and it has been repeated from the

to Coram, in the middle of the island ; but it being in his nature not to

remain idle long, and " rage superadded, soon roused him and ministered

to him the means of revenge. He collected all the rocks in the island

in heaps at Cold Spring, and throwing them in different directions, to

dirTerent distances across the Sound in Connecticut, covered the surface

of it with them as we now bee it; and it has been repeated from the

whites, the first settlers of land at Cold Spring, that the Indians, to

the last who remained, not only undertook to show the spot where he

stood, but insisted they could still discern the print of his feet." " The

fact of tradition (adds Benson) among the Indians of Long Island, of a

war between those of Connecticut and the evil spirit, about the territory,

and of his being worsted and retreating to the island, &c., I had from

the late Mr. L'Hommedieu, a native of the island.''" A projecting

point cf land on the neck, stiil bears the name of " Satan's Toe. "

Upon the north-east side of Throckmorton's point, lies Locust Island, the property of the late Capt. Wright. On the south, the shores of the East River are ornamented with numerous handsome residences, as the country scats cf Frederick C. Ilavemeyer, Francis Islorris and Peter C. Vansckeck, formerly belonged to Lhilip I. Livingston, Esq., who expended large sums in procuring every novelty in the vegetable world to adorn this beautiful spot. The gardens at one time were very extensive.

Upon the north-east side of Throckmorton's point, lies Locust Island, the property of the late Capt. Wright. On the south, the shores of the East River are ornamented with numerous handsome residences, as the country scats cf Frederick C. Ilavemeyer, Francis Islorris and Peter C. Vansckeck, formerly belonged to Lhilip I. Livingston, Esq., who expended large sums in procuring every novelty in the vegetable world to adorn this beautiful spot. The gardens at one time were very extensive.

The finest Cedar of Lebanon, in the United States, is growing here, being over forty feet high and spreading fifty feet.. There is also a superb specimen of the copper colored beech, twelve feet in circumference. These trees were planted by Mr. Livingston one hundred years ago. The road from the point to AVestchester village, passes many beautiful villas, among which may be noticed the late Mr. Jno. D. Wolf, the Overing estate, and that of Mr. S. M. Stilhveil. On the Fort Schuyler and Hutchinson's Bay, is situated Pennyfield, the residence of Geo.

a Jkruoirs ot tlu- S ute 0: New York, by Egi)CTt Benson, 131T.

42 2 HISTORY OF THE COUNTY OF WESTCHESTER.

I. Adee. Schuylerville is a small scattered village in this neighborborhood, containing three or four hundred houses.

Spicer's and Brocketfs Necks are situated at the south-west extremity of Throckmorton's neck proper, and constitute what was formerly known as the " Grove Farm." This property, we have seen, was patented by Governor Nicolis to Thomas Hunt in 1667, who bequeathed it in 1694 to his grandson Josiah Hunt. At Josiah's death, A.D. 1729, it went to his son Thomas Hunt upon the demise of the latter, in 1756 ; William L. Ferris and grand-children, are the present owners. The old grange, erected in 16S7, is prettily located at the entrance of Spicer's Neck, on the margin of the Westchester Creek and the Oakland nurseries formerly the property of William Linngston Ferris.

Spicer's and Brocketfs Necks are situated at the south-west extremity of Throckmorton's neck proper, and constitute what was formerly known as the " Grove Farm." This property, we have seen, was patented by Governor Nicolis to Thomas Hunt in 1667, who bequeathed it in 1694 to his grandson Josiah Hunt. At Josiah's death, A.D. 1729, it went to his son Thomas Hunt upon the demise of the latter, in 1756 ; William L. Ferris and grand-children, are the present owners. The old grange, erected in 16S7, is prettily located at the entrance of Spicer's Neck, on the margin of the Westchester Creek and the Oakland nurseries formerly the property of William Linngston Ferris. Mr. Ferris has sold land, but holds the nurseries, which are situated a litde north of the house. They are very extensive, and cc.itain every variety of fruit and ornamental trees. We believe this is one of the largest establishments of the kind in Westchester County. There was formerly a ferry between old " Ferry Point'' the termination of Brockett's Neck, and the opposite shore of -'Poweirs Point',' or White Stone, Long Island. The passage was performed in a peri-auger, during the provincial period of our history.

The Westchester Creek which is here nearly three quarters of a mile across, abounds with ever}- kind and description of shell and salt water fish. Among the latter, may be enumerated, bass, weak fish, black fish, drum, eels, flounders, spice, tomicods, perch, porgies, horse mackerel, herrings, bequeals, garnet, &c. One of the most popular fishermen m this neighborhood is Natey Bergen, of Union Port, who has every supply oniiaad; beside., being well acquainted with the best fishing ground both on the Creek and Sound.

The Westchester Creek which is here nearly three quarters of a mile across, abounds with ever}- kind and description of shell and salt water fish. Among the latter, may be enumerated, bass, weak fish, black fish, drum, eels, flounders, spice, tomicods, perch, porgies, horse mackerel, herrings, bequeals, garnet, &c. One of the most popular fishermen m this neighborhood is Natey Bergen, of Union Port, who has every supply oniiaad; beside., being well acquainted with the best fishing ground both on the Creek and Sound.

On the eastern side of the Creek lies " Castle-hill A'eck," (so-called from the Indian castle which formerly stood near the tennination of the neck,) the property of the late Governeur JNI. Wilkins, Esq., but now owned by his son-in-law, John Screven, Esq. This estate was formerly held by the Cromwell family from whom it obtained, for a while, the name of " Croimt^eir s Neck!' In 16S5, John Cromwell, supposed nephew of the Lord Protector Oliver Cromwell, " and Elizabeth Cromwell, his wife, exchanged six acres of meadow with Thomas Hunt, for eight acres of upland, situated upon Castle Neck."'^ From the Cromwells it went to a younger branch of the Underbills* who conveyed it to the Rev. Isaac Wilkins. After being sold by Mr. Wilkins in 17S4, it was succesd Co. Rec. Lib. K. 65. See Towa of Harrisou Jor full account of Croiuwell fimily. 6 Co. Rec. Lib. A, 21*.

ichols, the loth day of Febniary, 1667, from James, Duke of York ; ;his IGth day of April, in tlie Eighth year of his reign. (1689).

This estate was formerly held by the Cromwell family from whom it obtained, for a while, the name of " Croimt^eir s Neck!' In 16S5, John Cromwell, supposed nephew of the Lord Protector Oliver Cromwell, " and Elizabeth Cromwell, his wife, exchanged six acres of meadow with Thomas Hunt, for eight acres of upland, situated upon Castle Neck."'^ From the Cromwells it went to a younger branch of the Underbills* who conveyed it to the Rev. Isaac Wilkins. After being sold by Mr. Wilkins in 17S4, it was succesd Co. Rec. Lib. K. 65. See Towa of Harrisou Jor full account of Croiuwell fimily. 6 Co. Rec. Lib. A, 21*.

ichols, the loth day of Febniary, 1667, from James, Duke of York ; ;his IGth day of April, in tlie Eighth year of his reign. (1689).

j-iUa,

Barling Hannati^Motf Martha ^Cl.irke Sarah -jSolomon Palmer

in, of Grove Farm, b. Jaue lT?.3;=,5[yaaiia Hunt, ob. at Marcy ^Lawrence b. at Grove Farm, Jan. o, 1314 I Grove Farm, July 9, 1S09

I I

Auua^Valeatine - Elizabetli.^Thom^s Cock, M,D.

S .:jjnaii, M. 1). <, • --

2:1.

LiuJley^lCaroULie Murray Anna Amelia^Valeutine Frances ='^iiliani F

L Murray I =-2. Mary Murray

Soaman Liriugstciii Waring

>i'aiy M. Elizabeth C.

I I I

i3e'a:ilp Livingston Fanny Livingston^^Robert Ludlow Ca-e Amelia Ferns

Joh]

a 2 Rot>ert„:Mar!an;ia GertriKle^Fdmunt CaruUnc; ■WiUliim Murray 1 Taber ColJeu | UnilL:rhUl Murray Livia^ston

LinilievFcrrii Flizabe'h Gertrude Edrcnnrl Harold ;

annv Llviujsioa Wil.iam Kelly

. Fletcher Charles

Mary Elizabeth Frederick Addison J. Josiah Ami a_ John Cole

S .:jjnaii, M. 1). <, • --

2:1.

LiuJley^lCaroULie Murray Anna Amelia^Valeutine Frances ='^iiliani F

L Murray I =-2. Mary Murray

Soaman Liriugstciii Waring

>i'aiy M. Elizabeth C.

I I I

i3e'a:ilp Livingston Fanny Livingston^^Robert Ludlow Ca-e Amelia Ferns

Joh]

a 2 Rot>ert„:Mar!an;ia GertriKle^Fdmunt CaruUnc; ■WiUliim Murray 1 Taber ColJeu | UnilL:rhUl Murray Livia^ston

LinilievFcrrii Flizabe'h Gertrude Edrcnnrl Harold ;

annv Llviujsioa Wil.iam Kelly

. Fletcher Charles

Mary Elizabeth Frederick Addison J. Josiah Ami a_ John Cole

igf-ae Uyai t iVa.-hinp'oii Irving J run Saerwooii

PEDIGREE OF FERRIS, OF WESTCHESTER.

J. Ferris, one of the first : l^atentees of the town of Westchester, granted under Governor NlchoU, the loth day of Febrnary, 1667, from James, Duke of York j confirmetil under Governor Fletcher, from William III. King of England, this IGth day of April, in ihe Eighth year of his reigo. (1689).

Ferria, b. 1639^.1.Mary

Flushing, L. I.

M jry, miiT. l?ih ^'aih'l UudcrliiU Saniuol_Sarah Hlnckuey Jamea. wUl T':c. „Atme Sinds of Ji Miircli, Iiis5-ii dx John Plnckney lIAng.lTJG | Simda Pt., L. L

in;i[haa, n'ill Johu. ob.Nov.,„EU

Wlllum, Ob. youiiy Miiry„BeuJamin pi^ll Elvia^MacKleworth Jriuuthan^L'

L2izabeth^-To<i. Com;

Aone Beujdfnln, ob.^Sarah .

sula Catlin Elijah, b. Jan. 24, 17CS;_1. Pboebe navilaiia,.b 1770

Ob. May 7th, 1S42 I -2. Amelia Livingston, b. 1772^

Elizabeth, _Thomas Cock. M.D,

P- PhiEbe=,E(lroimfl John Jane S Jane I Under- HMVi-TUndero ' hill land

Mary Augusta Anna EL

William Cbaritna„Anua Lludlyy^l CaroUue ^liirtay Llvlugstoa j Seaman ilurray I --S.Mary Murray

JfaiT M. Elizabeth C.

John n. AiinaII._AuguatU3TaIie

in;i[haa, n'ill Johu. ob.Nov.,„EU

Wlllum, Ob. youiiy Miiry„BeuJamin pi^ll Elvia^MacKleworth Jriuuthan^L'

L2izabeth^-To<i. Com;

Aone Beujdfnln, ob.^Sarah .

sula Catlin Elijah, b. Jan. 24, 17CS;_1. Pboebe navilaiia,.b 1770

Ob. May 7th, 1S42 I -2. Amelia Livingston, b. 1772^

Elizabeth, _Thomas Cock. M.D,

P- PhiEbe=,E(lroimfl John Jane S Jane I Under- HMVi-TUndero ' hill land

Mary Augusta Anna EL

William Cbaritna„Anua Lludlyy^l CaroUue ^liirtay Llvlugstoa j Seaman ilurray I --S.Mary Murray

JfaiT M. Elizabeth C.

John n. AiinaII._AuguatU3TaIie

Mary Ff>rrIa_F..Uv.\V. pHrsons Cornelia I l\

Edith Augusta

Johu Charlton

wnilai)ii Taber Caroliue Mnrray >rabel TtoNert M.

.„Cbrlstlna Barry John Perris_.\.

Kilzaiic'h Gertrude Edmund Harold

Valerfllne Llndley Perrh Louis Livingston, M.U. Faun/ Llvhissi

Aileia:dp Llvmg^ton Variny Llvlnjrston-.Robert Ludlow

AnieUn Ftrris

M.D. Crate

Seaman j ^.Emma Evu

Miiry_Morton H. ncmn^CtiaricH l/aticth Bullard Amelia P. .Marsh

John Si. ^Elizabeth V. Powell

e Ferria =J,onlse Hill Lynde Catlin

lor ' Ferris

Thatcher

Lynde Ca:UQ ^f1r.T Ell;

Froileri-jfe AddJ.'ion J. Joal^h Aiiiia_John Col

Anna Augusta ^Fllram Klcekm

Wln^low Fish

George P. „Mary Pl-i

Johu Thomas ..Adellni

n„L

iitlue Seaman _AniL';ia Miller Esther Arap|ia_Eit?<nc' Iljait

Jei.slc Ann Auga.sta L^tah^ Encviie Wft.-,hir.ir"'jii Ir\in«

THE TOWN' OF WESTCHESTER.

iively the property of the families of Pell, Russell, Gilchrist, Taylor and Asj.en, from whom it passed to Martin Wilkins, Esq., father of the late Governeur M. Wilkins, Esq. The family of Wilkins" was originally seated in the County of Glamoyar, South Wales, and derives from " Robert de Wintona, or Wincestria, who came into that county with Robert Fitzhamon, who was lord of the manor of Languian, near Cowbridge, and built a castle there, the ruins of which are still e.xtant. The valley underneath, is called Point Wilkyn (Welkyn's vale) to this day.* Members of the family yet reside at Brecon, Glamorganshire, and Maeslough, Radnorshire. About the year iSoo, the Rev. Isaac Wilkins took up his residence in Westchester county, New York, and was settled over the Episcopal parish there.

The family of Wilkins" was originally seated in the County of Glamoyar, South Wales, and derives from " Robert de Wintona, or Wincestria, who came into that county with Robert Fitzhamon, who was lord of the manor of Languian, near Cowbridge, and built a castle there, the ruins of which are still e.xtant. The valley underneath, is called Point Wilkyn (Welkyn's vale) to this day.* Members of the family yet reside at Brecon, Glamorganshire, and Maeslough, Radnorshire. About the year iSoo, the Rev. Isaac Wilkins took up his residence in Westchester county, New York, and was settled over the Episcopal parish there. He continued in the ministry until his decease in 1S30, at the age of eighty-nine. Doctor Wilkins married Isabella, sister of Lewis Morris, a signer of the Declaration of Independence, and of Governeur ^lorris, another distinguished whig. The mother espoused the royal side, and remained within the British hnes, Their correspondence with her during hostilities, occasioned suspicion ; and caused them difficulty, notwithstanding their sacrifices and services. At the moment when Lewis voted in Congress for independence, British ships of war were lying wthiu cannon shot of his house ; and soon after, his manor of Morrisania was desolated, his woodland of one thousand acres was destroyed, and his family driven into exile. Three of the sons of Lewis served in the whig army. Staats, brother of Lewis and Governeur, was an officer in the royal service, became a member of Parliament, and a lieutenant-general. Thus was the Morris family divided. Doctor Wilkins has a son in Nova Scotia who bears the name of his uncle Lewis Morris, and who has obtained distinction. He was elected a member of the House of Assembly, about the lime of his father's return to the Uriited States; and when, in iSo6, William Cottam Longe, Esq., who was elected speaker, was disallowed by the governor, Lewis Morris Wilkins was chosen in his place ; and approved of, and occupied the chair, by subsequent election, until 1S17, when he was removed to be placed on the bench of the Supreme Court of the colony.

He was elected a member of the House of Assembly, about the lime of his father's return to the Uriited States; and when, in iSo6, William Cottam Longe, Esq., who was elected speaker, was disallowed by the governor, Lewis Morris Wilkins was chosen in his place ; and approved of, and occupied the chair, by subsequent election, until 1S17, when he was removed to be placed on the bench of the Supreme Court of the colony. Judge Wilkins resided at Windsor. "=

The residence of the late Governeur M. Wilkins is seated on the brow of a hill, near the extremity of the neck and commands an almost uninterrupted view of the river with the adjacent shores. The interior cona The naroi-' l.s siippose'l to be derived from tUo Wnollc, aa lma!?in;irj animal, wl .ch tradition assists iiiliahiteU tht? vai<'. Tlie Whelk id still borub on the coat armor of the family, with tiie M^jaitir.iiit \\ cb-li r.iotto : Siiu ar li) jiyn : angiice, beware of tliyself.

b Burki;'s UK. of th" land ;.l s;catry of E:i;jland, vol. iii, o'JS.

e Lo.'-cnzo t^dUm's Biug. Sketches ot American Loyali-sts.

To face page 424,

AdQ^FraMces Dash^ood Elizabeth ^FruncU Lewis (ttie sillier)

GaUaii.^in;i Lj

Edward H._.Eliza Livlngstoa

Julian (inXaiu)

(His famt"

liaiili JoUnsoa

PEUIGREK OF LUDLOW, OF WESTCHESTER.

Gabriel La(ilow_jSurati Hamaer, Came to New York city, where Tie married , and eettled 1q the year leai, from London,

Sab

Gabriel_^Du \er Flanct: G^orye^.I'raiiCLS Duncan Daniel ^.-Vratjella DoDcan Robert ^Elizabeth Co;iV;id Aan^Kmiicea Dasr.woiJd Elizabeth „FriincL> Lewis (the ai^ner)

b Burki;'s UK. of th" land ;.l s;catry of E:i;jland, vol. iii, o'JS.

e Lo.'-cnzo t^dUm's Biug. Sketches ot American Loyali-sts.

To face page 424,

AdQ^FraMces Dash^ood Elizabeth ^FruncU Lewis (ttie sillier)

GaUaii.^in;i Lj

Edward H._.Eliza Livlngstoa

Julian (inXaiu)

(His famt"

liaiili JoUnsoa

PEUIGREK OF LUDLOW, OF WESTCHESTER.

Gabriel La(ilow_jSurati Hamaer, Came to New York city, where Tie married , and eettled 1q the year leai, from London,

Sab

Gabriel_^Du \er Flanct: G^orye^.I'raiiCLS Duncan Daniel ^.-Vratjella DoDcan Robert ^Elizabeth Co;iV;id Aan^Kmiicea Dasr.woiJd Elizabeth „FriincL> Lewis (the ai^ner)

Gu.Uan_JMar;.i Lndlow Marj „France3 iJa^hwtxxl (do Issue/ Fraticea (inlant) Gabriel Ver Plaiick_ElLZnbeth Hunter {danjrhtcr of Robert Huiiler, E^ii ) I ■ " ■

i

I , , . - I

LouLi

JcUan (laXdiil) Emma_Lu.IIow Li:ishwood .Maria^otm L. ilortou (no issa^) Arabel

I ^no lasue)

(HU family realdlog at Fordham, now In New YurK city )

424 HISTORV OF THE COITSTY OF WKSTCHESTER.

tains some good paintings, particularly a view of the .'\jno, by Cole, and a portrait of Martin Wilkins, Esq., by Rogers, &:c.; also a beautifr.l white marble bust of Washington, by Garacehi, and an Apollo, by Tantenoin.

The old Wilkins mansion, which stands on the south side of the neck is now converted into a farm house. Here in 1776, three of the clergy-,-. viz : Doctors Cooper, Chandler and Seabury, managed to secrete themselves for some jime, notmlhstanding the most minute and presevering search was made for them, so ingeniously contrived was the place oi their conceabaent in and about the old-fashioned chimne)-. Food \vas conyeyed to them through a trap-door in the floor. The front of the old house is shaded by some magnihcent elms.

The old Wilkins mansion, which stands on the south side of the neck is now converted into a farm house. Here in 1776, three of the clergy-,-. viz : Doctors Cooper, Chandler and Seabury, managed to secrete themselves for some jime, notmlhstanding the most minute and presevering search was made for them, so ingeniously contrived was the place oi their conceabaent in and about the old-fashioned chimne)-. Food \vas conyeyed to them through a trap-door in the floor. The front of the old house is shaded by some magnihcent elms.

Cornell's Neck, which is pleasantly situated in the south-west comer of the town, contains about five hundred and fifty acres, haWng the Bronx River on the west and Pugsley's Creek on the east. We have seen that Thomas Cornell, from whom it was originally named, became possessed of the neck through the Dutch, who purchased of the Indians. From the Cornells, it passed to the Willetts and Grahams. The executors of Lev\-is Graham conveyed the western half to Dominick Lynch from v.liose executors the Ludlows purchased it. '• Black Rock," (so named after the "great rock" mentioned in the patent of 1667, hing near the mouth of the Bronx} the estate of Robert H. Ludlow, Esq., is situated on the west side of the neck, not far from the Westchester Turnpike. The house is of stone, and commands beautiful views of the East River mth adjacent shores and islands. The interior contains some valuable family paintings, viz : Gabriel Veq)lank Ludlow, (son of Col. Gabriel Ludlow, of Hempstead. Long Island,) aged fourteen, paint-d when at Oxford, by the celebrated Opie ; Jvlrs. Sanmel G. Verplanck, daughter of Charles Crommehn and Anne St. Clair,«with her grandson, Gulian McEvers, by Copley ; Goldsborow Banyar, Deputy Secretary of the Province of N"ew York, under Governor Monckton, and Alderman of the city of Albany, by Colonel Trumbull, one of his best portraits ; also a family portrait of Robert H.

The interior contains some valuable family paintings, viz : Gabriel Veq)lank Ludlow, (son of Col. Gabriel Ludlow, of Hempstead. Long Island,) aged fourteen, paint-d when at Oxford, by the celebrated Opie ; Jvlrs. Sanmel G. Verplanck, daughter of Charles Crommehn and Anne St. Clair,«with her grandson, Gulian McEvers, by Copley ; Goldsborow Banyar, Deputy Secretary of the Province of N"ew York, under Governor Monckton, and Alderman of the city of Albany, by Colonel Trumbull, one of his best portraits ; also a family portrait of Robert H. Ludlow, Esq., [Mrs. Ludlow and daughter, by Stewart Watson. The Hon. Robert H. Ludlow, of Black Rock, (member of the Legislature from New York city, 1845 and 1S46, who married in 1S31, Cornelia, daughter of Jacob Le Roy, of New York,) is the second son of the late Gabriel Ludlow, Esq., by Elizabeth Hunter. His grandfather was

a .A.nae S: Clair w.j-sthe dmelir.^r of FtotKirr St Cliir, or Sinclair, whn cmifna'ed to VcwTorK m 16.7, b7 his wu" ■■. Mary Daykirak. It;--;!. KoDert wus U\- sou uf .lum.-s ^^lac!air. ;i limal dssceiulaut of th- .'^i-icWir-i. Ear.s of Oikiif'y ami Caitlini's-. A silvf r tankanl of rhi- M Clalrs, ill tin; pois.'^-i.iu of 1;. IJ. 1,11'U'Hv, Ksii , in-ars the fullowuij co.il of arms : i^arti riv, isr azun; u >nip -.a a:;i-lior >aiH lurn-d. wva i-rocc in sulrier, or. wit iin a lioiihlp tri'-~iir.- couiiiornn\vti>,<l of tile !a--t f ir orKiiey : i.l. a crrs:* tu^jrailtU ; 3d, azure, bbi;) uud jr sail, or lor Caithuess. •Jth, or, a iiou rampaui gni. lor spar.

Ear.s of Oikiif'y ami Caitlini's-. A silvf r tankanl of rhi- M Clalrs, ill tin; pois.'^-i.iu of 1;. IJ. 1,11'U'Hv, Ksii , in-ars the fullowuij co.il of arms : i^arti riv, isr azun; u >nip -.a a:;i-lior >aiH lurn-d. wva i-rocc in sulrier, or. wit iin a lioiihlp tri'-~iir.- couiiiornn\vti>,<l of tile !a--t f ir orKiiey : i.l. a crrs:* tu^jrailtU ; 3d, azure, bbi;) uud jr sail, or lor Caithuess. •Jth, or, a iiou rampaui gni. lor spar.

THK TOWN OF WESTCHESTER- 425

the Hon. Gabriel Ludlow, Colonel in Brigadier-General De Lance/s brigade during t!ie Revolution, and afterwards first Mayor of the city of St. John's ia the province of Xew Brunswick, President of his jSlajestv-'s Council, and also for a time Governor of the same and Commander-in- Chief of the forces. He died at Saint Johns, N. B., and was buried in the cemetery of the Episcopal church at Carleton,'' N. B. His brother, George Duncan Ludlow, was Chief Justice of the Province. His father was Gabriel Ludlow, third son of Gabriel Ludlow, P2sq., who was bom in 1663 and came to this country in 1694. He married on Easter !Monday, April 5th, 1697, Saiah, daughter of the Rev. Joseph Hannier, D. D., Chaplain to Plis Majesty's forces in the Province of Nev,^ York. He was one of the first vestrymen of Trinity church. New York, in 1697, and was the son of Gabriel and the grandson of Edmund Ludlow, second son of Sir Edmund Ludlow, Knt.; by his second wife, ]\Iargaret, widow of Viscount Bendon, second son of Thomas Howard, Duke of Norfolk. Sir F^dmund Ludlow's eldest son, by his first wife, Bridget Cokrr, was Sir Henr}' Ludlow, Knight, M.P. for that shire, born 15S7, who married Letitia, daughter of Thomas West, Lord Delaware, by whom he had issue, with three daughters ; Edmund Ludlow, the celebrated republican general during the civil wars in England, who died at Vivay in S'.vitzerland, in 1693, aged 73, where a monument is erected to his men:ior}-; and Henry Ludlow, Esq., who married "Webster, grand-daughter of Margaret, second daughter of Sir Richard Bingham, the ancestor of the late George James Ludlow, third Earl Ludlow, Viscount Preston, and Baron Ludlow of Ardsalla in the peerage of Ireland, Baron Ludlow in that of the United Kingdom, born 12th Dec, 1758.

Sir F^dmund Ludlow's eldest son, by his first wife, Bridget Cokrr, was Sir Henr}' Ludlow, Knight, M.P. for that shire, born 15S7, who married Letitia, daughter of Thomas West, Lord Delaware, by whom he had issue, with three daughters ; Edmund Ludlow, the celebrated republican general during the civil wars in England, who died at Vivay in S'.vitzerland, in 1693, aged 73, where a monument is erected to his men:ior}-; and Henry Ludlow, Esq., who married "Webster, grand-daughter of Margaret, second daughter of Sir Richard Bingham, the ancestor of the late George James Ludlow, third Earl Ludlow, Viscount Preston, and Baron Ludlow of Ardsalla in the peerage of Ireland, Baron Ludlow in that of the United Kingdom, born 12th Dec, 1758.

The family of Ludluw, (which derives its surname from the ancient town so denominated in the County of Salop.) settled at Hill Deverell in Wiltshire, in the reign of Edward HI., 1350, at which time lived William Ludlow, Esq., of Wiltshire, who married Margaret, daughter of William Rymer, wb.ose son John Ludlow, married Leonora, daughter of Thomas Ringv/ood ; their son was John Ludlow, who married Phillipa, daughter of Nicholas Bulstrade, whose son William Ludlow man-ied Jane, daughter of Nicholas Moore ; leaving a son George Ludlow. Esq., who married Edith, daughter of Sir Andrew, Lord Windsor, whose son was the before mentioned Sir Edmund Ludlow, Knight.

The old Willett lioraestead stood on Clason's Point, the extremity of Cornell's neck, directlv on the site of the late Mrs. Clason's mansion.*

The family of Ludluw, (which derives its surname from the ancient town so denominated in the County of Salop.) settled at Hill Deverell in Wiltshire, in the reign of Edward HI., 1350, at which time lived William Ludlow, Esq., of Wiltshire, who married Margaret, daughter of William Rymer, wb.ose son John Ludlow, married Leonora, daughter of Thomas Ringv/ood ; their son was John Ludlow, who married Phillipa, daughter of Nicholas Bulstrade, whose son William Ludlow man-ied Jane, daughter of Nicholas Moore ; leaving a son George Ludlow. Esq., who married Edith, daughter of Sir Andrew, Lord Windsor, whose son was the before mentioned Sir Edmund Ludlow, Knight.

The old Willett lioraestead stood on Clason's Point, the extremity of Cornell's neck, directlv on the site of the late Mrs. Clason's mansion.*

<i Two silver c.ip'' l)fariii!r thi crest of Ludlow, still preserved ai Hlack Eock, are said to ha.ve tiecu u.-tu v.: Ill-- aUiuhii^u.i'iuu of the Holy I'otiimunioii at CarletiJU church.

r> On i\w north sid'^ of ihi-i h m-"? is a beautiful sp.'cime.i of th,' Hyc^'na Wiit'-ria w!i;cli ia s;uJ to i>c jui.il.;> iitoiis lu lUo ,Ni.ck.

4^6 HISTORY OF THE COUNTY OF WESTCHESTER.

Directly north of the Westchester turnpike is situated the old Pugsley estate from which tlie adjoining creek derives its name.

In close vicinity to the river Bronx is the estate and residence of Wilham Watson, Esq.

About three miles from the mouth of the Bron.x, and directly opposite the village of West Fanns, is the mill seat and property of the late Philip M. Lydig, Esq., formerly cilled " De Lancey s Mill." Here it is probable that Jonas Bronck (from whom the river derives its na.me) erected a mill and laid out a plantation as early as 1639. "The tract between the Karlem river and the large stream next eastward, was Bronck's land," says Benson, and it was at the house of Bronck that the Indians concluded a treaty of peace with the Dutch secretary, Cornelis Van Tienhoven, in the spring of 1642.'* Upon the i6th of August, 1680, the town of Westchester did give and grant unto William Richardson and his associates, the privilege of the stream of Bronck's river, to set up iwa mills, viz : -- One saw and a corn mill, upon certain conditions specified in the conveyance.^

"The tract between the Karlem river and the large stream next eastward, was Bronck's land," says Benson, and it was at the house of Bronck that the Indians concluded a treaty of peace with the Dutch secretary, Cornelis Van Tienhoven, in the spring of 1642.'* Upon the i6th of August, 1680, the town of Westchester did give and grant unto William Richardson and his associates, the privilege of the stream of Bronck's river, to set up iwa mills, viz : -- One saw and a corn mill, upon certain conditions specified in the conveyance.^

On the 2d of April, 17 11, TryTitje Byvanck, widow of Evert Byvanck, granted to William Provost, /^«r mills, to wit, three grist mills, and one saw mill, situate in the the township of Westchester, and all rights and privileges appertaining thereto, &:c. ; also a certain privilege granted by the freeholders of Westchester, tf the stream of Bronck's river, c^c, (S^»r. From the Provost's, this property was purchased by Stephen de Lancey, Esq., in whose will, made the 4th of March, 1735, occurs the following item: --

" I do hereby give, devise and bequeath unto my son Peter, and to bis heirs, all my mills, mill-house, mill-boat, farm and land, and all and every the appurtenances thereunto belonging, .'situate and being in the county of Westchester, upon Eronck.s's river, lately known as the milU of William IlicJiarchon, to have and to hold unto my son Peter, and to his heirs and assignees forever."":

James de Lancey, the eldest son of the above testator, was Chief Justice and Lieutenant-Governor of the province of New York. He mara Beo-son's >Iein. 2". Hist, of N. NetlierlanUs, O'Callahan, vol. 1250. Town Rec Lib 57. Rec of Trustees, pp. So, SD.

" I do hereby give, devise and bequeath unto my son Peter, and to bis heirs, all my mills, mill-house, mill-boat, farm and land, and all and every the appurtenances thereunto belonging, .'situate and being in the county of Westchester, upon Eronck.s's river, lately known as the milU of William IlicJiarchon, to have and to hold unto my son Peter, and to his heirs and assignees forever."":

James de Lancey, the eldest son of the above testator, was Chief Justice and Lieutenant-Governor of the province of New York. He mara Beo-son's >Iein. 2". Hist, of N. NetlierlanUs, O'Callahan, vol. 1250. Town Rec Lib 57. Rec of Trustees, pp. So, SD.

b S'.-e vol. i, 20S.

c Siirrotrato'.^ Offlee, >'. T. lib. .xiv, 91. It appears from the foilowinar, that ther^ wa"? an ancl'Mil buryirig-crouml in tho vicinity of ])e Laiic-y'.^ mills, near the Dniii.v, approachoJ t>y a nairow lano K;acliiit; from th'- hiirhway to Westchester roail :-- " Julin Feiri-i, of the borough town of \Vestc!i(-ti'r, in his \A-.t will, d itotl 9th of .ttay, ITls, directs: 'as als > li'e land lvir;tr betwixt the hit.'hi\-ay that Ifa'ls to Thouiai liedden's mills and the wav that Icails Ironl BronrH s to Heury Hank's, with a lifty poiiiid privilfpe of cnmimmau'e, anil ajso al! that mr laud lit Bronck's, coiitamintr twenty-four acres, be it more or less. Hut, be it provided always, thnt there sh ill be a rm-] siiu.ire, free for all friends and friendlv people'to biirv their dead in the plac- where they formerly buried, without any let, hiu'arauce or moleitalioa what.sneyer."-- Surrogate's oillce, N. Y., foUo viil, p. oai.

It appears from the foilowinar, that ther^ wa"? an ancl'Mil buryirig-crouml in tho vicinity of ])e Laiic-y'.^ mills, near the Dniii.v, approachoJ t>y a nairow lano K;acliiit; from th'- hiirhway to Westchester roail :-- " Julin Feiri-i, of the borough town of \Vestc!i(-ti'r, in his \A-.t will, d itotl 9th of .ttay, ITls, directs: 'as als > li'e land lvir;tr betwixt the hit.'hi\-ay that Ifa'ls to Thouiai liedden's mills and the wav that Icails Ironl BronrH s to Heury Hank's, with a lifty poiiiid privilfpe of cnmimmau'e, anil ajso al! that mr laud lit Bronck's, coiitamintr twenty-four acres, be it more or less. Hut, be it provided always, thnt there sh ill be a rm-] siiu.ire, free for all friends and friendlv people'to biirv their dead in the plac- where they formerly buried, without any let, hiu'arauce or moleitalioa what.sneyer."-- Surrogate's oillce, N. Y., foUo viil, p. oai.

THE TONVN OF WESTCHESTER. 427

tioi Anne, eldest daughter of Col. Caleb Heathcote, and left James, Sicplicii, John Peter/* Maria. Anne and Susan. James, the first of these, was educated at Corpus Christi college, Cambridge, England, in which co'.It'U^? h'i father had been educated before him. On quitting college, he entered the army, rising to the rank of captain. In the unfortunate c.impaign against Ticonderoga, he was an aid of Abercrombie's. \\'hen Ijis father died, or shortly after, Captain de Lancey sold out, inheriting the principal estates of his family. He married Margaret, a daughter of Chief Justice Allen of Pennsylvania, whose other daughter, Anne, mairied John Penn, grandson of WiUiam Penn, the founder of Pennsylvania.

James, the first of these, was educated at Corpus Christi college, Cambridge, England, in which co'.It'U^? h'i father had been educated before him. On quitting college, he entered the army, rising to the rank of captain. In the unfortunate c.impaign against Ticonderoga, he was an aid of Abercrombie's. \\'hen Ijis father died, or shortly after, Captain de Lancey sold out, inheriting the principal estates of his family. He married Margaret, a daughter of Chief Justice Allen of Pennsylvania, whose other daughter, Anne, mairied John Penn, grandson of WiUiam Penn, the founder of Pennsylvania.

Early in the Revolution, Capt. James de Lancey went to England. Eventually he established himself at Bath. This gentleman, (and not his cousin, Lt. Col. James, as Mr. Sabine supposes), "at the close of tl\e v.ar, and at the formation of the loyahst agency for prosecuting claims for compensation, was appointed agent for New York, and became vice-president of the board. His own losses were large and difficult of adjustment, and occupied the attention of the commissioners for some days. Excepting Sir William Pepperell," Captain James de Lancey appears to have been the most active member of the agency." ^ Five of the children of Capt. James de Lancey and Margaret, grew up, viz : two sons and three daughters. Charles, the eldest son, was in the British na\y, and died a bachelor. James, late Lt. Col. ist Dragoon Guards, is li\'ing, also a bachelor. Two of the daughters, Anne and Susan, are single, and still living ; While ISIargaret married the present Sir Juckes Granville CHfton, Bart., and died early, childless."

Excepting Sir William Pepperell," Captain James de Lancey appears to have been the most active member of the agency." ^ Five of the children of Capt. James de Lancey and Margaret, grew up, viz : two sons and three daughters. Charles, the eldest son, was in the British na\y, and died a bachelor. James, late Lt. Col. ist Dragoon Guards, is li\'ing, also a bachelor. Two of the daughters, Anne and Susan, are single, and still living ; While ISIargaret married the present Sir Juckes Granville CHfton, Bart., and died early, childless."

The second son of Stephen de Lancey, the Huguenot, was Brigadier General Oliver de Lancey. Sabine, in his sketches of American Loyalists, states that, "at the period of the French war, Oliver de Lancey occupied a commanding position," and perhaps he did not overrate his personal influence when he said, that if in the expedition against Crown Point, he " should accept the command of the New York regiment, he could, in ten days, raise the whole quota of troops allotted to that colony." This standing he maintained after his brother's death, and until the Revolution. '• He opposed the dismemberment of the emnire, and put his life and property at stake to prevent it. In 1776, he was appointed a Ijrigadier-general in the royal service. Skinner, of New Jersey, Brown, a former Governor of Bahamas, Arnold, the apostate, and Cunningham, of South Carolina, were of the same grade ; but their commissions were

b S-ibiiK-'i Skctchoi of American Loyalists.

Sabine, in his sketches of American Loyalists, states that, "at the period of the French war, Oliver de Lancey occupied a commanding position," and perhaps he did not overrate his personal influence when he said, that if in the expedition against Crown Point, he " should accept the command of the New York regiment, he could, in ten days, raise the whole quota of troops allotted to that colony." This standing he maintained after his brother's death, and until the Revolution. '• He opposed the dismemberment of the emnire, and put his life and property at stake to prevent it. In 1776, he was appointed a Ijrigadier-general in the royal service. Skinner, of New Jersey, Brown, a former Governor of Bahamas, Arnold, the apostate, and Cunningham, of South Carolina, were of the same grade ; but their commissions were

b S-ibiiK-'i Skctchoi of American Loyalists.

428 HISTORY OF THE COUNTY OF WESTCHESTKK.

of a later date. Gen. de Lancey was, therefore, the senior loyalist officer in commission during the contest. His command consisted of three battallions, known as "' De Lanccfs Battalionsy

" Previous to the Revolution, Gen. de Lancey v/as a member of tl;e Council, and was-considered to be in office in 17S2, though a constitution was formed in New York in 1777, and a government organized under it. By this government he was attainted of treason, and his large property confiscated." "At the evacuation in 17S3, he went to England, and died at Beverly, Yorkshire, in 17S5, aged sixty-eight. His body is interred in the choir of the Minster, while a monument standing near the transept records his services." '"His son, Oliver de Lancey, Jr., was educated in Europe; put early in the 17th Light Dragoons; was a captain at the' commencement of the Revolution ; became Major in 1773, a Lieutenant Colonel Oct. ist, 1781, and succeeded Andre as Adjutant-General of the British army in America.

By this government he was attainted of treason, and his large property confiscated." "At the evacuation in 17S3, he went to England, and died at Beverly, Yorkshire, in 17S5, aged sixty-eight. His body is interred in the choir of the Minster, while a monument standing near the transept records his services." '"His son, Oliver de Lancey, Jr., was educated in Europe; put early in the 17th Light Dragoons; was a captain at the' commencement of the Revolution ; became Major in 1773, a Lieutenant Colonel Oct. ist, 1781, and succeeded Andre as Adjutant-General of the British army in America. On his return to Europe, he was made Deputy Adjutant-General of England; as a ]\Iajor-GeneraI, he got the Colonelcy of the 17th Light Dragoons; was subsequently made Barrack [Master General of the British empire; rose through the grade of Lieutenant-General to that of General, and died some six or eight and twenty years since, nearly at the head of the English Army list. This branch of the family is now extinct in the male line ; its last man having been killed at Waterloo, in the person cf Sir WiUiani Heathcole de Lancey, the Quarter-master-General of Wellington's army."

Peter de Lancey, youngest son of the Huguenot, to whom his father devised the mills, was a man of wealth and of considerable influence in the colony. His wife was Alice, daughter of Cadwalladcr Golden, lieu^ tenant governor of the Province of New York, in 1761. His children were John, father of Mrs. Yates, ReUct of Governor Yates, and Lt. Col. James de Lancey, a distinguished miUtary ofhcer. "James^was for a

This branch of the family is now extinct in the male line ; its last man having been killed at Waterloo, in the person cf Sir WiUiani Heathcole de Lancey, the Quarter-master-General of Wellington's army."

Peter de Lancey, youngest son of the Huguenot, to whom his father devised the mills, was a man of wealth and of considerable influence in the colony. His wife was Alice, daughter of Cadwalladcr Golden, lieu^ tenant governor of the Province of New York, in 1761. His children were John, father of Mrs. Yates, ReUct of Governor Yates, and Lt. Col. James de Lancey, a distinguished miUtary ofhcer. "James^was for a

c^?^"^?,' '" *",' ol'l associates HI ilu.s sLcrtou of tUe country, and wai the means of UkiSt fT''.^,^''"- l'^"'^';-' .^'-^"[J-V to t^.ke an active part in lUe contest. This was particu aV y "e ca.sc WUR sai.uiel Ki[.,Esq.,of alainil.v,wluch, from the first setUement l.v ke iiutc i ^..1 p<«scssfU a irrant ,.l land at Kip's IJuy, aiidlu otlier parts of N'ew York" islan.I AR. a/ers of this faiuily were iiamel as offlc.rs iu„ler the Crowu\n the mval ch:u-ter, prantrd when the Bniisn first took possession of the col.)u.v in l«tU, and in that jfiven thirty ve rs 1 ter llay: ing been aUvays associated with the j-overnment, and fr,.m their landed inter-'st. wieldin" aa 1 itlu"QC- m Its atlairs, they were naturally predisposed to espouse the roval cause. In addition to this Mr. kip s estate was neanhat of Col. de Lane y. and a close iutiniarv had alwars ?; n 'ih ^-^'^■'•'•■'» ^l^'""- J''- ^--'^ th-r.^fore, easily m.tr.oed i., accept a captain s'c mm " ion n v^f ,'^^' government, and embark ail his interests in this cimtest He ram' Icon lan ^fro n*^! s i- ;irrV''!'l*'i!-lf?''; ^^'"n^",,:"''-'' ^^'-i"'^' J'^""''l 'he British anny wi-h the colonel, aeriv.j aiK d. nriLr rartisun o,ncer.

In addition to this Mr. kip s estate was neanhat of Col. de Lane y. and a close iutiniarv had alwars ?; n 'ih ^-^'^■'•'•■'» ^l^'""- J''- ^--'^ th-r.^fore, easily m.tr.oed i., accept a captain s'c mm " ion n v^f ,'^^' government, and embark ail his interests in this cimtest He ram' Icon lan ^fro n*^! s i- ;irrV''!'l*'i!-lf?''; ^^'"n^",,:"''-'' ^^'-i"'^' J'^""''l 'he British anny wi-h the colonel, aeriv.j aiK d. nriLr rartisun o,ncer. I-or this reason he was for a tini.' as.i.'ried to the com mand of th ,■ l.ov.tl,st Uan„'er.,. In one of ihe .severe skirmishe.s wh.h look p ice We"tl Chester conntv in ITsl rapt. Kip. whil. char^rint' a bndv of .V.nerieau tn k p. h' d hU hor4 Killed r udT hUM. and r.'L ivrd .■, >..v,Te bayonet woun.l. He survived loV Ve, sJveril

THE TO"VVN OF WESTCHESTER. 429

.-»:1^'.>Il.•rable time sheriff of Westchester county. He took a battalion ;;; ll'.c brigade of his uncle Oliver de Lancey, called the Loyalist Ran- ••(.rs or "• De Lancey" s Horse!' In consequence of his familiarity with the countv, Lt. Col. James de Lancey was stationed most of his time in Wcrchester, to keep open the means of procuring supplies. His coq)s in:u;e free with the cattle of that part of the country, and got the sonbr; '.v.'-/ of " Cow Boys," in revenge for their knowledge in the article of Loef. The colonel finally fixed his residence in Nova Scotia, and in 1-97, was sworn in as a member of the council of that colony. He died at Annapolis, N. S., about the year 1809. Martha Tippett, his widow, also died there in 1827, aged 73, and where his sons are still living. Oliver de Lancey, third son of Peter and Alice, threw up his

His coq)s in:u;e free with the cattle of that part of the country, and got the sonbr; '.v.'-/ of " Cow Boys," in revenge for their knowledge in the article of Loef. The colonel finally fixed his residence in Nova Scotia, and in 1-97, was sworn in as a member of the council of that colony. He died at Annapolis, N. S., about the year 1809. Martha Tippett, his widow, also died there in 1827, aged 73, and where his sons are still living. Oliver de Lancey, third son of Peter and Alice, threw up his

De r.aucrv liiK.s, Westcht-.-UT. Ih'j licarl-quarters of Lt. Coi. ,T:mi"a de Laucey. From tne ori;iinal luccure in tne posje.-sion of Dr. Bayard of \\ i??t Farm.=.

commission in the British service at the commencement of the Revolutionary war. His children are resident in the town. Peter, the fourth son, and Lt. Col. Warren de Lancey, besides four daughters."

By an indenture bearing date the 29th of July, 1774, the trustees of Westchester, for clivers considerations, sold to James and Oliver de Lancey, and their heirs and assignees, the ground under the water of Broncks's river, and all such lands as has been granted or appointed by the town, for the use of the mills, etc.'' The present proprietor, Philip M. Lydig, Esq., holds by conveyance from under Oliver de Lancey, Esq. The dwelling-house which once served as the head-quarters of Washington, was destroyed by fire a few years since.

a Fornianyof Thi.- a'M'VL-iJarticulars we are uulebtPil to Mr. Cooper's correspoudjcco in the ll<-iv .hiiirii'i' III isus. 6 Kec. of TruiteLS, pp. c3, S9.

By an indenture bearing date the 29th of July, 1774, the trustees of Westchester, for clivers considerations, sold to James and Oliver de Lancey, and their heirs and assignees, the ground under the water of Broncks's river, and all such lands as has been granted or appointed by the town, for the use of the mills, etc.'' The present proprietor, Philip M. Lydig, Esq., holds by conveyance from under Oliver de Lancey, Esq. The dwelling-house which once served as the head-quarters of Washington, was destroyed by fire a few years since.

a Fornianyof Thi.- a'M'VL-iJarticulars we are uulebtPil to Mr. Cooper's correspoudjcco in the ll<-iv .hiiirii'i' III isus. 6 Kec. of TruiteLS, pp. c3, S9.

430 HISTORY OF THE COUNTY Ot' WESTCHESTER.

The grounds, which display all the elegance of modern gardenin-. rise in a succession of terraces from the water's edge. Near the oIJ mansion stands a majestic pine tree -- a noble jelic of the past.

The following appropriate lines were written by a gentlemen, after a visit paid to this beautiful spot, the former residence of the de Lancey family : --

DE LANCET'S ANCIENT PINE.

Where gentle Bronx clear winding flows, The shadowy banks betsveen, Where blossomed bell or wilding rose Adorns the briglitest green ; Memorial of the fallen great, The rich and honoured line, Stands high in solitary state, De Lancey's ancient pine.

There once at early dawn arrayed

The rural sport to lead,

The gallant master of the glade,

Bedecked his eager steed.

The following appropriate lines were written by a gentlemen, after a visit paid to this beautiful spot, the former residence of the de Lancey family : --

DE LANCET'S ANCIENT PINE.

Where gentle Bronx clear winding flows, The shadowy banks betsveen, Where blossomed bell or wilding rose Adorns the briglitest green ; Memorial of the fallen great, The rich and honoured line, Stands high in solitary state, De Lancey's ancient pine.

There once at early dawn arrayed

The rural sport to lead,

The gallant master of the glade,

Bedecked his eager steed.

And once the llghtfoot maiden came

In loveliness divine.

To sculpture with the dearest name,

De Lancey's ancient pine.

But now the stranger's foot explore

De Lancey's wide domain.

And scarce one kindred heart restores.

His memory to the plain ;

And just like cue in age alone,

The last of all his line,

Bends sadly where the waters moan,

De Lancey's ancient pine.

Oh, victim of misguided zeal

To tell thy former fame !

Who bids the fretted stone reveal

The numbers of thy name ?

Ere brightening up the eastern sky,

Another morn shall shine.

In equalizing dust may lie

De Lancey's ancient pine.

Wo ho ! the satiate traveler stays Where eve's cahu glories shine. To weep as tells of other days, De Lancy's ancient pine.

THE TOWN OF WESTCHESTER. 43 1

Al a short distance from Lydig's mills, on the property of Mr. Leonard .\I.\; •'••<, may be s<;en the ruins of an old chateau, since the residence of Lewis If. Guerlain. The following inscription upon a marble monument hard by, so touchingly records the history of its former inmates, that any further account would be needless.

Wo ho ! the satiate traveler stays Where eve's cahu glories shine. To weep as tells of other days, De Lancy's ancient pine.

THE TOWN OF WESTCHESTER. 43 1

Al a short distance from Lydig's mills, on the property of Mr. Leonard .\I.\; •'••<, may be s<;en the ruins of an old chateau, since the residence of Lewis If. Guerlain. The following inscription upon a marble monument hard by, so touchingly records the history of its former inmates, that any further account would be needless.

A.D. 1793, Sacred to the memory of virtue, merit and beauty ; to

SARAH GUERLAIX,

tlie beloved consort of Lewis II. G r e k l a i n.

Alas ! 'tis in vain ! the spirit has fled ! Sarah has sunk in the tonib, The beauty of nature lies mix'd witli the dead Gods ! how severe is the doom : As a delicate lily that blows in tlie vale, That springs to perfection and dies,

So she bloomed, and then sickened ; but, shall we bewail ! The grave of the pure is the path to the skies, Eteesity how long 1

In 1798, 7th March, Sarah died in the West Indies, in the twentieth year of her age -- in the passage from St. Croix to St. Christopher's -- and was brought back by her disconsolate husband to his peaceful mansion, the place of their union, the 4th of October, 1795.

Immediately north of the village of West Farms lies " Bronx Dale," the wooded sides of which present a most romantic appearance. In this neighborhood is a small scattered hamlet containing two public houses, two stores and about twenty dweUings; also the extensive bleach factory of the late Mr. James Bolton. Mr. Bolton, was a native of Great Bolton in Lancashire, where he v.-as born on the 8th May, 17 So; he was the youngest son of John Bolton" and grandson of James Bolton by his wife

Immediately north of the village of West Farms lies " Bronx Dale," the wooded sides of which present a most romantic appearance. In this neighborhood is a small scattered hamlet containing two public houses, two stores and about twenty dweUings; also the extensive bleach factory of the late Mr. James Bolton. Mr. Bolton, was a native of Great Bolton in Lancashire, where he v.-as born on the 8th May, 17 So; he was the youngest son of John Bolton" and grandson of James Bolton by his wife

Jtlary , and came to this country in iSiS, where by dint of hard

labor and industry he accumulated a considerable fortune.

On the Bronx are also situated the snuff mills of the late Peter Lorillard, Esq. The beautiful seat of the Lorillard's is rendered particularly attractive from the contiguity of overhanging woods and its close vicinage to the water. The late Peter Lorillard was a native of Nev.' York, where he was born in 1799, and was one of its oldest merchants. His

a The ofh.-r clillilrvn of .lohn EoUon wore Eilmuu'l, bom Aiiir. «1, ITCl ; Kohtrt, hnm Dec. 21, KCm: Eii7.:i)>,'{ii. iiarn D.rc. 4, ITT-.', iirul .Toiiu lioUon, tjorii July 4, 1776. TUo Jdiullj were all baiitiZfUiu lUc ulU pariati cUuioti at Xiultua.

432 HISTORY OF THE COUNTY OF WESTCHESTER.

father, Peter Lorillard, Senr., who died some years ago, was the oldest son of Pierre Lorillard, a native of France in 1763, by liis wife, Hanna!i Moore. Peter, Senr., with his brothers, was one of the many men v,-l-.0;'j energy and hard labor resulted not only in gaining them wealth, but i;i promoting the prosperity which the metropolis of the United Ctatcs novv enjoys. Descended from an ancient Huguenot family, the three brothers-- Jacob, Peter and George -- commenced life in humble circumstances; but by dint of hg.rd labor, amassed a competency which their heirs have greatly added to.

father, Peter Lorillard, Senr., who died some years ago, was the oldest son of Pierre Lorillard, a native of France in 1763, by liis wife, Hanna!i Moore. Peter, Senr., with his brothers, was one of the many men v,-l-.0;'j energy and hard labor resulted not only in gaining them wealth, but i;i promoting the prosperity which the metropolis of the United Ctatcs novv enjoys. Descended from an ancient Huguenot family, the three brothers-- Jacob, Peter and George -- commenced life in humble circumstances; but by dint of hg.rd labor, amassed a competency which their heirs have greatly added to. The ^\^fe of Peter, Senr., was the dauglitcr of Nathaniel Griswold, long since dead, but during his Hfetime one of the most prominent merchants of New York. Peter Lorillard, Jr., soon after leaving college connected himself with his father and uncle -- Peter and George -- in the tobacco business. Possessed of uncommon business capacity, he soon materially aided his firm in its progress to prosperity; and upon the death of his uncle George, who was a bachelor, he found himself left the heir to a fortune valued at some $200,000. Upon the death of his father, Mr. Lorillard succeeded to the business, which prospered so well that it brought to its proprietor miUions of dollars, and made it what it now is, one of the largest tobacco houses in New York ' city. Mr. Lorillard died at Saratoga, October 6th, 1S67, aged seventytwo.

The low ground east of the " Bron.x Dale " is called " Bear Swamp," after the savage animal that about two centuries ago inhabited this wide domain of forest and morass.

Lorillard succeeded to the business, which prospered so well that it brought to its proprietor miUions of dollars, and made it what it now is, one of the largest tobacco houses in New York ' city. Mr. Lorillard died at Saratoga, October 6th, 1S67, aged seventytwo.

The low ground east of the " Bron.x Dale " is called " Bear Swamp," after the savage animal that about two centuries ago inhabited this wide domain of forest and morass.

The general surface of Westchester is rolling, and in some places hilly soil, clay loam, m.ostly susceptible of high cultivation. The lands produce all kinds of grain, but they are best adapted to grass and pasturage. Almost every vaiiety of fruit trees flourish here. The principal growth of wood is oak of all sorts, chestnut and hickory, &c. It is freely watered, in every part, by springs and rivulets.

THE TOWN

MANOR OF WEST FARMS.

This township, which is now annexed to New York County, was formerly a portion of the ancient borough to^vn of Westchester. It is bounded on the north by Yonkers, ea?' by the Bronx, south by the East River, and west by the Harlem River. Kings Bridge, across Harlem River, is just within the line at the north-west corner of this towTi. It derives its name from its situation being west of the New England settlements. In 1663 it was claimed by Shonearockite and other Indians, as appears from the following conveyance to Edward Jessup and John Richardson of Westchester :

It is bounded on the north by Yonkers, ea?' by the Bronx, south by the East River, and west by the Harlem River. Kings Bridge, across Harlem River, is just within the line at the north-west corner of this towTi. It derives its name from its situation being west of the New England settlements. In 1663 it was claimed by Shonearockite and other Indians, as appears from the following conveyance to Edward Jessup and John Richardson of Westchester :

mDIAN DEED OF WEST FARMS.

West CnKSTEE, March the 12th, 1663. ITiis may certify whom it mayconceme that we Shonearockite .W^^pomoe Tuckorre Wiiawhapehucke, Capahase, Qiianusco, Shaquiske, Passacliabenue, Ilarrawooke, have ahened and stjld unto Edward Jessup and John Richardson, both of the place above said, a certain Tract of land bounded on the east l)y the River Aqaehiing or Bronxkx to the midst of the River, on the northward by the Trees marked, &c., by a piece of a hassock meadow, westward by a little brooke called Suckwrahuog, southward by tlie sea with a neck of land called Qiiinuahung, with all the meadows, &c., uplands, Trees, &c., whatever else besides bee upon ye said parcell of lands with all other commodities belonging to the same quietly to possesse and enjoy the same from us our heires or successors, to thcui their heircs and successors for ever, and for their cattle to ramre in the woods so farre as they please without any Molestation of lufriugemeut, <S:c., and that, this is our

434 HISTORY OF THE COUNTY OF \VESTCHESTER.

ITiis may certify whom it mayconceme that we Shonearockite .W^^pomoe Tuckorre Wiiawhapehucke, Capahase, Qiianusco, Shaquiske, Passacliabenue, Ilarrawooke, have ahened and stjld unto Edward Jessup and John Richardson, both of the place above said, a certain Tract of land bounded on the east l)y the River Aqaehiing or Bronxkx to the midst of the River, on the northward by the Trees marked, &c., by a piece of a hassock meadow, westward by a little brooke called Suckwrahuog, southward by tlie sea with a neck of land called Qiiinuahung, with all the meadows, &c., uplands, Trees, &c., whatever else besides bee upon ye said parcell of lands with all other commodities belonging to the same quietly to possesse and enjoy the same from us our heires or successors, to thcui their heircs and successors for ever, and for their cattle to ramre in the woods so farre as they please without any Molestation of lufriugemeut, <S:c., and that, this is our

434 HISTORY OF THE COUNTY OF \VESTCHESTER.

true Tiitcnt and Mcanin.!!; wee have sell to our hands tlio day and Teare above written. - i. SaoNEAP.ociciTE, his marke, 0. Yv^'apomk, his niarko,

5. TccKOP.p.E, his marke, 3. "WK.vftUAPEnrcKE, his marke,

4. Capahase, his marke, 8. QrAxu.?co, his marke,

7. Shaquiske, his marke, 6. PASSACHAHExyE, his marke,

9. Hap.rawooke, his marke. Signed in prescnrc of Ed"\vai:d Walters,

IllCIIAKD PONTOS,

Nathan Bailey.

March 12tli, 1604, I Shawnarockett iu the name and bclialf of the rest doe :.cknowledge to liave received of Edv>-ard Jessup and Mr. PLichardson full satisfaction for the tract of land in this bill specified.

Yv^'apomk, his niarko,

5. TccKOP.p.E, his marke, 3. "WK.vftUAPEnrcKE, his marke,

4. Capahase, his marke, 8. QrAxu.?co, his marke,

7. Shaquiske, his marke, 6. PASSACHAHExyE, his marke,

9. Hap.rawooke, his marke. Signed in prescnrc of Ed"\vai:d Walters,

IllCIIAKD PONTOS,

Nathan Bailey.

March 12tli, 1604, I Shawnarockett iu the name and bclialf of the rest doe :.cknowledge to liave received of Edv>-ard Jessup and Mr. PLichardson full satisfaction for the tract of land in this bill specified.

Witness, SHAW:NAR0CEETT, his mark.

Edwap.d Waltee3,

RlCnAIiB POXTON,

Na-ThaxI' Bailey, <t Entered at Hampstead at ye time of the general meeting there the 9th day of March, 1C64.

Another deed from the above mentioned Indians to Edward Jessup and John Richardson bears date March 12th, 1664, which was recorded for Mr. Richardson, April sth, 1667.*

The Indian purchases were patented in 1666, to Edward Jessup and John Richardson of Westchester :

THE ROYAL PATENT OF 'STEST FARMS.

"Richard Nicolls, Esq., eovcrnor general under his royal highness, JaniC"? Duke of York and Albany, &c,, &c., of all his territoryes in America, to all to whom these presents shall come, sendeth greeting : whereas, there is a certain tract or parcel of land within this government, situate, lying and being ncare unto and within the limits of the towne of Westchester. Upon ye maine being bounded to the east by the river conmionly called by the Indians Aqufhnng, otherwise Broncke river, extending to the midst of said river to the north, by the mark't trees and by a piece of hassock meadow, westwardly a little brook called by the natives Sackicralaing , and southward by the Sound or E"st River, iucludin'' within a certain neck of land called Quinnahung, which said parcel or tract and neck of land with the appurtenances, together with commonage and liberty for ramre of horses and cattle, as free as they please into tlio woods, ha;h heretofore been ioinlly purchased of the Indyan proprietors by Edward Jessup and John Richardson of Westchester aforesaid, and due satisfaction hath ye ttien been given fur the same, as by the deed remaining upon record, more at large

Upon ye maine being bounded to the east by the river conmionly called by the Indians Aqufhnng, otherwise Broncke river, extending to the midst of said river to the north, by the mark't trees and by a piece of hassock meadow, westwardly a little brook called by the natives Sackicralaing , and southward by the Sound or E"st River, iucludin'' within a certain neck of land called Quinnahung, which said parcel or tract and neck of land with the appurtenances, together with commonage and liberty for ramre of horses and cattle, as free as they please into tlio woods, ha;h heretofore been ioinlly purchased of the Indyan proprietors by Edward Jessup and John Richardson of Westchester aforesaid, and due satisfaction hath ye ttien been given fur the same, as by the deed remaining upon record, more at large

a A'.li^^ny Pec-a Honk, vol. ii., T9-Sii. 6 A'.'.aay UscU H'lok. vol. iii, 5i-yj.

THE TOWN OF WEST FAIiMS. 435

«i t!i and may appear, now it being mutually agreod upon yo both the aforet...A [.iircliarJLTP, that an equal division sliall be made of the said parcel or tract i.f land and appurtenenccs betTveen them the said Edward Jcssup and John Jiichardson, their heirs and assigns, and to the end that the said lands may be loiter manured and planted for a further confirmation unto each and either of tiicm, in their possession and enjoyment of the premises. Know ye, that bv virtue of the commission aud authority unto me given by his royal highness, I have ratified, confirmed and and granted, and by these presents do ratify, confirm and grant, unto John Ricliardsou aforesaid, his heirs and assigns, the moiety or one-half of the aforesaid parcel or tract of land and premises, together with the moiety or one-half of all the woods, meadows, pastures, waters, commonao-e, marshes, rivers or lakes thereunto belonging, within their and every of them, appurtenances and every part and parcel thereof, to have and to hold their said moiety, or one-haif of the paid parcel or tract of land, commonage aud premises, with all and singular the appurtenances to the said John Richardson, his heirs and assigns, unto the proper use and behoof of the said John Eichardson, his heirs and assigns forever, he or they rendering and pajing such duties and acknowledgements as now are or hereafter shall be constituted and established by the laws of the government, under the obedience of his royal highness, his heirs and successors.

Know ye, that bv virtue of the commission aud authority unto me given by his royal highness, I have ratified, confirmed and and granted, and by these presents do ratify, confirm and grant, unto John Ricliardsou aforesaid, his heirs and assigns, the moiety or one-half of the aforesaid parcel or tract of land and premises, together with the moiety or one-half of all the woods, meadows, pastures, waters, commonao-e, marshes, rivers or lakes thereunto belonging, within their and every of them, appurtenances and every part and parcel thereof, to have and to hold their said moiety, or one-haif of the paid parcel or tract of land, commonage aud premises, with all and singular the appurtenances to the said John Richardson, his heirs and assigns, unto the proper use and behoof of the said John Eichardson, his heirs and assigns forever, he or they rendering and pajing such duties and acknowledgements as now are or hereafter shall be constituted and established by the laws of the government, under the obedience of his royal highness, his heirs and successors. Given under my h.and and seal at Fort James in Now York, on the island of Manhattoes, 25th day of April, in the eighteenth year of his majesties reign, A.D. 1666.

EICHARD XICOLLS.

Edward Jessup one of the above patentees, like most of the ori^nal settlers of Westchester, emigrated from Fairfield, Connecticut. In 1653. occurs the name of Edward Jessope, owner of lands on Sascoe neck in that touTi. By his wife Elizabeth Bridges, he seft issue a son, Edward, and two daughters. Elizabeth married Thomas Hunt, of the Grove fann, Westchester, from vv-hom the Hunts of Hunt's Point descend. Edward Jessup died in 1666; h's v.-ill bears date the sam.e vear.

Edward Jessup one of the above patentees, like most of the ori^nal settlers of Westchester, emigrated from Fairfield, Connecticut. In 1653. occurs the name of Edward Jessope, owner of lands on Sascoe neck in that touTi. By his wife Elizabeth Bridges, he seft issue a son, Edward, and two daughters. Elizabeth married Thomas Hunt, of the Grove fann, Westchester, from vv-hom the Hunts of Hunt's Point descend. Edward Jessup died in 1666; h's v.-ill bears date the sam.e vear.

THE LAST WILL AND TESTAJlENT OF EDWARD JESSUP.

"Being sicke and weake in body, yet in perfect memory. I bequeath my soule to ye Aluiighty God that gave it. and n;y body after my death to be decently buried, my funeral to be discharged and my debts to be paid. I will and bequcath to my daughter. Elizabeth Hunt, twenty shillings, besides which, I have already given her to be paid in a year and a day after my decease. I will and bequeath unto my daughter Haiu^ah Jessup, tlic sum of five and thirty pounds with that she iiath already, to l)e payed unto her at 18 years of age.

I will aud bequeatli unto my soune, Edward Jessup, two mares with two colts by their sides ; one is a gray mare, and the other is a mare marked on both ears with two half pence on each ear, to bee set out for him for his use a year and a day after my decease.

I will and bequi atli unto iny grand-child, Mary ITunt, twenty shiiiinu's, to bee pay<i in a yc:ir and a day after my decease. I will and bequeath unto my cousla

I will aud bequeatli unto my soune, Edward Jessup, two mares with two colts by their sides ; one is a gray mare, and the other is a mare marked on both ears with two half pence on each ear, to bee set out for him for his use a year and a day after my decease.

I will and bequi atli unto iny grand-child, Mary ITunt, twenty shiiiinu's, to bee pay<i in a yc:ir and a day after my decease. I will and bequeath unto my cousla

436 HISTORY OF THE COUNTY OF WESTCHESTER.

Jobaanah Burroughs, twenty shillings, to bee payd in a year and a day after niy decease.

Furthermore, I institute and appoint my well-beloved wife, Elizabeth Jessup, to bee whole and sole executrix , and I do will and bequeath unto her, all mj lands and houses, and goods and cattle, moveable and immoveable, of this my last will and testament, and to receive all debts, dues and demands whatsoever,' to bo at her disposing, and she to pay all debts, dues and legacies whatsoever, and she to bring up my two children in the fearc of God. This I do owne to be my last will and testament.

Further, I do appoint my well beloved friends, Mr. Eichard Comhill, Justice of the Peace, Mrs. Sarah Bridges, my well beloved brother-in-law, John Burroughs, and Ralph Hunt, overseers of tliis my last will and teastament, likewise to be assistants to ray execatrix in all cases and difficulties ; and this I do o^vne aa my owne act and deed, to all true intents and meanings, and due furthermore ratify and confirm it as my owne act and deed by ye setting to my hand and seal, the day and year underwitten. EDWARD JESSUP.

Sarah Bridges, my well beloved brother-in-law, John Burroughs, and Ralph Hunt, overseers of tliis my last will and teastament, likewise to be assistants to ray execatrix in all cases and difficulties ; and this I do o^vne aa my owne act and deed, to all true intents and meanings, and due furthermore ratify and confirm it as my owne act and deed by ye setting to my hand and seal, the day and year underwitten. EDWARD JESSUP.

August tbe IGlh, 166G.

Signed, sealed and delivered in the presence of us, witnesses,

wlli-ia-v gouldstone,

John Richardson,

Mark of X Richard Horton.""

Upon the 20th of June, 1668, Robert Beacham and Elizabeth, the wife formerly of Edward Jessup, of Westchester, in the North Riding of Yorkshire, on Long Island, did fully and absolutely sell and "make over unto Thomas Hunt, of Westchester, aforesaid, all those hoeing lands and accomodations that were formerly Edward Jessup's, within the bounds and limits of the aforesaid Westchester, that the said Edward Jessup and John Richardson purchased together, and procured patents for from the Plon. Col. Richard Nicolls," &c.

John Richardson, the sur\'i\-ing patentee, appears to have united with Thomas Hunt, the follo\ving year, in making an equal division of these lands; for, on the 12th of August, 1669, occurs the following report of the commissioners : --

"We whose names are underwritten being made choice of by John Richardson and Thomas Hunt, bolhe inhabiting in Westchester, in the North Riding of Yorkshire, to make an eqiial division of a grant of land formerly purchased of the Indian proprietors by Edward Jessup and John Richardson, being butted and bounded by patent I say all those uplands and meadows wiihin that purchase, save some upland and meadows, which was formerly divided by the forementioned porsotis, I^ldward Jessup and John Richardson, have been committed unto us, William Ilayden, bamuel Drake, Thomas La^Tcnce and Jonathan Hazard. t'> make an c(iual division, &c., &c.

"We whose names are underwritten being made choice of by John Richardson and Thomas Hunt, bolhe inhabiting in Westchester, in the North Riding of Yorkshire, to make an eqiial division of a grant of land formerly purchased of the Indian proprietors by Edward Jessup and John Richardson, being butted and bounded by patent I say all those uplands and meadows wiihin that purchase, save some upland and meadows, which was formerly divided by the forementioned porsotis, I^ldward Jessup and John Richardson, have been committed unto us, William Ilayden, bamuel Drake, Thomas La^Tcnce and Jonathan Hazard. t'> make an c(iual division, &c., &c. As first we find it necessary

a Surrogates office, N. T., -wiUs administrations. No. 1, iCCo to 16S3, p. 31.

THE TOWX OF WEST FAILMS. 437

Uut John Richardson, having twenty acres of upland and meadow, more or less, iviii^ oa the southermost poynt of the wrne field neck, v.hich tract of land 13 a district of itself by a divisional line running west and by north-east aad by *vjtli, and all the rest of the upland, both in that neck and a little neck adjoinin.,; to it, is Thomas Hunt's, with highways laid out, and into the above s:ud neck north to upland and meadows, with marks renewed between the meadows and the upland, beginning at a white oak, which is the divisional Une U'twecn Thomas Hunt and John Kichardson, which line runneth from the while oak to the water cast and by north, and all the meadow lying along between the water and the marked trees is John Richardson's, until you meet another divisional line that bears west and by north aud east and by south, which line runs at the old highway, and all the rest of the meadows within the neck to be Thomas Hunt's, for and in consideration John Richardson hath all the Long Xeck lying upon the soutli end of the dv,-elling houses of John Richardson and Thomas Hunt, all the above said neck within fence, and further we have laid out unto Thomas Hunt a tract of upland lying near his house containing sixteen acres aud forty-five rods, stretching from the creek north north-west and south south-west to a great burnt stump, from thence west south-west to a creek, and from the creek south south-east," &c., &c.

Uut John Richardson, having twenty acres of upland and meadow, more or less, iviii^ oa the southermost poynt of the wrne field neck, v.hich tract of land 13 a district of itself by a divisional line running west and by north-east aad by *vjtli, and all the rest of the upland, both in that neck and a little neck adjoinin.,; to it, is Thomas Hunt's, with highways laid out, and into the above s:ud neck north to upland and meadows, with marks renewed between the meadows and the upland, beginning at a white oak, which is the divisional Une U'twecn Thomas Hunt and John Kichardson, which line runneth from the while oak to the water cast and by north, and all the meadow lying along between the water and the marked trees is John Richardson's, until you meet another divisional line that bears west and by north aud east and by south, which line runs at the old highway, and all the rest of the meadows within the neck to be Thomas Hunt's, for and in consideration John Richardson hath all the Long Xeck lying upon the soutli end of the dv,-elling houses of John Richardson and Thomas Hunt, all the above said neck within fence, and further we have laid out unto Thomas Hunt a tract of upland lying near his house containing sixteen acres aud forty-five rods, stretching from the creek north north-west and south south-west to a great burnt stump, from thence west south-west to a creek, and from the creek south south-east," &c., &c.

The three daughters and co-heh-esses of John Richardson were : Bertha, wife of Joseph Ketcham, of Newtown, Long Island ; Mary, wife of Joseph Hadley, of Yonkers; and Elizabeth, wife of Gabriel Leggett, from whom descend the Leggetts of West Farms. His last will bears date i6th November, 1679 ; in it he bequeaths --

"To his beloved wife, Martha, all his housing and orchard, and all movebles without aud within, and all live stock, also all his laud and meadov,- on the planting neck, and all the Long Neck that runs southward from Thomiis Hunt's new dwelling house to the Sound, and this during her life to act and dispose as she shall see cause."

"To'his son-in-law, Joseph Hadley, a pasture of three acres already laid out, &c.,at or about the first spring, aud all the meadow that is already divided, that is ou this side the river above ya planting neck." "To his three daughters, two hundred acres of laud each ; " " and to his brother's son, in England, Joseph Richardson, one hundred acres, if he come within the space of one whole year to receive it ; and if he come not within the time prefixed, it shall remain in Martha my wife's hands." "In conclu.sion, he constitutes aud appoints his wellbeloved friends, William Richardson and Richard Ponton, both of Wcstciiester, and Jonathan Hay ward, of Newtown, Long L^'land, overseers of his last will and testament, and that it is his whole will and testament after his decease, he witnesses it vmder his own hand the IHth day of November, 1679-1680."

"To'his son-in-law, Joseph Hadley, a pasture of three acres already laid out, &c.,at or about the first spring, aud all the meadow that is already divided, that is ou this side the river above ya planting neck." "To his three daughters, two hundred acres of laud each ; " " and to his brother's son, in England, Joseph Richardson, one hundred acres, if he come within the space of one whole year to receive it ; and if he come not within the time prefixed, it shall remain in Martha my wife's hands." "In conclu.sion, he constitutes aud appoints his wellbeloved friends, William Richardson and Richard Ponton, both of Wcstciiester, and Jonathan Hay ward, of Newtown, Long L^'land, overseers of his last will and testament, and that it is his whole will and testament after his decease, he witnesses it vmder his own hand the IHth day of November, 1679-1680."

Signed, Johx Ricuakusox.""

Upon the 12th of January, 1686, Governor Thomas Dongai; granted a/a/t'///to Thomas Hunt, Sen., for all his land bounded on the east by

a Surrogate's office, N. Y., WUlf! aud .VJmr., 1GC3 ta lt>S3. Vol. i., p. +31.

43S HISTORY OF THE COUNTY OF WESTCHESTER.

the river Aquehung. or Bronx, extending to the midst of the said river, on the nonh by certain marked trees and a piece of hammock, and on the west by a certain brook called Sackrahung, for the value of one bushel of good winter wheat."'*

The following receipt appears to have been given for quit-rent due on the above patent : --

Y., WUlf! aud .VJmr., 1GC3 ta lt>S3. Vol. i., p. +31.

43S HISTORY OF THE COUNTY OF WESTCHESTER.

the river Aquehung. or Bronx, extending to the midst of the said river, on the nonh by certain marked trees and a piece of hammock, and on the west by a certain brook called Sackrahung, for the value of one bushel of good winter wheat."'*

The following receipt appears to have been given for quit-rent due on the above patent : --

" Received of Thomas Himt, Sen., twenty-five busliels and one-half wheat, in full for his quit-reut for his land in the county of Westchester, upon Bronclv's river, to the ".jth of JIarch last past. TYitness my hand, in New York, tliis 9th day of April, A.D. 1717. Kichafj) Nicolls,

Dejnity Rtxeiver."

On the 17th of October, 16S7, Joseph Hadley, of the Yonkers' Patent, conveys to Thomas "Williams, of the West Fanns, eight acres formerly given him by John Ricliardson. In 1 7 1 1, the heirs of the patentees united in a second division of the WestFanns : --

"Whereas Thomas Hunt, sen., of ye TFt^i Farms in ye laraugh town and county of Westchester in ye colony of New York, yeoman, and Elizabeth Leggett of ye same place, widow, did on the 9th day of May last past, by an instrument under their hands and seals, formally agree and conclude that the Weit Farms lots containing twelve in number, should be surve3'ed and laid out by myself or some other person, and that according to a former siu-vey made by me William Taylor, on or before the last day of June instant, with a further covenant, promise, and agreement, each to the otlier, for themselves, or each of their heirs, executors and administrators, as far as they or any of them are concerned in the said lots, that the survey made by M.

"Whereas Thomas Hunt, sen., of ye TFt^i Farms in ye laraugh town and county of Westchester in ye colony of New York, yeoman, and Elizabeth Leggett of ye same place, widow, did on the 9th day of May last past, by an instrument under their hands and seals, formally agree and conclude that the Weit Farms lots containing twelve in number, should be surve3'ed and laid out by myself or some other person, and that according to a former siu-vey made by me William Taylor, on or before the last day of June instant, with a further covenant, promise, and agreement, each to the otlier, for themselves, or each of their heirs, executors and administrators, as far as they or any of them are concerned in the said lots, that the survey made by M. W. E., or some other person, in manner as above, and the lines or bounds so rua and settled should remain, continue, and not be removed for ever hereafter upon the penalty of five hundred pounds current money of said colony, to be paid by the party or j)ersous breaking the said conclusion or agreement and covenant to tlie party or persons fulfilling and performing the same, itc, &c., as bj' the said instrument, relation being thereunto had, will fully and at large appear. Therefore upon this request and desire of the said Thomas Hunt, Elizabctli Lcggett and others, the owners and proprietors of said land, I have surveyed the said tvrelve lots of land as followeth. That is to say, begin at a chestnut tree standing on the river side above Bijvanci:s mill, nmniug thence north forty-three degrees, west two hundred and eighty-thrce, to a marked white wood, tlience south thirty degrees, west about forty-five, eight rods to the north side and westernmost corner of the sixth lot, and then upon several courses until it meets with the north-west corner of the twelfth lot, then oast tweaty-one degrees and a half rod to ye meadow, and from thence along the meadow and river to the place first begun as appears in the scheme hereunto annexed, the whole tract containing 1090 acres, &c., Ac.

That is to say, begin at a chestnut tree standing on the river side above Bijvanci:s mill, nmniug thence north forty-three degrees, west two hundred and eighty-thrce, to a marked white wood, tlience south thirty degrees, west about forty-five, eight rods to the north side and westernmost corner of the sixth lot, and then upon several courses until it meets with the north-west corner of the twelfth lot, then oast tweaty-one degrees and a half rod to ye meadow, and from thence along the meadow and river to the place first begun as appears in the scheme hereunto annexed, the whole tract containing 1090 acres, &c., Ac. It is firmly agreed and concluded U[iiiu by the said Thomas Hunt,

a C'oi. Utc. VoU il. From ttio 0!igii:dl ia i!io possession of tlu- lato Mr. Damel WiasUIp, Uuuii Point.

l-HE TO^VN OB" WEST FARMS. 439

l-';rii)"h Lc'i-c:ctt and others concerned in the matter, that Tvhat every or any .'•'\v:»ii!s or i'li'ls short of. one hundred acres as above shall he allowed and made liji to them or theirs out of the land not contained -within this survey. Compre- Lciu'.td with a certain patent granted by Governor Richard JN'icolls to Edward jrisiip and John Richardson in the year of our Lord Christ lOGG, except thirty :i,rc3 v.-Lich he, said Thomas Hunt, formerly sold to John Feryedon and Robert VL.nnmi;; and also thirty acres belonging to the said Elizabeth Leggett, being in li<'u of u'le aforesaid thirty acres on which Thomas Davenport now dwells, in witucss wliereof," etc., etc. In presence of JosKrn Hit>-t, Thomas Hcnt,

Compre- Lciu'.td with a certain patent granted by Governor Richard JN'icolls to Edward jrisiip and John Richardson in the year of our Lord Christ lOGG, except thirty :i,rc3 v.-Lich he, said Thomas Hunt, formerly sold to John Feryedon and Robert VL.nnmi;; and also thirty acres belonging to the said Elizabeth Leggett, being in li<'u of u'le aforesaid thirty acres on which Thomas Davenport now dwells, in witucss wliereof," etc., etc. In presence of JosKrn Hit>-t, Thomas Hcnt,

Justice. Ejjzabeth Legget,

John Lawrence, Matthew Pugslet.

•'This survey was made and completed on the 2Gth day of June, 1711, by m.e, Peter Beeeies."

On the 30th of September, 1723, William Davenport of Perth Amboy, in East New Jersey, and Bridget, his wife, did convey all their right, title and interest in the fateni of IVesi Farms unto William Leggett, viz : " All and singoilar }-e tlats, coves, bays, fishing places, etc.; also, all their right, title, and property of fishing, hunting and fowling in this ye same patent," etc*

In the south-west corner of the jf>afent of West Farms, was situated a small tract of land, called the " debatable grormd." This territory appears to have been in dispute between the heirs of the pateutiies of West Farms, and Lewis ]\Iorris, proprietor of the manor of ^lornsiana, from 1666 to 1740. At an early period, Lewis ]Morris laid claim to most of the nndirided hxjids of the West Farms' patent, as belonging to

him."

Upon the 4th of February, 17 12, "Elizabeth Leggett, widow of Gabriel Leggett and daughter of John Ricliardson, released her title and interest of all the common and undivided lands, that ISIr. Lev»is Morris makes any claim to v.ithin our patent of West Farms:' In 1737, "William Leggett, assignee to the \\i\xi oi fohn Richardson, oi one-half moiety of the West Farms, and Abraham Lent, of the heirs of Edicjard Jessup, jointly agreed to prosecute Levas Morris, v.ho is now in possession of almost all the undivided lands"

Upon the 4th of February, 17 12, "Elizabeth Leggett, widow of Gabriel Leggett and daughter of John Ricliardson, released her title and interest of all the common and undivided lands, that ISIr. Lev»is Morris makes any claim to v.ithin our patent of West Farms:' In 1737, "William Leggett, assignee to the \\i\xi oi fohn Richardson, oi one-half moiety of the West Farms, and Abraham Lent, of the heirs of Edicjard Jessup, jointly agreed to prosecute Levas Morris, v.ho is now in possession of almost all the undivided lands"

A complete settlement of the undivided lands v/as not made till 174c. In 1S30, the debatable lands were purchased by the late William H. Leggett, Esq.

a The saui" n-nn h.i'l prevloaiiy bceu cuuveyud by Ttios. I);ivcuport, fjtlurof tbijaborc granior, 10 Atjrati.im L'jgiro::.

44^ HISTORY OF THE COUNTV' OF VTEST . ER.

The twelve lots into which the West Farms originally divided,

have been I0P.5 since distributed among numerc oprietors.

The village of West Farms is pleasantly sit _ •. _ at the head of the nangable waters of the Bronx, three miles f ,.: . :he East river, and twelve from New York. This place, from itL : t vicinity to the citv, and its valuable water privileges, is rapidly increasing in importance. It contains an Episcopal, a Dutch Reformed, a Presbyterian, and a Methodist church ; several taverns, stores of different kinds, and a post office ; also, several extensive manufactories.

Near the centre of the v-illage is situated the Episcopal church ; a beautiful Gothic structure, of wood. The bell-tower is attaclied to the north-eastern comer. Over the principal entrance, is a neat porch. The comer-stone of this editice was lajd on Tuesday, November loth, 1846, by the Rev. Hugh Smith, D.D., rector of St. Peter's church, New York ; on which occasion, an address was delivered by tlie Rev.

It contains an Episcopal, a Dutch Reformed, a Presbyterian, and a Methodist church ; several taverns, stores of different kinds, and a post office ; also, several extensive manufactories.

Near the centre of the v-illage is situated the Episcopal church ; a beautiful Gothic structure, of wood. The bell-tower is attaclied to the north-eastern comer. Over the principal entrance, is a neat porch. The comer-stone of this editice was lajd on Tuesday, November loth, 1846, by the Rev. Hugh Smith, D.D., rector of St. Peter's church, New York ; on which occasion, an address was delivered by tlie Rev. J. T. Gushing, minister in charge of the parish. Besides the officiatmg clergy, there were present, the Rev. William Powell, rector of St- Peter's church, "W^estchester, and the Rev. Robert Bolton, rector of Christ's church, Pelham.

On the 28th of June, 1847, it was consecrated and set apart to the worship and service of Almighty God, under the title of Grace church, by the Right Reverend William. Heathcote de Lancey, Bisliop of the Diocese of Western New York. The consecration sermon being preached by the Rev. Kingston Goddard, of Staten Island.

Grace church, West Farms, was incorporated upon the 13th of December, 1844. William A. Spencer and Philip M. Lydig, churchwardens; Peter Lorillard, Richard Crowther, Dr. WilUara Bayard, Charles S. Valentine, Benjamin Lea, Jacob M. Van Winkle and William B. Ploffman, vestrymen."

On June 3d, 1847, the Rev. Vv''ashington Pvodman was unanimously called to be rector of the parish. The credit of first attempting the establishmerit of an Episcopal church in this village, is due, under God, to Miss Margaret Hunt,'' a lady whose intelligent zeal, kindly sympathy and untiring benevolence, deser\'e especial mention. The work was undertaken by this lady ; and, although the number of Episcopalians in the immediate neighborhood was then comparatively small, still a considerable interest was awakened by her endeavors.

Vv''ashington Pvodman was unanimously called to be rector of the parish. The credit of first attempting the establishmerit of an Episcopal church in this village, is due, under God, to Miss Margaret Hunt,'' a lady whose intelligent zeal, kindly sympathy and untiring benevolence, deser\'e especial mention. The work was undertaken by this lady ; and, although the number of Episcopalians in the immediate neighborhood was then comparatively small, still a considerable interest was awakened by her endeavors. The amount of $2,061.00 was collected, to which the sum of $1,000.00 was added by the munificent donation of Mrs. C. L. Spencer.

a Co. R.'c. It'Jisiou'^ Soc. Lib. T?.. p. 93;

6 Duiu;ht(r of 'J h'.'iTias Hunt, rourtu in dosccnt fioiii i:.hvara Jeasup, oce of tUe flrst patentees of the \Vi'6t ir'arnii.

THE TOWN OF WEST FARMS.

A bell weighing 535 pounds has been purchased by subscriptions nxcived principally from the members of the church.

The Presbyterian church stands upon the highest ground in the village. It was incorporated, in 1S14, by the name of the "First Presbyterian Church in the village of West Farms;" Robert Givan, Caleb PelJ, Ebenczer Waterbur}', James Bathgate, James Renwick and John B. Gillespie, first trustees.* Prior to the year 1S36, it belonged to the Bedford Presbytery, but is now in connection with the second New York Presbytery. The present church edifice was erected in 181 =;.

Supply.

LIST OF PASTORS AND SUPPLIES. :> IxsTAi.L or Call.

1S15, Rev. Isaac Le-wis,

1819, Rev. Truman Osborxe,

1821, Rev. Samuel NoTT,

It was incorporated, in 1S14, by the name of the "First Presbyterian Church in the village of West Farms;" Robert Givan, Caleb PelJ, Ebenczer Waterbur}', James Bathgate, James Renwick and John B. Gillespie, first trustees.* Prior to the year 1S36, it belonged to the Bedford Presbytery, but is now in connection with the second New York Presbytery. The present church edifice was erected in 181 =;.

Supply.

LIST OF PASTORS AND SUPPLIES. :> IxsTAi.L or Call.

1S15, Rev. Isaac Le-wis,

1819, Rev. Truman Osborxe,

1821, Rev. Samuel NoTT,

1823, Rev. Joseph R. Felt,

1823, Rev. Thomas S. Wickes,

1824, Rev. Ithamee Hillsbup.y, 1824, , Rev. E. D. Wells, 182-5, Rev. Rev, J. D. Wickham, 1828, Rev. Geop.ge Stebbixs, 1S35, Rev. William Geat,

Jan. 22, 1336, Rev. M. I. Adam,

Feb. 1841, Rev. James B. Ramsey,

1846, Rev. Ohahles Moa3e,

Oct. 28, 1817, Rev. Isaac Watts Platt,

1858, Rev. George -Sixo:?,

May 2, 1876, Rev. Caksox W. Adams, D D. "

Jan. 2G, ISSO, Rev. Willard Scott, present pastor.

The Dutch Reformed church of this village was first organized in 1S39, under the pastoral charge of the late Rev. George Bourne, of New York and incorporated on the i6th of March, 1840." First elders, Thomas B-jtlcr, George Wilson, and Abijah Rogers; first deacons, James P. F>

pastor.

died, resiorned.

ten, J. G. Rowland, and Stephen Kelly. Called.

1S39,

1842,

1845.

1853,

1856,

1867,

1871,

List of Ministers. Rev. George Bourne, Rev. Barnabas V. Collins, Rkv. John Simonson, Rev. Philip Bcrchardt, Rev. PoLHEMrs Van Wyke, Rev. Evert Van Slyke, Rey. John Simonson,

The Dutch Reformed church of this village was first organized in 1S39, under the pastoral charge of the late Rev. George Bourne, of New York and incorporated on the i6th of March, 1840." First elders, Thomas B-jtlcr, George Wilson, and Abijah Rogers; first deacons, James P. F>

pastor.

died, resiorned.

ten, J. G. Rowland, and Stephen Kelly. Called.

1S39,

1842,

1845.

1853,

1856,

1867,

1871,

List of Ministers. Rev. George Bourne, Rev. Barnabas V. Collins, Rkv. John Simonson, Rev. Philip Bcrchardt, Rev. PoLHEMrs Van Wyke, Rev. Evert Van Slyke, Rey. John Simonson,

resigned 1S42.

" 1S45.

1852.

1S.=>5.

1867. 1871.

present minister.

a \ (>. Ui'c. Lib. A. l.V(.

b For HoiiiL' v, ars 'his church was associated, la the support of a iniaLster, wi:h the Prcsbytoii.in cliiircU of Now Knch. !:•>. c Co. Kec. Itflii'loud Sue. Lib, B. The llrst cUuroh cdiQco was erected in 1930.

44^ HISTORY or THE COUNTY OF W£STCHE3Ti:R.

An Episcopal Methodist Society was incorporated upon the 24th of October, 1S3 1 ; Andrew C. Wheeler, Joseph Sniith, John Y. Fay, Thomas T. riiiUips, and Thomas Bolton, trustees"

In 1S03 ihere appears to have been an academy existing here, the trustees of which were the Hon. Governeur ^Morris, Dominick Lynch, John Sloss Hobart, Abijah Hammond, James Morris, Daniel Ludlow, Isaac Clason, Israel Underhill, PhiHp I. Livingston, Robert Gilchrist, Joseph Given, Jonathan Randel, Andrew Barton, Israel Honeywell, Samuel Kelly, Robert Heaton, and WilHam H. Morris.

During the Revolutionary war, West Farms was constantly exposed to the daily forays of both armies, as they alternately held possession of the adjoining country. "On the 25th of January, 1777, (observes General Heath,) early on the morning, the enemy made a sally towards Df Lanct-ys Mills^ where tliey surprised and routed the guard, v.'Ounding several, but not killing or taking any of them ; and a regiment near that place quitted their quarters.''"

Morris.

During the Revolutionary war, West Farms was constantly exposed to the daily forays of both armies, as they alternately held possession of the adjoining country. "On the 25th of January, 1777, (observes General Heath,) early on the morning, the enemy made a sally towards Df Lanct-ys Mills^ where tliey surprised and routed the guard, v.'Ounding several, but not killing or taking any of them ; and a regiment near that place quitted their quarters.''"

The Military Blockhouse, which occupied the site of Mr. Mapes's Temperance House, v.-as destroyed by Colonel Burr, in the winter of 1779. The event is thus related by Samuel Young, in a letter to Commodore Valentine Morris : --

"Soon after Trj'on's retreat, Colonel Delancey, who commanded the British refugees, in order to secure themselves against surprise, erected a block house oa a rising ground below De Lrincey's Brid;^e. This, Colonel Burr resolved to destroy. 1 was ia that expedition, nnd recollect the circumstances.

"He procured a number of h.ind-grenades ; also, rolls of port fire, and canteen.^ filled with inflammable niaterialji, witli contrivances to attach them, to the side of the blockhouse. He set cut with his troops early in the evening, and arrived within a mile of the blockhouse by two o'clock in the morning. The Colonel gave Captain Black the command of about forty volunteers, who were first to approach; twenty of them were to carry the port fires, &c. Those who had hand-grenades, had short ladders to enable them to reach the port holes, the exact hciglit of which Colonel Burr had ascertained. Colonel Burr gave Captain Black his instructions in the hearing of his compan\-, assuring him of his protection If they were attacked h\ superior numbers ; for it was expected that the enemy, who had several thousand men at and near Kings Bridge, would endeavor to cut us off, as we were several miles below them.

Those who had hand-grenades, had short ladders to enable them to reach the port holes, the exact hciglit of which Colonel Burr had ascertained. Colonel Burr gave Captain Black his instructions in the hearing of his compan\-, assuring him of his protection If they were attacked h\ superior numbers ; for it was expected that the enemy, who had several thousand men at and near Kings Bridge, would endeavor to cut us off, as we were several miles below them. Burr directed those who carried tlie combu.'stables to march in front as silently as possible; that on being hailed, they should light the band-grenades, &c.. with a slow match provided for the purpo?.e, and throw them into the port holes. I was one of the party that advanced. The sentinel hailed and fired. We rushed on. The first hand-gren-

1 Co. Kec. Kelicrioiis Soc. T.ih. B. p. (i. An incornoratiiia of th? Metli'idist E:)!scopal churcU occnri HI l-.'.'i, ar.il a-raiii in '.Si:;--- ;?;".• Lib. H. 4•^, Til. 6 Nuw 1i!iT-,vu a-i L\ilig"3 itilL. c UeatUs' Mom. i>. 111.

THE TOVrS OF WEST FARMS.

. 'i- :!.it '.vr.s thrown in drove the enemy from the upper story; and before they ,;.! ;,iice asiv nu-uriure to defend it, the l>lf)ckhouse was on fire in se%-eral phiccs. "-..;;.■ ivw escaped, and the rest surrendered -without our having- lost a single u.s.'j. Though many shots were fired at us, we did not fire a gun."*

Ahiiougli the inhabitants appear to have suffered much during the Kovuhition, they generally continued firmly attached to the interests of \:.<.'It country. In. iJT^ occurs the following petition to tlie Hon. Pro- •.::'.cial Congress, from the subscribers, inhabitants of the Manor of Fordii.vin and Wesi Farms, in the county of Westchester, which

"-..;;.■ ivw escaped, and the rest surrendered -without our having- lost a single u.s.'j. Though many shots were fired at us, we did not fire a gun."*

Ahiiougli the inhabitants appear to have suffered much during the Kovuhition, they generally continued firmly attached to the interests of \:.<.'It country. In. iJT^ occurs the following petition to tlie Hon. Pro- •.::'.cial Congress, from the subscribers, inhabitants of the Manor of Fordii.vin and Wesi Farms, in the county of Westchester, which

'■ IT'imhly Showeth that we were summoned to appear at Westchester in oi-dcr t.) ch'iose officers, according to tlie resolution of the Congi-ess, it Laving been n'!>resented, as we understand, that there was not a competent number of men ill Dur district to form a company, we therefore beg leave to inform you tliat the .^la:lor of Fordham and the West Farms, have, in the militia, always been conf'iilered as a district by themselves ; and that within their limits there are upwards of seventy men fit to bear arms, and that an attendance at Westcliester upon the i.ieeting of the company will be attended with great inconvenience to many of the i:)lmbitants, and therefore injurious to the service intended to be advanced; from which considerations your petitioners humbly pray the Honorable Congress will be pleased to order that the xManor of Fordham and the West Farms have a company ^vith themselves, and that tliey elect their own otlicers under such, inspection as the Honorable Congress, in their -wisdom shall think best ; and your petitioners shall ever pray.

'■ IT'imhly Showeth that we were summoned to appear at Westchester in oi-dcr t.) ch'iose officers, according to tlie resolution of the Congi-ess, it Laving been n'!>resented, as we understand, that there was not a competent number of men ill Dur district to form a company, we therefore beg leave to inform you tliat the .^la:lor of Fordham and the West Farms, have, in the militia, always been conf'iilered as a district by themselves ; and that within their limits there are upwards of seventy men fit to bear arms, and that an attendance at Westcliester upon the i.ieeting of the company will be attended with great inconvenience to many of the i:)lmbitants, and therefore injurious to the service intended to be advanced; from which considerations your petitioners humbly pray the Honorable Congress will be pleased to order that the xManor of Fordham and the West Farms have a company ^vith themselves, and that tliey elect their own otlicers under such, inspection as the Honorable Congress, in their -wisdom shall think best ; and your petitioners shall ever pray.

Nicholas Berrien, Is;iac Valentine, Peter Valentine, John Stevens, Benjamin Curser, Abraham Dyckmaii. John Farmer, Benjamin Valentine, Georg'-^ Pilpet, Isaac Valentine, Jr., Peter Bussinir, Jr , Abraham \\'iison, Benjamin Curser, Jr., Hendrick Kyer, John Lent, John Kyer. Isaac Curser, Jr., Tunis I.e Jove, Philip Hunt', Stephen Emboli, Kathan'l Lawrence, Peter Devoe, James S\' ain, Na/.nrctli Iirewer, Edward Harris, Jolm Col lard, Cornelius Jacobs,

Hezekiah Ward, Tunis Garrison, Isaac Cant, Gilbert Taylor, Robert Gilmer, Benjanii'.i Archer, Jr., Daniel Devoe, Jr., John Enibrio, Sen. Jacob Lent, Abraham Lent, Dennis II yer. Jacob Valentino, Abraham Garrison, James G. Groot, Tliomas Hunt, -^ Abraham Le^rgett, William Leggett, John LoL'gett, Jr., Ilobert Hunt, Jr., _ Cornelius Leggett, Mr. Woods, John Iledger, Thomas Hedger. Stephen JCdwards, James Bock, George Higby, Jacob Hunt, --

Isaac Curser, Jr., Tunis I.e Jove, Philip Hunt', Stephen Emboli, Kathan'l Lawrence, Peter Devoe, James S\' ain, Na/.nrctli Iirewer, Edward Harris, Jolm Col lard, Cornelius Jacobs,

Hezekiah Ward, Tunis Garrison, Isaac Cant, Gilbert Taylor, Robert Gilmer, Benjanii'.i Archer, Jr., Daniel Devoe, Jr., John Enibrio, Sen. Jacob Lent, Abraham Lent, Dennis II yer. Jacob Valentino, Abraham Garrison, James G. Groot, Tliomas Hunt, -^ Abraham Le^rgett, William Leggett, John LoL'gett, Jr., Ilobert Hunt, Jr., _ Cornelius Leggett, Mr. Woods, John Iledger, Thomas Hedger. Stephen JCdwards, James Bock, George Higby, Jacob Hunt, --

Levi Hunt, Jeremiah Kequa, James McKay, Itobert Campbell, Eden Hunt,*' Isaac Hunt, -•* James Archer, Samuel Eml)rie, Jr., Jolm Enibrie, Jr., Thomas Cromwell, G. Cromwell, Obediah Hide, John Curser, Simon ^Villiams, John Kyer. Jr., Jacob Oliappel, ^ John Garrison, John Jarolis,^ Thomas Di^ghertr, John Clark, John de Noo, John Blizard, John Walliin, Jolin ^\'a^wick, Thomas Gemblc, Peter Bus.sing, Is;utc Curser.

Co;Tj^re>> WIS pleased to grant the prayer of this petition.

a Davis's Mem. of Aaron Uurr, vu!. i, IG

444 HISTORY OF THE COUNTY OF WESTCHESTER.

The road passing the village landing south leads to the Great PCar.t. ingneck, called by the Indians Quinna/uoi^, upon which are no^v many beautiful country seats. At the south-east extremity of the neck is situated////-/z/'j /'tj;/;/'. This property was formerly occupied by the Hunt family, for nearly one hundred and sixty years, having passed into their hands by the marriage of Thomas Hunt with Elizabeth Jessup, daughter of Edward Jessup, one of the first patentees. In 1688, Thomas Hunt, of the Grove farm, granted to his son, Thomas Hunt, one hundred acres, lying on the south side of Gabriel Leggett's land, bounded eastwardly and southerly by Bronck's river. The old Grange erected in 16S8, occupies a beautiful situation near the termination of the point overlooking the East river and Flushing bay.

This property was formerly occupied by the Hunt family, for nearly one hundred and sixty years, having passed into their hands by the marriage of Thomas Hunt with Elizabeth Jessup, daughter of Edward Jessup, one of the first patentees. In 1688, Thomas Hunt, of the Grove farm, granted to his son, Thomas Hunt, one hundred acres, lying on the south side of Gabriel Leggett's land, bounded eastwardly and southerly by Bronck's river. The old Grange erected in 16S8, occupies a beautiful situation near the termination of the point overlooking the East river and Flushing bay.

This place was for many years the residence of Rodman "Drake the poet, and it was here that he wTote his well known hues on the Bronx, on the neighboring banks of which he often wandered :

I sat me down upon a green bank side.

Skirting the smooth edge of a gentle river, Whose waters seemed unwillingly to glide,

Like parting friends, who linger while they sever ; Enforced to go, yet seeming still unready, Backward they wind their way in many a wistful eddy.

Gray o'er my head the yellow-vested willow

RutHed its hoary top in the fresh breezes, Glancing in light, like spray on a green billow.

Or the fine frost work which young winter freezes, When first his power in infant pastime trying, Congeals sad autunm's tears on the dead branches lyinj.

From rocks aroiuid hung the loose ivy danglin"-,

And la the clefts sumach of liveliest green, Bright rising-stars the little beach was spangling.

Like parting friends, who linger while they sever ; Enforced to go, yet seeming still unready, Backward they wind their way in many a wistful eddy.

Gray o'er my head the yellow-vested willow

RutHed its hoary top in the fresh breezes, Glancing in light, like spray on a green billow.

Or the fine frost work which young winter freezes, When first his power in infant pastime trying, Congeals sad autunm's tears on the dead branches lyinj.

From rocks aroiuid hung the loose ivy danglin"-,

And la the clefts sumach of liveliest green, Bright rising-stars the little beach was spangling.

The gold-cap sorrel from his gauzy screen, Shunc like a fairy, enchased and beaded, Left on some morn, when light flash'd in their eyes unheeded.

The hum-bird shook his sun-touched wings around.

The blue-finch carolled in the still retreat; The antic squirrel capca-d on the ground.

Where lichens made a carpet for his feet. Through the transparent waves, tlie ruddy minkle Shot up in glinmiering sparks, liis red fins tiny twinkle.

There were the dark cedars, with loose mossv tresses

White-powdcr'd d')g trees, and stiff holiies Haunting, Gaudy as rustics in their May-day dresses,

MAP OF HUNT'S POINT.

THE TO^V^' OF WEST FARMS. 445

Blue pellorets from purple leaves upslanting A modest gaze, like eyes of a j'ouag maiden Shining beneath dropp'd lids the evening of her -^s-edding.

The breeze fresh springing from the lip3 of morn, Kissiug the leaves, and sighing so to loose 'em,

The winding of the merry locust's horn. The glad spring gushing from the rock's bare bosom ;

White-powdcr'd d')g trees, and stiff holiies Haunting, Gaudy as rustics in their May-day dresses,

MAP OF HUNT'S POINT.

THE TO^V^' OF WEST FARMS. 445

Blue pellorets from purple leaves upslanting A modest gaze, like eyes of a j'ouag maiden Shining beneath dropp'd lids the evening of her -^s-edding.

The breeze fresh springing from the lip3 of morn, Kissiug the leaves, and sighing so to loose 'em,

The winding of the merry locust's horn. The glad spring gushing from the rock's bare bosom ;

Sweet sisrhs, sweet sounds, all sights, all sounds exceiiih^

Oh! 'twas a ravishing spot, form'd for a poet's dweJliag.

■ And I did leave thy loveliness, to stand

Again in the dull world of earthly blindness , Pain'd with the pressure of unfriendly hands,

Sick of smooth looks, agucd with icy kindness ; Left I for this thy shades, where none intrude, To prison wandering thought and mar sweet solitude.

Yet I will look Tipon thy face again

My own romantic Bronx, and it will be A face more pleasant than the face of men. ■

Thy waves are old companions, I shall see A well remembered form in each old tree. And hear a voice long loved in thy wild ministrelsy.

The burial place of the Hunt family, is located near the entrance of the point. The following inscriptions are copied from two of the monuments in this yard : --

In memory oe

THOMAS HUNT,

who departed this life, July 4th, 1S08, in the SOth year of his age. He possessed the cardinal virtues in an eminent degree ; he was temperate, brave, patient and just ; The solid rock shall sink beneath The iron hand of time, But virtue dwells with ImmortaUty. The other is

The burial place of the Hunt family, is located near the entrance of the point. The following inscriptions are copied from two of the monuments in this yard : --

In memory oe

THOMAS HUNT,

who departed this life, July 4th, 1S08, in the SOth year of his age. He possessed the cardinal virtues in an eminent degree ; he was temperate, brave, patient and just ; The solid rock shall sink beneath The iron hand of time, But virtue dwells with ImmortaUty. The other is

^^v

Sacked

cf

to the memory

of

■^ V

JOSEPH RODMAN DRAKE,

M.D. .,/ vv. r

who died September 21st, 1825,

}'■ •■■\.'"'v^'-

aged 25 years. o

c,-^ ■;-:>,

x,

a The wife of R. W. Glldor, assistant eilitor of Scrif)ner's, is thp graml-danfrfttcr of Joseph

"r. Iirako, author of the '• culprit ' iiiiil Hit' " Ainnricau Flay," wfio iliod over lifiy years ajjo, at tu> n;.'i.- Oi !wi.'iitv-;ive, ixit'.i th^; n-puidtion of otio of tUe most gifted of Americuu iioL'ts. lie haa bai'^uae clii'iil.'th',' motUcr of Mis. *..uaoi-.

'\-'fi

inSTORY OF THE COUNTY OT \VESTCHESTER.

, PEDIGRKF. UF jLEGETT, OF WEST FARMS. Arms : -- Az. on a hend ar. tbreu human lioarts gu. '3ii a chief of the second, as- many martlets sa. Crest. -- A mermaid. ppr._

GabrMLe?sett, mar. ICIti; t ,1U_ Elizabeth Rieianlaon, ila. ct John RicharJson, tlatmJlGili April. Ufil | one of the first patentuea of West Farms.

I.John Leg^ott. proprietor„Cliice!j of the Planting Neck, ] nat. 1077.

Iirako, author of the '• culprit ' iiiiil Hit' " Ainnricau Flay," wfio iliod over lifiy years ajjo, at tu> n;.'i.- Oi !wi.'iitv-;ive, ixit'.i th^; n-puidtion of otio of tUe most gifted of Americuu iioL'ts. lie haa bai'^uae clii'iil.'th',' motUcr of Mis. *..uaoi-.

'\-'fi

inSTORY OF THE COUNTY OT \VESTCHESTER.

, PEDIGRKF. UF jLEGETT, OF WEST FARMS. Arms : -- Az. on a hend ar. tbreu human lioarts gu. '3ii a chief of the second, as- many martlets sa. Crest. -- A mermaid. ppr._

GabrMLe?sett, mar. ICIti; t ,1U_ Elizabeth Rieianlaon, ila. ct John RicharJson, tlatmJlGili April. Ufil | one of the first patentuea of West Farms.

I.John Leg^ott. proprietor„Cliice!j of the Planting Neck, ] nat. 1077.

W iHlain, nat. S.>pt. l.^l.Sarah. MartS.i

lij'.il; will Jatf.I I a.-Abisail, 1702; Mavor<.f the Julys, 1 iorousli of W^.-it,- 1 7-s, Ob. ch'jstLT, A.D. 173J. Jane2, 1S13.

Mary Sarah Alice Elizabeth

John, nat.- t'eb. 4, 1733.

Pleasant, nat. ilar. '28, 1715

Thonia.", nat._ifary Halght, ob. i;5o, Ob. •; Oct. lu, it>ii.5. Oct. 10, ■i.Jkuy UuJer-

13-13 I hUl. ■

Wil- Abra-_l.Rcbecca liam ham 1 ilortian

2 Catharine I Wyly

Elizabill

uat. ns'J, I ChUds, Jan. 14, I'raser n.it. Aul Ob. .June ob. Dec. 1720 17,17251

" " " |_15, 1312 I

William, nat Aug. 4, 1749, ob. .-".pr. 29, lS2Si

I I Isaac William

Mil

a ■-3 ii O :

KeW York, I 2.E. Morgan

Ezekiel„ Johii.__, I I

20 O P N

>-i^ F

William IT. of_ Margaret Thomas^l. Anne Kob'.'rc James Char^WilUan

Wil- Abra-_l.Rcbecca liam ham 1 ilortian

2 Catharine I Wyly

Elizabill

uat. ns'J, I ChUds, Jan. 14, I'raser n.it. Aul Ob. .June ob. Dec. 1720 17,17251

" " " |_15, 1312 I

William, nat Aug. 4, 1749, ob. .-".pr. 29, lS2Si

I I Isaac William

Mil

a ■-3 ii O :

KeW York, I 2.E. Morgan

Ezekiel„ Johii.__, I I

20 O P N

>-i^ F

William IT. of_ Margaret Thomas^l. Anne Kob'.'rc James Char^WilUan

Kosibank,

West

Farms

I II I

g a s 2

J. I 1 J J. i

1 Farrinarton. nat. '21 ob. ISOO lotte | -2. Patience Jnn;, I Haydock 1797, ob.lS02

I " I r

>- C Cft

I I. I

I I I Sarah Louisa Charlotte

Augustus ^.Eliza yeamau Sanivei ?i[.^.ruaii Crjles Edward _Susan Poit Thomas B. ,,Sarah lluggins

Mortimer. Porclval William Margaret Emma A*i\lt!-

John ■fl

\Vi!lia.u P GeorRj B

O-cur Coles

nani^^c^ /9_

44^ HISTORY OF THE COUNTY OS V>'ESTCHESTER.

Fitz Greene Halleck's pathetic lines on the death of his companion, will not be considered inappropriate here, especially as the last two c-f the first stanza are engraved upon this tombstone : --

Greene be the turf above thee, Friend of my better day ! None knew thee but to love thee, Nor named thee but to praise.

Tears fell when thou wert dying, From eyes unused to weep ; And long, where thou art lying, Will tears the cold turf sleep.

"When hearts whose truth was proven, Like tiiine, are laid in earth, '■ Then should a wreath be woven

Fitz Greene Halleck's pathetic lines on the death of his companion, will not be considered inappropriate here, especially as the last two c-f the first stanza are engraved upon this tombstone : --

Greene be the turf above thee, Friend of my better day ! None knew thee but to love thee, Nor named thee but to praise.

Tears fell when thou wert dying, From eyes unused to weep ; And long, where thou art lying, Will tears the cold turf sleep.

"When hearts whose truth was proven, Like tiiine, are laid in earth, '■ Then should a wreath be woven

To tell the world their worth.

And I, who wake each morrow To clasp tliy hand in mine, Who shared thy joy and sorrow. Whose weal and wo were thine. --

It should be mine to braid it Around thy faded brow ; But I've in Yai)i essayed it. And feel I cannot now.

While memory bids me weep thee, Nor thouglits nor words are free, The grief is fixed too deeply That mourns a man like thee.

Upon JVaddingion Point, the south-west projection of the PLzniing Neck, is situated Blythe place-- formerly belonging to Francis Barretto, Esq. The house is a handsome edihce of stone. The grounds are richly wooded, and the views of the river extensive, and singularly beautiful. Mr. Barretto for many years represented this county in Assembly. In the immediate \icinity of Blythe place stood the residence* of the late Thomas Leggett, whose ancestors had been resident proprietors of the great Planting Neck, since the year 1690, if not before.

Upon JVaddingion Point, the south-west projection of the PLzniing Neck, is situated Blythe place-- formerly belonging to Francis Barretto, Esq. The house is a handsome edihce of stone. The grounds are richly wooded, and the views of the river extensive, and singularly beautiful. Mr. Barretto for many years represented this county in Assembly. In the immediate \icinity of Blythe place stood the residence* of the late Thomas Leggett, whose ancestors had been resident proprietors of the great Planting Neck, since the year 1690, if not before.

The Leggett family were formerly seated in Essex County, England, and probably dciicend from Helmingius Legat, high sheriff of that county, in 1.104. As early as 1661, Gabriel Leggett emigrated to this country; and in right of his \\'ife.Ehzalieth Richardson, daughter and

a Tliis tuuse occiiijiea the site of the old Lcg^jett homesteaJ.

THE TOWN- OF Vy-EST FARMS. 447

fohcircss cf John Richardson, (one of the joint patentees,) became pos- M-'.-vScd of a large portion of the Neck. Ey liis last \dll dated

" lGt!i of April, 1676, Gabriel Leggett of the Wast Farms, bequeathed to his wife* Kiizabcth, all his household goods, &c., &c. To his sou John, all his house iu;ii out-houses, orchard, land and the meadows in the Planting Xeck. and the tntndow, ice, also that messuage and tenement Avhich Thomas Williau;s dwells u'v-a, and was formerly my father-in-law's, John Richardson, his uow dwelling h'ju.-e, and orchard aud out houses with the land and meadow which I bo;i:::ht (jf John Ferguson, Sen., and Robert Manning, together with fifty acres of wood lind, lying within the bounds of the patent of West Farms, &c. ' I say to my fi)n Thomas,' to bis sou "William one hundred acres of woodland, and five acres of meadow, lyiJig behind the field, within the bounds of the patents of West Farms together with all the undivided meadow, as also my house and house lot, with an orchard thereon, Ijing in the town of Westclicster.

To his sou John, all his house iu;ii out-houses, orchard, land and the meadows in the Planting Xeck. and the tntndow, ice, also that messuage and tenement Avhich Thomas Williau;s dwells u'v-a, and was formerly my father-in-law's, John Richardson, his uow dwelling h'ju.-e, and orchard aud out houses with the land and meadow which I bo;i:::ht (jf John Ferguson, Sen., and Robert Manning, together with fifty acres of wood lind, lying within the bounds of the patent of West Farms, &c. ' I say to my fi)n Thomas,' to bis sou "William one hundred acres of woodland, and five acres of meadow, lyiJig behind the field, within the bounds of the patents of West Farms together with all the undivided meadow, as also my house and house lot, with an orchard thereon, Ijing in the town of Westclicster. To liis dauc:hter Martha, he bequeathed his little colored boy; to his daughters Mary, Sarah, Alice and Elizabeth, twenty pounds each."ii

John Leggett, the eldest son of the above testator, was the great grand-father of the late Thomas Leggett. The following incidents are related of ]Mr. Leggett, whose activity, energy and fearlessness of character are well known.

While a youth, at the commencement of the revolutionary war, he was li\'ing with his father on the farm adjoining Morrisauia. All he possessed at this time was a very fine young mare, the gift of his parent. Prior to Colonel De Lance/s taking possession of his father's house, a party of British refugees took, with other property, his favorite animal, whilst he, being unarmed, could only bluster and threaten. He refused, however, to leave them, and actually accompanied tlie robbers two miles on their route to head-quarters. As the party were passing tlie soot which now makes the southern entrance to West P'arms, two Continen-, tal soldiers rose up from behind a stone wall and fired.

Prior to Colonel De Lance/s taking possession of his father's house, a party of British refugees took, with other property, his favorite animal, whilst he, being unarmed, could only bluster and threaten. He refused, however, to leave them, and actually accompanied tlie robbers two miles on their route to head-quarters. As the party were passing tlie soot which now makes the southern entrance to West P'arms, two Continen-, tal soldiers rose up from behind a stone wall and fired. The man leading the mare was shot, and fell ; the mare turned round and ran homewards, to the great delight of the owner, who immediately followed. Soon after this event the family, driven from home, were compelled to seek shelter elsewhere. Mr. Leggett and his two brothers went to Saratoga; here they cleared a small piece of land, erected a log house, and prepared to spend the winter. But on the aj^proach of Burgoyne, they were taken prisoners by the Indian allies. His two brothers were cari-ied to Fort Edward by the Indians, whilst he himself v.as conveyed to Burgoyne's camp. Here he fell in with a neighbor named Concklin, who, after a fortnight's detention, forged a pass for both. By this m.eans

a Sum. gate's uiil'-?, .S, Y. Lib. ii. 24.

448 HISTORY OF THE COUNTY OF W-ESTCHESTER.

the sentinels were deceived. Our heroes swam the north river, (it was the early part of October,) and ran all that night. The next day thry concealed themselves in the woods, and the following night kept on their way, avoiding all habitations of note. Not kno',nng the state of parties in the country', they skulked from one place to another until thcv reached Dutchess county, where ConckHn was known. Here, they rested themselves and obtained food. Soon after the treaty of peace, Mr.

Our heroes swam the north river, (it was the early part of October,) and ran all that night. The next day thry concealed themselves in the woods, and the following night kept on their way, avoiding all habitations of note. Not kno',nng the state of parties in the country', they skulked from one place to another until thcv reached Dutchess county, where ConckHn was known. Here, they rested themselves and obtained food. Soon after the treaty of peace, Mr. Leggett removed to New York. He died October loth, 1S43. His children were Samuel, Joseph, Willam H. and Thomas, besides several daughters.

Opposite the residence of the late Edward G. Faile, Esq., on this neck, a rural lane led south-west to Morrisania. It was called La- Fayette's Lane, to commemorate the journey of that General, who passed through it on his way to Boston.

On the west side of the Planting Neck lies the debatable territory already alluded to.

In 1740 Lewis Morris and Isabella, his wife, conveyed to James Graham, father of the latter, the following leasehold property : --

"All ihat certain tract of land being part of the manor of ^rorrisania, situate lying and being in the county of Westchester, in the Province of New York afoicsaid, beginning at the mouth of a small brook or run of water commonly called or known by the name of 'SViQiram Brook, but by some falsely called Sackicrahung : it being the first brook to the westward of an isthmus or neck of land known by the name JeafferoCs Neck, and from the mouth of the said brook, where it falls into the salt water, running as the said brook runs to the head thereof, which being measured in a straight Ime north eight degrees thirty minutes more easterly, is forty and three chains running cast, thirty-four degrees northerly to Bound Brook; thence down the said i?(/w?i(^ i?r.;)oi, as it runs to the mouth thereof, w-here it falls in a salt-water creek that runs by the house of Gabriel Leirgett ; then along the said creek as it runs into the Sound to tlic eastward of the said JeafftrcCs Neck; then along the Sound to the mouth of a salt creek that runs up to Wigwam Brook; thence along up the said salt creek as it runs to the mouth of Vi'igicam Brook, whence it first began, including the said Jearrerd's Neck, with the hammock, meadows and marshes thereunto adjoining and belonging, being bounded to the westward by the said Wigicam Brook and the salt creek before mentioned that runs up to it to the northward, prjtlyby the lands of iTorrisania and the salt creek that runs by the house of the said Leggett to the eastward, partly by the said Bound Crctk, and partly the salt creek aforesaid that runs by the house of Leggett, and to the southward by the Pound that divides Long Island, or the Island of Nassau, from Connecticut, etc. • the grantee paying therefore yearly, on the 25th of March, six e<irs of Indian corn, &c."

"All ihat certain tract of land being part of the manor of ^rorrisania, situate lying and being in the county of Westchester, in the Province of New York afoicsaid, beginning at the mouth of a small brook or run of water commonly called or known by the name of 'SViQiram Brook, but by some falsely called Sackicrahung : it being the first brook to the westward of an isthmus or neck of land known by the name JeafferoCs Neck, and from the mouth of the said brook, where it falls into the salt water, running as the said brook runs to the head thereof, which being measured in a straight Ime north eight degrees thirty minutes more easterly, is forty and three chains running cast, thirty-four degrees northerly to Bound Brook; thence down the said i?(/w?i(^ i?r.;)oi, as it runs to the mouth thereof, w-here it falls in a salt-water creek that runs by the house of Gabriel Leirgett ; then along the said creek as it runs into the Sound to tlic eastward of the said JeafftrcCs Neck; then along the Sound to the mouth of a salt creek that runs up to Wigwam Brook; thence along up the said salt creek as it runs to the mouth of Vi'igicam Brook, whence it first began, including the said Jearrerd's Neck, with the hammock, meadows and marshes thereunto adjoining and belonging, being bounded to the westward by the said Wigicam Brook and the salt creek before mentioned that runs up to it to the northward, prjtlyby the lands of iTorrisania and the salt creek that runs by the house of the said Leggett to the eastward, partly by the said Bound Crctk, and partly the salt creek aforesaid that runs by the house of Leggett, and to the southward by the Pound that divides Long Island, or the Island of Nassau, from Connecticut, etc. • the grantee paying therefore yearly, on the 25th of March, six e<irs of Indian corn, &c."

James Graham was an alderman of New York in t6So and 16S1. Li

THE TOWN OF WEST FARMS. 449

if'.Sj he was appointed Recorder, and was the first who held that office. Ho afterwards was appointed Attorney Gentral of this province. His si;bse<iucnt career in public life was of the most prominent character, haung filled several high Legislative stations in this city and Province. He removed in the later years of his life to the estate of Mr. Morris at Morrisania which he took on lease and where he dispensed his hospitalities on a magnificant scale. He died in the year 1701, leaving sLx children, by his wife Elizabeth Windebane, of New York."

From Austin Graham this property passed to the Leggetts, who have sold various portions to Mr. Dater, Mr. Dennison and others.

Rose Bank, the charming seat of Mr. William H. Leggett, is situated near the entrance o\ frffc'riTs Nack^ on the banks of the East River, the waters of which appear spread out into a vast lake.

The view in front of the house embraces Riker's Island, the Two Brothers, (called in the Dutch " Gesellen") the entrance of the Gate, and the distant shores of New York city, &:c.' In the Graliam mansion, which formerly stood on the site of Mr. Leggett's farm house, Major Bearmore, a British officer, was surprised by Colonel Armand of the French cavalry. " November 7th, 1779, (says General Heath,) at night, Colonel Armand proceeded with his corps from near Tarrytown to the vicinity of Morrisania, to the house of Alderman Leggett, where he sur-. prised and took Major Bearmore and five other prisoners. The secresy, precaution, gallantry and discipline exhibited by the colonel and his corps on this occasion did them much honor. In the capture of Major Bearmore, the inhabitants of the adjacent country were relieved from the frequent excursions of a troublesome officer." The destruction of the old house took place under the following circumstances : Col.

" November 7th, 1779, (says General Heath,) at night, Colonel Armand proceeded with his corps from near Tarrytown to the vicinity of Morrisania, to the house of Alderman Leggett, where he sur-. prised and took Major Bearmore and five other prisoners. The secresy, precaution, gallantry and discipline exhibited by the colonel and his corps on this occasion did them much honor. In the capture of Major Bearmore, the inhabitants of the adjacent country were relieved from the frequent excursions of a troublesome officer." The destruction of the old house took place under the following circumstances : Col. Fowler, of the British army, who Had dispossessed the Graham famil)-, and made it his own quarters, invited all the officers and gentry in the neighborhood to dine with him, preparatory to his change of quarters. The company were assembled, and all seemed gay and happy. The more youthful of both sexes were wandering about the lawn, enjopng the beaut>' of the prospect, when a servant, (one of Mr. Graham's slaves,) announced the important fact, " Dinner is on the table." All turned their faces to the banqueting room, but before any one entered the door, there was a cry of fire heard. Col. Fowler seemed to think the dinner was more important than the building; he ordered everything removed from the table, the gentlemen assisting, and in a few minutes the table and contents were removed to the. shade of a large willow, where all seated them-

. _ , J ,.-;

Graham's slaves,) announced the important fact, " Dinner is on the table." All turned their faces to the banqueting room, but before any one entered the door, there was a cry of fire heard. Col. Fowler seemed to think the dinner was more important than the building; he ordered everything removed from the table, the gentlemen assisting, and in a few minutes the table and contents were removed to the. shade of a large willow, where all seated them-

. _ , J ,.-;

a On til',' i^th of Ju'.v. I'xS.i, a liceiisa of marriage was issued of the Prov. Sec. Office. X. V. lor.rames C.-ah.un a-i 1 Fi£i!>;-!:i u in icii.mk. .-<. V. ('.>!. MS - , \\^:^U, lurt ii., p. ■.', arms uf Wlmli Ij.iiikc ;li Jiiie'.s Co. U ;;ts; az ;i cilfV butvs-. 3 laicoud volaac or.

450 HISTORY OF THE COUNTY OF WESTCHESTER.

selves, and appeared to enjoy the meal and the burning. The house •was utterly consumed, with the contents, before the company separated. No effort was made to save an article not required for the better enjoyment of their meal. The same evening Col. Fowler conducted a marauding party into the vicinity of Eastchester, where he was attacked and fell mortally wounded. Being brought back to the house of Cornelius Van Ranc, overseer of Mr. Graham's farm, he expired that night.

James Graham was a native of Scotland, and is found a resident merchant of the city of New York, as early as July, 1678; and a few years later, proprietor of lands in Ulster County, Staten Island, and in New Jersey. He succeeded Mr. Budyard as Attorney General of the Province of New York on the loth of December, 1685, and was sworn of the Council on the 8th of October, 16S7. " When the government of New England and New York were consolidated by James II., Mr.

James Graham was a native of Scotland, and is found a resident merchant of the city of New York, as early as July, 1678; and a few years later, proprietor of lands in Ulster County, Staten Island, and in New Jersey. He succeeded Mr. Budyard as Attorney General of the Province of New York on the loth of December, 1685, and was sworn of the Council on the 8th of October, 16S7. " When the government of New England and New York were consolidated by James II., Mr. Graham removed to Boston as Attorney-General to Andros, the odium of whose government he shared, and in whose do'.vn-fall he was committed to the Castle. He returned to New York in 1691, where his enemies assert that he insinuated himself into the confidence of Leisler and his friends, so as to procure their interest to be chosen member of the Assembly, of which he was afterwards elected speaker. He became, soon after, the mortal enemy of Leisler and Milbome, of whose murder he is charged, by his adversaries, vi-ith being tlie principal author. Thomas Newton, Houghten's Attorney-General, having left the Province in April, 1691, dLsapproving, probably, of the harsh measures of the government toward the State prisoners, George Farewell was appointed to act in his place ; but this appointment not being satisfactory to the Assembly, Mr. Graham became again Attorney-Gen ersl in the follo;^-ing ISTay. He was about nine years speaker of the Assembly, i.e. from 1691-1694, 1695- 1698, and a part of 1699, when the friends of Leisler being in a majority, the House voted a bill of Indictment, in the shape of a Remonstrance against their opponents, and had the cruelty to request their speaker to sign it. To enable him to avoid this unpleasant duty, Mr. Graham was called to the Council in, 1699.

Graham became again Attorney-Gen ersl in the follo;^-ing ISTay. He was about nine years speaker of the Assembly, i.e. from 1691-1694, 1695- 1698, and a part of 1699, when the friends of Leisler being in a majority, the House voted a bill of Indictment, in the shape of a Remonstrance against their opponents, and had the cruelty to request their speaker to sign it. To enable him to avoid this unpleasant duty, Mr. Graham was called to the Council in, 1699. His pubHc career may be said to have now closed. He appears to have attended the Council for the last time, on the 29th of July, 1700. He was superseded in October, of that year, as Recorder of the city of New York, after having filled that office from 1683, with an interruption of otily two years, and was deprived of his office of .A.ttorney-General on the 21st of January, 1701, but a few days before his death, which occurred at his residence atMorrisania. His will bears date 12th of January 1700, and is on record in the Surrogate's Office, New York, Lib. ii., 95. He left all his property,

THE TOWxV OF ■SV'EST FARMS. 45 1

share and share ah'ke, to his children -- Augustine, Surveyor-General of the Province, Isabella, wife of Lewis Morris, Esq.; Mary, Sarah, Margaret and John. The other members of the family consisted, in 1698,- of one overseer, two white servants, and thirty-three slaves."'*

MANOR OF MORRISANIA.

This Manor, formerly annexed in 1791 to the ancient Borough to^vn of Westchester was, by an act of the Legislature, in 1783, added to New York county. Its name is derived from the Morris family, the first mesne Lords and patentees under the crown; the termination ^^ ania" being in general use in the latter part of the seventeenth century.

The other members of the family consisted, in 1698,- of one overseer, two white servants, and thirty-three slaves."'*

MANOR OF MORRISANIA.

This Manor, formerly annexed in 1791 to the ancient Borough to^vn of Westchester was, by an act of the Legislature, in 1783, added to New York county. Its name is derived from the Morris family, the first mesne Lords and patentees under the crown; the termination ^^ ania" being in general use in the latter part of the seventeenth century. At the period of the Dutch discovery, it was styled by the aborigines Ranachque, or Raraque, an appellation which doubtless refers to some object peculiar to its geographical locality. The Indians appear to have resided principally on the shores of the East and Harlem River. Of this the extensive " shell beds," which are still to be seen, aftorded conclusive e\-idence. "Within a few years several Indian tumuli have been accidentally opened in the vicinity of Govemeur ISIorris's residence, and found to contain large sized skeletons of the Aborigines. The first grantee under the ^Vlohegan sachems of Ranachque, Shahash, Panazarah, Wanacapun, Kneed, Taquamarke and Awarazaws, was Jonas Bronck ; who

in 1639, purchased of them two hundred and fifty morgen of land

about five hundred acres, for which he subsequently obtained a " Grond Brief" from the Dutch authorities,*

In 1639 we find the patroon oi Bronck' s /and leasing a portion of his territory,- in the foUov.'ing manner : --

"Appeared before mc, Cornelius Yau Tienhoven, Secretary in Xevr Netherland, in presence of the undersigned witnesses-- Mr. Jonas Bronck from one side and Peter Andriessen auil Lourent Dayts from the other, who agreed tO'-'^ether amicably in the follovring manner : Said Mr. Bronck shall show to tlie persons aforesaid a certain lot of land, of wliich he is proprietor, and v.hich is situated opposite the river and the plain of Mauliattan ; in which lot aforesaid they may cultivate tobacco and maize, upon the express condition that they shall clear and cultivate, every two years, a fresh spot for the raising their tobacco and maize,

Jonas Bronck from one side and Peter Andriessen auil Lourent Dayts from the other, who agreed tO'-'^ether amicably in the follovring manner : Said Mr. Bronck shall show to tlie persons aforesaid a certain lot of land, of wliich he is proprietor, and v.hich is situated opposite the river and the plain of Mauliattan ; in which lot aforesaid they may cultivate tobacco and maize, upon the express condition that they shall clear and cultivate, every two years, a fresh spot for the raising their tobacco and maize,

a Docnraents relating to the Col. ni3t. of tbe State of X. Y., vol. iv., p 847, edited by E B 0'Calla!{h.iu, M.D. ■' •

b Soe Col. Morris's conDrmatiori of Bronck's purchase. '■ The land of Lronclv was c'°arcd nudtT a Kluilof co-onerdTiw syscem which bfuoiUied the hardy wood-^mau as well as \ho pn terpri-i!!!; proprieto;-. A.-i hi.^ a.xcf fellvd the tree.s and hLs cleaniics >ifldf-'d niaiz^ he made both of them utUo for ni'jii by advaucinj? still further into the wiide'-pr.-q siid bi'ildiuir uiills on the Rron.K. U^ name now por[)etiiated his memory. In the Indian raids of Im:\ hi.s s.-ttle m •ut.^ were d.'sol.itt-d."-- N-.A" loriv in the Olden Times, bw J. Udrui'.z ijacoii, \u. S Bcvoud Ihi- Uarlem.-- .b'Nu fay Tzmfs-. -

452 HISTORY OF THE COUNTY OF WESTCHESTER.

and then the spot which they cultivated before shall return again to Mr. Eronck aforesaid, to dispose of according to pleasure ; they shall be further obliged to rt'- turu the field that they again surrender, that it is iu proper order to be pkjughed, and sowed with grain; this lot of ground they shall have the use during three years, for which Mr. Bronck shall have no other claim than that the land siiall have been cleared and brought into a proper manner of cultivation by the diligence of Peter Andriessen and Lourent Dayts, who from their side shall be holdcu to accomplish their task. 2ist July, 1639.

Eronck aforesaid, to dispose of according to pleasure ; they shall be further obliged to rt'- turu the field that they again surrender, that it is iu proper order to be pkjughed, and sowed with grain; this lot of ground they shall have the use during three years, for which Mr. Bronck shall have no other claim than that the land siiall have been cleared and brought into a proper manner of cultivation by the diligence of Peter Andriessen and Lourent Dayts, who from their side shall be holdcu to accomplish their task. 2ist July, 1639. MAUNT JAXSSEX, witness. "a

We find Jonas Bronck again leasing land on the 15th of August, 1639, to Cornelius Jacobsen Stoll and John Jacobsen.''

Jonas Bronck must have died sometime prior to the year 1643, for we find his ^^'idow■, Antonia Slaghboom, at that date married to Arendt van Curler. His descendants are said to be still numerous in the vicinity of Co-xsackie, Green County, and Coeymans, Albany County, New York.

'•' His v\-idow, Antonia Slaghboom, married Arent Van Corlaer, whose name became wath the Indians the representative of justice and goodwill; and their amity for 'Corlear' embraced all the Dutch, to whom they gave his name, ' Bronck's, his land.' ""

By the marriage of Antonia Slaghboom, Bro?ick's /and passed into the Van Curler family. In a letter to the patroon Van Reassalaer, dated, "The Manhattans, this i6th of June, 1643," Van Curler says: --

" I am at present betrothed to the widow of the late Mr. Jonas Bronck. May the good God vouchsafe to bless me in my undertaking, and pleased to grant that it might conduce to His honor and to our mutual salvation. Amen."'^

By the marriage of Antonia Slaghboom, Bro?ick's /and passed into the Van Curler family. In a letter to the patroon Van Reassalaer, dated, "The Manhattans, this i6th of June, 1643," Van Curler says: --

" I am at present betrothed to the widow of the late Mr. Jonas Bronck. May the good God vouchsafe to bless me in my undertaking, and pleased to grant that it might conduce to His honor and to our mutual salvation. Amen."'^

On the 30th of October, 1644, Van Curler obtained a "grond brief" for Bronck's land from William Kieft, Director General. I cannot forbear quoting an interesting sketch of this distinguished indi\idual by E. B. O'Callaghan, historian of the Nev,- Netherlands : --

" Arendt Van Curler was one of those characters who descr\-e to live in histor)'. His influence among the Indians was unlimited, and in honor of his memory tliese tribes addressed all succeeding governors of New York by the name of 'Corlear.' He possessed feelings of the purest humanity, and actively exerted his influence in rescuing from the savages such Christians as had the misfortune to fall into their hands, of whose danger he might recei\-e timely notice. On his marriage with Antonia Slaghboom, the widow of Jonas Bronck, he \-isited Holland, and on his return moved to the Flatts abo\e Albany, where he had a farm. He was proprietor of a brewery in Beverwyck, iu 1661. Being a cousin

a h\h. K(?<-..

6 .Mb. Kec.

c N'MV York In th- Olden Time, bv J. Barnltz iixcoa.--Stinday Times.

His influence among the Indians was unlimited, and in honor of his memory tliese tribes addressed all succeeding governors of New York by the name of 'Corlear.' He possessed feelings of the purest humanity, and actively exerted his influence in rescuing from the savages such Christians as had the misfortune to fall into their hands, of whose danger he might recei\-e timely notice. On his marriage with Antonia Slaghboom, the widow of Jonas Bronck, he \-isited Holland, and on his return moved to the Flatts abo\e Albany, where he had a farm. He was proprietor of a brewery in Beverwyck, iu 1661. Being a cousin

a h\h. K(?<-..

6 .Mb. Kec.

c N'MV York In th- Olden Time, bv J. Barnltz iixcoa.--Stinday Times.

d OCa!l;it:fiaa'3 iJiat. >'. Y., i(A.

THE TOWN OF WEST FARMS. 453

of the Van Rensselaers, he had considerable influence in the colony, where he was a magistrate to the time of his decease. He was one of tlie leaders in the settlement of Schenectad}', in 1661-62, and in the surrender of New Netherlands was especially sent for by Governor NicoU to be consulted on Indian affairs and the interests of the country generally

" He was highly respected by the governors of Canada, and the regard entertained for him by Monsieur de Tracy, viceroy of that country, \ull be best judged of by the following extract of a letter which that high personage addressed him, dated Quebec, 30th April, 1667 : --

" ' If vou find it agreeable to come hither this summer, as j'ouhave caused me to hope, you will bo most welcom?, and entertained to the utmost of my ability ; as I have great esteem for you, though I have not a personal acquaintance with you. Believe this truth, aud that I am, sir, your affectionate and assured servant,

" He was highly respected by the governors of Canada, and the regard entertained for him by Monsieur de Tracy, viceroy of that country, \ull be best judged of by the following extract of a letter which that high personage addressed him, dated Quebec, 30th April, 1667 : --

" ' If vou find it agreeable to come hither this summer, as j'ouhave caused me to hope, you will bo most welcom?, and entertained to the utmost of my ability ; as I have great esteem for you, though I have not a personal acquaintance with you. Believe this truth, aud that I am, sir, your affectionate and assured servant,

' Traoy.'

" Ha\'ing accepted this invitation, Mr. Van Curler prepared for his jomney. Gov. NicoU furnislied him with a letter to the viceroy. It bears date May 20th, 1667, and states that ' Mons'r Curler hath been importuned by divers of his friends at Quebec to give them a visit ; and being ambitious to kiss your hands, he hath entreated my pass and liberty to conduct a young gentleman, INIr. Fontaine, who unfortunately fell into the barbarous hands of his enemies, and by means of Mons'r Curler obtained his liberty' On the 4th July following, Jeremias Van Rensselaer wTiting to Holland, announces that ' our cousin Arendt Van Curler proceeds o\"erland to Canada, having obtained leave from our General, and been invited thither by the viceroy, M. de Tracy. In an e\il hour he embarked on board a frail canoe to cross Lake Champlain, and having been overtaken by a stonu was drowned, I believe, near Split Rock. In his death this countr)' experienced a public loss, and the French of Canada a warm and efficient friend.' "»

Fontaine, who unfortunately fell into the barbarous hands of his enemies, and by means of Mons'r Curler obtained his liberty' On the 4th July following, Jeremias Van Rensselaer wTiting to Holland, announces that ' our cousin Arendt Van Curler proceeds o\"erland to Canada, having obtained leave from our General, and been invited thither by the viceroy, M. de Tracy. In an e\il hour he embarked on board a frail canoe to cross Lake Champlain, and having been overtaken by a stonu was drowned, I believe, near Split Rock. In his death this countr)' experienced a public loss, and the French of Canada a warm and efficient friend.' "»

Upon the 15th of January, A.D. 1676, the following letters of administration were granted unto Mr. WiUiam Beeckman of the estate of Ju'ffrour' Slaghboom.

^'■Edmund Andross, Esq., dx. : --

" Whereas Juffrou Ar.tonia Slaghboom, the widow and relict of Monsieur Axeudt vau Curler, late of Schauccktade near Albany, is laiely dead, and in her last will and testament did nominate and appoint William Beeckman, Sen., of this city, to be her executor, and the said William Beeckman having made applicatiou unto me for letters of administration upon the estate of the deceased," &c.,&c.«

On the loth of July, 165 1, sixteen years prior to his death, Arendt

a O'Cilia^'hau-s Hist. N. ?T. Si:-3.

b A Jillo (li di,-rinc:ion f'lr :i ludv- among the Dutch.

c Surroijate's onict;, N. Y,, liCi.

454 HisTORV or the county of Westchester.

van Corlear, transported Broncks' land to Jacob van Stoll, from -vvhom it passed through several proprietors to Herman Smeeman.

" Whereas Juffrou Ar.tonia Slaghboom, the widow and relict of Monsieur Axeudt vau Curler, late of Schauccktade near Albany, is laiely dead, and in her last will and testament did nominate and appoint William Beeckman, Sen., of this city, to be her executor, and the said William Beeckman having made applicatiou unto me for letters of administration upon the estate of the deceased," &c.,&c.«

On the loth of July, 165 1, sixteen years prior to his death, Arendt

a O'Cilia^'hau-s Hist. N. ?T. Si:-3.

b A Jillo (li di,-rinc:ion f'lr :i ludv- among the Dutch.

c Surroijate's onict;, N. Y,, liCi.

454 HisTORV or the county of Westchester.

van Corlear, transported Broncks' land to Jacob van Stoll, from -vvhom it passed through several proprietors to Herman Smeeman.

"2"2d of Oct., 1C64. -- Herman Smeeman of Comoonepau on the niame, solil to Samuel Ediall all that certaiu tract of land situated on the East river through Hell-gate, commonly called Broncks' land, containiug_500 acres."

This sale was confirmed to Edsall by royal patent the same year.

NICOLLS' PATENT FOR BRONCK'S LAND.

Richard Nicolls, Esq., governor-general under his royal highness, James, Duke of York and Albany, of all his territories in America, To all to whom these presents shall come, sendeth greeting. Whereas there was a patent or ground br'uj heretofore granted hy the Dutch Gov. YVOl'm Kief t, unto Arent van Curler for a certaiue tract or parcel of land formerly in the tenure or occupation of Jonas Broncks, commonly called by the Indians by the name of Eanachque, and by the English. Broncks' land, lying and being on the maine to the east and over against Harlem town, having a certain small creek or kill which runs between the north-west part of it and Little Barnes Island, near Hell-gate, and so goes into the East River and a greater creek or river which divides it from JIanhattoes Islands, containing about 500 acres or 250 margon of land, anil including all the push thereunto annexed or adjoining, which said patent or ground brief so granted as aforesaid, bearing date the 20;!^ day of Oct. lG4-i, was by the said Arent van Curler, upon the 10th day of July, 16.ol, transported and made over unto Jacob Jans Stoll, and upon the 19th day of December, 1662, conveyed by i^latthcws de Vos, as attorney of Geertruyt Andries, the widow of the said Ja<:ob Jansen Stall, unto Geeririeti Jlendrick, formerly the widow of Andries Hoppen, and by her upon the same day, (with the approbation and consent of Dirck Girrits van Tright, then her husband,) made over to Harman Smeeman, who, upon the 22d day of October, 16G4, sold and conveyed the same for a valuable consideration unto Samuel Edsall, late of this city, beaver maker, now for a confirmation unto him, the said Samuel Esdall, in his possession and enjoyment of the premises, Know j-e that by virtue of the commission and authority unto me given by his royal highness, I have ratified, confirmed, and granted unto the said Samuel Esdall, his heirs and assignees, all the aforesaid parcel of land and premises, with all the soil, woods, pastures, meadow ground, marshes, commonage, creeks, waters, lakes, fishing, hawking, himting and fowling, within the limits before set forth, described, and all other profits, commodities and emoluments to the said parcel or part of land belonging or in anywise appertaining, to have and to hold the said parcel or part of land and premises unto the said Samuel Esdall, his heirs .ind assignees, unto the proper use and behoof of tr.e said Samuel Edsall, his heirs and assigns, forever, rendering and paying such duties and acknowledgments as now are or hereafter shall be constituted and established by the laws of this government, under the obedience of bis royal highness, his heirs and successors.

Broncks' land, lying and being on the maine to the east and over against Harlem town, having a certain small creek or kill which runs between the north-west part of it and Little Barnes Island, near Hell-gate, and so goes into the East River and a greater creek or river which divides it from JIanhattoes Islands, containing about 500 acres or 250 margon of land, anil including all the push thereunto annexed or adjoining, which said patent or ground brief so granted as aforesaid, bearing date the 20;!^ day of Oct. lG4-i, was by the said Arent van Curler, upon the 10th day of July, 16.ol, transported and made over unto Jacob Jans Stoll, and upon the 19th day of December, 1662, conveyed by i^latthcws de Vos, as attorney of Geertruyt Andries, the widow of the said Ja<:ob Jansen Stall, unto Geeririeti Jlendrick, formerly the widow of Andries Hoppen, and by her upon the same day, (with the approbation and consent of Dirck Girrits van Tright, then her husband,) made over to Harman Smeeman, who, upon the 22d day of October, 16G4, sold and conveyed the same for a valuable consideration unto Samuel Edsall, late of this city, beaver maker, now for a confirmation unto him, the said Samuel Esdall, in his possession and enjoyment of the premises, Know j-e that by virtue of the commission and authority unto me given by his royal highness, I have ratified, confirmed, and granted unto the said Samuel Esdall, his heirs and assignees, all the aforesaid parcel of land and premises, with all the soil, woods, pastures, meadow ground, marshes, commonage, creeks, waters, lakes, fishing, hawking, himting and fowling, within the limits before set forth, described, and all other profits, commodities and emoluments to the said parcel or part of land belonging or in anywise appertaining, to have and to hold the said parcel or part of land and premises unto the said Samuel Esdall, his heirs .ind assignees, unto the proper use and behoof of tr.e said Samuel Edsall, his heirs and assigns, forever, rendering and paying such duties and acknowledgments as now are or hereafter shall be constituted and established by the laws of this government, under the obedience of bis royal highness, his heirs and successors.

Given under my hand and ECftl at Fort James in New York, on the island of JIanhattoes, the day of in the 20th year of his majestle's r(,-ign, Anuo Domini IHG .

RICHARD NICOLLS.

THE TOW-t; of west FARMS.

To face pag

a ca-stie in Haiiu'S.

iJictiiird, Captain In the regiment ^Sarali Pole, cnimnandt-d tiyhi.-i brother Lew- I U, lirst propnet.n- of Mi/rrisania |

vis Morris, proprietor of 5rorrisania,^Isabella, da. of James GriUi'*»>.

senior ot the Fravince of New J ;. 1672, ot>. .May, 16-16, ; interred al .'lia.

attoruey-eencTdl of New "^ . mar. Sci Nov. irVJi ; intern .( in the vault ^lorriaania.

sert Hunter,^ ■le propiie- >ew Jer.sey, j :'f Justice of

I I I I I i

^ '-^ t- > w Pl^

.£ !£ 3 3 ? ^ =

Ir " If ^,'

Robert Morris, a Jadjze of the Coarr of Oyer and Terminer.

Mary^Hobert Bom^n of Halifa.v.

erneur-Anno Cary. da. Isaoel!a,= Rev. I3- fe? EuDhe=Saninat. : of TtiomasKau- n*t. fed aac 5:^ una, u^l

s. ; Uolph, a lineal p'eb.lTJ.S, Wilkins, 2 S- nac. 10 Otr-

IjJh j descendant of ob. 2lsr D. D. •' '_ .Sept., den.

16. I sheillnstrioiis Oct., ISIO. ^i^ ITU.

PocfcoliaiiLes. Sr*

■r..: Major [m I'lipUam

Gouvernear Mon-ia, ot Morrisania

>in. lLV.il- ■liiliie

Col.Lewia

Anne \\al-

Catha, rlue

.Thomas Law-

Mary^

Thomas Law-

S.iran Ili'i.r._.

iiiiilicrfiirJ

Jamea van CortlandC

Gerard ^V. o' New York

Richard y. of New Yorfc, Ob.

Htan>; of jKew Vork

Iward Roy

Charlotte^ Richard Kemble

s. ; Uolph, a lineal p'eb.lTJ.S, Wilkins, 2 S- nac. 10 Otr-

IjJh j descendant of ob. 2lsr D. D. •' '_ .Sept., den.

16. I sheillnstrioiis Oct., ISIO. ^i^ ITU.

PocfcoliaiiLes. Sr*

■r..: Major [m I'lipUam

Gouvernear Mon-ia, ot Morrisania

>in. lLV.il- ■liiliie

Col.Lewia

Anne \\al-

Catha, rlue

.Thomas Law-

Mary^

Thomas Law-

S.iran Ili'i.r._.

iiiiilicrfiirJ

Jamea van CortlandC

Gerard ^V. o' New York

Richard y. of New Yorfc, Ob.

Htan>; of jKew Vork

Iward Roy

Charlotte^ Richard Kemble

To face page 455, vol 11

PEDIGREE OK .\ JORRIS, OF MORRISAMA.

Arms, gu. a lion, rampant, reguardant or, C[':n r:r!y, -H-ith three torteanxc?, arg. Crest, a castle in flanios.

William MorH, -iLf Tintern, Monraouthshire.

Colonel Lewis Storrl--, proprietor of the Tlnf.em estate Moamouttisliire, EuglanJ; limiffrateJ to Barbadoes in IGG'2 ; removed to Morrisania, A. P. 1«T4.

'.«-

Capt. Jotin Morris. adiSHtiDgluihodoiTlcerin the Parliamentary _...

Bervice, A D. 1651; ttiis f:?u!cniaii purchased lands in Bar- |

badoes ; lost at sea oiiI_Ug 1 Castle, A. P. ICSM. |

John >lf)rrl3, of„Grlzzle Wallace, descended of ttie ancient family of the Wallaces of • Scotland.

Willnim, of Antigua, ob. s. p.

Lewis, of Barbadoes

Richard of Bartiadoes, Ob. 1713.

Itichard, Captain In the regiment Jarah Pole, foniinanded by hi.s brother Lew- j Ls, Urst propriet<n" of ^Icjrrisanla j

Hon. Leivis Morris, proprietor of Morri3ania,_Liabella, da. of .James GnH» llrst Governor ot the Province of New ,Ter- I attoruey-eeneral of Sew ^ e iia;. 16:2, Ob. May, 1W6, ; interred at mar. Sd Nov. i.:9i ; Interr.M I the vault -Morrisania.

Willnim, of Antigua, ob. s. p.

Lewis, of Barbadoes

Richard of Bartiadoes, Ob. 1713.

Itichard, Captain In the regiment Jarah Pole, foniinanded by hi.s brother Lew- j Ls, Urst propriet<n" of ^Icjrrisanla j

Hon. Leivis Morris, proprietor of Morri3ania,_Liabella, da. of .James GnH» llrst Governor ot the Province of New ,Ter- I attoruey-eeneral of Sew ^ e iia;. 16:2, Ob. May, 1W6, ; interred at mar. Sd Nov. i.:9i ; Interr.M I the vault -Morrisania.

Morrl^u

Thomas ^Dorothy Valentlne_l.El)z'tliKeyneII, Gen. Le^vi3 Morris^ S GetLSta3t3_Ca

Saddler Lt. Col. in da. and heire.ss of one of the signers 1 SLoagnat. rine

Dalzell's Sir Christopher of the Declaration *< 2"th Aug. don i

da. and heire.ss of one of the signers 1 2 Long nat. rin

Sir Christopher of the Declaration '< 2"th Aug,

regiment Kevnell, ma.lT04, of Independence, ) zi 172S. Wm.

ob. l-5Feb. 1T15, Brigadler-Gen'lin' £ Earl'

_2. Elizabeth the Continental s Aber«.'

I Wilmott, ma.. :irmy, nat. StU s

I 1721). April, 172(1.

if! t

i Ls

Col. Lewis, ald^Anne C.

April 30th,

Col Lewis William Geo. Ricnard, Jacob Sabina=Robt, Mai Ob. Ob. of Pelham Itutherfard

f=W.C.

>

UUU iJ,, J.

Wayne

5"

m" c'Sin^^^"

«^

S? 5:iL=I

Jl

See of the High Court J.Catharine 'ilso, one of tiie Jud- i Staats Tenuluer; nat. 2M | ='i. Sarah dJaly, 1T62. wiUda- i ; Gouver- 171111, No. 2.S, p. 4ia I I neur. ;c. Interred at Mor- |

lion. Roliert Hunter.^ one ot t'le proptie- i torsof New Jer.^ey, j and Chi-f, Justice of the same. 1

Ricnard, Jacob Sabina=Robt, Mai Ob. Ob. of Pelham Itutherfard

f=W.C.

>

UUU iJ,, J.

Wayne

5"

m" c'Sin^^^"

«^

S? 5:iL=I

Jl

See of the High Court J.Catharine 'ilso, one of tiie Jud- i Staats Tenuluer; nat. 2M | ='i. Sarah dJaly, 1T62. wiUda- i ; Gouver- 171111, No. 2.S, p. 4ia I I neur. ;c. Interred at Mor- |

lion. Roliert Hunter.^ one ot t'le proptie- i torsof New Jer.^ey, j and Chi-f, Justice of the same. 1

>

~,

h;

p

s;

o

(

"

ra

-||'

5.

?

»

^

"

&

low, - '-'-1 da. of a =,- Hea- ^ -S

Uon.r.ouvcrneu Miirrts, nat. 3')tli Jan. 1T5.', oh. Ijth Nov., Itio.

Robert Morris, a .Tndge of the ConrT of Oyer and Terminer.

-Anne Cary, d.-i. Isabella,- Rev. Is- Sx Euphe-- Sani-

! of ThonuisRan- nat. od aac 5;^ mia, nei

; dolph.alineal Feb.lUS, Wilkins, 2 5- nat. 10 Og-

; descendant ot ob. 21st D. D. • •_ .Sept , den.

theillnstrions Oct., VSIO. -.5 171M.

Pockoliaiites. S-^

m^i

Lewis E. Robert of--Frances Mary-- Brlga.;.; Major Fordham Ludhim William Pupham

p^,.MIs3 Jaine3„Helcn Stiiats„,Mr.s.U.jl>- dm. lLVal-_Anne Catha„Thcmis Mary_ Thomas Saiah ll.'i. ,i_,l..h:i

[ , Car- I van 1 erl.< ei.ilnc | Wal- " rliie. Law- Law- lli.lh--

lien- Cort- . ton rence renc^ ertiird

James van Angastus Freder- Richard Robert R. William II. Catharine- Cortlandt ict van Cortlandt Lewi3,M.D.

I/iui-t)_Elward ! e Roy

THE TOW"^; OF WEST FARMS.

Tlic next possessor of BroncJSs land was Captain Richard IMorris, vviio must have purchased of Edsall, cir. 1670. Mr. Sparks says that there was a contract dated the loth of August, 1670, in wliich Richard i5 styled " a merchant in New York," and Lewis, his brother, "a mercJ)ant in Barbadoes."'* "It follows," remarks Dunlap, "that Richard was in Barbadoes in 1670, and contracted to come on to New York to ]nirchase this grant of Alorrisa/iia for himself and brother, Lewis, who was to follow and settle on it ; but that he did not come until the peace of 1674, when he found the son of his brother an orphan, took him under his protection, and built at JNIorrisania."'^

Sparks says that there was a contract dated the loth of August, 1670, in wliich Richard i5 styled " a merchant in New York," and Lewis, his brother, "a mercJ)ant in Barbadoes."'* "It follows," remarks Dunlap, "that Richard was in Barbadoes in 1670, and contracted to come on to New York to ]nirchase this grant of Alorrisa/iia for himself and brother, Lewis, who was to follow and settle on it ; but that he did not come until the peace of 1674, when he found the son of his brother an orphan, took him under his protection, and built at JNIorrisania."'^

The Morris family are originally of Welch origin and of great antiquity, being lineally descended from " Rys, sometimes called Rice Fitzgerald, brother to Rhys Prince of Geventland, which Rys or Rice Fitzgerald was settled in Monmouthshire." "In 1171 Rice united -with Strongbow, Earl of Striquil and Pembroke, his neighbor, and landed at Waterford in Ireland, with two hundred Knights and one thousand archers, having been thereto authorized and encouraged by Henry II,, King of England and subdued the greatest part of that kingdom -- which extensive conquests occasioned the king to interfere and call them back, and gi'v^ng them some indemnification, appropriated their conquests to the English crown."

" For his warlike acliievments Rys, the companion of Strongbow, was for pre-eminence called Jllaur Rys, or Maiir Rice, i e, the great Rys or Rice. The word mawr or maur in Welch signifying great, ai\d his descendants dropping the name of Firzgerald for this, ever after thought it an honor to retain that addition j and thus the name became Mav.T Rj's, or Mauri'ie, and fmally Morris."

The Morris family are originally of Welch origin and of great antiquity, being lineally descended from " Rys, sometimes called Rice Fitzgerald, brother to Rhys Prince of Geventland, which Rys or Rice Fitzgerald was settled in Monmouthshire." "In 1171 Rice united -with Strongbow, Earl of Striquil and Pembroke, his neighbor, and landed at Waterford in Ireland, with two hundred Knights and one thousand archers, having been thereto authorized and encouraged by Henry II,, King of England and subdued the greatest part of that kingdom -- which extensive conquests occasioned the king to interfere and call them back, and gi'v^ng them some indemnification, appropriated their conquests to the English crown."

" For his warlike acliievments Rys, the companion of Strongbow, was for pre-eminence called Jllaur Rys, or Maiir Rice, i e, the great Rys or Rice. The word mawr or maur in Welch signifying great, ai\d his descendants dropping the name of Firzgerald for this, ever after thought it an honor to retain that addition j and thus the name became Mav.T Rj's, or Mauri'ie, and fmally Morris."

About the middle of the fifteenth century a younger brother of the family of this first Maurice, (still settled in Monmouthshire.) who v/as named William, bore a commission in the army, and married a lady of good fortune in Devonsliire where he settled and had several sons.''

"One of the descendants in 1623 -- Sir William Morrice -- as it v/as then corruptly spelt, settled in Cornwall. In the year 1635 the elder branch of the fanuly, the lineal descendants of the first ]Mon-is, still rea Articles of uo^reenit'iit were entered itiro between the two brothers, that If *'itlnT o( them died witlioat i.-i-^Ui.-, tho survivor, or issue of tiie survivor, if any, sUouid taiCL' t!i',- estate.

About the middle of the fifteenth century a younger brother of the family of this first Maurice, (still settled in Monmouthshire.) who v/as named William, bore a commission in the army, and married a lady of good fortune in Devonsliire where he settled and had several sons.''

"One of the descendants in 1623 -- Sir William Morrice -- as it v/as then corruptly spelt, settled in Cornwall. In the year 1635 the elder branch of the fanuly, the lineal descendants of the first ]Mon-is, still rea Articles of uo^reenit'iit were entered itiro between the two brothers, that If *'itlnT o( them died witlioat i.-i-^Ui.-, tho survivor, or issue of tiie survivor, if any, sUouid taiCL' t!i',- estate.

b Dun!ay3 ll;;t. of N. V., Vol. I , ".'i.

e Account of the famiiy of Morns c mpilL'd by Valentine Morris In ITOo, thr o:i:ri;ial .M6S. Is in the possi-ssion of Harry M. Morris of New York. Aiuon^' the uupro\icie<l b(r;hL<;a<jf Sc. Daviirs i.-'ii^'fL'.;-, Ivint '■'j'Kr-inir.-, in l",)", was Lewis Morris. oti'- of the imnisti-rs whn vecfiytd a iH'i'sMHi of £>: i.i -- l!i-r. nf S'. ha', id's i':irh>-.Ival, bv r.rouii Wiv.y. Th'-.i"tTi< of |-tiv-_aiv-- 'IV-.vil iir - Mj-.vr, {l'rr-.ce of Walc-i lu 1077,) were gii. ur lioa, rauipaat WiUua a b-ctiuro, ladentod, or.

456 HISTORY or THE COU-VTV Or" WESTCHESTER.

maining in Monmouthshire, consisted ot' throe brothers -- Lev,-is, William and Richard," sons of Col. Lewis Morris.

Lewis, the eldest son, who inherited the paternal estate of Tintern,''^ embarked for the West Indies as early as 1633, (according to the English State papers,) in the service of the New Providence Company. He also commanded a troop of horse in the Parliament army against Charles First for which the king afterwards confiscated his estates in ?iIonmoutlishire. Li return for his losses Oliver Cromwell subsequently idemnified him.

maining in Monmouthshire, consisted ot' throe brothers -- Lev,-is, William and Richard," sons of Col. Lewis Morris.

Lewis, the eldest son, who inherited the paternal estate of Tintern,''^ embarked for the West Indies as early as 1633, (according to the English State papers,) in the service of the New Providence Company. He also commanded a troop of horse in the Parliament army against Charles First for which the king afterwards confiscated his estates in ?iIonmoutlishire. Li return for his losses Oliver Cromwell subsequently idemnified him. At the attack upon Chepstow Castle, which Avas defended by Sir Nicholas Kemys, " the king's general," Lewis Morris v.^as the second in command. After an obstinate resistance the garrison v.-as reduced by cutting o:t the supply of water v/hich ran through the estate of Peircefield'^ then owned by Col. Morris'"s son-in-law, John Walters, and setting fire to the castle. From this circumstance the family assumed as their crest a castle in flames with the following motto : " iunde?n vincitur^' at length he is conquered.

It is a little curious that in the memoirs of Edmund Ludlow, Esq., an incident of the same character, and relating to a Morris, is said to have taken place at Pomfret Castle : --

'•Tliis place was seized by some of the king's party, and was besieged by the country, assisted by some of the army, Sir Hugli Cholniely comiiiandiiig at the siege : but tlic ar:iij', finding little progress made therein, ordered Col. Kaiusboio with more f)rces thither, appointing hlui to command in tlie room of Sir Hugh Cholmely. Wliilst he was preparing for that service, being at Doncaster, ten or twelve nules from Pomfret, with a considerable force in the town, a party of horse dismounting at liis quarters and going up as friends to his chaniber, under pretence of liaving business with him, seized lilm first, and upon his refusal to g ) silently with them, murdered him.

Kaiusboio with more f)rces thither, appointing hlui to command in tlie room of Sir Hugh Cholmely. Wliilst he was preparing for that service, being at Doncaster, ten or twelve nules from Pomfret, with a considerable force in the town, a party of horse dismounting at liis quarters and going up as friends to his chaniber, under pretence of liaving business with him, seized lilm first, and upon his refusal to g ) silently with them, murdered him. After his death, another comraaniler being appointed to carry on the siege, tliose in the castle were reduced to sucli extremities that some of the most desperate of them resolved, together with the governor, one Morris, who had been a page to the Earl of Stafford, to endeavor the breaking through our forces on horseback, which they attempted ; and, taongh most of llie.u were beaten back to thj castle by tho besiegers, yet this Jlorris made his way through, but was afterwards taken as he passed th.'-ough the country, in the disguise of a beggar, and carried to York, where he was arraigned before Justice Thorpe, and, being found guilty of treason, was executed for the same,"'^

a Ace. of tao f.inuly of T^torris by Vak'ntinc Morri.s, 1790.

6 '1 Qi.i p'.-operty iiu^v b,lija:;i t > .loha i;uire, Esii , v.iio obtaia.'J it by a marriafre with a FlelUiiiir, wiiich faniilv g >t it trom tho Duk>s of IVanfort, desccudimts of tlio MarquiiOf Wo;- c '.i'-er, to wtioia Cliarles First gave it, liaviri;; taken it froin old Lewis Jlorris uudur forleitnre.

After his death, another comraaniler being appointed to carry on the siege, tliose in the castle were reduced to sucli extremities that some of the most desperate of them resolved, together with the governor, one Morris, who had been a page to the Earl of Stafford, to endeavor the breaking through our forces on horseback, which they attempted ; and, taongh most of llie.u were beaten back to thj castle by tho besiegers, yet this Jlorris made his way through, but was afterwards taken as he passed th.'-ough the country, in the disguise of a beggar, and carried to York, where he was arraigned before Justice Thorpe, and, being found guilty of treason, was executed for the same,"'^

a Ace. of tao f.inuly of T^torris by Vak'ntinc Morri.s, 1790.

6 '1 Qi.i p'.-operty iiu^v b,lija:;i t > .loha i;uire, Esii , v.iio obtaia.'J it by a marriafre with a FlelUiiiir, wiiich faniilv g >t it trom tho Duk>s of IVanfort, desccudimts of tlio MarquiiOf Wo;- c '.i'-er, to wtioia Cliarles First gave it, liaviri;; taken it froin old Lewis Jlorris uudur forleitnre.

e Pi'.rcofield. two mlUs wst of Cliepstoir, was ion? the property of the W;iltera family till The year 17;;'J whea it w:i.s »• Id ti> Coi mi. 1 Murrn. futlieruf Vaieiitiue Morri.s, \L^»,.y who after- ■.vardd posdc8-ed it and T.) who<c tasle and liii-^rality it is indebted for it-, rliiof artitlci:)! lieuiiti.'s and ii \ li.u;,' I'-itablish d celebrary. -- •• Ue miie-iof Eii^^iaud aad \V;Ui'S," by Kev. J. Kvaiis a'.id J. Itriro'.i, \'<\. ii., \\. \:.i.

e Pi'.rcofield. two mlUs wst of Cliepstoir, was ion? the property of the W;iltera family till The year 17;;'J whea it w:i.s »• Id ti> Coi mi. 1 Murrn. futlieruf Vaieiitiue Morri.s, \L^»,.y who after- ■.vardd posdc8-ed it and T.) who<c tasle and liii-^rality it is indebted for it-, rliiof artitlci:)! lieuiiti.'s and ii \ li.u;,' I'-itablish d celebrary. -- •• Ue miie-iof Eii^^iaud aad \V;Ui'S," by Kev. J. Kvaiis a'.id J. Itriro'.i, \'<\. ii., \\. \:.i.

d KUjiiiitid r.udl'iw. E^i , r.oadjn, priiiteil f )r .V. Millar (page 73) and D. IVown, both in Strand, aaU J. Ward ri C jrahill, ilDUCCI.

THE TOWX OF WEST FARMS. 45 -J

Timbs in his account of Pontepraet (Pomfret) castle, says : "In this i.vtle. Colonel Morris struck the first silver coin of Charles II., who was 'ii)cu:nicd here directly after the death of his father."'*

Wiiile resident in the West Indies he purchased a lovely estate on the hand of Barbadoes and was member of the Council of that island. In i^;4, an expedition having been fitted out against the Spanish possessions in those parts, a commission of colonel was sent to him by the Protector Cromwell; but when the fleet arrived at Barbadoes in 1656, *'he prized himself at so high a rate" that he demanded a present of 100,000 weight of sugar to pay his debts, before he would consent to accompany the fleet. He finally, however, consented and was present at the reduction of Jamaica; after which he returned to Barbadoes, and is iaid to have been interested in the purchase of St. Lucia in 1663. He, now openly professed the principles of the Quakers, and as one of their prominent members entertained tlie celebrated George Fox, at his seat near Bridgeto\\7i, when he visited Barbadoes in 167 1, and signed the addresses to the Governor and Legislature complaining of the persecution to which the Friends were subjected. 'Mr.

He finally, however, consented and was present at the reduction of Jamaica; after which he returned to Barbadoes, and is iaid to have been interested in the purchase of St. Lucia in 1663. He, now openly professed the principles of the Quakers, and as one of their prominent members entertained tlie celebrated George Fox, at his seat near Bridgeto\\7i, when he visited Barbadoes in 167 1, and signed the addresses to the Governor and Legislature complaining of the persecution to which the Friends were subjected. 'Mr. Morris, himself, having been mulcted in fines to the amount of 16,193 pounds of sugar for refusing to pay church dues and minister's money, and to furnish men and horses for the militia. On recei\-ing intelligence of the death of his brother, Richard, he came to this country whilst it was in possession of the Dutch in the year 1673 -- and not after the peace of 1674 as erroneously stated by Dunlap and others. After visiting Barbadoes, for the purpose of winding up his affairs, he returned to New York in 1675 and settled here."''

William Morris, the second brother, who had for his portion an estate called Denhara held jointly wth one Blethiojii, considered at that time to be worth between four and five thousand pound sterling a 3ear, also joined the Parliamentary service, and took an active part against the king, when, (through his favorite, the Marquis of Worcester,) he attempted to enclose Wendswood Chase, ^Monmouthshire. Upon the deleat of the popular jarty, William determined upon a sea-voyage till the storm should have blowm over.'' He was subsequently lost at sea. His son, John, received a captain's commission from the ParHament in 1651. Like his father, he also perished at sea off Deal Castle in 168S; his body was found under the walls of the Castle, and buried mth military honors.

William Morris, the second brother, who had for his portion an estate called Denhara held jointly wth one Blethiojii, considered at that time to be worth between four and five thousand pound sterling a 3ear, also joined the Parliamentary service, and took an active part against the king, when, (through his favorite, the Marquis of Worcester,) he attempted to enclose Wendswood Chase, ^Monmouthshire. Upon the deleat of the popular jarty, William determined upon a sea-voyage till the storm should have blowm over.'' He was subsequently lost at sea. His son, John, received a captain's commission from the ParHament in 1651. Like his father, he also perished at sea off Deal Castle in 168S; his body was found under the walls of the Castle, and buried mth military honors. His descendants are still numerous in the Island of Barbadoes.

a Tinib'a .\hbeys, CastU^s .iiul Ancient IIft!I?i of Knjrland a-iil Wales.

b Doc. Col. Ilisr (if X. v.. llolUiiiil Dnc. vol. ii. p. Ol'J.-- f:.iirors notes.

<r /-v/ ""•"'■'■.<-"•':':'-'"■■. •f.iiiua-y, Is'i^. pp. :;.u:j4. ''lu l!i" paMsti reirisror of P.:irliac]op<= P.''ri-h, St. .Mich:i.>lls. \i;:>~. N.iv. Is^t, .rortii, v.; son of Willi ini aud Djrcu.-i Morris -- Ulsto-y of tiiJ!jjr:iiir.i to AiUL'iio.i, 1T*J to ISOO, by liouton, X. Y., p. 4W.

45S HISTORY OF THE COU.VTV Of WESTCHESTEH..

The following was communicated by William Penn to Samuel Cx-- penter and tluee other friends assembled at the old slate-roofed house in Philadelphia, February, 1700: -- •

"Let me interrupt thee a moment, Samuel," said Perm. " Thou wilt remember that Lewis Morris, the elder, served ^undcr my father the Admiral ia the West Indies; he was somewhat blamed in the Hispaniola affair, but his conducl at the taking of Jamaica in IGoS, was much applauded, His association with my father led to an intimacy with myself, although he was many years older, and had its influence in inducing him to become a Friend.

"Let me interrupt thee a moment, Samuel," said Perm. " Thou wilt remember that Lewis Morris, the elder, served ^undcr my father the Admiral ia the West Indies; he was somewhat blamed in the Hispaniola affair, but his conducl at the taking of Jamaica in IGoS, was much applauded, His association with my father led to an intimacy with myself, although he was many years older, and had its influence in inducing him to become a Friend. We corresponded at intervals till the day of his death, when it appeared he had bequeathed to mc, bv will, a negro man named Yaff, provided I should come to dwell in America. As 1 am now fairly established here, I may readily obtain the servant by mentioniu'^ the affair to my young friend, Lewis Jlorris ; although a concern hath laid upon my mind for some time regarding the negroes, and I almost determined to give my own blacks their freedom. For I feel that the poor captured Africans, like other human being?, have natural rights, which cannot be withheld from them ■without great injustice, &c.""

Richard jM orris, the youngest of the three brothers, held a captain's commission in his brother Lewis's regiment. Upon the Restoration he retired to the Island of Barbadoes, where he married a lady of fortune, named Sarah Pole.

In the Parish Registers of Barbadoes, among a list of owners of land, hired servants, and apprentices, together with bought servants and negroes, occurs the name of " Richard Morris, the owner of thirt}'-five acres of land, one hired servant, one bought sei-vant and twelve negroes."°

Richard jM orris, the youngest of the three brothers, held a captain's commission in his brother Lewis's regiment. Upon the Restoration he retired to the Island of Barbadoes, where he married a lady of fortune, named Sarah Pole.

In the Parish Registers of Barbadoes, among a list of owners of land, hired servants, and apprentices, together with bought servants and negroes, occurs the name of " Richard Morris, the owner of thirt}'-five acres of land, one hired servant, one bought sei-vant and twelve negroes."°

In a list of the Masters' and Mistresses' names, with what land, and seri'ants and negroes they have, and also what christenings and burials, we find 'Mr. Richard Morris, owning a hundred and fifty acres of land, one man-servant, thirty-five negroes, and one man buried.*'

Richard Morris was the first proprietor of Morrisania, in 1670; and both he and his wife Sarah, died ia the Fall of 1672.'' Their remains were at first interred under the old Fort James on the Battery, but were subsequently removed to Trinity church-yard, by Richard Morris, father of the late Robert Morris, of Fordham. The following letter, addressed

a LijypincotC » itana^inc, January, lSi>S, p. 34.

6 List of enii^ranis to America ITOO to ISOit, by BoTT.toa of New TorS, pa!»e 4CT. Ia V.\<i same work occurs the foiiowini? entries: "Twenty >Iaij. 1035, transported to Vu'Kiiiia, Imbiirtiued In the ^peeasvell, of London, Jo; CtiappoU, Mr., buin;^ oxanmn-d liy the minister of Gravc.-end, of innrinatie, to the orders and didoipiine of theClMirch "t Englar.d, aud have taken the oath of AUegiauce. KICUAki> ilOKIUS, Vj, tec."

a LijypincotC » itana^inc, January, lSi>S, p. 34.

6 List of enii^ranis to America ITOO to ISOit, by BoTT.toa of New TorS, pa!»e 4CT. Ia V.\<i same work occurs the foiiowini? entries: "Twenty >Iaij. 1035, transported to Vu'Kiiiia, Imbiirtiued In the ^peeasvell, of London, Jo; CtiappoU, Mr., buin;^ oxanmn-d liy the minister of Gravc.-end, of innrinatie, to the orders and didoipiine of theClMirch "t Englar.d, aud have taken the oath of AUegiauce. KICUAki> ilOKIUS, Vj, tec."

Paso S2. "A list of t!ie names of the dead la Virginia near Aprill. last February, 1623. at ye pliiutiicoa aucr against Jamea Clt'ie. KlCUAiiD .MOlilUS, dead," page I'Ji

c LUtt'), pag^>4r.9.

d Lewis Mi'rris f^lls u* in the. preamble to hia -sviil, that his mother died when he waa ab-^ut six uio!j:ha oM, auu his father Uv>t lODjj after.

TIIK TOWN OF WEST FARMS.

hy t'lc Secretary of the Colony of New York, to " Col. Morris, announces tlie death of Richard Morris and Sarali his ^vife : --

COLONEL LEWIS MORRIS AT THE ISLAXD OP' BAEBADOES.

New Youk, 29xh Octobei:, 1G7"2. WonritT Sip. : -- Since my reception of yours by ^yillianl Shackerly, no opportunity of conveyance to you hath presented from heuce till this present. Alliiough by the way of Boston, I suppose you would sooner receive the sad tidings of your brother's decease -- in Avhom as you have lost an only brother, so have la dear friend; I shall not insist upon many particulars relating thereto; our general letters arriving to you herewith I hope sufficiently inform you ; yet I cannot but reflect upon the transitory condition of poor mortals, when I trcquently call to mind iu how little time God hath been pleased to break a, family, in takingaway the heads thereof ; first, a virtuous young woman in the prime of life, and then a man full of strength and vigor, inured to hardships, of whom there is remaining but one poor blossom, of whom yet there may be great hope with your kind friendship ; for it is a lovely, healthy child, and was well at flarlem, where it is at nurse, and I went to sec it yesterday.

Alliiough by the way of Boston, I suppose you would sooner receive the sad tidings of your brother's decease -- in Avhom as you have lost an only brother, so have la dear friend; I shall not insist upon many particulars relating thereto; our general letters arriving to you herewith I hope sufficiently inform you ; yet I cannot but reflect upon the transitory condition of poor mortals, when I trcquently call to mind iu how little time God hath been pleased to break a, family, in takingaway the heads thereof ; first, a virtuous young woman in the prime of life, and then a man full of strength and vigor, inured to hardships, of whom there is remaining but one poor blossom, of whom yet there may be great hope with your kind friendship ; for it is a lovely, healthy child, and was well at flarlem, where it is at nurse, and I went to sec it yesterday. I was also at the plantation on the other side, when there was some public correction of two or three negi-oes, and breaking the necks of a mutiny among the white men by Mr. Gibbs, and through his vigilance it is now in good order. The crime of the negroes is reported to be so natural to them, which was both stealing and receiving stolen goods. Wortny sir, Your most dutiful Humlile servant, The Governor presents you his ■ MATTHIAS ZSICOLL.

kind respects and service.

" Letters of administration of the estate of Captain Richard ^^orris, brother of Colonel Le%^as Morris, were granted to Mr. Matthev^- Nicolls, Mayor ; Captain Thomas De Lavall, Mr. Cornelius Steenwyck, Captain John Berry, and ]Mr. Thomas Gibbs, trustees, in i6j2."'^

The crime of the negroes is reported to be so natural to them, which was both stealing and receiving stolen goods. Wortny sir, Your most dutiful Humlile servant, The Governor presents you his ■ MATTHIAS ZSICOLL.

kind respects and service.

" Letters of administration of the estate of Captain Richard ^^orris, brother of Colonel Le%^as Morris, were granted to Mr. Matthev^- Nicolls, Mayor ; Captain Thomas De Lavall, Mr. Cornelius Steenwyck, Captain John Berry, and ]Mr. Thomas Gibbs, trustees, in i6j2."'^

1st of SKPTE^^BEn, 1673. -- " The Worship" Orphan .Masters of this city of Xew Orange are requested and authorized to summon before them the Curators of the estate left by dec" Richard Morris and Walter Weblcy, and to require of them administration of that estate, and as soon as possible to make a report thereof. ''l'

29x11 SEPTEMBEn, 1073.-- "On the request made on behalf of Colonel Lewis 5Iorris, pass and repass is granted him to come into this government, on coudition that he attempt nothing to its prejudice during his sojourn.'^

The following order was issued to Lewis Morris in 1673 : --

"The Governor having read and considered the petition of Lewis Morris requesting in substance the guardianship of the minor child of his deceased brother

- a Sarros!itC3 <^mce, X. T. WiU.s ana administration, l.i05 to 1CS3, No. 1, p. 173, b Doc. Col. Hi-.t. \. Y. Holland Hoc. ir,:,T-l'-,75, vol. ii, p. o,'. c Doc. Col. ni.-<t. N. Y., noiLind Doc. 1C57-1CTS, voL 11.' p. 019.

The following order was issued to Lewis Morris in 1673 : --

"The Governor having read and considered the petition of Lewis Morris requesting in substance the guardianship of the minor child of his deceased brother

- a Sarros!itC3 <^mce, X. T. WiU.s ana administration, l.i05 to 1CS3, No. 1, p. 173, b Doc. Col. Hi-.t. \. Y. Holland Hoc. ir,:,T-l'-,75, vol. ii, p. o,'. c Doc. Col. ni.-<t. N. Y., noiLind Doc. 1C57-1CTS, voL 11.' p. 019.

460 HISTORY OF THE COUNTS OF WESTCHESTER.

Richard ?tIorrLs, and of his estate, -svithout any exception, to be managed tir^A administered for the behoof of said orpliau cliild, further to enjoy the y.i.::-.!- priviJescs as are granted and allowed to the neighboring colonies of Kew £r. •- land and Virginia, &c.

It is ordered :

"The petitioner is allowed to have the guardianship of the surviving orpL-^n child of his deceased brother, the late Richard Morris ; and granted such power l-. take into his keeping all goods, effects, negroes and servants, as belonged, in law. ful property to the said Richard Z^Iorris at his decease, on condition tliat lie pav therefrom the deceased's funeral expenses. But he shall, first of all, deliver in here a correct inventory of the property left by the deceased, to be recorded i.^ the Orphan Chamber; which being done, the necessary letters of administration shall then be is.sued to liim. VTith regard to the petitioner's request to impart into this government, some necessaries for advantages and maintenance of said orphan and estate, the petition is allowed; provided it be done with such ships as are already here or will be permitted, and on paying such customs and publuduties as are paid by other inhabitants. Regarding the request that he may have such privileges as are granted in 2S'ew England and Virginia, by the proclamation dated last, the petition is refused and denied ; being an hihabitant of

VTith regard to the petitioner's request to impart into this government, some necessaries for advantages and maintenance of said orphan and estate, the petition is allowed; provided it be done with such ships as are already here or will be permitted, and on paying such customs and publuduties as are paid by other inhabitants. Regarding the request that he may have such privileges as are granted in 2S'ew England and Virginia, by the proclamation dated last, the petition is refused and denied ; being an hihabitant of

Earbadoes, which consequently cannot be considered with the neighboring colonies of New England and Virginia. Jloreover, the petitioner shall be at liberty to show where any property belonging to the plantation is lying, and then order will be given for its restitution to the right o\\-uer. And finally the petitioner is allowed to employ such substitutes and servants as in case of his living or dyinL'. shall from time to time, -with advice of the Orphan Chanaber here, be deemed necessarv' for the greatest advantage of the orphan ; on condition that the petitioner and his agents shall remain bound at all times to afford said Orphan Chambers due account, proof and balance of their administration.

Dated Fort "William Ilendrick, this 11th October, 1673.'t

On the petition of Lewis Morris, that he may have a grant of the plantation of bis late brother Richard Morris, for the benefit of his orphan child, with the cattle and other dependencies thereof, together with tlie guardianship of said child. Sec, this is ordered: --

And finally the petitioner is allowed to employ such substitutes and servants as in case of his living or dyinL'. shall from time to time, -with advice of the Orphan Chanaber here, be deemed necessarv' for the greatest advantage of the orphan ; on condition that the petitioner and his agents shall remain bound at all times to afford said Orphan Chambers due account, proof and balance of their administration.

Dated Fort "William Ilendrick, this 11th October, 1673.'t

On the petition of Lewis Morris, that he may have a grant of the plantation of bis late brother Richard Morris, for the benefit of his orphan child, with the cattle and other dependencies thereof, together with tlie guardianship of said child. Sec, this is ordered: --

That the petitioner be allowed the requested Bouwery, buildings and materials thereon, for the benefit of the Elinor Orphan Child on a valuation made by unpartial arbitrators ; in like mamier the petitioner shall be at liberty to appropriate withiiut aTiy order, all the chattels which he can attach that have been removed from the Bouwery, on condition thtit they may be brought to tlie Bouwery and inventory delivered in ; and whereas, since the surrender of the place, divers articles have been removed hence by "Walter "Wcljly, it is herewith ordered that Kiiid goods be returned to the plantation for the benefit of the child, when the petitioner shall be gianted letters of guardianship ; the government will a;)- propriate on account, the fat cattle-- such as oxen, cows and hogs -- on condition of being responsible for the payment of the orphan's share.

That the petitioner be allowed the requested Bouwery, buildings and materials thereon, for the benefit of the Elinor Orphan Child on a valuation made by unpartial arbitrators ; in like mamier the petitioner shall be at liberty to appropriate withiiut aTiy order, all the chattels which he can attach that have been removed from the Bouwery, on condition thtit they may be brought to tlie Bouwery and inventory delivered in ; and whereas, since the surrender of the place, divers articles have been removed hence by "Walter "Wcljly, it is herewith ordered that Kiiid goods be returned to the plantation for the benefit of the child, when the petitioner shall be gianted letters of guardianship ; the government will a;)- propriate on account, the fat cattle-- such as oxen, cows and hogs -- on condition of being responsible for the payment of the orphan's share.

Dated Fort AVillem Ilendtick, this 17th October, 1673.^

a D'-j^i. Ci.l. Hisr. of X. y., nolKiml Doc. I'V,', ir.Ts, vol. ii, p. 631-2. b Doc. CoL iltiji. >'. Y., lioUanU Doc. 163T, IGTS, vol. ii, p. C:;7.

THE TOW'y OF V,EST FARMS. 46 1

Fourteen days afterwards we find the following order issued : --

'• ^Vhcreas it lias becD found that the two-tbird parts of the estate left by the ate Uicbanl Morris belong in real propriety to bis brother, Colonel Lewis Morris, M ri-si'lout of the Island of Barbadoes iu the Caribbecs, whose estate, l,y the Proi:a::!alion dated the 20th of September last, is contiscated for the behoof of the jjov^-nmient; and it being therefore necessary tliatin addition to the guardians and tutors of the aforenamed Eicliard Morris's surviving orphan child, someone be ninnussioiied on the part of the government to regulate said estate. Therefore have I resolved to commissi<jn and qualify Balthazar Bayard to that end, as he Is licreby commissioned and qualified to assume the said estate fcr tlio two-third parts tliereof which belong tc the government, with said guai'diar.s by name, .Mlss'- John Lawrence, Stcphfmus van Cortlandt and Walter Wcbly, for the onethird part thereof inlierited by them ; to adjust and settle the debts and credits; tot-ell the remaining pers<jnal property, and thereof to deliver into the Secretary's ofilcc perthient account and balance when order shall be issued what further disp<isition shall be made therein.

Therefore have I resolved to commissi<jn and qualify Balthazar Bayard to that end, as he Is licreby commissioned and qualified to assume the said estate fcr tlio two-third parts tliereof which belong tc the government, with said guai'diar.s by name, .Mlss'- John Lawrence, Stcphfmus van Cortlandt and Walter Wcbly, for the onethird part thereof inlierited by them ; to adjust and settle the debts and credits; tot-ell the remaining pers<jnal property, and thereof to deliver into the Secretary's ofilcc perthient account and balance when order shall be issued what further disp<isition shall be made therein. Dated, Fop-T "Willem Hexdp.ick, 1st of Xov., 1673. "a

Lewis Morris addressed the follo'.ving to the Governor-General some time during the same month : --

TO THE IIOXOEABLE AXTIIONY COLOE. GOTERXOK-GEXERAL OF NEW XETHERLAXD. Eight Hon^^'^ Sip. : -- "TMiereas departing on your pass from New Orange to Oyster Bay, and so to New Haven, I have recovered there some of the missing estate belonging to my nephew's plantation within your jurisdiction ; I therefore humbly request you to be pleased to grant me a pass to en.able mc to bring said property which belongs to my nephew who is one of j-our subjects with the sloop belonging to my cousin's plantation known by the name of Bro.ck's Land, or to New Orange, or to Oyster Bay, or to Sylvester's Islan.d ; my affairs being such, your compliance here\\'ith will oblige me to be and remain.

Your Honour's faithful friend, in the name and at tlie request of

Eight Hon^^'^ Sip. : -- "TMiereas departing on your pass from New Orange to Oyster Bay, and so to New Haven, I have recovered there some of the missing estate belonging to my nephew's plantation within your jurisdiction ; I therefore humbly request you to be pleased to grant me a pass to en.able mc to bring said property which belongs to my nephew who is one of j-our subjects with the sloop belonging to my cousin's plantation known by the name of Bro.ck's Land, or to New Orange, or to Oyster Bay, or to Sylvester's Islan.d ; my affairs being such, your compliance here\\'ith will oblige me to be and remain.

Your Honour's faithful friend, in the name and at tlie request of

LEWIS 3I0RRIS.

Ordered: -- The Petitioner is allowed to come Iiither in person, and to bring all such goods as lawfully belong to the late Richard Morris's orphan child, also said orphan's boat.

This oUth Oct., 1673, by order of the Governor-General of New Netherland.

(Signed,) N. BAYARD, Secrctari/.''^

Upon the 23th of February, 1674, Anthony Coloe, the Governor, appointed two new guardians, or commissioners, for the surviving orphan child of Ricb.ard Morris, viz., Messrs. Dirck Van Clyff and Walter Webly with Balthazar Bayard, the already appointed commissioner, (in place of

a IV)c. Col i;i.<t. X. Y. Ilol'.iinii Doc. lor.T-lcrs, vo:. ii. p. f.50. 6 DoC. Col. ni-=t. N. Y. nu'.lana Doc. li;57-16:i, vol. ii. p. G(>t

462 HISTORY OF THE COUNTY OF WESTCHESTER.

John LawTence and Stephanus Van Cortlandt, excused,) to aid in re;;'.:, lating in the speediest manner the estate of the above mentioneii Richard Morris, and to report the result to the Governor.''

Dirck Van Clyff and Walter Webly with Balthazar Bayard, the already appointed commissioner, (in place of

a IV)c. Col i;i.<t. X. Y. Ilol'.iinii Doc. lor.T-lcrs, vo:. ii. p. f.50. 6 DoC. Col. ni-=t. N. Y. nu'.lana Doc. li;57-16:i, vol. ii. p. G(>t

462 HISTORY OF THE COUNTY OF WESTCHESTER.

John LawTence and Stephanus Van Cortlandt, excused,) to aid in re;;'.:, lating in the speediest manner the estate of the above mentioneii Richard Morris, and to report the result to the Governor.''

In 1676, Lews Morris, second proprietor of ]NIorrisania, and brotht:: of Richard, obtained the follomng letters patent :

GOVERNOR .^TDROS'S PATENT FOR BROXCK'S L-\JS'D.

Edmund ^indros, Esq., seigneur of Sausmarez, liieut. Gov'nr Gcn'l, under his royal highness, James, Duke of York, and of all liis territories in ^\jnerica, to &'.\ to whom these presents shall come, with greeting : Whereas, Col. Lewis .Morris of the Island of Barbadoes, hath loDg enjoyed, aud by patent stands posscst of .1 certain plantation and tract of land, lying and being upon the maino, over ag;iih.--t the town of Haerlem, commonl}' called Broiick's land, the same containing about five hundred acres, or two hundred and fifty morgen of land, besides the meadow thereunto annexed or adjoining, cotted and bounded as in tlie original Dutch ground brief and patent of confirmation is set forth ; aud the said Col. Morris having made good improvement upon the said land, and there lying lands adjacent to him not incliTded in any patent or grants, which land the said Co!. Morris doth desire for further improvement, this said land and addition being bounded from his own house over against Haerlem, running up Ilaerlem river to Daniel Turner's land, and so along his said land northward to John Archer's line, and from thence stretching east to the land of John Richardson and Thomas Hunt, and thence along the Sound about southwest, through Bronck's kill, to the saiii Col. 3rorri3 his house, the additional land containing (according to the survey thereof) the quantity of fourteen hundred, and the whole, one thousand nine hundred and twenty acres.

Morris doth desire for further improvement, this said land and addition being bounded from his own house over against Haerlem, running up Ilaerlem river to Daniel Turner's land, and so along his said land northward to John Archer's line, and from thence stretching east to the land of John Richardson and Thomas Hunt, and thence along the Sound about southwest, through Bronck's kill, to the saiii Col. 3rorri3 his house, the additional land containing (according to the survey thereof) the quantity of fourteen hundred, and the whole, one thousand nine hundred and twenty acres. Xow know ye that by virtue of the commission and authority unto me given by his royal highness, I have confirmed, granted and given, and do hereby confirm, give and grant, unto the said Col. Jlorris, his heirs and a;signs, the afore recited land possessed by him, and the additional land herein exprest, and bounded as aforesaid, together with the woods and meadows, both salt and fresli waters and creeks belonging to the said land aud premises, in his royal highness's gift, ^vith all and singular the appurtenances to have and to hold tliese said lands and premises unto the said Col. Lews Morris, his heirs and assignees, imto the proper use and behoof of him the said Col. Lewis Morris, his heirs and a,ssignees, forever. He continuing in obedience aud conforming himself according to the laws of this government, and yielding and paying therefor yearly and every year, as a quit-rent, to his royal higlmess, five bushels of good %\-inter wheat.

Jlorris, his heirs and a;signs, the afore recited land possessed by him, and the additional land herein exprest, and bounded as aforesaid, together with the woods and meadows, both salt and fresli waters and creeks belonging to the said land aud premises, in his royal highness's gift, ^vith all and singular the appurtenances to have and to hold tliese said lands and premises unto the said Col. Lews Morris, his heirs and assignees, imto the proper use and behoof of him the said Col. Lewis Morris, his heirs and a,ssignees, forever. He continuing in obedience aud conforming himself according to the laws of this government, and yielding and paying therefor yearly and every year, as a quit-rent, to his royal higlmess, five bushels of good %\-inter wheat.

Given under my hand and sealed with the seal of the Province of Xcw York. this five and twentieth day of Miuch, in the eighth and twentieth year of his majesty's reign. Anno Domini, 1G76. A-v-r»T?r»^~'

Recorded by order of the governor, the day and year above -wTitten.

Mattui.\3 Niccolls, Sec.

a Doc Col. Ilist. >f. Y. nollaad Doc. vol. il. p. 691.

THE TO^VN OF \VEST FARM3. 463

A confirmation from the Indians occurs on the 7th of February, 1684: --

nvDL^' DEED TO LEWIS MORRIS.

*' To all to whom this present -writing shall come, dotli witness, that vre Shahu-«h, Panazanih, Wanacapeen, Kneed, Taquamarke and Awarazawis, having foruH-rly sold unto Jonas Broncks, a large tract of land lying and being between ye river commonly called Bronck's river and Harlem kill, and more especially iJiat tract of la"d that Colonel Jlorris stands now possest of, as his drauirht and groind brirf bearing date in ye year 1675, excepting forty morgen* of land that we sold Daniel Turner ye elder, being bounded on the west side with Harlem river, the aforesaid Colonel Morris his land, being bounded on the north side with the land of John Archer, beginning at Craljb Island, and running cast or thereabouts, until it comes to ye corner tree of Richardson and Hunt, and so down to ye southward according to ye marked lino until it come to ye bound brook between ye said Colonel Morris and ye said Richardson and Hunt, and from thence a^ong ye creek to ye Sound or East river, until you come to Daniel Turner's land, that's above mentioned, including the purchase of ye said Colonel Jlorris, that point of land called jS'auasin, where formerly lived a Frenchman named }tlarcus Dossisway, all which parcel or tract of land we do for ourselves, our heirs, executors, administrators and assignees, fully and wholly acquit and discharge for ever, ye said Colonel 3Iorris, his hejTcs, executors, and administrators, of all and every part and parcel of ye residue of ye money that should have been paid by ye aforesaid Branch's for the purchase of said land, declaring to the vrorld that we aclaiowledge for ourselves, our hejTes, executors, and assignees, to be fully paid, satisfied and contented.

*' To all to whom this present -writing shall come, dotli witness, that vre Shahu-«h, Panazanih, Wanacapeen, Kneed, Taquamarke and Awarazawis, having foruH-rly sold unto Jonas Broncks, a large tract of land lying and being between ye river commonly called Bronck's river and Harlem kill, and more especially iJiat tract of la"d that Colonel Jlorris stands now possest of, as his drauirht and groind brirf bearing date in ye year 1675, excepting forty morgen* of land that we sold Daniel Turner ye elder, being bounded on the west side with Harlem river, the aforesaid Colonel Morris his land, being bounded on the north side with the land of John Archer, beginning at Craljb Island, and running cast or thereabouts, until it comes to ye corner tree of Richardson and Hunt, and so down to ye southward according to ye marked lino until it come to ye bound brook between ye said Colonel Morris and ye said Richardson and Hunt, and from thence a^ong ye creek to ye Sound or East river, until you come to Daniel Turner's land, that's above mentioned, including the purchase of ye said Colonel Jlorris, that point of land called jS'auasin, where formerly lived a Frenchman named }tlarcus Dossisway, all which parcel or tract of land we do for ourselves, our heirs, executors, administrators and assignees, fully and wholly acquit and discharge for ever, ye said Colonel 3Iorris, his hejTcs, executors, and administrators, of all and every part and parcel of ye residue of ye money that should have been paid by ye aforesaid Branch's for the purchase of said land, declaring to the vrorld that we aclaiowledge for ourselves, our hejTes, executors, and assignees, to be fully paid, satisfied and contented. In witness whereof we have • hereunto sett our hands and affixed om- seals this seventh day of February, 1GS4-5, in presence of us :

In witness whereof we have • hereunto sett our hands and affixed om- seals this seventh day of February, 1GS4-5, in presence of us :

Samcel Edsaix, Ye mark !>i TAQL\A3IARICE.

JouN r.ASSETT, Te mark O WANACAPEEX.

Joirs JIanton'.

Signed and scaled by A"\V.V2s AWIS, ATitnessed by Loxgz Classs,

S-IAHASIi. and KNEED. a lady Wastowancktt,

In presence of us. Ye uiarke of ><; Am axawis,

Joiix lor.xxT, Ye niarke of i~i SuAHAsn,

Edwakd IlAnr.ALi- Ye marke of <0 Ivxeed.

Jo ax EuSALL..

On the 25th of October, 1676, Colonel Morris purchased a large tract of land in East Jersey, consisting of 3,540 acres, which he named Tintern and Monmouth, after the paternal estate in Monmouthshire, Wales.

The last will and testament of Colonel islorris bears date 7 th of February, 1690. Although t%nce married, he left no issue ; his nephew, therefore, according to the agreement of 1670, succeeded to the estates. Upon tlie 15th of May, 1(^91, Henry Sloughter, Captain-General and

c A I)u;i;h m rL". a measnrtnl a little less thau nvo acres English.

464 HISTORY O" THE COUNTY OF WESTCHESTER.

Govcrnor-in-Chief, " granted letters testamentary to Levis Morris, nephew to Colonel Morris, the executrix being dead."

THE LAST WILL OF LEWIS MORRIS.

"Whereas I formerly mtcndod to have made my nephew, Lewis Jlorris, son of my deceased brother, Richard ]MoiTis, my sole c.\ecutor; his many and gii.i: miscanyages and disobedience towarels me and my wife, and his causciesa :i;>- sei'iting himself from my house, and adhering to and advizeing with those of hij[ life and conversation, contrary to my directions and example unto him, and fnr other reasons best known to myselfe, I doe make and ordaine my dearly beloved wife, Mary ^Morris, sole execntrix of this my last will and testament ; and To the meeting of Friends at Shrewsberry, in ilonmouth Co., five pounds current money of Xew York per annum iorcvev, to be paid out 01 his plantation at Tuiton iron works, to be paid on 2jth JIavch yearly.

"Whereas I formerly mtcndod to have made my nephew, Lewis Jlorris, son of my deceased brother, Richard ]MoiTis, my sole c.\ecutor; his many and gii.i: miscanyages and disobedience towarels me and my wife, and his causciesa :i;>- sei'iting himself from my house, and adhering to and advizeing with those of hij[ life and conversation, contrary to my directions and example unto him, and fnr other reasons best known to myselfe, I doe make and ordaine my dearly beloved wife, Mary ^Morris, sole execntrix of this my last will and testament ; and To the meeting of Friends at Shrewsberry, in ilonmouth Co., five pounds current money of Xew York per annum iorcvev, to be paid out 01 his plantation at Tuiton iron works, to be paid on 2jth JIavch yearly.

To Thomas "Webley," of SUrewsburj', 250 acres on the westermost part of his 2,000 acres, lying between Swimmuig River and Hop River, Monmouth Co., -- he paying qu.lt rent one half penny sterling per acre.

To Lewis 3Iorris, of Shrewsbury, one of his best mai'cs in the woods, and £20 N. York curr'y.

To his nephew, Lewis [Morris, son of his brother, Richard Morris, as soon a.s he attams the age of 21, the rest, residue, and remainder of his e'te; i. e. Ids plantation and iron -works at Tinton, with all lands, meadows, houses, barns, mills, nms and ponds, of water, water courses, rivers, woods, trees, orchards, gardens, all his negroes on that plantation, cattel, horse, kinde, swine, and al! other crcatrj-es ; all household goods, utensils, moYcables, immo'bles, bills, bonds, patents, books, of ac, debts belong'g to ye place, all profits, priviledges and appurt'ces ; also one flat handled spoon, one small tankai'd, one salt cellar, one small sugar box all of silver, one small cabinet sealed up ; -- whereui is foiu- pear! necklaces, three or four jewels set in gold, and several otlier things of value ; one negro -woman named Bess, -- which forementioned plate, cablnett, and negro -vvoma:!, -were his brother's -- luito -svhich lie adds all the chilckeu of said vvom:m Bess, except one that is otherv,ise disposed of ; 1 doz. silver spoons, one large tankard, one large tumbler, one small timibler, and one 'porringer, all of silver; all -nhich last mentioned things he gives his nephew in lieu of some things tkit are lost and supposed to be embezzled by Walter Webley ; also .£20 in silver current at New York, and ten guinueys, the whole given with this restriction and limitation, that he shall ciuietij' and peaceably acquiess and subniit himself wholly and absolutely unto every thing mentioned or to be m'd in his wdl and ft, and shall make no opposition or objection against the same, nor any part thereof, but to his power sliall perform and fulfill all things whatsoever that on his part I have liereby enjomed unto him ; otherwise, it is my final determination and result, that if my said nephew, Leu-is Slorris, his h'rs or as's, on any pretence or right from his father afd, whether by partnerships with }nc or purchase, or any way else, shall at any time hereafter, either by himself or any other person or persons claimmg frnm, for, ])y or under him or them, by any manner of wa}' or means wliats'r, make any demand or pretend any right, title or int't to any part

Ids plantation and iron -works at Tinton, with all lands, meadows, houses, barns, mills, nms and ponds, of water, water courses, rivers, woods, trees, orchards, gardens, all his negroes on that plantation, cattel, horse, kinde, swine, and al! other crcatrj-es ; all household goods, utensils, moYcables, immo'bles, bills, bonds, patents, books, of ac, debts belong'g to ye place, all profits, priviledges and appurt'ces ; also one flat handled spoon, one small tankai'd, one salt cellar, one small sugar box all of silver, one small cabinet sealed up ; -- whereui is foiu- pear! necklaces, three or four jewels set in gold, and several otlier things of value ; one negro -woman named Bess, -- which forementioned plate, cablnett, and negro -vvoma:!, -were his brother's -- luito -svhich lie adds all the chilckeu of said vvom:m Bess, except one that is otherv,ise disposed of ; 1 doz. silver spoons, one large tankard, one large tumbler, one small timibler, and one 'porringer, all of silver; all -nhich last mentioned things he gives his nephew in lieu of some things tkit are lost and supposed to be embezzled by Walter Webley ; also .£20 in silver current at New York, and ten guinueys, the whole given with this restriction and limitation, that he shall ciuietij' and peaceably acquiess and subniit himself wholly and absolutely unto every thing mentioned or to be m'd in his wdl and ft, and shall make no opposition or objection against the same, nor any part thereof, but to his power sliall perform and fulfill all things whatsoever that on his part I have liereby enjomed unto him ; otherwise, it is my final determination and result, that if my said nephew, Leu-is Slorris, his h'rs or as's, on any pretence or right from his father afd, whether by partnerships with }nc or purchase, or any way else, shall at any time hereafter, either by himself or any other person or persons claimmg frnm, for, ])y or under him or them, by any manner of wa}' or means wliats'r, make any demand or pretend any right, title or int't to any part

a Tills Thcruas VVebloy waa a utpae'-vof Lewis Morris.

THE TOWN OF WEST FARMS. 465

«.r p'l of estate that now doth or may hereafter belong untonie, more than I have ;.v t!n..-o presents entitled him unto, then, and in such case, I do here1;r revoake, nullilicand make'^id, all and every part of what I have herein before given and K-ii. unto my said neph'w, L. I\I. And my will is, that in case of any disturbance 1)V s'd u'\v conc'g the promi's or any part or par of e'te, real or p'l, hereby, oth'se h'q. and that my s'd dearly bel'd -wife ]Mary 31., her h'rs or as, shall thenceforth and t!jL-n immediately enter into pos.«ession, have, occupie and enjoy all and co'n part and p.irccl of ye beforerecited premises, beq'ts and legacys given or to b'g.to my s'd n'w L. 31., if he or any, under pretence of him, shall at any time molest my s'd wife, her heirs or assigns, hi her or their pcac'bl enjoy't of whatsoever est'te, r' or p'l, thai is or shall be herein or hereby given and beq'd unto her or them, any thing liL-reiu con'd to the coulr'ry notw'hst'g, only giteing unto him; and I doe heruby give and bequeath unto m s'd u L. 31. the sum of ten pounds cnr't money of 2s. Y., to be paid unto him by my s'd ex'x, h h's and as's in full of my bequests and legacys imto him in case of any sucli disturbance or molestation as aforesaid.

And my will is, that in case of any disturbance 1)V s'd u'\v conc'g the promi's or any part or par of e'te, real or p'l, hereby, oth'se h'q. and that my s'd dearly bel'd -wife ]Mary 31., her h'rs or as, shall thenceforth and t!jL-n immediately enter into pos.«ession, have, occupie and enjoy all and co'n part and p.irccl of ye beforerecited premises, beq'ts and legacys given or to b'g.to my s'd n'w L. 31., if he or any, under pretence of him, shall at any time molest my s'd wife, her heirs or assigns, hi her or their pcac'bl enjoy't of whatsoever est'te, r' or p'l, thai is or shall be herein or hereby given and beq'd unto her or them, any thing liL-reiu con'd to the coulr'ry notw'hst'g, only giteing unto him; and I doe heruby give and bequeath unto m s'd u L. 31. the sum of ten pounds cnr't money of 2s. Y., to be paid unto him by my s'd ex'x, h h's and as's in full of my bequests and legacys imto him in case of any sucli disturbance or molestation as aforesaid.

Item. I give and beq unto my hon'd friend, WUliam Penn, my negro rnan Yaff, provided the said Penn shall come to dwell in .cVmerica ; otherwise the s'd Yafl is to serve my said wife eiiually with other negroes. Jtcm. I give and beq

unto "William Bickley one negro girl named 3Iaria. Item to "NVm.

Kichiirdson one negro boy named Jack. Item to Sam'l Palmer one

Y., to be paid unto him by my s'd ex'x, h h's and as's in full of my bequests and legacys imto him in case of any sucli disturbance or molestation as aforesaid.

Item. I give and beq unto my hon'd friend, WUliam Penn, my negro rnan Yaff, provided the said Penn shall come to dwell in .cVmerica ; otherwise the s'd Yafl is to serve my said wife eiiually with other negroes. Jtcm. I give and beq

unto "William Bickley one negro girl named 3Iaria. Item to "NVm.

Kichiirdson one negro boy named Jack. Item to Sam'l Palmer one

n. girl named Buckey. Item. I . . . unto my negro man Tone}-, the cooper, the sum of 40 shillings a yeare during his life, besides his usual acconunodation.

Item unto my negi'O w'n Nell her ffreedoni and liberty to goe att

large wheres'r she shall please after the dcc'se of my s'd wife. These two l.vst beq'ts are with this restriction and limitation, that they yield all duty, fiill subniis'n and faithf lobed'ce in all respect as becom'h dilig't serv'ts tow'dsmy wife; other%\-ise, they are to enjoy no benefit hereby, but their beq'ts to lie void, as if never Avritten or ment. Item. I g and b unto John Adams, of Flushing, h h and as's, the simi of five pounds, which is due to me on his obligacon. lte?)i. 3torcover, I g and beq unto my said nep'w, L. 3L, all my land and m'ws att 3Iattinicott, on Long Isl'd, together with all the profits and privil'es adv'g thereof, to him, his heirs and as"s for ever, tog'r with one half of all my pewter and the one half of all my house linen for bedding and tabling that is on my plantation over against Ilai'lem, and all my printed books, except such as my said wife shall please to reserve mito herself e.

I g and b unto John Adams, of Flushing, h h and as's, the simi of five pounds, which is due to me on his obligacon. lte?)i. 3torcover, I g and beq unto my said nep'w, L. 3L, all my land and m'ws att 3Iattinicott, on Long Isl'd, together with all the profits and privil'es adv'g thereof, to him, his heirs and as"s for ever, tog'r with one half of all my pewter and the one half of all my house linen for bedding and tabling that is on my plantation over against Ilai'lem, and all my printed books, except such as my said wife shall please to reserve mito herself e. Note, that these last bequests unto my s'd n'w L. 31. are. given and beti'd under ye same limitations and rest'ns A\-ith those legacys first above mentioned, and not otherwise. Item. I give and beq'th unto ye meeting of Friends, in the prov'ce of N. Y., the sum of six pounds per annum, to be paid out of my plant'n ag't Harlem af d, in the s'd prov'ce, by v.homs'er shall enjoy the same, arcording to my devise thereof, as hereafter appears, and on every 2ath of the month called 3Iarch, yearly andev'y year forever, unto such p'n or per as sliall be tbereunto ap'd.

Item. All the rest, residue and remainder of my estate and ray plantation, r'l and p's, where I now inluibitt. over against Harlem afd, I give and bcrfh unto my d'ly bclov'd wife, 3Lu-y 3[orris, her heirs and as's forever, the lands thereof, cont'g about 20C0 acres best m or 1, tog'r with all houses, barns, mills, runns and ■ponds of waler, water courses, rivers, orchards, gardens, trees, woods, negroes of all kinds, catlell, swiriC, shiep, horse, kiude, and all other creatures and im-

All the rest, residue and remainder of my estate and ray plantation, r'l and p's, where I now inluibitt. over against Harlem afd, I give and bcrfh unto my d'ly bclov'd wife, 3Lu-y 3[orris, her heirs and as's forever, the lands thereof, cont'g about 20C0 acres best m or 1, tog'r with all houses, barns, mills, runns and ■ponds of waler, water courses, rivers, orchards, gardens, trees, woods, negroes of all kinds, catlell, swiriC, shiep, horse, kiude, and all other creatures and im-

,^CC HISTORY OF THE COUNTY OF WESTCHESTER.

prov'ts -whatsoever, as also all goocb, household stufT and utensills, moneys, j.lnu-. and every thins; else moveable and im'ble within doors and ^\-'t that can he tuiin. .J or expressed, tl^j^t- now is, or hereafter shall be, in my pos'n or any Avays belon'.- tmto the s'd pl'n, except what is here otherwise disposed of and beq'd. lUm. 1 give and beq'h unto my said d'y bel'd wife all that my houses, land in N. Y. city. situate over against the brklgn, mito all appurt'ces, prortitts and advant'ges wh:..u soever thereiuito belong's, Avith all deeds, pattcnts, w-ritiugs. bills, bonds, oblg'ions.

andall things else whats'r, named and unnamed, belonging: Item

to John BoNN-ne, of Flushing, one negro girl n'd Abba ; is att old Thomas limits.

Jt£r,i to Miles Foster, one serv'ble negro boy, such as my s'd d'y

bel'd wife shall appomt. Item to Pdc'd Joues, M'ht, of X. Y., one

negro boy or one negro girl, such as m b d wif shall appoint. Item.

Y. city. situate over against the brklgn, mito all appurt'ces, prortitts and advant'ges wh:..u soever thereiuito belong's, Avith all deeds, pattcnts, w-ritiugs. bills, bonds, oblg'ions.

andall things else whats'r, named and unnamed, belonging: Item

to John BoNN-ne, of Flushing, one negro girl n'd Abba ; is att old Thomas limits.

Jt£r,i to Miles Foster, one serv'ble negro boy, such as my s'd d'y

bel'd wife shall appomt. Item to Pdc'd Joues, M'ht, of X. Y., one

negro boy or one negro girl, such as m b d wif shall appoint. Item.

. ". to William Bickley and to my n'w, L. :M., all my right, t and int., in tuid

to the ship Friends' Adventure, as also all of my part of her profits and ad'ges

by freight or orther^ise, to each of th eq'l alike part. Item my s'd

n'w, my gold scale and my negro man Y'eabba ; and whereas, I have beq'd unto m s'd n'w, L. 'M., all m E at the ironworks at T., with this expression, viz : (as soou as H s'l attaine to the age of 21 yeare), 49 as above A\Titten, I doc now revoke ye s'd expression as to time, giving imto him, my s'd n'w, full power and auth'y to enter into and possess the s'd e'te, and ev'y part and p'l thereof, imm'ly after my decease, anything before above w'n to the contrary not'g. but under the same restrictions and hmitations as before men'd, viz : by his conformity to the " f ulfilUng of this uiy last will and testament ; all the rest of my plate and money, silver and gold, I give and becfh unto my dearly beloved wife. Lastly, I desire, fiuthor' and app't my trusty friends, Ric'd Jones and Miles Foster, of K Y., John Bowue, of Flushing, TVm. llichardson, of W C'r, Richard Ilartshonie, and John TIanes, of co of Z^Ionmouth, and VCm.

n'w, my gold scale and my negro man Y'eabba ; and whereas, I have beq'd unto m s'd n'w, L. 'M., all m E at the ironworks at T., with this expression, viz : (as soou as H s'l attaine to the age of 21 yeare), 49 as above A\Titten, I doc now revoke ye s'd expression as to time, giving imto him, my s'd n'w, full power and auth'y to enter into and possess the s'd e'te, and ev'y part and p'l thereof, imm'ly after my decease, anything before above w'n to the contrary not'g. but under the same restrictions and hmitations as before men'd, viz : by his conformity to the " f ulfilUng of this uiy last will and testament ; all the rest of my plate and money, silver and gold, I give and becfh unto my dearly beloved wife. Lastly, I desire, fiuthor' and app't my trusty friends, Ric'd Jones and Miles Foster, of K Y., John Bowue, of Flushing, TVm. llichardson, of W C'r, Richard Ilartshonie, and John TIanes, of co of Z^Ionmouth, and VCm. Bickley of Wr co aforesaid, to be mx executors in trust, and overseers to see this my will punctually perf d and MfiPd ; and in reg'd to the remoteness of their abodes from one another, I do oi-dkr and appoinr that any tlu-ce of them may act as they shall find needfull, jn-cn'ia^'d Wm. Bich'n. Wm. Bickley, or Kich'd llartshorne be of that mmilxr ; and fox want of a 3d person in the co :Monmouth, K"d Hartshome and John Hanvt may act there as tliey shall find cause, or may choose a 3d person to act,

Bickley of Wr co aforesaid, to be mx executors in trust, and overseers to see this my will punctually perf d and MfiPd ; and in reg'd to the remoteness of their abodes from one another, I do oi-dkr and appoinr that any tlu-ce of them may act as they shall find needfull, jn-cn'ia^'d Wm. Bich'n. Wm. Bickley, or Kich'd llartshorne be of that mmilxr ; and fox want of a 3d person in the co :Monmouth, K"d Hartshome and John Hanvt may act there as tliey shall find cause, or may choose a 3d person to act,

&c., «.t.

And -niow, having thus disposed of that outward estate and substance that it hath pka3ed God to possess me of, I commit my soul to God, &v\

la testimony whereof, I the s'd Lewis JLorris, have hereunto to this my last ■wiU and I'i subscrib'd, signed and fixed my seal, at my plant'n over against Harlem, in frie p'o N. Y'., this seventh day of this twelfth month called February, in the 'year l>:i)0, in presence of Johannis Vennilje, Jan Tibout, Lamueert Zoches, David Li]lJi}3, marks of Susannali Roberts-- Wm. Bickley.

The above will shows plainly that " Colonel Lewis Morris was by conviction a Quaker, and ai^arently remained a Friend to the day of his death; for he bequeathes i'ive pounds to the meeting of Friends at Shrewsbur}-, and likev.-ise gives his negro man. YaiT, to his honored friend ■VYilliam Pcnn, provided the said Ponn shall come to reside in America.

Y'., this seventh day of this twelfth month called February, in the 'year l>:i)0, in presence of Johannis Vennilje, Jan Tibout, Lamueert Zoches, David Li]lJi}3, marks of Susannali Roberts-- Wm. Bickley.

The above will shows plainly that " Colonel Lewis Morris was by conviction a Quaker, and ai^arently remained a Friend to the day of his death; for he bequeathes i'ive pounds to the meeting of Friends at Shrewsbur}-, and likev.-ise gives his negro man. YaiT, to his honored friend ■VYilliam Pcnn, provided the said Ponn shall come to reside in America.

THE TOWN OF WEST FARMS.

1 1 i; probable tliat Penn eventually received Yaff, and that it is he of »h.;:n i'cnn says, (in his letter to Logan from London, April ist, 1703,) •• / /hire resolved after four yv-ars faLthfiil service he shall be free. y Al- :i:oii-;h Janney,. in his excellent life of Penn, says there is evidence that VaiT was an African, he (Janney) being unaware of the preceding facts.

By the COMMANDER-IX-CniEF.

Whereas, Lewis Morris, gent., administrator of the goods, rights and credits of Lewis Morris, deceased, is obliged to make and exhibite a true and perfect inventor)' of all and singular the goods, rights and credits of the said dece'Svd, into the Surveyor's office of this province. These are to authorize and impower you, Stephanus V. Cortlandt, Nicholas Bayard, John Pell and William Richordson, to make a true and faithful apj)raisement of the goods, rights and credits aforesaid, according to the best of your knowledge and discretion ; and for so doing, this shall be to you a sufficient warrant. Dated at Fort William Henry, the 23rd of October, 1691.

Whereas, Lewis Morris, gent., administrator of the goods, rights and credits of Lewis Morris, deceased, is obliged to make and exhibite a true and perfect inventor)' of all and singular the goods, rights and credits of the said dece'Svd, into the Surveyor's office of this province. These are to authorize and impower you, Stephanus V. Cortlandt, Nicholas Bayard, John Pell and William Richordson, to make a true and faithful apj)raisement of the goods, rights and credits aforesaid, according to the best of your knowledge and discretion ; and for so doing, this shall be to you a sufficient warrant. Dated at Fort William Henry, the 23rd of October, 1691.

Eichai'd Ingoldsby to Stephanus Van Cortlandt, Xich Bayard, John Pell and "\\ illiaui Richardson, Lewis Morris, inventory, h. true inventory of all and singular the goods, chattels and credits of Coll. LcTvis Morris, deceased, appraised at ihii pkmtatian, tlie day of 1G91, by Coll. Stephanus Van Cortlandt, Coll. Nicholas Bayard, John Pell and William Bichardson, Esq., by virtue of a -warrant to them directed, under the hand of the Commander-iu-Chicf and seal of the prerogative otlice, bearing date the day of October, Ainio 1G91,

and exhibited in the surveyor's ofilce, being the prerogative registry of tliis province by Lewis ^lorris, administrator of all the goods, chattels and credits of tlie said Coll. Lewis Morris, deceased :

Imprimus, 164. Shop Goods.

30 Armcs v. Airy, (vitriol) at 2s Od,

8 pieces and i strouds,

3 t'.mn of iron at 14ib. p. tunn, cO yds. and t of black silk prunella, 39 yds. lutestring, .

Nicholas Bayard, John Pell and William Bichardson, Esq., by virtue of a -warrant to them directed, under the hand of the Commander-iu-Chicf and seal of the prerogative otlice, bearing date the day of October, Ainio 1G91,

and exhibited in the surveyor's ofilce, being the prerogative registry of tliis province by Lewis ^lorris, administrator of all the goods, chattels and credits of tlie said Coll. Lewis Morris, deceased :

Imprimus, 164. Shop Goods.

30 Armcs v. Airy, (vitriol) at 2s Od,

8 pieces and i strouds,

3 t'.mn of iron at 14ib. p. tunn, cO yds. and t of black silk prunella, 39 yds. lutestring, .

3 pieces of 10 yds. bagg, Holland, 33 yds,

7 pieces white calicoes, at 20s. SOOib. white sugar, 16 pr. of women's worsted hose, at, 1 6 pd. yarne,

1 case black hefted knives, lO'.b ginger, . .

in each piece, at 8d.

£ s. d 10 14 00

44 00 00 42 00 00 10 15 00 12 00 00 4:3 12 00 7 00 00 7 10 00

2 8 oe

0 16 00 0 6 00 0 2 00

a Arma. (aaiua) aa old Dutch moa.sare.

HISTORY OF THE COUNTY OF WESTCHESTER.

Gold.

(169) 180 gmnej3, 1 double guiney, 32 jacobuss, ,

6^ ditto, 4^ ditto,

1 pistolle,

2 double doubloons, 5 pr small clasps, 1 bullett, 1 plaiu piece, 1 single tooih-pick, • 1 double ditto,

1 case ditto vrith smcdl bodkin,

2 bodkins, 1 mourning ring, 1 heart -with lock of Lair, 1 mash bead,

0 16 00 0 6 00 0 2 00

a Arma. (aaiua) aa old Dutch moa.sare.

HISTORY OF THE COUNTY OF WESTCHESTER.

Gold.

(169) 180 gmnej3, 1 double guiney, 32 jacobuss, ,

6^ ditto, 4^ ditto,

1 pistolle,

2 double doubloons, 5 pr small clasps, 1 bullett, 1 plaiu piece, 1 single tooih-pick, • 1 double ditto,

1 case ditto vrith smcdl bodkin,

2 bodkins, 1 mourning ring, 1 heart -with lock of Lair, 1 mash bead,

cont. in all 4 oz. 5 p^ts. and 5 grs. at 41. Ids. 9d. per oz. Debts good and bad, ....

112 bottles, four of them -with syrup, and other odd things,

243 0 0

2 14 0

34 10 0

4 10 0

1 10 0

1 4 0

9 12 0

19 19 0 2194 0 0

£3661 13 10 18 0

Wheat.

540 bushells at 3s. . 50 acres of wheat at 12«.

81 0 0 30 0 0

Stock, yiz.

24 oxen, 17 cows,

4 bulls.

8 year and vantage,

5 yearlings, 2 calves,

30 horses, mares and colts, 30 head of swine, 147 sheep,

73 0 0

34 0 0

8 0 0

10 0 0

3 15 0

0 12 0

60 0 0

9 0 0

35 16 0

(170)

3 carts and 1 pr timber wheels, 1 sloop and yall, . 1 yall and pinnace, 12 lb deer suctt at Cd.

Plantation Impl'ts.

20 0 0

74 0 0

10 0 0

0 6 0

30 horses, mares and colts, 30 head of swine, 147 sheep,

73 0 0

34 0 0

8 0 0

10 0 0

3 15 0

0 12 0

60 0 0

9 0 0

35 16 0

(170)

3 carts and 1 pr timber wheels, 1 sloop and yall, . 1 yall and pinnace, 12 lb deer suctt at Cd.

Plantation Impl'ts.

20 0 0

74 0 0

10 0 0

0 6 0

THE TOWN OF WEST FAR.MS.

H--i''in:r^ of tbe lodging rooms, three old cabbiaetts for al. tools"

•;to!i>ib for til'.- farme and family, apparel! not particularized, .

J J nils, retiued molasses at iSd. .....

>'. U. 3Iis3 addition in folio 4,

22 raati negroes at 20?. 11 women at 15?.

6 boys at 15?.

2 garles at 12?. .ir) ciiildrcu at oZ. .

Negkoss.

440 0 0

165 0 0

90 0 0

24 0 0

125 0 0

;£844 0 0 3 box irons beaters, 1 little letter bos, Memorandum ; we finde in fol. the particulars by the appraisement to amount ir. the sum of, .

in

J.01. fol.

a, 3,

in

fol.

4,

in

fol.

5,

in

fol.

C, . .

in

fol.

7,

Besides the negroes in fol. 7, more,

Appraised by us underwi'ittcn,] 3 11 0

20 0 0 1 IG 0

£4134 5 10 ,15 4 0

£4149 9 10

>Iore 17 doz. scissors at 3». 7 cwt. 1 qr. 91b. old lead at 30s. per cwt.

11 0 0

;£844 0 0 3 box irons beaters, 1 little letter bos, Memorandum ; we finde in fol. the particulars by the appraisement to amount ir. the sum of, .

in

J.01. fol.

a, 3,

in

fol.

4,

in

fol.

5,

in

fol.

C, . .

in

fol.

7,

Besides the negroes in fol. 7, more,

Appraised by us underwi'ittcn,] 3 11 0

20 0 0 1 IG 0

£4134 5 10 ,15 4 0

£4149 9 10

>Iore 17 doz. scissors at 3». 7 cwt. 1 qr. 91b. old lead at 30s. per cwt.

11 0 0

195 14

33 0

107 IS

135 7

9S 13

3023 11

470 11

£4071 IG

844 0

Step. Y. Cop.tl.vmjt,

N. B.VTARD,

Jons Pell,

Wm. KicUAf.nsox.

£13 11 0

S. V. COETLANDT.

Exliibited the seventeenth day of February, 1601, by Lewis Morris, administrator, etc., for a true and perfect inventor}-, &c., but under protestaiion of adding, &c., &c. L. MORRIS.

Lewis Morri:;, heir of his uncle, Lewis, was bom at Morrisania in 167 1, and appears to have been a man of extraordinary talt-nts. Chief Justice WiUiam Smith informs us, that of all the members of the New York Assembly in 1710, " Colonel Morris had tlie gaeatest intlucnco on our pubhc affairs. lie was a man of letters, and, though a little whim-

47° mSTORY OF THE COirXTY OF WESTCHESTER.

sical in his temper, was grave in his manners, and of penetrating ji.irs. Being excessively fond of the society of men of sense and readin^:, h-^ was never wearied at a sitting till the spirits of the whole company were dissipated. From his infancy he has lived in a manner best adapted to teach him the nature of man, and to fortify his mind for the \-icissituui.-s of life. He verj- early lost both his father and mother, as we have seen, and feU under the patronage of his uncle.

Being excessively fond of the society of men of sense and readin^:, h-^ was never wearied at a sitting till the spirits of the whole company were dissipated. From his infancy he has lived in a manner best adapted to teach him the nature of man, and to fortify his mind for the \-icissituui.-s of life. He verj- early lost both his father and mother, as we have seen, and feU under the patronage of his uncle. Being a boy of strong passions, the general indications of a friiithful genius, he gave frequent offence to his uncle ; and, on one of these occasions, through fear of his resentment, strolled away into Virgijiia, and thence io /amaicain the West Indies, vv-here, to support himself, he set up for a scrivener."" " As a proof of his boWsh propensities, (says Mr. Dunlap,) we are told that when a pupil to Luke Copperthwait, a Quaker, Lewis, hid himself in a tree by which his teacher was to pass ; and in a feigned voice, wth great solemnity called upon Luke, (from above, of course,) and ordered him to go and preach the gospel among the Mohawks. Luke considered the bidding miraculous, and prepared to obey; when, either by compunction of the boy, or other means, he was undeceived. After several years passed in the West Indies, the wanderer returned to Morrisania, and was received by his uncle ^^'ith forgiveness and joy. To settle him for life, the uncle brought about a marriage between Lewis and INIiss Graham,* a fine lady, (continues Mr. Smith,) wth whom he lived above fifty years. in the possession of every enjoyment which good sense and poute manners in a woman could afford.'''^

Luke considered the bidding miraculous, and prepared to obey; when, either by compunction of the boy, or other means, he was undeceived. After several years passed in the West Indies, the wanderer returned to Morrisania, and was received by his uncle ^^'ith forgiveness and joy. To settle him for life, the uncle brought about a marriage between Lewis and INIiss Graham,* a fine lady, (continues Mr. Smith,) wth whom he lived above fifty years. in the possession of every enjoyment which good sense and poute manners in a woman could afford.'''^

Upon the 8th of May, 1697, Lewas Morris obtained royal letters patent from King William the Third, erecting Morrisania into a township and manor, to be holden of the king in free and cummon soccage; its lord yielding and rendering therefore annually, on the Feast Day of the Annunciation of our blessed Virgin Mar>', the rent of six shiUings.

THE ROYAL CHARTER. William tbie Third, by the grace of God. of England, Scotland, France, and Ireland, King, Defeader of the Faith, &C., to all to wliom these presents shall conic, seudeth greeting: Whereas, the Hon'ble Edmund Andross, Esq., Seigneur of Sausmarez, late Governor of province of New Yurk, &c., by a certain deed or patent, sealed with the seal of our said province of New York, bearing date the 25th day of 3Iarch, in the year of our Lord 1076, pursuant to the commission and authority then in him residing, did confirm unto Col. Lewis 3Iorris, of the I.?!:md of Barbadoes, a certain plantation or tract of laud laying or being

William tbie Third, by the grace of God. of England, Scotland, France, and Ireland, King, Defeader of the Faith, &C., to all to wliom these presents shall conic, seudeth greeting: Whereas, the Hon'ble Edmund Andross, Esq., Seigneur of Sausmarez, late Governor of province of New Yurk, &c., by a certain deed or patent, sealed with the seal of our said province of New York, bearing date the 25th day of 3Iarch, in the year of our Lord 1076, pursuant to the commission and authority then in him residing, did confirm unto Col. Lewis 3Iorris, of the I.?!:md of Barbadoes, a certain plantation or tract of laud laying or being

a Smith's Historv of X. Y.

h DuulapN Ili-t. N. Y.. vol. i. i'i.

c Smith's Hiit.of N. Y.

THE TO\VN OF WEST FARMS. 47^

..^>3 llie inalne over against the town of Ilacrlcm, commonly called Bronckse's •"'..,) .-.-.iilainiii!? 250 niorgcn or SCO acres of land, besides the meadow thereunto V -it-xcd or adjoining?, butted and bounded as in tlie original Dutch ground brief V-d p:itent of confirmation is set forth; which said tract of land and meadow, I'-iviii- been bv the said Col. Lewis xAIorris long possessed and enjoyed, and having likewise thereon made good improvement, he, the said Edmond ^\jidros3, late coventor of our said province, did further, by the said deed or patent, sealed with the seal of our said province, and bearing date as aforesaid, we grant and confirm Cnto tlic said Col. Lewis Morris, for his further improvement, a certain quantity vi land adjacent unto the said tract of land-which land, with the addition, U-in" bounded from his own house over against Ilaerlem, running up Ilaerlem UivcT to Daniel Tmner's land, and so along this said land northward to John Archer's line, and from tlience stretching east to the land of John Kichardson and Thomas Hunt, and tlieuco along their lands southward to the Sound, even so along the Somid about soutliwest tlirough Brouck's hill to the said Col.

Lewis Morris, for his further improvement, a certain quantity vi land adjacent unto the said tract of land-which land, with the addition, U-in" bounded from his own house over against Ilaerlem, running up Ilaerlem UivcT to Daniel Tmner's land, and so along this said land northward to John Archer's line, and from tlience stretching east to the land of John Kichardson and Thomas Hunt, and tlieuco along their lands southward to the Sound, even so along the Somid about soutliwest tlirough Brouck's hill to the said Col. Lewis Morris's house-- the additional land containing (according to the survey thereof) the quautitv of fourteen hmulred and twenty acres, to have and to hold the aforercc'ited trac't of land before possessed by him, and the additional hmd within the limits and bounds aforesaid, together with the woods and meadows, both salt, and fresh, waters and creeks, belonging to the said lands, unto the said Col. Lewis Jlorris, his heirs aud assignees forever, under the yearly rent of four bushels of good winter wheat, as by the said deed or patent, registered iu our secretary's office of our said pro%-ince of New York, &c.,-- relation being thereunto had-- may more fuUv and at large appear. And whereas, our loving subject, Lewis Morris, (nephew unto the said Col. Morris, lately deceased, his sole and only heir.) who is now, by right of descent aud inheritance, peaceably and quietly seized and possessed of all the aforesaid tracts of land and premises within the limits and bounds aforesaid, hath, by his petition, presented unto our trusty and well beloved Benj. Fletcher, our Captain General aud Governor-iu-Chief of our said province of New York and territories dependant thereon in America, &c., prayed our grant and confirmation of all the afore-recited tracts and parcels of land and premises within the limits and bounds aforesaid ; and likewise that we would be grticiously pleased to erect the said tracts and parcels of laud, within the limits and bounds aforesaid, into a lordship or manor, by the name or title of the manor or lordship of Morrisania, in the county of Westchester ; and whereas, it is publicly manifest that the said Col.

Fletcher, our Captain General aud Governor-iu-Chief of our said province of New York and territories dependant thereon in America, &c., prayed our grant and confirmation of all the afore-recited tracts and parcels of land and premises within the limits and bounds aforesaid ; and likewise that we would be grticiously pleased to erect the said tracts and parcels of laud, within the limits and bounds aforesaid, into a lordship or manor, by the name or title of the manor or lordship of Morrisania, in the county of Westchester ; and whereas, it is publicly manifest that the said Col. Lewis ilorris, deceased, in his lifetime, and our said loving subJL-ct, his nephew and sole and only heir since his decease, have been at tcreat charge and expense in the purchasing, settling and improving of the said tracts and parcels of laud, whereon considerable buildings have likewise been made ; and our said loving subject, being willing still to niiko further improvements thereon-which reasonable request, for his furtlicrencnuragement, we bein-r willing to srrant : and know ye, that we, of our special grace, certain knowledge, and mere^noti.m, we have given, granted, ratified and cnufirmcd. and by these'prescnts do for us, our heirs and successors, give, grant, ratify and confirm xinto the said Lewis Morris, his heirs and assignees, all the aforesaid tracts and parcels of land within the hmits aud bounds aforesaid, containing the quantity of one thousand, nine hundred and twenty acres of land, more or less, tocrether with all and evjry tiie me^uuges, tenements, buildings, houses, out-

Lewis ilorris, deceased, in his lifetime, and our said loving subJL-ct, his nephew and sole and only heir since his decease, have been at tcreat charge and expense in the purchasing, settling and improving of the said tracts and parcels of laud, whereon considerable buildings have likewise been made ; and our said loving subject, being willing still to niiko further improvements thereon-which reasonable request, for his furtlicrencnuragement, we bein-r willing to srrant : and know ye, that we, of our special grace, certain knowledge, and mere^noti.m, we have given, granted, ratified and cnufirmcd. and by these'prescnts do for us, our heirs and successors, give, grant, ratify and confirm xinto the said Lewis Morris, his heirs and assignees, all the aforesaid tracts and parcels of land within the hmits aud bounds aforesaid, containing the quantity of one thousand, nine hundred and twenty acres of land, more or less, tocrether with all and evjry tiie me^uuges, tenements, buildings, houses, out-

472 HISTORY OF THE COLrN'TV OF WESTCHESTER.

houses, bamc, barracks, staples, mills, mill dams, mill howlfis, orchards, gardens, fences, pastures, fields, feedings, -woofls, underwoods, trees, timber, meadow-;, (ficsh and salt,) marshes, swamps and pools, ponds, waters, water cours<-;<, broolis, rivulets, baths, inlets, outlets, islands, necks of land and meadow, peninsulas of laud and meadow, feiTies, passages, fishing, fowling, hunting, aud hawking, quarries, mines, minerals, (silver and gold mines excepted,) and all tinrignts, liberties, privileges, jurisdictions, royalties, hereditaments, benefits, profits, advantages and appurieuanccs whiitsoever to the afore-recited tracts, parcelsand necks of land, aud mill, within the limits and bounds aforesaid belonging, adjoining, or in any way appertaining, or accepted, reputed, taken, known or occupied, Tis part, parcel or member thereof, to have or to hold all the aforesaid recited tracts and parcels of land within the limits and bounds aforesaid, containing the quantity of one thousand ninehmidred and twenty acres of laud, moro or less, together with all and every the messuages, tenements, buildings, liouses, out-houses, barns, barracks, stables, mills, mill dan)s, mill houses, orchards, gardens, fences, piistures, fields, feedings, woods, underwoods, trees, timber, meadows, fresh and salt, marshes, swamps, pools, ponds, waters, water courses, brooks, rivers, rivulets, streams, creeks, coves, harbors, bridges, baths, strands, inlets, outlets, islands, necks of land and meadow, peninsulas, land and meadow, ferries, passages, fisliing, fowling, hunting and hawking, quarries, mines and minerals, (silver and gold mines excepted,) and all the rights, liberties, privileges, jurisdictions, royalties, hereditaments, tolls, and benefits, profits, advantages, and appurtenances v.-hatsoever, to the afore-recited tracts, parcels and necks of land and mill within the limits and bounds aforesaid, belonging, adjoining, or in any appertaining or accepted, reputed, taken, known unto him, the said Lewis Morris, his heirs and assi-^nces, to the sole and only proper use benefit and behoof of him the said Lewis Morris, his heirs and assignees forever, and moreover; that if our further special grace, certain knowledge, and mear motion, we have brought it according to the reasonable request of our said loving subject to erect all the aforc-recited tracts and parcels of land and premises within the limits and bounds aforesaid into a lordship and manor; and therefore, by these presents, we do, for us, our heirs and successors, erect, make and constitute all the afore-recited tracts and parcels of land within the limits and bounds afore-mentioned, together with all and every the above granted premises, with all and every their apinirtfcuances, unto one lordship or manor, to all intents and purposes, and 'tis our royal v.ill aud pleasure, that the said lordship and manor shaU from henceforth be called the lordship or manor of T-Iorrisania ; and know yee, that we reposing especial trust and confidence in the loyalty, wisdom, justice, prudence, arid circums;)ection of our said loving subjects, do, for us, our heirs and successors, give and grant unto the said Lewis Morris, and to the heirs and assinees of him the said Lewis Morris, full power and authority at all times forever hereafter, in the said lordship or manor, one court-lect, and one court-barrou, to hold and keep at such time and times, and so often yearly as he or they shall see meet, and all fines, issues and amerciaments, at the said court- Icet and court-barron, to Iw holdcn within the said lordship or manor, to be set, forfeited or employed, or p.iyable, or happening at any time to be payable by any of the inhabitants of or in the said lordship or manor of MorrisaOia, or the limits and bounds whereof, and also all and every of the power and authority therein-before mentioned, for the

houses, bamc, barracks, staples, mills, mill dams, mill howlfis, orchards, gardens, fences, pastures, fields, feedings, -woofls, underwoods, trees, timber, meadow-;, (ficsh and salt,) marshes, swamps and pools, ponds, waters, water cours<-;<, broolis, rivulets, baths, inlets, outlets, islands, necks of land and meadow, peninsulas of laud and meadow, feiTies, passages, fishing, fowling, hunting, aud hawking, quarries, mines, minerals, (silver and gold mines excepted,) and all tinrignts, liberties, privileges, jurisdictions, royalties, hereditaments, benefits, profits, advantages and appurieuanccs whiitsoever to the afore-recited tracts, parcelsand necks of land, aud mill, within the limits and bounds aforesaid belonging, adjoining, or in any way appertaining, or accepted, reputed, taken, known or occupied, Tis part, parcel or member thereof, to have or to hold all the aforesaid recited tracts and parcels of land within the limits and bounds aforesaid, containing the quantity of one thousand ninehmidred and twenty acres of laud, moro or less, together with all and every the messuages, tenements, buildings, liouses, out-houses, barns, barracks, stables, mills, mill dan)s, mill houses, orchards, gardens, fences, piistures, fields, feedings, woods, underwoods, trees, timber, meadows, fresh and salt, marshes, swamps, pools, ponds, waters, water courses, brooks, rivers, rivulets, streams, creeks, coves, harbors, bridges, baths, strands, inlets, outlets, islands, necks of land and meadow, peninsulas, land and meadow, ferries, passages, fisliing, fowling, hunting and hawking, quarries, mines and minerals, (silver and gold mines excepted,) and all the rights, liberties, privileges, jurisdictions, royalties, hereditaments, tolls, and benefits, profits, advantages, and appurtenances v.-hatsoever, to the afore-recited tracts, parcels and necks of land and mill within the limits and bounds aforesaid, belonging, adjoining, or in any appertaining or accepted, reputed, taken, known unto him, the said Lewis Morris, his heirs and assi-^nces, to the sole and only proper use benefit and behoof of him the said Lewis Morris, his heirs and assignees forever, and moreover; that if our further special grace, certain knowledge, and mear motion, we have brought it according to the reasonable request of our said loving subject to erect all the aforc-recited tracts and parcels of land and premises within the limits and bounds aforesaid into a lordship and manor; and therefore, by these presents, we do, for us, our heirs and successors, erect, make and constitute all the afore-recited tracts and parcels of land within the limits and bounds afore-mentioned, together with all and every the above granted premises, with all and every their apinirtfcuances, unto one lordship or manor, to all intents and purposes, and 'tis our royal v.ill aud pleasure, that the said lordship and manor shaU from henceforth be called the lordship or manor of T-Iorrisania ; and know yee, that we reposing especial trust and confidence in the loyalty, wisdom, justice, prudence, arid circums;)ection of our said loving subjects, do, for us, our heirs and successors, give and grant unto the said Lewis Morris, and to the heirs and assinees of him the said Lewis Morris, full power and authority at all times forever hereafter, in the said lordship or manor, one court-lect, and one court-barrou, to hold and keep at such time and times, and so often yearly as he or they shall see meet, and all fines, issues and amerciaments, at the said court- Icet and court-barron, to Iw holdcn within the said lordship or manor, to be set, forfeited or employed, or p.iyable, or happening at any time to be payable by any of the inhabitants of or in the said lordship or manor of MorrisaOia, or the limits and bounds whereof, and also all and every of the power and authority therein-before mentioned, for the

THE TOWN OF WEST FARMS. 473

toKiinu and keeping the said court-lcet and court-barron from time to time, and io awiird and issue out tlie said accustomary writs, to be issued and awarded out t>f tliC said court-leet aad court-barron, to be kept by tlio heirs and assineesof the ttiid Lewis Morris, forever, or tlieiror any of their stewards deputed andappointul with full and ample power and authority to distraine for the rents, services, nr.d otiicr sums of mouey, payable by virtue of the premises and all other lawful remedies and means, for the having, possessing, recovering, levying and eujojina; the premises, and every part and parcel of the same, and all waifes, estrages, int-eks, deododans, goods or felons, happening and being forefeited within the said lordship or manor of Morrisania, and all and eveiy sum and sums of money to be paid as a post fine, upon any line or fines to be levyed, of any bounds, tenements or hereditaments within the said lordship or manor of Morrisania, together with the advowson and right of patronage, and all and every the church and churches erected or established, or thereafter to be erected or established within tlie said manor of Morrisania, and we do also give and grant unto the said Le^vis Morris, his hebs and assinees, that all and each of the tenants of hini the said Lewis Jlorris, within the said manor, may at all times hereafter, meet together and choose assessrs, within the manor aforesaid, according to such rules, ways and methods, as are prescribed for cities, towns and counties within our province aforesaid, by the acts of General Assembly, for the defra3ing the public charge of each respective city, town and county aforesaid ; and all such sums of money assessed or levied, to dispose of and collect for such uses as the acts of the General Assembly shall establish and appoint, to have and to hold, possess and enjoy, all and singular the said lordship or manor of ^forrisania. and premises, with all their and every of their appurtenances, unto the said Lewis Jlorris, his heirs aad assiuces forever, to be hi^lden of us, our heirs and successors, in free and common soccagp, according to the tenure of our manor of East Greenwich, in our County of Kent, within our realm of England, yielding, rendering and paying therefor, yearly aid every year, on the feast day of the ^Annunciation of our Blessed Virgin, tuito us, our heirs and successors, at our city of New York, the annual rent cf six shillings, in lieu and stead of all former rents, dues, services ajd demands whatsoevt-r, fur the said lordship and manor of Morrisania, and premises; in testimony whereof, we have caused the great seal of the said province to be affixed.

toKiinu and keeping the said court-lcet and court-barron from time to time, and io awiird and issue out tlie said accustomary writs, to be issued and awarded out t>f tliC said court-leet aad court-barron, to be kept by tlio heirs and assineesof the ttiid Lewis Morris, forever, or tlieiror any of their stewards deputed andappointul with full and ample power and authority to distraine for the rents, services, nr.d otiicr sums of mouey, payable by virtue of the premises and all other lawful remedies and means, for the having, possessing, recovering, levying and eujojina; the premises, and every part and parcel of the same, and all waifes, estrages, int-eks, deododans, goods or felons, happening and being forefeited within the said lordship or manor of Morrisania, and all and eveiy sum and sums of money to be paid as a post fine, upon any line or fines to be levyed, of any bounds, tenements or hereditaments within the said lordship or manor of Morrisania, together with the advowson and right of patronage, and all and every the church and churches erected or established, or thereafter to be erected or established within tlie said manor of Morrisania, and we do also give and grant unto the said Le^vis Morris, his hebs and assinees, that all and each of the tenants of hini the said Lewis Jlorris, within the said manor, may at all times hereafter, meet together and choose assessrs, within the manor aforesaid, according to such rules, ways and methods, as are prescribed for cities, towns and counties within our province aforesaid, by the acts of General Assembly, for the defra3ing the public charge of each respective city, town and county aforesaid ; and all such sums of money assessed or levied, to dispose of and collect for such uses as the acts of the General Assembly shall establish and appoint, to have and to hold, possess and enjoy, all and singular the said lordship or manor of ^forrisania. and premises, with all their and every of their appurtenances, unto the said Lewis Jlorris, his heirs aad assiuces forever, to be hi^lden of us, our heirs and successors, in free and common soccagp, according to the tenure of our manor of East Greenwich, in our County of Kent, within our realm of England, yielding, rendering and paying therefor, yearly aid every year, on the feast day of the ^Annunciation of our Blessed Virgin, tuito us, our heirs and successors, at our city of New York, the annual rent cf six shillings, in lieu and stead of all former rents, dues, services ajd demands whatsoevt-r, fur the said lordship and manor of Morrisania, and premises; in testimony whereof, we have caused the great seal of the said province to be affixed.

Witnesse our trusty and well beloved Benjamin Fletcher, our capt. gen. and gov. in-chief of our province of Xew York, and the territories and tracts of land depending thereon, in America, and vice-admiral of the same, our lieutenantcommander-iu-chief of the militia and of all the forces by sea and land within our colony of Connecticut, and of all the forts and places of strength within the same, in council at our fort in New York, the Sth day of 3Iay, in the ninth year of our reign, Anno Domini, 1697."

By command of his excellency, BEN. FLETCIIER.

D.vvrD Jamesox, SecVy.

The greatest part of the life of Leuis Morris, before the arrival of

a -Vlb. liook of Fit. No. vii. C4 aud 70.

HISTORY OF THE COUNTY OF WtSTCHESTER.

Governor Hunter, was spent in New Jersey,'* where he signalized himself in the service, both of the Proprietors and the Assembly. Tlie latter employed him to draw up their complaint against my Lord Cornbury, and he was made the bearer of it to tlie Queen. "In 1732," sa)-s Dunlafi), " a question was raised, whether Van Dam (who administered the government until the arrival of Cosby) should receive the whole salary' allowed to a governor, and the opinion of the Assembly was asked; but they declined giving an opinion, leaving it to the council, who consented that the vrarrants should be drawn for the whole. Cosby on his arrival and friendly reception by the Assembly, waited until their adjournment, and then produced the King's instructions to take to himself onehalf the salar>- and emoluments, during Van Dam's administration, leaving him one-half. Van Dam agrees, provided Cosby accounts for

"In 1732," sa)-s Dunlafi), " a question was raised, whether Van Dam (who administered the government until the arrival of Cosby) should receive the whole salary' allowed to a governor, and the opinion of the Assembly was asked; but they declined giving an opinion, leaving it to the council, who consented that the vrarrants should be drawn for the whole. Cosby on his arrival and friendly reception by the Assembly, waited until their adjournment, and then produced the King's instructions to take to himself onehalf the salar>- and emoluments, during Van Dam's administration, leaving him one-half. Van Dam agrees, provided Cosby accounts for

.==...Z^/nJ y/^{^r-rij

AQtograph anil arms of Lewis Morris.

certain monies received by him, and shares with Van Dam such monies. Cosby refuses, and erects a court of exchequer to compel Van Dam to comply with his tenns. Suits commence on their part, but Cosby appoints the judges. Van Dam denies the legality of the proceedings. Chief Justice

a " He was one of the Conncil in that Province, and a Judge of th" Supreme Court there In ICyi. I pou the surreiiair of the Kovernment to Qiwon ,\une, in iTu.'. he wss named to be governor of the colony; bnt the iippoinrnient wa.-- cliari;,'ed in favor of Lord CoriiUury, the t^neen's cousin." " Within the limits of Shrewsbury, (says >rr. Whitehc.Kh, fol. Lewis Morris had extensive Iron work>. emiiioyins sixty or seventy negroes, iu addition to white servants and dcp-.-ndants." '• 1 he land (:;.>to acres) was granttd to liini (ict. -.o, KJTfi. Full libeny was uiven to him and his associates, 'to dljj, delve, and carrv awav all such mines for Iron, as tney shall ttnd ur si>e fit to di^r and caiTv awav to th- iron works, or that siiall be found in that tract of laud that lies inclosed between the south.asi biuiich of the Ix'aritan river and the whale pond on the SL-a-si.ie, and is boiiuded from thino' bv iiie sea and branch of the river, ro the ea<tw.inl, [u tlie UaritHU river, he or they p-.ivniu: a\\ sn.h just dainanr-s to the oivniers of the laud wh.'r>' tin-, sinll 1I11: mines as sli.dl !»■ ja.i:,'''d i> <i .■m- liy trespass i.f ca!:iei.riithi.r>vise .~U'iaiued by tae carting,' and car-vii'.i; of the said uii:!- to the work."-- t.

Full libeny was uiven to him and his associates, 'to dljj, delve, and carrv awav all such mines for Iron, as tney shall ttnd ur si>e fit to di^r and caiTv awav to th- iron works, or that siiall be found in that tract of laud that lies inclosed between the south.asi biuiich of the Ix'aritan river and the whale pond on the SL-a-si.ie, and is boiiuded from thino' bv iiie sea and branch of the river, ro the ea<tw.inl, [u tlie UaritHU river, he or they p-.ivniu: a\\ sn.h just dainanr-s to the oivniers of the laud wh.'r>' tin-, sinll 1I11: mines as sli.dl !»■ ja.i:,'''d i> <i .■m- liy trespass i.f ca!:iei.riithi.r>vise .~U'iaiued by tae carting,' and car-vii'.i; of the said uii:!- to the work."-- t. J. Iii:ctirds, li paj/e 155.

THE TOWN OF ^VEST FAR-MS.

M,'rris declines to obey the Governor's orders in the case, as illegal ; and is by him suspended, after serving twenty years unimijeachably. James dv- Lancey was appointed in his place."" The follomng particulars in relation to this affair, are taken from the Carribcana, a literary periodical purporting to be "ivritten by several hands in the West Indies." The reader will see, that the Chief Justice performed his part with great boldness and mdependence : --

"Sir:-- You will preceive, by the enclosed copy of a letter, that the Original wa.s addressed to the present Governor of ZSew York, on occasion of a new dispute that arose between his Excellenc}^ and Ihe Chief Judge of the province concerning the establishment of a new Court of Equity. The Judge's argument upon the question is very long, and, for aught I know, very learned. I shall not take it upon me to say wlictlier liis opinion is right or not ; but certainly lie was right in giving his opinion upon a matter of law that came in judgment before him.

"Sir:-- You will preceive, by the enclosed copy of a letter, that the Original wa.s addressed to the present Governor of ZSew York, on occasion of a new dispute that arose between his Excellenc}^ and Ihe Chief Judge of the province concerning the establishment of a new Court of Equity. The Judge's argument upon the question is very long, and, for aught I know, very learned. I shall not take it upon me to say wlictlier liis opinion is right or not ; but certainly lie was right in giving his opinion upon a matter of law that came in judgment before him. The governor, however, was offended at what was spoken, and demanded a copy, which the judge sent him, in print, with the letter now mentioned.

I confess I had some curiosity to know the particular character of tliis extraordinary personage, who would seem to act and speak like an inhabitant of some other world. Tlie}' teU me he is nothing but a man, and a plain man too : exactly hke one of xis -- eats beef and mutton, drinks Madeira wine, and sometiines nun punch, as we do. His education was narrow, nor does he pretend to inspiration or any supernatural aid. His knowledge is derived merely from reading and observation, and his fortitude grounded on the Christian religion and the laws of his country, which he fancies are commonly on the side of honesty, and a good conscience.

I would not be thought to propose this northern magistrate to the imitation of his brethren between the tropics. I hope and believe the}^ will never meet with such trials ; and, if they should, I am persuaded they will be more polite than to copy after so coarse a pattern. I onlj- meant to help out your next paper with a strange and wonderful occurrauce, which may perhaps amuse your gentle readers as effectually as the accounts they have sometimes of hard frosts a/ul huge tc/iaks, though they never see such things in these parts.

I hope and believe the}^ will never meet with such trials ; and, if they should, I am persuaded they will be more polite than to copy after so coarse a pattern. I onlj- meant to help out your next paper with a strange and wonderful occurrauce, which may perhaps amuse your gentle readers as effectually as the accounts they have sometimes of hard frosts a/ul huge tc/iaks, though they never see such things in these parts.

I am yours, <fcc., LXDL'S.

To his Excellency, William Cosby, Esq., Captain-General and Govemor-in-Chief of the Province of New York. New Jersies and territories thereon deneiidiug in America, Vice Admiral of the same, and Colonel iu his Majesty's ai-niy, &c.

May it please your Excellency : --

In obedience to your commands by F. M., Esq., deputy secretar}-, to send you a copy of what I read in the Supreme Court concerning its having a jurisdiction to determine cau.ses in a Court of Equit}', and a second message from him to give it under my hand; I send you not only what I read, but what I said on that head, as far as I can charge my memory. Wljat was said, was spoken before a numrrous auditory, among which were the grand jury for the City and County

a Dunlap'3 Hist. N. Y., vol. 1, 29."

47 6 HISTORY OF THE COUN'Ti' OF WESTCHESTER.

of Now York, and several other persons of distinction. I chose" this pn!,lio met_h:)d to prevent, as much as I could, any misappreheusion ; and what I ea,d is as follows, viz : --

M., Esq., deputy secretar}-, to send you a copy of what I read in the Supreme Court concerning its having a jurisdiction to determine cau.ses in a Court of Equit}', and a second message from him to give it under my hand; I send you not only what I read, but what I said on that head, as far as I can charge my memory. Wljat was said, was spoken before a numrrous auditory, among which were the grand jury for the City and County

a Dunlap'3 Hist. N. Y., vol. 1, 29."

47 6 HISTORY OF THE COUN'Ti' OF WESTCHESTER.

of Now York, and several other persons of distinction. I chose" this pn!,lio met_h:)d to prevent, as much as I could, any misappreheusion ; and what I ea,d is as follows, viz : --

[Here follows the judge's argument against erecting a Court of Equitv acd then he concludes with the renutmder of his letter in these words, viz :] ' '

This, sir, is a copy of the paper I read in the Coiu-t, and the substance of what I said besides on that head, as far as I can shape my memory. I have no reason to expect that either this, or anything else I can say, will be at all grateful, or liave any weight with yoiu: Excellency, after the answer I received to a mcssa-e I did myself the honor to send you concerning an ordinance you were about to make for establishing a Court of Equity in the Supreme Court ; as being, in mv opinion, contrary to law, and which I desired might be delayed till I could be heard on that head. I thought myself within the duty of my office, in sendii;g this message ; and hope I do not flatter myself in thinking I shall be justiQed in it by your superiors, a3 well as mine.

I have no reason to expect that either this, or anything else I can say, will be at all grateful, or liave any weight with yoiu: Excellency, after the answer I received to a mcssa-e I did myself the honor to send you concerning an ordinance you were about to make for establishing a Court of Equity in the Supreme Court ; as being, in mv opinion, contrary to law, and which I desired might be delayed till I could be heard on that head. I thought myself within the duty of my office, in sendii;g this message ; and hope I do not flatter myself in thinking I shall be justiQed in it by your superiors, a3 well as mine. The answer your Excellency was pleased to send by Mr. J. W. was, Viat I need not gice myself any trouble abo^.it tluit affair ; that you icauld neither receive a visit or any message from me ; that you conld neither rely upon my integrity nor depend upon my judgment; that you thought vie a person not at all ft to be trusted uiih any concerns rehiting to the King; that exer sinc^ yoxtr coming to the government, I had treated you-- both as to yo^.ir oicn person and as the King's representative -icith alight, rudeness and impertinence; that you did not desire to see or hear any further of, ar from me. I am heartily sorry, sir, for your own sake, as well as that of the public, that the Kimr's representative should be moved to so great a degree of warmth, as appears by this answer, which I tliink would proceed from no other reason but by givui"- mv opmion, in a Court of which I was a Judge, upon a point of law that came before me, and in which I might be innocently enough mistaken ; (though I think I am not); for judges are no more infallible, than their superiors are impeccable.

I am heartily sorry, sir, for your own sake, as well as that of the public, that the Kimr's representative should be moved to so great a degree of warmth, as appears by this answer, which I tliink would proceed from no other reason but by givui"- mv opmion, in a Court of which I was a Judge, upon a point of law that came before me, and in which I might be innocently enough mistaken ; (though I think I am not); for judges are no more infallible, than their superiors are impeccable. But if judges are to be intimidated so as not to dare to give any opinion but what is pleasing to a governor, and agreeable to his private views, the people of this provi-ice-- who are very much concerned both with respect to their lives and fortunes in the freedom and independency of those who are to judw them-- may possibly not think themselves so secure m either of them, as the laws and his Majesty intend they should be.

I never had the honor to be above six times in your company in my life • one of those times was when I delivered the public seals of the province of New Jersey to you on your coming to that government ; another, on one of the public days, to drink the King's health ; a third, at your desire, to wait on my Lord Augustus Fitz Roy, with the body of the laws, to tell him we were glad to see him at New York; and except the first time, I never was above a quarter of an hour together in your company at any one time ; and all the VN-ords I ever spoke to you, except at the first time, may be contained on a quarto side of paper.

I never had the honor to be above six times in your company in my life • one of those times was when I delivered the public seals of the province of New Jersey to you on your coming to that government ; another, on one of the public days, to drink the King's health ; a third, at your desire, to wait on my Lord Augustus Fitz Roy, with the body of the laws, to tell him we were glad to see him at New York; and except the first time, I never was above a quarter of an hour together in your company at any one time ; and all the VN-ords I ever spoke to you, except at the first time, may be contained on a quarto side of paper. I mi^ht possibly have been impertinent, for old men are too often so ; but as to treating you with rudeness and disrespect, either in your public or private capacity, it is ■what 1 cannot accu.NC myself of doing or iutcDdingto do, at any one of the times

a rriuiiug his ar<jument aaj letter.

THE TOWN- O;- \VEST FAFLM3, 477

I «n.* with you. If a hovr, awkardly made, or anything of tbat kiml, or some ^iifn I, ill the ccreniouiiil of addrLSsiiig you, has occasioucd tliat iCiTiark, I beg it :: iV Ic attributed to the want of a courtly and poliit! education, or to aaytliing tin.', r.ither than the want of respect to hi3 majesty's representative. As to my l:;:»'^rity, I have given you no occasion to call it in question. I have been in this (itlice, almost twenty 3-ears. 3Iy hands were never soiled with a bribe ; ;!jr am 1 conscious to myself, that power or poverty- hath been able to induce me to be partial in the favor of either of them ; and as I have no reason to expect liAj favor from you, so I am neither afraid nor ashamed to stand the test of the strictest inquiry you can make concerning my conduct.

I have been in this (itlice, almost twenty 3-ears. 3Iy hands were never soiled with a bribe ; ;!jr am 1 conscious to myself, that power or poverty- hath been able to induce me to be partial in the favor of either of them ; and as I have no reason to expect liAj favor from you, so I am neither afraid nor ashamed to stand the test of the strictest inquiry you can make concerning my conduct. I have served the public faithfully and honestly, according to the best of my knowledge ; and, I dare, and do, appeal to it for my justification. I am, sir,

Your Excellency's Most humble servant, LEWIS MORRIS.

And the Honorable Lewis Morris not only •■resisted the tyranny of the English Goveraor Cosby ; but he dared manfully to stand by Zenger in defending the liberty of the press ; and becai^ie also the champion of the people against De Lancey, Philipse, and other supportors of royal prerogative; a mutual antagonism, which in their descendants' ran even into the American Revolution."* In 1773, Lewis Morris was elected a representative for the County of Wesbchester, in opposition to the aristo cratic candidate; and in 173S, appointed first Governor of New Jersey as a separate province from New York. He was chosen a member of the venerable propagation Society in 1700, and took a very active part in promoting its interest. As early as September 14th, 1700, at a meeting of that body, held in London, a memorial was received from him, in which he speaks of the several townships of East Jersey, " as distracted by almost every variety of dissent, but with little appearance of real religion among them." He also suggests some measures which may conduce to the bringing over to the Church the people in those countries : --

He was chosen a member of the venerable propagation Society in 1700, and took a very active part in promoting its interest. As early as September 14th, 1700, at a meeting of that body, held in London, a memorial was received from him, in which he speaks of the several townships of East Jersey, " as distracted by almost every variety of dissent, but with little appearance of real religion among them." He also suggests some measures which may conduce to the bringing over to the Church the people in those countries : --

" J^irsf. That no man be sent a Governor in to any of these Plantations, but a firm Churchman, «S:c. If possible, none but Churchmen to be in his council and in the magistracy."

'' SecoHiUy. That Churchmen may have some peculiar privileges above others. This (if practicable) must be done by Act of Parliament."

'• ihirdly. That there may be some measures fallen upon, to get ministers to preach gratis in America, for some time, 'til there be sufficient numbers of converts to bear the charge ; and I ])resume that may be accomplished this way : let the King, the Archbisliop, the Bishops

a See I.en-i.-? Ninrris's Letters to the Lords of Tra'te ia 1733, N. Y., Col. MSS. London Doc. Xiiv. pp. yrii-'Jj.i.

b Z^. V. iu the OidcuTimo, by Y. Baruitz Uacoa, S-j.ndaii Times.

478 HISTORY OF THE COUXTV OF WESTCHESTER.

and great men, admit no man for so many years to any great benefice, \na such as shall oblige themselves to preach three years gratis in America : with part of the living let him maintain a curate, and the other part k; him apply to his own use. By this means we shall have the greatest and best men; and in all human probability, such men must in a sh(jrt time, have made a wonderful progress in the conversio!i of these coun- . tries, especially when it is perceived the good of souls is the only motive to this undertaking.' <*

and great men, admit no man for so many years to any great benefice, \na such as shall oblige themselves to preach three years gratis in America : with part of the living let him maintain a curate, and the other part k; him apply to his own use. By this means we shall have the greatest and best men; and in all human probability, such men must in a sh(jrt time, have made a wonderful progress in the conversio!i of these coun- . tries, especially when it is perceived the good of souls is the only motive to this undertaking.' <*

About the same time he informs the Society that : --

~*

'• The want of a Bishop, and exorbitant power of the several Governors of the Plantations are great hindrances to the propagation of the Gospel." "

The following extract is taken from his next communication to the Secretary : --

" I have used some endeavors to persuade the Dutcli in my neighborhood, into a good ophiion of the Church of England ; and have had that success, that they would, I believe, join, a great part of them, in the sacraments and worsliip, had they Dutch common prayer-books, and a minister that understood their language. I have taken some pains with one of their ministers, one jlr. lleuricus Ueyse, and have prevaik^d on him to accept of Episcopal ordination. I think him a nuni of the best learning we hiivc in this part of the world, and I believe he may Ik.' ranked among the men of letters in the other, but I must acquaint you tliat he

" I have used some endeavors to persuade the Dutcli in my neighborhood, into a good ophiion of the Church of England ; and have had that success, that they would, I believe, join, a great part of them, in the sacraments and worsliip, had they Dutch common prayer-books, and a minister that understood their language. I have taken some pains with one of their ministers, one jlr. lleuricus Ueyse, and have prevaik^d on him to accept of Episcopal ordination. I think him a nuni of the best learning we hiivc in this part of the world, and I believe he may Ik.' ranked among the men of letters in the other, but I must acquaint you tliat he

has had some falling out with liis parishoncrs For my part 1 do beheve ho

is most falsely accused, I have observed his life, and have found nothing in it in-egularor unbecoming his character. The Dutch of best figure have a value for him, and allow him to be the gi-eatest master of the Dutcli tongue they have among them; aud those in my neighborliood esteem hiui very much. If the Society think fit to employ him, I shall add to what they give, £lij per annum, for three years ; aud I believe he will do great service, and I doubt not ycu will find him worth j^our acquaiiitance and favor. If the Society would send about fifty Dutch common prayer books, I believe they would sell ; and the money might be returned or paid to their missionaries, as they thouglit proper. This ■would be doing a great good, at a cheap rate. This, sir, is what offers at present from Sir, Your affectionate, humble servant,

If the Society think fit to employ him, I shall add to what they give, £lij per annum, for three years ; aud I believe he will do great service, and I doubt not ycu will find him worth j^our acquaiiitance and favor. If the Society would send about fifty Dutch common prayer books, I believe they would sell ; and the money might be returned or paid to their missionaries, as they thouglit proper. This ■would be doing a great good, at a cheap rate. This, sir, is what offers at present from Sir, Your affectionate, humble servant,

LE-V\TS :MOIlliIS.&

Colonel Morris was at this time one of the most influential freeholders in the parish of Westchester, and a liberal benefactor to its churcli. The small bell that formerly hung in the turret of the old parish church of St. Peters at Westchester was the gift of his bounty in 1706, and bore tills inscription : --

"LEWIS M OUR IS,' 1677."

a New York, :mss. from archives at Fuliium, vol. i. [). 10c. <Ua\v!cs.)

6 New York M:>S. from artUivos iit i'ulhaia, vol. i, pp. 150, icJ. (Hawks.)

THE TOWN OF WEST FARMS. 479

His manor embraced a large portion of the parish, and contributed annual!)' a small rate for the support of the rector and poor. The followin'^ extracts are taken from the vestr}' book of St. Peter's : --

•'At a meeting held by ye Justices, Vestr}'men and Church-wardens on ye 17th of January, 170S-9, it vv-as ordered, yt the two church-wardens for diis ensuing year shall go to Mr. Morris to know if yt he will pay his arrearedges, or othenvays to know if yt he will joyne issue with ye parish to try ye title whether his manor be in ye parish or not, and make return at ye next meeting."

Peter's : --

•'At a meeting held by ye Justices, Vestr}'men and Church-wardens on ye 17th of January, 170S-9, it vv-as ordered, yt the two church-wardens for diis ensuing year shall go to Mr. Morris to know if yt he will pay his arrearedges, or othenvays to know if yt he will joyne issue with ye parish to try ye title whether his manor be in ye parish or not, and make return at ye next meeting."

At a meeting of the same body held the 24th day of January, A.D. 1709-10, Sec. : --

" It being discovered amongst ye vestrymen, &c., yt some time since Mr. Lewis Morris, a principal free holder of this parish made some motion and overtures of erecting or building at his own proper charge a. convenient seat, place or pew, in some suitable part of ye church in this town, for ye accommodation of himself and family; which generous offer Avas by some (tho' a duninutive number) of the vestry rejected ; yet notwithstanding did conclude them all by a tame acquiescency to ye bare negative voices of but two of them, who not well weighing } e consequences, nor seriously considering ye rationality of the offer, did refuse giving ye liberty to that worthy gentleman; which ye vestry now met, having took into consideration, and seriously reflecting upon ye miscarriage of ye vestry in yt particular, (which, indeed, did look a little better than black ingratitude.) have unanimously {ne/nine contradic-onte) 3.^Q.td. and concluded : That ye said Mr. Lewis Morris may, if he sees cause at his own proper cost and charge, build, erect, make or set up any convenient pew, seat. &:c., capacious enough for ye accommodation of his worthy self and family, within any convenient place (as unto him shall seem best) of ye body of said church."

Lewis Morris, a principal free holder of this parish made some motion and overtures of erecting or building at his own proper charge a. convenient seat, place or pew, in some suitable part of ye church in this town, for ye accommodation of himself and family; which generous offer Avas by some (tho' a duninutive number) of the vestry rejected ; yet notwithstanding did conclude them all by a tame acquiescency to ye bare negative voices of but two of them, who not well weighing } e consequences, nor seriously considering ye rationality of the offer, did refuse giving ye liberty to that worthy gentleman; which ye vestry now met, having took into consideration, and seriously reflecting upon ye miscarriage of ye vestry in yt particular, (which, indeed, did look a little better than black ingratitude.) have unanimously {ne/nine contradic-onte) 3.^Q.td. and concluded : That ye said Mr. Lewis Morris may, if he sees cause at his own proper cost and charge, build, erect, make or set up any convenient pew, seat. &:c., capacious enough for ye accommodation of his worthy self and family, within any convenient place (as unto him shall seem best) of ye body of said church."

Among the early benefactors to Trinity church. New York, occurs the name of Lewis Morris, who contributed the timber for its erection. la return for this act of munificence, the vestry of that church granted the family a square pew. He was also a vestryman from 1697 to 1700. He died at his seat at Kingsbury, near Trenton, on Wednesday the 21st of May, 1746, aged seventy-three.

Lewis Morris may, if he sees cause at his own proper cost and charge, build, erect, make or set up any convenient pew, seat. &:c., capacious enough for ye accommodation of his worthy self and family, within any convenient place (as unto him shall seem best) of ye body of said church."

Among the early benefactors to Trinity church. New York, occurs the name of Lewis Morris, who contributed the timber for its erection. la return for this act of munificence, the vestry of that church granted the family a square pew. He was also a vestryman from 1697 to 1700. He died at his seat at Kingsbury, near Trenton, on Wednesday the 21st of May, 1746, aged seventy-three.

In his will, (proved January 12th, 1746,) he directs his body to be buried at Morrisania, in a plain coffin, without covering or lining with cloth; he prohibited rings and scarfs from being giving at his funeral; he wished no man to be payed for preaching a funeral sermon upon him; though if any man, churchman, or dissenter, minister or not, vras inclined to say anything on the occasion, he should not object. He pro- "hibited any mourning dress to be worn on that account, as he should die when Divine IVovidence should call him away, and wa.s u-.v.v.lling

^go HISTORY OF THE COUNTY OF WESTCHESTER.

that his friends should be at the unnecessary expense, which was owing onlv" to the common folly of mankind."*

The following notice of his death appeared in the New York IFeei/)' Post Boy for May 26tli, 1746 : --

In his will, (proved January 12th, 1746,) he directs his body to be buried at Morrisania, in a plain coffin, without covering or lining with cloth; he prohibited rings and scarfs from being giving at his funeral; he wished no man to be payed for preaching a funeral sermon upon him; though if any man, churchman, or dissenter, minister or not, vras inclined to say anything on the occasion, he should not object. He pro- "hibited any mourning dress to be worn on that account, as he should die when Divine IVovidence should call him away, and wa.s u-.v.v.lling

^go HISTORY OF THE COUNTY OF WESTCHESTER.

that his friends should be at the unnecessary expense, which was owing onlv" to the common folly of mankind."*

The following notice of his death appeared in the New York IFeei/)' Post Boy for May 26tli, 1746 : --

"New York, May 23d, Wednesday last departed this life, at Trenton, after a hngering illness, in an advanced age, his Excellency Lewis Morris, Esq., Captain General and Governor-in-Chief of the Province of New Jersey."

The following items are taken from the journal of his son, Lewis Morris : --

"May 26th, 1746, set out from Trenton wth my father's corpse for Amboy ferr\- ; got there that night about nine of the clock. His corpse was attended by numbers of people, and his pall was supported by Messrs Andrew Johnston, James Hide, Peter Kemble, Thomas Leonard, Philip French, Daniel Cox, PhiHp Kearney and Charles Read. The corpse was put on board of a large peri-augur, ^ which came from Morrisania, for that purpose, and arrived the next morning at Morrisania, the v.ind blowing at night at north-west extraordinary hard, and being cold lay that night at the ferry."

His corpse was attended by numbers of people, and his pall was supported by Messrs Andrew Johnston, James Hide, Peter Kemble, Thomas Leonard, Philip French, Daniel Cox, PhiHp Kearney and Charles Read. The corpse was put on board of a large peri-augur, ^ which came from Morrisania, for that purpose, and arrived the next morning at Morrisania, the v.ind blowing at night at north-west extraordinary hard, and being cold lay that night at the ferry."

"May 29th. My father was buried at Morrisania in a vault built by directions in his \ull. The materials and v/orkmanship came to ^10 6j-. i\d. His bearers were the Chief Jusrice, Joseph Murray, Robert Walters, James Alexander, WiUiam Smith, David Clarkson. Abraham Depeyster and Le%\-is Johnston. Dr. Standard, the minister of the parish of Westchester, attended the burial and performed the service of the Church."*'

By her last will and testament.'* Isabella Monis, wife of Governor Morris, directs that " her body be decently interred in the vault at Morrisania, near the remains of her deceased husband.' This lady was the daughter of James Graham, Attorney-General for the province of New York, and a near relation of the Marquis of ^Montrose.

The subjoined notice of her decease appeared in the Pennsylvania Gazette tor April 9th, 1752 :- --

New Yof.k, April 6th. -- "Last Monday, died in the eightieth year of her age, and on Thursday was decently interred in the family vault ;il Morrisania, l3.ibe!!;i Morris, widow and rehct of his Excellency Lewis Morris, Esq., late Grovernor of

By her last will and testament.'* Isabella Monis, wife of Governor Morris, directs that " her body be decently interred in the vault at Morrisania, near the remains of her deceased husband.' This lady was the daughter of James Graham, Attorney-General for the province of New York, and a near relation of the Marquis of ^Montrose.

The subjoined notice of her decease appeared in the Pennsylvania Gazette tor April 9th, 1752 :- --

New Yof.k, April 6th. -- "Last Monday, died in the eightieth year of her age, and on Thursday was decently interred in the family vault ;il Morrisania, l3.ibe!!;i Morris, widow and rehct of his Excellency Lewis Morris, Esq., late Grovernor of

a Sec will In papers of Lcsvis .Morria, Xew Jersey, Hist. Poc, p. 323.

h Peri-Bu^er Pftil, (iittle.,i iiQcl ttio Spanish auijua, (water,) a flat-bottomed boat like a sclioouer without bovrsptt or gib with centre board.

c lie adds. " M;iT anh. .•s.'ut back ttinchaiso.s to Harlem t^at■v^•e borrowed for the burial. There was o:**; ipiarter '^sk of wine expended at the fuueral to al>out two dozeu bottles, and about two jralliiu^ of niiii, a barrel of cider and two barrels of b.-er, .Ve , ^c Xov. ij, 1746. ■waited oil inv mother witlimv wifr. b.-.'.-rcd her bles^ii-/^ :iiid returno<l i>aclv at d'l-k "--Copied from the joiirnid of Ik.u. 1,.-wih .\li rn^ iii po3des.->ioii of the iiite Guveraeur .M. Wilkius, E.^q.

0. Lib. xviii. of wills, Sarro^ares OiTicc, N. V., p. 04.

THE TOWN OF WEST FARMS. 48 1

There was o:**; ipiarter '^sk of wine expended at the fuueral to al>out two dozeu bottles, and about two jralliiu^ of niiii, a barrel of cider and two barrels of b.-er, .Ve , ^c Xov. ij, 1746. ■waited oil inv mother witlimv wifr. b.-.'.-rcd her bles^ii-/^ :iiid returno<l i>aclv at d'l-k "--Copied from the joiirnid of Ik.u. 1,.-wih .\li rn^ iii po3des.->ioii of the iiite Guveraeur .M. Wilkius, E.^q.

0. Lib. xviii. of wills, Sarro^ares OiTicc, N. V., p. 04.

THE TOWN OF WEST FARMS. 48 1

the Proviocc of New Jersey. A lady endowed with every qualincatioa requisite (., rt.'ider the sex n-grceablo and eatertaining. Through all the various sceriCS (if life, she was a pattern of conjugal affection, a tender parent, a sincere friend, and an excellent economist. She was

Liberal without Prodigality, In Person, Venerable.

Frugal without Parsimony, In Conversation, xVffable.

Cheerful withotit Levity, In Friendsliip, Faithful.

Exalted without Pride, Of Envy, Void,

She pasJ3ed through life, endowed with every grace ; Her Virtues, OUeut Destruction can't deface. Or Cruel Envy e'er eclipse her fame, Isor mouldering time obliterate her name."

The sons of the Hon. Lev/is Morris and Isabella his wife, were:-- ist, Lewis, to whom his father bequeathed all that part of Morrisania lying to the eastward of the Mile Brook ; and the remainder, westv/ard of the same stream, called Old AIorrisa?iia, to his wife Isabella for life, and after her death to his said son Lewis Morris, for life, with power to dispose of the same by will to which ever of his sons he should see fit.** 2d, Robert Hunter Morris, Chief Jusrice of New Jersey, who had for his share the Jersey estates.

Lev/is Morris and Isabella his wife, were:-- ist, Lewis, to whom his father bequeathed all that part of Morrisania lying to the eastward of the Mile Brook ; and the remainder, westv/ard of the same stream, called Old AIorrisa?iia, to his wife Isabella for life, and after her death to his said son Lewis Morris, for life, with power to dispose of the same by will to which ever of his sons he should see fit.** 2d, Robert Hunter Morris, Chief Jusrice of New Jersey, who had for his share the Jersey estates.

Lewis Morris, who by his father's will, now took the lordship and manor of IMorrisania, was Judge of the High Court of Admirality and one of the Judges of Oyer and Terminer, was born 23d of Sept., 1698, and died 3d July, 1762. By his last Avill, dated Nov. 19th, 1760, he devised ''all tliat part of Morrisania situated west of the jVtill Brook, to his eldest son Lewis Morris." To his wife, " the land whereon his house stands, west of the }*[ill Brook." " To his brother Robert Hunter Morris, he bequeathed the pictures of his father and mother," and " that of myself and wife to my daughter Isabella.^

His, son, Governeur, was to have the best education that was to be had in England or America. "=

His three sons by his first wife, Catharine Staats, were Lewis Morris, fifth proprietor and third Lord of the Manor, General Staats Long Morris, who married Catharine, the celebrated Duchess of Gordon, and Richard Morris, Judge of the High Court of Admirality in 1776.

By his last Avill, dated Nov. 19th, 1760, he devised ''all tliat part of Morrisania situated west of the jVtill Brook, to his eldest son Lewis Morris." To his wife, " the land whereon his house stands, west of the }*[ill Brook." " To his brother Robert Hunter Morris, he bequeathed the pictures of his father and mother," and " that of myself and wife to my daughter Isabella.^

His, son, Governeur, was to have the best education that was to be had in England or America. "=

His three sons by his first wife, Catharine Staats, were Lewis Morris, fifth proprietor and third Lord of the Manor, General Staats Long Morris, who married Catharine, the celebrated Duchess of Gordon, and Richard Morris, Judge of the High Court of Admirality in 1776.

Lewis Morris, the fifth proprietor and tlie last Lord of the Manor, was born at old Morrisania in 1726. Educated at Yale College, he received his B.A. degree ia 1746, and his M.A. in 1790. Returning

a Prerogative Court, Trenton, Xctv Jerspv, I.lh. E. of Wills, p. 11. ko..

h Thi! above jncuires are In posse.s.inju of J.ewii O. Morris, Ksq., of Fordliam.

c Surrogate's ollice, >'. Y., Lib'jr. 'J3, 426.

482 HISTORY OF THE COirXTV OF WESTCHESTER.

from his Academic pursuits in 1746 he became a farmer in his native tomi, he v.-a.^ opulent and desired no addition to his fortune ; but in the struggle against the mother country- his sympathies were for his native land. He was a Brigader-General of the Continental army, and at one time received orders from Congress to take possession, (witii his whole Brigade,) of such parts of the Sound and Hudson River as he might think most exposed to the enemy. In 1775 ^le was sent from New York to the Continental Congress where he distinguished himself-- being appointed to confer with the Aborigines and to bring them over to the American side.

from his Academic pursuits in 1746 he became a farmer in his native tomi, he v.-a.^ opulent and desired no addition to his fortune ; but in the struggle against the mother country- his sympathies were for his native land. He was a Brigader-General of the Continental army, and at one time received orders from Congress to take possession, (witii his whole Brigade,) of such parts of the Sound and Hudson River as he might think most exposed to the enemy. In 1775 ^le was sent from New York to the Continental Congress where he distinguished himself-- being appointed to confer with the Aborigines and to bring them over to the American side. He was in Congress in 1776, and his name is in the great cluster of patriots attached to the Declaration of Independence. In 1777 he issued an address, or appeal, to the citizens of New York on tr.e constitution proposed by Convention of the United States for their future government in that year. In 1798 he died at his farm in old IMorrisania, in the seventy-second year of his age.

Gen. Staats Long ]\Iorris was bom on the 27th of August, 172S, and educated at Yale College. Having entered the army, he became Captain in the Thirty-sixth Regiment of Foot on the 31st of May, 1756, and attained the rank of Major in 1758. Government having resolved tlie following 3 ear to raise an additional regiment of Highlanders, by the influence of the Gordon family -- at the solicitation of the Dowager Duchess of Gordon, Major Morris, to whom she had been lately married, was appointed to raise that regiment, in which the Duke entered as Captain; Lord William, as Lieutentant; and Lord George, as Ensign. In a few weeks seven hundred and sixty men were mustered and marched to Aberdeen, and Major Morris received a commission as Lieutenant- Colonel of tlie new corijs, which was called the Eighty-ninth Highland Regiment, with it he embarked in December, 1760, for the East Indies; arrived at Bombay in November following, and served at the siege of Pondicherry in 1761.

Government having resolved tlie following 3 ear to raise an additional regiment of Highlanders, by the influence of the Gordon family -- at the solicitation of the Dowager Duchess of Gordon, Major Morris, to whom she had been lately married, was appointed to raise that regiment, in which the Duke entered as Captain; Lord William, as Lieutentant; and Lord George, as Ensign. In a few weeks seven hundred and sixty men were mustered and marched to Aberdeen, and Major Morris received a commission as Lieutenant- Colonel of tlie new corijs, which was called the Eighty-ninth Highland Regiment, with it he embarked in December, 1760, for the East Indies; arrived at Bombay in November following, and served at the siege of Pondicherry in 1761. On the 7th of July, 1763, he was appointed to the local rank of Brigadier-General, and on the return of the regiment to England it was reduced in 1765, and its Lieutenant-Colonel went on half pay, where he continued until 1778.'' It is said that upon receiving an order from the British Government to repair to America he returned his commission, whereupon they appointed him Commander on Cock's Heath during the remainder of the war. '• He became Major- Gencral in 1777, and was appointed Colonel of the Sixty-first, or South Gloucestershire, Regiment in 1778. He rose to the rank of General in the British army in 1796, received the sinecure appointment of Governor of Quebec in 1797, and died in the eady part of the year iSoo in the seventy-second }-ear of his age. General Morris was twice married ;

On the 7th of July, 1763, he was appointed to the local rank of Brigadier-General, and on the return of the regiment to England it was reduced in 1765, and its Lieutenant-Colonel went on half pay, where he continued until 1778.'' It is said that upon receiving an order from the British Government to repair to America he returned his commission, whereupon they appointed him Commander on Cock's Heath during the remainder of the war. '• He became Major- Gencral in 1777, and was appointed Colonel of the Sixty-first, or South Gloucestershire, Regiment in 1778. He rose to the rank of General in the British army in 1796, received the sinecure appointment of Governor of Quebec in 1797, and died in the eady part of the year iSoo in the seventy-second }-ear of his age. General Morris was twice married ;

THE TOU'N OF WEST FARMS. 483

first to the Duchess of Gordon, as already mentioned, who died in 1770, bccondly to Miss Urquhart who survived her husband about a year."<»

Lewis married Mary Walton, who died the irth of ]March, 1794. The following notice of her death occurred in the Diary, or Eve7iing Register of that year : --

"Died at Morrisania, Westchester County, on Tuesday the nth inst. in the sixty-seventh year of her age, Mrs. Alary Morris, wife of General Lewis Morris. To say that she was an affectionate wife, a tender parent, a firm friend and a good Christian might be thought to comprise an assemblage of virtues which it is not the lot of humanity to possess. But all who knew her will bear testimony to this truth, and declare that this eulogy far from being extravagant, is but a feeble tribute to her merit. Af her life was dear to all who prized the qualities for which she was eminently distinguished, so her death produced the keenest sorrow in the breasts of all her acquaintances, which nothing can mitigate ; but the refiection that the good she did will on earth raise a monument to her merit, and hereafter entitle her to that reward which will undoubtedly be bestowed upon the truly virtuous."*

But all who knew her will bear testimony to this truth, and declare that this eulogy far from being extravagant, is but a feeble tribute to her merit. Af her life was dear to all who prized the qualities for which she was eminently distinguished, so her death produced the keenest sorrow in the breasts of all her acquaintances, which nothing can mitigate ; but the refiection that the good she did will on earth raise a monument to her merit, and hereafter entitle her to that reward which will undoubtedly be bestowed upon the truly virtuous."*

General Lewis Morris and Mary his wife, left six sons and four daughters, whose decendants are quite numerous. His eldest son was Lieutenant-Colonel Lewis Morris, aid to Major-General Nathaniel Green, who died at" Morrisania, 2 2d of November, 1S24. Li the Protestant Episcopal Church of St. Michaels, at Charleston, S. C, is the following inscription to the memory of himself and wife, and son William : --

COLONEL LEWIS MORRIS, who served in the War of '76.

"The time that tried rncn s .souls."

He was aid to General Greene, at the Battles of Entaw and Guilford. His good name is the best inheritance left to his family. He died at Jlorrisania, New York, November 22d, 1S24.

His wife ANN MORRIS,

"Was a communicant of this church. Her slaves and the poor can tell they h;ive lost their best friend. She died at ^Morrisania, New York. • April 2yth, 1S4S, .E. SG years.

"The time that tried rncn s .souls."

He was aid to General Greene, at the Battles of Entaw and Guilford. His good name is the best inheritance left to his family. He died at Jlorrisania, New York, November 22d, 1S24.

His wife ANN MORRIS,

"Was a communicant of this church. Her slaves and the poor can tell they h;ive lost their best friend. She died at ^Morrisania, New York. • April 2yth, 1S4S, .E. SG years.

• o Ed. LonJoii Doc. N. Y. Col. MSS. vol. viii., p. 1ST. Oonoral Moms -was a rppresonrative of N'l'W York t-rovince 1q 17,'j'.i. There id a Him pu.-traic of liiia ia i)ij.ssc.si=lon of Wiiiiarn .Morn.s of Murrlsaau. 6 Diary ov Evening R,''jUUr, f;ilurduy, March IJth, 1734, Xo. G52.

4^4 HISTORY OF THE COUNrV OF WESTCHESTER.

CAPT. W. MORRIS,

(Aid to Gen. T. Pinckncy,)

Died at Sullivan'^ Island, S. C,

September 7th, 182S. jS. 40 year.s.

"Go my friend, witL thy hundred virtues, to the home of thy Fathers', go with thy

noble to the bosom of thy God.

Brave and generous spirit. Fare thee well."-- A. H.

Erected by the daughters of Col. Morris.

Lieut. Col. Morris was the father of the late Col. I.e\\-is Morris of Morrisania, who died at Adams Run, St. Paul's Parish, S. C, 30th Sept., 1863. The son of the latter, Henry M. Morris of New York, possesses the following portraits, formerly preserved at Old Morrisania: --

Hon. Lewis Morris, first proprietor of Morrisania, of that name. Governor of New Jersey; only son of Richard Morris, in yellow coat and flomng wig. Gen. Staats Long Morris, attired in the uniform of a Brigadier-General of the British Army, red coat, white satin vest trimmed with gold lace, black cocked hat trimmed in the same manner. Isaac Gouverneur, dressed in a blue coat and a red waistcoat ; An unknown portrait in brown coat and scarier waistcoat; General Lewis Morris, signer of the Declaration of Independence and Brigadier-General in the Continental army, dressed in olive-green coat; Mary Walton, wife of the signer, dressed in a light blue silk dress; Sophia EUiott, by Waldo ; William Elliott, by the same ; Colonel Lewis Morris, aid to General Greene, a miniature, by Fraser, of South Carolina ; a marble bust by Launitz. of Ann B.

Isaac Gouverneur, dressed in a blue coat and a red waistcoat ; An unknown portrait in brown coat and scarier waistcoat; General Lewis Morris, signer of the Declaration of Independence and Brigadier-General in the Continental army, dressed in olive-green coat; Mary Walton, wife of the signer, dressed in a light blue silk dress; Sophia EUiott, by Waldo ; William Elliott, by the same ; Colonel Lewis Morris, aid to General Greene, a miniature, by Fraser, of South Carolina ; a marble bust by Launitz. of Ann B. Elliott, vrife of the latter.^

The Honorable Richard Morris, third sou of Lewis Morris, third proprietor and second Lord of the Manor, was born at Old Momsania in 1730, and was Judge of the High Court of Admiralty in 1776; by Sarali, daughter of Henr}- Ludlow, he left three children -- Lewis R. ; Robert, of Mount Fordham ; and Mary, who married Brigadier-Major William Popham. Robert, the second son, left the Honorable Robert H. Morris, Jusrice of the Supreme Court of New York. This individual died at the residence of his father-in-law Munson, at Astoria. Oct. 24th, 1857. The following notice of his death appeared in the papers of the day : --

f p'";;": '■"' ''"■.'K.s fnnn^rlT pve.^-rvd in fhii Uhiar.r at OUl Morrisania ni;iv be montionod jTi-lvUi.^.yiy i> h4n:l.uHl. l)uu'<l;ii.'.ssiuiiti!i>nsuf Pa.-ULimeur.t.uillirirsHeni'iarv. ■Vii'ler'^nn-.s oy.C.vni i>cl liiis. < u:!uuoM-t Hisr. .\n-,'l. Scriptures .Oea , .'sj 11 .Mo.si, I'Uuau Exeroitaiwiic.

Sy

Match

THE TOWN OF WEST FARilS. 485

" The death of Hon. Robert H. Morris, one of the Justices of the Supreme Coiu-t of this district, took place suddenly on ^\'ednesday last, at llie residence of his father-in-law, Marcena Munson, Esq., of Astoria. There was no member of the bar more generally known or more universally admired, and the intelligence of his death was received yesterday with feelings of intense grief.

Scriptures .Oea , .'sj 11 .Mo.si, I'Uuau Exeroitaiwiic.

Sy

Match

THE TOWN OF WEST FARilS. 485

" The death of Hon. Robert H. Morris, one of the Justices of the Supreme Coiu-t of this district, took place suddenly on ^\'ednesday last, at llie residence of his father-in-law, Marcena Munson, Esq., of Astoria. There was no member of the bar more generally known or more universally admired, and the intelligence of his death was received yesterday with feelings of intense grief. It was but a few days since, on Tuesday last, that we saw Judge Morris sitting as a spectator in the Court of Oyer and Terminer, apparently in the enjoyment of good health; and on Wednesday he was seized with a sudden attack, and died from the bursting of one of the blood vessels of the heart. Judge INIorris was fifty-two years of age. His public career is familiar to almost every New Yorker. He was born in this city in 1S03, and when he was a mere lad his father moved to Hudson, where the subject of this notice received his education. He studied law in the office of Mr. A Miller, of Hudson, and commenced practice at Johnston, Columbia County, and was made a Justice of the Peace about the same time. In 1827 Mr. Morris came to New York to act as Assistant District Attorney to his brother-in-law, James A. Hamilton.

Mr. Morris became a member of the Legislature in 1S34 or 1S35, and was re-elected twice -- being three years in succession a member of that body. He was elected Recorder in 183S, but it will be recollected that in consequence of his seizing " the Glenworth papers," while holding that office, he was removed by a vote of the Senate, brought about by the influence of Governor W, H.

Morris came to New York to act as Assistant District Attorney to his brother-in-law, James A. Hamilton.

Mr. Morris became a member of the Legislature in 1S34 or 1S35, and was re-elected twice -- being three years in succession a member of that body. He was elected Recorder in 183S, but it will be recollected that in consequence of his seizing " the Glenworth papers," while holding that office, he was removed by a vote of the Senate, brought about by the influence of Governor W, H. Seward. A plan was set on foot by John B. Glentworth, before the Presidential election in 1840, to send on a number of voters from Pennsylvania -- nominally to lay the croton water pipes through the city, but virtually to vote for General Harrison in opposirion to ATartin Van Buren. Mr. Morris ascertained that documentary evidence of this was in the house of a Mr. Pierce, of this city; and a few days before the election he proceeded to Mr. Pierce's, in company with Jonathan D. Stevenson, and seized the " Glentworth papers" and revealed their contents. For this, as we have said, he was removed; and Mr. F. A. Tallmadge was appointed Recorder in his place. But the people of New York viewed the act oftlie Recorder in a difterent light; and in 1841 he was elected Mayor of the city by a majority of 7,000, and was re-elected to the high position of Chief Magistrate of New York in 1842 and 1S43 -- the only instance we remember of a man being elected Mayor three times in succession At that period of our city's history the Alayor was electetl every year. In 1844 Mr. Morris was appointed Postmaster of New York by President Polk, and he held that oftice for four years.

But the people of New York viewed the act oftlie Recorder in a difterent light; and in 1841 he was elected Mayor of the city by a majority of 7,000, and was re-elected to the high position of Chief Magistrate of New York in 1842 and 1S43 -- the only instance we remember of a man being elected Mayor three times in succession At that period of our city's history the Alayor was electetl every year. In 1844 Mr. Morris was appointed Postmaster of New York by President Polk, and he held that oftice for four years. While Postmaster, he was appointed, in 1846, a member of the Constitutional Convention of the State, which formed the State Constitution under which we now act. And last of all, he was elected, in 1853, a Justice of the Saj^reme Court of the First Judicial District, for eight years, more than five years of which are unexpired. Judge Morris's popularity is apparent from the number of important offices he has held, both by the git't of a President and by the choice of the people. As an advocate at the bar lie was at times forcible, eloquent, sarcastic and jocose ; he was a sound lawyer,

486 HISTORV OF THE COUNTY OF WESTCHESTER.

and in criminal juris] srudence he was considered a high authority. As a judge he was impartial, just and patient ; the tyro and the black letter adept, alike received his attention and his courtesy ; the young received from him encouragement, whilst the experienced lawyer received a becoming deference to his position and his standing in the profession. As a private friend he was affable and sincere, and well stored with a fund of ancedote and professional experience. Judge Morris was an excellent and entertaining companion. In his domestic relations he was exemplary, and leaves a fond wife to lament his loss ; but to the members of the bar, who will meet in the Supreme Court on Saturday morning at ten o'clock, we leave the melancholy task of speaking in more extended terms of the character of the deceased Judge, as he was known to the profession and to the community."

As a private friend he was affable and sincere, and well stored with a fund of ancedote and professional experience. Judge Morris was an excellent and entertaining companion. In his domestic relations he was exemplary, and leaves a fond wife to lament his loss ; but to the members of the bar, who will meet in the Supreme Court on Saturday morning at ten o'clock, we leave the melancholy task of speaking in more extended terms of the character of the deceased Judge, as he was known to the profession and to the community."

The youngest son of Robert, of Fordham, is the present Lewis G. Morris, Esq., of the same place.

Hon. Lewis Morris, fourth proprietor and second lord of the Manor of ]\Iorrisania, by his second wife, Sarah Gouvemeur, left one son -- Gouverneur Morris -- who was born at Morrisania, Jan. 3 ist, 1752, and graduated at King's College, now Columbia, in 1768. He was bred to the law, in which he gained a great reputation. In 1775, he was a delegate to the Pro\'incial Congress in New York. The same year he was appointed a member of the committee for Public Safety for Westchester County. In December, 1776, he acted as one of the committee for draughting a Constitution for the State of New York, which was reported in March, 1777, and adopted in April of that year, after repeated and able debates. He resided at Paris, as American ]Minister, during the years in which the French Revolution broke out and consummated. He went to France iu 17S7, and remained until 1795 ; during that period it is stated that he kept, at the suggestion of General Washington, a minute record of the incidents of every day, and forwarded the whole to Washington." He is said to have been the author of the memorable address of Louis XVI. to the French people, and resembled the King so closely that he was stopped at the barricades by the Revolutionary mob, in Paris, and only allowed to proceed after exhibiting his cork leg at the carriage window.

He went to France iu 17S7, and remained until 1795 ; during that period it is stated that he kept, at the suggestion of General Washington, a minute record of the incidents of every day, and forwarded the whole to Washington." He is said to have been the author of the memorable address of Louis XVI. to the French people, and resembled the King so closely that he was stopped at the barricades by the Revolutionary mob, in Paris, and only allowed to proceed after exhibiting his cork leg at the carriage window. In all his public capacities, he displayed great zeal and ability. Al'tei the Revolution, he retired from public life and passed a number of years in private pursuits -- excepting that he was a very acrive member of the Convention which framed the Constitution of the United States. " Pie was chosen Senator of New York in iSoo, and in 180S appointed one of their Commissioners to lay out the city of New York into streets and avenues north of Bleecker street.. In the summer of 18 10, he examined

a >i. Y. Evening} Post.

THE lOWN OF WEST FAIUIS. 487

».!»o route for the Erie Canal, and took an active part in originating and uroniotiug tliat noble work." "The activity of his mind, the richness of Lis fancy, and the'copiousness of his eloquent conversation v^ere the admiration of all his acquaintance, and he was universally admitted as one of the most accomplished and prominent men of our country."'* He died at Morrisania, Nov. 5th, i8i6, aged 6-I. His publications were numerous. A selection from his papers, with a sketch of his life, has been published by Jared Sparks, in three volumes.

».!»o route for the Erie Canal, and took an active part in originating and uroniotiug tliat noble work." "The activity of his mind, the richness of Lis fancy, and the'copiousness of his eloquent conversation v^ere the admiration of all his acquaintance, and he was universally admitted as one of the most accomplished and prominent men of our country."'* He died at Morrisania, Nov. 5th, i8i6, aged 6-I. His publications were numerous. A selection from his papers, with a sketch of his life, has been published by Jared Sparks, in three volumes.

He married Ann Gary Randolph, daughter of Thomas Randolph of Roanoke, Virginia, who was descended in the fifth generation from the celebrated Pockohantes, (literally a run between two hills),'' the daughter of Wahunsonacock or Powhattan, Emperor of Attanoughkanonck, or Virginia. His son is the present Gouverneur Morris, Esq., of Morrisania.

The principal proprietors, at present, of the ancient mano'- bearing the name, are William PI. Morris, Esq., who at one time held one-third part of old Morrisania; Plenry Lewis Morris, grandson of Commodore Richard ^[orris, and the Rev. Arthur Morris, Protestant Episcopal missionary to Japan; also the present Gouverneur I\Iorris, Esq., and his children, who hold a portion formerly belonging to General Staats Lo::g Morris, and the other heirs of Gerard W. Morris. The manor is now divided among a vast number of proprietors too, numerous to mention. According to the survey of Adam Findlay, made in 1S49, "the Long Neck Mansion House Farm of Old Morrisania, then belonging to the late Colonel Le\vis Morris, embraced 3i3i5,";o acres, which then included everything, /. e. all the property unsold, excepting the lots on the Post road between Orange and Mott streets, and the lot where the small house stood in the rear of Parkers, and excepting the lands permanently leased.""

The manor is now divided among a vast number of proprietors too, numerous to mention. According to the survey of Adam Findlay, made in 1S49, "the Long Neck Mansion House Farm of Old Morrisania, then belonging to the late Colonel Le\vis Morris, embraced 3i3i5,";o acres, which then included everything, /. e. all the property unsold, excepting the lots on the Post road between Orange and Mott streets, and the lot where the small house stood in the rear of Parkers, and excepting the lands permanently leased.""

" Morrisania remained but sparcely settled for years. During the Revolution its forests formed secure hiding-places for the loyalist refugees,''' and its thick coverts abounded in wolves." It remained in the iamily of its ancient o\vners until the first large advent of population to its fields in 1S4S. An as.sociation then purchased two hundrc 1 acres of the northern part, and began a village. At that time there were but three houses on the purchase. At fir?t it was called " New \'i;!age," but as it grew it assumed the name of Morrisania, while Eronck's original

Barber's Hist. Coll. of N. Y. b Tills iKiiii'' wa-s tfiveii to hi-r u:iiler the supposition that the Eaglish coulil not l)ei'ritch her

c Cop: a fruia XSS. of II. M. Morris-. \><-c. \n-h, HIT. U New York iu th2 OIJ.u Tiiujs, by J. Buruiiz Uacou.

4S8 HISTORY OF THE COU.VTY OF WESTCHESTER.

property was known as Old Morrisania. Afterwards Melrose, ^rolt Haven, Woodstock, Eltona, and other places arose oa the old domain until now it is the thickly populated Twenty-third Ward of New York."-'

Y. b Tills iKiiii'' wa-s tfiveii to hi-r u:iiler the supposition that the Eaglish coulil not l)ei'ritch her

c Cop: a fruia XSS. of II. M. Morris-. \><-c. \n-h, HIT. U New York iu th2 OIJ.u Tiiujs, by J. Buruiiz Uacou.

4S8 HISTORY OF THE COU.VTY OF WESTCHESTER.

property was known as Old Morrisania. Afterwards Melrose, ^rolt Haven, Woodstock, Eltona, and other places arose oa the old domain until now it is the thickly populated Twenty-third Ward of New York."-'

Mott Haven was named after the late Jordan L. Mott, Esq., who did more than any other man to build up Morrisania. It is now very thickly settled; here is established the extensive iron foundr}' wiuch has done so much to create a large business centre around it, still owned by a son of the former Jordan L. Mottt, Esq. Adjoining the foundry is the celebrated Harlem bridge, which communicates witli North New York and the Island. This bridge, which was nearly six years in building was opened about 1S67 for the general transit of foot-passengers and vehicles. The act authorizing its construction was passed on the 17th of April, 1S57, the Avords of which stipulated that it should be commenced "as soon as the Commissioners thought it necessary;" and about the latter end of November, i860, the board in question thought it was nearly time to begin, and the work was taken in hand at that date.

From the water on the upper side, it looks remarkably well. The engineer in charge was Mr. Erastus Smith, who had the charge of the ram Dunderberg, and he was assisted in the v,'ork by Mr. Ethan Rogers.

The act authorizing its construction was passed on the 17th of April, 1S57, the Avords of which stipulated that it should be commenced "as soon as the Commissioners thought it necessary;" and about the latter end of November, i860, the board in question thought it was nearly time to begin, and the work was taken in hand at that date.

From the water on the upper side, it looks remarkably well. The engineer in charge was Mr. Erastus Smith, who had the charge of the ram Dunderberg, and he was assisted in the v,'ork by Mr. Ethan Rogers.

Prior to the erection of the old wooden bridge, there appears to have been a. fordi/ig p/ace hctwctn the two shores; for, upon the nth of October, 1666, Governor Nicolls granted "certain saw mills to Thomas Delaval, John Vervelen and Daniel Turner, &c., Ipng over against Verchers or Hogg Island, in the Sound, where a passage hath been made to ford over front this island to the juainey^

Governor Dongan's patent for Haarlem, 16S6, recites the following:

"And whereas the town lies very commodious for a. ferry to and from the maine, which may redown tu the particular benetit of the inhabitants as well to general good. The freeholders and inhabitants of said town should, in consideration of the benefits and priveleges therein granted, as also for what advantage might accrue thereb}-, be enjoyned and obliged, at their proper, costs and charge, to build and provide one or more boats fit for the transportation of men, horse or cattle, for which, a certain allowance was to be given by each particular person," &:c.'=

"And whereas the town lies very commodious for a. ferry to and from the maine, which may redown tu the particular benetit of the inhabitants as well to general good. The freeholders and inhabitants of said town should, in consideration of the benefits and priveleges therein granted, as also for what advantage might accrue thereb}-, be enjoyned and obliged, at their proper, costs and charge, to build and provide one or more boats fit for the transportation of men, horse or cattle, for which, a certain allowance was to be given by each particular person," &:c.'=

Sometime in 1759, Benjamin Palmer of Great Minnieford or City

a New York iu the Oldcn Times, by J. Barnitz Bacon.

ti Kark'ii; Caiivoyanct-'S. p. 6.

c Harl'-m t'Dtivi-yiuice.-i. p. 7. Oppo.^itf to Mott n^iven, on thp TT.iri'Tn 'Jklc of rhp }iu-.'!-. n.is \vfi;it WH-; t'Tiiii il till' -'.Mi'lillr Ud.i'l," ;it the t'Xtrciuity ot whicU \v:iH '■Cole's Hrirlfje" .ift^-fw.inls kiio s-;i ;is '■ Ihir'n'iii IiiM;;..-;'' wliiK- a lit'J.i- I:'wm ;Ii',- iiiu' of First Avi-aui-, was t:i ! •'u.il li.i; iL'Ui UoaU,'' at lUo toot of wliioU w.id tile bifOfe laoiiiioiitd Ferry. -- iJ.Utur,

THE TO\\'N OF V.^ST lARMS. 489

Island, built a free bridge over Haarlem River partly by subscription, for wliich lie also advanced out of his own funds ^608 ; but it does not appear that he was ever reimbursed.

In tlie vicinity of Harlem Bridge is the terminus of the New Haven and Harlem River Rail Road Route. Here is a large Depot and Dock for the convenience of passengers, by the steam boats of the Harlem and New York Naugation and Morrisania Companies -- ^whose steamers leave Fulton Market Slip, connecting with New York and New Haven Rail for Hunts' Point, West I'arms, "Westchester, Bartow, (Citv Island,) Pellam jNIanor, New Rochelle, Portchester, Greenwich, Stamford, Norwalk, Bridgeport, New Haven and all points East and North.

In tlie vicinity of Harlem Bridge is the terminus of the New Haven and Harlem River Rail Road Route. Here is a large Depot and Dock for the convenience of passengers, by the steam boats of the Harlem and New York Naugation and Morrisania Companies -- ^whose steamers leave Fulton Market Slip, connecting with New York and New Haven Rail for Hunts' Point, West I'arms, "Westchester, Bartow, (Citv Island,) Pellam jNIanor, New Rochelle, Portchester, Greenwich, Stamford, Norwalk, Bridgeport, New Haven and all points East and North.

Upon rising ground a little North-east of the Depot, stands the ancient manor house, of v.-hat was formerly known as "Old Momsania." On or near this spot, Jona Bronck built his house in 1643. Here, also, Richard rvlorris resided in 1 670-1, and erected a house which occupied the site of the present ^Mansion; at one period of the Revolutionary War, the officers of the American picket guard had their head-quarters in the Manor house, and subsequently it- was occupied by Lieutenant- Colonel James de Lancey, of the British Refugee Corps ; a little west of the house, co\ered with wiilov/ trees, was formerly situated the family vault of the ^lorris's. The following extract, from a letter dated Peekskill, Januar}- 19th, 1777, shows the savage nature which marked the British soldiery during their occupancy of Morrisania, in breaking open vaults and plundering the dead : --

"General Howe has discharged all the privates who were prisoners iu New York. One-half he sent lothe world of spirits for want of food-- the other he hath sent to warn their countrymen of the danger of falling into hi.-^ hands ; and to convince them by ocular demonstration, that it is infinitely better to be slain in battle, than to be talcen prisoners by British brutes whose tender mercies are cruelty.

The following extract, from a letter dated Peekskill, Januar}- 19th, 1777, shows the savage nature which marked the British soldiery during their occupancy of Morrisania, in breaking open vaults and plundering the dead : --

"General Howe has discharged all the privates who were prisoners iu New York. One-half he sent lothe world of spirits for want of food-- the other he hath sent to warn their countrymen of the danger of falling into hi.-^ hands ; and to convince them by ocular demonstration, that it is infinitely better to be slain in battle, than to be talcen prisoners by British brutes whose tender mercies are cruelty. But it is not tlie prisoners alone who felt the effects of British humanitj- ; every part of the country through which they have niarclicd, has been plundered and ravaged. No discrimination has been made with respect to Whig or Tor}-, but all alike have been involved in one common fate. Their march thro' New Jersey his been marked with savage barbarity ; but Westchester witnesseth more terrible things. The repositories of the dead have always been held sacred, by the most barbarous and savage nations. But here, not being able to accomplish their accurseil purposes upon the living, tln-y wreaked their vengence upon the dead. In many places, the gr;ives in the church-yards were opened; and the bodies of the dead exposed upon the ground for several days. At Morrimnia, Vie fainili/ vault ic^is opened, the oijjins broken, and the bones scattered abroad. At De'.ancfij'i farm, the body of a beautiful young lady, which had been buried for two ye;irs. was taken out oi the groiuul ami ex'posi-d f>ir five daj'S ia u most indecent manner ; many more insumccs could be mentioned, but

In many places, the gr;ives in the church-yards were opened; and the bodies of the dead exposed upon the ground for several days. At Morrimnia, Vie fainili/ vault ic^is opened, the oijjins broken, and the bones scattered abroad. At De'.ancfij'i farm, the body of a beautiful young lady, which had been buried for two ye;irs. was taken out oi the groiuul ami ex'posi-d f>ir five daj'S ia u most indecent manner ; many more insumccs could be mentioned, but

49° HISTOKV OF THE COUNTY OF WESTCHESTER.

m}'hfart sickens at the recollection of such inliumanity. Some people try to h^'. lievc that it is on!}- the Ile-siuns v,-ho perpetrate these things ; but I have got-l authoritj- to say that the British vie with, and e\en exceed, the auxiliary troops in licentiousness. After such treatment, can it be possible for any person seriously to wish for a leconcilialion with Great Britain,"*

What remained of the venerated dead, was some years ago removed to the new vault under St. Ann's churcii, Morrisania. While the olJ manor house and its surroundings have been turned into a tavern and lager beer garden.

On the east side of the Mill Brook is situated the well-known country residence of the late Hon Gouverneur Morris, which is highly spoken of by travellers, and other persons of taste. Its location is very fine, just on the south-west angle of what was formerly the township of Morrisania, nearly opposite to the beautiful scenery of Hellgate, and eiglit miles from New York. It commands extensive views of the surrounding countr}', and the adjacent waters. " Here he passed the latter j-ears of his life, exercising an elegant and munificent hospitality, reviewing the studies of his early days, and carrying on a very interesting correspondence with statesmen and literati in Europe and America.

Its location is very fine, just on the south-west angle of what was formerly the township of Morrisania, nearly opposite to the beautiful scenery of Hellgate, and eiglit miles from New York. It commands extensive views of the surrounding countr}', and the adjacent waters. " Here he passed the latter j-ears of his life, exercising an elegant and munificent hospitality, reviewing the studies of his early days, and carrying on a very interesting correspondence with statesmen and literati in Europe and America. Among his principal guests were Louis Phillipe Le Due d'Orleans, (afterwards king of France), and John Victor Moreau, one of the most celebrated of modem French generals. Of the old mansion, which was constructed in the French chateau style, nothing remains but the central portion, and this has been greatly modernized by the present proprietor. The interior, however, retains much of its former consistence. The library possesses a very choice selection of books. It is chiefly remarkable for the valuable manuscripts belonging to it, which are so extensivel}' connected with the history of its fonner o\\Tier. There are here, likewise, several choice pieces of French furniture, some gobelin tapestn,', and a good portrait of the late Hon. Gouverneur Morris, also a fine marble bust of Mrs. Morris.

The grounds are enriched \vith many rare ornamental trees and shnibs; among the former deserve to be mentioned, two or three specimens of the deciduous American cypress, {cupressiis disilcha), said by Gordon to be the finest of the kind in the United States. Of the latter, there are hedges of the gliditsia frieani/ms, and the gliditsia horrida.

There are here, likewise, several choice pieces of French furniture, some gobelin tapestn,', and a good portrait of the late Hon. Gouverneur Morris, also a fine marble bust of Mrs. Morris.

The grounds are enriched \vith many rare ornamental trees and shnibs; among the former deserve to be mentioned, two or three specimens of the deciduous American cypress, {cupressiis disilcha), said by Gordon to be the finest of the kind in the United States. Of the latter, there are hedges of the gliditsia frieani/ms, and the gliditsia horrida.

The Mill Brook" valley passes near the house, and joins the Harlem kills. It was through this historic valley that Harvey Birch, of Cowpens,

o Westchester Co. tn tTTT. From the Freemxn'a Journal, or New namp.-Uirc Cazei/e.vol. 1. No. 33, Pi)rt-m->uth. Tut-siJuv. IVb. l-^.h, ITTT. Cupted from Uisturtcjl Magazine, >fvr Scries, vol. viii, No. 6, Doc. I'jTO, \\\.-^c ;!T'1.

h Tliis brook has now hci'ii convTtPil into a sewer, anil u rajia avemio Ls about bein? cc:ietructt.tl over lU surface, cali-jd iSroak avenue.

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THE TOWX OF WEST fARMS. ^ 49!

the "spy," is represented as having passed and repassed so frequently in b!s d.iring forays. Near the banks cf this stxeani, too, in the vicinity of Tremont, and about two miles from Harlem Bridge, " the celebrated Charlotte Temple lived. The sentimental tourist lingers long by the stones that formed the chimney of the cottage, and the trunks of the old apple trees which shaded her roof. The house in which her friend lived, still stands, but is much decayed ; and the little garden which Charlotte planted with a gift of cucumbers, is in grass. A clear spring rivulet runs close by. Alas, poor Charlotte j the tears that have been shed over her tragic fate, would form another such rivulet."

The property of William H. Morris, is situated on the hign ridge west of the mill brook vale. The house built by James iNIorris Esq., occupies the site of one much older, erected in 1795. It is handsome, and well placed ; and the neighborhood is rendered extremely beautiful by the inequaUty of the ground, and the fine mixture of wood and pasture, which diversifies the appearance of the vales and eminences. Within are some good paintings, \-iz , James Morris, by Benjamin Peale ; Hon Daniel Webster, by Frothingham; and General Staats Long Morris, artist unknown.

The house built by James iNIorris Esq., occupies the site of one much older, erected in 1795. It is handsome, and well placed ; and the neighborhood is rendered extremely beautiful by the inequaUty of the ground, and the fine mixture of wood and pasture, which diversifies the appearance of the vales and eminences. Within are some good paintings, \-iz , James Morris, by Benjamin Peale ; Hon Daniel Webster, by Frothingham; and General Staats Long Morris, artist unknown. A broad and fine carriage road, lined on either side with elms," is terminated by a picturesque view of Melrose and its sur roundings. At no great distance stands the residence of the late Commodore Valentine Morris.

Upon the east side of the Mill brook lay the old 7-ace course, which is said to have been estabUshed by General Staats Long Morris, one of the first importers of blooded horses at the north. The western portion of Morrisaaia is watered by Cromwell creek,'' which discharges into the Harlem river.

East of the Mill Brook, and nearly opposite the North and South Brother Islands on the East River, "is situated Port iNIorris -- unsurpassed for the anchorage of large vessels, by any port in the world." The G?'eat Eastern, with her immense size and capacity, formerly landed safely at one of her docks; and just above Port Morris, and about opposite Riker's Island, fronting the property of the late B. M. Whitlock, is a bay, affording the best place for a navy-yard in any of the States; inasmuch as here, alongside of the East River salt water frontage, might be constructed a large fresh water basin -- to be supplied by water, about a mile distant from the Bronx's River, in the village of West Fanns -- lar^^e enough to float all the iron-clads of the world; and the corroding of the

East of the Mill Brook, and nearly opposite the North and South Brother Islands on the East River, "is situated Port iNIorris -- unsurpassed for the anchorage of large vessels, by any port in the world." The G?'eat Eastern, with her immense size and capacity, formerly landed safely at one of her docks; and just above Port Morris, and about opposite Riker's Island, fronting the property of the late B. M. Whitlock, is a bay, affording the best place for a navy-yard in any of the States; inasmuch as here, alongside of the East River salt water frontage, might be constructed a large fresh water basin -- to be supplied by water, about a mile distant from the Bronx's River, in the village of West Fanns -- lar^^e enough to float all the iron-clads of the world; and the corroding of the

a One of thes'! trees m?aiure foartcen feet In ciroumfereuce, whilo Its branch'^s aCToril a ai-ll.iilH (if i-jijf.rt.

h Oil ilii : stream u mill was ercctoJ hy Lc^is ilorrii 'v.\ ITfln, of which Qothiu^ rcmaias bat tUo mill ilaui.

492 HISTORY OF THE COUNTY OF \VESTCHESTER.

iron of these vessels when not in active service, lying in salt water, requires their anchorage in such a fresh water basin. The concentration of the Hudson River, the Harlem, New Haven and Harlem River Railroads in their freighting and passenger business, at their proposed hl-w grand depot, near Melrose and at Mott Haven, indicates that their irnniense freight and passenger traffic from the Pacific coasts, and from the West and the East, all must within a few years centre near the Harlem River, within the present town of Morrisania. These facilities will be greatly increased by the proposed canal connecting the Harlem River with the Hudson River, the removal of the obstructions at Hell Gate, and the erection of the Suspension Bridge at Anthony's Nose in the Highlands, connecting with the New York City and Northern Railroad.

The concentration of the Hudson River, the Harlem, New Haven and Harlem River Railroads in their freighting and passenger business, at their proposed hl-w grand depot, near Melrose and at Mott Haven, indicates that their irnniense freight and passenger traffic from the Pacific coasts, and from the West and the East, all must within a few years centre near the Harlem River, within the present town of Morrisania. These facilities will be greatly increased by the proposed canal connecting the Harlem River with the Hudson River, the removal of the obstructions at Hell Gate, and the erection of the Suspension Bridge at Anthony's Nose in the Highlands, connecting with the New York City and Northern Railroad. A branch of the old Harlem Rail Road terminates at Port Morris. During the Revolutionary war, the British Frigate Hussar was wrecketl off Port ]\Ioms, laden with American prisoners and treasure ; for many years divers have been at work upon the wreck, -with but little success. It is claimed, however, that the divers are now meeting with better encouragement, "as they are making rapid progress in removing the debris that is supposed to cover many thousand pounds in English coin. Sidney Cook, the diver in charge, believes he has reached the ship's magazine. He daily brings to the surface large cakes of gunpowder, and the iron bands and wooden plates which once held together and fixed amunition. A cartridge of wedge-shaped slugs, eight of which when joined form a circle, kept in position by wooden disks, was brought up a short time ago. These projectiles were used for cutting the rigging of an enemy's ship. But little remains of the frigate's iron work. Some of the wood work, after lying on the bottom of the river for ninetj'-six years, is in a fair state of preser\'ation.

He daily brings to the surface large cakes of gunpowder, and the iron bands and wooden plates which once held together and fixed amunition. A cartridge of wedge-shaped slugs, eight of which when joined form a circle, kept in position by wooden disks, was brought up a short time ago. These projectiles were used for cutting the rigging of an enemy's ship. But little remains of the frigate's iron work. Some of the wood work, after lying on the bottom of the river for ninetj'-six years, is in a fair state of preser\'ation. A knee and two lignum vita; sheaves of pulley blocks were well preserved. The copper rivets of manacles worn by the ill-fated American prisoners, chained to the gun deck when the frigate went down, are occasionally found. Mr. Cook brought to the surface not long since a massive block of oak, a part ot the frigate's keel. Its shape shows that it was taken from near the ship's bow. In all former attempts to recover the treasure, no diver has succeeded in reaching the keel."

Adjoining Port Morris are many fine country seats; among which deserves to be noticed Rockwood, the residence of Samuel E. Lyon, Esq , a well-kno\ni member of the New York and Westchester bar.

Prior to the Revolution, Morrisania, as before stated, formed one of the precincts of Westchester parish; and in 1703 paid as her quot.i towards the rector's support and poor ^3. yj. ; in 1720 her rate was ^4

THE TO'WN OF WEST FAR-MS. 493

Adjoining Port Morris are many fine country seats; among which deserves to be noticed Rockwood, the residence of Samuel E. Lyon, Esq , a well-kno\ni member of the New York and Westchester bar.

Prior to the Revolution, Morrisania, as before stated, formed one of the precincts of Westchester parish; and in 1703 paid as her quot.i towards the rector's support and poor ^3. yj. ; in 1720 her rate was ^4

THE TO'WN OF WEST FAR-MS. 493

JO/. Under the Manorial charter, the Morris's were possessed of the im- [.ropriation and the patronage of all and every -- the church and churches erected or estabHshed within the manor of Morrisania. Still ]Morrisania continued to be associated with Westchester in the support of a minister till tlie year 1840, when the present parochial church of St. Ann's was founded by Gouvemeur Morris, Esq., being the first building devoted to worship and religious instruction ever commenced in Morrisania. The church ■tt'ith its surrounding grounds was munificently conveyed to the vestr)', by its founder in 1841, under the follov/ing form : --

DEED OF GIFT.

"This indentiu-e made this seventeenth day of July, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and forty-one, between Gouvemeur Morris, of ^lorrisania, in the County of Westchester, in the State of New York, Esquire, of the first part, and tlie Rector, Wardens and Yestryincn of St. Ann's church at ]Morrisania, of the second port ; Whereas the said Gouvemeur Morris with a view to the promotion of Religion aud Piety, has at his own expense erected on his estate on Morrisania aforesaid, a church or edifice intended for the public worship of God according to the rites and ceremonies of tlie Protestant Episcopal Church in the United States of America ; and whereas a religious society has lately been formed and incorporated according to law, by tlie name aud style of The Rector, Wardens and Vestrymea of St.

Ann's church at ]Morrisania, of the second port ; Whereas the said Gouvemeur Morris with a view to the promotion of Religion aud Piety, has at his own expense erected on his estate on Morrisania aforesaid, a church or edifice intended for the public worship of God according to the rites and ceremonies of tlie Protestant Episcopal Church in the United States of America ; and whereas a religious society has lately been formed and incorporated according to law, by tlie name aud style of The Rector, Wardens and Vestrymea of St. Ann's church at ^Morrisania ; which corporation are the pa"tics hereto of the second part, and the said Gouvemeur ^lorris has promised to give to them the said edifice with the land hereafter described to be attached thereto, "uith the exceptions, and on the conditions hereinafter expressed. Now this indenture -uitnesscth that the said Gouvemeur ^Morris, in the consideration of the premises aud of one dollar lawful money of the United States of America, to him in hand paid by the said parties of the second part, the receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged, hath granted, bargained, sold aud conveyed, and hereby doth grant, bargain, sell and convey unto t!ie said parties of the second part, their succes^^ors and assigns, all that certain piece or parrel of land situate in Morrisania aforesaid, whereon tlic said chmch edifice hath been erected, and bounded as follov.s , to wit : Beginning at a stake situate south sixty-?ix degrees and fort3--five minutes, east, sixt^'-eight and a half feet from an iron bolt in the south corner of a large rock, which stake is the south-west corner of the lot herein described, and running thence north tweuty-three degi-ces and fifteen minutes; east, two hundred and eighty feet six inches, thence south sixty-four degrees and forty-five minutes ; east, three hmidred and uinty-five feet and two inches, thence sixith thirty degrees and thirty minutes ; west, one hundred and twenty-six feet and eight inches, thence south forty-one degi-ecsaud thirty minutes; west, one hundred and forty-nine feet six inches, thence soiitli forty degrees, west nine feet and two inches, thence north sixty-six degrees and forty-five minutes, west three hundred and twenty-six feet and six inches to the place of beginning, the last menlioucd cotu'se being para'.ell with the front of the said church or edifice, aud distant therefrom one hundred and sixty-two feet aud eight

Now this indenture -uitnesscth that the said Gouvemeur ^Morris, in the consideration of the premises aud of one dollar lawful money of the United States of America, to him in hand paid by the said parties of the second part, the receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged, hath granted, bargained, sold aud conveyed, and hereby doth grant, bargain, sell and convey unto t!ie said parties of the second part, their succes^^ors and assigns, all that certain piece or parrel of land situate in Morrisania aforesaid, whereon tlic said chmch edifice hath been erected, and bounded as follov.s , to wit : Beginning at a stake situate south sixty-?ix degrees and fort3--five minutes, east, sixt^'-eight and a half feet from an iron bolt in the south corner of a large rock, which stake is the south-west corner of the lot herein described, and running thence north tweuty-three degi-ces and fifteen minutes; east, two hundred and eighty feet six inches, thence south sixty-four degrees and forty-five minutes ; east, three hmidred and uinty-five feet and two inches, thence sixith thirty degrees and thirty minutes ; west, one hundred and twenty-six feet and eight inches, thence south forty-one degi-ecsaud thirty minutes; west, one hundred and forty-nine feet six inches, thence soiitli forty degrees, west nine feet and two inches, thence north sixty-six degrees and forty-five minutes, west three hundred and twenty-six feet and six inches to the place of beginning, the last menlioucd cotu'se being para'.ell with the front of the said church or edifice, aud distant therefrom one hundred and sixty-two feet aud eight

HISTORY OF THE COTJXTY OF WESTCHESTER.

inches, together -tvitli the said church or edifice and the hereditaments and appurtenancus thereunto beloujin?. but excepting and reserving thereout tlie t wo \::-ia. hereafter mentioned. I'o have and to hold the said premises hereby intendi'd t . be conveyed to the said parties of the second part, their successors and a5^i■-.• forever, but nevertheless on the conditions and subject to the stipulations an.l covenants herein contamed; that is to say, first, that the said church or cdihcshall be devoted to the worship of God according to the rites and ceremonies i.l the Protestant Episcopal Church in the United States of America, and shall !• t be used for any other purpose. Second, that such of the pews in the said chnrci: as are marked in the plan hereto annexed with the word Free, shall never be ?oM or rented, but shall remain free ; so that all persons coming to the said church to worship therein may freely occupy and use the same. Third, that none of the pe\\3 within the said church or edifice shall ever be sold, but that all except those intended to be used free as aforesaid, may be rented for terms not exceedinu* three years ; and that the rents arising therefrom shall be forever applied for the support of the rector or minister for the time being who shall officiate in the said church, and for no other purpose except for necessary repairs of the said church, and for fuel and other necessar}" ex|iensos for the services of the same. xUid whereas a vault hath been constructed which is under the said church, and in which are interred the remains of the mother of the said Gouvemeur Morris and whereas tliere is another vault within the boundaries above described, but not beneath the said church, in which are interred the remains of the father of the said Governeur 3Iorris and of others of his famih- -- now it is hereby declared that each of the said vaults, and the ground whereon they are built, is hereby reserved and excepted from the above grant and conveyance, (and it is one of the express conditions of this conveyance,) that the said Gouverneur jlotxis, his heirs and assigns, shall at ail times have access to the said two vaults with the privillege of opening and using the same for the burial of their dead.

Third, that none of the pe\\3 within the said church or edifice shall ever be sold, but that all except those intended to be used free as aforesaid, may be rented for terms not exceedinu* three years ; and that the rents arising therefrom shall be forever applied for the support of the rector or minister for the time being who shall officiate in the said church, and for no other purpose except for necessary repairs of the said church, and for fuel and other necessar}" ex|iensos for the services of the same. xUid whereas a vault hath been constructed which is under the said church, and in which are interred the remains of the mother of the said Gouvemeur Morris and whereas tliere is another vault within the boundaries above described, but not beneath the said church, in which are interred the remains of the father of the said Governeur 3Iorris and of others of his famih- -- now it is hereby declared that each of the said vaults, and the ground whereon they are built, is hereby reserved and excepted from the above grant and conveyance, (and it is one of the express conditions of this conveyance,) that the said Gouverneur jlotxis, his heirs and assigns, shall at ail times have access to the said two vaults with the privillege of opening and using the same for the burial of their dead. And whereas the said Gouvemeur Morris has also caused to be constructed under the said church other vaults, it is also a condition of this conveyance, that if the parties hereto of the second part shall sell or grant the right of using the same, they shall invest all money to arise from such sales or as compensation for such grants so that it may produce an annual interest or income, and shall apply such interest or income to the support of the rector or minister for the time being officiating in the said church, and for uo other purpose whatever.

And whereas the said Gouvemeur Morris has also caused to be constructed under the said church other vaults, it is also a condition of this conveyance, that if the parties hereto of the second part shall sell or grant the right of using the same, they shall invest all money to arise from such sales or as compensation for such grants so that it may produce an annual interest or income, and shall apply such interest or income to the support of the rector or minister for the time being officiating in the said church, and for uo other purpose whatever. And this conveyance is on this further condition, that the land hcreb)' conveyed, and not covered by the said church, shall be used for the purposes following and none other ; that is to say, a part not exceeding one half thereof may be used as a site for a parsonage or dwelling house for the use of the rector or minister for the time being officiating in the said church, and for a garden to be attached thereto, and for a site for sheds for the protection of horses and carriages of persons attending worship in the said church, and the residue of the said land shall be used as a cemetery or burial ground, and for no other purpose ; and it is a further express condition of this conveyance, that no rector or minister shall be called or employed to officiate \n the said church during the life of the said Gouverneur Mon-is without his previous consent in writing, and further, that neither the premises hiTcby conveyed or any part then-of, nor any of the said jiews or vaults, or any of the rents or income to arise therefrom f roui any part of the said premi-

And this conveyance is on this further condition, that the land hcreb)' conveyed, and not covered by the said church, shall be used for the purposes following and none other ; that is to say, a part not exceeding one half thereof may be used as a site for a parsonage or dwelling house for the use of the rector or minister for the time being officiating in the said church, and for a garden to be attached thereto, and for a site for sheds for the protection of horses and carriages of persons attending worship in the said church, and the residue of the said land shall be used as a cemetery or burial ground, and for no other purpose ; and it is a further express condition of this conveyance, that no rector or minister shall be called or employed to officiate \n the said church during the life of the said Gouverneur Mon-is without his previous consent in writing, and further, that neither the premises hiTcby conveyed or any part then-of, nor any of the said jiews or vaults, or any of the rents or income to arise therefrom f roui any part of the said premi-

THE TOWS OF WEST FARMS. 495

trf, ?h.Vil ever on any pretence, be mortgaged, or in any way or rcanner be made iwMe f'T any debts or engagements of the parties of the second part, or of their siicfc'Sjors. And the said parties of tlie second part, for tlicmselves and their inicr<'<s<")rs, liereby convenant witli the said Gouverneur IMorris, his heirs and aa- ^,,'I1S, that they tlie said parties of the second part and their successors, shall and will faithfully observe and perform all and every of the said conditions ; and it is licreby expressly declared and agreed, that if default shall at any time be made i:i tlie performance or observance of any of tlie conditions above mentioned, or <:if the said covenants, it shall be lawful for the said Gouverneur Morris, his heirs and assigns to re-enter into, and upon the said premises, or any part thereof, in the name of the whole, and the same to have again re-possess and enjoy as in his first and former estate, anything herein contained to the contrar}' thereof notwithstanding.

And the said parties of tlie second part, for tlicmselves and their inicr<'<s<")rs, liereby convenant witli the said Gouverneur IMorris, his heirs and aa- ^,,'I1S, that they tlie said parties of the second part and their successors, shall and will faithfully observe and perform all and every of the said conditions ; and it is licreby expressly declared and agreed, that if default shall at any time be made i:i tlie performance or observance of any of tlie conditions above mentioned, or <:if the said covenants, it shall be lawful for the said Gouverneur Morris, his heirs and assigns to re-enter into, and upon the said premises, or any part thereof, in the name of the whole, and the same to have again re-possess and enjoy as in his first and former estate, anything herein contained to the contrar}' thereof notwithstanding. In witness whereof, the said Gouverneur Morns hath hereunto set his hand and seal, and the parties of the second part have caused their corporate seal to be hereunto ainxed the day and year first above written.

Sealed and (Mi cered\yr ^j lyToRpi- GOCTERNEUR MORRIS,

in th£ presence of )' •- •* ■ =>• of Morrisania." "

The church of St. Ann's is situated in a picturesque position, near Old Morrisania, on rising ground, overlooking a clear and rapid little stream, hastening to join the more expanded waters of the East River. It is a pleasing gothic structure of marble, and comprises a nave with two aisles, sinall recess chancel, and a spure over the southern end. "It was erected by the present Gouverneur Morris, Esq., in a field on his o\vn estate, which had for some time been hallowed, as containing the sepulchre of his parents. A vault was constructed to receive his remains, and a tablet in the chancel contains the following inscription : --

It is a pleasing gothic structure of marble, and comprises a nave with two aisles, sinall recess chancel, and a spure over the southern end. "It was erected by the present Gouverneur Morris, Esq., in a field on his o\vn estate, which had for some time been hallowed, as containing the sepulchre of his parents. A vault was constructed to receive his remains, and a tablet in the chancel contains the following inscription : --

THE EELICS OF THE

HONORABLE GOUYERXEUR MORRIS, A name illustrious in his country's annals, were laid by his faithful widow.

In the year of oiu- Lord 1837, she joined him with the dead ; and over her remains has arisen this beautiful Sanctuarj'', which, in remembrance of her, and with respectful regard to two other valued relations of the name, was called St. ^Vn^'s CuuRcii, from the blessed St. Anne of the Gospel, and consecrated by that name, on the 23th day of June, 1S41, by Bishop Onderdonk.

The act of incorporation of this church bears date July 20th. 1S41 ; Robert Morri.s and Lewis Morris, wardens ; Jacob Buckhout, Daniel

a Copieil from ill' oriijinal in tho possession of Oouvt-rncur Morris, Esq., for ;i lon^: time, S.c:-i.t;iiy dud l:-'-.i.>ui-er \>f me vestrj- of St. Aua'a cluiruti, .Morrisaaia.

HISTORY 'OF THE COUXTY OF WESTCHESTER.

Deveau, Benjamin Rogers, Benjamin M. Brown, Edward Leggett, Lewis G. Morris and Henry W. Morris, vestrymen. The interior of the ciiurd. contains a well-arranged chancel and the tablet afore-mentioned, inscribed as follows : --

The act of incorporation of this church bears date July 20th. 1S41 ; Robert Morri.s and Lewis Morris, wardens ; Jacob Buckhout, Daniel

a Copieil from ill' oriijinal in tho possession of Oouvt-rncur Morris, Esq., for ;i lon^: time, S.c:-i.t;iiy dud l:-'-.i.>ui-er \>f me vestrj- of St. Aua'a cluiruti, .Morrisaaia.

HISTORY 'OF THE COUXTY OF WESTCHESTER.

Deveau, Benjamin Rogers, Benjamin M. Brown, Edward Leggett, Lewis G. Morris and Henry W. Morris, vestrymen. The interior of the ciiurd. contains a well-arranged chancel and the tablet afore-mentioned, inscribed as follows : --

Conjugal Affection Consecrated this spot, where

THE BEST OF MEX

"Was laid until a vault could be erected

To receive

His precious remains.

Prior to the Revolutionary War, the interments of the Morris family were made, as we have already seen, at Old Morrisania, near the manor

3_ -..sraa-^j^-j^^;,^^"^.,

St Ann's Charcb, Morrisania.

house Still Standing. On the 15th of Februan,', 1S66, vdiat remained of the bodies were then transferred to the vault beneath this church. Among these was the Hon. Lewis Morris, Governor of New Jersey; Lewis Morris, signer of the Declararion of Independence, with their wives; to which may be added Mary Morris, sister of Lieutenant- Colonel :Morris (Aide of General Greene), his wife, Anne B. Morrii^, and their grand-daughter, Emma Morris ; Elizabeth Morris, younge.st daughter of Colonel Lewis Morris, Anna Rutherford, grand-daughter of Lieutenant-Colonel Morris, and Sarah Morris, daughter of the sicrner. A beautiful silver communion service -- consisting of a Ihgon, two

THE TOWN OF WEST FARMS. 497

Lewis Morris, Governor of New Jersey; Lewis Morris, signer of the Declararion of Independence, with their wives; to which may be added Mary Morris, sister of Lieutenant- Colonel :Morris (Aide of General Greene), his wife, Anne B. Morrii^, and their grand-daughter, Emma Morris ; Elizabeth Morris, younge.st daughter of Colonel Lewis Morris, Anna Rutherford, grand-daughter of Lieutenant-Colonel Morris, and Sarah Morris, daughter of the sicrner. A beautiful silver communion service -- consisting of a Ihgon, two

THE TOWN OF WEST FARMS. 497

(halices and paten -- were presented by the ladies of the parish. There is al.^o an additional paten bearing the following inscription: --

*^ Sice Anna Allan Voverunt Tres. J. H. C. Fest. Pentecost, lSi2."

The donors were John Jay, Henry Hobart and Cleveland Cox. The

bell is inscribed : --

" Presented to

ST. ANN'S CHUECH

t BY

GorVEEXEUK M0EK13.

J. P. AUaire, New York, 1S41." On the west side of the cliiirch is a neat rectory.

RECTORS OF ST. ANN'S CHURCH, MORRISANIA.

Inst, ok Call. Inocmbests. Vacat. Bt.

1S41, Rev. Aethihj C. Cos, Deacon, resig.

1843, Rev. CnAULES Jones, Presb., "

1843, Rev. CuAELEs Alois, Presb., "

1 Sept. 1847, Rev. Abeaham B. C.vetee, Presb. "

20 March, 1852, Rev. S. Pixknet Hammokd, Presb., "

Rev. William Hcokel, Presb., present rector.

St. Paul's church, which was formerly included in the parochial limits of St Anns, was on the 30th of May, 1S53, erected into a separate parish.

Church work was begun at this point by the Rev. A. B. Carter, Rector of St. Ann's, MoiTisania, The congregation was duly organized by Mr. Carter, as a Chapel of St. Ann's, July 8th, 1S49. On Sept. 15th, of the same year, the corner-stone of the chapel was laid by the Rt. Rev. W. R. Whittingham, Bishop of Maryland.

Paul's church, which was formerly included in the parochial limits of St Anns, was on the 30th of May, 1S53, erected into a separate parish.

Church work was begun at this point by the Rev. A. B. Carter, Rector of St. Ann's, MoiTisania, The congregation was duly organized by Mr. Carter, as a Chapel of St. Ann's, July 8th, 1S49. On Sept. 15th, of the same year, the corner-stone of the chapel was laid by the Rt. Rev. W. R. Whittingham, Bishop of Maryland. The chapel was opened for Divine Service on Easter Day, March 31st, 1850; and was consecrated by Bishop Whittingliam, June 2 2d, 1S50. The chapel stands on a plot of ground containing one acre, and bounded by two of the principal avenues, having a front on each of nearly 150 feet. The building itself was, and is still, a simple frame gothic structure, with open roof 80x30, including chancel and tower.

On the 31st day of May, 1S53, the connection of St. Paul's chapel with the mother church, St. Ann's, v,-as severed and a new parish organized under the title of St. Paul's, Morrisania Village. On the first day - of September in the same year, the Rev. Benjamin Akerly was called asthe first Rector. Up to this time tlic services had been maintained by

498 HISTORY OF THE COUNTY OF \VESTCHF.STER.

Rev. A. B. Carter and Rev. J. Pinckney Hammond, Rectors of St. /Viin's. TI1C Rev. Mr. Akerly continued Rector of the neu- parish, tii! some time in 1857 or 185S. During his Rectorship, a commodious Rectory was built on the church grounds.

On the first day - of September in the same year, the Rev. Benjamin Akerly was called asthe first Rector. Up to this time tlic services had been maintained by

498 HISTORY OF THE COUNTY OF \VESTCHF.STER.

Rev. A. B. Carter and Rev. J. Pinckney Hammond, Rectors of St. /Viin's. TI1C Rev. Mr. Akerly continued Rector of the neu- parish, tii! some time in 1857 or 185S. During his Rectorship, a commodious Rectory was built on the church grounds.

In April, 1858, the Rev. Samuel G. Appleton was elected Rector. During his Rectorship, the church was enlarged by the addition of a transept. The parish was gaining fast in numbers and strength, when an unfortunate di\ision of opinion took place and a new parish was organized. The Rev. Mr. Appleton resigned soon afterwards -- early in 186S, and was succeeded on the first of Nov. of the same year, by Rev. Fredk. B. Van Kleeck. On May ist, 1S70, the Rev. Dr. Van Kleeck's resignation took effect, as he had accepted a call to Grace church, "WTiite Plains; and on the same day his successor. Rev. Thomas R. Harris, began his duties as Rector. In 1S7 1 the church was raised and a lart^c

St. Paul's Morrisania.

Basement Sunday-school room added. In 1879, large repairs were made to the church buildmgs and the interior of the church was decorated.

At the commencement of the Revolutionary struggle, Gen. Heath's division of the American army was stationed at Morrisania. From his memoirs we gather the following particulars : "A picket from our general's division, of four hundred and fifty men, constantly mounted, by relief, at J/brrisariia, from which a chain of sentinels, within half gunshot of each other, were planted, from the one side of the shore to the other, and near the water passage, between Morrisania and Montresor's island. whJch in some places is very narrow^ The sentinels on the American side were ordered not to presume to fire at those of the British, unless the latter began ; but the British were so fond of beginning,

From his memoirs we gather the following particulars : "A picket from our general's division, of four hundred and fifty men, constantly mounted, by relief, at J/brrisariia, from which a chain of sentinels, within half gunshot of each other, were planted, from the one side of the shore to the other, and near the water passage, between Morrisania and Montresor's island. whJch in some places is very narrow^ The sentinels on the American side were ordered not to presume to fire at those of the British, unless the latter began ; but the British were so fond of beginning,

THE TO'A'N OF WEST FARMS. 499

lh.it there was frequently a firing between them. This having been the case one day, and a British officer walking along the bank, on the Montresor's side, an American sentinel -- who had been exchanging some shots with a British sentinel -- seeing the officer, and concluding him to be the better game, gave him a shot, and wounded him. He was carried up to the house on the island. An officer with a flag soon came down to the creek and called for the American officer of the picket, and informed him that if the American sentinels fired any more, the commanding officer of the island would cannonade Col. Morris's house, in which the officers of the picket quartered. The American officer immediately sent up to our general, to know what answer should be returned. He was directed to inform the British officer that the American sentinels had always been instructed not to fire on sentinels unless they were first fired upon, and then to return the fire ; that such would be their conduct ; as to the cannonading of Col. I^Iorris's house, they mightact their pleasure. The firing ceased for some time ; but a raw Scotch sentinel having been planted one day, he very soon after discharged his piece at an American sentinel nearest to him, which was immediately returned ; upon which a British officer came down, and called to the American officers, obser\-ing that he thought there was to be no more firing between the sentinels.

He was directed to inform the British officer that the American sentinels had always been instructed not to fire on sentinels unless they were first fired upon, and then to return the fire ; that such would be their conduct ; as to the cannonading of Col. I^Iorris's house, they mightact their pleasure. The firing ceased for some time ; but a raw Scotch sentinel having been planted one day, he very soon after discharged his piece at an American sentinel nearest to him, which was immediately returned ; upon which a British officer came down, and called to the American officers, obser\-ing that he thought there was to be no more firing between the sentinels. He was answered, that their own began ; upon which he repHed, 'he shall then pay for it.' The sentinel was directly after relieved, and there was no firing between the sentinels, in that place any more ; and they were so civil to each other, on the posts, that one day, at a part of the creek where it was practicable, the British sentinel asked the American, v/ho was nearly opposite, if he could give hirn a chew of tobacco ; the latter, ha\ing in his pocket a piece of thick twisted roll, sent it across the creek to the British sentinel, who, after taking off his bite, sent the remainder back again."*

'•On the 6th of October, 1776, (continues General Heath), orders were given for throwing up a new work on Harlem creek below the wood at Morrisania."''

He was answered, that their own began ; upon which he repHed, 'he shall then pay for it.' The sentinel was directly after relieved, and there was no firing between the sentinels, in that place any more ; and they were so civil to each other, on the posts, that one day, at a part of the creek where it was practicable, the British sentinel asked the American, v/ho was nearly opposite, if he could give hirn a chew of tobacco ; the latter, ha\ing in his pocket a piece of thick twisted roll, sent it across the creek to the British sentinel, who, after taking off his bite, sent the remainder back again."*

'•On the 6th of October, 1776, (continues General Heath), orders were given for throwing up a new work on Harlem creek below the wood at Morrisania."''

After the retreat of the American army northwards and the settlement of their lines on the Croton, the British refugee corps were stationed at Morrisania, under the command of Col. James de Lancey, who held his headquarters at Col. Morris's house. Here the British appear to have been kept in a constant state of alarm by their vigilant enemies. Upon the 5th of August, 1779, (says Heath) about 100 horse of Sheldon's, Moyland's, and of the militia, and about forty infantry of Glover's brigade,

a Heath'.s Meoi. p. 62. h Ibid. C3

500 HISTORY OF THE COUNTY OF WESTCHESTER.

passed by de Lance}-'s mills to the neighborhood of Morrisania, v/her-.- they took twelve or fourteen prisoners, some stock, &c. The enomv collected, a skirmish ensued, in which the enemy had a number ofmen killed and wounded; our loss, two killed and two wounded."'^ The frequency of these attacks compelled De Lancey to shift his quarters under the British guns of Fort No.

a Heath'.s Meoi. p. 62. h Ibid. C3

500 HISTORY OF THE COUNTY OF WESTCHESTER.

passed by de Lance}-'s mills to the neighborhood of Morrisania, v/her-.- they took twelve or fourteen prisoners, some stock, &c. The enomv collected, a skirmish ensued, in which the enemy had a number ofmen killed and wounded; our loss, two killed and two wounded."'^ The frequency of these attacks compelled De Lancey to shift his quarters under the British guns of Fort No. S, in Fordham. The dwellings at Morrisania were burnt on the same day with the Westchester court house.

In St. Anne's churchyard repose the remains of Brevet Brigadier- General W. W. Morris, U. S. A., a member of the Morris family, whom, it will be remembered, was the first military ofHcer who, during the late Civil "War, refused to obey a wait of habeas ccrpics, while in command of P'ort McHenr}-, at Baltimore, Md. At first public indignation was aroused against him, and it was at one time proposed by the Government to deprive him of his commission. Upon sober second thought, the Government concluded that his act, though high-handed, was justified by the emergency. Following is the correspondence upon the subject: --

IIeadquaetees, Fop.t MoHeset, Md., May Stet, 18G1. Colonel: -- "I wish most respectfully to inform the Lieutenant-General Cornmantling, that during the past week a writ of Habeas Corpus was is.'ucd by the Hon. Judge Giles, of the United States District Court, for the District of Maryland, cominanding me to produce the body of Jolin G. ^rullen, a recruit of the United States Army, on the alleged ground that said Mullen was a minor at the time of his enlistment.

IIeadquaetees, Fop.t MoHeset, Md., May Stet, 18G1. Colonel: -- "I wish most respectfully to inform the Lieutenant-General Cornmantling, that during the past week a writ of Habeas Corpus was is.'ucd by the Hon. Judge Giles, of the United States District Court, for the District of Maryland, cominanding me to produce the body of Jolin G. ^rullen, a recruit of the United States Army, on the alleged ground that said Mullen was a minor at the time of his enlistment.

I }]ave the honor to enclose an article from the Baltmore Run (T^o. 1) ; a copy of vc\^' letter to Judge Gile?, (Xo. 2,) and a copy of the Judge's reply, (No. 3.) which -svill afford the Lieutenant-General all the knowledge of the subject which I po.ssess.

I respectfully request that theLieuteant-General will furnish me with the laws and orders now in force with reference to tlie discharge of soldiers enlisted as minors. Very respectfully j'our obedient servant,

(Signed,) W. W. MORRIS,

Asst. Adjt. Gen., Major 4th Artillery,

Hd. Qrs. of the Army, Commanding.

Washington City.

From the Baltimore .Sun ol Monday, May 6, ISGl.

(local matteks.)

The Habeas Co7-]ms Refuml. -- On Saturday it was staled that alladeas Corpus,

issued by Judge Giles of the United States Coiut for the srorender of the body

of John G. Mullen, has becu refused by the commandant of Fort McIIcnrj'. Ou

a BcatU'a memoirs, p. 214.

THE TO\VN OF WEST FARMS. 50I

.•s.»;unl:iy Judge Giles issued the following order to be entered on the record of f ^- C )urt. After quoting the title of the case he says: " la this case a petit: III wo-s prest.-ritcd to nie, in the usual form, stating that John G. Mullen M-as il- !• rjlly detained at Fort McHenry in this city, by the ofEcer commanding at that f,>rt; that the said John G.

THE TO\VN OF WEST FARMS. 50I

.•s.»;unl:iy Judge Giles issued the following order to be entered on the record of f ^- C )urt. After quoting the title of the case he says: " la this case a petit: III wo-s prest.-ritcd to nie, in the usual form, stating that John G. Mullen M-as il- !• rjlly detained at Fort McHenry in this city, by the ofEcer commanding at that f,>rt; that the said John G. Mullen was only twenty years of age, and had Li.-i.-n enlisted without the consent of his father, George JIulleu, who united in tliejiL-tilion, and made afSdavit to the truth of the facts stated therein; and the julition closed with the prayer for the writ of habeas corpus. In the discharge of the duty required of me by the laws of the United States, upon the preseuta- U'ln of such li petition, I ordered the writ of habeas corpus to be issued, to be directed to the conimaading ofBcer at Fort McHcury, commanding him to prod-ace before me, at ten o'clock this morniug, in the District Court-room iu this city, the body of said John G. Mullen, with the cause of his confinement, at the hour mentioned for the return of the said writ. The deputy marshal, who was yjtjt down to serve the writ, filed in this court this morning an affidavit, stating tliat it had been served on an officer in command of said fort, and who refused to oljcy said writ.

This is the first time within my experience of thirty-three years at the bar and on the bench that the writ of haZeas corjms has failed in this State to procure obedience to its mandate. It is a writ so dear to every freeman that the Constitution of the country has, with great care, provided ' that it shall not be suspended unless, when in case of rebellion or invasion, the public safety may require it."' With no suspension of this writ by competent authority, with no proclamation for its suspension by any one claiming to possess such power, with no state of affairs existing as would authorize its suspension, the court learns, Avith deep regret, that an othcer of the United States Army has thought it his duty to refuse obedience to the -writ.

It is a writ so dear to every freeman that the Constitution of the country has, with great care, provided ' that it shall not be suspended unless, when in case of rebellion or invasion, the public safety may require it."' With no suspension of this writ by competent authority, with no proclamation for its suspension by any one claiming to possess such power, with no state of affairs existing as would authorize its suspension, the court learns, Avith deep regret, that an othcer of the United States Army has thought it his duty to refuse obedience to the -writ. Unwilling to aggravate existing excitement by more immediate action, the court will at present only pass an order that the commanding ofiicer at Fort McIIenry show cause, on or before Wednesday next, the Sth inst. at ten o'clock, w hy an attachment should not issue against him for his refusal to obey the said vmt : and the court sincerely hopes that, in a crisis like the present, wiser coun-scls may prevail at the post, and that no unnecessary conflict of authority may be brought in between those owing allegiance to the same government and bound bv the same laws."

FoKT McHexrt, ^Id., ^

Monday, 6th May, 186 1. i

noN. William Fell Giles, Judge of the U. S. District Court for the District of Maryland :

Sir. -- My attention has been directed to an article iu the local column of the Baltimore Sun of this date, headed, ''The Habeas Corpus Refusal." Presuming that that article is authentic. I wish very respectfully to submit for your consideration the following remarks on this unhappy "conflict of authority between those o';\'ing allegiance to the same Government, and bound by the same laws. "

William Fell Giles, Judge of the U. S. District Court for the District of Maryland :

Sir. -- My attention has been directed to an article iu the local column of the Baltimore Sun of this date, headed, ''The Habeas Corpus Refusal." Presuming that that article is authentic. I wish very respectfully to submit for your consideration the following remarks on this unhappy "conflict of authority between those o';\'ing allegiance to the same Government, and bound by the same laws. "

To avoid implicating parlies in no wise connected with tins case, permit mo

502 HISTORV OF THE COUNTY OF WESTCHE!

to observe at the threshold, that my actloa ia the premis i taken cntin!,-

on my own rosponsibiiity, without instructions from, or ( ation with ai.r

person whatever.

And now I wish most respectfully to inform your Honor, that I regard !!.c ■WTit of Ha-heas Corpus as the very basis of free government, and tliat under uil ordinary circumstances I am very ready' to acknowledge tlie supremacy of th-.' civil authorities. But, as you admit, the Constitution of the United States lixs provided that this writ of Habeus Corpus may be suspended in case of rebellitjn, if the public safety require it. You, however, allege that there is "no such state of affairs existing as would authorizo its suspension." On this point it 'u with regret that I am compelled to differ from so eminent an authority ; and I am further constrained to add, that the question is one of fact, rather than opiuiuu.

But, as you admit, the Constitution of the United States lixs provided that this writ of Habeus Corpus may be suspended in case of rebellitjn, if the public safety require it. You, however, allege that there is "no such state of affairs existing as would authorizo its suspension." On this point it 'u with regret that I am compelled to differ from so eminent an authority ; and I am further constrained to add, that the question is one of fact, rather than opiuiuu.

At the date of issuing your writ, and for two weeks previous, the city in which you live, and where your court has been held, was entirely under the control of revolutionary authorities ; within that period U. S. Soldiers, while committing no offence, had been perfidiously attacked and inhumanly murdered in your streets; no punishment had been awarded, and I believe no arrests had bcca made for these atrocious crimes ; supplies of provisions intended for this garrison had been stopped : the intention to capture this fort had been boldly proclaimed ; your most public thorougiifares were daily patrolled by large numbers of troops, armed and clothed, at least in jjart, with articles stolen from the United States; and the Federal flag, while waving over the P''ederal offices, was cut down by some person wearing the uniforin of a Slaryland soldier. To add to the foregoing, an assemblage elected in defiance of law, but claiming to be the legislative body of your State, and so recognized by the Executive of JIaryland, was debating the forms of abrogating the Federal compact. If all this be not rebellion, I know not what to call it. I certainly regard it, as sufHcient legal cause for suspending the writ of Habeas Corpus.

Soldiers, while committing no offence, had been perfidiously attacked and inhumanly murdered in your streets; no punishment had been awarded, and I believe no arrests had bcca made for these atrocious crimes ; supplies of provisions intended for this garrison had been stopped : the intention to capture this fort had been boldly proclaimed ; your most public thorougiifares were daily patrolled by large numbers of troops, armed and clothed, at least in jjart, with articles stolen from the United States; and the Federal flag, while waving over the P''ederal offices, was cut down by some person wearing the uniforin of a Slaryland soldier. To add to the foregoing, an assemblage elected in defiance of law, but claiming to be the legislative body of your State, and so recognized by the Executive of JIaryland, was debating the forms of abrogating the Federal compact. If all this be not rebellion, I know not what to call it. I certainly regard it, as sufHcient legal cause for suspending the writ of Habeas Corpus.

Besidea, there were certain grounds of expediency on which I declined obeying your mandate.

1st. The writ of Iladeas Corpus, in the hands of an unfriendly power, might depopulate this fortification and place it at the mercy of a " Baltimore mob," in much less time than it could be done by all the appliances of modern warfare.

2d. The ferocious spirit exhibited by your community towards the United States army, would render me very averse from appearing publicly and unprotected in the City of Baltimore, to defend the interests of the bixly to which 1 belong. A few days since, a soldier of this command, while outside the walls, was attacked by a fiend or fiends in human shape, almost deprived of life, and left unprotected about half a mile from garrison.

2d. The ferocious spirit exhibited by your community towards the United States army, would render me very averse from appearing publicly and unprotected in the City of Baltimore, to defend the interests of the bixly to which 1 belong. A few days since, a soldier of this command, while outside the walls, was attacked by a fiend or fiends in human shape, almost deprived of life, and left unprotected about half a mile from garrison. He was found iu this situation, and brought iu covered with blood. One of your evening prints was quite jocose over the laughable occurrence.

And now, sir, permit me to say in conclusion, that no one can regret more than Ithi.T conflict between the civil and military authorities. If, in an experience of thirty-three ycxirs you have never hefore known the writ of Ilabtas C&rpus t.> be di.sobe^'ed. it is only because such a contingency in political affairs as the prcser.t has not before arisen. I claim to be a loyal citizen ; and I hope my former conduct, bothotricial and private, will justify this pretension. In any couditi'Mi vi affairs except that of civil war, I would cheerfully obey your order ; and as soo^

THE TOWN OF WEST FARMS. 503

aj, ihe present excitement shall pa,=s a^raj I vrill hold mysulf ready not only to J riHiucc tlie soldier, but also to apjiear iu person to aoswer for my own conduct ; lat m the existing state of sentiment iu the city of Baltimore, I think it your duly to sustain the federal military, and to strengthen their hands instead of c:ideavoriiig to strike them dov.n. I have the honor to be very respectfully, Your Obedient Strvant,

aj, ihe present excitement shall pa,=s a^raj I vrill hold mysulf ready not only to J riHiucc tlie soldier, but also to apjiear iu person to aoswer for my own conduct ; lat m the existing state of sentiment iu the city of Baltimore, I think it your duly to sustain the federal military, and to strengthen their hands instead of c:ideavoriiig to strike them dov.n. I have the honor to be very respectfully, Your Obedient Strvant,

(.Signed,) W. "W". MORRIS,

Major 4:th U. S. Artillery, Comd'iT the Post.

MANOR OF FORDHAM.

The name of this town is of Saxon origin, compounded of ■f00j*^ « (ford) and ijtlSU (mansion,) and vvas derived from the parish of the sa;ne name in Norfolk, England Fordham was originally included in the township of West Chester, but subsequently formed a portion of West Farms, and now belongs to Northern New York.

Its early Indian proprietors appear to have been the Sachems Fecquemeck, Rechgawac and Packanariens, who sold the lands oi J^eies- /uik, bordering the Harlem River to the Dutch West India Company, Anno Domini, 1639. In 1646, we find the whole of Fordham as well as the Yoncker's land (then called Colen Donck,) in the possession of Adrian van der Donck, whose widow Mary conveyed them to her brother Elias Doughty. The following sales appear under the hands of the latter in 1666-67 '■ --

"Know all men, by these presents, that I, Elia-s Doughty, of Flushing, do stU unto Mr. John, Archer, of V/entchcsterb his heirs and assigni-cs, fourscore acres of land and thirty acres of meadow, lying and being betwixt Jirothers Rlcer and the. watering place at the end of the Island of JIanhatans ; and if the laud be not lit to cl<-are fur the plow or hoc, this land is to lye together ; and if there be not all such land together as there should, or if there should happen eight or ten acres of land that is not for such use, then the said Archer is to have it with the rest ; and he shall have equal right privilege in the commons as any other man shall have within that Patent that hath no more arable land ; and the meadow is

John, Archer, of V/entchcsterb his heirs and assigni-cs, fourscore acres of land and thirty acres of meadow, lying and being betwixt Jirothers Rlcer and the. watering place at the end of the Island of JIanhatans ; and if the laud be not lit to cl<-are fur the plow or hoc, this land is to lye together ; and if there be not all such land together as there should, or if there should happen eight or ten acres of land that is not for such use, then the said Archer is to have it with the rest ; and he shall have equal right privilege in the commons as any other man shall have within that Patent that hath no more arable land ; and the meadow is

o Ver3tej»an, in his '> Hestrution of D- civpa larplligonce" savs Iti foord, not only sundry or our ancient Eugliati suruam.-s h.-reiu ou'l, but some also .soseeui to do wtiich are of FrcDcii or >orman race-- but ttii.s giowotU by th-- not rij;hUv Uistinguistiiii^ tietween fooni ami fort ; .iQp Ursr heinj,' a niL'ro FriLru-h r.Tniut iiiou, (l.jnor.'ih u-j vet we n-taiu in iurmory a foord or Witer p.is-a^'e. 1 Iim utiier oiiuiim Jr mi ttie FreucU, deuotetU a plac; Of streb'-'tli bv uftture,

as '■/ro.-.'./o;7," ttlL- ".sm,/.'.; .'.•,.-.l-. ■ Ar. - . ,

fc See Lawd of N. Y. 1S73, for aauoxa;iou act since ameDded.

504 HISTORY OF THE COUNTY OF WESTCHESTER.

to be mowed all. As witucsse ray hand this first of March, ICGG. As witnos-;;'. if there should lye any more land, that is to say, between thirty and forty acres, it is all in common, and 1 am to give the said Arclier a lirme bill of sale undt-- my hand and seaL" ELIAS DOUGHTY.

fc See Lawd of N. Y. 1S73, for aauoxa;iou act since ameDded.

504 HISTORY OF THE COUNTY OF WESTCHESTER.

to be mowed all. As witucsse ray hand this first of March, ICGG. As witnos-;;'. if there should lye any more land, that is to say, between thirty and forty acres, it is all in common, and 1 am to give the said Arclier a lirme bill of sale undt-- my hand and seaL" ELIAS DOUGHTY.

"I Eli;\s Doughty, do own to have 'received full satLsfactioa of the said Archer for the said lauds and meadow ; the house is yet to be : and he tlie said Archer, is to have his within the above said tract of land. September the ISth, 1667.

"It is to be understood that Mr. John Archer is to have the freshest meadow (bogg\-) that lyelli to the north side of Westchester path, between the Patent of Mr. O'Neale, within his second purchase, upon consideration that the said John Archer shall pay to the said Doughty, &c., &c.; as witness my hand."

ELIAS DOUGHTY.

Examined by Jonx West.

Upon the 4th of March, 1669, appears the folloviing Indian confirraation to John Aicher : --

EsDLVI^ DEED OF FORDHAM.

" Be it known unto all men by these p'sents that upon ye 2Sth day of Sept. in the 21st 3'ear of ye lleigne of our Sovereigne Lord Charles the Second by ye Grace of God of England, Scotland, France and Ireland', King, Defend'" of the faith, &c., Aunoc Domini 16G9, we Tacharetht, ]\[omttailiatim Wackha, Timekekch, for and on ye behalfe of Ahwaroch, Achlpor ]\[iniquae3, Sacheraacke, for & in ye behalfe of Annetic Powuocke, for & on ye behalfe of Lyssie, ^ we on ye behalfe of ye rest of ye owners, for the consideration hereafter expressed hare graimtcd, bargained & sould, »S; by these p'sents due hereby grant, hargaiuo and sell unto John Archer of Fordham, his heirs and assignss, a certaine Tract of upland and meadow ground upon ye maine, beginning Westward from a certaine place by ye Indians comonly called ]Muscota, so it goes to another place called by them Gowahasuasing ct from thence round about ye kill called Papirinimau iS: so to rune into Harlem lly ver at ye Hook called Saperewack, from thence it reacheth South East to ye place called Acliqucehgenjin, aud from thence it reacheth alongst Broncks Hyver to Cowangough, so on Saclilcerah and so to the first place Muscota, so tliat from Jiluscota to Sackcratli it runs upon a straight east lyne to Broncks Ryver & from Saperewack to Acqucehgenom, South East by ye said ryrer all w='' tract of land, as it is before described here, the afores;iid Indians on the behalfe of ourselves, those that have instrusted us and our associates have sould unto ye said John Archer, his heirs & assignes for & in cousid. of 13 coats of Duffells. one halfe anchor of Kume, 2 cans of Brandy, wine w"' several other email matters to ye value of GO guilders wampum.

" Be it known unto all men by these p'sents that upon ye 2Sth day of Sept. in the 21st 3'ear of ye lleigne of our Sovereigne Lord Charles the Second by ye Grace of God of England, Scotland, France and Ireland', King, Defend'" of the faith, &c., Aunoc Domini 16G9, we Tacharetht, ]\[omttailiatim Wackha, Timekekch, for and on ye behalfe of Ahwaroch, Achlpor ]\[iniquae3, Sacheraacke, for & in ye behalfe of Annetic Powuocke, for & on ye behalfe of Lyssie, ^ we on ye behalfe of ye rest of ye owners, for the consideration hereafter expressed hare graimtcd, bargained & sould, »S; by these p'sents due hereby grant, hargaiuo and sell unto John Archer of Fordham, his heirs and assignss, a certaine Tract of upland and meadow ground upon ye maine, beginning Westward from a certaine place by ye Indians comonly called ]Muscota, so it goes to another place called by them Gowahasuasing ct from thence round about ye kill called Papirinimau iS: so to rune into Harlem lly ver at ye Hook called Saperewack, from thence it reacheth South East to ye place called Acliqucehgenjin, aud from thence it reacheth alongst Broncks Hyver to Cowangough, so on Saclilcerah and so to the first place Muscota, so tliat from Jiluscota to Sackcratli it runs upon a straight east lyne to Broncks Ryver & from Saperewack to Acqucehgenom, South East by ye said ryrer all w='' tract of land, as it is before described here, the afores;iid Indians on the behalfe of ourselves, those that have instrusted us and our associates have sould unto ye said John Archer, his heirs & assignes for & in cousid. of 13 coats of Duffells. one halfe anchor of Kume, 2 cans of Brandy, wine w"' several other email matters to ye value of GO guilders wampum.

All which we acknowledge to have received of him the said John Archer before the ensealing & delivery of these pr'scnls in full satisfaction for ye land afore men. Corned the W'' we doe hereby rosigno i, make over unto ye s' John xVrcher, his heirs &, assignes w"' all our right, title, and interest thereunto, as also those that have cntru.stedany of us o"" ic associates to iiavk & to uould the s' tract of laud & prcmir.ts unto ye

THE TO'vVN OF WEST FARMS. 505

f • John Arclicr, Ma heirs '«Srtis=ignes unto ye proper use & behoofe of him ye s? J j.'.ii Archer, liis heirs iSc assignes forever, free, quit and cleare from all & any t >nu of biiriraine & sale, or any other incumbraaees by us or by an}- from or untliT US tfc to ye utmost of o"' powers shall keep aad save him the s"^ John Archer, his heirs 6c assigaes, harmlesse in his or their qulett possession & enjoyment of ve premises against any other Indian pr'tenders whatsoever. In ^Yituess whereof we have hereunto put o" hand & scales, ye day & yeare first -withiu wrytten

This bargain & sale was made by ye approbation & iycense of his Hon" ye governors between ye partycs mentoned, w ith tlr.s Proviso tliat his Royall Highness, his Rights & Priviledges as Lord Proprietor of iheese his territoryes he

hereby not any infrigned, MATTHIAS NICOLLS, Setf"-

Entered by Johx Aecher, March 4th, 1669. "J

J j.'.ii Archer, liis heirs iSc assignes forever, free, quit and cleare from all & any t >nu of biiriraine & sale, or any other incumbraaees by us or by an}- from or untliT US tfc to ye utmost of o"' powers shall keep aad save him the s"^ John Archer, his heirs 6c assigaes, harmlesse in his or their qulett possession & enjoyment of ve premises against any other Indian pr'tenders whatsoever. In ^Yituess whereof we have hereunto put o" hand & scales, ye day & yeare first -withiu wrytten

This bargain & sale was made by ye approbation & iycense of his Hon" ye governors between ye partycs mentoned, w ith tlr.s Proviso tliat his Royall Highness, his Rights & Priviledges as Lord Proprietor of iheese his territoryes he

hereby not any infrigned, MATTHIAS NICOLLS, Setf"-

Entered by Johx Aecher, March 4th, 1669. "J

By these and other purchases John Archer, Esq., eventually became seized in fee of 1,253 acres. Upon the 13th of November, 167 1, Francis Lovelace, Esq., the Governor, issued the following letters patent erecting the whole into an infranchised township or manor of itself to be held by the feudal tenor of paying therefore yearly to the Duke of York and his successors upon the first day of March, (St. Da-vid's Day,) when demanded twenty bushels of good peas.^

THE ROYAL PATENT OF rORDHA:iL

Francis Lovelace, Esq., one of the gentlemen of his Majestie's Ilon'ble Privy Chamber, and Governor-General under his Royal Highness, James Dulve of York and Albany, and all his territories ui America, to all to whom these presents shall come, sendeth greeting: Whereas, there is a certain parcel or tract of land within this government, upon the main continent, situate, lying and being to the Eastward of llirlem River, near unto ye passage commonly called Spitinr/ Devil, upon "which ye A'f er Dorp or village is erected, knoini- hy the nnnieof Fordham --ye utmost limits of the whole tract or parcel of land, bcgimiing at the high wood land, that lyes do North- west over against the first point of the main land to the East <^f the Island Pepiriniman -- there where the hill Moskutu is -- and soe goes aicmgs^ the said kill, the said land striking from the high wood land before mentio:;ed East South-east, till it comes to Bronk's, his kill; soe Westward up along^t ye main land to the place where Harlem Kill and Hudson River meet, and then forth aloagst Harlem KOI to the first spring or fountaiu, keeping to the

Francis Lovelace, Esq., one of the gentlemen of his Majestie's Ilon'ble Privy Chamber, and Governor-General under his Royal Highness, James Dulve of York and Albany, and all his territories ui America, to all to whom these presents shall come, sendeth greeting: Whereas, there is a certain parcel or tract of land within this government, upon the main continent, situate, lying and being to the Eastward of llirlem River, near unto ye passage commonly called Spitinr/ Devil, upon "which ye A'f er Dorp or village is erected, knoini- hy the nnnieof Fordham --ye utmost limits of the whole tract or parcel of land, bcgimiing at the high wood land, that lyes do North- west over against the first point of the main land to the East <^f the Island Pepiriniman -- there where the hill Moskutu is -- and soe goes aicmgs^ the said kill, the said land striking from the high wood land before mentio:;ed East South-east, till it comes to Bronk's, his kill; soe Westward up along^t ye main land to the place where Harlem Kill and Hudson River meet, and then forth aloagst Harlem KOI to the first spring or fountaiu, keeping to the

a Albany U.eJ DooS, vol. iii. pp. 127, 1'JS.

6 In r.ewins r.-port on the (lovernment of Neiv TorS, ajjent and servaiit to his Royal nijrhness in Ne.v York amj .Mp.iny. ic , occurs the followiua- .luh-i Archer hath a p;i.i«iit jrr.inted to Col. Lovelaci; of a, manor cj1!-iI ifonlham iTor wtuch n- niiv.tti £Z Vm Id p. arm ''-- \. V. «"<il. l)iic. vol. Iu.,;t li. liov. A;iiir ..I'.-i iiiiswf-r to LfWia.^'s'rt pore, J4'.h Drc., l'''^l. '-^Jr. .\r"ti"r s aii.l ail "ther qiuit rt-nts h.ive been from runt; to time ucouiuiit^d to hid Uojill

6 In r.ewins r.-port on the (lovernment of Neiv TorS, ajjent and servaiit to his Royal nijrhness in Ne.v York amj .Mp.iny. ic , occurs the followiua- .luh-i Archer hath a p;i.i«iit jrr.inted to Col. Lovelaci; of a, manor cj1!-iI ifonlham iTor wtuch n- niiv.tti £Z Vm Id p. arm ''-- \. V. «"<il. l)iic. vol. Iu.,;t li. liov. A;iiir ..I'.-i iiiiswf-r to LfWia.^'s'rt pore, J4'.h Drc., l'''^l. '-^Jr. .\r"ti"r s aii.l ail "ther qiuit rt-nts h.ive been from runt; to time ucouiuiit^d to hid Uojill

liijjhllCSo Us p. rJ, UCCota." -- N. Y. Col. Doc. vol, ui., 'JkI'J.

506 HISTORY OF THE COUNTY OF WESTCHESTER.

South of Crahh Island; soc Eastward alongst Daniel Turner's land, t]i-' hi^'h wood land, and ye land bolongiug lo Thomas Hunt; and tliL'n to Bronk t Kill afore mentioned, according to a survey lately made thereof by lUe Burveyor-general-- the which remains upon record ; all which said parct.-! cr tract of land before described being part of the land granted in the irra:v! patent to Hugh O'Xeal, and ]Mary his wife, purchase was made thereof by John Archer, from Elyas Doughty, who was invested in their interest a« of the Indian proprietor, by my approbation, who all acknowledge to have received satisfaction for the same; and the said John Archer having, at his own charge, and with good success, begun a tov,Tiship in a convenient place for the reUef of strangers, it being the road for passengers to go to and fro fron-. the main, as well as for mutual intercourse with the neighboring colony, for a';! encouragement unto him, the said John Archer, in prosecution of the s.iid design, and also for divers other good causes and considerations : know vec, that by virtue of ye commission and authority unto me given by his royal liigL- ness, upon whom, by lawful grant and patent from his majestic, the propriety and government of that part of the main land, as well as Long Island, and all the islands adjacent, amongst other things, is settled.

South of Crahh Island; soc Eastward alongst Daniel Turner's land, t]i-' hi^'h wood land, and ye land bolongiug lo Thomas Hunt; and tliL'n to Bronk t Kill afore mentioned, according to a survey lately made thereof by lUe Burveyor-general-- the which remains upon record ; all which said parct.-! cr tract of land before described being part of the land granted in the irra:v! patent to Hugh O'Xeal, and ]Mary his wife, purchase was made thereof by John Archer, from Elyas Doughty, who was invested in their interest a« of the Indian proprietor, by my approbation, who all acknowledge to have received satisfaction for the same; and the said John Archer having, at his own charge, and with good success, begun a tov,Tiship in a convenient place for the reUef of strangers, it being the road for passengers to go to and fro fron-. the main, as well as for mutual intercourse with the neighboring colony, for a';! encouragement unto him, the said John Archer, in prosecution of the s.iid design, and also for divers other good causes and considerations : know vec, that by virtue of ye commission and authority unto me given by his royal liigL- ness, upon whom, by lawful grant and patent from his majestic, the propriety and government of that part of the main land, as well as Long Island, and all the islands adjacent, amongst other things, is settled. I have given, granted, ratified and confirmed, and by these presents do give, grant, ratify and confirm to ye afore-mentioned John Arclier, his heix's and assignees, all the said parcel or tract of land butted and bounded as aforesaid, together with all the lands, soyh-s, woods, meadows, pastures, marshes, lakes, waters, creeks, fishing, hawking, hunting and fowling, and all ye proflits, commoditj^es, emmouluments and hereditaments to the said parcel or tract of land or premises belonging or in anywise appertaining, and of every part and parcel thereof; and I doe likewise grant unto ye said John Archer, his heirs and assignees, that the house he shall erect, together with the said parcel or tract of land and premises, shall be forever hereafter held, claimed reputed, and be an entire and enfranchised township, manor and place of itself ; and shall always, from time to time, and at all tim^s herc;if ter, have, hold and enjoy like and equal privileges and inmiunities, with any town enfrimchised or manor, within this government, and shall, in no manner of way, be subordinate or belonging unto, have any dependence upon, or in anywise be under the rule, order or direction of any riding, township, place or jurisdiction either upon the main or Long Island; but shall, in all cases, things and matters, be deemed, reputed, taken and held as an absolute, entire, enfranchised township, manor and place of.itself in tiiis government, as aforesaid, and shall be ruled ordered and directed in all matters as to government, by ye governor and his council, andyeGeneralCourtof Assizes, only, al ways pro\'ided that the inhabitants of the said town, or any part of the land granted as aforesaid, shall be oliliged to send forward to ye next town or plantation, all public pacquetts ami letters, or hue and cryes, comming to this place or going from it towiu-ds, or to any of hi? ni:ijcstie's colonies ; and I do further grant unto the said John Archer, his heirs and assignees, that when there shall be a sufficient number of inhabitants in the town of Fordham, aforementioned, and t!ie other parts of ye manor, capable of maintaining a minister, and to carry on other public affairs; that the neighboring inhabitants between the two kills of Il^irlcm and Bronk's, be obliged to coiUri!)ut<- towards tlic maintenance of their s^aid minister and otlier necessary p.ublic charges that may happen lo arise ; and Ukewisu that they belong to the said town, ac-

I have given, granted, ratified and confirmed, and by these presents do give, grant, ratify and confirm to ye afore-mentioned John Arclier, his heix's and assignees, all the said parcel or tract of land butted and bounded as aforesaid, together with all the lands, soyh-s, woods, meadows, pastures, marshes, lakes, waters, creeks, fishing, hawking, hunting and fowling, and all ye proflits, commoditj^es, emmouluments and hereditaments to the said parcel or tract of land or premises belonging or in anywise appertaining, and of every part and parcel thereof; and I doe likewise grant unto ye said John Archer, his heirs and assignees, that the house he shall erect, together with the said parcel or tract of land and premises, shall be forever hereafter held, claimed reputed, and be an entire and enfranchised township, manor and place of itself ; and shall always, from time to time, and at all tim^s herc;if ter, have, hold and enjoy like and equal privileges and inmiunities, with any town enfrimchised or manor, within this government, and shall, in no manner of way, be subordinate or belonging unto, have any dependence upon, or in anywise be under the rule, order or direction of any riding, township, place or jurisdiction either upon the main or Long Island; but shall, in all cases, things and matters, be deemed, reputed, taken and held as an absolute, entire, enfranchised township, manor and place of.itself in tiiis government, as aforesaid, and shall be ruled ordered and directed in all matters as to government, by ye governor and his council, andyeGeneralCourtof Assizes, only, al ways pro\'ided that the inhabitants of the said town, or any part of the land granted as aforesaid, shall be oliliged to send forward to ye next town or plantation, all public pacquetts ami letters, or hue and cryes, comming to this place or going from it towiu-ds, or to any of hi? ni:ijcstie's colonies ; and I do further grant unto the said John Archer, his heirs and assignees, that when there shall be a sufficient number of inhabitants in the town of Fordham, aforementioned, and t!ie other parts of ye manor, capable of maintaining a minister, and to carry on other public affairs; that the neighboring inhabitants between the two kills of Il^irlcm and Bronk's, be obliged to coiUri!)ut<- towards tlic maintenance of their s^aid minister and otlier necessary p.ublic charges that may happen lo arise ; and Ukewisu that they belong to the said town, ac-

THE TOWN OF WEST FARMS." 507

cordi"? to the dirrction of tlie kw, althougli their said farms and hahitations be i;,it i;;(;hidfd withiu this patent, to have and to hold yc said parcel and tracts of bad, with all and singular the appurtenances and premi.ses, together with the privih ges, immunities, franchises and advantages herein given and granted unto the paid John Archer, his heirs and assignees, unto the proper use and behoof of him, the said John Archer, and his heii'S and assignees forever, fidly, truly and ci'.-arly, in as large and ample manner, and from and -with such full and alisolute immunities and privileges as is before expressed, as if he held the same immedilitt'ly from his majesty, the King of England, and liis successors, as of the ilanor of East Greenwich, in tlie county of Kent, in free and common soccage, and by fealty, only yielding, rendering and paying yearly and every year unto his royal higlmess, the Duke of York and liis successors, or to such governor and goverors as from time to time shall by liim be constituted and appointed, as all acknowledgement and quit-rent, twenty bushels of good peas, upon the first day of JMiirch, when it shall be demanded. Given under lay hand, and sealed with the seal of the province of Fort James, in New York, on the island of 3Ianhattan, this thirteenth day of November, in the twenty-third year of the reign of our sovereign loi-d, Charles the Second, by the grace of God, of England, Scotland, France and Ireland, King Defender of the Faith, and Anno Domini, 1G71.

cordi"? to the dirrction of tlie kw, althougli their said farms and hahitations be i;,it i;;(;hidfd withiu this patent, to have and to hold yc said parcel and tracts of bad, with all and singular the appurtenances and premi.ses, together with the privih ges, immunities, franchises and advantages herein given and granted unto the paid John Archer, his heirs and assignees, unto the proper use and behoof of him, the said John Archer, and his heii'S and assignees forever, fidly, truly and ci'.-arly, in as large and ample manner, and from and -with such full and alisolute immunities and privileges as is before expressed, as if he held the same immedilitt'ly from his majesty, the King of England, and liis successors, as of the ilanor of East Greenwich, in tlie county of Kent, in free and common soccage, and by fealty, only yielding, rendering and paying yearly and every year unto his royal higlmess, the Duke of York and liis successors, or to such governor and goverors as from time to time shall by liim be constituted and appointed, as all acknowledgement and quit-rent, twenty bushels of good peas, upon the first day of JMiirch, when it shall be demanded. Given under lay hand, and sealed with the seal of the province of Fort James, in New York, on the island of 3Ianhattan, this thirteenth day of November, in the twenty-third year of the reign of our sovereign loi-d, Charles the Second, by the grace of God, of England, Scotland, France and Ireland, King Defender of the Faith, and Anno Domini, 1G71.

Given under lay hand, and sealed with the seal of the province of Fort James, in New York, on the island of 3Ianhattan, this thirteenth day of November, in the twenty-third year of the reign of our sovereign loi-d, Charles the Second, by the grace of God, of England, Scotland, France and Ireland, King Defender of the Faith, and Anno Domini, 1G71.

FR.\jSrCIS LOVELACE. "Michael Basttensen", "Valextyx Claessen." "Done at Fort WiUiam Hendricke, on the ISth Oct., 1673."

The following year, John Archer, Esq., laid claim to a neck of land called Humock Island, commonly named Papiriniinan^ which he asserted he had by patent.

At a council held in the \"illage of New Haerlem, this 4th of October,

Present: -- The Governor-General and Councillor, Cornelius Steenwyck.

The inliabitants of Fordham appear complaining in substance of the ill-government of their landlord, John Archer, requesting thit they may be granted the nomination of their own Magistrates, as is allowed to all the other inhabitants of this government. Whereupon, the aforesaid John Archer being summoned to appear, the complaint is communicated to him, who voluntarily declares that he desists from the government, authority and patroonship of said town, reserving alone the property and ownership oi the lands and houses there ; according, therefore, to the said inhabitants the nomination of their own Magistrates, which is confirmed to them by the Governor and Council, whereupon the following minute is granted them : --

a Ani;iny ];lc. vol. xxiil. 2G-3-2. 6 S;i} Yonker.i.

5oS HISTORY OF THE COUNTY OF WESTCHESTER.

Whereupon, the aforesaid John Archer being summoned to appear, the complaint is communicated to him, who voluntarily declares that he desists from the government, authority and patroonship of said town, reserving alone the property and ownership oi the lands and houses there ; according, therefore, to the said inhabitants the nomination of their own Magistrates, which is confirmed to them by the Governor and Council, whereupon the following minute is granted them : --

a Ani;iny ];lc. vol. xxiil. 2G-3-2. 6 S;i} Yonker.i.

5oS HISTORY OF THE COUNTY OF WESTCHESTER.

The inhabitiints of the towii ,of Fordham are hereby authorized to nominate, by phirality of the votes of iheir towu, six of the best qualitied persons, ci- Clusively of the Reformed Christian religion, as magistrates of said town, and t-; present said nomination by the first opportimity to the Governor-General, from •which his Honor will then make the selection ; it is also recommended thum tu pay attention when nominating, that the half, at least of those nominated, be of the Dutch nation.

Dated Isew Harlem. 4th of October, 1673. «

" At a CouncU held in Fort William Hendrick, 15 th June, 1674.

Present : Goterxor-Gexeral A_n*thost Colte, Councillor Cop.xelius SxEEywYCK, Fiscal William Kxtff, and Secretary Xicolaes Batakd, as assumed Councillors."

John Archer requesting by petition, that Johannis Vervelen be ordered to hand over to him (the petitioner) the books concerning the towTi of Fordham. Ordered : --

" Sehout Vervelen is hereby directed to hand over to the Petitioner the books and protocols properly belonging to him."*

" At a CouncU held in Fort William Hendrick, 15 th June, 1674.

Present : Goterxor-Gexeral A_n*thost Colte, Councillor Cop.xelius SxEEywYCK, Fiscal William Kxtff, and Secretary Xicolaes Batakd, as assumed Councillors."

John Archer requesting by petition, that Johannis Vervelen be ordered to hand over to him (the petitioner) the books concerning the towTi of Fordham. Ordered : --

" Sehout Vervelen is hereby directed to hand over to the Petitioner the books and protocols properly belonging to him."*

Upon the iSth of September, 1G69, John Archer mortgaged the Manor of Fordham to Cornelius Steenwyck, mercb.ant of New York, for the sum of 2,200 guilders; a second mortgage from John Archer to Steem\7ck occurrs on the 14th of November, 167 1, for, 7,000 guilders seawant or the the value payable in twelve years on November 14th, 16S3, with yearly interest. The mortgage was in fee, with proviso that on pa)Tnent of money mortgage was to be void, and Archer, his heirs and assigns to re-enter. It was expressed in the mortgage that Archer was to dehver the deeds unto Steenwyck, which the latter promised to return on payment of the money. <= The above mentioned sums were increased by the additional mortgage of 24,000 guilders in 1676, payable seven years thereafter as appears from the following document: --

This indenture, made the twenty-fourth day of November, in the 2d year of the reign of our sovereign lord, Charles the Second, by the grace of God, of England, Scotland, France and Ireland, King, Defender of the faith, and Anno Domini 1670, between John Archer, owner and proprietor of the manor of Fordham, upon the main, near Spiting Devil, on the one .part, and Cornelius Steenwick, of

It was expressed in the mortgage that Archer was to dehver the deeds unto Steenwyck, which the latter promised to return on payment of the money. <= The above mentioned sums were increased by the additional mortgage of 24,000 guilders in 1676, payable seven years thereafter as appears from the following document: --

This indenture, made the twenty-fourth day of November, in the 2d year of the reign of our sovereign lord, Charles the Second, by the grace of God, of England, Scotland, France and Ireland, King, Defender of the faith, and Anno Domini 1670, between John Archer, owner and proprietor of the manor of Fordham, upon the main, near Spiting Devil, on the one .part, and Cornelius Steenwick, of

o N. Y. Col. MS.S. vol. ii. p. 625.

b "S. Y. Col. MSS. vol. ii., p. T21.

c It iJooij not apiiea*- that the ileedg were ever retnrned to .Archer or hie heirs. Indeetl from that day to th-; pr.-.-.-ru, the Archi-r funiilj- have alw.tyi ciiseiairued the p'ls.^ossinii n! .my anciriit de<,i'.s ^s-.;.••..•\ r. Tlw Dnrcti K'.'fornied Church of Ne\s- York to whoiti .Mar^r iP'f.a St.-..inv><-kiihi' wi !..\v of Cornelius and wifuof ilouricos Selyus; cuaveycil the .Mauur la IC.M, rclusi; auj f.\ami.aL.iioa of llieir papers.

■ THE TO\V^' OF WEST FARMS. 509

the city of New York, mercliant, on the other part, witnesseth, that the said Julm Archer, for, and in consideration of the sum of twenty-four thousand ■niildcrs eeawant, or the value to him paid, secured to be paid at or before the cMealin"' and delivering of these presents by the said Cornelius Steenwick, whereof and wherewith he, the said Jolm Ai'cher, doth acknowledge and confess him- 6<.lf to be fully satisfied, and thereof doth clearly acquit and discliarge the said Cornelius Steenwick, his heirs, executors, and administrators, liath allowed, granted, bargained and sold, and by these presents doth fully, clearly and absolutely alien, grant, bargair. and sell unto the said Cornehus Steenwick, his heirs and assi"-ns forever, all his right, title and interest in the town and manor aforesaid, together with all the messuages, tenements, buildings and fences thereupon, and all the land improved or other ways now in the tenure or occupation of him the said John Archer, and others, his tenants or assigns, and also all and all manner of rents, duties, and profits received or may be received, and payable for and in respect of every or any of the said bargained premises, and also all and singular deeds, patents, evidences and writings, touching and concerning the same and the privileges therein contained, to have and to hold the said manor of Fordham, with the messuages and all and singular other the premises by these presents nranted or intended to be granted, bargained and sold, with their and every of their appurtenances, unto the said Cornelius Steenwick, his heirs and assigns to the only proper use and behoof of him, the said Cornelius Steen^vick, his heirs and assigns for ever, provided always, nevertheless, and upon the condition that if the said Jobu Archer, his heirs, executors, administrators or assigns, or any of them at or in the new dwelUng Iiouse of the said Cornelius Steenwick, situate and being in the city of New York, shall pay unto the said Cornelius Steenwick, his heirs, executors, or administrators or assigns, that value of twentyfour thousand guilders, or the value, within the time and term of seven years after the date hereof, that is to say, before the 24th day of Novem!)er, which shall be in the year of our Lord, 1CS3, and also paying a yearly interest for the same until the principal be paid, at the rate of six per cent., as allowed by law, and that -without fraud, or henceforth this present indenture or bargain and sale shall cease determine, and be utterly void and of none effect to all intents, construction or purpose ; and that then also it shall and may be lawful for the said John Archer, his heirs and assigns to enter into and upon the same bargained premises, wholly to re-enter, and the same to have again, and to possess as his and their former estates, anything contained in these presents to the contrary notwithstandin'^ • and whereas the same John Archer, at or before the ensealing and delivery of'these presents, hath deUvered to the said Cornelius Steenwick certain deeds, patent evidences Ln writing, wliich he hath concerning the said bargained premises, he, the said Cornelius Steenwick, for himself, liis heirs, executors and administrators, doth by these presents covenant and grant to and with the said John Archer, his heirs and assigns, and every of them, that if the said John Achor, &c.

the city of New York, mercliant, on the other part, witnesseth, that the said Julm Archer, for, and in consideration of the sum of twenty-four thousand ■niildcrs eeawant, or the value to him paid, secured to be paid at or before the cMealin"' and delivering of these presents by the said Cornelius Steenwick, whereof and wherewith he, the said Jolm Ai'cher, doth acknowledge and confess him- 6<.lf to be fully satisfied, and thereof doth clearly acquit and discliarge the said Cornelius Steenwick, his heirs, executors, and administrators, liath allowed, granted, bargained and sold, and by these presents doth fully, clearly and absolutely alien, grant, bargair. and sell unto the said Cornehus Steenwick, his heirs and assi"-ns forever, all his right, title and interest in the town and manor aforesaid, together with all the messuages, tenements, buildings and fences thereupon, and all the land improved or other ways now in the tenure or occupation of him the said John Archer, and others, his tenants or assigns, and also all and all manner of rents, duties, and profits received or may be received, and payable for and in respect of every or any of the said bargained premises, and also all and singular deeds, patents, evidences and writings, touching and concerning the same and the privileges therein contained, to have and to hold the said manor of Fordham, with the messuages and all and singular other the premises by these presents nranted or intended to be granted, bargained and sold, with their and every of their appurtenances, unto the said Cornelius Steenwick, his heirs and assigns to the only proper use and behoof of him, the said Cornelius Steen^vick, his heirs and assigns for ever, provided always, nevertheless, and upon the condition that if the said Jobu Archer, his heirs, executors, administrators or assigns, or any of them at or in the new dwelUng Iiouse of the said Cornelius Steenwick, situate and being in the city of New York, shall pay unto the said Cornelius Steenwick, his heirs, executors, or administrators or assigns, that value of twentyfour thousand guilders, or the value, within the time and term of seven years after the date hereof, that is to say, before the 24th day of Novem!)er, which shall be in the year of our Lord, 1CS3, and also paying a yearly interest for the same until the principal be paid, at the rate of six per cent., as allowed by law, and that -without fraud, or henceforth this present indenture or bargain and sale shall cease determine, and be utterly void and of none effect to all intents, construction or purpose ; and that then also it shall and may be lawful for the said John Archer, his heirs and assigns to enter into and upon the same bargained premises, wholly to re-enter, and the same to have again, and to possess as his and their former estates, anything contained in these presents to the contrary notwithstandin'^ • and whereas the same John Archer, at or before the ensealing and delivery of'these presents, hath deUvered to the said Cornelius Steenwick certain deeds, patent evidences Ln writing, wliich he hath concerning the said bargained premises, he, the said Cornelius Steenwick, for himself, liis heirs, executors and administrators, doth by these presents covenant and grant to and with the said John Archer, his heirs and assigns, and every of them, that if the said John Achor, &c.

De recorded 25th of November, 1G78.

On the 20th of November, 16S4, Cornelius Steenwyck, of New York, merchant, and Margaretta his wife, made their last will and testament in the Dutch laiiguage. After the usual preamble they express themselves to tlie following effect, viz : --

5IO HISTORY OF THE COUXTY OF WESTCHESTER.

"We, the said testators, do declare that our earnest will and last desire is, tLii the general inheritance of us, the said testators, and between our heirs, sliall l*-- regulated after the form, manner, custom and practice of the Nether Dutch 2sa lion, and according to the articles made upon the surrendering of this pliice. And I, the said testator, vdth the free consent of my wife, by form of a legacy, have given, grant and legacied as I, the said testator, by form and legacy, do give and grant by these presents, for and to the proper use and behoof of the Nether Dutch Reformed congregation within the city of New York, for the sujv port and maintainance of their ministers, ordained according to tlie church ordi.rs of the Netherlands, now at present here in bei7ig ot hereof ter to be called, ordai/ud, or to come, all the testators right, property, title, and hereditaments in and to the manor of Fordham, lying in the county of Westchester, together with all the lands, meadows, fields, woods, creeks, rivulets, and other waters, as also all the eaid testators jurisdiction, right, title, action and property, in and to the said Manor of Fordham, with all the patents, deeds, schedules, hypothets, mortgages, and other instruments of writing, to the said manor of Fordham, belonging or in any wise appertaining, in as full and ample as the said manor of Fordham now already in property is belonging, or hereafter more auiply shall be confirmed unto the said testator by deed conveyance, transport, hypothet, mortgage, juJi^- ment or otherwise, from or by any manner of way or means, of John Archer, deceased, last owner and proprietor of the said Manor of Fordham.

And I, the said testator, vdth the free consent of my wife, by form of a legacy, have given, grant and legacied as I, the said testator, by form and legacy, do give and grant by these presents, for and to the proper use and behoof of the Nether Dutch Reformed congregation within the city of New York, for the sujv port and maintainance of their ministers, ordained according to tlie church ordi.rs of the Netherlands, now at present here in bei7ig ot hereof ter to be called, ordai/ud, or to come, all the testators right, property, title, and hereditaments in and to the manor of Fordham, lying in the county of Westchester, together with all the lands, meadows, fields, woods, creeks, rivulets, and other waters, as also all the eaid testators jurisdiction, right, title, action and property, in and to the said Manor of Fordham, with all the patents, deeds, schedules, hypothets, mortgages, and other instruments of writing, to the said manor of Fordham, belonging or in any wise appertaining, in as full and ample as the said manor of Fordham now already in property is belonging, or hereafter more auiply shall be confirmed unto the said testator by deed conveyance, transport, hypothet, mortgage, juJi^- ment or otherwise, from or by any manner of way or means, of John Archer, deceased, last owner and proprietor of the said Manor of Fordham.

And I. the said testator, doe further order and declare, as my last will and testament, the said manor of Fordham, together with all the benefits, profits, incomes, advantages, rents, and revenues, and all appurtenances thereof, shall be conveyed, transported and made over, in a fee, quiet, and full property and enioymeut by the testator's appointed executrix, within the space of six months after the testators decease, or upon lawful demand, to the elders and overseers of the Nether Dutch congregation, for the irroper vse and behoof of the minister of the said congregation, as herebefore at large is expressed and set forth, to be held in full property, possession and enjoyment, inheritably and forever, by the Eiiid ciders or overseers at the time of the testator's decease in being, and all others that from time to time shall succeed in their places, to the end and use sis aforesaid, without any let or hindrance or contradiction of any person or persons whatsoever."

And I. the said testator, doe further order and declare, as my last will and testament, the said manor of Fordham, together with all the benefits, profits, incomes, advantages, rents, and revenues, and all appurtenances thereof, shall be conveyed, transported and made over, in a fee, quiet, and full property and enioymeut by the testator's appointed executrix, within the space of six months after the testators decease, or upon lawful demand, to the elders and overseers of the Nether Dutch congregation, for the irroper vse and behoof of the minister of the said congregation, as herebefore at large is expressed and set forth, to be held in full property, possession and enjoyment, inheritably and forever, by the Eiiid ciders or overseers at the time of the testator's decease in being, and all others that from time to time shall succeed in their places, to the end and use sis aforesaid, without any let or hindrance or contradiction of any person or persons whatsoever."

Provided always that none of the lands of the said manor shall be made away, alienated, or contrary to the tenor of these presents, or otherwise disposed of, but from thenceforth forever be and remain as lands of inheritance towards the support and maintaining of the church ministry of the said congregation as before expressed and recited and not otherwise. And finally, T, the said testator, (li> hereby declare that I have nominated, appointed, and authorized my aforesaid dear and loving wife Margarite Riemers ^ to be my only and lawful executrix

Provided always that none of the lands of the said manor shall be made away, alienated, or contrary to the tenor of these presents, or otherwise disposed of, but from thenceforth forever be and remain as lands of inheritance towards the support and maintaining of the church ministry of the said congregation as before expressed and recited and not otherwise. And finally, T, the said testator, (li> hereby declare that I have nominated, appointed, and authorized my aforesaid dear and loving wife Margarite Riemers ^ to be my only and lawful executrix

a On ttio 1-ith of Nov., icn. occurs an acrroement by which John Archer was to pay ton per cent, upun the Tth of Mar, irT4. Thomas Gibs and Jolui Curtis coiaplainod to the Governor that .lohn .^rcht'^. at Fordhrun, is owinj,' them some mom-y, and that sunt Arclvor is ili.sposnifr of his tiff CIS with intfiuion to defraud his creditors ot lin-ir just ritrh: ; th.:reforo ih'j Schciit and MatrLstrates of the afore.^aid town of Fordham, are hereby ordered and c^iuiinanded to arrest, on the complaint of said peraon^^, the estate and effects of the above lueiitioned Archer, and to allow ?a;d per:ions, after due exanauaMon, and accordiu;^ to the s:a'e of the cas'j, tu receive good law- ajid justice."-- N. Y. (Jol. .MSS. vol. ii, 70S.

6 Margaret Po Uelraer was the daufrliter of -- Do itiitiier and Elt.-'.abeth GrovennitW. yargorel, after the death of Steenwycic, married Domiuio lieurious Selyus.

THE TOVrS OF WEST FAR-MS.

..-f Uii.'» my last will and testament, giving and granting by these presents unto .V r liiy s:\i I wife as full and ample power and authority as all other executors by Uw have and do enjoy, as in and by an English translated copy thereof and the klA original Dutch will in the hands and custody of the said minister, elders and .jracoiis doth fully and at large appear," &:c.. ttc.^*

THE TOVrS OF WEST FAR-MS.

..-f Uii.'» my last will and testament, giving and granting by these presents unto .V r liiy s:\i I wife as full and ample power and authority as all other executors by Uw have and do enjoy, as in and by an English translated copy thereof and the klA original Dutch will in the hands and custody of the said minister, elders and .jracoiis doth fully and at large appear," &:c.. ttc.^*

Soon after tlie making of this will the said Cornelius Stcenwyck, died v> seized and possessed of the IManor as aforesaid.

Subsequently John Archer, the younger son and heir of John Archer, f;rst grantor of the manor of Fordham, by an indenture bearing date the loth of October, 1685, "for and in consideration therein mentioned, did grant, release and convey the said manor of Fordham, and his estate ri-';ht, and title of it and to the same, and the equity of redemption thereof, and all the deeds unto the aforesaid Margaretta Steenwyck, and make liver)' in seize thereof," &c. Upon the loth of January, 1694, Dominie Ilenricus Selyns and Margaretta, his wife, formerly Margaretta Steenuyck, by their certain deed poU, under their hands and seals, did grant and convey to Colonel Nicholas Bayard, Captain Isaac Vermilyea, Jacob Uolen Rockloyzun, and John Harpendinck, then elders and overseers of the Nether Dutch Church within the city of New York, &:c., and their lawful successors and heirs and posterity the said manor of Fordham Ipng in the County of Westchester above mentioned : --

Upon the loth of January, 1694, Dominie Ilenricus Selyns and Margaretta, his wife, formerly Margaretta Steenuyck, by their certain deed poU, under their hands and seals, did grant and convey to Colonel Nicholas Bayard, Captain Isaac Vermilyea, Jacob Uolen Rockloyzun, and John Harpendinck, then elders and overseers of the Nether Dutch Church within the city of New York, &:c., and their lawful successors and heirs and posterity the said manor of Fordham Ipng in the County of Westchester above mentioned : --

"With all the lands aad meadows, fields, woods, rivulets, creeks and other rivers, together with all the rights, title, property, jurisdiction, and interest which cither the afnresaid Cornelius Steeuwj'ck or in quality as before in any other manner of way before that time had in the said manor of Fordham, and its appurtcn;mees, whether it be by right from the said John Archer, or from his son, John Archer, Jr., to be held and forever enjoyed, used, and possessed, and held In full and absolute property, as an hereditary estate, by the said elders and overseers of the aforesaid congregation who were then in being, with all the profits^ incomes, b^m fits, and revenues, for the tettir support and maimainance of the said inin/'xtfT, called pursuant to order of the Church of 2s"etherlauds then present or that should thereafter be chilled aiid come.

"Provided, and with the aforesaid condition and stipulant, that the IVIanor with uU its a.'purtenances, shoidd, in no vise be alienated nor estranged, contrary to the tenor <i the aforerarutioncd will and bequest, but slnnild remain to the use and be!-.().)f aforesaid, and not othericise, releasing therefor, the said deed to property, tit e and right that this said grantors as well for themselves or in qualitj' as aliove heretofore hud to the said ilauor and its appurtenances, could

"Provided, and with the aforesaid condition and stipulant, that the IVIanor with uU its a.'purtenances, shoidd, in no vise be alienated nor estranged, contrary to the tenor <i the aforerarutioncd will and bequest, but slnnild remain to the use and be!-.().)f aforesaid, and not othericise, releasing therefor, the said deed to property, tit e and right that this said grantors as well for themselves or in qualitj' as aliove heretofore hud to the said ilauor and its appurtenances, could

a TXi". will b ars date N'. Y. 20. Nov. 1CS4 anfl was entered Sth of May U').?.5. snrrocatcs nfllce N. Y., Vol. .\ix L>- l-i'J-- 1-*0, Inveutoiy and appraismiTit o( esiateof Mr. Cornelius StectiwvcR (l"Cil. July .nil ii-Sii In a li^t of doiitorn m tho Hooii K among many others occurs "itie fiJllowtiijr na u ■•^: 'i'M, Lewis .Morns, ,Ir., [.'uildcr, 603,5.0; 2'i4 lUonias Hunt, t,auUl., •.iii.S.O. .r.m Arciur at 1 onlhaiu ccuconiiair land there inciudea iu the will Kiiilfi. SSSijO,t9 : Philip l'itikiu'Ei:t I ti • t.'rt,'nild. lOD.o.O; .lacohns Terupiir ^uiil. 709; .racoUus Van Cortlaudt ?iiiid, ;;'.U-.; .Mr \\\n. IViiu il'iO ic; Joliu Kisbclt guild. lU'J-iT, 1,-- total uni't XlOSJ'.'.li 5. Surr, uiUi: •, vol. xl.v .:&».

512 inSTORV OF THi: COUXTV OF WESTCHESTER.

or ought to have in any manner of way -whatsoever as by the said indenture i:'. the band-; and custody of tlie said ^sichola^ Enyard and tiu; present ekli.'rs (if !:..■ said Duteli church, became seized and possessed of the premises afcresaid i:i tru.-t to thi' use and purpose aforesaid."

IViiu il'iO ic; Joliu Kisbclt guild. lU'J-iT, 1,-- total uni't XlOSJ'.'.li 5. Surr, uiUi: •, vol. xl.v .:&».

512 inSTORV OF THi: COUXTV OF WESTCHESTER.

or ought to have in any manner of way -whatsoever as by the said indenture i:'. the band-; and custody of tlie said ^sichola^ Enyard and tiu; present ekli.'rs (if !:..■ said Duteli church, became seized and possessed of the premises afcresaid i:i tru.-t to thi' use and purpose aforesaid."

The manor of Fordham was subsequenty confirm:d to the Nether Dutch Church within the city of Nev/ York by the royal charter, ninth of WilHam and Mary, May nth, 1696.

On the 7th of Dec, 1724, a bill was filed in Chancery by the minister, elders and deacons, &c., of the Dutch church, against Lewis Morris which shov/s that the orators were seized for many years of a certain Manor of Fordham, situate, lying and being within the bounds of the county of Westchester, to the eastvv-ard of Harlem ri\er, near unto the passage formerly called Spiten Divil, and now known by the name of Kings Bridge, beginning at the high woodland that lys due north-west over against the first point of the main-land to the east of Paperiminian there where the kill jMu.-.koota is, and so goes along the said kill; the said land stretching from the high woodland aforementioned, east, soutlieast, until it comes to Lronck's kill, so westward up along the main-land to the place where Harlem kill and Hudson's river meet, and then further alongst Harlem kill to tlie fresh spring or fountain lying to the south of Crabb Island, so eastward along Daniel Tuineur's land the high woodland belonging to Thomas Hunt and then to Eronck's kill aforementioned; and also of and in a parcell of meadows number and situate, l}ing and being on the said Harlem river near the Manor of Fordham, beginning in the middle of a point to the north of Cregier's house, beyond of above the small cove that lyes above the said house and south-west on Harlem river, and extends further northv/ard to the highway where the wooden bridge lyes." Orator's title derived by a patent given to John Archer by Governor Lovelace, 'Nov. 13th, 167 1, strengthened and supported by a former purcliase made of Elias DouglUy of part tliereof which he held by a former patent, of land in Westchester to one Hugh O'Neal, an old Indian purchase bearing date 20th of Sept., 1669, a waiTant of survey and actual survey and return thereof made to (jovernor Lovelace i)rior to said purchase with sundry powers and privileges in said pattent mentioned and expressed.

On the 7th of Dec, 1724, a bill was filed in Chancery by the minister, elders and deacons, &c., of the Dutch church, against Lewis Morris which shov/s that the orators were seized for many years of a certain Manor of Fordham, situate, lying and being within the bounds of the county of Westchester, to the eastvv-ard of Harlem ri\er, near unto the passage formerly called Spiten Divil, and now known by the name of Kings Bridge, beginning at the high woodland that lys due north-west over against the first point of the main-land to the east of Paperiminian there where the kill jMu.-.koota is, and so goes along the said kill; the said land stretching from the high woodland aforementioned, east, soutlieast, until it comes to Lronck's kill, so westward up along the main-land to the place where Harlem kill and Hudson's river meet, and then further alongst Harlem kill to tlie fresh spring or fountain lying to the south of Crabb Island, so eastward along Daniel Tuineur's land the high woodland belonging to Thomas Hunt and then to Eronck's kill aforementioned; and also of and in a parcell of meadows number and situate, l}ing and being on the said Harlem river near the Manor of Fordham, beginning in the middle of a point to the north of Cregier's house, beyond of above the small cove that lyes above the said house and south-west on Harlem river, and extends further northv/ard to the highway where the wooden bridge lyes." Orator's title derived by a patent given to John Archer by Governor Lovelace, 'Nov. 13th, 167 1, strengthened and supported by a former purcliase made of Elias DouglUy of part tliereof which he held by a former patent, of land in Westchester to one Hugh O'Neal, an old Indian purchase bearing date 20th of Sept., 1669, a waiTant of survey and actual survey and return thereof made to (jovernor Lovelace i)rior to said purchase with sundry powers and privileges in said pattent mentioned and expressed.

Receipts mortgage, to Steenwyck, dated Nov. 24th, 1676, which came into the hands of Margareta, widow and executrix of Steenwyck, and that after death of Archer, Sr., Esq,, of release became vested in John Archer, Jr., son and heir of John Archer the patentee. That by deed of said Archer, dated i6th of October, 1685, Archer conveyed to Margareta Steenwyck in fee all the said manor of Fordham. Margaretta being so seized, did soon thence after intermarrying with Henrycns Selyns. the minister of the Dutch church in the city of New'~\'ork; who afterwards on th.e I'^t day of January, 1694, with said Margaretta, by a certain deed po!e gave and granted the manor of Fordham unto ye Elders of the Dutch church to and for tiie use of the Dutch church, and said manor v.-as confirmed to said c'.v.rch ])y a c'.iarter dated May i ith 1696. That v.itr.;;-.

THE rows OF WEST FARMS. 515

fc-me few years or months, they and their tenants, vvho liold part of the 5ai>.l Manor, by, from and under them, have met ^\^th great disturbances from Leu-is Morris, Esq., Chief Justice of the Province of New York, and the town or borough of Vvestchester, Daniel Turneur and Thomas Hunt, of Westchester, who pretend title to some part or parts of the same Manor, and more particularly the said Lewis Morris, Esq., hath not only caused their fences to be pulled down and removed, but some time wnthin these two years, hath entered upon, &c., and taken possession of upwards of three hundred acres (of said manor of Fordham) of t!ie best of their land adjoining to his ALanor of Morrisania, and hath i^iven out in speeches that unless they wnll release to him the said quantity of land and of their said ^Lanor, he will lay claim to their whole Manor, either in his own right or in the rights of the l)orough of Westchester, and that if your orators will freely and peaceably release to him and let him keep and hold the quiet possession and enio\mient of said three hundred acres, he will release to ye orators all the rest of the said ^Lanor, and also procure to them the like release to them from the town of Westchester.

fc-me few years or months, they and their tenants, vvho liold part of the 5ai>.l Manor, by, from and under them, have met ^\^th great disturbances from Leu-is Morris, Esq., Chief Justice of the Province of New York, and the town or borough of Vvestchester, Daniel Turneur and Thomas Hunt, of Westchester, who pretend title to some part or parts of the same Manor, and more particularly the said Lewis Morris, Esq., hath not only caused their fences to be pulled down and removed, but some time wnthin these two years, hath entered upon, &c., and taken possession of upwards of three hundred acres (of said manor of Fordham) of t!ie best of their land adjoining to his ALanor of Morrisania, and hath i^iven out in speeches that unless they wnll release to him the said quantity of land and of their said ^Lanor, he will lay claim to their whole Manor, either in his own right or in the rights of the l)orough of Westchester, and that if your orators will freely and peaceably release to him and let him keep and hold the quiet possession and enio\mient of said three hundred acres, he will release to ye orators all the rest of the said ^Lanor, and also procure to them the like release to them from the town of Westchester. As orators \\dtnesses cannot live long who can jirove the running of the line -- prays for examination '•/« pcrpctuaii rei vtemoriam" and asks for subpoena against Morris, Mayor, Aldermen and Commonality of Westchester, Daniel Turneur and Thomas Hunt."

As orators \\dtnesses cannot live long who can jirove the running of the line -- prays for examination '•/« pcrpctuaii rei vtemoriam" and asks for subpoena against Morris, Mayor, Aldermen and Commonality of Westchester, Daniel Turneur and Thomas Hunt."

On the 5th of May, 1725, appears notice of taxation of costs for setting aside the subpoenas irregularly issued against the defendants in the above suit, also a draft of the foregoing bill in Chancer,', likewise a copy of Mire vs. Trespass case without date. On the 27th of March, 1725, occurs the fihng of a demurrer to above bill

Besides the above documents, all of which are in the possession of Gouvemeur Morris, Esq., are the following: i. Copy of O'Neal's Patent. 2. Dutch Church Charter. 3. John Archer's Patent, 167 1. 4. Letter of Lewis Morris, April 35th, 17 17, protests against surveving the boundary line. 5. Elias Dotighty to Betis and Tippets. 6. Petition of Dutch Church, filed Dec. 7th, 1724, pra)'ing for an examination of \\-itnesses '■'■'m. perpetuam rei Jtiemoriam" for the proof of the title of the said Dutch Church to the manor of Fordham, a copy of-original supposed to be filed in Court of Chauncery. 7. Copy of panel of jurors dated Rye, March 13th, 1759, Dutch Church vs. Lewis Gerardus Willets, ct al. 8. A green paper endorsed, '"Papers relating to dispute between Morrisania and the Manor of Fordham.'' N. B. -- Lewis Morris, under the Fordham title, possessed himself of the upper part of Morrisania -- now owned under his will by his son William. 9. Draft of advertisement. 10. List of jurors balloted, 15th March, 1759. 11. Ji-dy, 1756, Supreme Court, issue joined and Coroner directed to draw a jury. 12. Partial draft of foregoing advertisement. 13. A brief submitted by Lewis Morris; the same Lewis Morris, original defendant, died in ]May. 1746. 14.

B. -- Lewis Morris, under the Fordham title, possessed himself of the upper part of Morrisania -- now owned under his will by his son William. 9. Draft of advertisement. 10. List of jurors balloted, 15th March, 1759. 11. Ji-dy, 1756, Supreme Court, issue joined and Coroner directed to draw a jury. 12. Partial draft of foregoing advertisement. 13. A brief submitted by Lewis Morris; the same Lewis Morris, original defendant, died in ]May. 1746. 14.

514 HISTORV OF THE COUNTY OF WESTCHESTE :.

Dec. i2th, 16S4, Lewis Morris is furnished \vith a compb.' 1' : i trespass brought by one Robert Huestis against "William "Walton, and is reque-;t. i by Walton to appear and answer at the next Court of Sessions then to defend his tide. 15. Memorandum of Testimony (no date). 16. The pica i it' Daniel and WoodliuUTurneurin the Supreme Court against the complaii.t of the Minister, Elders and Deacons of the Dutch Church. They deny t;ic trespass, except cutting trees ; and as to that, say they are not guilty -- and of this throw themselves on the country; they say the trees were n'>! worth the value stated in the declaration, and that the Freeholders aivi inhabitants of Westchester long before the trespass, Aug. i6th, 1680. was seized of the lands; and ou said day, attowm meeting, gave to one William Richardson and associates, the privilege of a certain stream called Brunck's river, to set up two mills, viz : one saw-mill and one corn-mill, to continue so long as said mills should be kept up and maintained, vv'ith privilege of cutting timber growing on the common lands. In pursuance of above, Richardson entered, &c., and built mills and kept and maintained the same and fulfilled his costs by means of which, grantee was seized in his desmessness long before Dec. 23d, 1692, when he, Richardson, made his will and empowered his executors to sell his estate, both houses, lands and mills; and on July 23d, 1695, sold lands, &c., to Evart Bybank, and Johannes Hoghland, heirs and assigns, Hoglv land(date not given) did release to Bybank.

In pursuance of above, Richardson entered, &c., and built mills and kept and maintained the same and fulfilled his costs by means of which, grantee was seized in his desmessness long before Dec. 23d, 1692, when he, Richardson, made his will and empowered his executors to sell his estate, both houses, lands and mills; and on July 23d, 1695, sold lands, &c., to Evart Bybank, and Johannes Hoghland, heirs and assigns, Hoglv land(date not given) did release to Bybank. Bybank so seized Dec. 24th, 1709, willed property to Wyntie, his wife, heirs and assigns, forever. Soon after Evart Bybank died ; and Wyntie entered by \artue of Evarts will, and on 2d of April, 17 11, granted lands and privileges to William Provost, heirs and assigns. June 26th, 17 12, Provost sold land to Nicholas Browm; 31st of March, 1719, Brown sold to Turneur, which Daniel Turneur is now seized of same; and the said Daniel and WoodhuU, servant of Daniel, did cut down said trees, "with as Httle spoile" as may be. 17. Other copies of advertisement forewarning persons not to purchase any part of the Manor of Fordham, if it lies south of the southerly line of Hugh O'Neal's patent. Then follow memorandum as to mortgages from Archer to Cornelius Steen-«yck, as given in the preceding pages of the main text.

In December, 1753, the Lieuteuant-Governor of his majesty's prov. ince of New York, with the Council and Assembly, passed an act entitled : --

" An act to enable the minister, elders, and deacons of the Reformed^ Protestant Dutch Church of the city of New York to sell and dispose of their lands, tenements, and hereditaments in tiie County of Westchester. commo!i!y called and known by the name of the 2i[anor of Fordhit^n^^c.

Then follow memorandum as to mortgages from Archer to Cornelius Steen-«yck, as given in the preceding pages of the main text.

In December, 1753, the Lieuteuant-Governor of his majesty's prov. ince of New York, with the Council and Assembly, passed an act entitled : --

" An act to enable the minister, elders, and deacons of the Reformed^ Protestant Dutch Church of the city of New York to sell and dispose of their lands, tenements, and hereditaments in tiie County of Westchester. commo!i!y called and known by the name of the 2i[anor of Fordhit^n^^c.

THE TOWN OF WEST FARMS.

An;1 be it farther enacted, by the authority aforesaid, that the moneys .ir-.sinij by such sale or sales shall not be disposed of to any secular use, hut the same shall be expended and used in purchasing or improving l.iruls and other real estate, in order to secure a better and more lan2;e revenue or income tov/ards supporting and maintaining of the said Dutch minister, or ministers, of the said Dutch churches and congregations, as near as may be agreeable to the will and intentions of the said donor, Cornelius Steen^yck, &c."

On the 25th of February, 1755, the above act was confirmed by the king in Council. **

The principal grantees of the manor under the Dutch Reformed Church were Charles Doughty, who held 230 acres ; John Vanholst, 13S acres; Daniel Sicard, loS acres, (of whom Benjamin Archer purchased;) Joseph and Bishop, 155 acres, the Dyckmans, &c. The residue, consisting of forty acres, was sold to the Hon. Lewis ]Morris and William Kelly in 1760. Upon the 2d of May, 1774, Lewis Morris and William Kelly conveyed no acres to Peter Valentine, in whose descendants this portion of the Manor is still vested.

The principal grantees of the manor under the Dutch Reformed Church were Charles Doughty, who held 230 acres ; John Vanholst, 13S acres; Daniel Sicard, loS acres, (of whom Benjamin Archer purchased;) Joseph and Bishop, 155 acres, the Dyckmans, &c. The residue, consisting of forty acres, was sold to the Hon. Lewis ]Morris and William Kelly in 1760. Upon the 2d of May, 1774, Lewis Morris and William Kelly conveyed no acres to Peter Valentine, in whose descendants this portion of the Manor is still vested.

Through the liberality of Mrs. Steenwyck, three hundred acres are said to have been exempted from the sale to the Dutch Church, upon which was situated the old manorial residence. Be this as it may, however, we find Benjamin Archer, son of Samuel, and grand son of John Archer, first grantor of the manor of Fordham, in 1780, seized in fee of a portion of the manor. Upon the death of Benjamin it passed to his children -- Benjamin Archer, John Archer, Sarah, the infe of Jacob Alord, and Rachel, the wife of James Crawford. In 17S6 Sarah and Rachel conveyed their rights and interest unto Benjamin Archer, their brother; wliose sons, the late William and Samuel Archer, conveyed to Gustav Schwab, James Punnett, H. W. T. MaH, Loring Andrews, and F. L. Johnson.

The family of Archer is of English origin -- Fulbert L' Archer, (a surname signifying for distinction's sake the archer, or bowman,) the first of whom any thing is known, came into England with William the Conqueror.^ The .Vrchers for many centuries held large possessions in the County of Warwicksliire. The representative of the senior branch in 1560 appears to have been Humphrey Archer of War\vickshire,^ who was bom in 1527 and died October 24th, 1562, eldest son and heir of Richard Archer, twelfth in descent from the above mentioned Fulbert.

The family of Archer is of English origin -- Fulbert L' Archer, (a surname signifying for distinction's sake the archer, or bowman,) the first of whom any thing is known, came into England with William the Conqueror.^ The .Vrchers for many centuries held large possessions in the County of Warwicksliire. The representative of the senior branch in 1560 appears to have been Humphrey Archer of War\vickshire,^ who was bom in 1527 and died October 24th, 1562, eldest son and heir of Richard Archer, twelfth in descent from the above mentioned Fulbert. Humo In the ancient I'atalojrnc. or Roll of Battle Abbey, Sussex, T^ngland, occurs the oarac of ''.^:c^l'?re." Arms of Arctior, of Vrabusdale County, of Warwick: Azure, three bruail arrGwa in pale or, Crc-t out of a mural coronet sru-- a(lr:iL,'Oin Utaii ar<r.

h Anlruw- ArchtT, arnUL'-r. of Tanwork, mms Hij-h siu-ntr of Warwlokihire, 6lh of Jan. icos ; ariui as above. -- Fuller's Wuntiu-a of Eny^lauii, vol. ui., p. 225.

5l6 HISTORY OF THE COUNTY OF ^VESTCHESTER.

phrey, married Elizabeth Townsend. and left among other sons -- Jol-.-^. whose son John was the father of John Archer, first Lord of this manor. The latter probably accompanied the early settlers from Fairfield, Conn., to Westchester, circ 1654-5; for in 1657 his name appears as plainti'f in an action of debt brought against one Roger Wiles of the latter tc^-n. His branch of the family might have removed out of "Warwickshire into Norfolk, from whence they came to New England. Several of this name were early settlers of Massachusetts, viz., Henr}', of Ipswich in 1641 ; an^! Samuel Archer, a carpenter, who requested freedom, lived in Salem, ami died in 1667. Hubbard, in his " Indian Wars," mentions a Layton Archer, and his son of Rhode Island who were killed by the Indian?, 25th of June, 1675." John Archer, first Lord of this Manor, was Sheriff of New York city from 1679 to 1682.

His branch of the family might have removed out of "Warwickshire into Norfolk, from whence they came to New England. Several of this name were early settlers of Massachusetts, viz., Henr}', of Ipswich in 1641 ; an^! Samuel Archer, a carpenter, who requested freedom, lived in Salem, ami died in 1667. Hubbard, in his " Indian Wars," mentions a Layton Archer, and his son of Rhode Island who were killed by the Indian?, 25th of June, 1675." John Archer, first Lord of this Manor, was Sheriff of New York city from 1679 to 1682. It is said that he suddenly expired in his coach v/hile journeying from his manorial residence to New York city sometime in October, 1685, and was interred on Tetard Hill His eldest son, John Archer, second Lord of the manor, married Saiah, daughter of William Odell, of Fordham, as appears by the following license issued by Governor Dongan in 16 86 : --

"By his Excellency the govoruor, whereas, I have received information of a mutual intent and agreement between John Archer of the one part, and Sarah Odell of the other part, to solemnize marriage together, for which they have requested my lycense, and there appearing no lawful impediment for the obstruction thereof, these are to authorize and empower you to join the said John arui Sarah Odell in the bonds of matrimony, and them to pronounce man and wife, ami to make record thereof, if convenient to the laws in that behalf provided, for which this shall be yonr warrant. Given under my hand and sea!, at Fort James. in New York, the seventh day of October, 1686, under the second year of his majesties reign. THOMAS DONGAN."

"By his Excellency the govoruor, whereas, I have received information of a mutual intent and agreement between John Archer of the one part, and Sarah Odell of the other part, to solemnize marriage together, for which they have requested my lycense, and there appearing no lawful impediment for the obstruction thereof, these are to authorize and empower you to join the said John arui Sarah Odell in the bonds of matrimony, and them to pronounce man and wife, ami to make record thereof, if convenient to the laws in that behalf provided, for which this shall be yonr warrant. Given under my hand and sea!, at Fort James. in New York, the seventh day of October, 1686, under the second year of his majesties reign. THOMAS DONGAN."

Pkovixcs of Ne^' Yokk,

These may certify all persons to whom those presents shall come, that Jo!m Archer, of the manor of Fordham, in the County of Westchester, and Paruli Odell of the same place, by virtue of Ins E.xccllency the Governor's license, bearing date 7th day of October, 1GS6, were both joined together in matrimonv tJK'

day of December, in the year of our Lord God, 1GS6, and in the 2nd 5'ear "f

his majesty's reign. I^a RooAtrs, AtteiUit^.

John Palmer, Justice of Quorum.

John Archer, although charged under the manorial patent as mesne lord, with the proper oversight for the maintainance of a minister in tlic towm of Fordham, (the parisliioners hving between the two kills of Hara t'lrnut'a R^vjixUr.

THE TOWN OF WEST FAR-MS. 517

These may certify all persons to whom those presents shall come, that Jo!m Archer, of the manor of Fordham, in the County of Westchester, and Paruli Odell of the same place, by virtue of Ins E.xccllency the Governor's license, bearing date 7th day of October, 1GS6, were both joined together in matrimonv tJK'

day of December, in the year of our Lord God, 1GS6, and in the 2nd 5'ear "f

his majesty's reign. I^a RooAtrs, AtteiUit^.

John Palmer, Justice of Quorum.

John Archer, although charged under the manorial patent as mesne lord, with the proper oversight for the maintainance of a minister in tlic towm of Fordham, (the parisliioners hving between the two kills of Hara t'lrnut'a R^vjixUr.

THE TOWN OF WEST FAR-MS. 517

lem and Bronck's,) yet appears to have attached himself to Westchester; l>ir i'.x 1703 he was elected a vestryman of the precinct of Yonkers, ^rthicli included Fordham, both towns being embraced in the extensive {orish of Westchester,) an office which he held for nearly seven years, aiiddiedin 1783.'^ %

The children of John Archer and Sarah Odell, were: John, Samuel, Riciiard, and others, who have left numerous descendants ; Samuel, the second son, left one son, Benjamin Archer of Fordham, whose son Benjamin was for many years owner in fee of part the manor.

In ]G71, Daniel Turneur, of New Harlem, purchased forty morgen of land from the Indian sachems Shatash, Panazarah and others, which said "tract of ia!;d is lying upon ye maine next to ye land of John Archer, begiuuiiig at ye bay on ye south side of Crabb Island and so running along ye creek parting ye maine and Manhattan's Island 10 Brunx land extending east and west su far as the lanil of the said John i:\j-cher," &c.f> This sale is presumed to have embraced Devoe's point, called by the Aborigines "Nuasin."

In ]G71, Daniel Turneur, of New Harlem, purchased forty morgen of land from the Indian sachems Shatash, Panazarah and others, which said "tract of ia!;d is lying upon ye maine next to ye land of John Archer, begiuuiiig at ye bay on ye south side of Crabb Island and so running along ye creek parting ye maine and Manhattan's Island 10 Brunx land extending east and west su far as the lanil of the said John i:\j-cher," &c.f> This sale is presumed to have embraced Devoe's point, called by the Aborigines "Nuasin."

On the 15th of June, i658, Richard Nicoll, Governor of the Province, confirmed to the above grantee all that "certain piece or parcel of land upon the maine, lying and being to the north of Bronck's land, beginning at the mouth of Maenneppis kill (Cromwell's creek) and goes into the woods the depth of fifty rods, containing eighty acres, &c."

The following conveyance was made by the Indians in 1676, to the widow of Turneur and his son Daniel : --

IISDIAN DEED OF ^rENTlPATHE.

Kew ToiiK, iLvT IOtu, 1676. This day appeared here, in the office of Recorder, Jackeline Turuier, widow, and Daniel Turnier, the Sonne of Daniel Turnier, late of New Harlem, deceased, who brought with him some Indyan proprietors to attend the governor, and, to acknowledge before his Honor, the sale of a certain piece of land at ^Mentipathe Kill, beginning from the mark't white oake tree, so runs nortlierly to a creek called Saproughah, hy Crabb Island, then running east and west to Broukx river. But his Honwr being absent and the said Indyaus, having occasions abroad, so

This day appeared here, in the office of Recorder, Jackeline Turuier, widow, and Daniel Turnier, the Sonne of Daniel Turnier, late of New Harlem, deceased, who brought with him some Indyan proprietors to attend the governor, and, to acknowledge before his Honor, the sale of a certain piece of land at ^Mentipathe Kill, beginning from the mark't white oake tree, so runs nortlierly to a creek called Saproughah, hy Crabb Island, then running east and west to Broukx river. But his Honwr being absent and the said Indyaus, having occasions abroad, so

o The will of .lohri Archer, of Kastchcster, bears date 4rh of May, 1758. to lii<? eid'^st son, Abraham, his House ami nil my farm of lantl, .tc, lying in Eastchester at a place called Pond HelU wlKcU I boii-ht or Eiistia hiartoii, ic. ; to hi.s auu Joha, Xo. he haviut; received t!ie rest of his poruon alre;idy ; to bis Kraud-son, .ra«L>b. sou nf Jacob Archer, the sum of jC5 : to hi-i well beloveil wife, Elizao.-rh, all luy hous.jhoia poods, ic Provtii I'i'.h of Julv. 1T.".S, aarro^rate's office N. Y., Rfc. v.Ms. .No. -ji, pp. r,i-ii_'. Wdl ..f Jonathan .Archer, of Kastch-stt-r, -jcrh of bept., 1.G4, .son.5, Ezf kiL-1 aud Johu,dauLrliter Sarah, wife of Stephen Fowler, daufrhter Abi^rail, wifeof Joshua l>cll, Jr , >:raiid.-on, (,'alrh. Proved 19th of Aut'ii.-t, ITfii', surr ■Entis office, Kec. \\ Ula, No.vs, iTto. l.r.T.p. vT'>. Wm of K/.. Kiel Archer, 17T:i. wife Phil -niir, son E/.eki^l. daiiphtf-rs .Martha and .At,;^.;,!;, wile and si.-»tvr Jane Tippet, broili<.-r-iii-la\i' Jo=hua Pell. Surrogates offlcj X. v., N.I. x.iix p, :;•;:.

Wdl ..f Jonathan .Archer, of Kastch-stt-r, -jcrh of bept., 1.G4, .son.5, Ezf kiL-1 aud Johu,dauLrliter Sarah, wife of Stephen Fowler, daufrhter Abi^rail, wifeof Joshua l>cll, Jr , >:raiid.-on, (,'alrh. Proved 19th of Aut'ii.-t, ITfii', surr ■Entis office, Kec. \\ Ula, No.vs, iTto. l.r.T.p. vT'>. Wm of K/.. Kiel Archer, 17T:i. wife Phil -niir, son E/.eki^l. daiiphtf-rs .Martha and .At,;^.;,!;, wile and si.-»tvr Jane Tippet, broili<.-r-iii-la\i' Jo=hua Pell. Surrogates offlcj X. v., N.I. x.iix p, :;•;:.

6 Vol. vii, Laud Papers, Albany, 1643 to 1803, p. 42,

5l8 ■ HISTORV OF THE COUNTY OF WESTCHESTER.

that tlie}' cannot attend his Honor's retiirne, do hereby acknowlcdire that thrv Lave sold the above named tract of kxud together with all maimer of appm-tfii;:!i. ces, beneStts aud priviledgcs thereunto appertamiiig, unto the afore-nair.cd D.i;i. iel Tumier, his heirs and assigns forever, and that they likewise have rccclvi.d full payment and due satisfaction for the same, and do also desire that this t!u-ir acknowledgement of the aforesaid sale may bee authoritick, Icgoll and effL-ctUiill, to all intent and purposes, whatsoever. In witness whereof, we the Indyaa Prt)- prietors, namely: Jackeline, Aughvvaron, Schapemosse, Toocooran, Xarrowcs and Assinne}", have hereunto sett our names, the day and year above written.

Acknowledged by the said Indyans Eaehhowwacon', C His mark,

in the i^resence of Auciiwaeose, '^ His mark,

Wm. Daesaix, SoHAPEiioon, C His mark,

B.D. Meter, Toycovean, q iii^ mark,

G. MisiwELL, Naekowxexe, q HLs mark,

Rich. Chaelson.« Assisxet, O His mark.

Upon the restoration of the Dutch in 1673, we find the inhabitants of Fordham, petitioning at a meeting of the Governor-General, through counsellor Cornelius Steen%vyck, in the village of New Harlem, 4th of October, 1673, ''upon which occasion the inhabitants of Fordham appeared and complained, in substance, of the bad management of their lord, (land-heer), John Archer, soliciting that they might be permitted to make the nomination of their own magistrates, &c., as is granted to all the other inhabitants under this government ; on which, the aforesaid John Archer, being summoned, this complaint was communicated to him, who voluntarily declared that he abdicated all authority and patronage over the villages, reserving only to himself the property of the lands and houses there, and pennitting the said inhabitants the nomination of their own magistrates, which was confirmed by the Governor and Council, The following act was granted them: --

Upon the restoration of the Dutch in 1673, we find the inhabitants of Fordham, petitioning at a meeting of the Governor-General, through counsellor Cornelius Steen%vyck, in the village of New Harlem, 4th of October, 1673, ''upon which occasion the inhabitants of Fordham appeared and complained, in substance, of the bad management of their lord, (land-heer), John Archer, soliciting that they might be permitted to make the nomination of their own magistrates, &c., as is granted to all the other inhabitants under this government ; on which, the aforesaid John Archer, being summoned, this complaint was communicated to him, who voluntarily declared that he abdicated all authority and patronage over the villages, reserving only to himself the property of the lands and houses there, and pennitting the said inhabitants the nomination of their own magistrates, which was confirmed by the Governor and Council, The following act was granted them: --

"The inhabitants of the village of Fordham are, by a majority of votes, to choose a number of six persons of the best qualified inhabitants, and only those of the Reformed Christian religion, as magistrates of the aforesaid village, and to present the aforesaid nomination, bv the first opportunity to the Governor-General, from which he shall make the election. They are recommended to take care that at least the half oi the nominated are of the Dutch nation. Done in this village of New Harlem, 4th of October, 1673.

" From the nomination of the inhabitants of Fordham, there are elected, by the Governor, as magistrates of said village for the ensuing year.

"The inhabitants of the village of Fordham are, by a majority of votes, to choose a number of six persons of the best qualified inhabitants, and only those of the Reformed Christian religion, as magistrates of the aforesaid village, and to present the aforesaid nomination, bv the first opportunity to the Governor-General, from which he shall make the election. They are recommended to take care that at least the half oi the nominated are of the Dutch nation. Done in this village of New Harlem, 4th of October, 1673.

" From the nomination of the inhabitants of Fordham, there are elected, by the Governor, as magistrates of said village for the ensuing year.

"JOHANNES VERVEELEM, as Sehefen and Secretary.

a Albiiiv l>epil boo!:-«. In lf.fi8. letters of Adm. wure prruntod to Mat tha Turner, wniiw I'f Lawrciis Ttirii-r, of \V.M-.t;:!i.-=U'r, iu NoriU liiJiug of Yorkshire. Sur. oillce, N. Y., \Vi!;i and AOiu. 1065 to 16S3. No, 1, i>. U.

THE TOWN OF WEST FARMS.

The ancient Dorp, or village of Fordham, according to the annexed 5.i;vt'y, still preserved among the land papers at Albany, stood on or iH-.ir that part of the Westcliester shore of Harlem River now called Rings Bridge, or as the Royal Patent recites -- " near unto ye passage commonly called Spiting Di\'il, upon which land ye New Dorp or village ii erected, known by the name of Fordham." Here John Archer, the first mesne lord, " at his own charge, and \\-ith good success began a township in a convenient place for the relief of strangers, circ 1668, it being the road for passengers to go to and fro from the main, as well as for mutual intercourse with the neighboring colony.''' The old villao-e has long since disappeared -- not a vestige remains behind, save a few bricks and stones which serve to mark its site.

The ancient Dorp, or village of Fordham, according to the annexed 5.i;vt'y, still preserved among the land papers at Albany, stood on or iH-.ir that part of the Westcliester shore of Harlem River now called Rings Bridge, or as the Royal Patent recites -- " near unto ye passage commonly called Spiting Di\'il, upon which land ye New Dorp or village ii erected, known by the name of Fordham." Here John Archer, the first mesne lord, " at his own charge, and \\-ith good success began a township in a convenient place for the relief of strangers, circ 1668, it being the road for passengers to go to and fro from the main, as well as for mutual intercourse with the neighboring colony.''' The old villao-e has long since disappeared -- not a vestige remains behind, save a few bricks and stones which serve to mark its site. The present village of Fordham is situated on the Hne of the Harlem and New Haven Railroad, where is a depot of the former road, twelve and a half miles north of the City Hall. Near the depot stands the civil and police courts for tlie Twenty-third and Twenty fourth Wards of the city of New York, also one of the largest and best arranged pubUc schools of the city. Here arc four churches, numerous stores and manufactories, &:c. A short distance north of Fordham is a depot for Jerome Park which borders on the Croton Aqueduct, flere is located a large race course and club house belonging to the American Jockey Club.

Near the depot stands the civil and police courts for tlie Twenty-third and Twenty fourth Wards of the city of New York, also one of the largest and best arranged pubUc schools of the city. Here arc four churches, numerous stores and manufactories, &:c. A short distance north of Fordham is a depot for Jerome Park which borders on the Croton Aqueduct, flere is located a large race course and club house belonging to the American Jockey Club.

Little is kno^\TL concerning the early history of religion in the manor except, that as early as 1671 "the inhabitants residing between the two Kills of Harlem and the Broncks " were obliged to contribute towards the support of a minister when one should be settled or called in the Manor of Fordham.

In May 1696 a society was organized here by the Collegiate Dutch Reformed congregation of New York. The Rev. John Alontoigne bein<^ minister; and Hcnricus Selyns, William Beekman, Johannes Kerbyle, Johannes Depyster, Jacobus Kipp, Isaac de Forrest, and Lsaac de Reyner elders and deacons. The next minister seems to have been the Rev. Henricus Beyse, who about 1709 resigned his pastorate and joined the Church of England. For Colonel Lewis Morris writing to the venerable Propogation Society in 1709, says: --

" I have used some endeavours to persuade the Dutch in my neighborhood into a good opinion of the Church of England ; and have had that success, that they would, I believe, join a great part of 'them in the sacraments and worship -- had they Dutch Common Prayer Bunks and a minister who understood their language. I have taken some i)ains with one of their ministers, one Henricus Beyse, and ha\c prevailed un iiim to accept of Episcoi>al ordination."

" I have used some endeavours to persuade the Dutch in my neighborhood into a good opinion of the Church of England ; and have had that success, that they would, I believe, join a great part of 'them in the sacraments and worship -- had they Dutch Common Prayer Bunks and a minister who understood their language. I have taken some i)ains with one of their ministers, one Henricus Beyse, and ha\c prevailed un iiim to accept of Episcoi>al ordination."

520 HISTORY OF THE COUXTV OF WESTCHESTER.

The Provincial clergy addressing Governor Hunter of New \'ork May 14th, 1712, state among other tliings that : --

"The Reverend Mr. Beys has represented that he suffers hardship,;. having no salary from the people of New Harlem where he officiates ; and his establishment from the Society being uncertain through sonic aspersions thrown upon him by his adversaries, we heartily recommend him to your Ex'cy to protect aod encourage him according to his services."

The last minister, prior to the revolution, was the Rev. Dom. John Tetard." This individual was of French descent and succeeded the Rev. Jean Carle as pastor of the French church in New York. The name of Tetard frequently occurs among the records of the French church Dvi St. Esprit between the years 16S0 and 1770,^

The followng minutes are extracted from th^ record of the New York Classis :

"At a classis held in Flatbush on TuesdAv. September 2d, iSco, &c. The church in the AFanor of Fordham, bemg reduced during the war, and a prospect now opening of their being restored. Resolved, that this Classis encourage and countenance them, by as? isting and supplpng them. Resolved further, that Dr. Li\'ingston \isit and preach to them as soon as convenient."

The followng minutes are extracted from th^ record of the New York Classis :

"At a classis held in Flatbush on TuesdAv. September 2d, iSco, &c. The church in the AFanor of Fordham, bemg reduced during the war, and a prospect now opening of their being restored. Resolved, that this Classis encourage and countenance them, by as? isting and supplpng them. Resolved further, that Dr. Li\'ingston \isit and preach to them as soon as convenient."

"In 1802 jNIr. Livingston reported that he had fulfilled his appointment, whereupon it was resolved that Mr. Jackson take charge of the congregation and give them all the service in his power."

"October 19th, 1809, the church of Fordham having called the Rev. John Jackson he was approved by the Classis, who also resolved that the Rev. Dr. Gerardus A. Kuypers, 3.% primanns, and the Rev. Cornelius C. Vermilyea, as sccundus, be a committee to install the Rev. John Tacksor "

LIST OF MINISTERS OF THE DUTCH REFORMED CIIITRCG, FORDHAM 3IAN0R. Inst, or Caix. Pastors. Vacated Br-

1*j96, Ret. John iroNTAGUE, resignation,

no?, Rev HExiiicrs Reyse,

1~76, Rev, Dom. Jonx Peter Tetard,

1S03, Rev. John Jacksox,

1S40, Rev. Peter I. Van Pelt, D.D.,

184G,. Rev. William; Caiioone,

18;j0, Rev. Robt. Van Ambur^jii,

1853, Rev. John H. Beviek,

rt Doc. nut. of N. Y., rol. in, p. 130.

6 S.e Vorrieu's Ulst. Diioouisu of the Churcti Du St. Esprit.

THE TOWN OF WEST FARMS. 52I

18.15, Rev. James Beattie, "

ISM, Rev. James Hultux, "

1J-'G6, Rev. James B. IlAESNBUEon, stated supply.

1~76, Rev, Dom. Jonx Peter Tetard,

1S03, Rev. John Jacksox,

1S40, Rev. Peter I. Van Pelt, D.D.,

184G,. Rev. William; Caiioone,

18;j0, Rev. Robt. Van Ambur^jii,

1853, Rev. John H. Beviek,

rt Doc. nut. of N. Y., rol. in, p. 130.

6 S.e Vorrieu's Ulst. Diioouisu of the Churcti Du St. Esprit.

THE TOWN OF WEST FARMS. 52I

18.15, Rev. James Beattie, "

ISM, Rev. James Hultux, "

1J-'G6, Rev. James B. IlAESNBUEon, stated supply.

1S69, Rkv. John TiirMA-V, resignation.

1874, Rev. WM.Br.u5H, "

1S76, Rev. D. Jewett, stated .supply.

Oct. 187G, Rev. Wm- Asdersox, present pa.stor.

The Dutch Reformed or Reformed church stands upon rising ground en the north side of the road leading from the village of Fordham to Kings Bridge near Jerome Park, close to the line of the Croton Aqueduct.

A still older stucture, however, was constructed in 1801, which was superceded by the present edifice. The first church, which was built in 1706, through the liberality of Margaretta Steenwyck or Sclyns, WiUiam Dyckrnan and others was standing in 1724 (but has long since departed) on the farm of James Valentine,'^' now occupied by Moses Devoe. The residence of the latter is said to have been the old Dutch Parsonage.

The following inscription on the foundation stone of this edifice is still preserved in the new church : --

I. Y. S.

1706.

Before the Revolutionary war the Manor of Fordham was considered as joined for all ecclesiastical purposes to Yonkers, which formed one of the three precincts of the parish of Westchester; and we have already seen that at least one of the Lords of the Manor, was a vestryman of that ancient parish. Still Fordham like Morrisania, continued to be associated with Westchester, even after the Revolution, in the support of a minister, until the year 1S53 when the present parish of St.

Before the Revolutionary war the Manor of Fordham was considered as joined for all ecclesiastical purposes to Yonkers, which formed one of the three precincts of the parish of Westchester; and we have already seen that at least one of the Lords of the Manor, was a vestryman of that ancient parish. Still Fordham like Morrisania, continued to be associated with Westchester, even after the Revolution, in the support of a minister, until the year 1S53 when the present parish of St. James was orgar ized under the following circumstances: -- "Numerous residents of the Manor experiencing much inconvenience in attending Episcopal services on account of having no place of worship ; and considering moreover in the great increase of population, that the cause of the Church might suiTer by having no spiritual pro\'ision made for her members where the wants of other Denominations are so amply considered, called a meeting -- ^T\-hich assembled at the house of William Alexander Smith, Esq., on the 5th of July, 1853 -- for the purpose of organizing a parish, and adopting such measures as would most eftectually conduce to the

a The foUowinsr l;l^^'^lption w lakon from a stone in mo Valcuttno houso ailjoiiiiug tUe site of the old c'lur*'!! : " H. il. K., ITW." TUe iniaiila stand for Uout y and .Mary Kier.

522 HISTORY OF THE COUNTY OF WESTCHESTER.

same. Oswald Cammann, Esq., in the Chair ; ^V'illiam Watson Waldrj-. acting as Secretary. It was then and there,

Eesohfd: "That the persons present do proceed to incorporate theaiselrcs as a religious Socisty in Communion with the Protestant Episcopal Church in tL'^' United States of America ; and that tlie said Church and Cont^resatlon he know.; in la-.v, by the name and title of the Rector, Wardens and Vestrymen of St." James* Church in the ]Manor of Fordham, town of West Farms, County of Wts'- cliester.

Oswald Cammann, Esq., in the Chair ; ^V'illiam Watson Waldrj-. acting as Secretary. It was then and there,

Eesohfd: "That the persons present do proceed to incorporate theaiselrcs as a religious Socisty in Communion with the Protestant Episcopal Church in tL'^' United States of America ; and that tlie said Church and Cont^resatlon he know.; in la-.v, by the name and title of the Rector, Wardens and Vestrymen of St." James* Church in the ]Manor of Fordham, town of West Farms, County of Wts'- cliester. The meeting proceeded to choose two church-wardcas an.l eight vcstrvmen for the said chm-ch, when the following persons were elected: Lewis G. ilorris and William Alexander Smith, church-wardens ; Oswald Cammann, Francis McFarlan, William Watson Waldron, George Bement Butler, Sanmel \i Trowbridge, Gulian Ludlow Dashwood. William Ogden Giles and Xathaaiel Piatt Bailey, vestrymen."

In 1S64 the vestry purchased two acres of land, near the village of Fordham. adjoining to and fronting on the grand Central Avenue leading from New York to White Plains. Here the corner stone of the new Church of St. James was laid May 28th, 1S64. The building so auspiciously begun was completed the following year, and consecrated on All Saints day (Xov. ist) by the Rt. Rev. the Bishop of the Diocese; the Rev. Morgan Dix, D. D., rector of the Trinity church. New York, preaching the sermon. The edifice which is constructed of native stone, with red sand-stone trimmings, is in the early English style, consisting of nave, southern transept and apsidal chancel; to which it is proposed to add in the future a tower over the south-west entrance.

The building so auspiciously begun was completed the following year, and consecrated on All Saints day (Xov. ist) by the Rt. Rev. the Bishop of the Diocese; the Rev. Morgan Dix, D. D., rector of the Trinity church. New York, preaching the sermon. The edifice which is constructed of native stone, with red sand-stone trimmings, is in the early English style, consisting of nave, southern transept and apsidal chancel; to which it is proposed to add in the future a tower over the south-west entrance.

The four chancel windows, which are exceedingly rich both in tone and color, represent the Evangelists, between which is depicted the calling of the Apostle St. James the Great or the Elder (who was nearly related to our Saviour) an angel in the back ground bearing a sword emblematic of his martyrdom. The fourth in this beautiful group of windows is a memorial one erected by the parishioners to the memory of George P. Cammann, M.D., one of the founders of the church and the inventor of the world renowned " Camraann's Stethescoi)e"-- a discovery which this noble and humane individual presented gratis to the medical profession-- representing the healing of the lame man at the Beautiful Gate by St. Peter and St. John. On the east side of the transept and almost immediately over the font, is a memorial window, erected to Oswald Cammann, representing St. John baptizing our blessed Saviour in the river Jordan. All the before mentioned windows were manufactured at the royal stained glass manufactory at Munich, Bavaria. In the transept are also memorial vriudows to .Miles Standish Davidson and Kate Miles Davidson ;^lineal descendants of the celebrated soldier Miles Standish

Peter and St. John. On the east side of the transept and almost immediately over the font, is a memorial window, erected to Oswald Cammann, representing St. John baptizing our blessed Saviour in the river Jordan. All the before mentioned windows were manufactured at the royal stained glass manufactory at Munich, Bavaria. In the transept are also memorial vriudows to .Miles Standish Davidson and Kate Miles Davidson ;^lineal descendants of the celebrated soldier Miles Standish

THE TOVVX OF WEST FARMS. 523

ihe first captain of the settlers at Plymouth, New England, who was honx ill England in 1584, and came to America with the pilgrim fathers w. ibio, and died 1656), children of the late Colonel M. O. Davidson, a cis'il engineer of distinction, representing the infant Jesus bearing the orb of empire; and also St. Catharine leaning upon the wheel, an emblem of t!ie tortures to which she was exposed. The wheel window in the gable end of the transept is a memorial to the late Mrs. jNIary Bailey Woolsey, wife of Theodore B. Woolsey, and daughter of Nathaniel P. Bailey, Esq., representing cross, anchor and flowers, among the latter the simple Marguerites'^ or Daisies predomionate, her chosen favorite. Another window on the west side of the transept is a memorial to Catharine and Eliza Howell, and represents one of Era Angelico's winged seraphs or angels, and Jesus bearing the lamb. In tlie south aisle of the nave is a memorial window to Oswald Cammann, Sen., one of the benefactors of the church and founder of the well known Banking house of Cammann & Co., of New York city, depicting in one compartment the Chalice, or sacramental cup, signifying faith ; in the other a crown of thorns, emblematic of suffering and victory. The north-west window in the nave is a memorial to Cliarles Drake, M.D., erected by his sister, Mrs.

In tlie south aisle of the nave is a memorial window to Oswald Cammann, Sen., one of the benefactors of the church and founder of the well known Banking house of Cammann & Co., of New York city, depicting in one compartment the Chalice, or sacramental cup, signifying faith ; in the other a crown of thorns, emblematic of suffering and victory. The north-west window in the nave is a memorial to Cliarles Drake, M.D., erected by his sister, Mrs. Seaman, of Kings Bridge, representing the Saviour's heaUng of the bUnd man. A richly ornamented Catharine wheel window occupies the west gable of the nave, containing emblems of the Holy Trinity in unity and the four evangelists. The altar and font are of caen stone, richly carved ; the former is placed in the centre of the apsis or chancel on the plan of the ancient churches as described by Eusebius and other writers, the Bishops seat being placed directly behind it against the wall of the apsis. The font was presented to the church, by the young men of tlie parish. The furniture of the chancel, pulpit, lectern and seats are of white oak ; a cross stands on the altar, a memorial of William and Maria Mali deceased parishioners. The bell was presented by the Rev. Charles C. Tiffany, a former rector of the parish. The communion service consists of two rhalices, a llagon and paten inscribed as follows :

"Presented by the ladies of the parish, A. D. 1854."

The font was presented to the church, by the young men of tlie parish. The furniture of the chancel, pulpit, lectern and seats are of white oak ; a cross stands on the altar, a memorial of William and Maria Mali deceased parishioners. The bell was presented by the Rev. Charles C. Tiffany, a former rector of the parish. The communion service consists of two rhalices, a llagon and paten inscribed as follows :

"Presented by the ladies of the parish, A. D. 1854."

William W. Waldron. by the donation of two hundred volumes, has founded a parochial library for the benefit of all young persons resident in the parish.

a "Sainte Martjuorite TVliose lejrenri and name si<;nify a pearl, and han been given to that little iDWlv llowrr wo call tMe il;iisv. woro tiOth ititroduceil from tlie Kast !)>' tin; Uvsl crnsadera, a;id lujw jiDiiular all over Lurupe." St. Ma' jjfari.-r was thi' cSiosi'ii typf of fruial ' uiiimc'-uci' and ni<-et;ut»s?i." •'Thfrc a-e no 1'.-^ tlian '.'.o'cliurcUud in Kaglaiid d^'dicatL-d iu li-;r hjuor."-- ilrn. Jameaon'a l^acreduiul L-.'jcndari/ Art, itc.

524 HISTORY OF THE COUNTY OF WESTCHESTER.

The parochial chapel of St. James, a portion of which was former'.-,- the Manor school house, has been greatly improved of late by the addition of a chancel and transepts, and now occupies a place in the northeast corner of the church property. The font and lectern were presented by the Rev. . .

RFCTORS OF ST. JAMES'S CHURCH, FORDHAM.

Temp. Isst. Rectors. Vacat. Fatboxs.

Jameaon'a l^acreduiul L-.'jcndari/ Art, itc.

524 HISTORY OF THE COUNTY OF WESTCHESTER.

The parochial chapel of St. James, a portion of which was former'.-,- the Manor school house, has been greatly improved of late by the addition of a chancel and transepts, and now occupies a place in the northeast corner of the church property. The font and lectern were presented by the Rev. . .

RFCTORS OF ST. JAMES'S CHURCH, FORDHAM.

Temp. Isst. Rectors. Vacat. Fatboxs.

Nov, 1854, Rev. Joshua Weaver, A.M., per resig, Wardens and Vestry

Nov. 1, 1863, Rev. Thomas Richet, D.D.,Presb. " "

Dec. 25, 1867, Rev. Charles C. Tiffaxy, Presb,, " "

July 10, 1871, Rev. JIytto.ni Maury, Presb., " "

Sebt. 9, 1S75, Rev. JosEPn Blanchard, Presb., present rector.

Immediately contiguous to the Dutch Reformed Church is theCroton Aqueduct, which at no great distance crosses the Harlem River on a magnificent bridge of stone 1450 feet long, with fifteen arches, eight of ■which are eighty feet span, and seven are fifty feet span ; 114 feet above tide water, at the top. The estimate cost of thev/hole, exceeding $900,- 000. On the New* York side of the bridge is a stone tower, used for supplying the higher portions of Manhattan Island witli water -- about a half a mile north of the High Bridge, an iron suspension bridge is to be erected uniting Manhattan island with the West Chester shore.

In this vicinity is situated Moimt Fordham, the seat of Lewis G. Morris, Esq., fifth in descent from the Hon. Lewis ]\Iorris third proprietor of tne manor of Morrisania. This property was originally purchased about 1760 by Chief Justice Lewis Morris, Governorof New Jersey, and his grand-son Richard Morris, Judge of the Court of Admiralty under the crown and subsequently Chief Justice of the State of New York.

On the New* York side of the bridge is a stone tower, used for supplying the higher portions of Manhattan Island witli water -- about a half a mile north of the High Bridge, an iron suspension bridge is to be erected uniting Manhattan island with the West Chester shore.

In this vicinity is situated Moimt Fordham, the seat of Lewis G. Morris, Esq., fifth in descent from the Hon. Lewis ]\Iorris third proprietor of tne manor of Morrisania. This property was originally purchased about 1760 by Chief Justice Lewis Morris, Governorof New Jersey, and his grand-son Richard Morris, Judge of the Court of Admiralty under the crown and subsequently Chief Justice of the State of New York. The latter resided on this property at the breaking out of the Revolutionary war, and willingly resigned his office as Judge of the English Court of Admiralty rather than compromise his principles, which were decidedly in favor of the popular cause. Governor TjTon thereupon directed an officer of the British army to take possession of Judge Morris' house, and use it as long as required ; but ordered him, at the same time, to burn it to the ground as soon as abandoned. This outrage was soon afterwards perpetrated ; and Judge Morris, then advanced in years, was compelled to fly for better security to Claverack in Columbia County.

The present house which is constructed of stone, is finely situated on an eminence and commands a very e.vtensive view of Harlem river and surrounding country in which New York Island forms a beautiful feature.

Governor TjTon thereupon directed an officer of the British army to take possession of Judge Morris' house, and use it as long as required ; but ordered him, at the same time, to burn it to the ground as soon as abandoned. This outrage was soon afterwards perpetrated ; and Judge Morris, then advanced in years, was compelled to fly for better security to Claverack in Columbia County.

The present house which is constructed of stone, is finely situated on an eminence and commands a very e.vtensive view of Harlem river and surrounding country in which New York Island forms a beautiful feature.

THE TOWN OF ^\•EST FARMS.

Here are portraits of the Hon. Lewis Morris, fourth proprietor oi Morrivaiiia, great grand-father of the present occupant; and his t'lrst vv-ife, Catharine Staats; and his son the Hon. Richard Morris, Judge of the High Court of Admiralty in 1776 ; at the foot of this portrait is su.=;pended the hilt of the official sword that used to be borne by the Provincial Ju'lgos of Admiralty. In one of the parlors of the mansion is to be seen an original portrait of tlie celebrated St. Ignatius Loyola, the founder of the Jesuits, who was born in his father's castle of Loyola in the year 1491, of a race so noble, that its head was always summoned to do homage to the throne of Spain by a special wTit. He died first General of his order in 1556, and was canonized by Pope Gregor}' XV. in 1622. This picture was formerly in the possession of the late Jacob Lorillard, Esq., father-in-law of the present proprietor, and has been long pronounced an original by Peter Paul Rubens. The head, Hke the figure painted b\- Rubens for the Jesuits at Antwerp, now at Warwick castle in England, is v.-onderfully fine, and quite true to the Spanish t}'pe.

He died first General of his order in 1556, and was canonized by Pope Gregor}' XV. in 1622. This picture was formerly in the possession of the late Jacob Lorillard, Esq., father-in-law of the present proprietor, and has been long pronounced an original by Peter Paul Rubens. The head, Hke the figure painted b\- Rubens for the Jesuits at Antwerp, now at Warwick castle in England, is v.-onderfully fine, and quite true to the Spanish t}'pe. Lewis G. Morris, Esq., has been one of the most successful importers and breeders of short-horn cattle in this country, and also very active in promoting the improvements in the neighborhood in which he resides. His brother, the late Ploh. Robert Hunter Morris was Recorder, thrice in succession Mayor and Post ^Master of New York city, and at the time of his death a Judge of the Supreme Court of tlie State.

The ancient residence of the Archer family, now occupied as a farai house by F. L. Johnson, Esq., is distinguished in the history of the Revolution as the head quarters of Colonel James de Lancey of the Royal Refugee corps. The following incidents show that although situated directly under the guns of Fort No. S, De Lancey's position v.-as a very hazardous one, and required the utmost vigilance to guard against a surprise.

In May, 17 So, Captain Cushing of the Ivlassachusetts line, v.ith a small detachment under his command, consisting of one hundred infantry, made an excursion to this place. The expedition seems to have been planned by his guide, ^lichael Dyckman, who had ascertained by close observation that the British sentinels were not in the habit of changing their countersign; the next step was to capture one of the refugees themselves, from whom he obtained the co,untersign. By this means, so sudden and complete was the surprisal of the enemy on the occasion, that over forty of them were either killed or made prisoners.

The expedition seems to have been planned by his guide, ^lichael Dyckman, who had ascertained by close observation that the British sentinels were not in the habit of changing their countersign; the next step was to capture one of the refugees themselves, from whom he obtained the co,untersign. By this means, so sudden and complete was the surprisal of the enemy on the occasion, that over forty of them were either killed or made prisoners. It was the intention to capture De Lancey, but he was absent from his quarters. The cantonment liad scarcely been turned, when a large party of Yaouger horse collected and pursued Captain Cushing; but lie eftected

5 26 HISTORY OF THi: COUNTY OF WESTCHESTER.

his retreat with so much skill and gallantry, though charged ref)eatc',!'.v by the enemy, that no injury was sustained. The enemy were !ar advanced up the Saw Mill valley, ere they relinquished the pursuit. 0:i this occasion Abraham Dyckman arrested Captain Ogden in Coloml Emmerick's quarter's (the house noAV standing at the foot of the steep hill, on the road leading from Fordham to Kings Bridge, close by v/hat is knowTi as Farmer's Bridge, was the scene of the exploit) at the moment when a British sentinel was pacing the bridge within musket shot.

"On the 19th of Januar}', 17S1, (says General Heath,) 150 men from the Connecticut line and 200 from the New Hampshire line were to move towards the lines; these, with those who marched from Hazen's the day before, were to form a covering party to the detachment under Lieutenant Colonel Hull, who was to make an attempt on De Lancey's corps."'^

The enemy were !ar advanced up the Saw Mill valley, ere they relinquished the pursuit. 0:i this occasion Abraham Dyckman arrested Captain Ogden in Coloml Emmerick's quarter's (the house noAV standing at the foot of the steep hill, on the road leading from Fordham to Kings Bridge, close by v/hat is knowTi as Farmer's Bridge, was the scene of the exploit) at the moment when a British sentinel was pacing the bridge within musket shot.

"On the 19th of Januar}', 17S1, (says General Heath,) 150 men from the Connecticut line and 200 from the New Hampshire line were to move towards the lines; these, with those who marched from Hazen's the day before, were to form a covering party to the detachment under Lieutenant Colonel Hull, who was to make an attempt on De Lancey's corps."'^

The result of the enterprise, (which took place upon the 2Sth of January, 1781,) is thus related by Thacher: --

"A detachment, under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Hull. has returned from a successful expedition, having attacked by surprise the Koyal Refugee corps under the command of the noted Colonel De Lancey, posted at Morrisania. Colonel Hull has for several months past sustained the command of a detachment of our troops posted in advance of our army, a situation requiring the most active \-igilance and precaution, to guard against surprise and stratagem. In this station, as in many others, this oiticer has e\'inred his military skill and judgment. He has executed an enterprize with such address and gallantry as to merit for himself and his detachment the highest honor. He bravely forced a narrow passage to tiie enemy, and besides a number being killed, he took upwards of fifty prisoners, cut away the bridge,^ burnt their huts and a considerable quantity of forage, and brought off a number of horses and cattle.

In this station, as in many others, this oiticer has e\'inred his military skill and judgment. He has executed an enterprize with such address and gallantry as to merit for himself and his detachment the highest honor. He bravely forced a narrow passage to tiie enemy, and besides a number being killed, he took upwards of fifty prisoners, cut away the bridge,^ burnt their huts and a considerable quantity of forage, and brought off a number of horses and cattle. Colonel Hull possesses in a high degree the confidence of the commanderin-chief; and for his judicious arrangements in the plan, and intrepidity and valor in the execution of the enterprize, he received the thanks of his Excellency, and afterwards of Congress. The enemy pursued our troops, and fell in with a covering party, under command of Colont! Hazen; and in a skirmish which ensued, they suffered an additional loss of about thirty- five. Of Colonel Hull's detachment, one ensign, and twenty-five rank and file were killed and wounded. This successtul exploit is calculated to raise the spirits of our troops, and to divest their minds from the unhappy occurrences, which has recently taken place in camp, and at the same time it may conv-ince the enemy that the afi'airs of our army are not altogether desperate."''

a Heath's Mem. 271.

h The pi-intoon brMKC across the Haarlem river.

c Thaciicr'3 Journa!, 245.

THE TOWN OF WEST FARMS.

'•.}th of March, 1782, Captain liunnewell with a body of volunteer ;. ,r-c. backed by the infantry under the command of ISIajor Woodbridge •lUiic an excursion to Alorrisania. 'J'he horse proceeded down between 'Ax British fort, No. S, and the cantonment of i)e Lancey's corps,'^ and }i.i\ing turned the cantonments between day-break and sun-rise, tiiey entered pell mell. The enemy was completely surprised, and fled in every u:rcctionj some were cut down on the spot, others so badly wounded as not to be able to be removed.

'•.}th of March, 1782, Captain liunnewell with a body of volunteer ;. ,r-c. backed by the infantry under the command of ISIajor Woodbridge •lUiic an excursion to Alorrisania. 'J'he horse proceeded down between 'Ax British fort, No. S, and the cantonment of i)e Lancey's corps,'^ and }i.i\ing turned the cantonments between day-break and sun-rise, tiiey entered pell mell. The enemy was completely surprised, and fled in every u:rcctionj some were cut down on the spot, others so badly wounded as not to be able to be removed. Some of the enemy availed themselves of positions where the horse could not assail them, from whence they iK'gan to t'lre on the house. This occasioned the firing of the alarm guns at No. 8. The horse ha\ang nearly accompHshed their design moved off, taking the Eastchester road, in which Major ^\'oodbridge had jxjsted the infantry in ambuscade. Captain Hunnewell had brought off one subaltern, and twenty men prisoners, and twenty horses. The enemy in the vicinity collected a number of horse, backed by light infantry, and pursued Captain Hunnewell until he came to Major Woodbridge. Tlie enemy were dra\\-n into the ambuscade, who made one or two discharges on them, on which they broke and retired, but soon returned to to the charge ; skirmishing ensued, and continued to a considerable distance. Of the Americans, two privates were killed ; Mr. Abraham Dycknian,* one of the guides, a brave and active man, mortally wounded, and three privates slightly wounded."'^

"On the 26th of March, (says General Heath,) Mr. Dyckman,'^ one of our guides on the lines, %vith thirteen volunteer horsemen made an excursion to Morrisania, took five prisoners of De Lancey's corps and five horses ; on their return they were pursued by a party of the enemy's horse, who coming rather too near, the brave volunteers faced about, charged vigorously,' took one man prisoner v/ith his horse, and put the rest to flight.

"On the 26th of March, (says General Heath,) Mr. Dyckman,'^ one of our guides on the lines, %vith thirteen volunteer horsemen made an excursion to Morrisania, took five prisoners of De Lancey's corps and five horses ; on their return they were pursued by a party of the enemy's horse, who coming rather too near, the brave volunteers faced about, charged vigorously,' took one man prisoner v/ith his horse, and put the rest to flight. The enemy again appeared, on the Eastchester road near Jonathan 'Ward's house, in some force, at a distance, but dared not renew the attack.''*

The following is General Heath's account of the burning of Colonel Hatfield's quarters, which stood directly opposite Archer's entrance : --

" About this time (January, 17S0,) a detachment from Colonel Mead's regiment of levies at Horseneck, and a number of volunteers from Greenwich -- the former under the command of Captain Keeler, the latter under the command of Captain Lockwood -- the whole about eighty, marched to Morrisania ; and about one o'clock in the morning made an attack on Colonel Hatfield. They first attacked the picket, killed three, and drove the rest into the colonel's quarters. The colonel and his men took to the chambers, and fired out at the windows, and down stairs, at

a From a m.ii 1 the possession of LewU G. Morris it appears that at that, tini'> the highway led past th' .\icii I' tiDUHe ni'^ritioned above, ami between it and Fort No. S which occupies the sit<; of tlio p > 'lit resilience of Uustav Sch.waM.-- Eilltor.

They first attacked the picket, killed three, and drove the rest into the colonel's quarters. The colonel and his men took to the chambers, and fired out at the windows, and down stairs, at

a From a m.ii 1 the possession of LewU G. Morris it appears that at that, tini'> the highway led past th' .\icii I' tiDUHe ni'^ritioned above, ami between it and Fort No. S which occupies the sit<; of tlio p > 'lit resilience of Uustav Sch.waM.-- Eilltor.

6 Mr. Byckm.ii fell a* PurUyS corner uear the intersectioa of the Eastchebter and New Tork ro'Ul<.

e Ileutli'.s Mi'in. p. X'.O.

d IMichaei, b'othi-r of Abraham Dyckman.

<• II jath'a Mem , 329.

5 28 HISTORY OF THE COUNTY OF WESTCHESTER.

those who had entered the house ; it appeared difncult, if possible, to (hslodge them; the house was instantly set oa fire, by putti, g a .str;uv bed into a closet, which compelled the enemy to jump out at the chamber windows, to avoid the flames. Colonel Hatlield, one captain, one lieutenant, one quarter-master, and eleven privates vvere- taken prisor.cri and brought oil. This was a pretty affair, but was a httle tarnished oa the return by some of the militia, who were fatigued, loitering on tiio road, v/here they supposed there was no danger; but a party of horse pursuing, overtook, killed and captured several of them.' <*

Many other occurrences of the same kind might be related to show that this vicinity was constantly harassed by small parties of American volunteers, who made every effort to dislodge their wary antagonists.

This was a pretty affair, but was a httle tarnished oa the return by some of the militia, who were fatigued, loitering on tiio road, v/here they supposed there was no danger; but a party of horse pursuing, overtook, killed and captured several of them.' <*

Many other occurrences of the same kind might be related to show that this vicinity was constantly harassed by small parties of American volunteers, who made every effort to dislodge their wary antagonists.

Upon a lofty eminence to the north-west of the Archer house, stand the remains of Fort No. S. " The enemy (observes Heath) had a redoubt called No. 8, on the east side of Haarlem creek, nearly opposite to the fort on Laurel Hill, and under the fire of its cannon, for the security, of their advanced troops on the Morrisania side."^ When the British made the bold and successful attack upon Fort Washington in 1776, the guns of No. 8, which lay directly opposite, covered the advance of the Hessians and Lord Percy. " On the 20th of October, 17S2, the enemy were demolishing their works at No. 8, ^lorrisania."^

Fort Independence, the ruins of which are still visible on Tetard's hill, •was not dismantled until 1833. Prince Charles' redoubt, and the Negro Fort -- both well known fortifications, in the annals of the Revolution -- lie on the south side of J'ttlentine's hill. From the former, which commands a splendid view of the surrounding country-, the morning and evening gun of the British was fired.

" On the 20th of October, 17S2, the enemy were demolishing their works at No. 8, ^lorrisania."^

Fort Independence, the ruins of which are still visible on Tetard's hill, •was not dismantled until 1833. Prince Charles' redoubt, and the Negro Fort -- both well known fortifications, in the annals of the Revolution -- lie on the south side of J'ttlentine's hill. From the former, which commands a splendid view of the surrounding country-, the morning and evening gun of the British was fired.

On this high ridge formerly the scene of so many bloody conflicts, are located the country seats of H. B. Claflin, the late Charles L. Anthony, Natlianiel P. Bailey, and the estates of S. L. M. Barlow, Oswald Cammann, Loring Andrews, Albert N. Christie, Franklin Edson, F. L. Johnson, Emma Dashwood, "Fair Lawn" the residence of Hugh M. Camp, "High Cottage" the residence of Mrs. ^^lontgomer)', "Haslewood" the residence of Mrs. Lees, and "Villa Boscobel" the residence of William B.Ogden, and "Number Eight" the residence of Gustav Schwab WilUami Bridge in the north-east comer of West Farms, bordering on Fordham is situated on the Haarlem and New Haven raihoad wher* is a depot, thirteen and a half miles north of the City Hall.

Tremont. the next station south of Fordliam and in close contiguity

a Ibkl, 'i-iS.

b Ileaih's Memoir^, p. 223. UiA'.a'i Mem. p. Sol.

THE TOWN OF WEST FAR-MS. 529

to it, 15 a populous and flourishing settlement. A short distance from the Tremont Station is situate Mount Hope, the well known "House of Rest for Consumptives.''

Lees, and "Villa Boscobel" the residence of William B.Ogden, and "Number Eight" the residence of Gustav Schwab WilUami Bridge in the north-east comer of West Farms, bordering on Fordham is situated on the Haarlem and New Haven raihoad wher* is a depot, thirteen and a half miles north of the City Hall.

Tremont. the next station south of Fordliam and in close contiguity

a Ibkl, 'i-iS.

b Ileaih's Memoir^, p. 223. UiA'.a'i Mem. p. Sol.

THE TOWN OF WEST FAR-MS. 529

to it, 15 a populous and flourishing settlement. A short distance from the Tremont Station is situate Mount Hope, the well known "House of Rest for Consumptives.''

RT. REV. HORATIO POTTER, D.D., LL.D., D.C.L.,

pp.EgiDEXT, ex-officio. Prm^l^nt.--'Rey. T. M. Peters, D.D., Broadway cor 99th St. Vk^-Preddents. -- Woodbury G. Langdon, Robert Watts, M.D., Lewis G. Morris. S'-trdary. -- ^Ym. Harold Brown. TreaMirer. -- Peter C. Ticman, Manhattanville. Trustees.-- '^n\. W. Mali, James Pott, Rev. A. B. Carter, D.l)., Wm. Alex.

Smith, F. A. Scherinerhom, Samuel W. Bridgham, A. C. Zabriskie, Rev.

Joseph N. Blanchard, John H. Riker, J. Neilson Potter. Medical Board. -- L. A. Rodenstien, H. R. Pratt, J. E. Comfort. Consulting Phjjsi^ian. -- J. R. Learning, M.D. Financial Agent-- '&. L. Douglas, 1-0 East 93d Street.

L.\DIES ASSOCIATION.

President-- TiQY. T. M. Peters, D.D.

Vice-Presidents. -- Mrs. Woodbury Langdon, jNIts. S. J. Zabriskie, Mrs. Henry- Salisbury.

Secretary^ -- Miss M. E. Learitt.

Treasurer. -- Miss Alice R. Jones, 1 East 57tli Street.

Mrs. J. E. Zimmerman, ^Irs. G. K. Sheridan, Miss J. T. Montgomery, Mrs.- David M. Turuure, ^liss M. G. Barnes, Mrs. L. A. Rodenstcin, Miss II. M. Schwab, Mrs. W. C. Wetmorc, Miss E. 0. Wheeler, .Jliss L. Morris, Sirs. S. P. Nash, Mrs. Lewis C. Jones.

Vice-Presidents. -- Mrs. Woodbury Langdon, jNIts. S. J. Zabriskie, Mrs. Henry- Salisbury.

Secretary^ -- Miss M. E. Learitt.

Treasurer. -- Miss Alice R. Jones, 1 East 57tli Street.

Mrs. J. E. Zimmerman, ^Irs. G. K. Sheridan, Miss J. T. Montgomery, Mrs.- David M. Turuure, ^liss M. G. Barnes, Mrs. L. A. Rodenstcin, Miss II. M. Schwab, Mrs. W. C. Wetmorc, Miss E. 0. Wheeler, .Jliss L. Morris, Sirs. S. P. Nash, Mrs. Lewis C. Jones.

From the last report of the Executive Committee it appears that during 1876, an averaLje of twenty-one patients had been constantly cared for in the institution; and during the month of November, tliis average had been maintained at twenty-five. Permits are given daily by the Committee on admissions, and a full capacity of forty inmates will soon be taxed to its utmost by the many applications for admission. Weekly services are held here ever)' ^^"ednesday at 3:30 P. M.

The Haarlem river (Muscoota,) which forms the western boundar)' of the towm, is one of the sweetest, streams that ever gave a charm to land- ' scape. On the Westchester shore high woods cover the sides of undulating hills, while here and there rich meadows form a gradual and beautiful descent to the water's edge. The opposite banks are abruptly terminated with rocky declivities, and present by their greater boldness a fine contrast. These waters aftbrd an agreeable haunt to the kiri^ fisher, "the most cel-brated and besung of all other birds," savs Aldrovand, likewise to the heron andy/jV^ haii-'k.

The Haarlem river (Muscoota,) which forms the western boundar)' of the towm, is one of the sweetest, streams that ever gave a charm to land- ' scape. On the Westchester shore high woods cover the sides of undulating hills, while here and there rich meadows form a gradual and beautiful descent to the water's edge. The opposite banks are abruptly terminated with rocky declivities, and present by their greater boldness a fine contrast. These waters aftbrd an agreeable haunt to the kiri^ fisher, "the most cel-brated and besung of all other birds," savs Aldrovand, likewise to the heron andy/jV^ haii-'k.

530 HISTORY OF THE COUNTV OF WESTCHESTER.

On the East site of the Harlem Railroad contiguous to the village • i Fordham, oa an eminence called Rose Hill, is situated St. John's Colicv-. a Roman Catholic institution. This place enjoys all the advant.Tj-.- peculiar to the country, a pure and vigorous air and retirement v,'hii-ii y., feo favorable to the formation and grovv-th of studious habits ; while :.: the same time its proximity to the city, by means of the railroad. i> .; great converiience. This institution, the only one of its kind in tl-.c State, was first opened for the reception of students on the 24th of Juti ■. 1841." It was incorporated by an act of the Legislature passed Aj r.\ loth, 1S46. The following is an extract from their rules and regulations : " The system of government will be mild and paternal, yet fin:* in enforc'ng the observance of established discipline. The utmost attention will be paid not only to the intellectual, but also to the moral education of the pupils. As to their domestic comfort, every thi.".^; which parental affection can desire vriW be found and supplied in the assiduous attention and skilful management of the Sislers of Charity, to whom the charge of this important and highly responsible departmonl is mainly confided." The college, which contains the rooms of the various professors, library, &:c., is a large, elegant, and commodious edifice.

The utmost attention will be paid not only to the intellectual, but also to the moral education of the pupils. As to their domestic comfort, every thi.".^; which parental affection can desire vriW be found and supplied in the assiduous attention and skilful management of the Sislers of Charity, to whom the charge of this important and highly responsible departmonl is mainly confided." The college, which contains the rooms of the various professors, library, &:c., is a large, elegant, and commodious edifice. The hall is adorned with some valuable engravings from Raphael's frescoes in the Vatican, presented by the late Pope Gregory XVI., to the Righ: Rev. Bishop Hughes. The oil pictures consist of a " Madonna do b pesce," a copy from the original by Raphael. This picture is from the collection of the late Joseph Bonaparte ; the " Entombment of the Saviour.'' a copy by William Franquinet. The head of St. Joseph in this picture is finely painted. The wooden building attached to the gardens on tlic south was formerly the residence of Colonel John Watts and his w.'e. the celebrated Lady Mary Ale.\;ander, daughter of Major General Lor>! Stirling. The church is a very large and handsome structure of stone, in the Gothic style. It is intended to embattle the tower, and carry up the spire. The windows, which are filled with some excellent stained glass. give the interior a ver}' pleasing appearance. The apostles, St. Peter and St. Paul, and the four evangelists are depicted in six windows -- three on each side. These figures are executed in the best style of modem stained glass; they stand on floriated Gothic pedestals of gold, siirmounted by a rich canopy of the same. At the foot of the pedestal a gold escutcheon, containing the name of each apostle and evangehsL The whole were made to order, expressly for this church, at St.

Peter and St. Paul, and the four evangelists are depicted in six windows -- three on each side. These figures are executed in the best style of modem stained glass; they stand on floriated Gothic pedestals of gold, siirmounted by a rich canopy of the same. At the foot of the pedestal a gold escutcheon, containing the name of each apostle and evangehsL The whole were made to order, expressly for this church, at St. Omers in France.

Adjoining the church on the west i'. the new divinity school of St. Joseph ; the grounds are extensive, and in a state of high improvement.

THE TOWN OF WEST FARMS. 531

T;-,c collegiate year commences on the first Monday of September. A-.cragc number of students about 130.

Rose Hill place has been successively the property of the families of Corsa Watts, and Brevoort, from whom it passed to Horatio Shephard Moat, who sold it in 1836 to the present proprietor.

The "Home of the Incurables " was first started by the Rev. Washington Rodman, then Rector of Grace church, West Farms, in that village, in the year 1866. Its officers were : --

President : Besj. H. Field.

Vice-Presiden is : AIaetct E. Geeexk, "Wm. H. GmoN.

Treasurer : Heney J. Cammasx.

Secretary : R. A. McCuEDT.

Pastor and Superintendent : Rev, Washington Rodman.

CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION OF THE "HOME FOR IN- CURABLES."

In conformity -with the provisions of the act entitled, " An Act for the Incorpor;itiou of Benevolent, Chaxitcble, Scientitic and Missionary Societies," passed tlie l-2tli day of April, ISIS, and the several acts ameudatory thereof, and supplementary thereto, the subscribers of full age, citizens of the United States and of the State of New York, and residents within tlie city of New York, in said State, being desirous to associate themselves together for the purpose of establishing and managing a Hospital and Home for Incurables, and to be a body politic and corporate for tliat pm-pose, do hereby make and sign this certificatt.

In conformity -with the provisions of the act entitled, " An Act for the Incorpor;itiou of Benevolent, Chaxitcble, Scientitic and Missionary Societies," passed tlie l-2tli day of April, ISIS, and the several acts ameudatory thereof, and supplementary thereto, the subscribers of full age, citizens of the United States and of the State of New York, and residents within tlie city of New York, in said State, being desirous to associate themselves together for the purpose of establishing and managing a Hospital and Home for Incurables, and to be a body politic and corporate for tliat pm-pose, do hereby make and sign this certificatt.

1st. Tiie name or title by which said Society shall be known in law, shall be the "Home for Incmajlcs."

2d. The particular business and objects of the said Society, shall bo the establishing, founding, carrying on, and managing said Hospital and Home.

3d. The number of managers to manage the said Society shall be twenty-four.

4th. The names of the managers of the said Society for tlie first year of its existence, are John T. Holfman, Edward Haight, Wm. H. Guiou, Bonjaniin H. Field, Henry J. Camnuuui, Franlclin F. Randolph, Geo. R. Jackson, Lloyd Aspinwall, .John fl. Po,M, Frederic Goodridgo, W^illiam E. Curtis, Stephen E. (';ta\bre!ing, Beujaiuin B. Shcrnum, Richard A. McCurdy, Arcliibald Russell, Livingston Satterlee, Martin E. Green, George T. M. Davis, Henry 31. 3ULarcn,

532 HISTORY OF THE COUXTY OF WESTCHE ;r?„

E. A. Quintard, D. D. Ives, W. A. Muhlcnburg, Washington Endnian, a:;.; '

The names of the managers of the said Society for tlie first year of its existence, are John T. Holfman, Edward Haight, Wm. H. Guiou, Bonjaniin H. Field, Henry J. Camnuuui, Franlclin F. Randolph, Geo. R. Jackson, Lloyd Aspinwall, .John fl. Po,M, Frederic Goodridgo, W^illiam E. Curtis, Stephen E. (';ta\bre!ing, Beujaiuin B. Shcrnum, Richard A. McCurdy, Arcliibald Russell, Livingston Satterlee, Martin E. Green, George T. M. Davis, Henry 31. 3ULarcn,

532 HISTORY OF THE COUXTY OF WESTCHE ;r?„

E. A. Quintard, D. D. Ives, W. A. Muhlcnburg, Washington Endnian, a:;.; '

Gallaudct.

In testimony whereof, we have hereunto subscribed our names, this 4th diV

of April, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixtv-six.

Benj. H. Field, Edward Haight, Feanklin F. RAXDOLrn,

S. CAMBUELINr,.

Acknowledged before "Wasuisgtox Kodhax.

TtlOS. P. OKIE, Jr.,

Notary Public.

I hereby approve of the within certificate and consent that tlie same sliull be filed. J. w. GILBERT

Dated New York April 6, lS6tj.

In 1S72, the Jacob Lorillard estate at Fordham, was bought, and ti:e Home for Incurables removed, after the whole building had been repaired and enlarged. The last Report, of 1878. is full of encouragement, and most of the first officers still retain their positions. The Physician, Arch. M. Campbell, reports that "during the past year S9 patients have been under treatment."

Few institutions have been better managed. It is beautifully situated, in a very healthy locality, and easy of access.

Andrew Corsa, who was bom at Rose Hill in 1763, afterwards removed to a farm situated nearly opposite, where he died in 1352. The following obituar}' notice occurs in the Westchester Herald for tlut year : --

The last Report, of 1878. is full of encouragement, and most of the first officers still retain their positions. The Physician, Arch. M. Campbell, reports that "during the past year S9 patients have been under treatment."

Few institutions have been better managed. It is beautifully situated, in a very healthy locality, and easy of access.

Andrew Corsa, who was bom at Rose Hill in 1763, afterwards removed to a farm situated nearly opposite, where he died in 1352. The following obituar}' notice occurs in the Westchester Herald for tlut year : --

TIIE LAST OF THE WESTCHESTER GUIDES.

On the evening of Sunday the 21st of November at his residence in Fordham. AsDiiEw Cop.sA departed this life at the ago of nearly ninety-one. He was born on the 24th day of Januarj-, 17G2, where the Roman Catholic College of St. Jclin noM- stands, on the farm occupied by his paternal ancestor, a native of Gcrmaiiy. who .settled on the Manor of Fordham about tho year 1(590. Both his father anii grand-father were uatives of the same spot witli himself. The latter was born i;: 1G02, about the time of Governor Fletcher's arrival in the colony, after whons he was named Beujamia Fletcher. When the revolutionary troubles coim^enced. Captain Isaac Corsa,'^ the father of the subject of this notice, held a commis;'io:i under the crown, and like most persons similarly situated, espoused the my.il side throughout the great controversy. But parental authority was not sulFici'-ii' to keep the young Andrev.-, long within the limits of the ancient allegiance : ami about the middle of the war, his strong incliuatious in favor of American Ini'.f-

The latter was born i;: 1G02, about the time of Governor Fletcher's arrival in the colony, after whons he was named Beujamia Fletcher. When the revolutionary troubles coim^enced. Captain Isaac Corsa,'^ the father of the subject of this notice, held a commis;'io:i under the crown, and like most persons similarly situated, espoused the my.il side throughout the great controversy. But parental authority was not sulFici'-ii' to keep the young Andrev.-, long within the limits of the ancient allegiance : ami about the middle of the war, his strong incliuatious in favor of American Ini'.f-

(i .Vinnncr th-* >!-'>. i:i tlii> S.^c-y's Dc^pt. nr.- Ui- oii-itiu! Muster RoKs of tti.- c mp".!- "' whii-,'1 .-ifrviil III [lit- I'.mijiui^'u of i;,j.> au'ainst tlit^ Froiicli : ;iiui)ug oiliers is Cui't. Isaac corru s Coan>,, Wt^icustir 35 rauK.-- Doc. lli.it,. of N. Y. vol. ii, 09ti.

THE TOWN OF WEST FAR-MS. 533

•vnilcnce OTcrcame every other consideration, and lie commenced an independent iu:-^' r bv reudering important services to tlic Guides and scouting parties that 8'>'>roached tlie British liaes, whetlier for attack or observation. Minutely fr^iuainled with all the passes about Kingsbridge, Fordham and Morrisauia-- and witiial of a disposition sprightly, intelligent and communicatiTe -- his services wi re anxiously sought for ; when in the summer of 1781, after the allied forces Um\ hix-n encamped upon the heights of Greenburgh about two^vcelvS, "Washing- \,m aiid Rochumbeau made ready for a formidable movement, with a sekct por- :i.)) of their army, towards the lines of the enemy. Preparatory to this operation, (.'uuiit 31athieu Dumas, the two brotheas Berthier, and several other young officers belonging to the French staff, who had, for some days, been zealously engaged iji exploring the ground and roads and in sketching maps of the country between tiie allied camp aud Kings Bridge, were ordered by the French commander to set oiil before daylight, and to push their examinations till they came within sight of the enemy's most advanced redoubts, at the noithern extremity of New York island.

Preparatory to this operation, (.'uuiit 31athieu Dumas, the two brotheas Berthier, and several other young officers belonging to the French staff, who had, for some days, been zealously engaged iji exploring the ground and roads and in sketching maps of the country between tiie allied camp aud Kings Bridge, were ordered by the French commander to set oiil before daylight, and to push their examinations till they came within sight of the enemy's most advanced redoubts, at the noithern extremity of New York island. To protect these youthful adventurers, a strong detachment of tlie lancers of Lauzun was sent along under Lieutenant Kilmaine, a young Irishman in tlie French service, who some years afterwards became a General of Division aud enjnycd the reputation of being one of the best cavalry oSiccrs in Europe. The command of the whole party was bestowed upon Dumas, while the celebrated Cornelius Oakley of White Plains was selected to act as principle Guide, accompanied by liis cousin'James Oaldey and young Corsa. Below Mile-square the rvCoimoiteriug party formed a junction with a select body of American light infantry, w^ho on the same morning had gone down to explore the ground on the rig)it ; and the two allied detachments then attacked and dispersed a strong patrol of Delancey's Refugees, and soon afterwards assaulted and drove across Kings Bridge the Chassem'S that occupied the Hessian outposts : -- pursuing the fugitives till they caiue within nmsket shot of Prince Charles' redoubt. This recomioisance established in favor of Kilmaine and of the elder Berthier,-- the latter of whom was afterwards a Marshal of France nnder Xapoleon, and Prince of Wagraiu and Keufchatel, -- reputations for partisan skill and intrepidity that led to their subsequent preferment.

Below Mile-square the rvCoimoiteriug party formed a junction with a select body of American light infantry, w^ho on the same morning had gone down to explore the ground on the rig)it ; and the two allied detachments then attacked and dispersed a strong patrol of Delancey's Refugees, and soon afterwards assaulted and drove across Kings Bridge the Chassem'S that occupied the Hessian outposts : -- pursuing the fugitives till they caiue within nmsket shot of Prince Charles' redoubt. This recomioisance established in favor of Kilmaine and of the elder Berthier,-- the latter of whom was afterwards a Marshal of France nnder Xapoleon, and Prince of Wagraiu and Keufchatel, -- reputations for partisan skill and intrepidity that led to their subsequent preferment.

A few days later occurred the grand reconnoisance, which was made on the 22d and 23d of July by the American and French commanders aud engineers supported by oOOO trooi)S of the two nations, for the purpose of examining with precision the British posts on New York Island between Fludson River and the Sound, -- and of cutting off, if possible, such of the enemy's corps as might be found upon the main. Young Andrew Corsa's intelligeuce and exact knowledge of the country aliout the British lines were such that his services were again earnestly sought for upon tiiis occasion; and during both these days ho was constantly on horseback, riding and conversing with Washington, Rochambeau. I.auzun, aud the other Generals of the combined army, while they passed through the lields of Jlorrisania, Fordham and Yonkers, halting from time to time as they moved along for the purpose of enabling the engineers to examine the grounds along llaerlem river and Spuytenduyvil creek. He used to relate tliat will n the allies, marching from the <\ist near the Bronx and passing over the hi'jU grounds around Morris.iPiiab.ousc came in sight of the enemy, the fire \\ Iiieh tlie British artillerj' opened upou them from the fortifications at Randall's Island

I.auzun, aud the other Generals of the combined army, while they passed through the lields of Jlorrisania, Fordham and Yonkers, halting from time to time as they moved along for the purpose of enabling the engineers to examine the grounds along llaerlem river and Spuytenduyvil creek. He used to relate tliat will n the allies, marching from the <\ist near the Bronx and passing over the hi'jU grounds around Morris.iPiiab.ousc came in sight of the enemy, the fire \\ Iiieh tlie British artillerj' opened upou them from the fortifications at Randall's Island

534 HISTORV OF THE COUNT*' OF WESTCHESTER.

and Snake-hill, -- from the batteries at Harlem and from the ships of war at anchor la the river, was terrible and incessant ; and obeying the instinct of solf-pn-. scrvation, which became suddenly predominant -- he urged his horse fowurd :i: full speed and rode for safety behind tlie old Morrisania mill. Here he puiltj vp, and looking back, saw Washington, Kochambeau, and the other officers ridin:; along calmly under the fire as though nothing unusual had occurred. Ills selfposession now returned ; and, ashamed at having given way to an impulse of fear, he at once pricked back with all the rapidity to which he could urge his hnnif, and resumed liis place in the order of march ; while the commanding officers, with good natured peals of laughter, welcomed him back and commended his courage.

Mr. Corsa knew personally every individual of that celebrated band of volunteers called the "Westchester Guides," of whom he himself was the last and youngest ; and he was among the most confidential friends of the heroic Abrahnm D^'ckman, who fell prematurely at the close of the revolutionaiy contest. Pussessed of a memory unusually retentive, and residing constantly upon the borders of tlie "neutral ground," he was acquainted with all the distinguished partisius both from above and below, and with nearly all the military operations wlietiier great or small that occurred along this portion of the British lines; and which, until %"t-ithin the last few days of his life, he continued to describe in minute detail.

Corsa knew personally every individual of that celebrated band of volunteers called the "Westchester Guides," of whom he himself was the last and youngest ; and he was among the most confidential friends of the heroic Abrahnm D^'ckman, who fell prematurely at the close of the revolutionaiy contest. Pussessed of a memory unusually retentive, and residing constantly upon the borders of tlie "neutral ground," he was acquainted with all the distinguished partisius both from above and below, and with nearly all the military operations wlietiier great or small that occurred along this portion of the British lines; and which, until %"t-ithin the last few days of his life, he continued to describe in minute detail.

Upon the conclusion of the revolutionary war, his father's lands, by a compulsory sale, passed out of the family ; and although without any means at the time, he did not hesitate to purchase, with monej' borrowed upon mortgage, a contiguous farm -- which industry and good management enabled him, not many years after, to disencumber. !5Iuch engaged in the cultivation of fruit for the market, he was particularly successful with the apple and pear; discovering and bringing into use a new variety of the latter which bears his name, being known distinctively as the Corsian Vergaloo.

For many years he was a member of the Reformed Dutch Church at Fordham. His death was preceded by none of the diseases to which humanity is heir, and he ceased to exist only because he was worn out by toil and time. The macliiue which had been set in motion by its divine constructor and which had gone on for more than four score years and ten, "at last stood still," and the weary occupant sought a better habitation. His memory continued miimpaired until nearly the close of his existence.

His death was preceded by none of the diseases to which humanity is heir, and he ceased to exist only because he was worn out by toil and time. The macliiue which had been set in motion by its divine constructor and which had gone on for more than four score years and ten, "at last stood still," and the weary occupant sought a better habitation. His memory continued miimpaired until nearly the close of his existence. Among his survivors arc eight children, and numerous other descendants. Simple and jjatriarchal in his manners, a zealous, generous, and useful friend, neighbor and citizen; -- estimable and upright in all the relations of life-- Andrew Corsa deserves to be held in honorable remembrance.

*i ^ ■' 'l

■•^K.

•'^i***"

^••.'iV.^'/^X*"''^*

fSi^S"^

COL'HT HOUSE.WliiTh: Pl.AIXS.

THE TOWN

-Vv^HCIOTE] I=>I_..A.IXNrS

WTiite Plains is the shire town of the county, and is situated twenty-eight miles from the city of New York ; one hundred and thirty-one south of Albany, six miles east of the Hudson, and fourteen south of Bedford, (which used to be the other half shire town,) bounded northerly by North Castle? easterly by Harrison, southerly by Scarsdale, and westerly by Greenburgh. The river Bronx runs south along the west line, and the jNIamaroneck river along the east -- forming the boundary towards Harrison township. The whole area of this town may be eight and a half square miles.

White Plains originally formed a portion of the town of Rye, and derived its name from the White Balsam, ( Gnaphaliunn PolycepJuilum of LinncBus) gnaphaUum, signifying soft down or wool.

WTiite Plains is the shire town of the county, and is situated twenty-eight miles from the city of New York ; one hundred and thirty-one south of Albany, six miles east of the Hudson, and fourteen south of Bedford, (which used to be the other half shire town,) bounded northerly by North Castle? easterly by Harrison, southerly by Scarsdale, and westerly by Greenburgh. The river Bronx runs south along the west line, and the jNIamaroneck river along the east -- forming the boundary towards Harrison township. The whole area of this town may be eight and a half square miles.

White Plains originally formed a portion of the town of Rye, and derived its name from the White Balsam, ( Gnaphaliunn PolycepJuilum of LinncBus) gnaphaUum, signifying soft down or wool.

It was called by the Indians Quaroppas, under whom these lands must have formed a portion of tlie ancient Domains of Weckquaskeck; as we find Shapham, or Thapham, one of the sachems of that place conjointly selling lands there to the inhabitants of the town of Rye in 1683.

" It is so long since the Indians quitted these grounds, that their monuments are almost effaced. Once in a while a point of an arrow, or a stone axe is found which bears the mark of Indian labor and dexterity ; and there is still to be distinguished the spot on which they luid their wigwams, and the cemetery where they buried their dead." The former is situated on the land formerly of Mr. Gilbert Oakley, the latter on the property formerly of Mr. Elisha Crawford, now owned by Mr. CarharL In the vicinity of tl^.e town is a small excavation, cut out of a granite rock • this was a mortar, where they pounded their corn. c35

Once in a while a point of an arrow, or a stone axe is found which bears the mark of Indian labor and dexterity ; and there is still to be distinguished the spot on which they luid their wigwams, and the cemetery where they buried their dead." The former is situated on the land formerly of Mr. Gilbert Oakley, the latter on the property formerly of Mr. Elisha Crawford, now owned by Mr. CarharL In the vicinity of tl^.e town is a small excavation, cut out of a granite rock • this was a mortar, where they pounded their corn. c35

^^6 HISTORY OF THE COUNT/ OF WESl-CUESTEK.

Upon the 32nd day of November. 16S3, the inhabitants of Rye obtained the follovving grant from the aboriginal proprietors : --

"To all Cliristiaa peopell to honi these presence shall com greting : Know yee that v,e Shaphnm, Cockinseko, Orcwapuia, Kewctoahan, Koawauoh, Pantck, Shiphatlaah, Korehwewous, Panawok, Meiuisliott, Pesckunob, Oro'uahgah Patliuuck, hohoreis, sotonge, wonawaking, owhorawas, nosband, have for a valualxii sum of uiony to us in baud paid by the towne of Rye that are inhabitants biirgaiucd, covinanted alinated and souUd unto the luliabilauce of the above said towne of live a sartaia tract of laud lying within the towne bounds of Wye Bounded as foUoweth, 011 the uortli-east with^IamarinekKiver, and on the south- ■vveast with a branch of the said River and marked trees till it corns to brunckts River, and then to Runn by brunckes River till it cums to the bead of the whil plaiiies soe calkd and by marked trees from thence till it cums to the upjjcr most branch of Marrineck River which tracktof Land is commonly called by the English tiie whil plaincs, and called by the Indians Quaroppas which said tract of land w'.e the above said Shaphain, Cockinceeko. orcwopum, Kewetoakon; Koawanoh.

"To all Cliristiaa peopell to honi these presence shall com greting : Know yee that v,e Shaphnm, Cockinseko, Orcwapuia, Kewctoahan, Koawauoh, Pantck, Shiphatlaah, Korehwewous, Panawok, Meiuisliott, Pesckunob, Oro'uahgah Patliuuck, hohoreis, sotonge, wonawaking, owhorawas, nosband, have for a valualxii sum of uiony to us in baud paid by the towne of Rye that are inhabitants biirgaiucd, covinanted alinated and souUd unto the luliabilauce of the above said towne of live a sartaia tract of laud lying within the towne bounds of Wye Bounded as foUoweth, 011 the uortli-east with^IamarinekKiver, and on the south- ■vveast with a branch of the said River and marked trees till it corns to brunckts River, and then to Runn by brunckes River till it cums to the bead of the whil plaiiies soe calkd and by marked trees from thence till it cums to the upjjcr most branch of Marrineck River which tracktof Land is commonly called by the English tiie whil plaincs, and called by the Indians Quaroppas which said tract of land w'.e the above said Shaphain, Cockinceeko. orcwopum, Kewetoakon; Koawanoh. Moabalice and the rest of the above said endians, have soulld a:- above said unto the Inhabitancc of the said towne of Rye, them, tbeire heires. executors, adminisErators, or asigues for ever and Doe hereby bind ourselves, our heires, execetars, administratars and asignes unto the Inhabitants of the above said towne of Rye, them, tbeire heires, executors, administrators, or asigues, that they may att all times, from and after the date hereof, pcasably and quieally poses, occup\- and injoy the above said tract of laud free from all former bargaines, salles, morgagcs, or other iucoLiibrances whatsoever and all soe to warrant and make good the above said salle against any parson, or parsons whatsoever, that shall or will make, or la}- any claime or claiines theare unto, and in testimony.

Moabalice and the rest of the above said endians, have soulld a:- above said unto the Inhabitancc of the said towne of Rye, them, tbeire heires. executors, adminisErators, or asigues for ever and Doe hereby bind ourselves, our heires, execetars, administratars and asignes unto the Inhabitants of the above said towne of Rye, them, tbeire heires, executors, administrators, or asigues, that they may att all times, from and after the date hereof, pcasably and quieally poses, occup\- and injoy the above said tract of laud free from all former bargaines, salles, morgagcs, or other iucoLiibrances whatsoever and all soe to warrant and make good the above said salle against any parson, or parsons whatsoever, that shall or will make, or la}- any claime or claiines theare unto, and in testimony. There of wee have caused this bill of salle to be made and here unt" have sett our hands and sealles this two and twentieth of November, one thousand six hundred and eighty-three.

Sealed, signed and delivered in the Tlie marke of

presence of us, Shapham,

r, COKENSEKU,

C0KXEIL..SS. Orou-apam

^'^ ^^'■'^' KEWEToriAM,

JoSnCA KXAP, KOAWANOU,

T,, , , JSIOAUPOATCH.

Ihe mark of

MOTEPEAICHOS

Jonx Oddeli., his mark.

Pattuuxk,

hohoknis,

SOTONGE,

Owuoi:awa~, Okamaplau.

This bill of salle is acknowledged by the granters to be tiieir ackt and deed liefore me in Rye. the day and ycre above written,

JOSEPH ilORTOX, Vonunissimer.

The inliabitants of Rye were now met by an opposing claimant in tl;e person of Mr. John Richbtll of Mamaroneck. Ho was a native of

^'^ ^^'■'^' KEWEToriAM,

JoSnCA KXAP, KOAWANOU,

T,, , , JSIOAUPOATCH.

Ihe mark of

MOTEPEAICHOS

Jonx Oddeli., his mark.

Pattuuxk,

hohoknis,

SOTONGE,

Owuoi:awa~, Okamaplau.

This bill of salle is acknowledged by the granters to be tiieir ackt and deed liefore me in Rye. the day and ycre above written,

JOSEPH ilORTOX, Vonunissimer.

The inliabitants of Rye were now met by an opposing claimant in tl;e person of Mr. John Richbtll of Mamaroneck. Ho was a native of

THE TOWN OF WHITE PLAINS. 537

K:);;!a;i(l, and claimed to have bought of the Indians in 1660 his right to ji'.vse lands; was confirmed in 1662 by the authorities of New Nether- Lmd. and in i663 by the government of New York. Mr. Richbell's j'iicnt gave him possession of the 'three necks' bounded on the east by Mamaroneck river, and on the west by Stony brook, together -vvith the i.ind lying north of these bounds ' twenty miles in the woods.' This conflicted with the foregoing deed. As Rye was the border town of Connecticut they conceived that their bounds extended westward as far as t'r.e western line of that colony. This was 'a line drawn from the east side of Mamaroneck river, north northwest to the line of Massachusetts.' Negotiations were now pending between Connecticut and New York for a more satisfactory settlement of that boundary. And on the twentyeighth of November, 1683, the two governments agreed upon a Hne to begin at the mouth of B\Tam river. Meanwhile, doubtless anticipating this decision, the inhabitants of Rye on the twenty-second day of November, only six days before the date of that agreement, concluded a treaty with the Indian proprietors of the White Plains for the piurchase of that tract. They described it as ' lying within the town bounds of Rye.'

And on the twentyeighth of November, 1683, the two governments agreed upon a Hne to begin at the mouth of B\Tam river. Meanwhile, doubtless anticipating this decision, the inhabitants of Rye on the twenty-second day of November, only six days before the date of that agreement, concluded a treaty with the Indian proprietors of the White Plains for the piurchase of that tract. They described it as ' lying within the town bounds of Rye.'

Mr. Richbell was not inclined to yield his claim, which he had now held for twenty-three years. On the twelfdi of March, 16S4, he peti- , tioned the Governor, Colonel Dongan, on the subject: ' Having a desire to dispose of some quantity of said land which is called the AVhite Plains ' and which was comprehended in his patent 'to severall persons to settle thereon with themselves and familyes ' he is ' wholly obstructed and hindered by Rye men,' who have 'made a great disturbance amongst them and pretends a right to the same.' He cannot therefore dispose of any part of these lands until the Governor ' will be pleased to grant an order to clear the same.'" This complaint came before the council at Fort James on the seventeenth of March, 1684, and the inhabitants of Rye or some to be deputed by them for that purpose, were summoned to show cause at the next Court of Assizes in Westchester County, why the said lands do not of right belong and appertain to John Richbell.

On the twelfdi of March, 16S4, he peti- , tioned the Governor, Colonel Dongan, on the subject: ' Having a desire to dispose of some quantity of said land which is called the AVhite Plains ' and which was comprehended in his patent 'to severall persons to settle thereon with themselves and familyes ' he is ' wholly obstructed and hindered by Rye men,' who have 'made a great disturbance amongst them and pretends a right to the same.' He cannot therefore dispose of any part of these lands until the Governor ' will be pleased to grant an order to clear the same.'" This complaint came before the council at Fort James on the seventeenth of March, 1684, and the inhabitants of Rye or some to be deputed by them for that purpose, were summoned to show cause at the next Court of Assizes in Westchester County, why the said lands do not of right belong and appertain to John Richbell.

The dispute appears to have remained unsettled ; for Richbell died soon after this, July 26th, 1684,^ and the greater part of his lands -- including all the northern portion -- came into the possession of the Hon. Caleb Heathcote. In 1701 Col. Heathcote obtained a comfirmation of his rights to the Richbell estate by purchasing again from the Indians the . 'rtecks' formally known as East and Great Neck, now called Orlenta

a L.iiid piipprs, Aibanv. Vol. li.. :;o. QiintPd hy Mr. JUial's li'.siiiry of Uye. b See Wcstclioster Co. Itcconis Lib. A, pa^o B4,

The dispute appears to have remained unsettled ; for Richbell died soon after this, July 26th, 1684,^ and the greater part of his lands -- including all the northern portion -- came into the possession of the Hon. Caleb Heathcote. In 1701 Col. Heathcote obtained a comfirmation of his rights to the Richbell estate by purchasing again from the Indians the . 'rtecks' formally known as East and Great Neck, now called Orlenta

a L.iiid piipprs, Aibanv. Vol. li.. :;o. QiintPd hy Mr. JUial's li'.siiiry of Uye. b See Wcstclioster Co. Itcconis Lib. A, pa^o B4,

538 HISTORY OF THE COUNTY OF WESTCHESTER.

and Larchmont, with the lands lying north of theni along Mamaroneck river to its source and across to the Bronx.

This tract included the whole of the present town of Scarsdale, for which Col. Heathcote immediately obtained letters patent from tiie British Crown, securing him that territory and constituting the lordship or Manor of Scarsdale. But his Indian grants iucludcd, also, the whole of White Plains which the inhabitants of Rye had purchased from the Indians in 1683, and where some of them were already settled, though, no di%dsion of tlie lands had yet been made. This new encroachment on their limits occured just at the close of their unsuccessful attempt to return to the colony of Connecticut. Having failed to recover the lands appropriated by Harrison, the people of Rye probably had little hope of resisting these claims. Col. Heathcote, however, seems to have been disposed to treat them with great fairness. In the Charter which he obtained for his lands exception was made of "ye land called White Plains which is in dispute between ye said Caleb Heathcote and some of ye inhabitance of ye town of Rye,' to that land the patent gives him no further title than he already possesses.

Having failed to recover the lands appropriated by Harrison, the people of Rye probably had little hope of resisting these claims. Col. Heathcote, however, seems to have been disposed to treat them with great fairness. In the Charter which he obtained for his lands exception was made of "ye land called White Plains which is in dispute between ye said Caleb Heathcote and some of ye inhabitance of ye town of Rye,' to that land the patent gives him no further title than he already possesses. The follovang action of the inhabitants refers to this matter : --

"At a meeting held by the Properities of the White Plains purchase, Fcbeweary the 2t, 1701-2, Hacaliah Browne and Deliverance Browne and liuniphery Underliill, Thomas Meritseucr, Isaac Deham, John Stokam, and Benjamia Horton, are chosen a committee in the behalf of the above said Proprietors to agree witli Coll. Hathcoote consarning tlie running of a line between said Coll. Hethcote's patent and said White Plains purchase as They shall see good ; and what line shall be mutually agreed upon betweene the said commity and Coll. Hethcote the said properities do ingage for Themselves and Their heirs and successors to stand and abide forever: and what else the said couuiiitie mutually agrees upon shall be held good by them and their associates for ever.'' "

The controversy was still pending in 1702, when the Rev. Mr. Chris- (topher Bridge, Mr. Hacaliah Browne, Ensign John Horton, Capt. Joseph Bade, and Mr. John Hoytt " are chosen to treat with the Honorable Conl. Caleb Hathcut, about the White Plains purchase and to make returne to the Proprietors of their treat upon what termcs the Hon. Coll. Hathcut will agree with them to acquit all his claime to the above said White Plains purchase." ^

The controversy was still pending in 1702, when the Rev. Mr. Chris- (topher Bridge, Mr. Hacaliah Browne, Ensign John Horton, Capt. Joseph Bade, and Mr. John Hoytt " are chosen to treat with the Honorable Conl. Caleb Hathcut, about the White Plains purchase and to make returne to the Proprietors of their treat upon what termcs the Hon. Coll. Hathcut will agree with them to acquit all his claime to the above said White Plains purchase." ^

At the time of Col. Heathcote's death, which occurred four years later, this question was still unsettled ; but it does not appear that any claim upon these lands was made by the heirs to his estate.

a Town aaJ Proprietor.? Book, Xo. C, p. 20.-- Baird's History of i^ b Kvc I've Lib. A.

THE TOWX OF WHITE PLAINS. 539

Owing to these uncertainties and differences, tlie Wliite Plains Purclu.se remained undivided for many years. Occasionally from 16S3 to 1715 we find in the town records entries like the following, which show that the inhabitants had their eyes upon this precious inheritance and meant to keep it for future distribution'^ : --

April 12, 169.4. -- " Hacaliah Brown and Thomas Merril are appointed to go with the Indians and renew the marks of the White Plains purchase, agreeing with the Indians as reasonably as they can." * " The same year Thomas Merrit and Joseph Galpin were chosen to lay out the land at the White Plains granted to Jonathan Horton by the Town." *=

Occasionally from 16S3 to 1715 we find in the town records entries like the following, which show that the inhabitants had their eyes upon this precious inheritance and meant to keep it for future distribution'^ : --

April 12, 169.4. -- " Hacaliah Brown and Thomas Merril are appointed to go with the Indians and renew the marks of the White Plains purchase, agreeing with the Indians as reasonably as they can." * " The same year Thomas Merrit and Joseph Galpin were chosen to lay out the land at the White Plains granted to Jonathan Horton by the Town." *=

April 1, 1699. -- "John Lyon and Isaac Denham are chosen to laye out a road to the White Pia)-nes, beginning at the head of Capt. Theall's land, and so to run to the caseaway (causeway brook."

April i-j, 1699. -- -'The Town hath past an act that the Rode shall continue ... up to the White Playnes, where John Lyon and Isaac Denham have marked it out, and the said road to be 3 Rods in breadth."

February 14, 1699-1700. -- Lieutenant Horton and others "are to survey and lay out the 3 purchases of land. That is to sayc, the \Vhite Plains purchase, and Lame Will's two purchases."

April 2-], 1 70S. -- "The town chose Ensign Budd in the room of Captain Horton (deceased) to lay out lands in the White Plains purchase and Will's two purchases according to the Towns acts."''

Finally " at a meeting held in Rye by the Proprietors of the White Plaines purchase, Feb. ji, 1 7 14-15," Capt. Joseph Budd.Ensign John Horton, j\Ir John Hoyt, Samuel Purdy, Caleb Hiat and George Lane Junior, " are chosen to rectify all mistakes that has been formerly made by the former layers out of the White Plaines purchase and also has po-^er to add or diminish the just and true proportion of all the lotments of lands which is in dispute to be above or under the true proportion and to lay out proportionable all the remaining part of the aforesaid purchase and when so done to make return to the said proprietors." ^

Joseph Budd.Ensign John Horton, j\Ir John Hoyt, Samuel Purdy, Caleb Hiat and George Lane Junior, " are chosen to rectify all mistakes that has been formerly made by the former layers out of the White Plaines purchase and also has po-^er to add or diminish the just and true proportion of all the lotments of lands which is in dispute to be above or under the true proportion and to lay out proportionable all the remaining part of the aforesaid purchase and when so done to make return to the said proprietors." ^

The next notice of this town occurs on the 9th of February, 1720:

"At a meeting held by the proprietors it is agreed that "Capt. Joseph Budd, John Hoyt, Sen , John Horton, Caleb Hiatt, Sanuicl Purdy, and George Lane, Jr., layers out of the said purchase choi-en by the said proprietors for lanng out all the above said lands, as may appear by record bearing date February 11, 17 14-15. That the said iayers out shall have for their trouble and industry for laying out the whole purcha.se and returning the bounds at or between the thirteenth day of April, which will be m the year one thousand seven hundred and twenty,

a BairU's History of Uve, p. 1 jG. . 6 Rye Rec. Lib. .S.. e IbiJ.

d Tu-.va Meeting Books, C and C. c Uecoi-LU of ToH-u .Mooting, p. 9, anJ BairU's HUtory of Rye, p. 156.

54°

HISTORY OF THE COUNTY OF WESTCHESTER.

That the said iayers out shall have for their trouble and industry for laying out the whole purcha.se and returning the bounds at or between the thirteenth day of April, which will be m the year one thousand seven hundred and twenty,

a BairU's History of Uve, p. 1 jG. . 6 Rye Rec. Lib. .S.. e IbiJ.

d Tu-.va Meeting Books, C and C. c Uecoi-LU of ToH-u .Mooting, p. 9, anJ BairU's HUtory of Rye, p. 156.

54°

HISTORY OF THE COUNTY OF WESTCHESTER.

one hundred and ten acres of land lying between the lower end, the ridges and Mamaroneck river, at the above said meeting 'tis voted aiKi agreed that David Ogden and HacaUah Brown are to survey and lay out the above said one hundred acres and ten of land as above mentioned." "

The following is a list of the proprietors and the number of acres held by them under the survey* : --

Joseph HoKToy, .

. 18,

Joseph Bldd,

26,

Isaac Dexham,

. 1.

Philip G.alpix,

9,

Feaxcis Pur.DT,

. 2,

Richard Lownsbeekt,

33,

Delivei;axce Bkovtn,

. 30,

JoHX Galpin, .

5,

George Laxe,

. 23,

JoHX Hortox, .

15,

TU0MA5 BliOWN,

• 3,

Joseph Hortox,

. 17,

Jonx Frost,

. . 20,

"i Hexry Disbrow, .

8,

Peter Brown

. 52,

Garrett Travis, .

13,

Peter Disbrow,

• 22,

Jonx Stockham, .

7,

John Meritt,

. 39,

Joxathax Fowlke,

19,

Caleb IIiArr, .

. 11,

Richard Walter,

35.

Sajicel Hoyt, .

. 43,

. 2,

Richard Lownsbeekt,

33,

Delivei;axce Bkovtn,

. 30,

JoHX Galpin, .

5,

George Laxe,

. 23,

JoHX Hortox, .

15,

TU0MA5 BliOWN,

• 3,

Joseph Hortox,

. 17,

Jonx Frost,

. . 20,

"i Hexry Disbrow, .

8,

Peter Brown

. 52,

Garrett Travis, .

13,

Peter Disbrow,

• 22,

Jonx Stockham, .

7,

John Meritt,

. 39,

Joxathax Fowlke,

19,

Caleb IIiArr, .

. 11,

Richard Walter,

35.

Sajicel Hoyt, .

. 43,

Axdrew Coe,

43,

Timothy KNiSj-,

• . 16,

Thomas Jeffrey .

21,

Jacob Pease, .

. . 87,

Isaac Sherwood, .

38,

George Kniffen. .

• 12,

Joseph Sherwood, .

34,

JOSEPU PURDT,

. 25,

"Fraxcis Browx, .

40,

Bexjamix Hortox,

. 29,

William Odell,

6,

Isaac Odell, .

. 31,

JoxAS Sherwood, .

28,

Joseph Galpix, • .

. 10,

Thomas Lyox,

14,

JOHX HOTT,

. 36,

JoHX Broxdig,

4,

Hao

ALIAH BrOWX, . . .27.

"In 1721, Wiliam Burnett, Governor of New York, set out, in order for patent, to Samuel Hunt, a certain tract or parcel of land Iping and being in the County of Westchester, being ])art of a large tract commonly known by the name of 'The \Miite Plains,' beginnini^ at three large White Oak trees standing near together on the west side of Mamaroneck river, and runs thence, south thirty-nine degrees ; west, thirty-one chains, &c., Sec, containing tsvo hundred and sixty acres, after five acres deducted for every hundred acres for highways." "

"Upon the 13th of March, 1 721, his Excellency, William Burnett, granted letters patent to Daniel Brundage, all that tract of land in White Plains, beginning at a small white ash stake standing on the east side of the long meadow brook and runs thence, south fifty-three degrees, west forty-three chains, and a heap of stones near the street, containing one hundred and ninety-five acres.

"In 1721, Wiliam Burnett, Governor of New York, set out, in order for patent, to Samuel Hunt, a certain tract or parcel of land Iping and being in the County of Westchester, being ])art of a large tract commonly known by the name of 'The \Miite Plains,' beginnini^ at three large White Oak trees standing near together on the west side of Mamaroneck river, and runs thence, south thirty-nine degrees ; west, thirty-one chains, &c., Sec, containing tsvo hundred and sixty acres, after five acres deducted for every hundred acres for highways." "

"Upon the 13th of March, 1 721, his Excellency, William Burnett, granted letters patent to Daniel Brundage, all that tract of land in White Plains, beginning at a small white ash stake standing on the east side of the long meadow brook and runs thence, south fifty-three degrees, west forty-three chains, and a heap of stones near the street, containing one hundred and ninety-five acres. The patentee yielding therefor, on

a r.'yc lii.'c. I.ii). A.

I' K iin.'tl:ii'_'.s ciUfid tlic scconil drant,'ht. c Al'j.iny Uook of Pattuts, No. vui, 442.

THE TOWX OF W^'TE PLAINS. 54*

i\c Festival of the Annunciation, the annual rent of twenty shillings .i:\-l >!\ pence for every hundred acres."

King George the Second, the same year, issued the following royal Ictters'patent'to Joseph Budd, John Hoit, and others :--

ROYAL PATENT FOR THE WHITE PLAINS. G>-or'-e by the Grace of God of Great Britain France and Ireland King Dcfundt-rof the faith etc. To aU to whom these presents shall come, Greeting whcr.'as our Loving Subjects Joseph Budd John Hoit Caleb Hoit Humphrey Undorhill Joseph Purdv George Lane Daniel Lane Z^Ioses Knap John Horton D'uid Horton Johnathan Lynch Peter Hetficld James Traviss Isaac Covert 15.-i.jamia Brown John Turner David Ogden and William Yeomans by theu Hiunble Petition presented to our Trusty and well beloved Willian-i Burnet Esq.

G>-or'-e by the Grace of God of Great Britain France and Ireland King Dcfundt-rof the faith etc. To aU to whom these presents shall come, Greeting whcr.'as our Loving Subjects Joseph Budd John Hoit Caleb Hoit Humphrey Undorhill Joseph Purdv George Lane Daniel Lane Z^Ioses Knap John Horton D'uid Horton Johnathan Lynch Peter Hetficld James Traviss Isaac Covert 15.-i.jamia Brown John Turner David Ogden and William Yeomans by theu Hiunble Petition presented to our Trusty and well beloved Willian-i Burnet Esq. Captaiu General and Governour in Chief of our Province of New York in Council the Twenty-first Day of December last did humbly pray that his said K\eol!ency would be favourably pleased to graut to them their heirs and assigns his Majesty's Letters patent for their Claims and purchase lying within this province or the County of Westchester known by the Name of the White Plains in such manner aud under such Quit Rent provisions and Restrictions as is and Directed in our Royall Connuission and Instructions to our said Gcvcruour, which Petition was then and there Read and Considered of by our Council of our said Province uutill tlie first day of this Instant they did Humbly advise our said Governour and Consent that tlie prayer of the said Petition be granted. In urdcr to tlie granting whereof in Pursuance of and in Obedience to our Royall Instructions to his said Excellency given at St. James's the third Day of June one Thousand seven Hundred and Twenty in the sixth year of our Ruign our said Governour together with George Clarke Esq. secretary and Ca.lwalladcr Colden F.sq. surveyor Generall of the said Province three of the Commissioners appointed by our said In.structions for setting out all Lands to be granted within our said P'nwince of New York did sett out for the said Joseph Budd John Holt Caleb Hoit Humplirey UndorhiU Joseph Purdy George Lane Daniell Lane Moses Knap John Horton David Horton Jonathan Lynch Peter Hatfield James Travise Isaac Covert Pjenjamin Brown John Turner David Ogden aud Wiiliani Y'eomans, a Certain Tract or Parcel! of Land Scituate King and being in the County of Westchester and U Commonly known by the Name of the White Plains Beginning at a large White Oak Tree Marked ^vith Severall Letters where Two Brooks fall into The West Branch of the ilomaroucck River and Runs thence by marked Trees to Brunxes River near the Place where a small Brook falls into the said River by a Bush of alders some of wh.ich are Marked thence up the Stream of Brunse PkivLT to an Ash Tree about Seventeen Chains above Anthony Millers fulling ^Mill, tliencc by Marked Trees to White Oak Tree ^larked near long Meadow Brook, tlu n Down the Stream of the said Brook to the Land lai<l out for Daniel Brondige Then along his Lands to the said Long :Meadow Brook then down the Stream of the s aid Bnok to the Place where it Falls i;ito Momaroneek River and dov,-n the Siroa'nuf the said River to the land granted to Christopher Bridge tlicn along hi- Line and tlie Lines of the Land laid out for Samuel Hunt to jlomaroneck

James's the third Day of June one Thousand seven Hundred and Twenty in the sixth year of our Ruign our said Governour together with George Clarke Esq. secretary and Ca.lwalladcr Colden F.sq. surveyor Generall of the said Province three of the Commissioners appointed by our said In.structions for setting out all Lands to be granted within our said P'nwince of New York did sett out for the said Joseph Budd John Holt Caleb Hoit Humplirey UndorhiU Joseph Purdy George Lane Daniell Lane Moses Knap John Horton David Horton Jonathan Lynch Peter Hatfield James Travise Isaac Covert Pjenjamin Brown John Turner David Ogden aud Wiiliani Y'eomans, a Certain Tract or Parcel! of Land Scituate King and being in the County of Westchester and U Commonly known by the Name of the White Plains Beginning at a large White Oak Tree Marked ^vith Severall Letters where Two Brooks fall into The West Branch of the ilomaroucck River and Runs thence by marked Trees to Brunxes River near the Place where a small Brook falls into the said River by a Bush of alders some of wh.ich are Marked thence up the Stream of Brunse PkivLT to an Ash Tree about Seventeen Chains above Anthony Millers fulling ^Mill, tliencc by Marked Trees to White Oak Tree ^larked near long Meadow Brook, tlu n Down the Stream of the said Brook to the Land lai<l out for Daniel Brondige Then along his Lands to the said Long :Meadow Brook then down the Stream of the s aid Bnok to the Place where it Falls i;ito Momaroneek River and dov,-n the Siroa'nuf the said River to the land granted to Christopher Bridge tlicn along hi- Line and tlie Lines of the Land laid out for Samuel Hunt to jlomaroneck

542 HISTORY OF THE COUNTY OF WESTCHESTLR.

River then down the Stream of the said River to the Place where the ^W.t Branch Falls into the said River and then up tlie Stream of the said West Brant >) to tlie Place wliere it begun Containing Four Thousajid Four hundred a:i.l Thirty five Acres with Allowance for Highways, and in the Setting out of Unsaid Tract of Laud had Regard to the Profitable and unprofitable Acrus and had taken care that the Length of the said Tract do not Extend along the Rantis of any River Conformable to our said Royall Instructions as by a Certificate und.,: their hands bearing Date the Tenth Day of Jlarch last Entered of Record in our Secretarj-3 OtSce more fully and at large Appears Which Tract of Land set out as aforesaid according to our said Royall Instructions Wee being willing to grant to the said JosephB udd John licit Caleb Hoit Humphrey UnderhillJoscph Purdy George Lane Daniel Lane Moses Knap John Horton David Horton Jonathan Lynch Peter Hatfield James Traviss Isaac Covert Benjamin Brown John Turner David Ogden and William Yeomans their Heirs and Assigns according to the Prayer of their Petition Know Yee that of our Especial grace certain Knowledge and nicer Motion We have given granted Ratifyed and Confirmed and do by these presents for us our heirs and Successors give grant Ratifie and Confirm unto the said Joseph Budd John Hoit Caleb Hoit Humphry Underbill Joseph Purdy George Lane Daniel Lane Moses Knap John Horton David Horton Jonathan Lynch Peter Hatfield James Traviss Isaac Covert Benjamin Brown John Turner David Ogden and "William Yeomans their Heirs and Assigns all that the said Tract or Parcel of Land Scituate lying and being in the County of Westchester v hich is Commonly known by the Name of the White Plains Beginning at a large White Oak Tree Marked with Severall Letters where Two Brooks fall into the West Branch of Momaroneek River, and Runs thence by Markt Trees to Brunxes River near to the place where a small Brook falls into the said River by a Bush of Alders some of -which are Markt thence up the Stream of Brunxes River to an Ash Tree about Seventeen Chains above Aothony Millers fulling Mill thence by Markt Trees to a White Oak :Marked near long Meadow Brook then down the Stream of the said Brook tu the Land laid out for Daniel Brondige then along his Line to the said Long Meadow Brook then down the Stream of the said Brook to the place where it falls into Momaroneek River and down the Stream of the said River to the Land granted to Christopher Bridge then along his Line and the Lines of the Land laid out for Samuel Hunt to Momaroneek River then down the Stream of the said River to the Place where the West Branch falls into tlie said River and then up the Stream of the said West Branch to the place where it begun Containing Four Thousand Four Hundred and Thirty five Acres with Allowance for Highways Together with all and Singular Woods imderwoods Trees Timber Feedings pastures Meadows Marshes Swamps Ponds Pools Waters Water Courses Rivers Rivolets Runs and Streams of Water Fishing Fowling Hunting and Hawking Mines Minerals Standing being Growing lying or to be had used and Enjoyed within the Limits aud Bounds aforesaid, And all other Profits Benefits Liberties Priviledges Hereditaments aud Appurtenances to the sjiniu belonging or in any wise Appertaining and all that onr Estate Right Title Interest Benefit Claim and Demand whatsoever of in or to Uie same and the Re%-ersiou and Reversions Pvcmaind'^r and Remainders and the Yearly Rents and Profits of th-- same (Excepfing and always Restrving out of this our present Grant unto us our Heirs and Successors forever all Trees of the Diameter of Twenty four Inch l.-=

River then down the Stream of the said River to the Place where the ^W.t Branch Falls into the said River and then up tlie Stream of the said West Brant >) to tlie Place wliere it begun Containing Four Thousajid Four hundred a:i.l Thirty five Acres with Allowance for Highways, and in the Setting out of Unsaid Tract of Laud had Regard to the Profitable and unprofitable Acrus and had taken care that the Length of the said Tract do not Extend along the Rantis of any River Conformable to our said Royall Instructions as by a Certificate und.,: their hands bearing Date the Tenth Day of Jlarch last Entered of Record in our Secretarj-3 OtSce more fully and at large Appears Which Tract of Land set out as aforesaid according to our said Royall Instructions Wee being willing to grant to the said JosephB udd John licit Caleb Hoit Humphrey UnderhillJoscph Purdy George Lane Daniel Lane Moses Knap John Horton David Horton Jonathan Lynch Peter Hatfield James Traviss Isaac Covert Benjamin Brown John Turner David Ogden and William Yeomans their Heirs and Assigns according to the Prayer of their Petition Know Yee that of our Especial grace certain Knowledge and nicer Motion We have given granted Ratifyed and Confirmed and do by these presents for us our heirs and Successors give grant Ratifie and Confirm unto the said Joseph Budd John Hoit Caleb Hoit Humphry Underbill Joseph Purdy George Lane Daniel Lane Moses Knap John Horton David Horton Jonathan Lynch Peter Hatfield James Traviss Isaac Covert Benjamin Brown John Turner David Ogden and "William Yeomans their Heirs and Assigns all that the said Tract or Parcel of Land Scituate lying and being in the County of Westchester v hich is Commonly known by the Name of the White Plains Beginning at a large White Oak Tree Marked with Severall Letters where Two Brooks fall into the West Branch of Momaroneek River, and Runs thence by Markt Trees to Brunxes River near to the place where a small Brook falls into the said River by a Bush of Alders some of -which are Markt thence up the Stream of Brunxes River to an Ash Tree about Seventeen Chains above Aothony Millers fulling Mill thence by Markt Trees to a White Oak :Marked near long Meadow Brook then down the Stream of the said Brook tu the Land laid out for Daniel Brondige then along his Line to the said Long Meadow Brook then down the Stream of the said Brook to the place where it falls into Momaroneek River and down the Stream of the said River to the Land granted to Christopher Bridge then along his Line and the Lines of the Land laid out for Samuel Hunt to Momaroneek River then down the Stream of the said River to the Place where the West Branch falls into tlie said River and then up the Stream of the said West Branch to the place where it begun Containing Four Thousand Four Hundred and Thirty five Acres with Allowance for Highways Together with all and Singular Woods imderwoods Trees Timber Feedings pastures Meadows Marshes Swamps Ponds Pools Waters Water Courses Rivers Rivolets Runs and Streams of Water Fishing Fowling Hunting and Hawking Mines Minerals Standing being Growing lying or to be had used and Enjoyed within the Limits aud Bounds aforesaid, And all other Profits Benefits Liberties Priviledges Hereditaments aud Appurtenances to the sjiniu belonging or in any wise Appertaining and all that onr Estate Right Title Interest Benefit Claim and Demand whatsoever of in or to Uie same and the Re%-ersiou and Reversions Pvcmaind'^r and Remainders and the Yearly Rents and Profits of th-- same (Excepfing and always Restrving out of this our present Grant unto us our Heirs and Successors forever all Trees of the Diameter of Twenty four Inch l.-=

THE TO\VX OF WHITE PLAINS. 543

s:..l upwards at T'^elve Inches from the Ground for Masts of our Eoyall Navy. ..;,i! :i!.-^> all such other Trees as niuy be lit to make Planks Knees and other i'.i'.r.ii Necessary for the use of our said Navy whicli uow arc Standing Growing .■r ticiiig iu and upon any of the said Lands with free Liberty and Lycence for .i:)y person or persons -whatsoever by us oiu- Heirs and Successors or any of them !u ho thereunto Appointed under our or their Sign 3Ianual -u-ith Workman Horses \\'a-rgons Carts and Carriages and ^vithout to Enter and come into and upon the Kiu] Lands and every part thereof, and thereto Fell Cut Down Eoot up Hew Saw and Kive have take C'firt and Carry away.the same for the uses aforesaid (Excepting also and Reserving all Silver and Gold Mines) To Have and to hold all and Singular the same certain Tract of Land and Premisses with its Hereditaments and Appurtenances (Excepting as before is Excepted and Keserved; unto the said Joseph Badd John Holt Caleb Hoit Humphry Underliill Joseph Purdy George Lnne Daniel Lane Moses Knap John Horton David Hortoa Jonathan Lynch Peter Hatfield James Travis Isaac Covert Benjamin Brown John Turner David Ogden and William Yeomans their Heirs and Assigns forever To be Holden of us our Heirs and Successors in free and common Soccige as of our Mannor of East Greenwich in the County of Kent within our Kiugdon of Great Britain Yeilding Rendring and pajing therefore Yearly and every Year forever unto us our Heirs a.vj\ Successors at our Cu'-itoui House in the City of Xcw York unto our or their Collector or Receiver General for the time being on the Feast Day of the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary commonly called Lady Day the annual Rent of t^o Shillings and Sixpence for every hundred acres thereof in Lieu and stead of all other Rents Services dues Dutys and Demands -whatsoever for the same four Thousand four Hundred and Thirty-tive Acres of Laud so granted as aforesaid Provided always and these presents are upon this Condition that the sa:ue Joseph Budd John Hoit Caleb Hoit Humphrey Underbill Joseph Purdy George Lane Daniel Lane Closes Knap John Horton David Horton Jonathan Lyncli Peter Hatfield Janics Traviss Isaac Covert Benjamin Brown John Turner Da-id Ogden and William Yeouians their Heirs and Assigns some or one of the -i s::a'I and do within the Term and Space of three Years now next ensuing the D;ve hereof plant Settle anrl EiTectually Cultivate at least three Acres of Land l' a::ted as aforesaid and in Default thereof or if the said Joseph Budd John Hnh Cu'ep Holt Humphrey Underhill Joseph Purdy George Lane Daniel Lane M ):•:■; Knap John Horton David Hort mi Jonatlrau L}Tich Peter Hatfield James rrr.rlss Isaac Covert Benjamin Brown Jiihn Turner David Ogdan and William Yeo-.-. .:is their Heirs and Assigns or any other person or Persons by their privity c . cnt or procurement Shall Set on Fire or Burn the Woods on the Said Lan,'. ^ or aiiy part thereof to Clear the Same so as Destroy Impair or binder the < :, "Wlh of any of the Trees that are or may be fit for Masts Planks Knees or othrr :'lniber for our Royall Navy hereby Reserved unto us our Heirs and Successors i lat Uien and in either of these cases this our present Grant and every Article v.vA Clause therein or thereof Shall Cease Determine and be Void anything hcrei'.i Contained to the Contrary thereof in any wise Notwithstanding And We do furhi-r of our Especial grace Certain knowledge and meer motion Consent and A :r -e that these presents being Entered upon Record as is hereafter Appointi (I sl;il !i.' good and etTectua! iu Law to all intents and purposes against tis our Heirs a .d Successors Notwithstanding the not Tsell Recilir.g or Misrccit-

s:..l upwards at T'^elve Inches from the Ground for Masts of our Eoyall Navy. ..;,i! :i!.-^> all such other Trees as niuy be lit to make Planks Knees and other i'.i'.r.ii Necessary for the use of our said Navy whicli uow arc Standing Growing .■r ticiiig iu and upon any of the said Lands with free Liberty and Lycence for .i:)y person or persons -whatsoever by us oiu- Heirs and Successors or any of them !u ho thereunto Appointed under our or their Sign 3Ianual -u-ith Workman Horses \\'a-rgons Carts and Carriages and ^vithout to Enter and come into and upon the Kiu] Lands and every part thereof, and thereto Fell Cut Down Eoot up Hew Saw and Kive have take C'firt and Carry away.the same for the uses aforesaid (Excepting also and Reserving all Silver and Gold Mines) To Have and to hold all and Singular the same certain Tract of Land and Premisses with its Hereditaments and Appurtenances (Excepting as before is Excepted and Keserved; unto the said Joseph Badd John Holt Caleb Hoit Humphry Underliill Joseph Purdy George Lnne Daniel Lane Moses Knap John Horton David Hortoa Jonathan Lynch Peter Hatfield James Travis Isaac Covert Benjamin Brown John Turner David Ogden and William Yeomans their Heirs and Assigns forever To be Holden of us our Heirs and Successors in free and common Soccige as of our Mannor of East Greenwich in the County of Kent within our Kiugdon of Great Britain Yeilding Rendring and pajing therefore Yearly and every Year forever unto us our Heirs a.vj\ Successors at our Cu'-itoui House in the City of Xcw York unto our or their Collector or Receiver General for the time being on the Feast Day of the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary commonly called Lady Day the annual Rent of t^o Shillings and Sixpence for every hundred acres thereof in Lieu and stead of all other Rents Services dues Dutys and Demands -whatsoever for the same four Thousand four Hundred and Thirty-tive Acres of Laud so granted as aforesaid Provided always and these presents are upon this Condition that the sa:ue Joseph Budd John Hoit Caleb Hoit Humphrey Underbill Joseph Purdy George Lane Daniel Lane Closes Knap John Horton David Horton Jonathan Lyncli Peter Hatfield Janics Traviss Isaac Covert Benjamin Brown John Turner Da-id Ogden and William Yeouians their Heirs and Assigns some or one of the -i s::a'I and do within the Term and Space of three Years now next ensuing the D;ve hereof plant Settle anrl EiTectually Cultivate at least three Acres of Land l' a::ted as aforesaid and in Default thereof or if the said Joseph Budd John Hnh Cu'ep Holt Humphrey Underhill Joseph Purdy George Lane Daniel Lane M ):•:■; Knap John Horton David Hort mi Jonatlrau L}Tich Peter Hatfield James rrr.rlss Isaac Covert Benjamin Brown Jiihn Turner David Ogdan and William Yeo-.-. .:is their Heirs and Assigns or any other person or Persons by their privity c . cnt or procurement Shall Set on Fire or Burn the Woods on the Said Lan,'. ^ or aiiy part thereof to Clear the Same so as Destroy Impair or binder the < :, "Wlh of any of the Trees that are or may be fit for Masts Planks Knees or othrr :'lniber for our Royall Navy hereby Reserved unto us our Heirs and Successors i lat Uien and in either of these cases this our present Grant and every Article v.vA Clause therein or thereof Shall Cease Determine and be Void anything hcrei'.i Contained to the Contrary thereof in any wise Notwithstanding And We do furhi-r of our Especial grace Certain knowledge and meer motion Consent and A :r -e that these presents being Entered upon Record as is hereafter Appointi (I sl;il !i.' good and etTectua! iu Law to all intents and purposes against tis our Heirs a .d Successors Notwithstanding the not Tsell Recilir.g or Misrccit-

544 HISTORY OF THE COUNTY d!" V/ESTCHESTm.

ing of the premisses or any part tU'.TCof In Tcsthnony whereof \Vec L-iv • Caused these our Letters to be made Patent and the Great Seal of our paid i'r •• vince to he hereunto affixed and the same to be Entrcd of Record in our J^c r. . tarys OfBce in one of the Books of Pntents there Remaining Witness our Tn;->'v and well beloved William Burnet Esq Captain General aud Governour in Chief (,f our Province of New Jersey and of all the Territories and Tracts of I/.i;:.! thereon Depending in America and Vice Adniirall of the same &c at Fort George in New York the Thirteenth day of ^Marcli in the Eight year of ov.r Reign Armo Domini 1721'^ W. ROBIN, D. Sccr'^-.

At this date, 172 1, the occupants of the land on what is now calle'l Broadway, were George Lane, Hving on the Squires place, and include. i Mr. Brown's ; Daniel Erundage in the old liouse next to Mr. Brown's, tr.c only house of that date now standing. The next noith of Brundage, was James Tra\'is. On the west side of Broadway was Moses KnappV house, about where Mr. Fiero now resides. John Hyatt Hved a litiic north of Knai)p, and Daniel Lane's house stood near the present residence of Elisha Horton. Anthony Miller ov.-ned the farm where the Miss Tompkins reside above the old Methodist church ; he had a fulling mill on the brook, near the Bronx river. The north west corner of the patent was seventeen chains north of this fulling mill. Christopher Tromain's house was near the Bronx not far from where Mr. Champa."ics lives on the road leading west from the old Methodist meeting-house. Samuel Horton built and lived in the house now standing known as the Jacob Purdy place at the foot of Frank Carpenter's hill.

Anthony Miller ov.-ned the farm where the Miss Tompkins reside above the old Methodist church ; he had a fulling mill on the brook, near the Bronx river. The north west corner of the patent was seventeen chains north of this fulling mill. Christopher Tromain's house was near the Bronx not far from where Mr. Champa."ics lives on the road leading west from the old Methodist meeting-house. Samuel Horton built and lived in the house now standing known as the Jacob Purdy place at the foot of Frank Carpenter's hill. The other dwellings were on the road to Rye. The first was Joseph Purdy's whicli stood near the present house of Mr. Onderdonk. Next to Joseph Purdy' -s was Caleb Hyatt's, and a short distance south-east of it John Hoit lived in tbe old house on the other corner of North street and the road leading past Bartholomevv Gidneys. Samuel Hoyt lived a quarter of a mile further on, on the same side of tlie road. Sam.uel Hunt's house was where ]\Ir. Nelson Seymour lives. The next house which is still standing was Samuel Merrit's, and further east and at some distance from, and north of the road, was the house of Humphrey Underhill. These were all the houses then standing in White Plains.

THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.

The Presbyterian church -- a stone edifice erected in 1S54 -- is the third church built on that spot, and presents a pretty appearance upon entering White Plains.

Tiie first church was erected, but not finished, and services held in it

The next house which is still standing was Samuel Merrit's, and further east and at some distance from, and north of the road, was the house of Humphrey Underhill. These were all the houses then standing in White Plains.

THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.

The Presbyterian church -- a stone edifice erected in 1S54 -- is the third church built on that spot, and presents a pretty appearance upon entering White Plains.

Tiie first church was erected, but not finished, and services held in it

a Albany Dock of Patent j, Li!j. v;ii. pp. -^0-454, (aew paging) pp. -luJ-ifiS, (oiJ pagiuij )

r"

ort-- Stage- roatl from Brn- Biii^toa to New York.

65-- Kcad to Kje town.

ee -- Road to Mauiaronecit town.

tfd-- Road to a landing culled Rye Nect.

ee-- Road to Dobb's Ferry. ^ //-- CaUcd White Plains' Street.

ffSr-- Road to to-wn of Harrison.

7i7t-- Road to town of Greenbnrgh.

i -f, fc7;-- Roads for private uses.

itagnetic variation, N. 3 W. Annual variation, 3- Incllniiifr Eastward. Xo. 1.-- Meeting-house of Methodist Society.

2.-- Court Hoiis?.

3.-- I'roporfv of Presbyterian Society.

4.-- Cas-away Brook.

5.-- Giildeii Pine B-ook.

6. -- .\morican Kni'impuienr in ITTii.

T.-- liriiirh Encampment ni lTTi>.

MAP or iiiK Tu\vN OF wmri-: plains.

a, &44.

THE TOWN OF WHITE PLAINS. 545

' '[or to May 12th, 1727." It was built mainly through the exertions of ;;.l' minister, the Rev. John Walton, who gave for that purpose three <• :arters of an acre of land in the north-east comer of his farm, and ap- K'ors from his deed convej-ing the famti in 1729 to his successor, the Kev. Edward Ward. Moses Owne subsequently became the o\\Tier of ::;e farm; and in June 15, 1751, conveyed "one certain tract of land with the meeting-house standing thereon, containing one acre more or less," to Caleb Hyatt, John Turner and Peter Hatfield.

John Walton, who gave for that purpose three <• :arters of an acre of land in the north-east comer of his farm, and ap- K'ors from his deed convej-ing the famti in 1729 to his successor, the Kev. Edward Ward. Moses Owne subsequently became the o\\Tier of ::;e farm; and in June 15, 1751, conveyed "one certain tract of land with the meeting-house standing thereon, containing one acre more or less," to Caleb Hyatt, John Turner and Peter Hatfield. The road which originally ran near the church was changed* in 1764 to its present location, leaving between it and the said church a piece of undivided land. This piece of undivided land was soon after date conveyed by ihe proprietorsof the White Plains purchase to the Presbyterian church, as follows : --

"The undersigned, being such as have proprietors rights in the White Plains in the township of Rye, &c.,

" Whereas there is a small piece of undivided land lying on the north side of burying ground, near the Presbj'terian meeting-house, being willing that the said piece of undivided land, &c., we are willing that the same sliould be fenced in to with the burying yard, to be appropriated for the use of a burying yard, to bv under the entire government and management of the said congregation.

JoxATn.ix PCP.DT, Before Josathan G. Tompkiss. David IIokton,

Gabriel Lynch, Caleb IItatt, Samuel Huxt."

From these documents it w^ould appear that there was a Presb>lerian church standing here in 1727. The first ordained minister was the Rev. John Smith, D.D., who served the Presbyterian churches of Rye and nVii^e Plains, and died in the year 177 1, lea\ing flourishing congregations and commodious houses of worship in both places. His remains repose in the burying ground, near those of his wife and daughter, in the rear of the church.

Gabriel Lynch, Caleb IItatt, Samuel Huxt."

From these documents it w^ould appear that there was a Presb>lerian church standing here in 1727. The first ordained minister was the Rev. John Smith, D.D., who served the Presbyterian churches of Rye and nVii^e Plains, and died in the year 177 1, lea\ing flourishing congregations and commodious houses of worship in both places. His remains repose in the burying ground, near those of his wife and daughter, in the rear of the church. A plain head-stone marks the spot, and bears the following inscription under a rudely carved similitude of a cherub : --

Here lie the remains of the

REV. JOHN SMITH,

the first ordained ministers of the Presbyterian persuasion iu Rye and the White Plains, who was born in England, __ May 5, 1702,

a Memorial of ProsV)Ttcr:.\r. chnrch, White Plain?, in thr- archivps at ITartford.

6 live Kcconls r>. p. 1-^.

e Mr. Siiiiih's name app'-'irs In the record of tlie Synod ia 1753 as miuister of Rje.

546 HISTORY OF TiiE COUXTY OF ^VESTCHESTER, 3

v.'ore out with various labors,

and fell asleep in ,Icsus.

Deceased Tebruary 26tli, 1771,

aged sixty-eight years, 9 mouths, and 22 days.

By faith he lived, in faith he died,

and faith foresees a rising- day when Jesus comes,

while hope assumes and boasts liis joy among the tombs.

Oh death ! Oh grave ! where is thy victory.

"Thanks be to God that piveth us the 'victory through our Lord Jesus Christ."

His brother was the Hon. William Smith. Lorenzo Sabine, E?q., i:; his ver}' valuable work on American loj'alists, says of this individual : -- " That he was Chief Justice and a member of the council of the colony, and considered to be in office in 1782. His father, the Honorab'-- William Smith, an eminent lawyer and Judge of the Supreme Court, died in 1769.

"Thanks be to God that piveth us the 'victory through our Lord Jesus Christ."

His brother was the Hon. William Smith. Lorenzo Sabine, E?q., i:; his ver}' valuable work on American loj'alists, says of this individual : -- " That he was Chief Justice and a member of the council of the colony, and considered to be in office in 1782. His father, the Honorab'-- William Smith, an eminent lawyer and Judge of the Supreme Court, died in 1769. William Smith, the subject of this notice, graduated in Yale College in 1745. It appears, that he was at a loss as to the side which he should espouse in the controversy which preceded the Revolution, and that he made no choice until late in the war. It seems, ako. that a number of other gentlemen of wealth and influence, who hi 1 wavered like himself, joined the royal cause about the same time, in 1778. It is beheved that, at first, he opposed the claims of the ministrv-. However this may be, his final decision excited the remark of both the Whigs and Loyalists. The former indulging their wit in verse, and calling him the 'weathercock,' that 'could hardly tell which way to turn;' and the latter noticing his adhesion in their correspondence. He settled in Canada after the war, and was Chief Justice of that colony. He publislied a history of New York, which was continued by his son William."<i .

a ♦'TtiH eloquent man," alluiUnp to Judjre Pmlth, "havin;? been an adherent to theroya; cause in the Kovol'inon, toft The city of istw York in 17^:;, with the British troops, anrt waj after-ftMrrls rowar^U 1! bv bis sovoreitra with 11 bigU judici.iry utlice at Qutbec. Ju^iit'.' f-isilth. a^thou?^. tUnri rfmnv.d' from the pUice of liis ori^riii, always couteQipiiitttl the xioiitii'sof !» iii'.tive couutrv wi;li ii-culiar solicituUL-.

He publislied a history of New York, which was continued by his son William."<i .

a ♦'TtiH eloquent man," alluiUnp to Judjre Pmlth, "havin;? been an adherent to theroya; cause in the Kovol'inon, toft The city of istw York in 17^:;, with the British troops, anrt waj after-ftMrrls rowar^U 1! bv bis sovoreitra with 11 bigU judici.iry utlice at Qutbec. Ju^iit'.' f-isilth. a^thou?^. tUnri rfmnv.d' from the pUice of liis ori^riii, always couteQipiiitttl the xioiitii'sof !» iii'.tive couutrv wi;li ii-culiar solicituUL-. Cue oveuinp:, m the year ITS'j, when Ui: Mitchell was iu Quebec, an''^ ixn^ii'.tr the evenicif ut the chief ju.stice's house, the leading subject of convers.-itiou wcis the new Feileral coustttutioa, then nurter the consideration of the States, ou the recotuiaetiilatiDU of the Coiivt-ntion which sat tit ThiLidelphia iii ITsr. Mr. Smith, who h:ui been somewhat indi-ti'jsecl for sevi-nil davs, retirfl to his chamber with :Mr. Grant, one of the members of the I,ejrislative council, at ati earlv hour. In a short time ]Mr. < iraut invited Dr. Mitchell, in Mr. Hiaitii 3 n.iuie, to wait from the parlor into Mr. Smith's study, and si: with thetn. Mr. Mitchell was conducted to a sofa, and seated besid" the * hief .Justic, before wh'Mii on tt table was a. larjje buudle of papers. Mr. Smith resumed the subject of American politics. Bad noticed his papi-rs. Afl-T searching aiuunc: them a wlui", he unfolded a ct-r lin one. which he .«ai:l wa^ written ai)out thetime the colonial commoiiocs trrew violent. t;i ]''■'• : »'>;' contained a plan or system of tjoverniuent, stetchod out by himself then, and whieh near.> resembl-jil the cons-itution atterwanis propose! bv the Federd Convention of the l i;i:ecl States. He then r-.-ad the conttnts. The pi.-ce was loU'^ and eiub .rate, and written wlih inucQ beautv and tpint. 'T his, sir,' said he. after tinishinp it, • i.s a copy <if a letter, which I sen: .o a member of coujrrf >s in 177.'), who was an intimate friend of (Ji-neral W rtshinc;con. i ou may trace to this .»; mre.Mhe si-iiriui"nts in f;ivorof is, more entr;,'ic Roverimu-nt for your cunrr.*. contained ia th-.- o-Maaiund'T-ia-ehi-C-. ciicilar U-itirs; atid from this, there can be tu ii.'U-'v. that the c;liz;ns of all tiie Sr.ites <Ierive thtir leadin<r traits for your uew form of jr 'Vtra- Ilieut.'"-- i/jj-t.-iru Habine'i Btojmphical :SkcCchcs of Sv-.iTican LuyalUU.

The pi.-ce was loU'^ and eiub .rate, and written wlih inucQ beautv and tpint. 'T his, sir,' said he. after tinishinp it, • i.s a copy <if a letter, which I sen: .o a member of coujrrf >s in 177.'), who was an intimate friend of (Ji-neral W rtshinc;con. i ou may trace to this .»; mre.Mhe si-iiriui"nts in f;ivorof is, more entr;,'ic Roverimu-nt for your cunrr.*. contained ia th-.- o-Maaiund'T-ia-ehi-C-. ciicilar U-itirs; atid from this, there can be tu ii.'U-'v. that the c;liz;ns of all tiie Sr.ites <Ierive thtir leadin<r traits for your uew form of jr 'Vtra- Ilieut.'"-- i/jj-t.-iru Habine'i Btojmphical :SkcCchcs of Sv-.iTican LuyalUU.

THE TO\\'N OF WHITE PLAINS.

In 1776 the Rev. Ichabod Lewis, twin brother of the venerable Isaac L<."vvisof Horseneck,was ordained pastor of tlie united churches of White ri.iins and Xew Rochelle by the Presbytery of Dutchess county. About \z o'clock at night on the 5th of November, 1776, the Presbyterian ch'jrch, together with a quantity of timber designed for its enlargement, besides a number of other buildings, were set on fire by Major Osborne of the Massachusetts line (under General Glover), for the purpose of preventing them from being used by the British troops, then in the neighborhood during the ensuing winter. These facts are fully proved, by affidavits of witnesses now in possession of the trustees. After the burning of the church, the congregation gradually declined; for the members, being mostly staunch Whigs, were obliged to retire north to avoid the depredations and assaults of British troops from New York. The Rev. Ichabod Lewis removed to Bedford, but similar circumstances constrained him to leave that place also for Salem ; where he spent the remainder of his days, and lies interred. He left a legacy to the church at South Salem of one thousand dollars, the interest of which at present assists in supporting the pastor of that church.* From 1784 to 1S21 the congregation enjoyed the privilege of occasional preaching.

After the burning of the church, the congregation gradually declined; for the members, being mostly staunch Whigs, were obliged to retire north to avoid the depredations and assaults of British troops from New York. The Rev. Ichabod Lewis removed to Bedford, but similar circumstances constrained him to leave that place also for Salem ; where he spent the remainder of his days, and lies interred. He left a legacy to the church at South Salem of one thousand dollars, the interest of which at present assists in supporting the pastor of that church.* From 1784 to 1S21 the congregation enjoyed the privilege of occasional preaching. Upon the 13th of February, 17S8, the church was incorporated under. the title of the "Presbyterian Church in the White Plains," Jonathan G. Tompkins, Richard Hattield, Daniel Horton, Jacob Purdy, Nicholas Fisher and Robert Hart, trustees. ''

During the years 1S21 and 1S22, the church was regularly supplied by the Rev. Thomas G. Smith, of the Reformed Dutch congregations of Tarr)-town and L'nionville, every second or third Sunday, for v/hich he received a small pecuniary compensation. In the S[)ring of 1S23, the Rev. Marcus Harrison performed services for a short period as a Domestic Missionary, and was succeeded by the Rev. Mr. Ely, who officiated here and at Lov/er Greenburgh (Dobb's Ferry) about four months under the direction of the Domestic Missionary Society of the city of New York. For the successors of Mr. Ely, see the subjoined list of pastors.

The second church was destroyed by fire in 1S54. It took fire on a Sabbath, when it was burnt to the ground; it originated this time in a defect in trie chimney from which sparks communicated to the belfry during the morning sen-ice. and when discovered had made such progress as to render all efforts to save the building unavaihng ; only the books,

For the successors of Mr. Ely, see the subjoined list of pastors.

The second church was destroyed by fire in 1S54. It took fire on a Sabbath, when it was burnt to the ground; it originated this time in a defect in trie chimney from which sparks communicated to the belfry during the morning sen-ice. and when discovered had made such progress as to render all efforts to save the building unavaihng ; only the books,

a CommunitMteil to rho aatlior by tlie Tlev. S. Scbcack, since the comiilotiou of Lii-.Thboroug-li 'r Suiun t>j.lvia.-- ?iee vol. i. •-'.■6,

h Co. Roc. i;t.'lig:loai Soc. Lib. A. IS.

HISTORY OF THE COUNTY OF WESTCHESTER.

cushions and other moveable articles were saved. The loss was estimated at $3,000.

A LIST OF PASTORS AXD StTPPLIES OF THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF WHITE PLAINS.

Pastors. Vacated By.

John Siiixn, D.D., death.

IcHABOD Lewis, resigned.

Thomas G. Smith, supply,

JMarccs IIarkison', "

Me. Ely. "

Samuel IIobertsox, pastor,

Chester Long, "

John White, "

Edwaed Weight, "

lE.hl.SS S. SCHESCK, "

Brossox B. Beardslet, " Joseph Foestthe, "

David Teese, "

Thomas C. Stiele, "

Edgar L. Heumaxce, present pastor.

This church is in connection with the Bedford Presbytery. The following inscriptions are taken from monuments in the grave vard : --

Here lie the remains of

CALEB IIORTOX,

■who died August 24th, 1770,

aged 72 years.

stalled

OK Called.

A.D.

. 17.53.

Rev.

1770.

Rev.

1S2I,

Rev.

1S23,

Rev.

1823,

Rev.

Oct.

1S23,

Rev.

A.D.

, 1825,

Beardslet, " Joseph Foestthe, "

David Teese, "

Thomas C. Stiele, "

Edgar L. Heumaxce, present pastor.

This church is in connection with the Bedford Presbytery. The following inscriptions are taken from monuments in the grave vard : --

Here lie the remains of

CALEB IIORTOX,

■who died August 24th, 1770,

aged 72 years.

stalled

OK Called.

A.D.

. 17.53.

Rev.

1770.

Rev.

1S2I,

Rev.

1S23,

Rev.

1823,

Rev.

Oct.

1S23,

Rev.

A.D.

, 1825,

Rev.

1834,

Rev.

1835.

Rev.

1844,

Rev.

iS4y,

Rev.

1850,

Rev.

1853.

Rev.

1871,

Rev.

Jan. 19

1374.

Rev.

; M A R Y,

wife of

Michael Chaddertox,

bora June 25, 1706. n)arried 1727, and lived in that State forty-live years, ob. 1772.

There are also numerous memorials to the families of ^Miller. Fislior. Varian. Purdy, and Tompkins, and the vault of William and Isahe'i.'! Pirnie. The renuiiiis of a British othccr who fell at the battle of AViiitc Plains, were interred in the south-west corner of this yard.

THE TOWN OF WHITE PLAINS. 549

METHODIST CHURCn, WHITE PLAINS.

Methodism was introduced in Wnite Plains in the year 1775, by the Rfv. Cornelius Cook. The first Methodist Episcopal church was built n, 1795, when Revs. Thomas Woolsey, Albert Van Nostrand and Jason I'erkins were the preachers on the circuit which embraced White Plains. Tills church was forty four feet square ; and when completed, ready for dedication, it was burned. At a meeting, called on the evening of the same day, it was resolved to rebuild at once, and six hundred dollars was subscribed on the spot for that purpose ; and it is said that some of the members were in the roads felling trees and preparing timber before the smoking embers were extinguished.

Thomas Woolsey, Albert Van Nostrand and Jason I'erkins were the preachers on the circuit which embraced White Plains. Tills church was forty four feet square ; and when completed, ready for dedication, it was burned. At a meeting, called on the evening of the same day, it was resolved to rebuild at once, and six hundred dollars was subscribed on the spot for that purpose ; and it is said that some of the members were in the roads felling trees and preparing timber before the smoking embers were extinguished.

The first Methodist Episcopal church now standing on Broadway, larger than its predecessor-- sprang Phcenix-like from the ashes of the old-- and when dedicated was the second Methodist Episcopal church north of the city of New York.

In the year 1836 the third Methodist church was built next door to the parsonage of the :Memorial church-- a little less than one mile south of the old church.

In 1863 the \illage was constituted a separate charge, and the Rev. Gideon Draper appointed pastor, who remained two years. In the years 1865 and 1S66, Rev. W. M. Chipp was pastor ; Rev. J. P. Herraane, 1867; in 186S and 1S69, Rev. J. W. Beach; in 1S70, the Rev. E. B. Otherman; in 1S71 the Rev. Richard Wheatley became pastor. During his pastorate, which continued until the Conference, 1873, the Memorial M. E. church was built. Great credit is due to the Rev. Dr. Wheatley for his untiring efforts, good taste and sound judgment in this really greatest enterprise of the M. E Church of White Plains. It contains the memorial tablets of many of the great and good men who were, indeed, giants in their day. The Memorial Church was dedicated on Sabbath, May iS, 1873; on the previous Saturday able and appropriate sermons were preached by Rev.

E. church was built. Great credit is due to the Rev. Dr. Wheatley for his untiring efforts, good taste and sound judgment in this really greatest enterprise of the M. E Church of White Plains. It contains the memorial tablets of many of the great and good men who were, indeed, giants in their day. The Memorial Church was dedicated on Sabbath, May iS, 1873; on the previous Saturday able and appropriate sermons were preached by Rev. C. D. Foss, D.D., and Rev. Bishop Janes. On Sabbath morning Bishop Simpson preached a very able sermon from 2d Peter i: 19. Rev. Dr. Eddy preached in the afternoon. In the evening the Rev. Bishop Hasen preached an able and appropriate sermon from Psalm 1:2. On Sabbath morning, July 13, 1874, memorial services, appropriate to the unveiling of the tablets (placed at the base of the church windows) were held. Rev. Daniel Curry, D.D., Rev. J. B. Wakeley, D.D., and Elijah Miller, Esq., were the sjieakers.

The Rev. W. F. Hatfield was the pastor of this church ac tiie time it was dedicated, and of the uuveiUng of the tablets. He remained three

55°

HISTORY OF THE COUNTY OF ^VESTCHESTER.

years ; and in the spring of 1S76 Rev. P. R. Hauxhurst was appoir.ic ;. At the Conference of 1877, the Rev. J. Y. Bates was appointed.

The present membership of the church, is 315. It has a lar^c ar.i i.-.. teresting Sabbath-school -- of which Samuel Scott, Esq., is the sui'cr;:;. tendent. The President of the board of Trustees, Samuel R. Pulkn • Secretary-, J. Malcom Smith; Treasurer, J. R. Tompkins.

HISTORY OF THE COUNTY OF ^VESTCHESTER.

years ; and in the spring of 1S76 Rev. P. R. Hauxhurst was appoir.ic ;. At the Conference of 1877, the Rev. J. Y. Bates was appointed.

The present membership of the church, is 315. It has a lar^c ar.i i.-.. teresting Sabbath-school -- of which Samuel Scott, Esq., is the sui'cr;:;. tendent. The President of the board of Trustees, Samuel R. Pulkn • Secretary-, J. Malcom Smith; Treasurer, J. R. Tompkins.

The old Episcopal church stood a little east of the old court l;o;::>c It was built of wood, with a tower and vestry room in the rear; v.-.c tower contained a bell, weighing 1135 pounds. This parish was l"int organized by the exertions of the Rev. Lewis P. Bayard in 1S24, wlij occasionally performed services there. Upon the 22nd of .March, iS2j\, the church was in.corporated by the title of Grace (Protestant Episcopal) church, AMiite Plains, in remembrance of Grace church. Rye, whose

Grace Church, Wtiite Plains.

minister had officiated here at intervals from 1762 to iS 16. As early as 1760, White Plains constituted one of the precincts of Rye parisli, ar.d paid a small sum annually towards the support of the rector and the pour ; her connection with Rye was dissolved in 1S16. Richard Jarvis and Alan McDonald were tlie first wardens. Wilham Purdy, John Honon, Gilbert Hatfield, James Dick, Alexander Fowler, Joshua Horton, William Buckley and James ^Merritt, \'estr}'men.

The church edifice was consecrated on the 2nd of June, 1S26, by t'''^ Right Rev. J. H. Hobart. In 1S33 Trinity church, N'ew York, appropriated to this parisli the sum of $750. In 1861 Mr. Pruden gave tr.e present site of ground to the rector, wardens and vestry on Rail Ro.i.i Avenue; and in 1S64, the corner stone was laid.

Wilham Purdy, John Honon, Gilbert Hatfield, James Dick, Alexander Fowler, Joshua Horton, William Buckley and James ^Merritt, \'estr}'men.

The church edifice was consecrated on the 2nd of June, 1S26, by t'''^ Right Rev. J. H. Hobart. In 1S33 Trinity church, N'ew York, appropriated to this parisli the sum of $750. In 1861 Mr. Pruden gave tr.e present site of ground to the rector, wardens and vestry on Rail Ro.i.i Avenue; and in 1S64, the corner stone was laid. In 1S65 the present

THE TOWN OF WHITE PLAINS. 55 1

church was consecrated. It cost about $39,000; tower riot completeA la 1S63 a liandsome rectory was built on the same ground, south of the jicw church, costing $3,000. In 1873 a Sunday-school room was commenced, 75x35 feet, to cost about $9,000; but it has not yet been completed.

The church still owns the old site on the old post road, which is kept merely as a burying ground.

LIST OF RECTORS i^JSTD MIXISTERS.

1N3T. OK CAU- IXCTJMBEXTS. YACATED BT.

1824, Rev. W. C. ilE.i.D, Presb., resigned.

1S-2G, Rev. ..\_LEX.o;DEr. 11. Ckosby, A.M., Prcsb., •'

IS'29, Rev. Joii.v W. Cui:ti3, Presb., " "

1831, Rev. Rouep-t W. Haems, A.M., " "

1S.>5, Rev. Thkodoke S. Rtjmn'et, *' "

1S70, Rev. F. B. Y.^n' Kleeck, " preseat rector.

On the 19th of March, 1874, a large number of literary gentlemen of the county met in the village of White Plains at the following call: --

Dear Sir: -- We, the undersigned, have long felt the want in coinmon with others of a County Historical Society. Upon consultation with prominent men we have been asked to call a meeting to organize such a Society for Westchester county. And beg to name Thursday, March 19th, at 2 p.m., at the Orawaupuna Hotel, White Plains ; and hope you will take an interest, and if possible attend the meeting.

On the 19th of March, 1874, a large number of literary gentlemen of the county met in the village of White Plains at the following call: --

Dear Sir: -- We, the undersigned, have long felt the want in coinmon with others of a County Historical Society. Upon consultation with prominent men we have been asked to call a meeting to organize such a Society for Westchester county. And beg to name Thursday, March 19th, at 2 p.m., at the Orawaupuna Hotel, White Plains ; and hope you will take an interest, and if possible attend the meeting. Signed,

Rev. Robt. Boltox, Jas. E. Mallort,

Rev. C. W. Boltox, Jas. B. Ccx-S'iNonAxr,

ViM. Coven ri^v II. ^^'ADDELL, Ed. J. Carpenter,

Effingham Cock.

The Society was organized under the following Act : --

AN ACT TO IXC0RP0R.\TE THE HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF WEST- CHESTER COL'XTY, IX THE STATE OF XEW YORK. The People of tKe State of Xcu: York, represented in the Senate and Assemlly do €7iact a.i fAiOi.cs :

§ 1. Rev. Robert Bolton, Wm. Coventry H. Waddell, James B. Cunningham, Etfigha a Cock, Rev. C. ^V. Bolton, James E. Mallory, Edward J. Carpenter, Wm. H. Robertson, Clarksou X. Potter, James W. Husted, Roljcrt Rutherford MoiTis. John Jay, Wa!t( r White Evan.i Edward F. Delancy, O. R. Willis, Wm. B. Tibbits, Henry Wood. John Jay Wood, Joseph Barrett, James Wood, Rev. Ciiarlcs Baird. David Rowo, Edward Wells. John Dewitt, R.-bert P. Getty, I. T. Vriir.u-is, Will. Cauldw,.-;], Amhvrst Wi_dit, Robert S. Ilaviland, and thtir associates wh<j are now or ri::;y be hereafter associated for the purposes 01" this Act,

Carpenter, Wm. H. Robertson, Clarksou X. Potter, James W. Husted, Roljcrt Rutherford MoiTis. John Jay, Wa!t( r White Evan.i Edward F. Delancy, O. R. Willis, Wm. B. Tibbits, Henry Wood. John Jay Wood, Joseph Barrett, James Wood, Rev. Ciiarlcs Baird. David Rowo, Edward Wells. John Dewitt, R.-bert P. Getty, I. T. Vriir.u-is, Will. Cauldw,.-;], Amhvrst Wi_dit, Robert S. Ilaviland, and thtir associates wh<j are now or ri::;y be hereafter associated for the purposes 01" this Act,

552 HISTORY OF THE COUNTY OF WESTCHESTER.

are hereby constituted a body corporate by the name of the "Historical Society of WestdiestcT County," for llje purpose of collecting and preserving liistoricU information specially within the original limits of said county, and relative to historical matters generally.

§ 2. For the purposes aforesaid the said society shall possess the general powers and privileges and be subject to the general liabilities contained in the third title of the eighteenth chapter of the first part of the Revised Statutes, as far as the tame may be applicable, and may not have been modified or repealed; but tlhreal and personal estate which the said society shall be authorized to take, and hold, and convey, over and above its library, charts, maps, instruments and collections, shall not at any time exceed in value that w-hich does produce the clear yearly income of ten thousand dollars.

§ 8. The otFicers of said society shall be a President and as many Vice-Presidents, Secretai-ics and other otEcers as may from time to time be provided by the by-laws of the society.

For the purposes aforesaid the said society shall possess the general powers and privileges and be subject to the general liabilities contained in the third title of the eighteenth chapter of the first part of the Revised Statutes, as far as the tame may be applicable, and may not have been modified or repealed; but tlhreal and personal estate which the said society shall be authorized to take, and hold, and convey, over and above its library, charts, maps, instruments and collections, shall not at any time exceed in value that w-hich does produce the clear yearly income of ten thousand dollars.

§ 8. The otFicers of said society shall be a President and as many Vice-Presidents, Secretai-ics and other otEcers as may from time to time be provided by the by-laws of the society.

§ 4. The said society for fixing the terms of admission of its members, for the government of the same, for clianging the olfice.'-s thereof and for the regulation and management of its transactions and affairs shall have power to form a cjde of b}--laws, not inconsistent with the laws of the State of New York or of the United Sfates: which code when formed and adopted at a regular meeting shall, until mollified or rescinded, be equally binding as the Act upon its officers and members.

§ 5. The Legislature may at any time alter or repeal this Act.

§ 6. This Act shall take effect immediately.

The first officers were : President, Ed. F. Delancy ; Vice-Presidents, Rev. Robt. Bolton, Isaiah WiUiams, Rev. Chas. E. Lindsley, Robt. 1'. Getty, Ed. Willis; Rec. Secretary, Isaac Wright; Corresptvidiiig Sec, Rev. Robt. Bolton; ForeigJi Corresp. Sec, J J'. Coventry H. Waddle; Treas., Ed. J. Carpenter ; Librarian and Curator, Wm. E. Tibbits

The said society for fixing the terms of admission of its members, for the government of the same, for clianging the olfice.'-s thereof and for the regulation and management of its transactions and affairs shall have power to form a cjde of b}--laws, not inconsistent with the laws of the State of New York or of the United Sfates: which code when formed and adopted at a regular meeting shall, until mollified or rescinded, be equally binding as the Act upon its officers and members.

§ 5. The Legislature may at any time alter or repeal this Act.

§ 6. This Act shall take effect immediately.

The first officers were : President, Ed. F. Delancy ; Vice-Presidents, Rev. Robt. Bolton, Isaiah WiUiams, Rev. Chas. E. Lindsley, Robt. 1'. Getty, Ed. Willis; Rec. Secretary, Isaac Wright; Corresptvidiiig Sec, Rev. Robt. Bolton; ForeigJi Corresp. Sec, J J'. Coventry H. Waddle; Treas., Ed. J. Carpenter ; Librarian and Curator, Wm. E. Tibbits

The village of White Plains is vcr}- pleasantly situated, and contains a fine stone court-house and jail, Clerk's office, Surrogate's office, Treasurer's ofrice, Record office, Grand Jury's room, Supervisor's room, and Sherifi's office ; a Bank and Savings Bank, an P'piscopal church, two Methodist churches, a Presbyterian church, Roman Catholic chiirch and Baptist church, a young ladies' seminary and a boys military sciiool, several factories, a large number of lawyer's offices, two newspaper offices, two large and line hotels -- the Orawampum and the Standard House. -Vl.-^o several large livery stables, a large public school house, three carriage manufactories, steam, saw and turning mill, gas house, engine house, and a large number of beautiful stores. It has recently erected a ven." beautifv.l soldier's monument. The whole town is richly wooded, and well watered by the Bronx, Sheldrake raid Marnaroneck rivers. These streams form romantic valleys, and sup[)iy numerous mill seats.

The village of White Plains is vcr}- pleasantly situated, and contains a fine stone court-house and jail, Clerk's office, Surrogate's office, Treasurer's ofrice, Record office, Grand Jury's room, Supervisor's room, and Sherifi's office ; a Bank and Savings Bank, an P'piscopal church, two Methodist churches, a Presbyterian church, Roman Catholic chiirch and Baptist church, a young ladies' seminary and a boys military sciiool, several factories, a large number of lawyer's offices, two newspaper offices, two large and line hotels -- the Orawampum and the Standard House. -Vl.-^o several large livery stables, a large public school house, three carriage manufactories, steam, saw and turning mill, gas house, engine house, and a large number of beautiful stores. It has recently erected a ven." beautifv.l soldier's monument. The whole town is richly wooded, and well watered by the Bronx, Sheldrake raid Marnaroneck rivers. These streams form romantic valleys, and sup[)iy numerous mill seats. Since

THE TOWN OF WHITE PLAIN'S.

• ■.- I'lr.-i settlement of this place, which commenced soon after its pur- ^.;.i--o iroia the Indians in 16S3, it has continued steadily to progress.

Wiiite Plains being a shire town the courts are all held here. The cojr'huuse, a handsome stone building, stands near the centre of the ijwn on Railroad Avenue. The first court-house was erected in 1759, •j;»on the removal of the courts from Westchester. The first court of Common Pleas assembled here on the 27 th of ^lay, 1760. The first court-house was burnt soon after the battle of White Plains, and the second built on the same site, about 1784 or 17S5. The third, or new court-house and jail, were erected in 1S54.

The cojr'huuse, a handsome stone building, stands near the centre of the ijwn on Railroad Avenue. The first court-house was erected in 1759, •j;»on the removal of the courts from Westchester. The first court of Common Pleas assembled here on the 27 th of ^lay, 1760. The first court-house was burnt soon after the battle of White Plains, and the second built on the same site, about 1784 or 17S5. The third, or new court-house and jail, were erected in 1S54.

There are events connected with this spot, which will long live in the pages of American history. It was here that the Whigs of Westchester

I 0 '■ '^'

Secoad Court House, Wliite Plains.

County appointed to meet the committees of the several towns to elect deputies to the Continental Congress, -who were to assemble at Philadelphia, on the first day of September, 1774. The proceedings of the various meetings held here would afford matter for a good size volume, we shall therefore present our readers with a small part only of the important productions of those eventful times. The following resolutions were adopted by the freeholders and inhabitants of Rye and Westchester : --

" On the loth day of August, 1774, the freeholders and inhabitants of the township of A^c-, made choice of Jolm Thomas, Jr. Esquire, Robert Bloomer, Zeno Carivnter and Ebenozer Haviland, for a committee to consult and determine with the committees of the other towns and dis-

554 HISTORY OF THE COUNTY OF WESTCHESTER.

The proceedings of the various meetings held here would afford matter for a good size volume, we shall therefore present our readers with a small part only of the important productions of those eventful times. The following resolutions were adopted by the freeholders and inhabitants of Rye and Westchester : --

" On the loth day of August, 1774, the freeholders and inhabitants of the township of A^c-, made choice of Jolm Thomas, Jr. Esquire, Robert Bloomer, Zeno Carivnter and Ebenozer Haviland, for a committee to consult and determine with the committees of the other towns and dis-

554 HISTORY OF THE COUNTY OF WESTCHESTER.

tricts in the County of Westchester, upon the expediencv of sendin./ oror more delegates to Congress to-be held in Philadel])hia, on tht^nr't day of September, next. The committee, after making choice of E!)' enezer Ha\-iland, as chairman, expressed their sentiments and resolutions m the follo^\•ing manner, which was unanimously approved :

"This meeting being greatly alarmed at the late proceedings of the Briti.?h Parliament, in order to raise a revenue iu America, and considering tlieir Lumost cruel, unjust and mnvarrantable act for blocking up the port'^of Boston, having a direct tendency to deprive a free people of their most valuable rights and privileges, an introduction to subjugate the inhabitants of the English colonies, and render them vassals to the British House of Commons, Ht-sokal,

1st, that they think it their greatest happmess to live under the illustrious hou=;> of Jlanover. and that tivjy will steadfaarly ar.d unifornily bear true and faithful allegiance to his majesty King George the Third, under the enjovment of thov constitutional rights and privileges, as fellow subjects, with tliose m England

"This meeting being greatly alarmed at the late proceedings of the Briti.?h Parliament, in order to raise a revenue iu America, and considering tlieir Lumost cruel, unjust and mnvarrantable act for blocking up the port'^of Boston, having a direct tendency to deprive a free people of their most valuable rights and privileges, an introduction to subjugate the inhabitants of the English colonies, and render them vassals to the British House of Commons, Ht-sokal,

1st, that they think it their greatest happmess to live under the illustrious hou=;> of Jlanover. and that tivjy will steadfaarly ar.d unifornily bear true and faithful allegiance to his majesty King George the Third, under the enjovment of thov constitutional rights and privileges, as fellow subjects, with tliose m England

''2nd, But wo conceive it a fundamental part of the British const'tution that no man shall be taxed, but by Lis own consent, or that of his Bepresontativr^ m 1 jirliament." And as we are by no means represented, we consider all act« of mJ>ament imposuig taxes on the Colonies an undue exertion of ijovN-er and subversive of oae of the most valuable privileges of the English constitution.

"3d, That it is the opinion of this meeting, that the act of Parliament for shv*- tmg up the port of Boslon, and divestnig some of the inhabitants of private property, is a most unparalled, rigorous and imjust piece of cruelty and dcs-

"4th That unanimity and firmness of measures in the C-^lonics are the mon effectual means to secure the invaded rights and privile-cs of America, and to avoid the impending ruin which now thi-eatens this once happy country.

"3d, That it is the opinion of this meeting, that the act of Parliament for shv*- tmg up the port of Boslon, and divestnig some of the inhabitants of private property, is a most unparalled, rigorous and imjust piece of cruelty and dcs-

"4th That unanimity and firmness of measures in the C-^lonics are the mon effectual means to secure the invaded rights and privile-cs of America, and to avoid the impending ruin which now thi-eatens this once happy country.

"5tli That the most effectual mode of redressing our gTievaace'= v»-ill be bv a (.reneral Congress, of delegates from the different colonies, and that we are wUl- \ngr to abide by such measures as they in theu: wisdom shall consider neces^ary to be adopted on that important occasion.

By order of the committee,

EBEXEZER IIAYILAXD, C/iairman."

The committee for the town of Bye will meet the committees of the other towns and districts in the County of Westchester, on Jlonday the 22d day of this instauL at the Conrt-Umc in the White Plains, to return an answer to a letter from :dr. Isaac Low, chairman of the committee of correspondence in \ew 'iork."'i

The Westchester i esolutions were as follows :

"At a meeting of the freeholders and inhabitants of the Borouo-h town of Westchester, iu New York, the 20th of August, 1774, James Ferris" Esq., Col. Lewis Morns, and Capt. Thomas Hunt, were chosen a committee to meet a com- R-nttee of the different towns and precincts within this countv, at the White Plains on Monday the 2ed inst., to consult on the expediency of appointing one or more delegates to represent tlus county at the General Congress, &c., and James

"At a meeting of the freeholders and inhabitants of the Borouo-h town of Westchester, iu New York, the 20th of August, 1774, James Ferris" Esq., Col. Lewis Morns, and Capt. Thomas Hunt, were chosen a committee to meet a com- R-nttee of the different towns and precincts within this countv, at the White Plains on Monday the 2ed inst., to consult on the expediency of appointing one or more delegates to represent tlus county at the General Congress, &c., and James

n American Arcliivej, fonrthserio-s ^ol. i.

THE TOWN OF WTIITE PLAINS. 555

Ft rii.>, Esq.. being unanimoasly chosen cbairinan ; the committee, after coiisid- » r::i_' the very alaniiiug situation ol" their sulTering brethren In Uoston, occasioned h\ the late unconstitutional, arbitrary and oppressive act of the British ParlialiRiif , for blocking up their port, as well as the several acts imposing taxes 0:1 the Colonics In order to raise a revenue in America, thought proper to adopt the following resolutions, wliich were unanimously agreed to : --

'^Rfsolced. 1st., That we do and will bear true allegiance to his majesty (.Jcorge the Third, Kmg of Great Britain, and according to the British constitution.

"2udly, That we conincide jn opinion with our friends in New York and every other Colony, that all acts of the British ParHament imposing taxes on the Colonies without their consent or by their representatives, are arbitrary and opnressivc, and should meet ths abhorence and detestation of all good men: that they are replete with the purpose of creating animosities and dissensions between tiio mother country and the colonies, or thereby tend to destroy that harmony and iimtual agreement which is so much the interest of both to cherish and maintain.

"2udly, That we conincide jn opinion with our friends in New York and every other Colony, that all acts of the British ParHament imposing taxes on the Colonies without their consent or by their representatives, are arbitrary and opnressivc, and should meet ths abhorence and detestation of all good men: that they are replete with the purpose of creating animosities and dissensions between tiio mother country and the colonies, or thereby tend to destroy that harmony and iimtual agreement which is so much the interest of both to cherish and maintain.

"3rd. That we esteem it our duty, and think it incumbent on all the colonies in America, to contribute towards the relief of the poor and distressed people of Boston ; and that a person of this Borough be appointed to collect such charitable donations, witliin the same, as may be offered for their support.

"4th. That as a division in the colonies would be a sure means to counteract the the present intention of the Americans, in their endeavors to preserve their rights and liberties from the invasi(jn that is threatened, we do most heartily' I'ecommend a steadiness and a unanimity in their measures, as they will have the happy effects of averting the calamity that the late tyrauical act of the British Parliament would otherwise most assuredly involve us in.

"5th. That to obtain a redress of our grievances, it has been thought most adviseable in the Colonies to appoint a General Congress; we will take shelter under the wisdom of those gentlemen who may be chosen to represent us, and cheerfully acquiesce in any measures they may judge shall be proper in this very alarmiug and critical occasion."

That as a division in the colonies would be a sure means to counteract the the present intention of the Americans, in their endeavors to preserve their rights and liberties from the invasi(jn that is threatened, we do most heartily' I'ecommend a steadiness and a unanimity in their measures, as they will have the happy effects of averting the calamity that the late tyrauical act of the British Parliament would otherwise most assuredly involve us in.

"5th. That to obtain a redress of our grievances, it has been thought most adviseable in the Colonies to appoint a General Congress; we will take shelter under the wisdom of those gentlemen who may be chosen to represent us, and cheerfully acquiesce in any measures they may judge shall be proper in this very alarmiug and critical occasion."

JAMES FERRIS, Chairman."

Upon the 6th of April, 1775, appeared the following pubhc notice, addressed to the freeholders and inhabitants of the county of Westchester:--

"You are earnestly desired to attend a general meeting of the county to be held at ^Vhit^ I'lains, on Tuesday next, the 11th inst., to give your votes upon the question: -- Whether you are inclined to choose deputies to meet at the city of New York, in the Provincial Convention? or, whether you are determined to abide by the loyal and judicious measures already taken by your own worthy Representatives in the General Assembly of this Province, for a redress of American grievances ? The consequcnc:es that may arise from neglecting to attend at White Plains on Tuesday next, to declare 3'onr sentiments relative to the appointment of deputies to meet in Provincial Congress, may bo ver}- fatal to th.is country. The friends of government and our h;ippy constitution are therefore earnestly invited in person, to oppose a measure so replete with ruin and misery.

"You are earnestly desired to attend a general meeting of the county to be held at ^Vhit^ I'lains, on Tuesday next, the 11th inst., to give your votes upon the question: -- Whether you are inclined to choose deputies to meet at the city of New York, in the Provincial Convention? or, whether you are determined to abide by the loyal and judicious measures already taken by your own worthy Representatives in the General Assembly of this Province, for a redress of American grievances ? The consequcnc:es that may arise from neglecting to attend at White Plains on Tuesday next, to declare 3'onr sentiments relative to the appointment of deputies to meet in Provincial Congress, may bo ver}- fatal to th.is country. The friends of government and our h;ippy constitution are therefore earnestly invited in person, to oppose a measure so replete with ruin and misery. Remember the extravagant price we are now obliged to pay for goods piu'cluised from merchauts in consequence of the new importation agreement ; aud when

a American Archives, fourtti series, vol. 1., Ti6.

55^ HISTORY OF THE COUNTY OF WESTCHESTER.

the new exportation a^eement takes place, we shall be in the situatiou of Ujcw who are obliged to niak'.- bricks withou.t sLraw."*

White Plaiss, ix the Co. of W. C, Apeil Uth, 1775. On tlie 2Sth of March last, the following gentlemen, having received Ivli-:^ from the chairman of the committee of the city and county of Xew York, rt - latjve to the appointment of Deputies for this county, met at this place iov V..r pm-pose of devising means for taking the sense of the county upon the subject, viz: Theodosius Bartow, Esq., William Sutton, Esq., Captain Joseph Drak..-.' James Vv'illis, Benjamin Drake, Moses Drake, Colonel Lewis Morris, Tlioinal Hunt, Abraham Leggett, James Horton, Jr., Esq., Stephen Ward and Abraham Guion, Esq., who, having taken the same into consideration, agreed to send the follo-rting notification to the principal freeholders m the different towns and districts in the coimty, viz. : --

On tlie 2Sth of March last, the following gentlemen, having received Ivli-:^ from the chairman of the committee of the city and county of Xew York, rt - latjve to the appointment of Deputies for this county, met at this place iov V..r pm-pose of devising means for taking the sense of the county upon the subject, viz: Theodosius Bartow, Esq., William Sutton, Esq., Captain Joseph Drak..-.' James Vv'illis, Benjamin Drake, Moses Drake, Colonel Lewis Morris, Tlioinal Hunt, Abraham Leggett, James Horton, Jr., Esq., Stephen Ward and Abraham Guion, Esq., who, having taken the same into consideration, agreed to send the follo-rting notification to the principal freeholders m the different towns and districts in the coimty, viz. : --

M.A.i:cH SSth, 1775.

SiE :-- A number of persons from different districts in the county of Wes-tchester, having thi.=; day met at the White Piains, to consider of the most projxr method of taking the sense of the freeholders of the said county, upon the expedieucy of choosing deputies to meet the deputies of other counties, for the purpose of electing delegates to represent this colony in the General Congress to be held in Pluladelphia, on the 10th day of jMay next, are of opinion tliat the best way of proceeding for that purpose, will be to have a general meeting of the freeholders of said county. As this county is very e.vtensive, we take the liberty of recommending the meeting to be held at the White Plains, on Tuesday, the 11th day of April next, at 10 o'clock in the forenoon, at the Court Hume, and therefore do desire you to give notice of the same to all the freeholders in your district, without exception, as those who do not appear to vote on that day will be presumed to acquiesce in the sentiments of the majority of those who vote.

As this county is very e.vtensive, we take the liberty of recommending the meeting to be held at the White Plains, on Tuesday, the 11th day of April next, at 10 o'clock in the forenoon, at the Court Hume, and therefore do desire you to give notice of the same to all the freeholders in your district, without exception, as those who do not appear to vote on that day will be presumed to acquiesce in the sentiments of the majority of those who vote. We are, (tc. , &:c.

The above notice having been generally given and distributed, a very cunurous body of freeholders of the county, assembled at the Court House, TNhite Plains, on the day apppointed, and cho.se Colonel Lewis :\rorris for their chairman. An inconsiderable number of persons, (among whom were many tenants not entitled to vote), with Isaac Wilkius and Colonel Philips at their head, tlicn appeared ; and ?Ir. Wilkins, in their behalf, (as he said), doclaied that they would not join in the business of the day, or have anything to do with the Deputies or Congresses; but that they came there for the sole purpose of protesting against such illegal and imconstitutional proceeding.-;, after which they departed.^ TliC following question was tlicn put to the people by the chairman, viz.:-- whether they would appoint Deputies for this Coimty to meet the Deputies of the other Counties at the city of Xow York, on the 20th of April inst., for the purpose of electing delegates to represent this Colony in the General Congress, to be held at Philadelphia, vn the lOih day of May next? To which question they unanimously answered tliat they would. They then appointed the following eiu'ht persons, or a majority of them, to be the Deputies of this County, for tlu^ purpose aforesaid, viz..

Wilkins, in their behalf, (as he said), doclaied that they would not join in the business of the day, or have anything to do with the Deputies or Congresses; but that they came there for the sole purpose of protesting against such illegal and imconstitutional proceeding.-;, after which they departed.^ TliC following question was tlicn put to the people by the chairman, viz.:-- whether they would appoint Deputies for this Coimty to meet the Deputies of the other Counties at the city of Xow York, on the 20th of April inst., for the purpose of electing delegates to represent this Colony in the General Congress, to be held at Philadelphia, vn the lOih day of May next? To which question they unanimously answered tliat they would. They then appointed the following eiu'ht persons, or a majority of them, to be the Deputies of this County, for tlu^ purpose aforesaid, viz.. Colonel Lewis ^[o^ri5, Stephen Ward, Daniel Drake. Esq.,

a AmLTic.m Archh es, fourth series, vol. U, 2S2.

THE TOWN OF WHITE PLAINS. 557

«•'-'.■■(■;'•! James Holmes, John Thomas, Jr., Esq., Jonathan Piatt, Esq., Robert 4,ti! rjii ami JIajor Philip van Cortlandt. The two following resolves were i>:j unaaiuioubly entered into, viz.: --

Iifi--!rtii, That the thanks of thi.=; body is given to the virtuous minority of the «;»:5<nil Assembly of this Province, and particularly to John Thomas and Pierre Via Cortlandt, Esq., two of our Representatives, for their attachment to, and »' \] on a late occasion, for the preservation of the union of the Colonies, and r.^htA !uul liberties of America; and that this resolve be communicated by the ch lirir.an to every gentleman of whom that minority consisted.

Iifi--!rtii, That the thanks of thi.=; body is given to the virtuous minority of the «;»:5<nil Assembly of this Province, and particularly to John Thomas and Pierre Via Cortlandt, Esq., two of our Representatives, for their attachment to, and »' \] on a late occasion, for the preservation of the union of the Colonies, and r.^htA !uul liberties of America; and that this resolve be communicated by the ch lirir.an to every gentleman of whom that minority consisted.

Ji'SoUed, That the thanks of this county are due to the Delegates who composed the late Congress, for the esseiitial services they have rendered to America in general ; and that this resolve be forthv.ith published.

After the business of the day was thus concluded, the people gave three huzzas for our gracious sovereign, and dispersed quietly without the least disorder, a

LEWIS MORRIS, Chairman."

PROTEST OF THE INHABITANTS AND FREEHOLDERS OF WESTCHESTER COUNTY, NEW YORK.

County of Westciiestei;, Apkil 13th, 1775.

Mr. Rivington": -- Re pleased to insert the following, and you will oblige a number of your friends and subscribers : --

"On Thursday the 11th inst., a very respectable number of freeholders and inhabitants of the County of Westchester assembled at the White Plains in the said couuty, agreeable to the notice given, that their sentiments might be known concerning the choice of a committee to meet other committees in the city of New York, for the purpose of choosing delegates to represent this Colony in the next Continental Congress. The friends of order and government met at the house of Captain Hatfield ; more who were for a committee put up at another public house in the town. About 12 o'clock, word was brought to the gentlemen at Captain lla'Acld's that the opposite party had already entered upon the business of the day ; upon which they immediately walked down to the court-house, although not half of their friends, who were e.xpected had yet appeared, where thev found the other company collected in a body.

The friends of order and government met at the house of Captain Hatfield ; more who were for a committee put up at another public house in the town. About 12 o'clock, word was brought to the gentlemen at Captain lla'Acld's that the opposite party had already entered upon the business of the day ; upon which they immediately walked down to the court-house, although not half of their friends, who were e.xpected had yet appeared, where thev found the other company collected in a body. The numbers on each side seemed to be nearly equal, and both, together might amount to two hundred ; or, at most, two hundred and tifty. The friends to the government then declared, that as they had been unlawfully called together, and lor an unlawful purpose, they did not intend to contest the matter with them by a poll, which would be tacitly acknowledging the authority that had sunmioned them thither; but that they came only with a design to protest against all such disorderly proceedings, and to show their detestation of all unlawful Committees and CongTCSscs ; they then declared their determination and resolution to continue steadfast in their allegiance to their gracious and merciful sovereign. King George the Third, to submit tolawful authority, and to abide by and support the only true representatives of the people of this Colony, the General Assembly; then giving three

a American Arcldves, fourth series, v.jI. li. 314.

HISTORY OF THE COUNTY OF WESTCHESTER.

huzzas, they returned to Captain Hatfields, singing, as they weut, \viih lovni entbusiasn:;, the good and animating song of "God save great George our Kin-." "Long live our noble King," &c., &c. At their return, finding that manyrf their friends had arrived during their absence, and that many still kopt conn;-.: in, they proceeded to draw up and sign the following declaration, which thi v seemed to do with as much patriotic zeal as ever warmed the hearts of true and faithful subjects, and afterwards dispersed to their different habitations.

huzzas, they returned to Captain Hatfields, singing, as they weut, \viih lovni entbusiasn:;, the good and animating song of "God save great George our Kin-." "Long live our noble King," &c., &c. At their return, finding that manyrf their friends had arrived during their absence, and that many still kopt conn;-.: in, they proceeded to draw up and sign the following declaration, which thi v seemed to do with as much patriotic zeal as ever warmed the hearts of true and faithful subjects, and afterwards dispersed to their different habitations.

"We the subscribers, freeholders and inhabitants of the county of Westchester, having assembled at the White Plains in consequence of certain advertisenients, do now declare, that we met here to declare our honest abhorrence of all unlawful Congresses and Committees, and that we are determined at the hazard of our lives and properties, to support the king and constitution, and that we ackuowledge no Representatives but the General Assembly, to whose wisdom and integrity we submit the guardianship of our rights and privileges.

Frederick Philips, Isaac Wiikins, Samuel S'^abury, Luke Babcock, Isaac Fowler Judge, Caleb Fowler Judge, J. P. Horton, Esq., William Sutton. Esq., Daniel Oakley, Esq., Benjamin Fowler, Esq., William Davis, Esq., Wm. Anderson, Esq., Capt. Abra'rn Hatiield, Nath'l Underliill. May'r, George Cromwell, Esq., Philip Pell, Esq., Joshua Pell, James Pell, Edward Pell, John Ilunt, Gilbert Horton, Adrian Leforge, Joshua Gidney, Joseph Bade, James Wetmore, Moses Williams, John JTaight, Isaac Brown, Philip Kelly, James Haines, Joseph Haines, Jr., James Hrilni'S. Jr., MaltheA' Hai::es,

Frederick Philips, Isaac Wiikins, Samuel S'^abury, Luke Babcock, Isaac Fowler Judge, Caleb Fowler Judge, J. P. Horton, Esq., William Sutton. Esq., Daniel Oakley, Esq., Benjamin Fowler, Esq., William Davis, Esq., Wm. Anderson, Esq., Capt. Abra'rn Hatiield, Nath'l Underliill. May'r, George Cromwell, Esq., Philip Pell, Esq., Joshua Pell, James Pell, Edward Pell, John Ilunt, Gilbert Horton, Adrian Leforge, Joshua Gidney, Joseph Bade, James Wetmore, Moses Williams, John JTaight, Isaac Brown, Philip Kelly, James Haines, Joseph Haines, Jr., James Hrilni'S. Jr., MaltheA' Hai::es,

--Roger Purdy, *^ Gilbert Pugsley, Abraham Leader, Benjamin Brown,

' Isaac ReecJ, Aaron Buis, Jloses Weyman, Israel Underbill, John Baisly, David Oakley, Jr., Isaac Smith, John Hyatt, Ilezekiah Cudney Abraham Odell, Thos. Lawrence, John Scysion, Jeremiah Travis, Griffen Carey, Isaac Foshee, Gabriel Requeau, Samuel Webb, Benjamin Downing, Gabriel Archer, Elias Sccord, Thomas Veal, James Pierce Edward Higbee, David Haight, Sylvanius Lyon, Daniel Haight, John Williams,

.Joseph Purdy, Ezekiel Halsted,

Jonathan Budd, John Wetmore, William Underbill, Thomas Brown, Lieut. Isaac Gedney, Neheraiah Tompkins, Henrj- Leforge, Robert Brown, Benj. Beyea, Bartholomew Gidney, John Loce, Einathan Appleby, John Baker, Jonathan Underbill, James McChain, Benjamin Seacord, Joshua Hunt, Bctts Chatterdon, William Landrine Enoch Hunt, Peter Corme, Dennis Kennedy, James Hains, Andrew Bainton, Hezekiah Simmons, Nathaniel Tompkins, Caleb Archer, Benj. Bugbce, Francis Purd}-, \ William Odell, Israel Hunt. Thon-.as Tompkins, Frederick Uriderhill,

THE TOWN OF WHITE PLAIXS.

Birtholomew Haines, tiiiUTt lliiines,

John llainea,

i;iij:ih Haiacs,

Lieut. Solomon Fowler,

Ii.iac Williams,

John 3IcCollum,

Joscpli Clark,

Josoph Oakley, ,. Caleb Ferris,

Capt. Beuj. Griffin, - Capt. Joshua Pardy, ^

Beyea, Bartholomew Gidney, John Loce, Einathan Appleby, John Baker, Jonathan Underbill, James McChain, Benjamin Seacord, Joshua Hunt, Bctts Chatterdon, William Landrine Enoch Hunt, Peter Corme, Dennis Kennedy, James Hains, Andrew Bainton, Hezekiah Simmons, Nathaniel Tompkins, Caleb Archer, Benj. Bugbce, Francis Purd}-, \ William Odell, Israel Hunt. Thon-.as Tompkins, Frederick Uriderhill,

THE TOWN OF WHITE PLAIXS.

Birtholomew Haines, tiiiUTt lliiines,

John llainea,

i;iij:ih Haiacs,

Lieut. Solomon Fowler,

Ii.iac Williams,

John 3IcCollum,

Joscpli Clark,

Josoph Oakley, ,. Caleb Ferris,

Capt. Beuj. Griffin, - Capt. Joshua Pardy, ^

James Mott,

Lieut. Will Loimsberry, ' Lieut. Samuel PurJy, .

John Ruster,

Kathan Osborn,

Philemon Ilalstead, ^ Daniel Purdy,

John Crab,

Izraliiah 'V^'elmore,

Capt. Absalom Gidney,

David Ilaight,

John Brown,

Jasper Stivers,

Peter ^IcFarthing, -^Joshua Pardy, Jr., .^Hachaliah Purdy, Jr.,

James Tompkins,

Michael Cliatterton,

Elnathan Taylor,

Gilbert Tiieal,

William Sexton,

Thomas Chaniponeers,

John Champoneers,

William Gritliu,

Isaac Gidney,

John Bates,

Joseph Ilaviland,

Eleazer tlart,

Timothy Wetmore,

James Hunt,

Joseph Parker,

John Hunt, Jr., Isaac Purdy, Elijah Purd}', Abraliam Loosec, Isaac Tompkins, William Gray, Kathaniel Jlerrit, Joseph Paulding, Heudricus Storm, Francis Secord, Jolm Parker, Gilbert Hatfield, ^Gabriel Purdy, Alexander Ilains, Benj. Ogdon, Tuos. IMerritt, Gilbert Bates, John Gidney, Stephen Arnode, Israal Secord, John Arnode, David Purdy, David Belcher, Jordon Downing, Levi Devoc, Abraham Acker, Conieiius van Tassel, Elisha Merritt, Jacob Schurnian, Joseph Appleby, John Tonipkius, Jr., Job Hadden Jr., PatricV: Carey, James Hart, Gilbert W^ard, Joseph Hart, .Monmouth Hart, "William Dunlap, -Joshua Ferris, Timothy Purdy, James Macguire, James Rcquca, Daniel Shadin,

Peter Post, Pjcnj. McCord, John Williams, John Ackerman, Ptter Husting, Thos Barker, Jeremiah Hunter," Abraham Storm, Peter Jansing, Isaac ilerritt, Edv.-ard Merritt, John Gale, John Smith, Roger Purdy, James Hart, Jr., . ., Jonah Purdy, Jr.,

IMerritt, Gilbert Bates, John Gidney, Stephen Arnode, Israal Secord, John Arnode, David Purdy, David Belcher, Jordon Downing, Levi Devoc, Abraham Acker, Conieiius van Tassel, Elisha Merritt, Jacob Schurnian, Joseph Appleby, John Tonipkius, Jr., Job Hadden Jr., PatricV: Carey, James Hart, Gilbert W^ard, Joseph Hart, .Monmouth Hart, "William Dunlap, -Joshua Ferris, Timothy Purdy, James Macguire, James Rcquca, Daniel Shadin,

Peter Post, Pjcnj. McCord, John Williams, John Ackerman, Ptter Husting, Thos Barker, Jeremiah Hunter," Abraham Storm, Peter Jansing, Isaac ilerritt, Edv.-ard Merritt, John Gale, John Smith, Roger Purdy, James Hart, Jr., . ., Jonah Purdy, Jr.,

Monmouth Hart, Jr., ■ Christopher Purdy, Gilbert Purdy, Edward ilerritt, Jr., Elijah Miller, Henry Disborough, '"' Benj. Hunt, 'Elnafhan Hunt, William van Wart, " Abraham Storm, Tiiomas Berry, Lancaster Underbill, Charles Merritt, Benjamin Underbill, Benjamin GrifTni, Jr., Jeremiah Coone, John Hall, James Angevine, Jacob Coone, Jeremiah Anderson, .Jr., Gilbert Williams, William Barker, Jr., Gideon Ardcn, Wilham Field, - Joseph Purdy, George Storm, Jacob Vermilea,

a " North Castle. May srn, 1TT5. Mr. Itivrs-OTON :-- Ta vonr paper late'.y I =a'iv my n.irae to a prort'sr. I never sii^ul-U ii, hut went to Capt. llj.f(l-ld'i" Uause nwi wa^ askeJ wh^.-ther I vns a Wrii:r or a Tory ? I in:ul'- answer, that I diil not muUTsraaii tlie m<-auiii!,' of those wtnil< ; '.lilt svas fnr lii;"rty jna ji m.-..-. Lpou which t iuiiu'".!iat'.;ly nut down my name. Now, «!■, I <!.iiir'.' you will print rhu in show thi» world that I have not deserved to be Ueid up ia ta r :i.:ht of ;i prott-stor.-- Jekemiah IICNTEk.

I never sii^ul-U ii, hut went to Capt. llj.f(l-ld'i" Uause nwi wa^ askeJ wh^.-ther I vns a Wrii:r or a Tory ? I in:ul'- answer, that I diil not muUTsraaii tlie m<-auiii!,' of those wtnil< ; '.lilt svas fnr lii;"rty jna ji m.-..-. Lpou which t iuiiu'".!iat'.;ly nut down my name. Now, «!■, I <!.iiir'.' you will print rhu in show thi» world that I have not deserved to be Ueid up ia ta r :i.:ht of ;i prott-stor.-- Jekemiah IICNTEk.

HISTORY OF THE COUNTY OF WESTCHESTER.

Joshua Eara, Joseph Purely, John Park, Samuel Purely, Gilbert Purely, James Chattcrtoti, Johu Dewsenburgh, Thomas Cromwell, Solomon Horton, Peter Bussing, 6 Thomas Valentine, Peter Bussing, Jr., Jau>es Kniffen, Nathan'l Underhill, Phillip Fowler, John McFarthing, John Tompkins, Joseph Hart, Jacob Post, Joseph Gidney, James Baxter, John Hunt, Cornelius Loosee, Jesse Park,

Jr..

Samuel Purdy, . Sylvanus Purdy, Williiam Dalton, David Davids, Elijah Purdy, Jr., Elijah Tompkins, Daniel J crow, Charles Lawrence, > Joseph Purdy, Jr., James SnifRn, Jr., Gilbert Valentine, Andrew Guion, Gilbert Hunter, Lt. Peter Bonnett, Samuel Sneeden, Peter Fashee, Jesse Lawrence, William Sneeden, Dr. Daniel Knap, Solomon Dean, Charles Vincent, Sen., Lieut. Thomas Hyatt, James Gidnej-, Vv'illiam Woodward,

Samuel Heusted, Bartholomew Underhill, Lieut. Johu Warner, ..^"■ath'l Purdy, Isaac Bennett, Sanmel Baker," John Cromwell, John Storm, Andrew Fowler, Joshua Seacord, Abraham Bich, Georsre French, John Underhill, Caleb Gidney, William Underhill, Jr., James Hill, William Watkius, John Rustin, Richard Baker, Will Ascough, Bishop Huestice, James Miller, Phineas Huut,

The following persons, not being able to attend at the Plains, requested by their friends that their names might be added to the list of protestors, viz.: --

Samuel Heusted, Bartholomew Underhill, Lieut. Johu Warner, ..^"■ath'l Purdy, Isaac Bennett, Sanmel Baker," John Cromwell, John Storm, Andrew Fowler, Joshua Seacord, Abraham Bich, Georsre French, John Underhill, Caleb Gidney, William Underhill, Jr., James Hill, William Watkius, John Rustin, Richard Baker, Will Ascough, Bishop Huestice, James Miller, Phineas Huut,

The following persons, not being able to attend at the Plains, requested by their friends that their names might be added to the list of protestors, viz.: --

John Hunt, Esq., Jeremiah Hitchcock,

Philip Palmer, Esq., William Bond,

John Hitchcock, Joseph Bond.

The foregoing account is strictly true, as can bo proven by the tostiniony (or, if necessary, by the affidavits), of a number of persons of the most unquestionable character in this county. Yv'hat, then, must we think of such persons as have propagated a report that the friends of governnieut w-ere, upon this occasion, outnumbered five to one; and that many of the persons whose names were subscribed to the foregoing declaration, were not on that day present at the White Plains? They must be conscious to themselves that they have spread abroad a falseliood. and they are hereby called upon, if they dare, to set their names to those assertions. In what manner those gentlemen who chose the committee at the Plains proceeded, we cannot positively say; but this we can declare with truth, that we do not believe they can produce to the public the names of a hundred and tifty persons who voted for a committee that day, and we are surely persimded that they did their utmost to make their party as numerous a's possible,

They must be conscious to themselves that they have spread abroad a falseliood. and they are hereby called upon, if they dare, to set their names to those assertions. In what manner those gentlemen who chose the committee at the Plains proceeded, we cannot positively say; but this we can declare with truth, that we do not believe they can produce to the public the names of a hundred and tifty persons who voted for a committee that day, and we are surely persimded that they did their utmost to make their party as numerous a's possible,

a Mk. TJivint.ton :-- I dirt siin a protest which was printed in your paper, bnt I did so i>ecauso I was tolJ tiiat the Imeut of sigci.ng it wa3 to stiow that 1 was fur the liberty of iHv.' country. S.».mcei. Bakek.

6 That our names wovo not suhscntied *o the protest of \Vesttfhe=tcr, cither t<.v ours(.!vc«, or our (inli-r^ or permission, lUfL-cily or iMlirixtU', is certitua bv ii-s, each for hiiiwilf.

Jluy 4t!l, iTV5. I'ETER BlS.-ING. Joii.N Bi .-.>rN<;.

THE TO\V'X OF WHITE PLAINS. 56 1

1 ; V then can they justify their choice of a committee ? or how can they presume • i;:;'.">e upon the world, and to iuiult the Loyal County of Westcluaier in so jri^-vi Kid u inanucr? It is well known here that two-thirds, at least, of the int^' .■„-i;it3 of this county are friends to order and government, and opposed to c-..>:i';tli;es aud all unlawful comblDatlons ; and it will be made apparent to the te rid that they arc so, as soon as certain resolves, now signing freely by the J.^^,l lo, shall be ready for publication. And one principal reason why the friends I ) c )ViTnnient did not assemble in greater numbers than they did, on Tuesday li.*;, was that many of them had already, by signing those resolves, testified their I .\a;ty to the king, their attachment to the constitution, their enmity to thecomr:;i!tffs, and their acquiescence in the prudent measures taken by the Assembly iu tiie late session, for accommodating the unhappy differences between the muther country and the colonies; and consequently thought they had done their duty.

And one principal reason why the friends I ) c )ViTnnient did not assemble in greater numbers than they did, on Tuesday li.*;, was that many of them had already, by signing those resolves, testified their I .\a;ty to the king, their attachment to the constitution, their enmity to thecomr:;i!tffs, and their acquiescence in the prudent measures taken by the Assembly iu tiie late session, for accommodating the unhappy differences between the muther country and the colonies; and consequently thought they had done their duty. The committee that was chosen, may, with some kind of propriety, be ioid to represent those particular persons who chose them ; but how they can be denominated the Representatives of the County of Westchester, who, in general ftblior committees and committee men, and are determined to take no steps that laay lead them into rebellion, we cannot conceive ; certainly the friends to gov eminent who were collected at Captain Hatfield's, had a better right from their Lumber to determine that there should be no committee than the opposite party Lad to appoint one, and might with much greater propriety be said to show the St use of the County than the few who acted without authority and in direct opposition to government, and to the determinations of our worthy Assembly ; and we doubt not but the impartial public will consider the matter in this light, and not esteem the act of a few individuals, unlawfully assembled, as the act (which most assuredly is not), of the very respectable, populous, and Loyal County of Westchester."

The committee that was chosen, may, with some kind of propriety, be ioid to represent those particular persons who chose them ; but how they can be denominated the Representatives of the County of Westchester, who, in general ftblior committees and committee men, and are determined to take no steps that laay lead them into rebellion, we cannot conceive ; certainly the friends to gov eminent who were collected at Captain Hatfield's, had a better right from their Lumber to determine that there should be no committee than the opposite party Lad to appoint one, and might with much greater propriety be said to show the St use of the County than the few who acted without authority and in direct opposition to government, and to the determinations of our worthy Assembly ; and we doubt not but the impartial public will consider the matter in this light, and not esteem the act of a few individuals, unlawfully assembled, as the act (which most assuredly is not), of the very respectable, populous, and Loyal County of Westchester."

In answer to the above protest, occurs the following letter froin Lewis Moiris, addressed "to the public:" --

3IOREI3AXIA, ;Mat Tth, 1775. "A very extraordinary paper called a protest against tne proceedings of the freeholders of the County of Westchester, relative to the election of Deputies for the late Convention, aud said to have been subscribed by the several persons whose names are printed with it, was published iu Mr. Rivington's and Gain's Oazttte, a few weeks ago.

In answer to the above protest, occurs the following letter froin Lewis Moiris, addressed "to the public:" --

3IOREI3AXIA, ;Mat Tth, 1775. "A very extraordinary paper called a protest against tne proceedings of the freeholders of the County of Westchester, relative to the election of Deputies for the late Convention, aud said to have been subscribed by the several persons whose names are printed with it, was published iu Mr. Rivington's and Gain's Oazttte, a few weeks ago.

By whom this performance was given to the public is uncertain ; and, being &3 little distinguished by decency as by truth, there is reason to suspect the author's name will remain a secret. The falsities contained in this representation, are too flagrant to impose upon any person in this colony ; and, nothing but the apprehension of its gaining credit in other parts of the world, would have induced me to have made it th'.' subject of animadversion.

I shall pas.s over the many littk- embellishments with which the author's fancy has eudeavortd to decorate his narrative; nor, is it necessary t.) call in (jucstiou, the reality of that loyal enthusiasm, by which it was said these good people were

a. Aaje;i>:a!i Arcliivc?, fourtti s-jrios, vol. ii, 32"..

HISTORY OF THE COUNTY OF \\'ESTCHESTER.

influenced; and I really ■^ish that had been the fact, because ■when incoa^Ls.tfrcies and fooleries result from inebriety or enthusiasm, they mtrit no pity, ^.-.4 escape indignation and resentment.

Much pains, I confess, "were on that day taken to make temporary cntliusi-.-is and with other more exhilarating spirit of loyalty.

I shall pas.s over the many littk- embellishments with which the author's fancy has eudeavortd to decorate his narrative; nor, is it necessary t.) call in (jucstiou, the reality of that loyal enthusiasm, by which it was said these good people were

a. Aaje;i>:a!i Arcliivc?, fourtti s-jrios, vol. ii, 32"..

HISTORY OF THE COUNTY OF \\'ESTCHESTER.

influenced; and I really ■^ish that had been the fact, because ■when incoa^Ls.tfrcies and fooleries result from inebriety or enthusiasm, they mtrit no pity, ^.-.4 escape indignation and resentment.

Much pains, I confess, "were on that day taken to make temporary cntliusi-.-is and with other more exhilarating spirit of loyalty.

To give the appearance of dignity to these curious and very orderly protes*.r.rj_ the author has been very mindful to annex every man's addition to Lis ly.i-.iu- ; upon the presumption, perhaps, that it would derive -weight from the title if mayor, esquire, captain, lieutenant, judge. &c.

But it is not easy to conceive why the public should be less civil to the ckt^- than to the gentry and commonalty. Samuel Seabury and Luke Babcock, c\t. tainly ought not to have been sent into the world floating on a newspaper in Ikit plain way ; the one is the "Reverend Mr. Samuel Seabury, Rector of the uu;!t\i Parishes of East and Westchester, and one of the missionaries for the propagation of the Gospel, (and not politics), in foreign parts," &c., &c., the other Ls "the Rev. Mr. Luke Babcock, who preaches and prays for Mr. Philipse and his tenants at Philipsburgh."

Samuel Seabury and Luke Babcock, c\t. tainly ought not to have been sent into the world floating on a newspaper in Ikit plain way ; the one is the "Reverend Mr. Samuel Seabury, Rector of the uu;!t\i Parishes of East and Westchester, and one of the missionaries for the propagation of the Gospel, (and not politics), in foreign parts," &c., &c., the other Ls "the Rev. Mr. Luke Babcock, who preaches and prays for Mr. Philipse and his tenants at Philipsburgh."

In this formidable catalogue of 313 sober and loyal protestors, there are not less than one hundred and seventy, who, after a most diligent inquiry, I cannot find have the least pretensions to vote, and indeed many of them are also under age. Their names are as follows . --

Samuel Seaburj', Luke Babcock, Benjamin Fowler, Esq,, Joshua Pell, Edward Pell, John Hunt, Gilbert Horton, Adrian Leforge, Moses Williams, Philip Kelley, James Haines, Bartholomew Haines, John Haines, Elijah Haines, Joseph Clark, Joseph Oakley, James Mott, Daniel Purdy, John Crab, Izrahiah "Whctmore, Absalom Gidney, John Brown, Jaaper Stevens, Peter McFarthing, Joshua Puvdy, Jr., Hacualiah Purdy, jr..

Elias Seacord, James Pierce, Edward Bughe, Daniel Haight, John Hunt, jr., Abraham Losee, Isaac Tompkins, Joseph Paulding, Henricus Storm, Fraacis Secord, John Parker, Gilbert Bates, David Purdy, David Bleeker, Jordan Downing, Corn. Van Tassell, Joseph Appleby, Patrick Cary, Gilbert Ward, William Dunlap Joshua Ferris, Timothy Purdy, James McGuire, James Requeau, Samuel Purdy, Sylvanus Purdy,

John Williams, John Ackemar, Peter Bussing, Jerenuah Hunter, Abraham Storm, Peter Jenning, John Gale, John Smith, James Hart, jr., -- Jonathan Purdy, jr., Monmouth ILut., jr., Christopher Purdy, Gabriel Purdy, Edward Merrit, jr., ^ Henry Desborough, William Van Wart Abraham Storm, Thomas Berry, Charles Srerritt, Benjamin Griflln, Samuel Purdy, Gilbert Purdy, James Chatterton, Thomas Cromwell, Solomon Horton, Nathaniel Undcrhill, jr. ,

Van Tassell, Joseph Appleby, Patrick Cary, Gilbert Ward, William Dunlap Joshua Ferris, Timothy Purdy, James McGuire, James Requeau, Samuel Purdy, Sylvanus Purdy,

John Williams, John Ackemar, Peter Bussing, Jerenuah Hunter, Abraham Storm, Peter Jenning, John Gale, John Smith, James Hart, jr., -- Jonathan Purdy, jr., Monmouth ILut., jr., Christopher Purdy, Gabriel Purdy, Edward Merrit, jr., ^ Henry Desborough, William Van Wart Abraham Storm, Thomas Berry, Charles Srerritt, Benjamin Griflln, Samuel Purdy, Gilbert Purdy, James Chatterton, Thomas Cromwell, Solomon Horton, Nathaniel Undcrhill, jr. ,

y

THE TOWN OF WHITE PLAINS.

James Tompkins, Crilbcrt Thcal, William Sexon, Thoniiis Chauiponeers, John Cliamponeers, Eleazcr Hart, James Hunt, Joseph Parker, Josliua Barns, John Park, Isaac Smith, John Hyatl, Abraham Odell, Thomas Lawrence, John Seyson, Isaac Forshea, Gabriel Requeau. Gabriel Archer, Peter Fashee, Isaac Lawrence, WiU. Snider, Solomon Dean, Thomas Hyatt, William Woodward, John Whitmore, WOl. Underbill, Nehemiah Tompkins, Henry le Forge, Evert Brown, Benj. Beyea, Charles Merritt.

William Dalton, Elijah Tompkins, Joshua Hunt, Bates Chatterton, William Landrin, Dennis Kenndy, James Haines, Andrew Banton, Nathaniel Tompkins, Caleb Archer,

Benjamin Bugbe,

Francis Purdy.

William Odell,

Israel Hunt,

Thomas Tompkins,

Fred. Underbill,

Peter Post,

Beuj. McGord,

John Loce,

Elnathau Appleby,

John Baker,

Jonathan L^nderhill,

James McCham, " James Angevine,

Jeremiah Anderson,

Will. Bai-ker, jr.,

Gideon Arden, jr.,

Joseph Purdj, George Storm,

Jacob Yermlller,

Samuel Snider,

Philip Fowler. John McFf.rtliing, Jacob Post, James Baxter, John Hart, Cornelius Loosee, Jesse Park, Roger Purdy, jr., Gilbert Pugsly, Abraham L^-aden, Benjamin Brown, Aaron Buis, John Buizley, David Ouklc}-, jr., Charles Lawrence, Joseph Purdy, jr., James Sniflen, jr., Peter Bonnett, Samuel K nested, John Warner, John Storm, Joshua Sccord, John Underbill, William Underbill, jr., jr., James Hill,

James McCham, " James Angevine,

Jeremiah Anderson,

Will. Bai-ker, jr.,

Gideon Arden, jr.,

Joseph Purdj, George Storm,

Jacob Yermlller,

Samuel Snider,

Philip Fowler. John McFf.rtliing, Jacob Post, James Baxter, John Hart, Cornelius Loosee, Jesse Park, Roger Purdy, jr., Gilbert Pugsly, Abraham L^-aden, Benjamin Brown, Aaron Buis, John Buizley, David Ouklc}-, jr., Charles Lawrence, Joseph Purdy, jr., James Sniflen, jr., Peter Bonnett, Samuel K nested, John Warner, John Storm, Joshua Sccord, John Underbill, William Underbill, jr., jr., James Hill,

William Watkins, Richard Baker, Bisliup Iluestice, Jeremiah Hitchcock, William Bond,

Of the others who are freeholders, manj' also hold land at will of Col. Philipse, BO that the truth really is, that ver^' few independent freeholders objected to the appointment of deputies.'''^ LEWIS 3I0RRIS.

Upon the 29th of Apiil, 1775, apjieared the following document addressed to the public: --

"We the subscribers do hereby make this public declaration, that whereas, wc and several others in ~\S'cstchcster county, having signed a certain number of Resolves, which at the time of our said signing were deemed constitutional, and as Laving a tendency lu promote the interest of our country; but, since upon Diatiue deliberation and more full knowledge of the matter find not only injurious to our present cause, but likewise offensive to our fellow colonists, we do therefore thus publiclj' testify our abhorrence of the same, and declare ourselves

a American arcliivf .=>, fourtJi seru's, vol. u.

564 HISTORY OF THE COUSTY OF V-TSTCHESTER.

true friends to the colonies, and ever ready cheerfully to exert ourselves in tlic defence cad preservutiou of the same."" Jon vtiivv Fowlek E^q

"We the subscribers do hereby make this public declaration, that whereas, wc and several others in ~\S'cstchcster county, having signed a certain number of Resolves, which at the time of our said signing were deemed constitutional, and as Laving a tendency lu promote the interest of our country; but, since upon Diatiue deliberation and more full knowledge of the matter find not only injurious to our present cause, but likewise offensive to our fellow colonists, we do therefore thus publiclj' testify our abhorrence of the same, and declare ourselves

a American arcliivf .=>, fourtJi seru's, vol. u.

564 HISTORY OF THE COUSTY OF V-TSTCHESTER.

true friends to the colonies, and ever ready cheerfully to exert ourselves in tlic defence cad preservutiou of the same."" Jon vtiivv Fowlek E^q

Geokge Crom%cell, Esq.

" At a meeting of freeholders of Westcliester county, New York, at the Jl7iite Plains, on Monday, the Sth day of May, 1775, Governeur Morris, Lewis Graham, James Van Cortlandt, Stephen Ward, Joseph Drake, Philip Van Cortlandt, James Holmes, David Dayion, John Holmes, Jr., Robert Graham, and William Paulding, were chosen to be the deputies from this County to the Provincial Convention of the Province of New York."*

"On the 30th of June, 1776, the Provincial Congress of this State adjourned from the city of New York, to the Court House, in White Plains, where they met on the 9th of July following, and there continued in session uinil the 29th of that month."'^

In Pro\incial Congress, New York, 30th June, 1776, Sunday afternoon, it was

" At a meeting of freeholders of Westcliester county, New York, at the Jl7iite Plains, on Monday, the Sth day of May, 1775, Governeur Morris, Lewis Graham, James Van Cortlandt, Stephen Ward, Joseph Drake, Philip Van Cortlandt, James Holmes, David Dayion, John Holmes, Jr., Robert Graham, and William Paulding, were chosen to be the deputies from this County to the Provincial Convention of the Province of New York."*

"On the 30th of June, 1776, the Provincial Congress of this State adjourned from the city of New York, to the Court House, in White Plains, where they met on the 9th of July following, and there continued in session uinil the 29th of that month."'^

In Pro\incial Congress, New York, 30th June, 1776, Sunday afternoon, it was

Btsolred. "That the treasurer and secretary of this Congress be and they hereby are directed forthwith to repair, witli all aud singular, the public papers and money, now in their custody or possession, unto the Mliite Plains, in the county of Westchester, and that this Congress be, and it hereby is, adjourned unto the Caurt House in the White F,lains aforesaid, there to meet on Tuesday, the 2d of July next, and proceed upon business ; and that the next Congress of this county do meet at the same place on Monday, the Sth day of July aforesaid, unless otherwise ordered by the Congress."

It was carried in the affirmative; for the question, 20, against ditto, 5.

And it was further ordered '-that all the lead, powder and other militarystores belonging to this State, be forthwith removed to the White Plains."''

"That the treasurer and secretary of this Congress be and they hereby are directed forthwith to repair, witli all aud singular, the public papers and money, now in their custody or possession, unto the Mliite Plains, in the county of Westchester, and that this Congress be, and it hereby is, adjourned unto the Caurt House in the White F,lains aforesaid, there to meet on Tuesday, the 2d of July next, and proceed upon business ; and that the next Congress of this county do meet at the same place on Monday, the Sth day of July aforesaid, unless otherwise ordered by the Congress."

It was carried in the affirmative; for the question, 20, against ditto, 5.

And it was further ordered '-that all the lead, powder and other militarystores belonging to this State, be forthwith removed to the White Plains."''

The journey between New York and the Plains was performed by the members on horseback, Pierre van Cortlandt, the president, riding at their head. As expresses overtook thcni from General Washington, the house was called to order on horseback, ?nd several resolutions passed.

"It was at White Plains, on the 9th day of July, the Pro\-incial Congress received the Declaration of Independence ; there it was read, in front of tlie Court House,* and there they solemnly in convention proma Ibkl. 4Io.

6 Arneriraa ArchiTcs, fourth series, vol. iL, 529.

c Extract from address of J. W. Tompkins, Esq., ISi.j.

d Journal of X. V. rrovlncial Congrcas, vol. i, 5! 2.

As expresses overtook thcni from General Washington, the house was called to order on horseback, ?nd several resolutions passed.

"It was at White Plains, on the 9th day of July, the Pro\-incial Congress received the Declaration of Independence ; there it was read, in front of tlie Court House,* and there they solemnly in convention proma Ibkl. 4Io.

6 Arneriraa ArchiTcs, fourth series, vol. iL, 529.

c Extract from address of J. W. Tompkins, Esq., ISi.j.

d Journal of X. V. rrovlncial Congrcas, vol. i, 5! 2.

c The ileclaruiion w:i.s vcmX hv Jnlin Thomas, V:m\ . ami soconded bv Mioha.^l Varian an'l Paiiuiel Cr .nti>-!l. two pri.ininei'.t WUr^i of i^carsiUlo. TUe laittr mcc a sad and early f.ito bv the ha:;d.i of CiUi-^h rcfagccs.

THE TOWN OF WHITE PLAINS. 565

ised at the risk of ihdr lives and fortunes to join with the other colonies in supporting it. The letter of John Hancock, enclosing to them that declaration, after ackno^viedging their dependence for success upon the Ruler of the Universe, with almost a prophet's vision announced the important consequences which would flow from that declaration."* The old Court House, honored by this fearless step in the cause of independence, and so intimately associated with the wisdom and \artue of such men as Jay, Morris, Clinton, Woodhull, Hobart, Fan Corilandt, Livingston and Rutgers, was burnt on the night of the 5th of November, by a New England major, without orders, together with every dwelling at White Plains."^

"About 12 o'clock, this night, (Nov. 5th, 1776, says General Heath) a party of Americans wantonly set fire to the Court House, and several other private houses, which stood between the two armies. This gave great disgust to the v.-hole American army, and drew from the commander-in-chief, the following paragraph, in his orders of the 6th : ' It is with the utmost astonishment and abhorrence, the general is informed, that some base and cowardly ^'.Tetches have, last night, set fire to the Court House and ocher buildings which the enemy left.

"About 12 o'clock, this night, (Nov. 5th, 1776, says General Heath) a party of Americans wantonly set fire to the Court House, and several other private houses, which stood between the two armies. This gave great disgust to the v.-hole American army, and drew from the commander-in-chief, the following paragraph, in his orders of the 6th : ' It is with the utmost astonishment and abhorrence, the general is informed, that some base and cowardly ^'.Tetches have, last night, set fire to the Court House and ocher buildings which the enemy left. The army may rely upon it, that they shall be brought to justice, and meet with the punishment they deser\e."'^

Pierre van Cortlandt, vice-president of the committee of public safety, under date of 2Sth November, thus feeUngly alludes to the event: --

•• Unhappy am I to add that amidst all our sufferings, the army employed for the protection of ^Vmerica, have not refrained from embhtering the calamities of war, at a time when the utmost resources of this State were laid open to theiiwants, and the mcrubers of Convention personally sulimitted to the labour and fatigue which were necessary on a sudden emergency, and after frequent losses of provisions and barracks, to supply two numerous armies, augmented by. the militia, with every article which they required, the Court-house and the remains of the village at the White Plains, which had been sp.ared on the retreat of our forces, were, even after the enemy had in their turn retired, wantonly destroyed, without the orders and to the infinite regret of our worthy general, besides, in spite of all his Excellency's efforts, wherever our troops have marched, or been stationed, they have done infinite damage to the property of the people.

•• Unhappy am I to add that amidst all our sufferings, the army employed for the protection of ^Vmerica, have not refrained from embhtering the calamities of war, at a time when the utmost resources of this State were laid open to theiiwants, and the mcrubers of Convention personally sulimitted to the labour and fatigue which were necessary on a sudden emergency, and after frequent losses of provisions and barracks, to supply two numerous armies, augmented by. the militia, with every article which they required, the Court-house and the remains of the village at the White Plains, which had been sp.ared on the retreat of our forces, were, even after the enemy had in their turn retired, wantonly destroyed, without the orders and to the infinite regret of our worthy general, besides, in spite of all his Excellency's efforts, wherever our troops have marched, or been stationed, they have done infinite damage to the property of the people.

"I am directed, sir, to sutimit it totheHon'ble Congress, whether some effectual remedy ought not to be provided against such disorderly and disgraceful proceedings. The soldier, whti plunders the countrj- he is employed to protect, is no better than a robber, and ought to be treated accordingly ; and a severe example, m tlie opinion of tl\o committee, ought to be made of the officer who, without any necessity, or his general's permission, sa fire to the Court House and other

a Extract from a.Ulies-i of -J. W. Touipklns, Esq.

6 Ibi.l.

"I am directed, sir, to sutimit it totheHon'ble Congress, whether some effectual remedy ought not to be provided against such disorderly and disgraceful proceedings. The soldier, whti plunders the countrj- he is employed to protect, is no better than a robber, and ought to be treated accordingly ; and a severe example, m tlie opinion of tl\o committee, ought to be made of the officer who, without any necessity, or his general's permission, sa fire to the Court House and other

a Extract from a.Ulies-i of -J. W. Touipklns, Esq.

6 Ibi.l.

c ne;itU'i Mtm, S3.

566 HISTORY OF THE COUNTY OF WESTCHESTER. ■

buildings at the White Plains. lie is guilty of tlie crime of arson, and if ho cannot be punished by the articles of -war, ought to be given up to the law3 of tiie land. If so glaring a violation of every sentiment of humanity should be passed over iu silence, if the army is not reasonably restrained fiom such acts of barbarity, the consequence must bo fatal to the cause of a people whose exalted glory it is to be advocates for the rights of luaukind, against the tyranny and oppression of lawless power. The resolutions which the committee of safety have passed upon the subject are herewith transmitted.

"I have the honor to be, ■with great respect, sir, your most obedient and very humble servant, " By order

"PIERRE VAIN CORTLAXDT,

Vice President.^^

"To the HoN'or.ABLE John Hancock,

President of the Congress of the United States. "«

If so glaring a violation of every sentiment of humanity should be passed over iu silence, if the army is not reasonably restrained fiom such acts of barbarity, the consequence must bo fatal to the cause of a people whose exalted glory it is to be advocates for the rights of luaukind, against the tyranny and oppression of lawless power. The resolutions which the committee of safety have passed upon the subject are herewith transmitted.

"I have the honor to be, ■with great respect, sir, your most obedient and very humble servant, " By order

"PIERRE VAIN CORTLAXDT,

Vice President.^^

"To the HoN'or.ABLE John Hancock,

President of the Congress of the United States. "«

At a. meeting of the committee of safety held Monday morning, 2d December, 1,76. It was resolved, "That the laws of the country are not superseded by the military code in the pesence of the army;" and "That a letter be uTitten to General Washington, requesting that the officer directing the burning of the Court-house and dv/elling-houses at the White Plains, be deUvered to this committee or the Convention of this State, in order to his being tried by the laws of the States, and, if guilty, punished thereby."^

The following account of the military quarters in this town and its vicinity, in October, 1776, is from the address of J. W. Tompkins, Esq., delivered at White Plains on the aSth of October, 1S45 : --

"The County of Westchester, at the commencement of the Revolution, contained a multitude of hardy yeomen inured to toil, whose ancestry had fled from oppression abroad, and in the enjoyment of greater freedom in the colony, had imbibed an ardent love of liberty. When the star of Independence arose in the east, they were read}' to follow its lead ; and when Kew York, in 17T6, was threatened with invasion, they flocked with alacrity to its defence.

"The County of Westchester, at the commencement of the Revolution, contained a multitude of hardy yeomen inured to toil, whose ancestry had fled from oppression abroad, and in the enjoyment of greater freedom in the colony, had imbibed an ardent love of liberty. When the star of Independence arose in the east, they were read}' to follow its lead ; and when Kew York, in 17T6, was threatened with invasion, they flocked with alacrity to its defence. When the battle of Loug Island turned the tide of war against us, they still adhered to the American army, contending everj' inch of ground to Harlem, thence to K'ng's Bridge, and through the southern part of Westchester to White Plains, where Gen. Washington again determined to entrench himself and make another stand against an overwhelming force of the choicest British troops, tiushed with victor}' and confideut of success. A brief account of the movements of the two armies to this place, anil of their operations here, it is my purp'jse to give.

"The city of New "iork ^^aa selected by the English as the centre of their military operations, witii the view of commanding the North river and acting In conjunction with a force from Canada, descending through Lake Cliamplain, thus securing the C(^l.inies. Their march into Westchester County was designed

a .Iinirn.il of X. V. Frov. Congress, vol. i. 723. b Journal of X. Y. Prov. Congress, vol. i. T29.

THE TOWN OF WHITE PLAINS. _ 567

to obtain command of the two principal routes leading to New England, one througli Rye and tlie other by the way of Bedford, and thereby cut olT the American army from its supphes, principally derived from the East, and obtain the rear of General "Washington's army, and force him to a general battle, or tO' a precipitate retreat.

Congress, vol. i. 723. b Journal of X. Y. Prov. Congress, vol. i. T29.

THE TOWN OF WHITE PLAINS. _ 567

to obtain command of the two principal routes leading to New England, one througli Rye and tlie other by the way of Bedford, and thereby cut olT the American army from its supphes, principally derived from the East, and obtain the rear of General "Washington's army, and force him to a general battle, or tO' a precipitate retreat. But Washington pentrated their intentions, and conducted bis forces northward from King's Bridge with great slvill, moving in a line parallel with the British, a little in advance of them, facing them constantly, with the Bronx in his front, which was fortified at every assailable point.

"On the 12th of October, '76, a portion of the British army, consisting of the Guard, Light Infantry reserve, and Colonel Duuop's Corps landed at Throg's Neck ; and the night of that day. Colonel William Smith, (then a Lieutenant,) with a Corporal's guard, broke down the bridge connecting the Neck witli West. Chester town, and left Sir William Hov;e upon an island. On the ICth and 17th of October, the English forces at Throg's Neck were augmented by the 1st, 2nd and 6th Brigades crossing from Long Island, and by the 3d Hessian battalion from New York. On the ISth, the whole British army crossed to Pelham Point, and marching northerly, encamped the s:i,uie night on the high ground between Hutchinson's River and New Rochelle village, where it remained till the 21st. On the 21st, the British removed and encamped on New Rochelle heights, north of the village, and on both sides of the road leading to Scarsdalc. This camp was broken up on the 25th, and the army moved forward to a position upon the high grounds in Scarsdale, in the vicinity of the late John Bennett's farm, and there remained till the morning of the 28th of October.

On the ISth, the whole British army crossed to Pelham Point, and marching northerly, encamped the s:i,uie night on the high ground between Hutchinson's River and New Rochelle village, where it remained till the 21st. On the 21st, the British removed and encamped on New Rochelle heights, north of the village, and on both sides of the road leading to Scarsdalc. This camp was broken up on the 25th, and the army moved forward to a position upon the high grounds in Scarsdale, in the vicinity of the late John Bennett's farm, and there remained till the morning of the 28th of October.

General Washington during that time had not remained inactive -- as early as the 11th of October, a part of his army crossed from Harlem heights, readied White Plains on the 12th, and commenced erecting fortifications ; and on the 22d General Washington, leaving his head-quarters at Fo^t Washington, established them at Valentine's hill, whence they were removed to White Plains on the 23d.

"The entrenchments at White Plains were erected under the directions of a French engineer, and consisted of a square fort of sods in the main street with breast works on each side running westerly over the south side of Purdy's hill to the Bronx, and easterly across the hills to Horton'a pond. When tiie Englisli attacked Chattcrton's hill on the 28th. they were unfinished; but during t!ie night of the 2Sth and 29th of October they were raised and strengthened, being onlyintended for temporary use until the position above Abraham Miller's in North Castle could be fortified, which was done, and to which the American army afterwards retired.

"The entrenchments at White Plains were erected under the directions of a French engineer, and consisted of a square fort of sods in the main street with breast works on each side running westerly over the south side of Purdy's hill to the Bronx, and easterly across the hills to Horton'a pond. When tiie Englisli attacked Chattcrton's hill on the 28th. they were unfinished; but during t!ie night of the 2Sth and 29th of October they were raised and strengthened, being onlyintended for temporary use until the position above Abraham Miller's in North Castle could be fortified, which was done, and to which the American army afterwards retired.

"General Howe committed a great mistake in not attacking General Washington's fortifications in White Plains on the 2Sth instead of Chattcrton's hill. He gained nothing in taking that hill. After the works at White Plains were completed, great loss to Howe's army must have attended their capture, and Washington's new position, (above Mr. Jliller's,) appears to have been regarded as impregnable. Washington's policy at this time was, as he expressed it ' to entrench and fight with the spade and inattock.' The experience at liunkcr's Hill had made the English cautious in attacking Americans behind entrenchments.™

a " Gcii.Tiil Ceor^'-i Clinton, in a postscript tu a friend, writing from WashinsrTon's out ronehm^^ut oi! the iiiijhi uf tli.^ -ictti Ui'tob.T. says: ' Lovt- tu .Mrs. C'Unioii-- tell her i wnie from an eatri;iichiin.-ii!;. 'llie liritisii forcos are iu .siijht, ami wo sluiU probably tiavu batUo lo-iuorrov.- -- tell her to entertain no fearn for niy safety,' "-- Mr. Tompkin's Adarium.

Washington's policy at this time was, as he expressed it ' to entrench and fight with the spade and inattock.' The experience at liunkcr's Hill had made the English cautious in attacking Americans behind entrenchments.™

a " Gcii.Tiil Ceor^'-i Clinton, in a postscript tu a friend, writing from WashinsrTon's out ronehm^^ut oi! the iiiijhi uf tli.^ -ictti Ui'tob.T. says: ' Lovt- tu .Mrs. C'Unioii-- tell her i wnie from an eatri;iichiin.-ii!;. 'llie liritisii forcos are iu .siijht, ami wo sluiU probably tiavu batUo lo-iuorrov.- -- tell her to entertain no fearn for niy safety,' "-- Mr. Tompkin's Adarium.

568 HISTORY OF THE COUNTY OF WESTCHESTER.

"During the march of the two armies to yVlule Plains frequent sliirr: occurred. On the ISth, the vanguard of the British army were at tack..] • ^ detachment under General Sullivan, and the fight which ensued, (near th.- .- reaching from New Rochelle,) has been always represented as very credl!,,' : the Americans."

"On the 2;st, Colonel Rogers, a celebrated partisan officer in tlie Froncli -....• had accepted a command in the English service, and lay at Mam:u-oneck. A., attack upon him was planned by Lord Sterling, and executed by a force n-::-T the command of Col. Ha.slet, of the Delaware regiment. Rogers was comp;. ;. :■. surprised; seventy or eighty of his men were killed or made prisoners, an '. a considerable quantity of arms, ammunition and clothing taken by the A:;.!-,, cans. On the 23d of October, a spirited skirmish took place between ll;i:;.:< Pennsylvania riflemen and a detachment of Hessian chasseurs, about 240 k:.-- -:-.•. in which the Hessians were routed. These haras;.-iug encounters of the Ainv:;. cans, (attended invariably with success,) tended to delay the advance of tl: • British and to make them cautious, while it cheered the desponding coura-.:e < '. the Americans soldiers, and above all, gave General Washington time to remov..- his stores and entrench iiimself where no army dare assail him,

On the 23d of October, a spirited skirmish took place between ll;i:;.:< Pennsylvania riflemen and a detachment of Hessian chasseurs, about 240 k:.-- -:-.•. in which the Hessians were routed. These haras;.-iug encounters of the Ainv:;. cans, (attended invariably with success,) tended to delay the advance of tl: • British and to make them cautious, while it cheered the desponding coura-.:e < '. the Americans soldiers, and above all, gave General Washington time to remov..- his stores and entrench iiimself where no army dare assail him,

"On the morning of the 23!;h of October, the British army marched froiii their camp in two columns-- the right commanded by General Clinton, the kf. by T>e JTn'ster, and came in sight of the American forces about 10 o'clock. On the 27th of October, two militia regiments had been sent over to throw u;> entrenchments on Chatterton hill; and ou the morning of the 2^th, Gcncn.: Washington ordered Col. Ilaslct to take command of the hill-- having under !i;j command his own (the Delaware) Regiment, the Militia, and part of the X:iryland troops. General McDougal soon followed him and took command. L'ul Haslet says, the enemy in the first place moved towards the fortiiications in the village-- they then halted-- the general officers had a council of war on horse!.>a';k in the wheat-fields, and the result was that their forces inclined tov.ards the Bronx. Fifteen or twenty pieces of artillerj' were placed upon the high gr v.iml opposite the liill, and commenced a furious cannonade upon McDougal's fvrce-. under cover of which fire the British built a bridge over the Bronx, and prepart d to cross.

L'ul Haslet says, the enemy in the first place moved towards the fortiiications in the village-- they then halted-- the general officers had a council of war on horse!.>a';k in the wheat-fields, and the result was that their forces inclined tov.ards the Bronx. Fifteen or twenty pieces of artillerj' were placed upon the high gr v.iml opposite the liill, and commenced a furious cannonade upon McDougal's fvrce-. under cover of which fire the British built a bridge over the Bronx, and prepart d to cross.

"Gen. McDougal placed two field pieces upon a ledge of table rock, whicli did great execution among the British artificers and soldiers. So soon as the brid/- would adnnt their crossing, they ru.-5hed forward and attempted to take tli^' t •.•.•■> pieces by a charge up the hill-- these two cannon were in charge of tli.- i.ity Alexander Hamilton, (then a captain of artillery), and never did olucers cr n:-:; do better execution. When upon the spot in after years, describir^g it t > a youthful friend, he was heard to say, 'For three successive discharges thi-adv.i.-icing column of British troops was swept froni hill-top to river ' The British fin'.- ing this talile rock inacccsv.il)lo, inclined to the left down the river. a-:d j- lined tlie troops under General liaM, wliieh had crossed about a quarter of a mile !>elow.

"They now attacked .McDougal, and attempted to turn his right (lank. lbretreated, but contested tlio ground all the way up to the sununit of th.e hill, making a stand at every favorabi'.- poiiit. At leii-th the British cavalry lt-Iu-iI the crest of the hill, and charging, cut to pieces the nulitia on McDougal's rigiit.

When upon the spot in after years, describir^g it t > a youthful friend, he was heard to say, 'For three successive discharges thi-adv.i.-icing column of British troops was swept froni hill-top to river ' The British fin'.- ing this talile rock inacccsv.il)lo, inclined to the left down the river. a-:d j- lined tlie troops under General liaM, wliieh had crossed about a quarter of a mile !>elow.

"They now attacked .McDougal, and attempted to turn his right (lank. lbretreated, but contested tlio ground all the way up to the sununit of th.e hill, making a stand at every favorabi'.- poiiit. At leii-th the British cavalry lt-Iu-iI the crest of the hill, and charging, cut to pieces the nulitia on McDougal's rigiit.

THE TOWN' OF WHITE PLAINS. 569

Pie la=t stand was made by the Americans behind a funcc at the top of the hill, ^ht-TL' the Delaware regiment and part of McDougal's brigade, twice repulsed the British Light Infantry and Cavalry. At length compelled to retreat, it was i'.ow in good order over tlie bridge at the foot of the hill, under cover of some n :;irnent3 detached by Washington from his main army. The militia and a few of tiie regulars were dispersed among the hills of Greenburgh, but soou returned 10 Head Quarters. The British forces engaged in that attack, were the flower of Ihe army, consisting of the second brigade of British, the 5th, i2Sth and 49th regiments, Kahl's battalion, the Hessian Grenadiers, under Duuop, and a party of Light Dragoons, all commanded by General Leslie.

At length compelled to retreat, it was i'.ow in good order over tlie bridge at the foot of the hill, under cover of some n :;irnent3 detached by Washington from his main army. The militia and a few of tiie regulars were dispersed among the hills of Greenburgh, but soou returned 10 Head Quarters. The British forces engaged in that attack, were the flower of Ihe army, consisting of the second brigade of British, the 5th, i2Sth and 49th regiments, Kahl's battalion, the Hessian Grenadiers, under Duuop, and a party of Light Dragoons, all commanded by General Leslie.

"That General Washington did make a successful stand at this place, has ever excited the wonder of military men. His troops were greatly- inferior ia numbers and'discipline, and composed in part of militia and raw recruits. After the battle, the enemy for several days attempted to gain Washington's rear, tried to alarm him and induce him to retreat or fight by threatening his flanks. At several times they formed a scmi-circlc about him. On the night of the 31st of October, Washington evacuated his camp at White Plains^ and established Ids new position in the hills of Northcastle, about one nule in the rear of his former encampment, when the British appear to have relinquished all further olTensive operations. At the advance of the British army to White Plains, the Whig families were seen hurrying, unprotected before them, with thin clothing and a scanty supply of provisions, to seek shelter for the coming winter, they knew not where. Desolation and famine marked the fair region over which the two armies passed. The English army finding all attempts to circumvent General Washington hopeless, broke up their camp at "Wliite Plains, on the 5th of November, and retired to Dobb's Ferry, and from thence to King's Bridge, where thny encamped on the 13th of that month.

At the advance of the British army to White Plains, the Whig families were seen hurrying, unprotected before them, with thin clothing and a scanty supply of provisions, to seek shelter for the coming winter, they knew not where. Desolation and famine marked the fair region over which the two armies passed. The English army finding all attempts to circumvent General Washington hopeless, broke up their camp at "Wliite Plains, on the 5th of November, and retired to Dobb's Ferry, and from thence to King's Bridge, where thny encamped on the 13th of that month.

'•Thus ended- in Westchester, for the year '7G, the movements of the British army; but soon the inhabitants of the North were overrun by loyalists from Morri-sania, and for a long time without protection, were exposed to every danger and siifferlng. In short, till the peace of ITS'J, Westchester Avas the battleground of the disaffected, and the prey of both friend and foe. Scenes of crcclty and bloodshed unknown in civilized warfare, marked thoir partizan engagements, and in the defence of their homes, her valiant sons exhibited frequent instances of personal bravery unexcelled in ancient or modern times. Among the most daring v.-cre the guides -- such men as Ahrahn?ii D'jChni'j,, Ccrnelius Oafdey and JoIlTi Oddl. In the darkness of night they have oft'.'n sniiirisod and carried off captains, officers and men, under the guns of the British forts at Morrisania, or in small parties amused themselves by 'seating up De Lancey's quarters. Frequent alarms iiad made them watchful of surprise, and success rendered them reckless of danger, till they became the chosen leaders of each dangerous enterprise against the encm}'.

Among the most daring v.-cre the guides -- such men as Ahrahn?ii D'jChni'j,, Ccrnelius Oafdey and JoIlTi Oddl. In the darkness of night they have oft'.'n sniiirisod and carried off captains, officers and men, under the guns of the British forts at Morrisania, or in small parties amused themselves by 'seating up De Lancey's quarters. Frequent alarms iiad made them watchful of surprise, and success rendered them reckless of danger, till they became the chosen leaders of each dangerous enterprise against the encm}'.

Why Gen. Howe so suddenly left the battle-field at ^^'hite Plains has been a mystery to many, but the following may explain it: "When he

" » At the ea.-it oud or ttu; village is »t\\\ to be seen tlie reia-iins oE Washiuston's cMCutupmeiir. or tlus iK.tUii/yr is 1^•H I'ut n .itn.i:: p.irtio:! nf iv.i- rTuti.mkun'nt that imims jiartly iicmss t!i-sirv>tt, oil TlK'snrf.ii;,' ot uliu-ii rcits a miitilatea Uowitzef. Tliii lelie of the past was disinrerred near liie spot it occupits.

570 HISTORY OF THE COUNTY OF WESTCHESTER.

landed witii his forces on Throg's Neck, Gen. ^Vashington ^^-ithd^e^v all his army -- except a garrison at Fort Washington, a very strongly fortified position, and considered impregnable. But treason can do what valor and skill cannot.

Gen. Plowe, as we shall see, had good reason to change his whole plan ; and that cause was, the treason of a commissioned officer of the American army. Four years before, the traitor Arnold attempted to betray West Point. A similar, but more successful traitor, betrayed Mount Washington. On the 2d of November, 1776, Adjutant ]^Iaga\v, passed undiscovered, out of Fort Washington into the British camp, convejing the plans of the fort and full information as to all its works and garrison, and placed them in the hands of Lord Percy.

Plowe, as we shall see, had good reason to change his whole plan ; and that cause was, the treason of a commissioned officer of the American army. Four years before, the traitor Arnold attempted to betray West Point. A similar, but more successful traitor, betrayed Mount Washington. On the 2d of November, 1776, Adjutant ]^Iaga\v, passed undiscovered, out of Fort Washington into the British camp, convejing the plans of the fort and full information as to all its works and garrison, and placed them in the hands of Lord Percy.

On the 15th of November, the grand army of Howe, that was seen in such splendor in White Plains but a short time before, now gathered around the doomed fortress of Mt. Washington, and it soon fell by the treacherj' of a traitor whose infamy ought to be known, and his name branded vnth that contempt that traitors only deserve.

The following additional particulars respecting the engagement on Chatterton's hill are contained in Gen. Heath's Memoirs : --

27th of October, "In the foreooon, a heavy cannonade was heard towards Fort Waslimgton. Thirteen Hessians and two or tliree British soldiers tvere sent in ou this day. From tl)e American camp to the west, south-west, there appeared to be a very commanding height, worthy of attention. Tlie Commander-in-Chief ordered the general officers who were off dut\-, to attend him to reconnoitcr tliis ground, on this morning. When arrived at the ground, altliough very couimanding, it did not appear so much so, as other grounds to the north, and ulmoGt parallel with the left of the army, as it was then formed. ''Yonder," says Major Gen. Lee, pointing to the grounds just mentioned, "is tlie ground we ought to occupy." "Let us tlieu go and view it," replied the Commander-iu-Chief, When on the way, a light horseman came up on full gallop, his horse almost out of breath, and addressed General "Washington -- "The British are in the camp, sir." The General observed, "Gentlemen, ^ve have now other business than recf)nnoitring," putting his horse in full gallop for the camp, and followed by the other officers.

Lee, pointing to the grounds just mentioned, "is tlie ground we ought to occupy." "Let us tlieu go and view it," replied the Commander-iu-Chief, When on the way, a light horseman came up on full gallop, his horse almost out of breath, and addressed General "Washington -- "The British are in the camp, sir." The General observed, "Gentlemen, ^ve have now other business than recf)nnoitring," putting his horse in full gallop for the camp, and followed by the other officers. When arrived at head-quarters, the Adjutant-General, (Read.) who had remained at camp, informed the Commander-in-Chief, that tlie guards had been all beat in, and the whole American army were now nt their respective posts, in order of battle. The Commander-iu-Chief turned round to the officers, and only said, "Gentlemen, j'ou will repair to your respective post, and do the best j'ou can." "Our General. (Heath.) on arriving at his own division, found them all in the lines; and. from the height of his posts, found that the first attack was directed against the Americans on Cliatterton's hill. The Mttle river Bronx, which ran between the Ani'Tican right and this hi'l, after running round its nortli side, turned and ran duwn on the cast and south-cast. The British advanced in two columns. At

THE TOWN OF \\'HITE PLAIXS. 571

• ,',:.< inetanf, tlie cannonade ■vras brisk on both sides: directed by the British n-fi»69 the hollow and Bronx, agaiast the Americans ou the hill, and by thcni nturucd. Almost at the same instant, the right column, composed of British tr<A.'ns, preci'ded by about twenty light horse in full gallop, and brandishing their fcwords, appeared on the road leadinc; to the court-house, and now directly in the fniat of our General's division. The light-horse leaped the fence of a wheat field, at the foot of the hUl, on which Col.

• ,',:.< inetanf, tlie cannonade ■vras brisk on both sides: directed by the British n-fi»69 the hollow and Bronx, agaiast the Americans ou the hill, and by thcni nturucd. Almost at the same instant, the right column, composed of British tr<A.'ns, preci'ded by about twenty light horse in full gallop, and brandishing their fcwords, appeared on the road leadinc; to the court-house, and now directly in the fniat of our General's division. The light-horse leaped the fence of a wheat field, at the foot of the hUl, on which Col. Malcolm's regiment was posted, of which the light-horse were not aware until a shot from Lieutenant Penuo's field- \)k'ce gave them notice by striking in the midst of them, and a horseman pitching from his horse. They then wheeled short about, galloped out of the field as fa^t as they came in, rode behind a little liill on the road, and faced about ; the tops of their caps only being visible to our General, where he stood. The column came no further up the road, but wheeled to the left by platoons, as they came up ; and, passing through a bar, or gateway, directed their head towards the troops on Chatterton's hill, now engaged. When the head of the colunm had got nearly across the lot, their front got out of sight ; nor could the extent of their rear be now discovered. The sun shone bright, their arms glittered, and perhaps troojis never were shown to more advantage, than those now appeared- The -whole now halted; ard for a few minutes, the men all sat down in the Kime order in which they stood, no one appearing to move out of his place. The cannonade continued brisk across the Bronx. A part of the left column, composed of British and Hessians, forded the river, and marched along under the cover of the hill, until they bad gained sufhcient ground to the left of the Americans; when, by facing to the left, their column became a line, parallel with the Americans.

The sun shone bright, their arms glittered, and perhaps troojis never were shown to more advantage, than those now appeared- The -whole now halted; ard for a few minutes, the men all sat down in the Kime order in which they stood, no one appearing to move out of his place. The cannonade continued brisk across the Bronx. A part of the left column, composed of British and Hessians, forded the river, and marched along under the cover of the hill, until they bad gained sufhcient ground to the left of the Americans; when, by facing to the left, their column became a line, parallel with the Americans. "When they briskly ascended the liill,^ the first column resumed a quick march. As the troops, which were advancing to the attack, ascended the hill, the cannonade on the side of the British ceased ; as their own men became exposed to their fire, if continued. The fire of the small arms was now very heavy, and without any distinction of sounds. This led some American officers, who were looking on, to observe that the British vrcre worsted, as their cannon had ceased firing ; but a few minutes evinced that the Americans were giving way. They moved off the hill in a great body, neither running, nor observing the b.'st order. The British ascended the hill very slowly, and when arrived at its summit, formed and dressed their line, without the least attempt to pursue the Amnricans. Tlie loss on the side of the Americans was inconsiderable. That of the British was not then known. The British army having got possession of this hill, it gave them a vast advantage of the American Hues, almost down to the centre."*

They moved off the hill in a great body, neither running, nor observing the b.'st order. The British ascended the hill very slowly, and when arrived at its summit, formed and dressed their line, without the least attempt to pursue the Amnricans. Tlie loss on the side of the Americans was inconsiderable. That of the British was not then known. The British army having got possession of this hill, it gave them a vast advantage of the American Hues, almost down to the centre."*

Botta, in his history of the American Revolution, says : " The loss of men in this action was great on the one part as well as on the other. "<' Among the principal actors in this scene, upon the American side,

a V*!u]e tlio i;,ia-n wore thm advauoing up the h;U, a shot struck one of the statuJard beart-r.s il'ii.i. W.irrL-u (!•.' L.\uc.>t, {then a boy ii(ri;oii vcars of age,) iii-t.intly seized the ciilorrt. and riHliinx' f'>rwarJ, was one of the fir^t to ;jani V.v.- siimiuit, where tie i>lant>il them ini)iegromi.l I'o- this act of tjravery he afterwura-i receiveil a cornet's comnildiioQ Irom Gemral liowo. -- .1 u'/.or.

b IliatU's .''i til. Ti"..

e Tiio rfin:Mfi . nT those sHiii in ttio contiict, were ir.rerred i:: a hollow oa the south.-west siile cf (haiteitoii l.i;:, uear abickory tree.

572 HISTORY OF THE COUNTY OF WESTCHESTER.

may be enumerated, Generals Washington, Clinton, McDoiigal, L; ■ Heath, Sterling, and Read, Colonels Haslet, Smallwood, Malcolm a.. Glover; Majors Hand, Lee and Lieut. Fenno. On the British si:,- Brigadier Generals Leslie, Knyphausen, Rahl, De Heister, and M..;- thews; Lord Percy, Count Dunop, Colonel Ralle, Colonel Ritzeina, an; Major Rogers, Szc, Szc.

e Tiio rfin:Mfi . nT those sHiii in ttio contiict, were ir.rerred i:: a hollow oa the south.-west siile cf (haiteitoii l.i;:, uear abickory tree.

572 HISTORY OF THE COUNTY OF WESTCHESTER.

may be enumerated, Generals Washington, Clinton, McDoiigal, L; ■ Heath, Sterling, and Read, Colonels Haslet, Smallwood, Malcolm a.. Glover; Majors Hand, Lee and Lieut. Fenno. On the British si:,- Brigadier Generals Leslie, Knyphausen, Rahl, De Heister, and M..;- thews; Lord Percy, Count Dunop, Colonel Ralle, Colonel Ritzeina, an; Major Rogers, Szc, Szc.

The following letter of General George Clinton, dated Camp, at t'v. old Place near White Plains, Nov. 2d, 1776, to a friend, is copied fro: i the journal of the Provincial Congress : --

Mt Deae Sir:: -- '-Your favors of the 30th and 3lst ultimo, were left at ir.v tent a few minutes since. Since my last to you, dated the day before yesterday, tlie centre and riglit v.-ing of our army having possessetl themselves of lb-. heights in their rear, north-east of the road leading to Young's, yesterday moraing evacuated Vn?.l part of our lines which passed through the town, aud sou;!;-

east of Is , a:id fell back on those heights - firing all the barns, hay and corn

stacks in front. This induced the enemy to believe we had again retreated ; ami determined to take the advantage of our apparent fliglit, theii army instantly moved forward into the part of our lines which were evacuated. This brougi;! on a pretty bvislc cannonade, though at too great a distance to do much e.vcciition. I lost one maa, and had tv."o wounded. I have heard of no other injur}" done us. We are b\' the late movements now far advanced -- in front, of cou:;'.'. most e.vposed. The enemy retired to their former encampment in the evening, leaving strong advanced pickets, and working parties vrho are busily employvJ in erecting banks on tlic heights in and near the tov/n.

This brougi;! on a pretty bvislc cannonade, though at too great a distance to do much e.vcciition. I lost one maa, and had tv."o wounded. I have heard of no other injur}" done us. We are b\' the late movements now far advanced -- in front, of cou:;'.'. most e.vposed. The enemy retired to their former encampment in the evening, leaving strong advanced pickets, and working parties vrho are busily employvJ in erecting banks on tlic heights in and near the tov/n. Deserters, (especiaily from the Queen's light dragoons,) come daily over to us ; and now and then oar Rangers send in a straggling prisoner. Captain Van Wick of my brigade, who. at his earnest desire, wa.s appointed to a company of rangers, was day before tliL ycstcrday unfortunately killed. He went out in the morning with about thirty men, and fell in v,-ith about one hundred of tlic enemy in a house not far dista t from their lines -- charged them with spirit, gave them n brisk fire, but unforta;:- ately, wh^n loading his piece the second time, was shot in the head, and i<.'-'- dead. His lieutenant shot down the man who lulled his captain. The enemy fled : our party brought o!T their captain, and yesterday evening I had him interred with the honors of war. He was a good mn.n, and a valiant ollicer. Prr.y comniuiiicate this sad news to his widow, (to whom I would write, had I leisure. > in a mamicr tliat will least aSect her-

He went out in the morning with about thirty men, and fell in v,-ith about one hundred of tlic enemy in a house not far dista t from their lines -- charged them with spirit, gave them n brisk fire, but unforta;:- ately, wh^n loading his piece the second time, was shot in the head, and i<.'-'- dead. His lieutenant shot down the man who lulled his captain. The enemy fled : our party brought o!T their captain, and yesterday evening I had him interred with the honors of war. He was a good mn.n, and a valiant ollicer. Prr.y comniuiiicate this sad news to his widow, (to whom I would write, had I leisure. > in a mamicr tliat will least aSect her-

I know of no other news worth communicating you. Though in the camp, I am not acquainted with the disposition of our army. Some brigades to the northcast of us, in my humble opinion, are where they can do no good ; perhaps I an; mistaken. I a:n not well acquainted with the country. I must beg an answer to my letter, wherein I disired you to ask a favor of the Convention. I am, with the utmost esteem.

Yours afTectioaalely, GEORGE CLLN'TOIn.

r.S. -- I need n-'^t a?k y.-".i to forward the enclosed. I know yv.i will d < :'-• Thongli i di-tcrniincd never to meddle with the disposition of ulLcors, 1 ca:;:: '■

THE TONVK OF WTIITE PL.A.IX3, 573 -5 7^

>:m rooninmcnding Colonel Daboys and his ofScers, who served in our army to !;..r'.h\varJ List year, to the Couventiou. Should they quit the army by any r*-4'.i<."i. it will be a public loss. They are brave men aud good officers ; at least, fiich of them as have joined our brigade.''*

I know yv.i will d < :'-• Thongli i di-tcrniincd never to meddle with the disposition of ulLcors, 1 ca:;:: '■

THE TONVK OF WTIITE PL.A.IX3, 573 -5 7^

>:m rooninmcnding Colonel Daboys and his ofScers, who served in our army to !;..r'.h\varJ List year, to the Couventiou. Should they quit the army by any r*-4'.i<."i. it will be a public loss. They are brave men aud good officers ; at least, fiich of them as have joined our brigade.''*

The head-quarters of Washington, while stationed here, were at a j.iuil farm-house to the north of the village, situated amid a deep soH- tu.!c of woods, surrounded by hills and wild romantic scenery. The folknving account of a visit paid to this spot, is taken from a newspaper j.rinted in New York, in 1845.

"When we entered the little room of Mr. Miller's* farm-house, where that great i-!(l good man had resided, and where he resolved to try the hazard of a battle, with a llu!>hed and successful foe, we could not repress the enthusiasm, which liie place and the moment and the memory inspired. We looked around with t-.-'crnuss at each portion of the room on which his e3-e must have rested, we frx'vd tlirough the small window panes, through which he mu?t have so often and .sj anxiously looked towards the enemy, and at the old-fashioned bullets, where lii.^ table service was deposited for his acommodation. But little change has uken place in the building ; and its amiable and patriotic inmates have shown thi'ir respect for the hero, by placing on tlie walls, his portrait and several repre- .•^.ntations of his last moments at Mount Vernon." ■''

We looked around with t-.-'crnuss at each portion of the room on which his e3-e must have rested, we frx'vd tlirough the small window panes, through which he mu?t have so often and .sj anxiously looked towards the enemy, and at the old-fashioned bullets, where lii.^ table service was deposited for his acommodation. But little change has uken place in the building ; and its amiable and patriotic inmates have shown thi'ir respect for the hero, by placing on tlie walls, his portrait and several repre- .•^.ntations of his last moments at Mount Vernon." ■''

In the north-east angle of the town, hes St. Marj-'s Lake -- a large and beautiful sheet of water, whicli falls into the Maraaroneck river, its banks on the north-west side are very steep, and the views from the summits of the surrounding hills are extremely fine.

The general surface of White Plains, " is somewhat hilly, but mostly arable ; soil, principally loam, well adapted to grass, and much of it li;ghly cultivated."'' The higher lands abound wit'n good timber, which consists chiefly of oak, chestnut and hickory. There is perhaps no town in the county better watered by rivers, brooks, and springs.

a Journal of N'. Y. Prov. Congress, vol. ii, 317.

6 Mr. Elijah >!Ulcr (who is since deceased) was a soldier of the Kcvolutlon.

e DLstaruell's Gazetteer, N. Y.

THE TOWN

-^2" O ISr I^ IB 1=1. S -

Yonkers is situated on the east bank of the Hudson, immediately above New York Island, seventeen miles north of New York, one hundred and thirty south of Albany, and ten south-west of W/iiie Plains; bounded north by Greenburgh, east by Eastchester and a small angle of Westchester, or by Bronx's River, south by West Farms and New York county, and west by the Hudson River.

THE TOWN

-^2" O ISr I^ IB 1=1. S -

Yonkers is situated on the east bank of the Hudson, immediately above New York Island, seventeen miles north of New York, one hundred and thirty south of Albany, and ten south-west of W/iiie Plains; bounded north by Greenburgh, east by Eastchester and a small angle of Westchester, or by Bronx's River, south by West Farms and New York county, and west by the Hudson River. It extends near eight miles along the Hudson, and has a medial width of near three miles.

The name of this town -- at different periods written, Younkers, Younckcrs, Jonkers and Yonkers -- is derived from the Dutch "Jonker," or " Jonkheer," meaning in that language the '■'■young ge7itk?nan" a com- 'mon appellation for the heir of a Dutch family. «

Yonkers and the Mile Square constituted a township within the great manor of Philipsburgh, until the year 1779, Avhen the manor was confiscated and conveyed to the people of this State, A.D. 1788, the present township was independently organized.^ Thirty years after the Dutch discovery of the New Netherlands, A.D. 1639, we find the Dutch West India Company purchasing lands in this town of the native Indian sachems : --

" Appeared before me, Cornells Tan Tienhoven, Secretary of the New Netberlaiidi!, Frequemeck, Rechgawac. Packanuicns, owners of Kekeshick. which they *Ji(l freely convey, cede, ice, &.C., to the behoof of the General Incorporated West India Company, which Hc3 over against the flats of tlie Island of Manliates, mostly east and west, beginning at the source of said kill till over against the

Yonkers and the Mile Square constituted a township within the great manor of Philipsburgh, until the year 1779, Avhen the manor was confiscated and conveyed to the people of this State, A.D. 1788, the present township was independently organized.^ Thirty years after the Dutch discovery of the New Netherlands, A.D. 1639, we find the Dutch West India Company purchasing lands in this town of the native Indian sachems : --

" Appeared before me, Cornells Tan Tienhoven, Secretary of the New Netberlaiidi!, Frequemeck, Rechgawac. Packanuicns, owners of Kekeshick. which they *Ji(l freely convey, cede, ice, &.C., to the behoof of the General Incorporated West India Company, which Hc3 over against the flats of tlie Island of Manliates, mostly east and west, beginning at the source of said kill till over against the

a Bi-nson'a 51 um. of N. T.

i* Act passed (til Marcli, ITSS. Rev. Stat, vol. iii. 2S6.

576 HISTORY OF THE COUNTY OF WESTCHESTER.

high hill of the flat lands-- to -wit, by the great kill, together -svith all the rights, estate and title to them, the graatees, &c., ifcc. lu teslixiiony of the truth of which, this is subscribei by witaesacs. Done 3d of August, 1639, at pVjrt Amsterdam, in New Netherland,"

C0RyELIU3 Yax dek IIotken". > Datidt Pietteksen de Ykies,; as witnesses, In presence of me, '

CoEXELis Van TiExnoTEX, Secretary.'"

How long the Dutch West India Company held the lands of Kekeshick, does not appear; but about the year A. D. 1646, we find the Indian sachem, Tacharew, granting lands in this town to Adrian Van der Donck.^ In this sale the town is called Ncpperhaem^ an Indian name frequently applied to the village. Eighty years later we find it varied to JVeJ>^erah,'^t\\e. proper Indian orthography of which is evidently Nap-pecha-mack, rendered literally tlie rapid laafer settlement, thus graphically expressing the situation of tlie Mohegan village, at the mouth of the Neperah, or rapid waters. « In the deep seclusion of the ancient forests that once bordered this beautiful stream, were located other Indian villages, some of the sites of which tradition has preserved to us; one of these occupied the eastern edge of Boar Hill.

Eighty years later we find it varied to JVeJ>^erah,'^t\\e. proper Indian orthography of which is evidently Nap-pecha-mack, rendered literally tlie rapid laafer settlement, thus graphically expressing the situation of tlie Mohegan village, at the mouth of the Neperah, or rapid waters. « In the deep seclusion of the ancient forests that once bordered this beautiful stream, were located other Indian villages, some of the sites of which tradition has preserved to us; one of these occupied the eastern edge of Boar Hill. A Mohegan castle ornamented the steep side of Berrian's Xeck, styled in the Indian tongue Nipnichse:t. It was carefully protected by a strong stockade, from the attacks of the war-like Sank-hi-can-ni, (fire workers,) inhabiting the Jersey shores, and commanded the romantic scenery of the Spuyten Du>-vel Creek and Hudson River. The junction of the two streams was called, in the Indian, Shorackappock. The last settlement of the Xappeckamak Indians remembered in this town stood near the present residence of Abraham Fowler, on a rising bank of the Xeperah, (saumill.) The crystal waters of this sweet stream, (which runs princij)ally north and south,) arise from two perennial springs in the bosom of the Chappequa hills. To this nymph of the valley the Indians (as their custom was) offered sacrifice, the perpetuity of her motion tipifying to them the eternity of God.

In the north-west corner of this town, west of the saw mill, (Xeperah) is situated the rock Meghkeckassin, Amackassin, or the great stone, sometimes called Megkkeckassin, and Afacakassin, a name probably deriveil from two Delaware words, '' Machaak" signifying '-'great," '' ae/isin,"

The last settlement of the Xappeckamak Indians remembered in this town stood near the present residence of Abraham Fowler, on a rising bank of the Xeperah, (saumill.) The crystal waters of this sweet stream, (which runs princij)ally north and south,) arise from two perennial springs in the bosom of the Chappequa hills. To this nymph of the valley the Indians (as their custom was) offered sacrifice, the perpetuity of her motion tipifying to them the eternity of God.

In the north-west corner of this town, west of the saw mill, (Xeperah) is situated the rock Meghkeckassin, Amackassin, or the great stone, sometimes called Megkkeckassin, and Afacakassin, a name probably deriveil from two Delaware words, '' Machaak" signifying '-'great," '' ae/isin,"

a Alb. Rec. c. c 62.

6 Sometimes called the Youurct Vaa Danke. Assize, Kec. Alb. 4T.

c Alb. I{ec. viu. 79, SO. Hoi. Doc.'vi. US. Book of Pat. I., 56.-- O'Callaclian'a ni.^t N'. >'., 3S3. d Valentlae'a Keceipta for rent.

e Niiii. In ttio olJ ulijoaicin, sig-nifies water ; Mc.-s, iu the Mawtauk.-- Trans. Amer. A2li-J Soa il.

THE TOWN' OF YONKERS. 577

Stone; or as rendered by some '■'■ Mekhkakhsin" meaning copper,'' akksin" stone.'* The latter word appears to denote not a common stone, but the " colored copper stone" bound under some spell of Indian necro mancy. On the east side of this enchanted rock are several Indian marks almost effaced by age. " To these stones they paid all outward signs of worship and devotion, not as to God, but as they are hieroglyphics of the permanency and immutabiHty of the Diety; because these, both for figure and substance, arc, of all sublunary bodies, the least subject to decay or change."* This stone lies in an obscure nook on the eastern shore of the Hudson, at the foot of a steep bank whose sides are shaded wth masses of wild cedar and laurel, the beautiful lake like ap-

" To these stones they paid all outward signs of worship and devotion, not as to God, but as they are hieroglyphics of the permanency and immutabiHty of the Diety; because these, both for figure and substance, arc, of all sublunary bodies, the least subject to decay or change."* This stone lies in an obscure nook on the eastern shore of the Hudson, at the foot of a steep bank whose sides are shaded wth masses of wild cedar and laurel, the beautiful lake like ap-

Indiaa Uocfc, MegWieckassiQ, or Amackassiu.

pearance of the river giving additional interest and magical illusion to the scene. At ebb tide the huge boulder must have reminded them of a monstrous Neebanawbaig, (or water spirit,) afloat on the Ava\-es. To the superstitious Indian its peculiar position must have been a subject of deep interest. The name of tliis stone is sometimes applied to a brook that flows in the vicinity. The term Si[^^kes, v/hich also occurs in some of the deeds, doubtless belongs to the Indian rock, situated still higher up, west of the post road on the land of J. O. Dyckman. The two rocks or stones and rivulet here referred to, still form a portion of the northern boundary of Yonkers, running east to Bronx's river. In this town are also tvvo //;J/a/i burying grounds. The principal one lies two miles north

a Trans. Aiucrc. .Vntirj, Soc. vol. ii. 3r,6. b ISovL'ily'a Ilist. Virfeiuu.

578 HISTORY OF THE COUNTY OF WESTCHESTER.

of the \illage, on Blackwell's hill. "Within the recollection of many persons still living, the graves Avere distinctly indicated by rude mounds of earth; but, alas ! the plough has long since removed these memorials of the ancient dead, and perhaps the mouldering rehcs themselves.

In this town are also tvvo //;J/a/i burying grounds. The principal one lies two miles north

a Trans. Aiucrc. .Vntirj, Soc. vol. ii. 3r,6. b ISovL'ily'a Ilist. Virfeiuu.

578 HISTORY OF THE COUNTY OF WESTCHESTER.

of the \illage, on Blackwell's hill. "Within the recollection of many persons still living, the graves Avere distinctly indicated by rude mounds of earth; but, alas ! the plough has long since removed these memorials of the ancient dead, and perhaps the mouldering rehcs themselves.

That remnant of a martial brow,

Those ribs that held the mighty heart, That strong arm -- ah ! 'tis strengthless now. -- Bryant.

And well might the poet add : --

Spare them ! each mouldering fragment spare,

Of God's own image -- let them rest, Till not a trace shall speak of where

The awful likeness was impressed!"

The second and last place of sepulture used by the Indians in this town, is now nearly covered by the barn and out buildings of Benjamin Fowler, Esq. The site was well chosen, on rising ground, at the entrance of the Sprain valley.

Besides the Tawasenthas, (or places of many dead,) numerous skeletons have been discovered in diflferent parts of the town, showing it to have been once numerously populated by the Indian tribes. One of these was recently disinterred in making some improvements on the Kings-Bridge road, nearly opposite the Van Cortlandt residence ; it proved to be on examination the full sized skeleton of an Indian, in a sitting posture, holding the remains of a small child between its knees. Others have been discovered Ipng near the surface of the ground on Berrian's Neck ; the back part of the skull of one of these was found perforated by a musket ball, which still remains in the cavity of the brain. ^ Of course this Indian perished by fire arms.

One of these was recently disinterred in making some improvements on the Kings-Bridge road, nearly opposite the Van Cortlandt residence ; it proved to be on examination the full sized skeleton of an Indian, in a sitting posture, holding the remains of a small child between its knees. Others have been discovered Ipng near the surface of the ground on Berrian's Neck ; the back part of the skull of one of these was found perforated by a musket ball, which still remains in the cavity of the brain. ^ Of course this Indian perished by fire arms. It may not be inappropriate to mention that Hendrick Hudson had an engagement with the Indians in 1609, at the moiith of the Spuyten Dyvil creek.

The descendants of the last named chief, Tackareic', continued to reside in Yonkers for more than half a century after the sale to Van der Donck, A.D. 1646, as we find Claas de Wilt, Neamerau, and a squaw, Karocapacomont, confirming the Hon. Jacobus van Cortlandt, in possession of the old Yoanckers, A. D. lyoi." 1692, we find an Indi.* chief at Bedford, called Wappowham.''

a, Harper's laJian Traits, Introd. 1. 13.

7) In po'sessiou of H. S. Gate?, M.D., of Yonkers village

f See V.iri C':)rtl.iti'lt'-; conflrmition.

c! Sje CtUrorJ.

THE TONV'N OF YONKERS. 579

The last remnant of his tribe in this place was a noble Indian by the naiae of Shucktaman, who occasionally visited the village, but was nftcncr to be seen in his canoe cruising along the various fishing grounds of the Hudson.

D. lyoi." 1692, we find an Indi.* chief at Bedford, called Wappowham.''

a, Harper's laJian Traits, Introd. 1. 13.

7) In po'sessiou of H. S. Gate?, M.D., of Yonkers village

f See V.iri C':)rtl.iti'lt'-; conflrmition.

c! Sje CtUrorJ.

THE TONV'N OF YONKERS. 579

The last remnant of his tribe in this place was a noble Indian by the naiae of Shucktaman, who occasionally visited the village, but was nftcncr to be seen in his canoe cruising along the various fishing grounds of the Hudson.

We have sho\vn that the next grantee in Yonkers, under the Indians, wa? tlic renowned Dutch De Heer Adriaen van der Donck." "This illustrious personage was the son of a free citizen of Breda in Dutch Urabant, and a hneal descendant of Adriaen van Bergen, part owner of t!ic famous turf boat, in which a party of Dutch troops were clandestinely introduced, in the year 1599, into the castle commanding that city, then in the hands of the Spanish, by which stratagem that stronghold fell into the- hands of their high mightinesses the States General."^ "Van der Donck enjoys the distinction of having been the first lav.yer in the colony of New Netherlands. He received his education at the University of Leyden, in Holland, where he attained the degree oi Juris iitriusque Doctor; he subsequently obtained permission to practice as an advocate in the Supreme Court of Holland. In the autumn of 1641, he embarked on board a vessel belonging to the Patroon Killian van Rensselaer, for the New Netherlands. On his arrival he was created sheriff of Rensselaerwj'ck."'^

We have sho\vn that the next grantee in Yonkers, under the Indians, wa? tlic renowned Dutch De Heer Adriaen van der Donck." "This illustrious personage was the son of a free citizen of Breda in Dutch Urabant, and a hneal descendant of Adriaen van Bergen, part owner of t!ic famous turf boat, in which a party of Dutch troops were clandestinely introduced, in the year 1599, into the castle commanding that city, then in the hands of the Spanish, by which stratagem that stronghold fell into the- hands of their high mightinesses the States General."^ "Van der Donck enjoys the distinction of having been the first lav.yer in the colony of New Netherlands. He received his education at the University of Leyden, in Holland, where he attained the degree oi Juris iitriusque Doctor; he subsequently obtained permission to practice as an advocate in the Supreme Court of Holland. In the autumn of 1641, he embarked on board a vessel belonging to the Patroon Killian van Rensselaer, for the New Netherlands. On his arrival he was created sheriff of Rensselaerwj'ck."'^

After remaining here for two or three years, and finding himself disappointed in his efforts to plant a colony in that neighborhood, "he obtained, in consideration of the assistance he afforded in negotiating the treaty between the Director General and the Mohawks, and in return for the advances he then made to enable the government to purchase presents for the Indians, the tract of land called '' Neppcrhaem." This valuable property, for which he received a patent from the Dutch authorities in 1646, was situated on the east side of Hudson's river, about sixteen miles above New Amsterdam. It was bounded on the north by a stream which the Indians called "■ I^iaccakassinP and ran south to Ntppcrhcwm ; thence to the SJioraJzapkock kill, and to Papirinimen creek, called by the Dutch "Spuyten Duyvel," whence it stretched eastward to the river Bronx.

After remaining here for two or three years, and finding himself disappointed in his efforts to plant a colony in that neighborhood, "he obtained, in consideration of the assistance he afforded in negotiating the treaty between the Director General and the Mohawks, and in return for the advances he then made to enable the government to purchase presents for the Indians, the tract of land called '' Neppcrhaem." This valuable property, for which he received a patent from the Dutch authorities in 1646, was situated on the east side of Hudson's river, about sixteen miles above New Amsterdam. It was bounded on the north by a stream which the Indians called "■ I^iaccakassinP and ran south to Ntppcrhcwm ; thence to the SJioraJzapkock kill, and to Papirinimen creek, called by the Dutch "Spuyten Duyvel," whence it stretched eastward to the river Bronx. The title of this colony was " Colcn Donck" Donck's colony, and the proprietor thereof, was invested -with all the rights and privileges contained in the charter of 1629." ^

He also obtained a deed of confirmation for the same from the ancient lords of the soil. This fact is proved by the testimony taken beo Donck la a village la South noUaEd, three aad a half leagues from Gorcum.

6 O'Callaghan's II1.4t. N. N., 327.

t N. y. Hist. Soc. Coll. ii., S.c 1. 27.

d O'CaliagUau'a Illat. of the Ne'.tierlimls, vol. 1.3S2.

580 HISTORY OF THE COUNTY OF WF,STCHESTER.

fore his Excellency, Richard Nicoll, the first English governor of N'^.y York, A.D. 1666, when it was distinctly declared, -- "That the Indian proprietor's name, who was chief of them, was Tackarew, living at the Navisans, (the highlands of the Nevisink, N. J.), who acknowledged ye purchase as before described, and that he had received satisfaction for it.

Coll. ii., S.c 1. 27.

d O'CaliagUau'a Illat. of the Ne'.tierlimls, vol. 1.3S2.

580 HISTORY OF THE COUNTY OF WF,STCHESTER.

fore his Excellency, Richard Nicoll, the first English governor of N'^.y York, A.D. 1666, when it was distinctly declared, -- "That the Indian proprietor's name, who was chief of them, was Tackarew, living at the Navisans, (the highlands of the Nevisink, N. J.), who acknowledged ye purchase as before described, and that he had received satisfaction for it. Claes, ye Indian, having interest in a part, acknowledged to have sold and received satisfaction of Van der Donck. All the rest of ye Indians, being seven or eight, acknowledged to have received full satisfaction** likewise."

The Jonge Heer being now a member of the privileged order of Patroons,'' enjoyed all the feudal appendages attached thereto, such as power to erect a church or churches; to administer jurisdiction, to decide civil suits, to impose fines, to pronounce the first sentence, finally to exercise all rights belonging to the jurisdiction, of Colen Donck together with the right of hunting, fowUng, fishing and trading according to immunities granted in the same. Soon after the settlement of our Patroon at Colen Donck, there arose a controversy between the government of the Colony of New Netherlands and several of the colonists ; among tlie most forward of the latter was Adriaen Van der Donck, who with others united in a strong remonstrance to the States General of PloUand, complaining of the power exercised by the Dutch West India Company especially during the administrations of Kieft and Stuyvesant. This remonstrance was afterwards printed at the Hague, A.D. 1650, and fonned a small vol. (quarto) of fifty pages entitled " Vertoogh"^ Van Xieuw Nederlandt, weghens de Ghelegenhetyd,Vruchtbaerheydt, en soberen Staet desselfs. In s' Graven Hage, 1650, (An Exposition of the.

Soon after the settlement of our Patroon at Colen Donck, there arose a controversy between the government of the Colony of New Netherlands and several of the colonists ; among tlie most forward of the latter was Adriaen Van der Donck, who with others united in a strong remonstrance to the States General of PloUand, complaining of the power exercised by the Dutch West India Company especially during the administrations of Kieft and Stuyvesant. This remonstrance was afterwards printed at the Hague, A.D. 1650, and fonned a small vol. (quarto) of fifty pages entitled " Vertoogh"^ Van Xieuw Nederlandt, weghens de Ghelegenhetyd,Vruchtbaerheydt, en soberen Staet desselfs. In s' Graven Hage, 1650, (An Exposition of the. New Netherlands, in respect to the situation, fertility, and wretched condition of the country. At the Hague, 1650.) This attempt to shake the authority of the Dutch West India Com.pany, proved abortive, and only served to re-act unfavorably upon the disaffected; 19 March. 1650, occurs a contract between the Dutch West India Company. Van der Donck and others, for the transportation of two hundred persons to New Netherlands.'^ November 29, 1650, Cornelis Van Tienhoven, Secretary of the New Netherlands, delivered to the States General a short statciu.-nt or answer upon certain points contained in the memorial of Van der Donck and others to their High Mia:htne3ses.^

o Albany Roc, court of .Vssize Doed^, vol. iil. p. 42.

6 A title denveJ from the Latia PaiiDQiis like the French Seignior.

c Vertooch soTni'tirao-! means reni'JUotrauce.

d riol. Pi.c. .XVI, I?l.

Van der Donck and others, for the transportation of two hundred persons to New Netherlands.'^ November 29, 1650, Cornelis Van Tienhoven, Secretary of the New Netherlands, delivered to the States General a short statciu.-nt or answer upon certain points contained in the memorial of Van der Donck and others to their High Mia:htne3ses.^

o Albany Roc, court of .Vssize Doed^, vol. iil. p. 42.

6 A title denveJ from the Latia PaiiDQiis like the French Seignior.

c Vertooch soTni'tirao-! means reni'JUotrauce.

d riol. Pi.c. .XVI, I?l.

e HoU. Doc. Xo. Ivlii. "CO.

THE TOV.'N OF YOXKERS. 581

Van der Donck, also appears to have been one of the commissioners who repaired to Holland for a redress of grievances. For in islay 13, 1652, occurs the memorial of Adriaen Van der Donck to the committee of the States General, stating his intended return to the New Netherlands."

Again May 30, 1652, a second memorial from Adriaen Van der Donck to the same body, " respecting various matters connected with his visit to Holland on behalf of Gemeente at New Netherlands."*

During the Patroon's stay in Holland, he had shipped for Colen Donck seven persons, four of whom had cruelly deserted and betrayed him. Upon this we find him again petitioning the Directors of the Dutch West India Companj-'s department, Amsterdam : --

"Remonstrates reverently, Adriaen Van der Douck, residing in New Netherlands that to the supplicant was granted by the Director General and Council in New Netherlands, the accommodations the Saw Kill with the adjacent lands to erect there paw- and grist mills, and plantations and boweries according to his means and ability, which grant was chi(.'fly obtained because the supplicant had contributed a vast deal by his services as mediator, to negotiate and conclude a peace between the director Kieft from the one side and the Indians from the other side, not without great sacritice from his side, as it was the first part of the year when his presence was wantod at home, and all this at his own expense so that he might assert without boasting that he contributed at least as much to its consolidation than any other person whatever, so that at length peace was concluded when the supplicant advanced the principal part of the monr'y, as the Director General was at that period not well provided with it to procure seawant,"^ which was wanted for presents in confirmation of the peace which God be praised, remains yet uninterrupted.

"Remonstrates reverently, Adriaen Van der Douck, residing in New Netherlands that to the supplicant was granted by the Director General and Council in New Netherlands, the accommodations the Saw Kill with the adjacent lands to erect there paw- and grist mills, and plantations and boweries according to his means and ability, which grant was chi(.'fly obtained because the supplicant had contributed a vast deal by his services as mediator, to negotiate and conclude a peace between the director Kieft from the one side and the Indians from the other side, not without great sacritice from his side, as it was the first part of the year when his presence was wantod at home, and all this at his own expense so that he might assert without boasting that he contributed at least as much to its consolidation than any other person whatever, so that at length peace was concluded when the supplicant advanced the principal part of the monr'y, as the Director General was at that period not well provided with it to procure seawant,"^ which was wanted for presents in confirmation of the peace which God be praised, remains yet uninterrupted. After I attained this grant in the year 1640, I resolved to reside here, erected a saw mill and laid out a farm and plantation, and was actually resolved to continue on this spot, when I further with consent of th;.' Director General,- purchased a part of said land from the Indians the original proprietors, who reclaimed it as belonging to them, but the suppliant obsor%'ing that near the Baw kill were valleys used as commons which by enclosure migiit be properly adapted for buy lauds, so was he permitted by the Director General to purchase these valley? from the Indians, on the best possible terms. This induced the the supplicant to follow his plan, having obtained as I already mentioned the con. sent and approbation of the Director General and Council, and included said valleys in his purchase, as he did not possess other low lands.

After I attained this grant in the year 1640, I resolved to reside here, erected a saw mill and laid out a farm and plantation, and was actually resolved to continue on this spot, when I further with consent of th;.' Director General,- purchased a part of said land from the Indians the original proprietors, who reclaimed it as belonging to them, but the suppliant obsor%'ing that near the Baw kill were valleys used as commons which by enclosure migiit be properly adapted for buy lauds, so was he permitted by the Director General to purchase these valley? from the Indians, on the best possible terms. This induced the the supplicant to follow his plan, having obtained as I already mentioned the con. sent and approbation of the Director General and Council, and included said valleys in his purchase, as he did not possess other low lands. This valley contained about 30 or 40 morgcn,'' with another handsome vale bordering on said, on the back part of the Island of Manhattans, and stretching as far as Paprinemin called by our people, "In Spite of the Dj-vel," where the supplicant was determined to fix his residence as soon as he should have finished all his concerns at the saw kill; and which yet remains his firm determination as soon as he shall have returned

a Hon. Doc. xxxll. 130. Iv.

h IIoU. Doc. x.vxTlL, 141.

c Inili.m name f^vr gtiell money.

a A DiUcli morgeu contilued a little over i acre.<! Enslisti ; 7 morgen containing 13 acres.

This valley contained about 30 or 40 morgcn,'' with another handsome vale bordering on said, on the back part of the Island of Manhattans, and stretching as far as Paprinemin called by our people, "In Spite of the Dj-vel," where the supplicant was determined to fix his residence as soon as he should have finished all his concerns at the saw kill; and which yet remains his firm determination as soon as he shall have returned

a Hon. Doc. xxxll. 130. Iv.

h IIoU. Doc. x.vxTlL, 141.

c Inili.m name f^vr gtiell money.

a A DiUcli morgeu contilued a little over i acre.<! Enslisti ; 7 morgen containing 13 acres.

582 HISTORY OF THE COUNTV' OF WESTCHESTER.

iu safety to that country, as he made every preparation to execute his purpose, by coniuiencing to Iniild ou that spot and cultivate the soil ; so becau.se he is dehghled witli that situation, as because it shall enable him to reap all the advan tages of the aforesaid valleys, without which all his great expenses which he made at the saw kill, would be in vain and his prospects iu future profits would be obscured, while all his toils and labors would have been rendered useless with respect at least to himself, and whereas the supplicant is informed that son-.o greedy land speculators arrived in 1652, to obtain a grant of these lands iu a clandestine manner; so it is that the supplicant now addresses himself to your honors, with great lesnect that it may please them to resolve that the supplicant shall not be dispossessed of these lauds and valleys, by any iudividual under any pretext ■whatsoever, by which doing, &c. , &c." °'

iu safety to that country, as he made every preparation to execute his purpose, by coniuiencing to Iniild ou that spot and cultivate the soil ; so becau.se he is dehghled witli that situation, as because it shall enable him to reap all the advan tages of the aforesaid valleys, without which all his great expenses which he made at the saw kill, would be in vain and his prospects iu future profits would be obscured, while all his toils and labors would have been rendered useless with respect at least to himself, and whereas the supplicant is informed that son-.o greedy land speculators arrived in 1652, to obtain a grant of these lands iu a clandestine manner; so it is that the supplicant now addresses himself to your honors, with great lesnect that it may please them to resolve that the supplicant shall not be dispossessed of these lauds and valleys, by any iudividual under any pretext ■whatsoever, by which doing, &c. , &c." °'

On the 26 ]May, 1652, occurs an octroy, granting to Adriaen Van der Donck, Patroon of the Colony of Colendonck, power to bequeath his said fief of Colendonck : --

"The States General of the United Netherlands, to all who shall see or hear these presents, send health. Be it known, that we, at the humble request of Adriaen Van der Donck, of Breda, Patroon of the Colony of Xepperhaem, called by him Colendonck, situated in Xew Netherlands, within the limits of the priviledged West India Company, and having taken into consideration the 5th article of the freedom granted by the assembly of the nineteen of the said company, to all those who shall plant in New Netherlands, aforesaid, have granted, consented and priviledged, grant, consent and privilege, out of our sovereign will by these our letters, that he may dispose, bequeath and order the aforesaid, his fief named Colendonck, either by codicil by form of testament, or last will, before a notary and witnesses, superintendence within the property situated in the same, as or otherwise as it shall please him, to the profit of his children, if he have any, or other strangers," &c., &c.^

Be it known, that we, at the humble request of Adriaen Van der Donck, of Breda, Patroon of the Colony of Xepperhaem, called by him Colendonck, situated in Xew Netherlands, within the limits of the priviledged West India Company, and having taken into consideration the 5th article of the freedom granted by the assembly of the nineteen of the said company, to all those who shall plant in New Netherlands, aforesaid, have granted, consented and priviledged, grant, consent and privilege, out of our sovereign will by these our letters, that he may dispose, bequeath and order the aforesaid, his fief named Colendonck, either by codicil by form of testament, or last will, before a notary and witnesses, superintendence within the property situated in the same, as or otherwise as it shall please him, to the profit of his children, if he have any, or other strangers," &c., &c.^

About this period, the Patroon commenced the compilation of his celebrated book, entitled " Beschj-vinge van Nieuw Nederland," or a description of New Netherland, the cop}Tight of which, bears date, this 17th May, 1653. <=

This work is dedicated " To the Illustrious, Most Wise and Prudent Lords, the Honorable Ruling Burgomasters of the far-famed commercial city of Amsterdam.

Why mourn about Brazil, full of base Portuguese? "NMicn Van der Donck shows so far much better fare ; Where wheat fills golden ears, and grapes abound in trees; Where fruit and kine are good with little care ; Men may mourn a loss, when vain would be their voice. But when their loss brings gain, they also may rejoice.

This work is dedicated " To the Illustrious, Most Wise and Prudent Lords, the Honorable Ruling Burgomasters of the far-famed commercial city of Amsterdam.

Why mourn about Brazil, full of base Portuguese? "NMicn Van der Donck shows so far much better fare ; Where wheat fills golden ears, and grapes abound in trees; Where fruit and kine are good with little care ; Men may mourn a loss, when vain would be their voice. But when their loss brings gain, they also may rejoice.

a Alb. Rec. vol. viii, 73.

b Holland Doc, No. .txv. It?.

c Hoii . p, .0. No, xii. 4 : No. xin, f} : No .\iv. -J.^ : No. xv, p. 44 ; No. xvi 43 ; No. xrii, 47 . Tr.is iioolv ti.M h.'fuivci-iitiv tnui'-liitud froiuiiie origiaiil ImtcU. by Vac lion. JfremwU JuUn^uu- Soe I vol. new son-.-.s N. Y. Ih^t. Soo.

THE TO\VN OF YONKERS. 583

Tlicn, reader, if you vrill, go freely there to live, We name it JVttherland, tliougli this excels it far ; If you dislike the voyage, pray due atteutlon give. To Van der Donck; his book, which, as a leading star, Directs toward the laud where many people are, Where lowland, Love and Laws, all may freely share.

\_Evtrt jS'ieuiceiihof.'''

On the 24th July of the same year, we find him petitioning the Directors of the West India Company," for permission to search the records of t!".e colony, and also for leave to pursue the practice of his profession. The following appears in answer to it : --

To Van der Donck; his book, which, as a leading star, Directs toward the laud where many people are, Where lowland, Love and Laws, all may freely share.

\_Evtrt jS'ieuiceiihof.'''

On the 24th July of the same year, we find him petitioning the Directors of the West India Company," for permission to search the records of t!".e colony, and also for leave to pursue the practice of his profession. The following appears in answer to it : --

" As Mr. Adriaen van dcr Donck has petitioned our college, (stating) first, that he has received his degree at law in the university of Leyden, and been admitted to practice it before the Supreme Court of Holland, he may be permitted to follow his profession as advocate in New Netherlands. Secondly, That he may examine all the records and documents iu the secretary's office to accomplish his, history of New Netherlands, which he did undertake to write, so is our resolution upon these points, we consent and permit him, that, in conformity with the rules and customs of this country, he may follow his profes-siou as advocate in New Netherlands, to give his advice to all who may desire to obtain it ; but, as regards his pleading before the courts, we cannot see that it ca;i be admitted yet, with any advantage to the Director and Council in New Netherlands; be sides that, we are ignorant of there being any of that stamp iu your city, (who nevertheless, before they cau be admitted, must apply to your honor, or directly to our department), who can act and plead against Van der D')nck, in behalf of the other side. We trust, that in this, you will consult the interests of your government and the welfare of the inhabitants.

Secondly, That he may examine all the records and documents iu the secretary's office to accomplish his, history of New Netherlands, which he did undertake to write, so is our resolution upon these points, we consent and permit him, that, in conformity with the rules and customs of this country, he may follow his profes-siou as advocate in New Netherlands, to give his advice to all who may desire to obtain it ; but, as regards his pleading before the courts, we cannot see that it ca;i be admitted yet, with any advantage to the Director and Council in New Netherlands; be sides that, we are ignorant of there being any of that stamp iu your city, (who nevertheless, before they cau be admitted, must apply to your honor, or directly to our department), who can act and plead against Van der D')nck, in behalf of the other side. We trust, that in this, you will consult the interests of your government and the welfare of the inhabitants.

24th July, 16o3.a

"Adriaen Van der Donck died in this country in the year 1655, leaving to his wife Mary, (whom he married in 1645, daughter of the Rev. Francis Doughty, Patentee of Maspeth, L. I.)" the colonies of Colen Donck, or Youkers.^ '• Agatha his mother, and Daniel his brother, came to New Netherland in 1652. Guisbert, Daniel's son, was bom in Holland in 1634. These are the ancestors of such of the name as are now to be found in this country, though the family is called Vanduck or Verdunck. They live principally on Long Island."'^

"Adriaen Van der Donck died in this country in the year 1655, leaving to his wife Mary, (whom he married in 1645, daughter of the Rev. Francis Doughty, Patentee of Maspeth, L. I.)" the colonies of Colen Donck, or Youkers.^ '• Agatha his mother, and Daniel his brother, came to New Netherland in 1652. Guisbert, Daniel's son, was bom in Holland in 1634. These are the ancestors of such of the name as are now to be found in this country, though the family is called Vanduck or Verdunck. They live principally on Long Island."'^

The following letter was despatched by the Director General, Peter Stuja-esant and council, to Holland, in a vessel called the Fox, commanded by the skipper, Jacob Jansen Hayes : --

a All.. TU'C. vol. Iv. 3. 6 O'calia^rtian's IJi.,t. N. N. vol. ii. p. .'ir.l. - r Ditto .s^'o 110:0. Oil in.' ■-'f.tli.rf Au'T!i-^t, ICw, rr07eniorScu.vvi!3ant .cr,i'it.s a ptxooflana hinpon tilt; nonli si'K-wf Ninnti.iitans .;.iU-i| Mu^i'oota. tj one Corm.'lis \ an Uur Uoucic Alb. I!ic. .\xv. In I'-.-. ; M Hi, 1:11 > \-\u-\ V m .1 t Dhicx oi;curi as dcruiianiit in a .-iuit, ^hor son *jui?bcrL.) Datcli U.c. -\. V. <.'Uy clurk'.s olllcc, 100.

584 HISTORY OF THE COUNTY OF WESTCHESTETt.

Honorable, PrudcrU, Wii<e and Right Respectful Gents: --

AUhougli since our last, letter, uo act of hostility lias been comraittcti, yet tbG?o Of IL^j-iforJ cjatinuc their thre:xtemriy;a, anticipates aucl encroachments, aud purchased fro:n the savages, all the land between Westchester and the North river, includin;^ diirei-ent lots of land, whicli were as well under tlie adininistratio-a of the Hon. Gov. Kieft. a.<3 ours, in the usual manner, granted by letters patent, and in virtue of these, p.issessed by those of our nation, as so among others, the land of Jonas Bronck, the lands of the old Verdonck, divided and setlled hy Idi children. andoAsociates'ia various plantations and farms, but who, in the massacre^ were abscoadctl wiih many others, all which are situated here and bordering on our island, only divided by a s.nall creek, which in some places by low water is passable, so as the_v to us the savages declared and solicited them to purchase otlier lands to the east and the west of the IS'orth river, dated 20th June, 1664.^

Kieft. a.<3 ours, in the usual manner, granted by letters patent, and in virtue of these, p.issessed by those of our nation, as so among others, the land of Jonas Bronck, the lands of the old Verdonck, divided and setlled hy Idi children. andoAsociates'ia various plantations and farms, but who, in the massacre^ were abscoadctl wiih many others, all which are situated here and bordering on our island, only divided by a s.nall creek, which in some places by low water is passable, so as the_v to us the savages declared and solicited them to purchase otlier lands to the east and the west of the IS'orth river, dated 20th June, 1664.^

On the i2tli of March, 1664, the Butch possessions in America were patented to his Royal Highness James Duke of York and Albany, by his brother King Charles II. This grant was immediately followed by a military and naval armament under the command of Colonel Richard Xicolls, which reduced the New Netherlands to the subjection of the English Crown, 27th August, 1664.

One of the articles of capitulation drawn up by the commissioners at the surrender, declared that "all people shall continue free denizens, and shall enjoy their lands, houses and goods, wheresoever they are within this country, and dispose of them as they please.'"

On Sept. 21, 1666, Mary Doughty, widow of the late Adriaen Van der

Donck, and wife of Hugh ©'Neale,*^ in right of her former husband,

*iaimed "all that land upon the maine not far from Westchester, called

One of the articles of capitulation drawn up by the commissioners at the surrender, declared that "all people shall continue free denizens, and shall enjoy their lands, houses and goods, wheresoever they are within this country, and dispose of them as they please.'"

On Sept. 21, 1666, Mary Doughty, widow of the late Adriaen Van der

Donck, and wife of Hugh ©'Neale,*^ in right of her former husband,

*iaimed "all that land upon the maine not far from Westchester, called

, the Younckers land, and brought forward several Indians to prove the

purchase." "

On October 8, 1666, iSth King Charles II. Governor Nicolls granted the follomng patent to Mr. Hugh O'Neale and ]\Iary his wife : --

PATENT FOR NEPPERHAEM.

Richai-d Nicolls. Esq., governor under his Royal Highness, ye Duke of York, af all his territoryes in America, to all to whom this present writing shall come, Sdndeth greeting : Whereas there is a certain tract of land within this governaient, upon the main, bounded to the northwards by a rivulet called by the

a The in.is«acre here aliuded ro, took place Sept., lG.i5, (iurinf: the absence of Stuwes.^nr, -^'upn the warriora of the Altjoariuin tribes, mad'i a furiou.-i oaset upon the coloay.-- bee Ban- :rofl'3 llUt. U. S., vol. li. 209.

u Alb. Itec. vol. .-cviii. 2.57.

r imith'3 IlHt. of N. Y. p. 19.

rf Hujjh O'Xeale, formerly of Newton, Lone: I«lan(1. ^Vssize Rec. p. 47. "The widow of AJriiu-n Vaa li -r Umck afr-nwirJs raairi^il Wwjh o'.Seali", of Patiixent, M.T-Tlauii. whither, cli.; iiiulh.-r father r.Tu.jv.-d,"-- X. V. I'o!. MSS., UolUiud Doc. vii, vol. I, p. 5'J3*-- [Editor.

a The in.is«acre here aliuded ro, took place Sept., lG.i5, (iurinf: the absence of Stuwes.^nr, -^'upn the warriora of the Altjoariuin tribes, mad'i a furiou.-i oaset upon the coloay.-- bee Ban- :rofl'3 llUt. U. S., vol. li. 209.

u Alb. Itec. vol. .-cviii. 2.57.

r imith'3 IlHt. of N. Y. p. 19.

rf Hujjh O'Xeale, formerly of Newton, Lone: I«lan(1. ^Vssize Rec. p. 47. "The widow of AJriiu-n Vaa li -r Umck afr-nwirJs raairi^il Wwjh o'.Seali", of Patiixent, M.T-Tlauii. whither, cli.; iiiulh.-r father r.Tu.jv.-d,"-- X. V. I'o!. MSS., UolUiud Doc. vii, vol. I, p. 5'J3*-- [Editor.

c See coufirui. of Vda dcr D.jacx's purchase.

THE TOWN OF YOXKERS. 585

lrnli3r.3, ^racakassin, so running southward to Nepperhaem, from thence to the i.jM Sbiiraklcapoch, aud then to Paprinimcn, which is the southeriuost bounds, then t) go across the country to the east.vard by that which is commonly known liv the name of Crouch's his river aud laud, which said tract hath heretofore Utn purchased of the Indian proprietors by Adriaen Van diir Donck, deceased, whose relict, iiary, the wife of Hugh O'Xeale, one of the patentees is, and due satisfactitm was also given for the same, as hath by some of the said Indians been acknowledged before me ; now for a further confirmation unto them, the siid Hugh O'Xeale and Mary his wife, relict of the aforesaid Adriaen Van der Donck, in their possession and enjoyment of the premises.

Know ye, that by virtue of this our commission and authority given unto me by his Royal Highness the Duke of York, I have thought tit to give, ratify, confirm a;id grant, aud by these presents, do give, ratify, confirm aud grant, unto the Baid Hugh 0'><eale and Mary his wife, their heirs and assigns, all the aforementioned tract or parcel of laud called Neperhaem, together with all woods, marshes, meadows, pastures, waters, lakes, creeks, rivulctts, fishing, hunting, and fowling, and all other profits, commodities and emoluments to th^ said tract of land belonging, with tlu ir aud every of their appurtenances, and every part and parcel thereof, to have and to hold the said tract of land aud premises, with all and smgulir their appurtenances, unto the said Hugh O'Xeale and Marv" his wife, their heirs and assignes, to the proper use and behoofe of the said Hugh O'Xeale and Mary his wife, their heirs and assigns forever, he, she, or they, or any of them, rendering and paying such acknowledgement, duties, -ds are or sliall be constituted a;!d orJayued by his Royal Highness the Duke of York aud his heirs, or such governor or governors, as shall from time lo time be appointed and set over them within this province.

Know ye, that by virtue of this our commission and authority given unto me by his Royal Highness the Duke of York, I have thought tit to give, ratify, confirm a;id grant, aud by these presents, do give, ratify, confirm aud grant, unto the Baid Hugh 0'><eale and Mary his wife, their heirs and assigns, all the aforementioned tract or parcel of laud called Neperhaem, together with all woods, marshes, meadows, pastures, waters, lakes, creeks, rivulctts, fishing, hunting, and fowling, and all other profits, commodities and emoluments to th^ said tract of land belonging, with tlu ir aud every of their appurtenances, and every part and parcel thereof, to have and to hold the said tract of land aud premises, with all and smgulir their appurtenances, unto the said Hugh O'Xeale and Marv" his wife, their heirs and assignes, to the proper use and behoofe of the said Hugh O'Xeale and Mary his wife, their heirs and assigns forever, he, she, or they, or any of them, rendering and paying such acknowledgement, duties, -ds are or sliall be constituted a;!d orJayued by his Royal Highness the Duke of York aud his heirs, or such governor or governors, as shall from time lo time be appointed and set over them within this province. That, if at any time hereafter his Royal Highness, his heirs, successors, or assignes, shall think fit to make use of any timber for shipping, or for erecting or repairing of forts within this government, liberty is reserved for such uses aud purposes to cut any sort of timber upon anj' unplanted grounds on X\v2 said tract of laud, to make docks, harbours, wharfes, houses, or an)- other conveniences relating thereunto, and also to make use of any rivers or rivulctts and inlet? of water for the purposes aforesaid, as fully and free as if no such patent had lieen granted.

That, if at any time hereafter his Royal Highness, his heirs, successors, or assignes, shall think fit to make use of any timber for shipping, or for erecting or repairing of forts within this government, liberty is reserved for such uses aud purposes to cut any sort of timber upon anj' unplanted grounds on X\v2 said tract of laud, to make docks, harbours, wharfes, houses, or an)- other conveniences relating thereunto, and also to make use of any rivers or rivulctts and inlet? of water for the purposes aforesaid, as fully and free as if no such patent had lieen granted.

Given under my hand and seal at Fort James, Ne.v York, on the Island of Manhattan, the eighth day of October, in the eighteenth year of the reign of our sovereign Lord, Charles the Second, by the grace of God. of England, Scotland, France, and Ireland, King, Defender of the Faith. &c., iVc, in the year of our Lord God, 1'jG0.«- RICHARD XICOLLS.

Upon the 30th of October, 1666, Elias Doughty purchased lands in this town, of Hugh O'Neal and Mary his wife. The father of Elias was the Rev. Fnaclscus Doughty. " This minister, I'"ranciscus Doughty, (says his son-in-law, Van der Donck,) in the time of the first troubles in England, came over in order to escape from them to New England, and found himself (to u,-;e a homely phrase,) out of the frying-pan into the

a Book of P.i!. Alb.

•586 HISTORY OF THE COL'XTY OF V/ESTCHESTER,

Upon the 30th of October, 1666, Elias Doughty purchased lands in this town, of Hugh O'Neal and Mary his wife. The father of Elias was the Rev. Fnaclscus Doughty. " This minister, I'"ranciscus Doughty, (says his son-in-law, Van der Donck,) in the time of the first troubles in England, came over in order to escape from them to New England, and found himself (to u,-;e a homely phrase,) out of the frying-pan into the

a Book of P.i!. Alb.

•586 HISTORY OF THE COL'XTY OF V/ESTCHESTER,

fire. In order to be able to enjoy freedom of conscience according to the Dutch reformation, which he certainly missed in New England, he betook himself under the protection of the Dutch; and an absol'^tc patent, with privileges for a colony, was granted and conferred on him Lv the Director General." This patent consisted of thirteen thousand thrcj hundred and thirty-two acres of the lands called Mispath, the present Newtown on L. I.) It was conferred upon him and his associates, on tlic 28th of March, 1642."'' He had reinforced himself now in one year -with some families; but in consequence of the breaking out of the war, they were all driven from tlieir lands with loss of some people, and the destruction of much cattle, losing for the most part all their houses and whatever they possessed. After they had remained a while, and consumed more than they could collect, they came to the Manhattans, where all the refugees resorted at that time, and Master Doughty was minister tliere.'* The Rev. Franciscus Doughty was a member of the ancient and honorable family of the Doughtys or Douteys of Easher Surrev, and Boston, Lincolnshire, England, descended from an English Saxon house of Dohteg, before the Conquest, A. D. 1066.

I.) It was conferred upon him and his associates, on tlic 28th of March, 1642."'' He had reinforced himself now in one year -with some families; but in consequence of the breaking out of the war, they were all driven from tlieir lands with loss of some people, and the destruction of much cattle, losing for the most part all their houses and whatever they possessed. After they had remained a while, and consumed more than they could collect, they came to the Manhattans, where all the refugees resorted at that time, and Master Doughty was minister tliere.'* The Rev. Franciscus Doughty was a member of the ancient and honorable family of the Doughtys or Douteys of Easher Surrev, and Boston, Lincolnshire, England, descended from an English Saxon house of Dohteg, before the Conquest, A. D. 1066.

On the 15th May, 1677, Elias Doughty, (son of the above) propietor of the land heretofore belonging to the Yoiinckers van chr Donck, near Eastchester, Avas invested in the sole ownership by Hugh O'Neale and Mary his wife.

The descendants of Elias Doughty are still numerous in the county of Westchester. Of this family was Francis Doughty of Rye, in 1751^, father of John Doughty, Esq., and grand-father of the Hon. Jolin Doughty. The son of the latter is the present General George S. Doughty, of West Farms. From Elias Doughty, the old or lower Yo>: kers passed to William Boltz or Betts, George Tippetts,'' and Joseph Hadley. "The name of the Jon c kers, (says the Hon. Egbert Benson', the proprietor of the creek, now Saw Mill creek, van der Kee; and it is still to be collected from the documents, as not being improbable that the lands granted to Van der Donck, and perhaps including the island of the Indian name of Fapurlmhioii, the southern shore at Kings

From Elias Doughty, the old or lower Yo>: kers passed to William Boltz or Betts, George Tippetts,'' and Joseph Hadley. "The name of the Jon c kers, (says the Hon. Egbert Benson', the proprietor of the creek, now Saw Mill creek, van der Kee; and it is still to be collected from the documents, as not being improbable that the lands granted to Van der Donck, and perhaps including the island of the Indian name of Fapurlmhioii, the southern shore at Kings

a O'Callagtian's UUt. N. N. Appendix, 426.

ft Van dor Dnnck'3 Vertoo<ino ra;i N. N. " In lC-t2 a band of rplifrioni.=r^, led on bv tlic Hov >tr. U'luqrhty, liiciid Smith, .lad ottiers. who had full.jwcd the Pil;:niiis froui Old En?l.i!id u> New En^'laad, were coiujit- lltd to w.sthdmw fnwu th^- latlur country liy the pers-'CiiIinii lliov. rec'dvi-d tinTi-, and after laakitiir formal appiicatiauti) thnautlKu-itirsdi'Xi.-vv Ncatht.'riand. tU'-y had a ^'raat of land assiirnr-d thL-ni. ondowcd with th^; usual pnviio^ro.s of fr -e .Mauor.--. MH'h »■'' afree o.'cerciso of tia-ir reliirinn, powers to plaattowns, build chiircliu.s, nominate matji.s:rat<.-*i and utUniuister civil and criminal jurisdiction." -- (C. F. Uuil'iuan.)

c A. T). l''>64, one Genrite Tippert. heinf? accused and found jriiiltv of hosr:: stealinp, ^'>« Oonrt doth adjudL-f the d>-liiiqiii-;ir ~hHll nay a-j a line, to lii-i niajestio's u>o, x\\.<: .sumo! Xlt.''' rocfive y c iriinr.ii puiii-hnicrr.. of 'hirtv-nm; .strrpes, at the coimnon whippinfr-iio.-r, rxd^r-J ye Statu house of :hu city, uiioa }e bieakiu;; up of tlus Court, oi,;c.-- A.Siize Iteo. Alb. VA.

MH'h »■'' afree o.'cerciso of tia-ir reliirinn, powers to plaattowns, build chiircliu.s, nominate matji.s:rat<.-*i and utUniuister civil and criminal jurisdiction." -- (C. F. Uuil'iuan.)

c A. T). l''>64, one Genrite Tippert. heinf? accused and found jriiiltv of hosr:: stealinp, ^'>« Oonrt doth adjudL-f the d>-liiiqiii-;ir ~hHll nay a-j a line, to lii-i niajestio's u>o, x\\.<: .sumo! Xlt.''' rocfive y c iriinr.ii puiii-hnicrr.. of 'hirtv-nm; .strrpes, at the coimnon whippinfr-iio.-r, rxd^r-J ye Statu house of :hu city, uiioa }e bieakiu;; up of tlus Court, oi,;c.-- A.Siize Iteo. Alb. VA.

THE TOW-N OF YONKEUS. 587

liT''.,:?, were the neighborhood called the Lower Yonc^iers, as to be li:.^ti:'.L>'-lisht.•d from the other Yonckers, the lands of Van der Kee, on t):f S.nv Mill creek." This distinction between the lotacr Yonckers and the uf'p^r, or as it was sometimes called, the little and the <;'/</ Yonckers, (Icarlv points to two different proprietors. The first may have been Van iJlT Kee, as iMr. Benson suggests, (although there is nothing in the sliape of evidence to support it), and the second x'Vdraen van der Donck, the Jonkheer or "young gentleman.''

On the 22d of February, 1670, Joseph Hadley sold fifty acres called Geokge's Point, to IMatthias Bucldiout, who subsequently conveyed the same, on the 2 2d January, 1694, to Frederick PhiHpse.

"Upon the loth of October, in the eleventh year of the reign of our Sovereign Lord, William the Third, by the grace of God, of England, Scotland, France and Ireland, King, Defender of the Faith, &:c.. and in the year of our Lord Christ, 1699, occurs the following indenture : --

On the 22d of February, 1670, Joseph Hadley sold fifty acres called Geokge's Point, to IMatthias Bucldiout, who subsequently conveyed the same, on the 2 2d January, 1694, to Frederick PhiHpse.

"Upon the loth of October, in the eleventh year of the reign of our Sovereign Lord, William the Third, by the grace of God, of England, Scotland, France and Ireland, King, Defender of the Faith, &:c.. and in the year of our Lord Christ, 1699, occurs the following indenture : --

"Between Frederick Felipse of the city of New York, merchant, of the one part, ttc., and Jacobus van Cortlaudt, of tlie same city, merchant, of the other part.witnesseth that the said Frederick Felipse, as well for and in consideration of a certain sum of good and lawful money to him iu hand paid, before the ensealiu^; and delivery of these presents, by the said Jacobus van Cortlandt, i'c., &c., liath given, granted, bargained and sold, conveyed, &c., unto the said Jacobus van Cortlandt, his heirs and assigns for ever, all that fifty acres of land -- with the appurtenances lying within the limits and bounds of the Yonckers plantation in the county of Westchester, known by the naii.e of 'Georges Point,' butted and bounded, &c., &c. Also one acre and a half of meadow, with the appurtenances, itc, together with twenty-five acres more of upland, with their appurtenances, and the reversion and reversions and all the estate, right, title, claim and demand whatsoever, of him the said Frederick Felipse, of, in, or into the said premises, to have and to hold the several parcels of land and meadow, to the said Jacobus van Cortlandt, el'C, his heirs and assignees, forever. Iu testimony whereof the parties to these presents have set their hands and seals, the day and year first above written.''

Also one acre and a half of meadow, with the appurtenances, itc, together with twenty-five acres more of upland, with their appurtenances, and the reversion and reversions and all the estate, right, title, claim and demand whatsoever, of him the said Frederick Felipse, of, in, or into the said premises, to have and to hold the several parcels of land and meadow, to the said Jacobus van Cortlandt, el'C, his heirs and assignees, forever. Iu testimony whereof the parties to these presents have set their hands and seals, the day and year first above written.''

This p)roperty is still vested in a descendant of Jacobus van Cortlandt.

On the 13th August, 1701, we find the Indians confirming the Van Cortlandts' in their purchase: --

"To all Christian people, and others to whom the presents shall come. Clause Dewilt, Karacapacomout and her son Ncmenui, sendeth greeting: --

"Know yeo, that wee. the said Clause Dewilt, Karacapacomout, and Xemcrau, native Indians and former proprietors of u certain tract of land, Ij'ing in the county of Westchester, in the province of Xew York, iu America, commonly cdlcd a:id known by the name of the old Youuekers, now in posicssion of Jacobus a ii.'Uj)u"s MeiLL of X. Y., 50.

$88 HISTORY OF THE COUNTY OF 'WESTCHESTER.

van Cortlandt, of the city of Now York, merchant, and the heirs of the Bctts and Tippetts, for and in consideration of two falliom" of dufTils and one pound lw(j shilli-.igg and sixpence, current money of New Yorlv, in hand paid unto us by tin; said Jaciibus van Cortlandt, have remised, released, and forever quit-claimed unto the said Jacobus van Cortlandt, and to the heirs of the Betts and Tippets, and to their heirs and assigns forever, all our right, title and interest, which we ever had. uow" have, or hereafter may have, or claim to the said tract of land calli.i] the old Youncicers, and to every part and parcel thereof ; and do hereby acknowl. edge the above consideration to be in full of all dues and demands whatsoevi-r, for the said tract cf land and premises, to have and to hold the said tract of land called the old Younkers, to the said Jacobus van Cortlandt, and the heirs of the Betts and Tippetts, their heirs and assignees forever, witness our hands and seals the 13th of August, 1701." i- Claass Dewilt,

van Cortlandt, of the city of Now York, merchant, and the heirs of the Bctts and Tippetts, for and in consideration of two falliom" of dufTils and one pound lw(j shilli-.igg and sixpence, current money of New Yorlv, in hand paid unto us by tin; said Jaciibus van Cortlandt, have remised, released, and forever quit-claimed unto the said Jacobus van Cortlandt, and to the heirs of the Betts and Tippets, and to their heirs and assigns forever, all our right, title and interest, which we ever had. uow" have, or hereafter may have, or claim to the said tract of land calli.i] the old Youncicers, and to every part and parcel thereof ; and do hereby acknowl. edge the above consideration to be in full of all dues and demands whatsoevi-r, for the said tract cf land and premises, to have and to hold the said tract of land called the old Younkers, to the said Jacobus van Cortlandt, and the heirs of the Betts and Tippetts, their heirs and assignees forever, witness our hands and seals the 13th of August, 1701." i- Claass Dewilt,

Sealed and delivered in tlie presence Kaeacapaoo.mon"t,

of GCALTEi: DU BOIS, NEilERATJ.

WllUAM SHARPE8,

The Little Yonkers in contradistinction from the Old, above mentioned, appears to have been included in the sale to EUas Doughty of Flushing, 30th October, 1666, who granted it 29th November, 1672, to Thomas Delaval, Frederick Philipse and Thomas Lewis, mariner. Thomas Delaval,'^ by a codicil of his last will, bearing date June loth, 16S2, did devise unto John, his only son, all his interest in a full third part.

of GCALTEi: DU BOIS, NEilERATJ.

WllUAM SHARPE8,

The Little Yonkers in contradistinction from the Old, above mentioned, appears to have been included in the sale to EUas Doughty of Flushing, 30th October, 1666, who granted it 29th November, 1672, to Thomas Delaval, Frederick Philipse and Thomas Lewis, mariner. Thomas Delaval,'^ by a codicil of his last will, bearing date June loth, 16S2, did devise unto John, his only son, all his interest in a full third part.

On February 19, 16S4-5, Thomas Dongan, Governor of New York, by a patent did ratify and confirm unto John Delaval, Frederick Philipse and Geertje Lewis, relict of Thomas Lewis, the aforesaid tract.

On August 27, 16S5, John Delaval sold his third part in the same to Frederick Philipse, as also Geertje, wife of Thomas Lewis, Lodowick Lewis, Barent Lewis, Leonard Lewis, Katherine Lewis and Thomas Lewis, by deed conveyed each their interest in third part to Frederick Phihpse, i2th June, 1686.'^

On the 17th day of April, 16S5, occurs the following agreement between Frederick Philipse, merchant of New York, and John Pell, Esq.. of Annhoock's Neck, in the County of Westchester : --

"It was mutually agreed and consented unto by us underwritten, Frederick Philipse, merchant of the city of New York, and John Pell, Esq., of Annhoock'i Neck, that the Bron.x's river shall be the division between both their lands; and that, if cither the said Frederick Philipse or the said John Pell, shall at any time

A A Batch fathom co.italaeJ six feet English. 6 Van Cortlandt papers.

On the 17th day of April, 16S5, occurs the following agreement between Frederick Philipse, merchant of New York, and John Pell, Esq.. of Annhoock's Neck, in the County of Westchester : --

"It was mutually agreed and consented unto by us underwritten, Frederick Philipse, merchant of the city of New York, and John Pell, Esq., of Annhoock'i Neck, that the Bron.x's river shall be the division between both their lands; and that, if cither the said Frederick Philipse or the said John Pell, shall at any time

A A Batch fathom co.italaeJ six feet English. 6 Van Cortlandt papers.

c This iLtlivldual ■w:n for many years A'.ilorman, iintl Mayor ofXew York City ia 16T^. d See KoyalChtttter of rhilipaliorout'h.

THE lOVrS OF YONKERS. 589

M« oiu.se to make any small dam across the said river, it shall 1)3 lawful for t.'.li'T \M\Tty to fix the end of their dam of each other side, without lett or nioles- Uiion."'* Frederick Philipse,

Jonx Pell.

Frederick Philipse being now vested in the fee simple, the whole territory was by royal charter, erected into the lordship and manor of rhilipsborough, to be holden of the king, in free and common soccage, its lord yielding, rendering, and pajing therefor, yearly and every year, on the feast day of the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, at the fort in New York, the annual rent of j£4 1 2s.

THE ROYAL CHARTER.

"William and Mary, by the grace of God, itc, king and queen of England, Scotland, France and Ireland, defenders of the faith, &c., to all to Avhom these prrscnts shall come, greeting: Whereas, the Honorable Richard Nicolls, Esq., late Governor of our Province of New Yorlc, «tc., by a certain deed or patent, sealed with the seal of our said Province, bearing date the Stli day of October, in the year of our Lord, 1666, pursuant to the authority in him residing, did give and grant unto Hugh O'Nealc and Mary his wife, their heirs and assigns, all that tract of land upon the main, bounded to the north by a rivulet called by the Indians, Meccackassin, so running southward to Nepperhan, from thence to the kill Shorackkapoclv and to Paparinnenio, which is the southermost bounds, then to go across the country, eastward by that which is commonly known b}' the name of Rronx's river, together with all the woods, marshes, meadows, pastures, waters, lakes, creeks, rivulets, fishing, hunting and fowling, and all other profits, commodities and emoluments to said tract of land belonging, with their and every of their appurtenance, to have and to hold unto the said Hugh O'Xcale and Mary his wife, their heirs and assigns forever, as by the said deed or patent, relation beinjj thereunto had, may more fully and at large ai>pcar; and whereas, the said Hugli O'Neale and JIary his wife, bj- their certain deed or writ, dated 30th day of Oct., in said year of our Lord, 1GH6, did sell, alien, assign and set over all and singular their right and title and interest of in and to the aforenamed tract of land and premises, unto Elias Doughty of Flushing, in the Co. of York, on Long Island, unto the said Elias Doughty, his heirs and assigns forever, as by the said deed or writing, relation being thereunto had, as may more fully and at large appear ; and whereasl the said Elias Dought\' by his certain deed or writing, bearing date 29th day of Jyov., in the year of our Lord 1672, for the consideration therein expressed and mentioned, did assign and set over, all and singular his right and title and interest, of, in and to the aforementioned tract of land and premises unto Thomas Deleval, Esq., Frederick Philips and Thomas Lewis, mariner, to hold to them, their heirs and assigns forever, as by the said deed or writing n;lation being thereunto had, may more fully and at large appear; and whereas, the said Thomas Deleval, in and by a certain codicil annexed unto his last will and testament in writing, bearing date the lOlh day of June, in the

"William and Mary, by the grace of God, itc, king and queen of England, Scotland, France and Ireland, defenders of the faith, &c., to all to Avhom these prrscnts shall come, greeting: Whereas, the Honorable Richard Nicolls, Esq., late Governor of our Province of New Yorlc, «tc., by a certain deed or patent, sealed with the seal of our said Province, bearing date the Stli day of October, in the year of our Lord, 1666, pursuant to the authority in him residing, did give and grant unto Hugh O'Nealc and Mary his wife, their heirs and assigns, all that tract of land upon the main, bounded to the north by a rivulet called by the Indians, Meccackassin, so running southward to Nepperhan, from thence to the kill Shorackkapoclv and to Paparinnenio, which is the southermost bounds, then to go across the country, eastward by that which is commonly known b}' the name of Rronx's river, together with all the woods, marshes, meadows, pastures, waters, lakes, creeks, rivulets, fishing, hunting and fowling, and all other profits, commodities and emoluments to said tract of land belonging, with their and every of their appurtenance, to have and to hold unto the said Hugh O'Xcale and Mary his wife, their heirs and assigns forever, as by the said deed or patent, relation beinjj thereunto had, may more fully and at large ai>pcar; and whereas, the said Hugli O'Neale and JIary his wife, bj- their certain deed or writ, dated 30th day of Oct., in said year of our Lord, 1GH6, did sell, alien, assign and set over all and singular their right and title and interest of in and to the aforenamed tract of land and premises, unto Elias Doughty of Flushing, in the Co. of York, on Long Island, unto the said Elias Doughty, his heirs and assigns forever, as by the said deed or writing, relation being thereunto had, as may more fully and at large appear ; and whereasl the said Elias Dought\' by his certain deed or writing, bearing date 29th day of Jyov., in the year of our Lord 1672, for the consideration therein expressed and mentioned, did assign and set over, all and singular his right and title and interest, of, in and to the aforementioned tract of land and premises unto Thomas Deleval, Esq., Frederick Philips and Thomas Lewis, mariner, to hold to them, their heirs and assigns forever, as by the said deed or writing n;lation being thereunto had, may more fully and at large appear; and whereas, the said Thomas Deleval, in and by a certain codicil annexed unto his last will and testament in writing, bearing date the lOlh day of June, in the

a Co. TvCC. Lib, A. C-2.

590 HISTORY OF THE COUNTY OF WESTCHESTER.

year of oar Lord, 1GS2, among-st other things ditl devise unto John Delcval hh only son, all that his interest in the aforementioned land and premises, his one full, equal and certain third thereof, as by the said codicil in writing, relation being theremito liaJ, may more full)"- and at large appear; and, ^vhereas, the Hon. Col. Thomas Dongau, late Gov. of our said province &c., and as by a certain deed or patent, sealed -^-itli the seal of our said province «S:c., and bcarini^ date the 19th of Feb., in the year of our Lord, 1CS4-5, pursuant to the authority in him then residing, for the consideration therein expressed, did further grant, ratif}' and confirm, unto the said Thomas Deleval, Frederick Philips, Geertje Lewis, relict of the said Thomas Le%yis, due their heirs and assigns, all the aforesaid tract and parcel of land beginning at a small rivulet known and called by the Lidians, Makakassin, from thence into the vroods due east by a great rock stone and a l>^le of marked trees, to Bronx's river, and thence by said river, four miles and something more, to a marked white oak tree upon the middle of a great ledge of rocks, which is the north-east corner of the land of Francis French & Co., in the mile square formerly sold out of the aforesaid patent, then by the said land, west, 3.5 dcg. northerly, 1 mile or SO chains from thence east 35 dcg. southerly to Bronx's river to a marked tree, which is the south-east corner of the mile square, excepted out of the said patent, from thence by Bronx's, his river, 89 chains to a marked tree, which is the north-east corner of "Wm.

Thomas Dongau, late Gov. of our said province &c., and as by a certain deed or patent, sealed -^-itli the seal of our said province «S:c., and bcarini^ date the 19th of Feb., in the year of our Lord, 1CS4-5, pursuant to the authority in him then residing, for the consideration therein expressed, did further grant, ratif}' and confirm, unto the said Thomas Deleval, Frederick Philips, Geertje Lewis, relict of the said Thomas Le%yis, due their heirs and assigns, all the aforesaid tract and parcel of land beginning at a small rivulet known and called by the Lidians, Makakassin, from thence into the vroods due east by a great rock stone and a l>^le of marked trees, to Bronx's river, and thence by said river, four miles and something more, to a marked white oak tree upon the middle of a great ledge of rocks, which is the north-east corner of the land of Francis French & Co., in the mile square formerly sold out of the aforesaid patent, then by the said land, west, 3.5 dcg. northerly, 1 mile or SO chains from thence east 35 dcg. southerly to Bronx's river to a marked tree, which is the south-east corner of the mile square, excepted out of the said patent, from thence by Bronx's, his river, 89 chains to a marked tree, which is the north-east corner of "Wm. Eetts and George Tippets, and then by a certain lyne of marked trees due west 30 chains to the marked tree or south-east corner of the purchase of John Heddy, then due N. 34 chains, from thence due west by their purchase, 90 chains to the north-west corner of the 300 acres, then due south IG chains to the north-west corner of the 20 acres purchased of Jolm Heddy, thence and b)- the said land west 12 chains to the north-west corner, then by the side of the kill, south 18 chains to the land of "Wm.

Eetts and George Tippets, and then by a certain lyne of marked trees due west 30 chains to the marked tree or south-east corner of the purchase of John Heddy, then due N. 34 chains, from thence due west by their purchase, 90 chains to the north-west corner of the 300 acres, then due south IG chains to the north-west corner of the 20 acres purchased of Jolm Heddy, thence and b)- the said land west 12 chains to the north-west corner, then by the side of the kill, south 18 chains to the land of "Wm. Betts and George Tippetts, from thence by a lyne of marked trees due west 79 chains, to a white oak tree standing on the bank of Hudson's river, to the south of Dog-wood brook 16 chains and ^ and then northerly by the Hud.son's river to Xepperha, which is near the Yonkers mills, and so continue by Iludoon's river to the first mentioned small rivulet, Maccakassin, the whole being bounded to the north with a lyne of marked trees and a great rock stone, to the cast by Bronx's river and the land of Francis French and Co., to the south by the land of "U'm. Betts, George Tippets and Thomas Heddy, to the west by Hudson's river, containing in all 7,708 acres, together with all and singular the messuages, tenements, buildings, barns, stables, orchards, gardens, pastures, meadoM'S, mills, mill-dams, runs, streams, ponds, rivers, brooks, woods, under-woods, trees, timber, fencing, fishing, fowling, hunting, hawking, liberties, privileges, herditaments and improvements whatsoever, belonging or in any way appertaining, to have and to hold all the aforementioned tract and parcel of land, with all and singular the aforementioned premises, unto said John Deleval, Frederick Philips, Geertje Lewis, their heirs and assigns forever, as liy the said deed or patent registered in our secretary's oflice of our province of ]S'ew York aforesaid, relation being thereunto had, may more fully and at large appear ; and, whereas the said Thomas Deleval, by a certain deed of indenture, sealed with the seal, and bearing date the 27th day of August, in the year of our Lord, IGSo, did, for the consideration therein mentioned, grant, bargain and sell, all that one full third part of all and singuhtr the said tract of laud, afore recited, described and bounded within

Betts, George Tippets and Thomas Heddy, to the west by Hudson's river, containing in all 7,708 acres, together with all and singular the messuages, tenements, buildings, barns, stables, orchards, gardens, pastures, meadoM'S, mills, mill-dams, runs, streams, ponds, rivers, brooks, woods, under-woods, trees, timber, fencing, fishing, fowling, hunting, hawking, liberties, privileges, herditaments and improvements whatsoever, belonging or in any way appertaining, to have and to hold all the aforementioned tract and parcel of land, with all and singular the aforementioned premises, unto said John Deleval, Frederick Philips, Geertje Lewis, their heirs and assigns forever, as liy the said deed or patent registered in our secretary's oflice of our province of ]S'ew York aforesaid, relation being thereunto had, may more fully and at large appear ; and, whereas the said Thomas Deleval, by a certain deed of indenture, sealed with the seal, and bearing date the 27th day of August, in the year of our Lord, IGSo, did, for the consideration therein mentioned, grant, bargain and sell, all that one full third part of all and singuhtr the said tract of laud, afore recited, described and bounded within

THE TOWN OF YONKERS. 59I

tho limits aforesaid unto him the said Frederick Philips one of the parties afore- Miid, to.i^ether wiili all that one full and equal third part of all and singular the houses, out-house.-, harus, stables, nulls, mill-dnuiS, huildings, fences and edifices thereon erected and built ; and likewise one full third part of all and singular the waters, water-courses, streams, woods, underwoods, fishing, fowling, hawkhig, hunting, hereditaments and appurtenances to the same belonging, or in any way appertaining, to have and to hold unto the said Frederick Philipse, his heirs and assigns forever, as by the said deed or indenture, relation being thereunto had, may more fully and at liu-ge appear ; and whereas, the said Gecrtje Lewis, executrix of the last will and testament of Thomas Lewis, late of Xew York, mariner, her late husband, deceased, and Lodivick Lewis, Barrent Lewis.

tho limits aforesaid unto him the said Frederick Philips one of the parties afore- Miid, to.i^ether wiili all that one full and equal third part of all and singular the houses, out-house.-, harus, stables, nulls, mill-dnuiS, huildings, fences and edifices thereon erected and built ; and likewise one full third part of all and singular the waters, water-courses, streams, woods, underwoods, fishing, fowling, hawkhig, hunting, hereditaments and appurtenances to the same belonging, or in any way appertaining, to have and to hold unto the said Frederick Philipse, his heirs and assigns forever, as by the said deed or indenture, relation being thereunto had, may more fully and at liu-ge appear ; and whereas, the said Gecrtje Lewis, executrix of the last will and testament of Thomas Lewis, late of Xew York, mariner, her late husband, deceased, and Lodivick Lewis, Barrent Lewis. Leonard Lewis, Katharine Lewis and Thomas Lewis the children and co-heirs of said Thomas Lewis and Geertje his wife, by a certain deed of indenture, sealed with the seal bearing date the 12th day of June, in the year of our Lord 1CS6, did, for the consideration therein mentioned, grant, bargain and sell, all that the full one-third part of all and singular the said tract of land afore recited, decribed and bounded with the limits aforesaid, unto him, the said Frederick Philips, one of the parties aforesaid, together with all that one full and equal third part of all and singular the liouses, out-housea, barus, stables, mills, null-dams, buildings fences and edifices tliereon erected and built, and likewise one full third part of all and singular the water, water-courses, streams, woods, underwoods, fishing, fowl - ing, hunting, hawking, hereditaments and appurtenances to the same belonging or in anywise appertaining, to have and to hold unto the said Frederick Philips, hie heirs and assigns forever, as by the said deed or indenture, relation being thereunto had, may more fully and at large appear ; ami whereas, the Hon.

Leonard Lewis, Katharine Lewis and Thomas Lewis the children and co-heirs of said Thomas Lewis and Geertje his wife, by a certain deed of indenture, sealed with the seal bearing date the 12th day of June, in the year of our Lord 1CS6, did, for the consideration therein mentioned, grant, bargain and sell, all that the full one-third part of all and singular the said tract of land afore recited, decribed and bounded with the limits aforesaid, unto him, the said Frederick Philips, one of the parties aforesaid, together with all that one full and equal third part of all and singular the liouses, out-housea, barus, stables, mills, null-dams, buildings fences and edifices tliereon erected and built, and likewise one full third part of all and singular the water, water-courses, streams, woods, underwoods, fishing, fowl - ing, hunting, hawking, hereditaments and appurtenances to the same belonging or in anywise appertaining, to have and to hold unto the said Frederick Philips, hie heirs and assigns forever, as by the said deed or indenture, relation being thereunto had, may more fully and at large appear ; ami whereas, the Hon. Sir Edumnd Andross, late governor of our said province of 2s ew York, &c., by a certain writing or patent, sealed with the seal of our said province, bearing date the first day of April, in the year of our Lord, IGSO, pursuant to the authority in hira then residing, did give and grant unto the said Frederick Philipse, a certain tract or parcel of land, beginning at a creek or river called by the Indians, Pocanteco or or Wackandeco, with power thereon to set a mill (;r mills, with a due portion of land on each side, adjoining unto the said river, lying within the bounds of the Indians land at Wickers creek, on the east side of the Hudson river, which said Indian land, was by the said Frederick Philips purchased from the said native Indian proprietors thereof, by the licence and approbation of the said Sir Edmund Andross ; and the said Indian proprietors did, in the presence of Sir Edmund Andross aforesaid, acknowledge to have received full satisfaction of him the said Frederick Philips for the said land adjoining, to each syde of tlie creek or river aforesaid, which said land is situate, lying and being on each side of the said creek or river, north and south 1600 treads or steps which at 12 feet to the rod, makes 400 rod, and rims up into the country so far as the said creek or river goeth, with this i-Toviso or restriction that if the creek or river called by the Ii>tlians, Is'ippiori.a, and by the charters Yonkers creek or kill shall come within the space of land of 400 rods on the south side of the aforenamed creek or river, that shall extend no farther than the said creek or river of iSippiroha, but the rest to be so far up into the country on each side of the said creek or river called Pocanteco as it runs, being about north-east, to have and to Jiold all the aforesaid recited tract or parcel of land mito him the said Frederick Philips, his hi-irs and

Sir Edumnd Andross, late governor of our said province of 2s ew York, &c., by a certain writing or patent, sealed with the seal of our said province, bearing date the first day of April, in the year of our Lord, IGSO, pursuant to the authority in hira then residing, did give and grant unto the said Frederick Philipse, a certain tract or parcel of land, beginning at a creek or river called by the Indians, Pocanteco or or Wackandeco, with power thereon to set a mill (;r mills, with a due portion of land on each side, adjoining unto the said river, lying within the bounds of the Indians land at Wickers creek, on the east side of the Hudson river, which said Indian land, was by the said Frederick Philips purchased from the said native Indian proprietors thereof, by the licence and approbation of the said Sir Edmund Andross ; and the said Indian proprietors did, in the presence of Sir Edmund Andross aforesaid, acknowledge to have received full satisfaction of him the said Frederick Philips for the said land adjoining, to each syde of tlie creek or river aforesaid, which said land is situate, lying and being on each side of the said creek or river, north and south 1600 treads or steps which at 12 feet to the rod, makes 400 rod, and rims up into the country so far as the said creek or river goeth, with this i-Toviso or restriction that if the creek or river called by the Ii>tlians, Is'ippiori.a, and by the charters Yonkers creek or kill shall come within the space of land of 400 rods on the south side of the aforenamed creek or river, that shall extend no farther than the said creek or river of iSippiroha, but the rest to be so far up into the country on each side of the said creek or river called Pocanteco as it runs, being about north-east, to have and to Jiold all the aforesaid recited tract or parcel of land mito him the said Frederick Philips, his hi-irs and

592 HISTORY OF THE COUNTY OF WESTCHESTEF.

assigns forever, as by the said grant or patent registered in our Secretary's office of our province of Xcw York, &c., aforesaid, relation being thereunto bad may more fully and at large appear ; and whereas the Honorable Thomas Dongan late Gov. of our province of New York, &c., aforesaid, by virtue of the power iahiai then residing hath, by another grant or patent sealed vath the seal of our said province of New York, and registered in our secretary's office of our province aforesaid, bearing date the ?3d of September, in th.e year of our Lord 16S4, given granted, ratified, and confirmed, unto said, Frederick Philips, his heirs and assigns, several tracts and parcels of kind within the limits and bounds hereafter mentioned, that were according to the usage, custom, and laws of our said province purchased by the said Frederick Philips from the native Indians and proprietors, in manner and form following, (that is to say,) all those certain parcels and pieces of land lying about the Wigquaskeek that was on the 24th day of October, in the year of our Lord, 1680, purchased by the said Frederick Philips of the Indian Goharius, brother of "Weskora, sachem of Wigquaskeek, for himself and by the full order of Goharius, which certain parcel or parcels of laud are lying about "SVigimaskeek to the north syde and tending from the land of the aforesaid Frederick Pliilips running along the North river to the north of the small creek called by the Indians Sepackena creek, as far as it goeth. into the woods, and coming to the end of the aforesaid creek, then shall tlie aforesaid pieces or parrels of land have taeir lyno north-cast, or if the creek Pocanteco Wackandcco upou which at present stands the mills of the said Frenerick Philips shall run upon a north-east lync, then the said land shall ruu along the said creek Pocanteco, or "Weghkandeco, into the woods as the said creek or kill shall go, and there shall be the end or utmost bounds of the said certain pieces of land, as by the said writing or Indian deed, relation being thereunto had may more fully and at large appear; as likewise another tract or parcel of land on the east side of Hudson's river that was by said Frederick Philips purchased of the Indians Goharius Cobus, and Togquanduck, on the 23d day of April, in the year of our Lord, IGSl, which tract or parcel of land being situate on the eatt side of the North or Hudson's river, bi-ginning at the south side of a creek called Bissigktick, and so ranging along the said river northerly totlie aforesaid land of the a foresaid Frederick I'hilips, and then alongst the said land north-east and by cast until it comes to and meets with the creek called Nippiorha, if the said creek shall fall witliin that lyue, otherwise to extend no further than the head of the creek or kill called Poktmteco, or Puegkanteko, arid southerly alongst the said river Neppiorlia if the sanie siiall fall within the said line as aforesaid ; or else in a direct lyne from the h?ad of the said creek or kiil called Pocanteco Pucgkandico, until it conies opposite to the said first mentioned creek called Bissightick, and from thence westwardly to the head of the said creek and alongst the same to the North or Hudson's river, being the first station, as by the said writing or deed, relation bein.g thereunto had, may more fully and at large appear, as also another certain tract or parcel of land on the east syde of the said Hudson's river that was by the said Frederick Philips purchased of the native Indians xVrmaghquecr, Seapham, alias Tliapham, on the 8th day of April, in the year of our Lord 1GS2, which certain tract or parcel of land is situate, lying, and being on the east side of the North or -Hudson's river to th.e south of the land formerly bought by the said FrLucrick Philips of the said Indians, beginning at the south side of a creek called Lissijli-

assigns forever, as by the said grant or patent registered in our Secretary's office of our province of Xcw York, &c., aforesaid, relation being thereunto bad may more fully and at large appear ; and whereas the Honorable Thomas Dongan late Gov. of our province of New York, &c., aforesaid, by virtue of the power iahiai then residing hath, by another grant or patent sealed vath the seal of our said province of New York, and registered in our secretary's office of our province aforesaid, bearing date the ?3d of September, in th.e year of our Lord 16S4, given granted, ratified, and confirmed, unto said, Frederick Philips, his heirs and assigns, several tracts and parcels of kind within the limits and bounds hereafter mentioned, that were according to the usage, custom, and laws of our said province purchased by the said Frederick Philips from the native Indians and proprietors, in manner and form following, (that is to say,) all those certain parcels and pieces of land lying about the Wigquaskeek that was on the 24th day of October, in the year of our Lord, 1680, purchased by the said Frederick Philips of the Indian Goharius, brother of "Weskora, sachem of Wigquaskeek, for himself and by the full order of Goharius, which certain parcel or parcels of laud are lying about "SVigimaskeek to the north syde and tending from the land of the aforesaid Frederick Pliilips running along the North river to the north of the small creek called by the Indians Sepackena creek, as far as it goeth. into the woods, and coming to the end of the aforesaid creek, then shall tlie aforesaid pieces or parrels of land have taeir lyno north-cast, or if the creek Pocanteco Wackandcco upou which at present stands the mills of the said Frenerick Philips shall run upon a north-east lync, then the said land shall ruu along the said creek Pocanteco, or "Weghkandeco, into the woods as the said creek or kill shall go, and there shall be the end or utmost bounds of the said certain pieces of land, as by the said writing or Indian deed, relation being thereunto had may more fully and at large appear; as likewise another tract or parcel of land on the east side of Hudson's river that was by said Frederick Philips purchased of the Indians Goharius Cobus, and Togquanduck, on the 23d day of April, in the year of our Lord, IGSl, which tract or parcel of land being situate on the eatt side of the North or Hudson's river, bi-ginning at the south side of a creek called Bissigktick, and so ranging along the said river northerly totlie aforesaid land of the a foresaid Frederick I'hilips, and then alongst the said land north-east and by cast until it comes to and meets with the creek called Nippiorha, if the said creek shall fall witliin that lyue, otherwise to extend no further than the head of the creek or kill called Poktmteco, or Puegkanteko, arid southerly alongst the said river Neppiorlia if the sanie siiall fall within the said line as aforesaid ; or else in a direct lyne from the h?ad of the said creek or kiil called Pocanteco Pucgkandico, until it conies opposite to the said first mentioned creek called Bissightick, and from thence westwardly to the head of the said creek and alongst the same to the North or Hudson's river, being the first station, as by the said writing or deed, relation bein.g thereunto had, may more fully and at large appear, as also another certain tract or parcel of land on the east syde of the said Hudson's river that was by the said Frederick Philips purchased of the native Indians xVrmaghquecr, Seapham, alias Tliapham, on the 8th day of April, in the year of our Lord 1GS2, which certain tract or parcel of land is situate, lying, and being on the east side of the North or -Hudson's river to th.e south of the land formerly bought by the said FrLucrick Philips of the said Indians, beginning at the south side of a creek called Lissijli-

THE TO^\•N OF YONKERS. 593

lick, and so ranging alonc^ the said river southerly to a creek or fall called by the IriJia;,s Weshquegslk, and by the Christians, Lawrence's plantation; and from the mouth of the said creek or fall upon a due east course to a creek called by the Indians Nippiorha, and by the Christians the Yonkers kill, and from thence alon^t the vest side of the said creek or kill as the same runs to the before mentioned laud, formerly bought by the said Trederick Phihps of the sayd Indians, and sn along that land to the first station, as by the said writing or Indian deed, relation being thereunto had, may more fully and at large appear ; as also another tract or parcel of land on the east side of Hudson's river that was by the said Frederick Philips purchased of the native Indians Warramanhack, Espararao"-h, Anchook, &c., on the Gth day of September, in the year of our Lord, 16S2, whTch certain tract or parcel of land is situated, lying, and being on the west side of the JJorth or Hudson's river, beginning at the north side of the land belonging to Yonkers kill, Nippiorha, at a great rock called by the Indians Meghkeckassin. or the great stone, (as called by the Christians,) from thence rangmg iuto the woods eastwardly to a creek called by the Indians Nippiorha aforesaid, and from theuce along said creek northerly till you come to the castw;u-d of the Lead of a creek called by the Indians Wegquiskeek, being the utmost bounds of the said Frederick PhOips's land, formerlv bought of the Indians, and from theuce westwardly along the said creek "Wegqueskeek to Hudson's river aforesaid, as by the said Indian deed, relation being thereunto had, may more fully and at large appear, and also another tract or parcel of land that was by the said Frederick Philips, purchased of the native ludians, Sapham, Ghoharius, Kakingsigo, on the 7th day of May, in the year of our Lord, I6S4' •which tract or parcel of land is situate, lying and being to the eastward of the said I'Vederick Philips between the creek called Nippiorha, or the Yonkers kill, and Bronk's river, beginning on the south side at the northerly bounds of the Yonkers land, and from thence along the aforesaid creek, Nippiorha, however it ruos till you come to the most northerly bounds of the said Frederick Philips's lands and from thence north-east into the woods unto Bronk's river, as it nms southerly to the eastward of the Yonkers laud aforesaid, and from thence with a we^^terly lyne, to the afore-named Younkers kill, or Nippiorha, as by the said Indian deed, relation being thereunto had, may moi'e fully and at larLTo appear all which several tracts and parcels of land within the several respective limits and bounds afore-mentiont.'d, and purchased by the said Frederick Philips, of all and every the respective native Indians aforesaid, iu manner aforesaid, were bv the said Thomas Dongan, late governor of our province, under the seal of our said province, bearing date as aforesaid, given, granted, ratified, and confirmed unto him, said Frederick Philips, liis heirs and assigns, together Avith all and sin-nalar the houses, buildings, messuages, tenements, and hereditaments, mills, mill-dams, rivers, runns, streams, pon-ls. with liberty to erect other mills or dams, or places convenient, woods, under-woods, -quarries, fishing, hawking, hunting and fowling, with all lilierties, privikdges, and improvements whatsoever, to the said land and premises, belungiug in or in anywise appertaining, to have and to hold all the aforesaid tract and tracts, parcel and parcels of hmd and premises, with their and every of their appurtenances, unto said Frederick Philips, his heirs and ass^igntes forever, as by the said grant or .patent, scaled with the seal of our s;iid province, and registered iu our secretary's ofiice of our sciiil province, bcarinc^

lick, and so ranging alonc^ the said river southerly to a creek or fall called by the IriJia;,s Weshquegslk, and by the Christians, Lawrence's plantation; and from the mouth of the said creek or fall upon a due east course to a creek called by the Indians Nippiorha, and by the Christians the Yonkers kill, and from thence alon^t the vest side of the said creek or kill as the same runs to the before mentioned laud, formerly bought by the said Trederick Phihps of the sayd Indians, and sn along that land to the first station, as by the said writing or Indian deed, relation being thereunto had, may more fully and at large appear ; as also another tract or parcel of land on the east side of Hudson's river that was by the said Frederick Philips purchased of the native Indians Warramanhack, Espararao"-h, Anchook, &c., on the Gth day of September, in the year of our Lord, 16S2, whTch certain tract or parcel of land is situated, lying, and being on the west side of the JJorth or Hudson's river, beginning at the north side of the land belonging to Yonkers kill, Nippiorha, at a great rock called by the Indians Meghkeckassin. or the great stone, (as called by the Christians,) from thence rangmg iuto the woods eastwardly to a creek called by the Indians Nippiorha aforesaid, and from theuce along said creek northerly till you come to the castw;u-d of the Lead of a creek called by the Indians Wegquiskeek, being the utmost bounds of the said Frederick PhOips's land, formerlv bought of the Indians, and from theuce westwardly along the said creek "Wegqueskeek to Hudson's river aforesaid, as by the said Indian deed, relation being thereunto had, may more fully and at large appear, and also another tract or parcel of land that was by the said Frederick Philips, purchased of the native ludians, Sapham, Ghoharius, Kakingsigo, on the 7th day of May, in the year of our Lord, I6S4' •which tract or parcel of land is situate, lying and being to the eastward of the said I'Vederick Philips between the creek called Nippiorha, or the Yonkers kill, and Bronk's river, beginning on the south side at the northerly bounds of the Yonkers land, and from thence along the aforesaid creek, Nippiorha, however it ruos till you come to the most northerly bounds of the said Frederick Philips's lands and from thence north-east into the woods unto Bronk's river, as it nms southerly to the eastward of the Yonkers laud aforesaid, and from thence with a we^^terly lyne, to the afore-named Younkers kill, or Nippiorha, as by the said Indian deed, relation being thereunto had, may moi'e fully and at larLTo appear all which several tracts and parcels of land within the several respective limits and bounds afore-mentiont.'d, and purchased by the said Frederick Philips, of all and every the respective native Indians aforesaid, iu manner aforesaid, were bv the said Thomas Dongan, late governor of our province, under the seal of our said province, bearing date as aforesaid, given, granted, ratified, and confirmed unto him, said Frederick Philips, liis heirs and assigns, together Avith all and sin-nalar the houses, buildings, messuages, tenements, and hereditaments, mills, mill-dams, rivers, runns, streams, pon-ls. with liberty to erect other mills or dams, or places convenient, woods, under-woods, -quarries, fishing, hawking, hunting and fowling, with all lilierties, privikdges, and improvements whatsoever, to the said land and premises, belungiug in or in anywise appertaining, to have and to hold all the aforesaid tract and tracts, parcel and parcels of hmd and premises, with their and every of their appurtenances, unto said Frederick Philips, his heirs and ass^igntes forever, as by the said grant or .patent, scaled with the seal of our s;iid province, and registered iu our secretary's ofiice of our sciiil province, bcarinc^

594 HISTORY OF THE COUNTY OF ^VESTCHESTF.R.

date 23d dav of Dcceaibcr, in the year of our Lord ICSi, relatioa being thereunto had, may more fully aud at large appear; and whereas, the aforesaid Thouias Dongau, late Governor of our said province, by virtue of the said power aiul authority iu him residing, hath moreover by another grant or patent, sealed with the seal of our said firoviace, and registered in our Secretary's office aforesaid, bearing date the 11th day of November, in the year of cur Lord 16S6. given, granted, ratifi:jd, and coutirmed unto PhiUp Philips, eldest son of him, the said Frederick Philips, all that tract or parcel of land commonly called by the Lidiaas Sinck Sinck, and situate, lying, and being on the east side of Hudson's river, by the northerinust part of the laud, purchased by the said Frederick Philips, and so running alongst Hudson's river to a certain creek or river called Kichtawan, and from thence running alongst the said creek, tvro English miles, and from thence running up the country upon a due east lyne, until it comes unto a creek called Mpiorha, by the Christians, Yonkers creek, and so running alongst the said creek until it comes unto the northerly bounds of the said land of Frederick Philips aforesaid, aud from thence alongst the said land until it comes to Hudson's river, together with all manner of rivers, rivulets, ruuns, streams, feedings, pastures, woods, mider-woods, trees, timbers, waters, water-courses, ponds, pools, pits, swamps, moors, marshes, meadows, easements, profits and commodities, fishing, fowling, hunting, liawking, mines, minerals, quarries, (royal mines only excepted), and all royalties, profits, commodities, hereditaments and appurtenances whatsoever, to the said tract or parcel of land within the bounds and limits aforesaid, belonging or in anywise appertaining, to have and to hold the said tract or parcel of land and all and singular other the premises Avith their and every of their appurtenances, unto the said Philip Philips, his heirs and assigns forever, as by the said grant or patent, relation being thereunto had, may more fully and at large appear, whereas the said Philip Philips did by mean assurance iu the law, sell, alienate, enfeotf, and confirm unto his said father, Frederick Philips, all the afore recited tract or parcel of land within the limits and bounds above mentioned and expressed, together with all and singular, the premises, with their aud every of their appurtenances, to have and to hold unto him the said Frederick Philips, Ids heirs and assigns, forever, as by his deed of conveyance, under his liand and seal bearing date the day of in the year of our Lord 16S , relation being thereunto had more fully and at large appear ; and whereas, the aforesaid Thomas Dongan, late governor of our said provi;ioe, by virtue of the said power aud authority in hinx residing, hnth, by another grant or patent sealed with the seal of our said province, and registered in our Secretary's office aforesaid, bearing date the 27th day of June, in the year of our Lord, 16S7. given, granted, ratified, released and confirmed unto the said Frederick Philips, all that the moiety, or one equal half part of a certain entire parcel of meadow ground, situate lying and being at a certain place called Tappan, near Hudson's river, bounded to the north by a certain creek called or known by the name of Tappan creek, to the east by Hudson's river aforesaid, to the west by a certain parcel of upland now in possession of George Lockhart, and to the south by Hudson's river aforesaid, and the moiety or e(iu\l half of the said meadows to be laid out along the side of Hudson's river aforesaid, throughout the whole len^'th of its bounds upon said river, from Tappan creek aforesaid, and to bu bomulcd on the north by Tappan creek, to the east by Hudson's river, to the

date 23d dav of Dcceaibcr, in the year of our Lord ICSi, relatioa being thereunto had, may more fully aud at large appear; and whereas, the aforesaid Thouias Dongau, late Governor of our said province, by virtue of the said power aiul authority iu him residing, hath moreover by another grant or patent, sealed with the seal of our said firoviace, and registered in our Secretary's office aforesaid, bearing date the 11th day of November, in the year of cur Lord 16S6. given, granted, ratifi:jd, and coutirmed unto PhiUp Philips, eldest son of him, the said Frederick Philips, all that tract or parcel of land commonly called by the Lidiaas Sinck Sinck, and situate, lying, and being on the east side of Hudson's river, by the northerinust part of the laud, purchased by the said Frederick Philips, and so running alongst Hudson's river to a certain creek or river called Kichtawan, and from thence running alongst the said creek, tvro English miles, and from thence running up the country upon a due east lyne, until it comes unto a creek called Mpiorha, by the Christians, Yonkers creek, and so running alongst the said creek until it comes unto the northerly bounds of the said land of Frederick Philips aforesaid, aud from thence alongst the said land until it comes to Hudson's river, together with all manner of rivers, rivulets, ruuns, streams, feedings, pastures, woods, mider-woods, trees, timbers, waters, water-courses, ponds, pools, pits, swamps, moors, marshes, meadows, easements, profits and commodities, fishing, fowling, hunting, liawking, mines, minerals, quarries, (royal mines only excepted), and all royalties, profits, commodities, hereditaments and appurtenances whatsoever, to the said tract or parcel of land within the bounds and limits aforesaid, belonging or in anywise appertaining, to have and to hold the said tract or parcel of land and all and singular other the premises Avith their and every of their appurtenances, unto the said Philip Philips, his heirs and assigns forever, as by the said grant or patent, relation being thereunto had, may more fully and at large appear, whereas the said Philip Philips did by mean assurance iu the law, sell, alienate, enfeotf, and confirm unto his said father, Frederick Philips, all the afore recited tract or parcel of land within the limits and bounds above mentioned and expressed, together with all and singular, the premises, with their aud every of their appurtenances, to have and to hold unto him the said Frederick Philips, Ids heirs and assigns, forever, as by his deed of conveyance, under his liand and seal bearing date the day of in the year of our Lord 16S , relation being thereunto had more fully and at large appear ; and whereas, the aforesaid Thomas Dongan, late governor of our said provi;ioe, by virtue of the said power aud authority in hinx residing, hnth, by another grant or patent sealed with the seal of our said province, and registered in our Secretary's office aforesaid, bearing date the 27th day of June, in the year of our Lord, 16S7. given, granted, ratified, released and confirmed unto the said Frederick Philips, all that the moiety, or one equal half part of a certain entire parcel of meadow ground, situate lying and being at a certain place called Tappan, near Hudson's river, bounded to the north by a certain creek called or known by the name of Tappan creek, to the east by Hudson's river aforesaid, to the west by a certain parcel of upland now in possession of George Lockhart, and to the south by Hudson's river aforesaid, and the moiety or e(iu\l half of the said meadows to be laid out along the side of Hudson's river aforesaid, throughout the whole len^'th of its bounds upon said river, from Tappan creek aforesaid, and to bu bomulcd on the north by Tappan creek, to the east by Hudson's river, to the

THE TOW'N OF YOXKERS. 595

west by the other moiety or half part of the said meadows, still nmning to the t:iid (ieorgc Lockhart's, and so to run southerly to the end of the said meadows, nothing excepted or reserved thereof, to the said George Locl-diart, his heirs aud us-?igas, but obe cart or waine way through the said moiety or half part of the meadow aforesaid, which moiety or equal half part of the meadow aforesaid was by nican assurance in the law, conveyed to the said George Lackhart and Janet, his wife, unto the said Frederick Philips, his heirs and assigns, to have and to hold the said moiety or equal half part of the stiid meadows and premises with the appertiiienccs unto the said Frederick Philips, his heirs and assigns forever, as by the said grant or patent, sealed with the seal of our said province, and registered in our secretary's ofncc aforesaid, bearing date the said 27th day of June, in the year of our Lord, 16S7, and as by the said deed of conveyance, under the hands and seals of the said George Lockhai-t and Janet his wife, bearing date 20th day of February, in the year of our Loid, IGSo, relation being thereunto had respectively, may more fully and at large appear; and whereas, Augustine Graham, our surveyor-general for our said pro\'iuce of New York, &c., hath by warrant bearing date the 11th of February, in the fourth year of our reign, surveyed and laid out for the said Frederick Philips, a certain small parcel of salt meadows, situate and being on the north side of Tappan creek, in the county of Orange, beginning at a certain stake set on tlie east side of the said creek, aud from thence run e:ist 37'^ 40 min. northerly to Hudson's river, six chains and ninety linlis, thence along the said river twelve chains and ninety links, south one degree, westerly to the mouth of the aforesaid creek, and from thence along the said creek, west five degrees thirty-tive minutes, northerly eleven chains, thence north twelve degrees, eistwardly two chains and forty links, thence east forty degi-ecs, southerly three chains forty-five links along the said creek, thence east eleven degrees thirty minutes, southerly two chains twenty links, thence north six degrees twenly-five minutes, seven chains aud seventy links, to the stake where the line first began, being boimded on the north-west by a certain parcel of meadow said to belong to Cornelius Claater, on the east by Hudson's river, on the south and west by the said creek, containing in all six acres three roods and eight perches, ;is by the return of the survey, bearing date the llHh day of April, in the said fourth year of our reign, and in the year of oui- Lord, 1G92, relation being thereunto had, may more fully aud at large appear, all which several tracts or parcels of land lying together, aud bounded and limited in manner hereafter expressed aud mentioned, (that is to say), all the said tract and parcels of land that are on the east side of Hudson's river, are bomided on the northward by a creek or river commonly called by the Indians Kightowank, and by the English Knotrus river, and now Belonging to Stevanus van Cortlandt, Estj., aud so eastward into the woods along the said creek or river, two English miles ; and from thence upon a direct east line to Bronxes river, and so running southward along the said Bronxes river as it rims, until a direct west line cutteth the south side of a neck or island of land, at a creek or kill called Papparinemo, which divides York island from the main, and so along the said creek or kill as it runs to Hudson's river, which part of the said creek is called by the Indians Shorackhappok, and continues dividing the said York island from the m;un, and so from thence to the ivtrthward alo'.iirst Hudson's river, until it comes into the aforesaid creek or river called b}- the Indians Kightawauk. and by the English Knotrus river, and

west by the other moiety or half part of the said meadows, still nmning to the t:iid (ieorgc Lockhart's, and so to run southerly to the end of the said meadows, nothing excepted or reserved thereof, to the said George Locl-diart, his heirs aud us-?igas, but obe cart or waine way through the said moiety or half part of the meadow aforesaid, which moiety or equal half part of the meadow aforesaid was by nican assurance in the law, conveyed to the said George Lackhart and Janet, his wife, unto the said Frederick Philips, his heirs and assigns, to have and to hold the said moiety or equal half part of the stiid meadows and premises with the appertiiienccs unto the said Frederick Philips, his heirs and assigns forever, as by the said grant or patent, sealed with the seal of our said province, and registered in our secretary's ofncc aforesaid, bearing date the said 27th day of June, in the year of our Lord, 16S7, and as by the said deed of conveyance, under the hands and seals of the said George Lockhai-t and Janet his wife, bearing date 20th day of February, in the year of our Loid, IGSo, relation being thereunto had respectively, may more fully and at large appear; and whereas, Augustine Graham, our surveyor-general for our said pro\'iuce of New York, &c., hath by warrant bearing date the 11th of February, in the fourth year of our reign, surveyed and laid out for the said Frederick Philips, a certain small parcel of salt meadows, situate and being on the north side of Tappan creek, in the county of Orange, beginning at a certain stake set on tlie east side of the said creek, aud from thence run e:ist 37'^ 40 min. northerly to Hudson's river, six chains and ninety linlis, thence along the said river twelve chains and ninety links, south one degree, westerly to the mouth of the aforesaid creek, and from thence along the said creek, west five degrees thirty-tive minutes, northerly eleven chains, thence north twelve degrees, eistwardly two chains and forty links, thence east forty degi-ecs, southerly three chains forty-five links along the said creek, thence east eleven degrees thirty minutes, southerly two chains twenty links, thence north six degrees twenly-five minutes, seven chains aud seventy links, to the stake where the line first began, being boimded on the north-west by a certain parcel of meadow said to belong to Cornelius Claater, on the east by Hudson's river, on the south and west by the said creek, containing in all six acres three roods and eight perches, ;is by the return of the survey, bearing date the llHh day of April, in the said fourth year of our reign, and in the year of oui- Lord, 1G92, relation being thereunto had, may more fully aud at large appear, all which several tracts or parcels of land lying together, aud bounded and limited in manner hereafter expressed aud mentioned, (that is to say), all the said tract and parcels of land that are on the east side of Hudson's river, are bomided on the northward by a creek or river commonly called by the Indians Kightowank, and by the English Knotrus river, and now Belonging to Stevanus van Cortlandt, Estj., aud so eastward into the woods along the said creek or river, two English miles ; and from thence upon a direct east line to Bronxes river, and so running southward along the said Bronxes river as it rims, until a direct west line cutteth the south side of a neck or island of land, at a creek or kill called Papparinemo, which divides York island from the main, and so along the said creek or kill as it runs to Hudson's river, which part of the said creek is called by the Indians Shorackhappok, and continues dividing the said York island from the m;un, and so from thence to the ivtrthward alo'.iirst Hudson's river, until it comes into the aforesaid creek or river called b}- the Indians Kightawauk. and by the English Knotrus river, and

596 HISTORY OF THE COUNTY OF WESTCHESTER-

the salt meadow ground on the -wrst side of Hudson's river, are bounded and limited as iiere before is pliinly ineutioned and expressed. And whereas, our loving subject the said Frederick Philips, one of the members of our council of our said province of New York, and the territories depending thereon in America, hath by his petition presented to Benjamin Fletcher, our captain-general and govemor-in-chief of our said province of New York, »S:c., prayed our grant and confirmation of all and every the tracts and parcels of land within the limits and bounds aforesaid ; and that we would likewise erect all the said tracts and pixels of land within the limits aforesaid, into a lordship or manor of Philipsborough, and that we would further grant unto our said loving subject, a certain neck or island of land called Paparinemo, adjoining to the land aforesaid, with the salt meadows thereunto belonging, together with power and authority to erect a bridge over the waterorriver commonly called Spiten Devil ferry, or Paparinemo and to receive toll from all passengers and droves of cattle that shall pass thereon, according to rates hereinafter mentioned; and whereas, it is manifested that our loving subject hath been a great charge and expense in the purchasing and settling of the aforcre cited tracts of land, whereupon considerable improvements have been made, and that he is likewise willing at his own proper cost and charge to build a bridge at the ferry aforesaid, for the benefit and accommodation of travelers, which reasonable request for his future encouragement, we being willing to grant, Know rje, that of our special grace, certain knowledge, and mere motion, we have given, granted, ratified, and confirmed, and by these presents do, for us, our heirs and successors, give, grant, ratify, and confirm unto the said Frederick Philips, his heirs and assigns, all and every the afore recited tracts and parcels of land and meadow ground within the limits and bounds before mentioned and expressed, and likewise the aforesaid neck or island of land called Paparinemo, and the meadow thereunto belonging, with power, authority and privilege to erect and build a dam bridge upon the aforesaid ferry of Spiteudevil or Paparinemo, and to receive rates and tolls of all passengers and for droves of cattle according to the rates hereafter mentioned, (that is to say), three pence current money of New York, for each man and horse that shall pass the said bridge in the day time, and three pence current money aforesaid, for each head of neat cattle that shall pass the same, and twelve pence current money aforesaid, for each score of hogs, calves, and sheep that shall pass the same, and nine pence current money aforesaid, for every boat, vessel, or canoe that shall pass the said bridge and cause the same to be drawn up, and for each coach, cart, or sledge, or waggon that shall pass the same, the sum of ninepcnce current money aforesaid; and after sunset each passenger that shall pass said bridge, shall pay two pence current money aforesaid, each man and horse, six pence, each head of neat cattle six pence, each score of hogs, calves, and sheep, two shillings, for each boat or vessel, or canoe, one shilling and sixpence, lor each coach, cert, waggon, or sledge, one shilUng and sixpence ; current money aforesaid, together with all the messuages, tenements, _ buildings, barns, houses, out-houses, mills, milldams, fences, orchards, gardens, pastures, meadows, marshes, swamps, moors, pooh, woodi?, underwoods, trees, timber, quarries, rivers, runs, rivulets, brooks, ponds, lakes, streams, creeks, harbours, beaches, ferrys, fishing, fov.-ling, hunting, hawking, mines, minerals, (silver and y^M only excepted,) and all other risrhts, members, liberties, privilcdgcs, jurisdictions, royalties, hereditaments,

And whereas, our loving subject the said Frederick Philips, one of the members of our council of our said province of New York, and the territories depending thereon in America, hath by his petition presented to Benjamin Fletcher, our captain-general and govemor-in-chief of our said province of New York, »S:c., prayed our grant and confirmation of all and every the tracts and parcels of land within the limits and bounds aforesaid ; and that we would likewise erect all the said tracts and pixels of land within the limits aforesaid, into a lordship or manor of Philipsborough, and that we would further grant unto our said loving subject, a certain neck or island of land called Paparinemo, adjoining to the land aforesaid, with the salt meadows thereunto belonging, together with power and authority to erect a bridge over the waterorriver commonly called Spiten Devil ferry, or Paparinemo and to receive toll from all passengers and droves of cattle that shall pass thereon, according to rates hereinafter mentioned; and whereas, it is manifested that our loving subject hath been a great charge and expense in the purchasing and settling of the aforcre cited tracts of land, whereupon considerable improvements have been made, and that he is likewise willing at his own proper cost and charge to build a bridge at the ferry aforesaid, for the benefit and accommodation of travelers, which reasonable request for his future encouragement, we being willing to grant, Know rje, that of our special grace, certain knowledge, and mere motion, we have given, granted, ratified, and confirmed, and by these presents do, for us, our heirs and successors, give, grant, ratify, and confirm unto the said Frederick Philips, his heirs and assigns, all and every the afore recited tracts and parcels of land and meadow ground within the limits and bounds before mentioned and expressed, and likewise the aforesaid neck or island of land called Paparinemo, and the meadow thereunto belonging, with power, authority and privilege to erect and build a dam bridge upon the aforesaid ferry of Spiteudevil or Paparinemo, and to receive rates and tolls of all passengers and for droves of cattle according to the rates hereafter mentioned, (that is to say), three pence current money of New York, for each man and horse that shall pass the said bridge in the day time, and three pence current money aforesaid, for each head of neat cattle that shall pass the same, and twelve pence current money aforesaid, for each score of hogs, calves, and sheep that shall pass the same, and nine pence current money aforesaid, for every boat, vessel, or canoe that shall pass the said bridge and cause the same to be drawn up, and for each coach, cart, or sledge, or waggon that shall pass the same, the sum of ninepcnce current money aforesaid; and after sunset each passenger that shall pass said bridge, shall pay two pence current money aforesaid, each man and horse, six pence, each head of neat cattle six pence, each score of hogs, calves, and sheep, two shillings, for each boat or vessel, or canoe, one shilling and sixpence, lor each coach, cert, waggon, or sledge, one shilUng and sixpence ; current money aforesaid, together with all the messuages, tenements, _ buildings, barns, houses, out-houses, mills, milldams, fences, orchards, gardens, pastures, meadows, marshes, swamps, moors, pooh, woodi?, underwoods, trees, timber, quarries, rivers, runs, rivulets, brooks, ponds, lakes, streams, creeks, harbours, beaches, ferrys, fishing, fov.-ling, hunting, hawking, mines, minerals, (silver and y^M only excepted,) and all other risrhts, members, liberties, privilcdgcs, jurisdictions, royalties, hereditaments,

THE T0\\^' OF VONKERS. 597

proffits, tolls, benefits, advantages, and appertinances whatsoever to the aforesuud tracts and neck or island of land and meadows, ferry, bridge, and u\ills belonging or in any ways appertaining, or accepted, reputed, taken, known, or occupied as part, parcel, or member thereof ; and moreover, Jcnow ye, tbat of our further special grace, certain knowledge, and mere motion, we have thought fit, according to the request of our said loving subject, to erect all the aforesaid recited tracts and parcels of lands and meadows with the limits and bounds aforesaid, into a lordship or manor ; and, therefore, by these presents we do erect, make, and constitute all the aforesaid recited tracts and parcels of laud and meadows, within the limits and bounds aforesaid mentioned, together with all and every of the afore granted premises with all aud every of the appertcnances into a lordsliip or manor, to all intents and purposes ; and it is our royal will and pleasure that the said lordship and manor shall from henceforth be called the lordship or manor of Philipsborougb, and the aforesaid bridge to bo from henceforth called Kingsbridge in the manor of Philipsborougb aforsaid. And know ye, that we, reposing special trust aud confidence in the loyalty, wisdom, justice, prudence, and circumspection of our loving subject, do, for us, our heirs and successors, give and grant unto the said Frederick Philips, and to the heirs aud assignees of him the said Frederick Philips, full power and authority at all times forever hereafter in the said lordship or manor, one court leet and one court baron to hold and to keep at such times, and so often, yearly and every year, as he or they shall see meet ; and all fines, issues, and amercements as the said Court Led or Court Baron to be holden within said lordship or manor to be sett, forfeited, or employed, or payable, or happening at any time to be payable by any of the inhabitants, of or within the said lordship or manor of Philipsburough, in the hmits and bounds , as also all and every of the power and authority herein before mentioned, for the holding and keeping the said Leet and Court Baron from time to time, and to award aud issue out the customary writs to be issued and awarded out of the said Court Leet aud Court Baron to be kept by the heirs and assignees of the said Frederick Philips forever, in their or every of their stewards deputed and appointed, with full aud ample power aud authority to distrain for the rents, levies, or other sums of money payable by virtue of the premises, and all other lawful remedies and means for the having possession, receiving, levying and enjoymgthe premises aud every part and parcel of the same, and all waifes, estrays, wrecks, deodans, and of the fellonshappeDing aud being furnished within the said lordship and manor of Philipsborougb, and all and every sum and sums of money to be paid as a parte fine upon any fine or fines to be levied of any lands, tenements or hereditaments within the lordship or manor of Philipsborough, together with the advow^son and right of patronage of all and evcrj- the church or churches erected or to be erected or established or hereafter to be erected or estabhshcd within the said manor of Philipsborougb; and wo do also further give and grant unto the said Frederick Philips, his heirs and assignees, that all and singular the tenants of the said Frederick Philips, within the said manor shall and may at all times hereafter meet together and choose assessors within the manor aforesaid, according to such rules, ways, and metlnids as are prescribed for the cities, towns, and counties within our province aforesaid by the acts of General Assembly, for the defraying the public charge of each respective city, town aud county aforesaid, and such sums of money so

And know ye, that we, reposing special trust aud confidence in the loyalty, wisdom, justice, prudence, and circumspection of our loving subject, do, for us, our heirs and successors, give and grant unto the said Frederick Philips, and to the heirs aud assignees of him the said Frederick Philips, full power and authority at all times forever hereafter in the said lordship or manor, one court leet and one court baron to hold and to keep at such times, and so often, yearly and every year, as he or they shall see meet ; and all fines, issues, and amercements as the said Court Led or Court Baron to be holden within said lordship or manor to be sett, forfeited, or employed, or payable, or happening at any time to be payable by any of the inhabitants, of or within the said lordship or manor of Philipsburough, in the hmits and bounds , as also all and every of the power and authority herein before mentioned, for the holding and keeping the said Leet and Court Baron from time to time, and to award aud issue out the customary writs to be issued and awarded out of the said Court Leet aud Court Baron to be kept by the heirs and assignees of the said Frederick Philips forever, in their or every of their stewards deputed and appointed, with full aud ample power aud authority to distrain for the rents, levies, or other sums of money payable by virtue of the premises, and all other lawful remedies and means for the having possession, receiving, levying and enjoymgthe premises aud every part and parcel of the same, and all waifes, estrays, wrecks, deodans, and of the fellonshappeDing aud being furnished within the said lordship and manor of Philipsborougb, and all and every sum and sums of money to be paid as a parte fine upon any fine or fines to be levied of any lands, tenements or hereditaments within the lordship or manor of Philipsborough, together with the advow^son and right of patronage of all and evcrj- the church or churches erected or to be erected or established or hereafter to be erected or estabhshcd within the said manor of Philipsborougb; and wo do also further give and grant unto the said Frederick Philips, his heirs and assignees, that all and singular the tenants of the said Frederick Philips, within the said manor shall and may at all times hereafter meet together and choose assessors within the manor aforesaid, according to such rules, ways, and metlnids as are prescribed for the cities, towns, and counties within our province aforesaid by the acts of General Assembly, for the defraying the public charge of each respective city, town aud county aforesaid, and such sums of money so

598 HISTORY OF THE COUNTY OF WESTCHESTER-

asscssed or levied to collect and dispose of for such uses as the acts of General Assembly shall cstai.^lish and appoint, to have aud to hold, possess, collect, uud enjoy, all and sic^xular the said lordship or manor of Pbilipsborough, together with the aforesaid halls aud premises, with tlieh and every of their appertinances unto the said Frederick Philips, his heire and assignees, to the only proper u.^c, benefit, and behoof of him, the said Frederick Philips, his heirs and assignct-s forever, reserving unto us, our heii-s and successors, free egress and ingress of all our and their forces, horse or foot, of our and their coaches, waggons, stores of war, ammunition, and expresses, that shall from time to time pass the said bridge for our their service, or anything contained to the contrary herein iu any ways notwithstanding, to be holden of us, our heirs and successors, in free and common soccage according to the tenure of our manor of East Greenwich within our county of Kent iu our realm of England, yielding rendering, aud paying therefore, yearly and every year, on the feast daj- of the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin 3Iary, at our fort at New York unto us, our heirs and succssors, the annual rent of £4 12s/current money of our said province in lieu and stead cf all former rents, services, dues, duties, and demands for the said lordship or manor of Philipsborough and premises. Iu testimony whereof we have caused the seal of our province of New York to be hereunto affixed. Witness, Benjamin Fletcher our captain-general and go vernor-in-cliief of our province of New York aforesaid, province of Pennsylvania and county of New Castle, and the territory and tracts of land depending thereon in America, at Fort "William Henry, the 12th day of June, in the fifth year of our reign, and in the year of our Lord, 1693."

Iu testimony whereof we have caused the seal of our province of New York to be hereunto affixed. Witness, Benjamin Fletcher our captain-general and go vernor-in-cliief of our province of New York aforesaid, province of Pennsylvania and county of New Castle, and the territory and tracts of land depending thereon in America, at Fort "William Henry, the 12th day of June, in the fifth year of our reign, and in the year of our Lord, 1693."

Frederick Philipse. Esq., by his last will bearing date 9th of December, 1703, de\-ised his lands in this town and part of Greenburgh to Frederick Philipse his grandson, bora in Barbadoes ye only son of Philip, his eldest son, \-iz : --

"The Island of Papirlnernin with the meadows ye toU and all ye lands and meadows called the Yonktrs plantaticn, with all houses, mills, mill-dams, d:c.,as also a piece of land in the mile square bymc late bought of Michael Hawdonand all that tract or parcel of land extending from the Yonkers patent or plantation to a creek called by the Indians Wysquaqua aud by the Christians William Portugtus cri€k, and thence according to yc course of that creek into ye woods to ye head of ye same from thence ou a last line to the creek called the Yonker's creek, and thence to continue on the same course to Bronck's river; also the boat Toacker, with her furniture apparel and appurtenances, etc. Upon the death of the Hon. Frederick Philipse, the above devisee of his grandfather Frederick in 1751, Colonel Frederick Phihpse his son became devisee iu tail male of the whole manor of Philipsborough."

"The Island of Papirlnernin with the meadows ye toU and all ye lands and meadows called the Yonktrs plantaticn, with all houses, mills, mill-dams, d:c.,as also a piece of land in the mile square bymc late bought of Michael Hawdonand all that tract or parcel of land extending from the Yonkers patent or plantation to a creek called by the Indians Wysquaqua aud by the Christians William Portugtus cri€k, and thence according to yc course of that creek into ye woods to ye head of ye same from thence ou a last line to the creek called the Yonker's creek, and thence to continue on the same course to Bronck's river; also the boat Toacker, with her furniture apparel and appurtenances, etc. Upon the death of the Hon. Frederick Philipse, the above devisee of his grandfather Frederick in 1751, Colonel Frederick Phihpse his son became devisee iu tail male of the whole manor of Philipsborough."

These lands continued in the possession of Colonel Frederick Philipse, till the year 1779. When having broken his niilitar)' parole by not returning to Yonkers, they became confiscated to the people of this State, and sold and conveyed by Isaac Stoutenburgh and Philip van Cortlandt Commissionerij of Forfeitures, appointed in pursuance of an act of the

THE TONVN OF YONKERS.

Legislature of the State, passed 12th May, 1784, to the foUowng jK-rsons: --

Mary Kunt

Jacob van Tassel

Abraham Archer

Peter Acker

Pierre vau Cortlandt

Abraham Acker

ditto.

William Dalcher

. 215

His ovra

John Jewell

When having broken his niilitar)' parole by not returning to Yonkers, they became confiscated to the people of this State, and sold and conveyed by Isaac Stoutenburgh and Philip van Cortlandt Commissionerij of Forfeitures, appointed in pursuance of an act of the

THE TONVN OF YONKERS.

Legislature of the State, passed 12th May, 1784, to the foUowng jK-rsons: --

Mary Kunt

Jacob van Tassel

Abraham Archer

Peter Acker

Pierre vau Cortlandt

Abraham Acker

ditto.

William Dalcher

. 215

His ovra

John Jewell

John Bishop

Jonathan Odell

Moses Ward

Daniel Wiltsie *■

Elijah Hunter

Jacob Stonns

Peter Davids

Richard Delawky

Samuel Drake

George Daterach

Arnold Hunt

Philip Livingston

Richard Garrisden

James D. Clark

2S6

Abraham Orser

Peter Post

Thomas Bishop

Jacobus Dyckman

Job Sherwood

George Forster

Gerard G. Becclcman

Garrett Brown

Coruelius Jones

Peter Forshee

Gerard G. Beeckman

Cornelius Darqua

Michael McKeel

Andrew Bostwick

John van Tassel

John l^awTence

. ns

David Storms

John Lamb

James Hammoud

Robert Johnson

and

Cornelius P Lowe")

George Coombs

mills at Yonckers) '

James van "Wart

Sarah Archer

William van Wart

John Williams

William Hunt

Dennis Post

John van Wart

Thomas Valentine

Rel-ormed Dutch Churcji

Jose[ih Oakley

Globe Requa

Elnathan Taylor

Frederick van Cortlandt

John Dcadi

On the east side of this town, bordering the Bronx's river, is situated a tract of land called the Jfi'/e Square, lying principally in a beautiful vale, watered by the river and sheltered by picturesque hills. This tract was exempted out of the great manorial patent of 1693, and appears originally to have formed a part of the possessions of t!ie Doughtys of Flushing; as we fmd John Doughty of that place in 16S5 selling sixtyfour acres of land here, in one square mile, to Francis French, Ebenezer Jones and John Wascot.^

On the east side of this town, bordering the Bronx's river, is situated a tract of land called the Jfi'/e Square, lying principally in a beautiful vale, watered by the river and sheltered by picturesque hills. This tract was exempted out of the great manorial patent of 1693, and appears originally to have formed a part of the possessions of t!ie Doughtys of Flushing; as we fmd John Doughty of that place in 16S5 selling sixtyfour acres of land here, in one square mile, to Francis French, Ebenezer Jones and John Wascot.^

o Llbor B. Co. Rcc. p. 53.

6 Oa tho 59th of January, 1TT9, occurs a petition of Joaathan Tlortan and 17-2 nthorB, Inhabitantsof I'luaii'^e's Miuijr, "wluirs" •• f'H- vo vetif^al t. purcUase v<' y\.\\v.x f irius iq caio of conuscaiioa a:Hi salo ' Ac-- Journals of SL'uaie of New Yort, vol. iVT3-So, p. i5.i.

6oO HISTORY OF THE COUNTY OF WESTCHESTER.

"22d May, 1674, John Winter of Westchester sold to to Joseph Jeames of Fairfield, Connecticut, a parcel of land containing 120 acres, which is one quarter part of ye tract of land Francis French and Ebenezer Jones bought of Elias Doughty. This land lay west northerly from Eastchester, on the other side of Brunckses river." -- Fairfield Records.

In 1685, John Hiatt, of Bronx's river, deeds sixty acres of upland to Hopestill Betts of the Yonckers, this sale being a part of tlie whole tract of land called by the name of the AFile Square. Tradition says that this place was given by Frederick Philipse as a dower portion when his daughter Annetje married Philip French. From the French and Jones family it passed by sale to the Oakleys, Bertines, Cunvells, Sherwoods and Riches. The latter family have been long residents here, and are still possessed of a large estate, which has been successively occupied for several generations.

In 1685, John Hiatt, of Bronx's river, deeds sixty acres of upland to Hopestill Betts of the Yonckers, this sale being a part of tlie whole tract of land called by the name of the AFile Square. Tradition says that this place was given by Frederick Philipse as a dower portion when his daughter Annetje married Philip French. From the French and Jones family it passed by sale to the Oakleys, Bertines, Cunvells, Sherwoods and Riches. The latter family have been long residents here, and are still possessed of a large estate, which has been successively occupied for several generations. By marriage they are connected with the ancient family of the Valentines. The Rich family originally came from Germany, and are descended of the Ulrich of Flaack, whose son, Balthassar Ryche, emigrated to tliis country at an early period of its settlement. The follo\\'ing ancient document is still preserved in the family; it is written in the German language, and was brought from Germany by Balthassar Ryche : --

"I, Johaun Conradt Heidegger, sen'r, of the corporation for Guild, and by the council of the honorable city of Zurich, duly appointed sheriff of the county of Kyburgh, certify and make known that on the date mentioned below, the bearer of this, Balthassar Ryche, son of the late Uulricli of Flaack, situated in my jurisdiction, appeared before me, stating, that whereas having been many years and days absent from this country, and in consequence of a purchase made by him, intending to reside in future with his wife and children at Sandhussen in the electoral palatinate as his permanent residence, he therefore humblj' requested an authentic certificate showing his honest birth, pedigree, and name, and likewise that be leaves this country with a good name and character, in order that he may produce such testimony when and where it might be requisite.

"I, Johaun Conradt Heidegger, sen'r, of the corporation for Guild, and by the council of the honorable city of Zurich, duly appointed sheriff of the county of Kyburgh, certify and make known that on the date mentioned below, the bearer of this, Balthassar Ryche, son of the late Uulricli of Flaack, situated in my jurisdiction, appeared before me, stating, that whereas having been many years and days absent from this country, and in consequence of a purchase made by him, intending to reside in future with his wife and children at Sandhussen in the electoral palatinate as his permanent residence, he therefore humblj' requested an authentic certificate showing his honest birth, pedigree, and name, and likewise that be leaves this country with a good name and character, in order that he may produce such testimony when and where it might be requisite. Wherefore I, having beard the said liyche's petition, conceive it to be no more than right and just to grant him his request. After having made diligent enquiries respecting his character, and also obtained from the regularly ordained minister here a written acknowledgment that his parents where lawfully married and he thus legitimately conceived and bom, and subsequently baptized in a Christian like maimer on the first day of June, in the year 1662, in the presence of sponsors. It also appears that from his infancy and during the time he resided here he conducted himself uprightly and without reproach ; and that when he left this place he carried with him an honest reputation. In testimony whereof and in compliance with his humble and dutiful request, I have caused this written certificate to be prepared for the said Ryche and have caused the seal of office to be affixed thereto.

After having made diligent enquiries respecting his character, and also obtained from the regularly ordained minister here a written acknowledgment that his parents where lawfully married and he thus legitimately conceived and bom, and subsequently baptized in a Christian like maimer on the first day of June, in the year 1662, in the presence of sponsors. It also appears that from his infancy and during the time he resided here he conducted himself uprightly and without reproach ; and that when he left this place he carried with him an honest reputation. In testimony whereof and in compliance with his humble and dutiful request, I have caused this written certificate to be prepared for the said Ryche and have caused the seal of office to be affixed thereto.

Done and passed on the sixteenth day of January, 1690, counting from the birth of Christ our Saviour. Signed

The County Clerk (Soiukge) at Kyburgh.

THE TOWN OF YOXKERS. 6oi

Mile Square daring the war of the Revolution appears to have been a favorite camp ground ■with both armies, on account of its sheltered situation and vicinity to the water. Here were quartered Colonel Emmerick's British light horse. The British Hussars were billeted here for several summers. The Ryche's mansion being occupied as head quarters, it was the custom of the troopers to tie up their horses to long cords stretched from the apple trees in the orchard, many of which are still standing. For security the roads were patrolled and videttes stretched along the neighboring heights. The remains of bastions are still visible on their summits.

Here were quartered Colonel Emmerick's British light horse. The British Hussars were billeted here for several summers. The Ryche's mansion being occupied as head quarters, it was the custom of the troopers to tie up their horses to long cords stretched from the apple trees in the orchard, many of which are still standing. For security the roads were patrolled and videttes stretched along the neighboring heights. The remains of bastions are still visible on their summits.

In 1776, the American Rifle Corps were stationed here; and from this place crossed the Bronx to attack and harrass the British flank, as they ir>oved towards White Plains, after landing on Throgmorton's neck. Subsequent to the memorable battle of "White Plains the British returned to Mile Square, reconstructed Hunt's bridge, and occupied the hill forts.

In 1778, the British light infantry and Highland companies under General Simcoe, formed an ambuscade in an orchard, at the place where the roads fork to Hunt's bridge and Valentine's hill, in the hope of surprising a large and strong body of the American army m©\ing on the opposite side of the Bronx. It appears from the British account as related by Simcoe, that,

"Hunt's bridge was commanded by the heights on the side of Kings- Bridge, which tho enemy had fortified ia 1770. In the British rear was a wood; it had been designed to conceal tlie Queen's Bangers under General Simcoe, and while the Yagers and cavalry should have engaged with any corps wl\o might patrolc to Valentine's hill, it was thought probable that the enemy ou the opposite side of the Bronx would puss over to their assistance, when the infantry and Higlilanicrs would rush from the wood, and occupying the fences do severe and cool execution upon them as they were on the bridge and occupied iu the deep hollow.

In the British rear was a wood; it had been designed to conceal tlie Queen's Bangers under General Simcoe, and while the Yagers and cavalry should have engaged with any corps wl\o might patrolc to Valentine's hill, it was thought probable that the enemy ou the opposite side of the Bronx would puss over to their assistance, when the infantry and Higlilanicrs would rush from the wood, and occupying the fences do severe and cool execution upon them as they were on the bridge and occupied iu the deep hollow. An advanced party of the enemy, notwithstanding the circumstances which made the troops quit Valentine's hill, hud already passed the Bronx ; the Yager cavalary were ordered to proceed towards Kings Bridge, slowly and in full sight of the enemy who were on Hunt's hill. There was still hopes by forming the ambuscade to do some service, when, to Lieutenant Col. Simcoe's great surprise, the enemy's cannon were fired at the infantry, whom he expected to have been hidden from their sight, by the intervention of the woods ; but it appeared that while Captain Ross was with the atlvanced companies some officers imprudently had got upou a fence, out of curiosity, and discovered themselves to the enem}\ Lieutenant Colonel Simcoe iinaicdiately withdrew his men out of the reach of any ciumc* shot, and made use of the low ground (the crossing of which would have led him into the ambuscade,) to march his infantry under its cover, out of their sight, or the reach of their cannon ; he sent orders to Captain Bujs to withdraw ;

Simcoe's great surprise, the enemy's cannon were fired at the infantry, whom he expected to have been hidden from their sight, by the intervention of the woods ; but it appeared that while Captain Ross was with the atlvanced companies some officers imprudently had got upou a fence, out of curiosity, and discovered themselves to the enem}\ Lieutenant Colonel Simcoe iinaicdiately withdrew his men out of the reach of any ciumc* shot, and made use of the low ground (the crossing of which would have led him into the ambuscade,) to march his infantry under its cover, out of their sight, or the reach of their cannon ; he sent orders to Captain Bujs to withdraw ;

6o2 HISTORY OF THE COUNTY OF WESTCHESTER.

and again ambuscaded the cavalry in a position to take advantage of the euemv if any party of tlioui should pursue hiui, or from Vaientiae's lilll should eudeavur to incommode his retreat. Obsurviug the movement of the YagxT cavalry, the enemy marched a party to watch their movements, on the opposite bank, while their main body formed the line. _ Captain Ross thought proper to wait for the party that had crossed the Bronx. He permitted them to come close to him, when his fire threw them into confusion; he then retreated, making a small circuit to avoid some riflemen who had occupied the wood, and the corps returned to the camp."" -

A day or two preceding the battle of White Plains a large body of British horse advanced upon the road leading through this place for the purpose of reconnoitering.

Obsurviug the movement of the YagxT cavalry, the enemy marched a party to watch their movements, on the opposite bank, while their main body formed the line. _ Captain Ross thought proper to wait for the party that had crossed the Bronx. He permitted them to come close to him, when his fire threw them into confusion; he then retreated, making a small circuit to avoid some riflemen who had occupied the wood, and the corps returned to the camp."" -

A day or two preceding the battle of White Plains a large body of British horse advanced upon the road leading through this place for the purpose of reconnoitering.

September, 17 78, Sir Archibald Campbell, advanced with the 71st regiment of the Scotch Highlanders, to Mile square. They were soon after joined by General Grant, with another force of Highlanders who occupied the ground from the Bronx at Hunt's Bridge to the North River. During the whole course of the war, Colonel Tames de Lancey kept a recruiting officer constantly stationed at Jones's house, in the Mile square, as he always considered Mile square itself within the British lines.

On the road leading from the Mile square to the city of Yonkers, are still \-isible, the remains of an old hostel -- the keeper of which was one Gainos, a Frenchman. This individual, during the occupancy of Mile square by the American forces, supplied the army with liquor and provisions. On the approach of the enemy from New York, he chose to retire with General Washington to White Plains ; shortly after the evacuation of the premises by Gainos, his tenants left in charge were alarmed by the midnight attack of a gang of British Cow-boys, a scuffle ensued, during whicli one of the assailants was killed.

This individual, during the occupancy of Mile square by the American forces, supplied the army with liquor and provisions. On the approach of the enemy from New York, he chose to retire with General Washington to White Plains ; shortly after the evacuation of the premises by Gainos, his tenants left in charge were alarmed by the midnight attack of a gang of British Cow-boys, a scuffle ensued, during whicli one of the assailants was killed.

In the retreat of the robbers, they pitched the headless body of their slain comrade, into the adjoining well. This tragical event lias given rise to strange stories ; and has thrown over this spot a veil of horror, whicli is heightened by tlie loneliness of the situation. Some benighted countrj-iiianhas construed the gnaried and fantastic cedars, (which surround this spot), into the headless form of the cow-boy seated on the well; and the sweeping blast, or gurgling brook, into his doleful groans. The common people still regard this place witli superstitious dread, no one daring to approach it after dusk.

ViuentirJs hill, is a high ridge bordering the Mile square on the west; .its summit affords one of the finest views in Westchester count v. To the

a Simcoe's Milir. Jourual, p. 77.

THE TOWS OF YONKERS. 6 03

cast the eye ranges over an extensive country of hills, woods and vales, slretdiing towards Long Island Sound; the distant horizon skirted by light blue hills. To the north lie the Tuckahoe hills, while v/estward the view is bounded by the Yonkers ridge, surmounted with lofty woods, ■with here and there a glimpse to be obtamed of the dark palisades peeping through some opening in the trees ; below lies a beautiful vale, through which meanders Tippet's Brook. At the base of the hill ^\•inds the Croton Acqueduct.

cast the eye ranges over an extensive country of hills, woods and vales, slretdiing towards Long Island Sound; the distant horizon skirted by light blue hills. To the north lie the Tuckahoe hills, while v/estward the view is bounded by the Yonkers ridge, surmounted with lofty woods, ■with here and there a glimpse to be obtamed of the dark palisades peeping through some opening in the trees ; below lies a beautiful vale, through which meanders Tippet's Brook. At the base of the hill ^\•inds the Croton Acqueduct.

Valentine's hill and the adjoining property has been occupied by the ancient and numerous family of the Valentines, for nearly one hundred and twenty years. In this immediate neighborhood is situated the old burying-ground. Here are interred the remains of Frederick Devoe, the grand-father of Col. Thomas Farringdon of New York city, and several members of the Valentine and Brown families. It is now included in Woodlawn cemetery. The ancestor of the family, Matthias Valentine, having been one of the first tenants under the Philipses ; on his settlement here, the whole surrounding country was one vast forest, the lonely domain of the deer. The verges of these forests also abounded with another noble species of game long since extinct, and that was the wild turkey. It is said that flocks of them used to fly from the Yonkers ridge on the west side of Tippet's brook to this hill, at certain seasons of the year, for the purpose of feeding on the acorn and beech nut. The flight was always commenced by a large black cock of the woods, sunset being the signal for departure; the leader gave the well known note, and they were instantly on the wing for the opposite hills. There yet remains a fine specimen of the ancient denizens of the forests on the western edge of this hill, by the roadside leading to the village.

It is said that flocks of them used to fly from the Yonkers ridge on the west side of Tippet's brook to this hill, at certain seasons of the year, for the purpose of feeding on the acorn and beech nut. The flight was always commenced by a large black cock of the woods, sunset being the signal for departure; the leader gave the well known note, and they were instantly on the wing for the opposite hills. There yet remains a fine specimen of the ancient denizens of the forests on the western edge of this hill, by the roadside leading to the village. This venerable chestnut tree, in the Fall of the year, appears to be the favorite gathering place of thousands of swallows just before they commence their migrations.

In possession of the Valentine family are numerous receipts given for rent ; formerly due tlie Lords of Philipsborough. As a specimen occurs the following : --

Op Nippera Des 20 Mars JVo. 17i27,

den 20 Mars heft Theis Valentin en syn Moeder hier gebracLt 13^ boscbel tarwe vor de hucr von land vor ye Tahr Ao 1726.

Yonckers, Januart/ ye 2S divj, 1734-5. Then received of Mr. Mattkiase Vallentinc 7^ bushels of Rent wheat on behalf of Mr. Philip.se. I said received by nic,

WILLIA3I PECK.

6o4 HISTORY OF THE COITNTY OF WESTCHESTER.

At the commencement of the Revolutionary War this hill was rented by two grand-sons of the first proprietor, Thomas and Gilbert Valentine, who occupied it through the whole course of the war. In the summer of i775> the American army threw up entrenchments on its summit, the remains of which are still visible. When his Excellency General Washington lay encamped on Valentine's hill in the Fall of 1776, it was supposed to be the design of the enemy to attack his position.

At the commencement of the Revolutionary War this hill was rented by two grand-sons of the first proprietor, Thomas and Gilbert Valentine, who occupied it through the whole course of the war. In the summer of i775> the American army threw up entrenchments on its summit, the remains of which are still visible. When his Excellency General Washington lay encamped on Valentine's hill in the Fall of 1776, it was supposed to be the design of the enemy to attack his position. On this occasion Thomas Valentine was engaged with the General in conversation, leaning upon the pommel of his saddle, when the heads of the British columns were seen approaching at a distance of three or four miles on the opposite side of the Bronx, as if taking the direction of the hilL Under this supposition, Washington ordered out several companies to attack the flanking parties of the enemy, who, it was discovered were taking the high road to the White Plains. It was afterwards asserted by a British officer, that through the aid of their glasses they had seen Thomas Valentine and the General in conversation.

Washington ha\-ing ascertained the intention of the enemy, pushed on his left wing to the White Plains, while his right occupied the hill.

From the 12th to the 27th of October, 1776, the American army lay entrenched in detached camps, from this hill to the White Plains." On the ?7th, as the enemy continued to advance upon the White Plains, General Washington suddenly called in all his detachments, and abandoning the position he had occupied along the Bronx, assembled all his forces in a strong camp upon Chatterton Heights. Upon the sSth of October, the day of the battle, it was asserted by the residents on the hill, that not only was the cannonade distinctly heard, but also the singing of the Hessians as they advanced to the attack the American position.

From the 12th to the 27th of October, 1776, the American army lay entrenched in detached camps, from this hill to the White Plains." On the ?7th, as the enemy continued to advance upon the White Plains, General Washington suddenly called in all his detachments, and abandoning the position he had occupied along the Bronx, assembled all his forces in a strong camp upon Chatterton Heights. Upon the sSth of October, the day of the battle, it was asserted by the residents on the hill, that not only was the cannonade distinctly heard, but also the singing of the Hessians as they advanced to the attack the American position. After the battle of the 2Sth, the Brirish infantry were starioned here.

The old Valentine house, which stood north-west of the present residence, was used for some time by General Washington as head-quarters. It would appear from the following letter, in possession of the family, that Thomas Valentine had aided the advance of Washington's left wing towards the White Plains : --

Y.\lexti>;e's Hill, Jan't 2Tth, 1777. These may ccrtif}-, that on or about the 25th day of October last, I ordered Thomas Valentine's one yoke of oxen and cart, to be taken for the public service. They carried a load to j-e White Plains. There I discharged them. I am informed they were further taken on their return, and that Mr. Valentine hath not received them. g LIXCOLV.

a Stfcini.'ua's Ui3C. ol the Anerlcan ■vrar.

THE TO\\'N OF YONKERS. 605

Y.\lexti>;e's Hill, Jan't 2Tth, 1777. These may ccrtif}-, that on or about the 25th day of October last, I ordered Thomas Valentine's one yoke of oxen and cart, to be taken for the public service. They carried a load to j-e White Plains. There I discharged them. I am informed they were further taken on their return, and that Mr. Valentine hath not received them. g LIXCOLV.

a Stfcini.'ua's Ui3C. ol the Anerlcan ■vrar.

THE TO\\'N OF YONKERS. 605

On tlie 6th of June, 177S, Sir William Erskine fell back towards Valentine's Hill. The Queen's Rangers encamping on Odell's Hill, soon after, these corps formed a part of an escort which accompanied the Knglish commander-in-chief to the \Vhite Plains," 1778. Lieutenant- Colonel Tarleton was ordered, with the whole of the English cavalry, to tliis hill, for the puq:)ose of covering the right, when they endeavored to surprise General Gist in the parsonage. The same year, upon the retiring of Lieutenant-Colonel Simcoe, the Continental forces again took possession of the hilL

On the i6th of September, 1782, (says General Heath), the enemy made a grand forage near Valentine's Hill ; Sir Guy Carleton was out in person, as was the young Prince, (William Henry, Duke of Clarence, aftenvards King William the Fourth). The covering party, it was said consisted of five or six thousand men.^

During the absence of the armies, Valentine's Hill was much exposed to the depredations of gangs of outlaws called Cow Boys and Skinners, who roamed the country in search of plunder. On one occasion, a party of the former forced their entrance into the Valentine House; seizing the proprietor, Thomas Valentine, they demanded his life or money; whereupon, disbelieving, or affecting to disbelieve him, they threatened, on his again refusing, to hang him instantly. Obtaining no satisfactory answer, they carried him to the foot of a cherry tree, still standing, near the comer of the old garden, and had placed the cord around his neck, when he suddenly threw it off, exclaiming, "Don't be

On one occasion, a party of the former forced their entrance into the Valentine House; seizing the proprietor, Thomas Valentine, they demanded his life or money; whereupon, disbelieving, or affecting to disbelieve him, they threatened, on his again refusing, to hang him instantly. Obtaining no satisfactory answer, they carried him to the foot of a cherry tree, still standing, near the comer of the old garden, and had placed the cord around his neck, when he suddenly threw it off, exclaiming, "Don't be

such d d fools as to hang a man when he hasn't any money." The

coolness and apparent sincerity of his language, served effectually to disarm the robbers; for they not only desisted from their purpose, but released him. Instances had occurred in the neighborhood, in which they had actually carried their threats into execution.

One or two instances of heroic courage in a female of this family (Susan Valentine, aftenvards INIrs. Vredenburgh) is deserving of record. These marauders, like all other villians, frequently proved themselves great cowards. Aliss Susan Valentine, when a young woman, prevented a large party from entering the house by threatening them, single handed, with a large oven shovel -- solemnly protesting she would split the head of the first man that dared to cross the threshhold. Pier courage and determination alone ser^-ed to protect the house from plunder. On another occasion, an intimate friend, Mr. Sneden, had entrusted her with the

a Simcoe's >ni. Jourcal. b Heath's Mem. 353.

6o6 HISTORY OF THE COUNTY OF WESTCHESTER.

Aliss Susan Valentine, when a young woman, prevented a large party from entering the house by threatening them, single handed, with a large oven shovel -- solemnly protesting she would split the head of the first man that dared to cross the threshhold. Pier courage and determination alone ser^-ed to protect the house from plunder. On another occasion, an intimate friend, Mr. Sneden, had entrusted her with the

a Simcoe's >ni. Jourcal. b Heath's Mem. 353.

6o6 HISTORY OF THE COUNTY OF WESTCHESTER.

care of ^30 in gold and silver -- not daring to carry this amount about his person, as he was going a long journey into the interior.

On receiving her charge, Aliss Valentine, for greater security concealed it in her dress, designing to keep it there until the owner's safe return.

The same evening of Mr. Sneden's departure, a party of Skinners forced their way into her bed-room, dragged her from the bed, and demanded her money. This she either denied possessing, or refused to deliver; whereupon, becoming violent, she called to her brother. During the scuffle that followed her brother's entrance, she contrived to crawl out at the foot of the bed, hoping, in this way, to escape unobserved. In this, she was disappointed; the villains observed and again seized her. In tlie violent attempt made to extricate herself the second time, the money fell on the floor, or, as she herself described it "was fairly shook put of her."- The freebooters greedily seized it, and marched off, delighted with the success of their enterprize.

During the scuffle that followed her brother's entrance, she contrived to crawl out at the foot of the bed, hoping, in this way, to escape unobserved. In this, she was disappointed; the villains observed and again seized her. In tlie violent attempt made to extricate herself the second time, the money fell on the floor, or, as she herself described it "was fairly shook put of her."- The freebooters greedily seized it, and marched off, delighted with the success of their enterprize.

In this town is situated Berriaiis Neck, the ancient Nipnichsen of the Mohegans. The Dutch conferred upon it the name of Konsfabelsche hoek, or Point, from its o\raer, William Constable. This neck forms the northern bank, at the mouth, of the noted Spyt den Dyvel Ki/, or channel. At an early period it belonged to Samuel Edsall. From the Edsalls it passed to the Tippetts, who, during the revolutionary struggle, adhered to the side of the Crown. In consequence, their property was confiscated to the State, (the Tippetts ha\ang removed to Nova Scotia,) and sold to Samuel Berrian, who married Dorcas a daughter of George Tippett," former proprietor. A second daughter became the wife of the celebrated Col. James de Lancey, one of the boldest leaders of the Neutral Ground. In 1796, Samuel Berrian, the father of Richard and grand-father of the late Rev. William Berrian, rector of Trinity church, New York, sold the whole estate of Tippett's Neck, consisring of 200 acres, to his nephew, Abraham Berrian.

In consequence, their property was confiscated to the State, (the Tippetts ha\ang removed to Nova Scotia,) and sold to Samuel Berrian, who married Dorcas a daughter of George Tippett," former proprietor. A second daughter became the wife of the celebrated Col. James de Lancey, one of the boldest leaders of the Neutral Ground. In 1796, Samuel Berrian, the father of Richard and grand-father of the late Rev. William Berrian, rector of Trinity church, New York, sold the whole estate of Tippett's Neck, consisring of 200 acres, to his nephew, Abraham Berrian.

The latter was the son of Richard Berrian, by his wife Grace, daughter of Abraham Riker of Newtown, L. I., and grand-son of Cornelius the son of John, the eldest son of Cornelis Jansen Berrian who settled m Flatbush, L. I., as early as 1669. He married Jannet, daughter of Jan Stryker; and, being a person of character and education, enjoyed offices in the iown government, and was likewise a deacon of the Dutch church. In 1685 he removed his residence to Newtown, where he died in 1689.

(I "A trun invpntoiT of all and sintmlar the pnods \-c, of Oporpc Tippotts of Tonlcnrs w tati-n -iOtfi (lay of Sept., IfiT:., hv xhos. Hunt of Wcstchu'sfer, Wm. Hovlori of E,iAtcli"Htfr ii) EUw. Griiaa of Ftusiung."- i>LiiT. Uillce N. V., ^o. 1, p. -iZi, wiii.s aiiJ aaiu. ia;,>-iCMJ.

THE TOWN OF YOXKEKS. 6oJ

All testimony unites in ascribing to this family a French origin ; and :s maile probable that the seat of their ancestors was at Berrien, now a considerable town in the department of Finistcrre. Concurrent traditions, existing in diverse branches of the family, declare their ancestor was a Huguenot, who, during the civil wars of France was forced to flee and take refuge in Flolland.

V., ^o. 1, p. -iZi, wiii.s aiiJ aaiu. ia;,>-iCMJ.

THE TOWN OF YOXKEKS. 6oJ

All testimony unites in ascribing to this family a French origin ; and :s maile probable that the seat of their ancestors was at Berrien, now a considerable town in the department of Finistcrre. Concurrent traditions, existing in diverse branches of the family, declare their ancestor was a Huguenot, who, during the civil wars of France was forced to flee and take refuge in Flolland.

The children of Abraham -- were Abraham who died in 1S5 1, aged 7 1 ; Nathaniel, died in 1847, aged 65; Richard, blind, died ,1827, aged 40; Rebecca married George Brinkerhoff ; Grace-Moore, married Major Leonard Bleecker ■ Charity, married John Hoogland, and Mary.°

The neck remains yet undivided. The heirs are Abraham Berrian, John Hoogland, and Mr. Bleeckcr.

There are remains of three distinct forts on Tippett or Berrian's Neck, which once formed a part of the chain of hill batteries reaching from the North to the East Rivers. On January the 19th, 1777, (says Gen. Heath.) it was determined to make an attempt to cutoff the British battalion within King's Bridge, early the next morning, by passing a strong detachment over Spitten Devil Creek on the ice, which, however, was not very strong, but the weather was cold. One thousand were detached for this puq-jose ; but the weather having grown warm in the night, the ice v:as judged, by the unanimous opinion of all the general officers on the ground, to be too hazardous, on the morning of the 20th, to venture the attempt. On this day there was a cannonade on both sides, and the enemy on the island side were thrown into much confusion. Our General observed that when the enemy within the island were cannonaded across Haarlem Creek, they sheltered themselves behind the Httle hill near tlie bri.-!ge, next to Spitten Devil Creek.

One thousand were detached for this puq-jose ; but the weather having grown warm in the night, the ice v:as judged, by the unanimous opinion of all the general officers on the ground, to be too hazardous, on the morning of the 20th, to venture the attempt. On this day there was a cannonade on both sides, and the enemy on the island side were thrown into much confusion. Our General observed that when the enemy within the island were cannonaded across Haarlem Creek, they sheltered themselves behind the Httle hill near tlie bri.-!ge, next to Spitten Devil Creek. On this afternoon he rode round on to Tijjpctt's Hill, v,-hich was in its rear, and found that a fieldpiece, drawn up on that side, would leave the enemy no hiding place. On the 2 1st, a cannonade eommenced again on both sides. In the afternoon a field-piece was hauled up to Tippett's Hill, and the enemy being canno^saded both in front and rear, they were thrown into the utmost confusion : some secured themselves in their redoubt, others under the banks ; some lay flat on the ground, and some betook themselves to the cellars: so that in -a short time there was no object for the gunners."*

The principal fort now standing on the neck is situated a little south of the residence of Mr. Whiting, on the property of ^Ir. John Ewings. It is in the form of a hollow square, with banks fifteen or twenty feet

o Tti'.kur'a a "... iN of N'o-.vtown, L. I., p. 335-340. & II..\t;ii'3M't!i. 110.

In the afternoon a field-piece was hauled up to Tippett's Hill, and the enemy being canno^saded both in front and rear, they were thrown into the utmost confusion : some secured themselves in their redoubt, others under the banks ; some lay flat on the ground, and some betook themselves to the cellars: so that in -a short time there was no object for the gunners."*

The principal fort now standing on the neck is situated a little south of the residence of Mr. Whiting, on the property of ^Ir. John Ewings. It is in the form of a hollow square, with banks fifteen or twenty feet

o Tti'.kur'a a "... iN of N'o-.vtown, L. I., p. 335-340. & II..\t;ii'3M't!i. 110.

6o8 HISTORY OF THE COUNTY OK WESTCHESTER,

high. Nothing can exceed the boldness ofthe scenery, as viewed from this elevated spot ; below, the steep sides of the neck are bordered witi; beautiful woodland that skirts the shores ofthe majestic Hudson; while beyond, the pahsades are seen abruptly rising in all their grandeur from the opposite margin of the river. South-east are the distant heights of Fordham and Westchester, and north, the Hudson reaching into the Tappaan Zee.

The remains of " Indian shell beds" are still visible immediately in the rear of the fort. Foot paths leads through the woods that skirt the river to the extreme point of the neck. The Berrian residence, a fine structure of stone, now occupied by Mr. Tucker, is situated on rising ground near the extreme point; its beautiful situation claims notice. The Hudson here expands its waters; and, united with those of the Haarlem river at the mouth of the Spu}'ten Duyvel, gives a beautiful lakelike appearance to the whole ; the winding creek, the heights of Fordham and wooded hills of New York island, serve to unite and blend a landscape which might have inspired the pen of a Thompson or the pencil of a Claude.

Tucker, is situated on rising ground near the extreme point; its beautiful situation claims notice. The Hudson here expands its waters; and, united with those of the Haarlem river at the mouth of the Spu}'ten Duyvel, gives a beautiful lakelike appearance to the whole ; the winding creek, the heights of Fordham and wooded hills of New York island, serve to unite and blend a landscape which might have inspired the pen of a Thompson or the pencil of a Claude. The old Tippett mansion is located on the eastern side of this neck, embosomed in the bank and shaded with tall poplars. It possesses a desolate and antiquated appearance, in perfect keeping with the strange stories that are told of its still being haunted by the ghosts of the old tories. Deer are said to have frequented the woods bordering on this neck ablate as 17S3.

The mouth of the Spuyt den duyvel kil and Berrian's neck will ever be memorable as the scene of the fight between Hendrick Hudson and the Indians, A. D. 1609.

At day-break on the 2 2d of October, the Halve Maen (Crescent) sailed from Teller's Point on her passage down the river, with a fair wind, twenty-one miles, till the tides set too strong against her, when she came to anchor near the upper end of Manhattan Island. " The two captive Indians who had escaped at West Point had, it appears, made their way on the east side of the river, rousing on their return the spirits of Sleepy Hollow,'' or the more ferocious Manhatta,'^ and here 'in the inlet of Haarlem river, they had concentrated a force that impatiently awaited the arrival of the rich booty, which they flattered themselves they should obtain.'

At day-break on the 2 2d of October, the Halve Maen (Crescent) sailed from Teller's Point on her passage down the river, with a fair wind, twenty-one miles, till the tides set too strong against her, when she came to anchor near the upper end of Manhattan Island. " The two captive Indians who had escaped at West Point had, it appears, made their way on the east side of the river, rousing on their return the spirits of Sleepy Hollow,'' or the more ferocious Manhatta,'^ and here 'in the inlet of Haarlem river, they had concentrated a force that impatiently awaited the arrival of the rich booty, which they flattered themselves they should obtain.'

"They had not waited long ere the Halve Maen appeared, and immediately hove to, near their place of ambush. One of the Indians wb.o

o Of the Mahicannl nation, who llvc-i'., say .4 Moulton, a little north- west of Whito-riains.-- b V\ho probably extcnJed tu Tdjijian Bay .--Moultoii.

THE TOWN OF YONKERS. 609

had escaped from Hudson's vessel now came out with many others, armed with bows and arrows, expecting to betray them."" But, says J act the mate of Pludson's vessel, "we perceived their intent, and suffered none of them to enter our ship, whereupon two canoes full of men \s-ith bows and arrows shot at us after our stern, in recompense whereof we discharged six muslcets and killed two or three of them ; then above one hundred of them came to a point of land to shoot at us, then, I shot a falcon at them and killed two of them : whereupon the rest fled into the woods. Yet they manned off another canoe with nine or ten men, which came to meet us; so I shot at it also a falcon, and shot it through and killed one of them, then our men with muskets killed three or four more of them, so they went their way."^

had escaped from Hudson's vessel now came out with many others, armed with bows and arrows, expecting to betray them."" But, says J act the mate of Pludson's vessel, "we perceived their intent, and suffered none of them to enter our ship, whereupon two canoes full of men \s-ith bows and arrows shot at us after our stern, in recompense whereof we discharged six muslcets and killed two or three of them ; then above one hundred of them came to a point of land to shoot at us, then, I shot a falcon at them and killed two of them : whereupon the rest fled into the woods. Yet they manned off another canoe with nine or ten men, which came to meet us; so I shot at it also a falcon, and shot it through and killed one of them, then our men with muskets killed three or four more of them, so they went their way."^

It was here, too, that during the absence of the illustrious Peter Stuyvesant, who was then occupied in reducing the Swedish fortress on the Delaware, a body of nine hundred Indians having crossed the river, came and landed at "Spiteing Devil" creek. Here they posted themselves, and remained until they were apprised of his return."

The waters of the kill or channel, derive their name from a daring Dutch burgher of the ISIanhattans, who, bent upon performing some deed of knight errantly, determined upon crossing this stream in a \'iolent storm, in opposition to the rem-onstrances of his friends; swearing he would swim across "en spyt den duyvel," (in spite of the de\'il), but scarcely had he reached the channel when he was overM'helmed by the stormy billows and sank to rise no more.

The waters of the kill or channel, derive their name from a daring Dutch burgher of the ISIanhattans, who, bent upon performing some deed of knight errantly, determined upon crossing this stream in a \'iolent storm, in opposition to the rem-onstrances of his friends; swearing he would swim across "en spyt den duyvel," (in spite of the de\'il), but scarcely had he reached the channel when he was overM'helmed by the stormy billows and sank to rise no more.

This incident has been well described in the Sketch Book, by Washington Ir\-ing, although he has fixed a much later date for the origin 01 the name than we find it recorded in the Colonial annals. It is entitled,

"the DOLEFUL DISASTER OF ANTHONY THE TRUMPETER."

"Stuyvesant resolutely bent upon defeudhig bis beloved city (New Amsterdam) ia spite of itself, called unto him bis trusty Nun Corlear, wlio was bis riglit hand man ia all times of emergency. Him did be adjure to take bis war denounciug trun^pet, and mouutiDg bis horse, to beat up the couutry, niglit aud daj-, sounding tbe alarm along tlie pastoral borders of tbe Bronx, starting the wild solitudes of Croton, arousing tlie rugged yeomanry of Wccliawk and Hoboken, the mighty men of battle of Tappan bay, and tbe brave boys of Tarrytown and Sleepy Hollow, togetlier with all tbe other warriors of tlie countr}- romid about; ciiar^ing tbem one and all. to sling tbeir powder iiorus, shoulder their fowling pieces, and march mc rril}- down to tbe ^laubattans. Now there

Him did be adjure to take bis war denounciug trun^pet, and mouutiDg bis horse, to beat up the couutry, niglit aud daj-, sounding tbe alarm along tlie pastoral borders of tbe Bronx, starting the wild solitudes of Croton, arousing tlie rugged yeomanry of Wccliawk and Hoboken, the mighty men of battle of Tappan bay, and tbe brave boys of Tarrytown and Sleepy Hollow, togetlier with all tbe other warriors of tlie countr}- romid about; ciiar^ing tbem one and all. to sling tbeir powder iiorus, shoulder their fowling pieces, and march mc rril}- down to tbe ^laubattans. Now there

a Monlton's Hist. N. T. part 1. 272, 2.

b IIu(ls:ia"s Jmirnul.

c Egbert BeiiS'ju's Mlu. N. Y. a-t.

6lO HISTORY OF THE COUNTY OF WESTCHESTER.

was nothing in all the world, the'divine sox excepted, that Anthony van Corlcar loved better than errands of this kind. So just stopping to take a lusty dinner, and bracing to his side his junk bottle, vrell charged with heart iuspuing Hollands, he issued jollily from the city gate that looked out upon what is at prese-.t called Broadway; sounding as usual a farewell strain, that rung in spriglitly echoes through the winding streets of New Amsterdam. Alas ! never more were they to be gladdened by the melody of their favorite trumpeter I It was a dark and stormy night when the good Anthony at the famous creek (sagely denominated Harlem river) which separates the island of Slauna-hata frum t!ic main land. The wind was high, the elements were in an uproar, and no Charon could be found to ferry the adventurous sounder of brass across the water.

So just stopping to take a lusty dinner, and bracing to his side his junk bottle, vrell charged with heart iuspuing Hollands, he issued jollily from the city gate that looked out upon what is at prese-.t called Broadway; sounding as usual a farewell strain, that rung in spriglitly echoes through the winding streets of New Amsterdam. Alas ! never more were they to be gladdened by the melody of their favorite trumpeter I It was a dark and stormy night when the good Anthony at the famous creek (sagely denominated Harlem river) which separates the island of Slauna-hata frum t!ic main land. The wind was high, the elements were in an uproar, and no Charon could be found to ferry the adventurous sounder of brass across the water.

"For a short time he vapoured like au impatient ghost upon the brink; and then, bethinking himself of tlie urgency of his errand, took a hearty embrace of his stone buttle, swore most valorously that h.e would swim across, 'en spyt den duyvtl' (in spite of the devil !) and daringly plunged into the stream. Luckless Anthony! scarce had he buffeted half way over, when he was observed to struggle violently, as if battling with the spirit of the waters; instinctively he put hi-^ trumpet to his mouth, and giving a vehement blast, sunk forever to the bottom !

"The potent clangour of his trumpet-- like the ivory horn of the renowned Paladin Orlando, when expiring in the glorious field of Roncesvalles-- rung far and wide through the country, alarming the neighbours around, who hurried in amazement to the spot. Here an old Dutch burgher, famed for his veracity. and who had been a witness of the fact, related to them the melancholy affah: ; with the fearful addition, (to which I am slow in giving belief,) that he saw the duyvel, in the shape of a huge moss-bonker, seize the sturdy Anthony by the leg, and drag him beneath the waves.

"The potent clangour of his trumpet-- like the ivory horn of the renowned Paladin Orlando, when expiring in the glorious field of Roncesvalles-- rung far and wide through the country, alarming the neighbours around, who hurried in amazement to the spot. Here an old Dutch burgher, famed for his veracity. and who had been a witness of the fact, related to them the melancholy affah: ; with the fearful addition, (to which I am slow in giving belief,) that he saw the duyvel, in the shape of a huge moss-bonker, seize the sturdy Anthony by the leg, and drag him beneath the waves. Certain it is, the place w^tb the adjoining promontory which projects into the Hudson, has been called ' spyt den duyvel,' or Spuyten Duyvel, ever since. The restless ghost of the unfortunate Anthony still haunts the surrounding solitudes, and his trumpet has often been heard by the neighbors, of a stormy night, mingling with the howling of the blast. Nobcxiy ever attempts to swim over the creek after dark ; on the contrary, a bridge hM been built to guard against such mekncholy accidents in future."''

This creek, and neighboring waters, are also celebrated for their shad fishery. The season for fishing commences in ^NTarch, and continues throughout April and May. It is entirely governed by the influx and reflux of the tide, or the last of the flood and ebb. The fishermen make four hfts every twenty-four hours. The aggregate value of this fish, (the Aiosa Sapidissiyna, Rap.,) taken in the Hudson river and neighboring waters south of the Highlands, amounts to $100,000 annually.

This creek, and neighboring waters, are also celebrated for their shad fishery. The season for fishing commences in ^NTarch, and continues throughout April and May. It is entirely governed by the influx and reflux of the tide, or the last of the flood and ebb. The fishermen make four hfts every twenty-four hours. The aggregate value of this fish, (the Aiosa Sapidissiyna, Rap.,) taken in the Hudson river and neighboring waters south of the Highlands, amounts to $100,000 annually.

The small settlement of Kings Bridge bordering on the Haarlena river, took its name from a ferry and bridge established here at a very early period of the Colonial administration. The Westchester side of the bridge ("where stands the Macon^'s mansion,) was formeriy an island

a SciuUfi of Wastington Irvlag, p. 19S.

THE TOWN OF YONKERS. 6n

called by the Indians Paperinemen, as we find the Director General, ■\VilIiam Kieft. granting unto Matys (Mattliew) Janscn the isle of Paperinemen, iSth August, 1646.'' 1674, John Archer, lord of the manor of Fordham, laid claim to a neck of land called Humock Island, commonly called by the Indians Paperinemen, which he asserted he had by patent. But it would appear that governor Lovelace had already settled an individual by the name of Ven-elen upon the island to keep a ferry for the accomodation of passengers between the island and the Westchester shore. To satisfy Archer's claim, howe^•er, the secretary of the colony, Matthias Nicolls, agreed to pay a yearly rent for the same.

called by the Indians Paperinemen, as we find the Director General, ■\VilIiam Kieft. granting unto Matys (Mattliew) Janscn the isle of Paperinemen, iSth August, 1646.'' 1674, John Archer, lord of the manor of Fordham, laid claim to a neck of land called Humock Island, commonly called by the Indians Paperinemen, which he asserted he had by patent. But it would appear that governor Lovelace had already settled an individual by the name of Ven-elen upon the island to keep a ferry for the accomodation of passengers between the island and the Westchester shore. To satisfy Archer's claim, howe^•er, the secretary of the colony, Matthias Nicolls, agreed to pay a yearly rent for the same.

In 1692, His Excellency the Governor "out of great favour and good to the city of New York proposed the building of a bridge over the spiken devil ferry P^

The same }-ear at a meeting of the Mayor, Aldermen and Assistants, we find them petitioning the Governor : --

' ' That as Frederick Phillipse will undertake to build tiie bridge at the said place, for the conveniency of all travellers and droves of cattle at a moderate and reasonable toll ; they do therefore humbly pray, that if the said Phillipse will undertake, in one year's time, to build a good and convenient draw bridge for the passage of all travellers, droves of cattle and passage of carts and waggons, for the toll of one penny for ever>' neat cattle, and two pence for each man and horse, and 12 pence for each score of hogs and sheep, and sis pence for each cart and waggon that shall pass thereon, that he may have the preference of their majesties grant for the same by having a bridge built there.""

' ' That as Frederick Phillipse will undertake to build tiie bridge at the said place, for the conveniency of all travellers and droves of cattle at a moderate and reasonable toll ; they do therefore humbly pray, that if the said Phillipse will undertake, in one year's time, to build a good and convenient draw bridge for the passage of all travellers, droves of cattle and passage of carts and waggons, for the toll of one penny for ever>' neat cattle, and two pence for each man and horse, and 12 pence for each score of hogs and sheep, and sis pence for each cart and waggon that shall pass thereon, that he may have the preference of their majesties grant for the same by having a bridge built there.""

The folio-wing year, 1693, the 5th of King William the third and Queea Mary, the Ferry, Island and meadow were confirmed to Frederick Philipse, Lord of the manor of Philipsburgh, by royal charter and power given him to erect thereon a bridge and to receive a certain toll therein specified, and furthennore the said bridge to be henceforth called J^vi/s Bridget

Madam Knight on her journey from New York to Xev,- Haven in the year 1704, speaks thus of this place: "About 5 o'clock came to Spiting De%il, else Kings Bridge, where they pay three pence for passing over with a horse, which the man, that keeps the gate set up at the end of the bridge, receives."

During the war of the revolution. Kings Bridge constituted the " hara Datcti Truns. Kec. G. O. p. 360.

Madam Knight on her journey from New York to Xev,- Haven in the year 1704, speaks thus of this place: "About 5 o'clock came to Spiting De%il, else Kings Bridge, where they pay three pence for passing over with a horse, which the man, that keeps the gate set up at the end of the bridge, receives."

During the war of the revolution. Kings Bridge constituted the " hara Datcti Truns. Kec. G. O. p. 360.

i Minutes of Common Council N. Y. Vol. 11. TO.

c JlinutfS of CoiKi.ioa Council, Vol. il. TO.

d Cnarterof Phiiinst.ur^'h.

e Journal iUn.Uiu Kniglit, 56.

6l2 HISTORY OF THE COUNTY OF WESTCHESTER.

rier " of the British hue, when they occupied New York Island, while as far north as the Croton extended, the '• Neutral Ground." Like the pass of ancient Thermopyte, Kings Bridge can boast of her faithful bands of Spartans, who fought for •' liberty or death." As early as May 25> i775> Congress ordered: --

" That a post be immediately taken and fortified, at or near Kings Bridge, and that the ground be chosen with a particular view to prevent the communicati^^n between the cit_v of New York and the country from being interrupted by laud."

Ou the abandonment of Manhattan Island in, tyyG, by the American Army, Kings Bridge was occupied by the x\merican General as headquarters.

This bridge was the scene of a bloody conflict between a portion of the Continental army under the command of Major General Heath, and a large body of Hessians under Knyphausen.

" That a post be immediately taken and fortified, at or near Kings Bridge, and that the ground be chosen with a particular view to prevent the communicati^^n between the cit_v of New York and the country from being interrupted by laud."

Ou the abandonment of Manhattan Island in, tyyG, by the American Army, Kings Bridge was occupied by the x\merican General as headquarters.

This bridge was the scene of a bloody conflict between a portion of the Continental army under the command of Major General Heath, and a large body of Hessians under Knyphausen.

January 17, 1777, a detachment "says Heath \vith two field pieces, was ordered to mo^'e to the north of the fort, (in which was a garrison of Hessians who had refused to surrender,) to a hill above Harlem creek, not far from the Nev/ Bridge." When the detachment arrived at this place, a battalion of Hessians appeared dra\\Ti up on the side of the hill just within Kings Bridge, and back of Hyatt's tavern. Our general (Heath) ordered the artilery to cannonade them immediately. The first shot cleared the right of the battalion, nearly a platoon settling down as the shot passed them, which entered the bank close behind them. The second shot passed about the centre of the battalion, when to the amount of a grand division settled down, which was an evidence that they would not stand much longer. One of the jjieces was ordered to be drawn lower down the hill ; on \\hich the battalion quitted their ground and marched ofi" as fast as they could, without running to get behind the redoubt and hill at the bridge, receiving one shot more as they were turning round the point. It was not suspected that the enemy had any cannon in the redoubt within the bridge, but they now began to cannonade the artiller}' men who had descended the hill, who had to draw up their pieces as fast as possible, which they eftected without any loss but received three or four shots quite among them, before they could reach the top of the hill."^ The attack on the 19th and 21st has been already detailed in the account of Tippetts hill.

It was not suspected that the enemy had any cannon in the redoubt within the bridge, but they now began to cannonade the artiller}' men who had descended the hill, who had to draw up their pieces as fast as possible, which they eftected without any loss but received three or four shots quite among them, before they could reach the top of the hill."^ The attack on the 19th and 21st has been already detailed in the account of Tippetts hill.

In July, 1 7 78, Lord Cathcart held the command of the British forces at Kinjis Bridiie.

a T!i>! niMv bri.liri' was erected by Jacob DyVemnn aatl Juhaunea Vermilyca, previous to ;t»« war, f.jr ilie !l'lI•plJ^■^• of avoiJins tiie toll of "the olJ brnlge. t a'.-uth3Mtiu. lu'J.

THE TOWN OF YONKERS.

"The late skirmish, (says Heath,) writing in 1781, near King's Bridge, was occasioned by the American army's moving down, in order to give the French officers a view of the British out-posts near the bridge. A number of Americans were killed and wounded by long shot from the yaugers of the enemy, who kept up a popping fire whenever they could reach our troops."*

The vesdges of the mihtary camp pits can still be traced on the hills around the bridge, while within a few feet of it the remains of a Brirish officerwere recently disinterred -- and, incredible as it may seem, in his full uniform ; the brass buttons as perfect as the day they were moulded, containing the number of his regiment.

A number of Americans were killed and wounded by long shot from the yaugers of the enemy, who kept up a popping fire whenever they could reach our troops."*

The vesdges of the mihtary camp pits can still be traced on the hills around the bridge, while within a few feet of it the remains of a Brirish officerwere recently disinterred -- and, incredible as it may seem, in his full uniform ; the brass buttons as perfect as the day they were moulded, containing the number of his regiment.

King's Bridge was also the rendezvous of a corps of freebooters called " Cou< Boys" whose bands ravaged the surrounding hills and valleys. "On the part of the British," remarks the author of the Spy, " the stimulus of loyalty was by no means suffered to sleep where so fruitful a field offered on which it might be expended. But their freebooters were enrolled, and their efforts more systematized. Long experience had taught their leaders the efficacy of concentrated force ; and unless tradition does great injustice to their exploits, the result did no little credit to their foresight. The corps -- we presume from their well known affecrion to that useful animal -- had received the significant appellation of ' Cow Boys.' "^ The morality of these heroes of the Neutral Ground, was of a singular kind : the rapine by which they subsisted, they accounted lawful and honorable.

King's Bridge lies prettily situated in a beautiful vale near the confluence of the Hudson and Harlem Rivers. It is almost surrounded by high rolling hills, Avhose tops are crowned by hill forts and fine spreading woods. This spot was first chosen as the site of the city of New Amsterdam, on account of its secure and inland position.

The corps -- we presume from their well known affecrion to that useful animal -- had received the significant appellation of ' Cow Boys.' "^ The morality of these heroes of the Neutral Ground, was of a singular kind : the rapine by which they subsisted, they accounted lawful and honorable.

King's Bridge lies prettily situated in a beautiful vale near the confluence of the Hudson and Harlem Rivers. It is almost surrounded by high rolling hills, Avhose tops are crowned by hill forts and fine spreading woods. This spot was first chosen as the site of the city of New Amsterdam, on account of its secure and inland position.

Immediately west of the bridge flows Tippetts Brook, the Mosholu of the Indians, and here it unites with the Haariem River. This latter stream, formerly called the Aluscoota,^ has been long kno\vn as a favorite resort to the angler. The beautiful striped bass (Labrax Lineatus, Cuvier,) abounds in these waters. The fishing season usually commences in May, and reaches perfection in the months of September and October. The baits preferred (although they var)' according to location) are the soft crab, shrimp and squid, or common cuttle fish. The bass is

o Heath's Mom. 2D4.

b Spy, 1, 2-1.

c This name freqaently applies to tUe Ilarlem River in tU? Albany anJ County Records.

6l4 HISTORY OF THE COUNTY OF WESTCHESTER.

well knov\-n to be an anadromous, living in the salt water, but generally spawning in the fresh. These fish sometimes attain to a large size.

The baits preferred (although they var)' according to location) are the soft crab, shrimp and squid, or common cuttle fish. The bass is

o Heath's Mom. 2D4.

b Spy, 1, 2-1.

c This name freqaently applies to tUe Ilarlem River in tU? Albany anJ County Records.

6l4 HISTORY OF THE COUNTY OF WESTCHESTER.

well knov\-n to be an anadromous, living in the salt water, but generally spawning in the fresh. These fish sometimes attain to a large size.

The favorite station of the angler is the New Bridge. The present tavern at King's Bridge occupies the site of the old Dyckman Hotel, in which its landlords wqtq wont to entertain the ancient aldermen of the Manhattans.

The residence of the late Robert Macomb, Esq., now occupied by his widow, lies beautifully embossed in shrubbery, commanding fine views of the bridge, creek. New York island, and neighboring hills. Among the latter stands prominent Tetard's Height^ with its powder house, and Fort Jndepe7idence. From this hill the continental army retreated, on the approach of General Knyphausen, in 1776. The pleasure grounds around the !Macomb mansion, are tastily laid out in shrubberies and walks, while the beautiful waters of the '■'■Muscooia" add variety to the scenery.

In one of the rooms we noticed a beautiful painting, by Waldo, of Major Gen. Alexander Macomb. This family is descended from the JNIacCombie's, of Ireland, an ancient and honorable stock who removed to that country from Scotland.^ The grand-father of the General was John Macomb, who emigrated from Ireland to this country in 1742, and held an official place under the Colonial government. He established himself in New York, where his son Alexander Macomb, father of Major Gen. Alexander, was educated. The father was a representative in the State Legislature, from the city of New York, in 1787-8, and during the late war with Great Britain he furnished five sons for the service of his country in the militia and regular army.

This family is descended from the JNIacCombie's, of Ireland, an ancient and honorable stock who removed to that country from Scotland.^ The grand-father of the General was John Macomb, who emigrated from Ireland to this country in 1742, and held an official place under the Colonial government. He established himself in New York, where his son Alexander Macomb, father of Major Gen. Alexander, was educated. The father was a representative in the State Legislature, from the city of New York, in 1787-8, and during the late war with Great Britain he furnished five sons for the service of his country in the militia and regular army. He afterwards rcnioved to Detroit, where he amassed a large fortune in the fur trade. Here he married Catharine Navarre, a lady of noble French extraction. Major General Alexander Macomb was born 3d April, 1782.

This distinguished indi\'idual was the hero of Plattsburgh, and subsequently General-in-chief (May, 18 28, until his decease, June, 1846) of the United States army. His sister married Capt. Arent Schuyler de Peyster.

Leaving the Bridge, the approach to the village of Yonkers from the south possesses many points of interest. Along the edge of the valley are scattered beautiful knolls and high ranges of hills, cither cultivated or covered with woods ; to the left, seated on a fine, wooded hill, is a large stone mansion, erected by Augustus van Cortlandt, Esq., A.D. 1822, upon the site of a much older building, which was destroyed by fire .A.. D.

Leaving the Bridge, the approach to the village of Yonkers from the south possesses many points of interest. Along the edge of the valley are scattered beautiful knolls and high ranges of hills, cither cultivated or covered with woods ; to the left, seated on a fine, wooded hill, is a large stone mansion, erected by Augustus van Cortlandt, Esq., A.D. 1822, upon the site of a much older building, which was destroyed by fire .A.. D.

a. The arms of McCotaJj or McCoombe, ar. a saiUre per feoae anJ per saltire, or iiuJ af. couQtercliargdJ.

THE TOWN OF YONKERS. 615

102 2. The ascent to the house is through the romantic woods of CortlojiJt's ridge. I'he road passes over a deep ravine, watered by a pictur- CMji-.e brook, and through high masses of frowning rock. The lawn in front commands a \'iew of the vale of Yonkers, while at the foot of the hili runs Tippett's Brook.

The farm house situated on this property was built by Frederick van Cortlandt, A. D. 1766. In 1S48, flourishing upon the lav.-n in the rear of the mansion, was an aged apple tree marked with the name of Jacobus van Cortlandt -- date illegible.

This property, which Ues directly north of Berrian's Neck, passed, upon the death of Frederick van Cortlandt, to his brother Augustus van Cortlandt. The latter, by will, bequeathed the same to his grandson Augustus Morris, '"provided he assumed the name of Van Cortlandt.'' Augustus van Cortlandt subsequently sold the property to Samuel B. Thompson, John F'wing, V/illiam C. Wetmore, and James R.. Whiting. The latter gentleman has recently erected a beautiful stone residence on the western side of the neck, v/hich commands extensive prospects of the Hudson and palisades; the entrance is by a beautiful road that ^^inds through a thick wood to the house.

The latter, by will, bequeathed the same to his grandson Augustus Morris, '"provided he assumed the name of Van Cortlandt.'' Augustus van Cortlandt subsequently sold the property to Samuel B. Thompson, John F'wing, V/illiam C. Wetmore, and James R.. Whiting. The latter gentleman has recently erected a beautiful stone residence on the western side of the neck, v/hich commands extensive prospects of the Hudson and palisades; the entrance is by a beautiful road that ^^inds through a thick wood to the house. The Van Cortlandt mansion and surrounding property belongs to Samuel B. Thompson, Esq., and is now occupied by the McFarlane family. The western side of Cortlandt's ridge embraces fine views of the Hudson River, palisades and hills stretching northwards. Upon the property of W. C. Wetmore, Esq., there is a celebrated white oak, which stands in the midst of a pretty glade called the " Cl>:o Bov Oak" from the fact that these lawless desperadoes were often suspended from its braiiches.

" Short was their thrift, aud sure the cord."

\Jxo'kthij.

Cortlandt house, the ancient residence of the Van Cortlandt family, stands in the vale below, about one mile north from Kings Bridge, on the road leading to the village of Yonkers. Prior to the purchase of the Philipses, this estate (as before sho\\Ti) formed a portion of the fief of Colen-donck, and was styled the " Old Yonckers." Fro:n the Patroon Adriaen van der Donck, it passed through the hands of various proprietors to the Hon. Frederick Philipse, who sold it to his son-in-law Jacobus van Cortlandt, AD. 1699. Since then, it has been considerably enlarged by other purchases. ■ The whole eight hundred atul fifty acres is now vested in his descendant, Augustus van Cortlandt. Esq., with the exception of one lumdred and five acres which has been laid out by competent engineers, a.s Oloff Park.

Prior to the purchase of the Philipses, this estate (as before sho\\Ti) formed a portion of the fief of Colen-donck, and was styled the " Old Yonckers." Fro:n the Patroon Adriaen van der Donck, it passed through the hands of various proprietors to the Hon. Frederick Philipse, who sold it to his son-in-law Jacobus van Cortlandt, AD. 1699. Since then, it has been considerably enlarged by other purchases. ■ The whole eight hundred atul fifty acres is now vested in his descendant, Augustus van Cortlandt. Esq., with the exception of one lumdred and five acres which has been laid out by competent engineers, a.s Oloff Park. This beautiful and valua-

6l6 HISTORY OF THE COUNTY OF ATOSTCKESTEP^

ble part of the Cortlandt estate, is but half a mile north of Nev,- York city, and lies almost entirely on elevated ground, from portions of which most beautiful views reward tlie visitor. Jerome Park lies just south of it, and the magnificent Central avenue is not more than a quarter of a mile distant.

A broad avenue named Van Cortlandt, has been opened through the Park, and the most elevated portion has been set aside for a park within a park. Fronting on this, enclosure which has been named Stevenson Park, are most beautiful villa sites, containing from ten to forty city lots. Oloft" Park has as its boundaries, three important and ancient roads; the old Albany Post Road, the old Boston Post Road, and the road from Yonkersto William's Bridge and Westchester. In addition to these and Van Cortlandt avenue, referred to above, Gouvenure avenue, Stevenson avenue and Lesler place, have been laid out within the limits of the park.

Fronting on this, enclosure which has been named Stevenson Park, are most beautiful villa sites, containing from ten to forty city lots. Oloft" Park has as its boundaries, three important and ancient roads; the old Albany Post Road, the old Boston Post Road, and the road from Yonkersto William's Bridge and Westchester. In addition to these and Van Cortlandt avenue, referred to above, Gouvenure avenue, Stevenson avenue and Lesler place, have been laid out within the limits of the park.

The Central Park Commissioners, who have done so much to beautify and improve the upper portion of New York Island, now have, by act of the Legislature, supreme control over this part of Westchester County -- and by opening Central avenue and Grand Boulevards, draining low grounds and providing water supply for the future inhabitants, will soon make this part of the county approximate in value to the most valuable lots up town; and, secondly, it is very confidently predicted that before many years, the business part of the city will be in the neighborhood of the Harlem river. V/ith Hell Gate cleared of its obstructions, the last obstacle to the change in the course of shipping will be removed.

It is believed that then, ships, instead of entering by way of the Bay will come by way of Long Island Sound, and have their wharves near and along the Harlem River; that the latter will be made a grand ship canal through which conm:iunication with the Hudson and inland towns \vill be made. Already the late far-sighted Commodore Vanderbilt, has a railroad chartered -- and we believe, under contract -- which is to connect Spuyten Duyvil on the Hudson with the future port at the other end of Harlem River.

It is believed that then, ships, instead of entering by way of the Bay will come by way of Long Island Sound, and have their wharves near and along the Harlem River; that the latter will be made a grand ship canal through which conm:iunication with the Hudson and inland towns \vill be made. Already the late far-sighted Commodore Vanderbilt, has a railroad chartered -- and we believe, under contract -- which is to connect Spuyten Duyvil on the Hudson with the future port at the other end of Harlem River.

Jacobus van Cortlandt, the first of the name who enjoyed this estate was the second son of the Right Hon. Oloff Stevensen van Cortlandt, a native of Cortlandt in Holland, who came out to tliis country in the military service of the Dutch AVest India Company, and grandson of the Right Hon. Steven van Cortlandt a hneal descendant of the ancient Dukes i..'f Cortlandt or Conrland. Jacobus married in 1691 Eva Philijise daugiiter of the flon. Frederick rhilii)se of the manor of

To face pajje

elevated ar!^. Motto : -- Virtus nibi munus.

DeVries and

[••ptffl da. of I:iiior ox I'liii- ;.;o

Joliduues Van CortlanCt, cat. Oct. lS:li,lC-iS, Ob.

1667, S. p.

Mary J'eter Jay, father of the Hon. John Jav.

Ja^l.'Xatiiamel Marston Whose da Mary mar. Captain Philipse. 2. Augustus Vau Horn.

Eva, nat. 2Sth M^rch, 17 Ob. S. p. 1733.

James Van CoP'^^'^''* ^ajea nat. 3d Jlarcl Ob. 1st April,

Margaret ^Peter Jay Monro

Frances =ArcUibalit XJruci: M.D.

elevated ar!^. Motto : -- Virtus nibi munus.

DeVries and

[••ptffl da. of I:iiior ox I'liii- ;.;o

Joliduues Van CortlanCt, cat. Oct. lS:li,lC-iS, Ob.

1667, S. p.

Mary J'eter Jay, father of the Hon. John Jav.

Ja^l.'Xatiiamel Marston Whose da Mary mar. Captain Philipse. 2. Augustus Vau Horn.

Eva, nat. 2Sth M^rch, 17 Ob. S. p. 1733.

James Van CoP'^^'^''* ^ajea nat. 3d Jlarcl Ob. 1st April,

Margaret ^Peter Jay Monro

Frances =ArcUibalit XJruci: M.D.

;aru

? 9 I P^'ig II I

" o jortlaDdt -^ _ * Ansrns- < E (Of Cort-

Fraaciua_Dr. Groshong

Harriet Augusta^E X. Bibby, M. D.

neury W. Bibby

-Vnne W.^R. Glorer

Fraaces^Thos. James Augusta de Lancey.

« < 4

To face paje 61b. vol U.

PEDIGREE OF VAN CORTLANDT, OF YONKERS.

Arms :-- Arg. the wings or arms ot a. willd-n^•U^sIatierwai•3 sa, voi Jed of the field, five estoiles gu. Crest : -- Au estoile gu. betweea two v.ings elevated arg. Ifotto : -- Virtvs nbi munua.

Right Don. Steven Van Cortlanilt„

Right Rod. Stsphanns Van CortIaiiat,„GertnnJe nat. Tth Slay, 1W3; ancestor of the CortlQDdt branch-- vide Pedigree.

Eight Hon. Oloir Stcvensen, i Orloff Stovens Van Cortlandt

^Annetje Loockon and Ariantie h

tans, da. ot Govcrt Loocl:':-i 1 wife, mar. 1612, ob. tCCO.

Jacobns Van CortlanJt, of Tonkera, son of the_Eva PliUiT'Sic, .la. Ptti r Randolph DcVrlssand Right Hon. OloU Stevenscn, nat. Tth July, j Jlarg-.irt Harih ub'.O'- k, and adi;pted da. of 1C5S, maniage iicense dated Tth Slay, 1(591. | Frederick Plulm?--, Lord of tlie Slanor ox Pliii- ■ lipsborouffh, nat. ."0th October, I'-'^O,

Oloir Stcvensen, i Orloff Stovens Van Cortlandt

^Annetje Loockon and Ariantie h

tans, da. ot Govcrt Loocl:':-i 1 wife, mar. 1612, ob. tCCO.

Jacobns Van CortlanJt, of Tonkera, son of the_Eva PliUiT'Sic, .la. Ptti r Randolph DcVrlssand Right Hon. OloU Stevenscn, nat. Tth July, j Jlarg-.irt Harih ub'.O'- k, and adi;pted da. of 1C5S, maniage iicense dated Tth Slay, 1(591. | Frederick Plulm?--, Lord of tlie Slanor ox Pliii- ■ lipsborouffh, nat. ."0th October, I'-'^O,

JoliainiesTan Cortlandt, nat. Oct. IStli, ir,i8, ob.

Fredericlv Tan Cortlandt. nat. lees, , ob. 12th Febraary, 1T40.

^Frances Jay, married 19th Ja 1T24, ob. 2d Angast.'jTSO.

Margaret^Abraham De Peyster

.\nne^lIon. John Chambers

.Ma

.•y,J*eter Jay, father of the lion, John Jay.

Jacobns Van Cortlandt, nat. .\ugu3tu3 Van Cortlandt, ^l.Sliss Cayier.,

3d ilar., IT'26, ob. l9t April, nat. 3d Angnst, IT'23, -- a.Catharine Bi

ITSI. ob. IS'23. j Santa Cmz, jvest

Indies,

James Tan Cortlandt, nat. 3d Slarch, 1T2C, ob. 1st April, ITSl.

T i ^~^

^ > 3 s

n Van Cortlandt, . Jtli Jan.,lT6S.

.James Slorris, of Morrisania.

JatL,

Frederick, nat. 2Sth Jlarcli,

Eva nat. 5th Xo

-.^nenry White, nat.

Anna Ma:ia_l.>"athamel Marston

■Evi

, nat. 2Sth Mtrch, 1T32

clay, of est

1730, ob. s. p. ISOO.

1T3T, ob. Oct., 1S36.

! 2'iih liar., 1T32.

nat. ITS';. Whose da Mary mar. Captain Philipse. 2. Augnatns Van Horn.

ob.

s. p. 1T33.

Anne ^ an Cart-=,Henry Wtite landr, nat. isrh 1 I 1766, ob. Aaj.'S, ISU J.

Admiral John White Gen. Fred White WUliam \STiite

Frederick, nat. 2Sth Jlarcli,

Eva nat. 5th Xo

-.^nenry White, nat.

Anna Ma:ia_l.>"athamel Marston

■Evi

, nat. 2Sth Mtrch, 1T32

clay, of est

1730, ob. s. p. ISOO.

1T3T, ob. Oct., 1S36.

! 2'iih liar., 1T32.

nat. ITS';. Whose da Mary mar. Captain Philipse. 2. Augnatns Van Horn.

ob.

s. p. 1T33.

Anne ^ an Cart-=,Henry Wtite landr, nat. isrh 1 I 1766, ob. Aaj.'S, ISU J.

Admiral John White Gen. Fred White WUliam \STiite

Angusm's, ob. 1st April, 1S39, s. p. let. 44, a.-sQai(?ii the nameoi Van Cortlandt, and inherifced under hi:5 grandfather i

vill.

Henry aisumL'd the naiue.of Van CortlantJt, and inherited the Yonkers estate, under tiis brother's will, ob. 13th OctoUef, 1S39, at. 3S.

Helen ^Abraham

Schermerhorn

li^Str John Macnainara Hayes Margaret ^Peter Jay Monro

Catharine ^Jiicr:ard

rraiices=-\rchibaM Cmc

Augusla^E N. Bibby, M. D.

Angiisiu.-ii Van Coriinndt heir of hi*^ nn'cl^ Au»u8- tu9. proprietor of Cortlandt, Yonkers.

.\nne W._U. Glorer

Fruaces^Tlios. James Augusta do Lancey.

THE IQ-WH OF YONKERS. 617

Philipsburgh. Besides the Yonkers estate, Jacobus van Cortlandt was a large landed proprietor in the town of Bedford, in this county. This individual was an eminent merchant of New York city, where he was born on the 7th of July 1668. He was also one of the five members returned by the High Sheriff to represent the city and county of New York in the Colonial Assembly, A. D. 1691.

He was, too, elected to represent the Dock ward in the Common Council for several years, and subsequently (171 o- 171 9) held the office of Mayor. He died in the spring of 1739.

This individual was an eminent merchant of New York city, where he was born on the 7th of July 1668. He was also one of the five members returned by the High Sheriff to represent the city and county of New York in the Colonial Assembly, A. D. 1691.

He was, too, elected to represent the Dock ward in the Common Council for several years, and subsequently (171 o- 171 9) held the office of Mayor. He died in the spring of 1739.

By his \vill, dated 12th of May, 1739, ^^^ devised and bequeathed unto his son Frederick van Cortlandt,

"All that my farm situate lying and beuig in a place commonly called and known by the name of the Little or Lower Yonckers <S:c., aud all other the land, meadows and real estate, I am' seized of or have a right to in the Manor of Philipsburgh, itc. , for his natural life, and from and after his decease to the heirs male lawfully begotten, ifec. To his eldest daughter, ^Margaret, wife of Abraham de Peyster, property in the city of New York ; and the same to his remaining daughters, Anne, wife of John Chambers, and Mary, wife of Peter Jay.*

Frederick van Cortlandt only son of the above testator, married Frances Jay, daughter of the Huguenot, Augustus Jay, by his \\-ife Anna Maria Bayard.

Upon the death of Frederick van Cortlandt, 12th Feb., 1749,^ the estate devolved by the will of Jacobus, senr. to Jacobus van Cortlandt jun., eldest son and heir at law of Frederick. This individual, better known as Col. James van Cortlandt, nobly used his influence (while residing here during the war,) in ameliorating tiie condition of his suffering countrymen. It not unfrequently happened that a poor neighbour was robbed of everything he possessed ; upon application to Col. van Cortlandt he would assume his red watch coat, and mounting his horse ride down to dte city, to intercede in their behalf.

Upon the death of Frederick van Cortlandt, 12th Feb., 1749,^ the estate devolved by the will of Jacobus, senr. to Jacobus van Cortlandt jun., eldest son and heir at law of Frederick. This individual, better known as Col. James van Cortlandt, nobly used his influence (while residing here during the war,) in ameliorating tiie condition of his suffering countrymen. It not unfrequently happened that a poor neighbour was robbed of everything he possessed ; upon application to Col. van Cortlandt he would assume his red watch coat, and mounting his horse ride down to dte city, to intercede in their behalf. He seldom applied in vain, such was tlie universal respect for his character. Previous to the close of the war he was compelled to leave his country residence at Yonckers, on account of ill health. He died shortly afterwards in the city of New York, ist of April, 17S1. His remains were interred in the family tomb, Vault Hill. On the death of CoL James van Cortlandt, the property passed to his brother, Augustus van Cortlandt, the ne.xt heir of the entail. This gentleman held the office of Clerk of the Common Council in New York, on the breaking out of the Reva Surrogate's oilice, N. Y. fol. .xlii. 423.

6 Tilt; will of Fr.iKrick van C. bcar.s date 2cl Oct. 1740. To Ins wife Frances ho benneath3 tvs-i) negro RirU aiM a fuur wlu'eleil chaise. Jiis cliililreii wlto JaiU'.'a, Augustus, FrcJonct, Auaa .Mari:^ litid Kva -- tJurrogutL-'d oillce, N. Y. fol. xvui &i.

On the death of CoL James van Cortlandt, the property passed to his brother, Augustus van Cortlandt, the ne.xt heir of the entail. This gentleman held the office of Clerk of the Common Council in New York, on the breaking out of the Reva Surrogate's oilice, N. Y. fol. .xlii. 423.

6 Tilt; will of Fr.iKrick van C. bcar.s date 2cl Oct. 1740. To Ins wife Frances ho benneath3 tvs-i) negro RirU aiM a fuur wlu'eleil chaise. Jiis cliililreii wlto JaiU'.'a, Augustus, FrcJonct, Auaa .Mari:^ litid Kva -- tJurrogutL-'d oillce, N. Y. fol. xvui &i.

6l8 HISTORY OF THE COUNTY OF \\T,STCHESTER.

olution ; this appears from the following letter addressed by him to the New York Committee of Safety -- Dated Sept. 5, 1775 : --

''Gexts. -- Being requested by the Provincial Congress to enquire for some place of safety to deposits the public records in, and to inform ih^ Committee of safety thereof, agreeable to which, Mr. Cortlandt informs the committee of safety, that prcrious to the above request, he caused tlie public records to be put into chests, and secured them in a cellar in his garden, made for that purpose, of stone and brick, well arched and exceedingly dry. This precaution was taken against accidents happeni;ig by fire ; should the city be invaded by an arniy from Great Britain, or British troops, he in such case intended to remove them to his brother's at Yonkers, m the county of Westchester. If the committee of safety shall judge any other place more secure, Mr. Van Coitlaudt will be glad to be informed thereof, that he may communicate the same to the corporation of this city for their approbation.""

This precaution was taken against accidents happeni;ig by fire ; should the city be invaded by an arniy from Great Britain, or British troops, he in such case intended to remove them to his brother's at Yonkers, m the county of Westchester. If the committee of safety shall judge any other place more secure, Mr. Van Coitlaudt will be glad to be informed thereof, that he may communicate the same to the corporation of this city for their approbation.""

lie remains their most obedient himible servant,

AuGusTrrs van Cortlandt.

By the will of the above Augustus van Cortlandt, dated 20th of December, 1S23, he bequeathes his property after the following manner: --

""Whereas, the greatest part of the lands and real estate which T occupj'and hold in the town of Yonkers, was derived to me by inlieritance from my ancestors ; and, whereas I hare lately purchased several tracts and pieces of land also lying in ye said town of Yonkers, which I at present occupy and possess, 6:c. Item, it is my desire that the same remain entire, and pass from time to time to one of my surname and family ; whereupon I do hercbj' give r.Tid devise all my lands and real estate, and all dwelling houses, mills and other buildings thereon in the town of Yonkers, &c., unto my affectionate relations, John Jay and Peter Augustus Jay, and to their heirs for ever, except a certain dwelling house and farm in the said town of Yonkers, and a lot of ground near n\y mill-pond, ic, ■which belonged to my late brother, Frederick van Cortlandt, to hold the same iu trust for the following uses : viz., 1st, To hold tlie same for my son-in-law, Henrj- White, late the husband of my deceased daughter, Anna While, for and during the time of his natural life. 2nd, For and after the ik-cease of my son in-law Ilenr}' While, and in case Augustus, the son of the said Henry White and my Baid deceased daughter shall survive the .said Henry White, then to hold the same for the u.se of the said Augustus, and his heirs and assignees, on condition that from and after my decea.se, he do take and constantly and exclusively use the name of Van Cortlandt, &c., &c."*'

Item, it is my desire that the same remain entire, and pass from time to time to one of my surname and family ; whereupon I do hercbj' give r.Tid devise all my lands and real estate, and all dwelling houses, mills and other buildings thereon in the town of Yonkers, &c., unto my affectionate relations, John Jay and Peter Augustus Jay, and to their heirs for ever, except a certain dwelling house and farm in the said town of Yonkers, and a lot of ground near n\y mill-pond, ic, ■which belonged to my late brother, Frederick van Cortlandt, to hold the same iu trust for the following uses : viz., 1st, To hold tlie same for my son-in-law, Henrj- White, late the husband of my deceased daughter, Anna While, for and during the time of his natural life. 2nd, For and after the ik-cease of my son in-law Ilenr}' While, and in case Augustus, the son of the said Henry White and my Baid deceased daughter shall survive the .said Henry White, then to hold the same for the u.se of the said Augustus, and his heirs and assignees, on condition that from and after my decea.se, he do take and constantly and exclusively use the name of Van Cortlandt, &c., &c."*'

Augustus van Cortlandt, the above devisee, subsequently took possession of the estate under the will of his grandfather, the above testator. The Revised Statues of 1S25, having abolished the entail, Augustus became possessed of the estate in fee simple. Upon the iSth of F'eb., 1827, Augustus van Cortlandt bequeathed the Yonkers to his brother

Augustus van Cortlandt, the above devisee, subsequently took possession of the estate under the will of his grandfather, the above testator. The Revised Statues of 1S25, having abolished the entail, Augustus became possessed of the estate in fee simple. Upon the iSth of F'eb., 1827, Augustus van Cortlandt bequeathed the Yonkers to his brother

a Ani.-rioaiii Arcluvf-;, -Hli senvs. vol. lu. iVlj. b Surrut'^t'-'a oiHcc, ^i. Y.

THE TOWN OF YONKERS.

lljnr}-, for life, and to his brother's eldest son forever, provided they i.iU: and constantly use the name of "Van Cortlandt;" and upon the failure of male heirs, to Henry, the testator provided that the property sJioukl pass to his nephew, Augustus van Cortlandt Bibby, son of his sister Augusta.

Henry, the above devisee, took possession of the estate on his brother's death, in 1S39, and assumed the name of Van Cortlandt. Henry van Cortlandt died October, 1S39, and was succeeded by his nephew, the present proprietor, Augustus van Cortlandt, Esq. ■

The present mansion house, a large edifice of stone, was erected by Frederick van Cortlandt, A. D. 1748;" it fonns a noble object when x-iewed from the lawn. The situation commands nearly the whole length of Uie vale of Yonkers; streaching south, the view is terminated only by

m

Conlandt House, tne residence ot Augustus Van Cortlandr, Esq.

the high hills of iVew York island, and heights of Fordliam. The pleasure grounds in front, appear to have been laid out in the ancient Dutch style, ^%-ith high artificial banks, adorned v/ith rows of stately box, venerable for their height and antiquity; while beneath are still visible the remains of old fish ponds andyV/x d'eau. Above the old fashioned window, grim \-i.sages in the shape of corbels seem to frown upon the beholder. We suppose them to be a kind of ''genii loci."

the high hills of iVew York island, and heights of Fordliam. The pleasure grounds in front, appear to have been laid out in the ancient Dutch style, ^%-ith high artificial banks, adorned v/ith rows of stately box, venerable for their height and antiquity; while beneath are still visible the remains of old fish ponds andyV/x d'eau. Above the old fashioned window, grim \-i.sages in the shape of corbels seem to frown upon the beholder. We suppose them to be a kind of ''genii loci."

Two eagles surmount the posts of the old gateway facing the stables. These were part of the spoils taken from a Spanish privateer during the

-« rue following item oo.:.rs in the will of F^t'-l^':"-'),^-^" ,^'^^1^"^ '• f,-^^*";^ 2^:|„°J[;f U^ no^^- live, wr.icji, with -he .-uin.- ,iUmt;iti..n, ^viil, t,y virtue ot my d.>c.-;w^a f.utit- A.r^A, W no1\ e lifier uiv a^.■ct.•a^^^.^ U[)ua my i-:a.j:,[ sou J.iiiics, ic-- iJarroijaU' a uilice -N. \., I'A. xvui. 0..

620 HISTORY OF THE COUNTY OF WESTCHESTER.

war; and presented to Augustus van Cortlandt, by Rear Admiral Rolen Digby of the British navy. To the east of the house, the Mosholu (["\<^ petts brook) pent up by the mill dam, forms an extensive sheet of water, which is greatly enriched by the \'icinity of green meadows, orchards aii 1 neighboring hills. South of the pond is situated the old mill. Amid the grove of locusts on George's point, a little north of the mill, stood the original residence of tlie Van Cortlandts.

war; and presented to Augustus van Cortlandt, by Rear Admiral Rolen Digby of the British navy. To the east of the house, the Mosholu (["\<^ petts brook) pent up by the mill dam, forms an extensive sheet of water, which is greatly enriched by the \'icinity of green meadows, orchards aii 1 neighboring hills. South of the pond is situated the old mill. Amid the grove of locusts on George's point, a little north of the mill, stood the original residence of tlie Van Cortlandts.

The interior of the present house is neatly fitted up and furnished, its drawiiag room aridhbrary windows look out on beautiful prospects ; in the latter apartment are some fine family portraits : Henry White, jr., by Jarvis; Vice Admiral Sir John White, in full uniform, a copy by Chapman from the original of Jarvis; Augustus Van Cortlandt, by Jarvis; Thomas Bibby, by Chapman; Mr. Babcock, by Stewart; and John Wnite, sen., by Copley.

The old family Bible of the Van Cortlandt's, printed at Amsterdam, A.D. 1 7 14, contains some curious memoranda of the Jay family. The first entry occurs, New York, den 19th Jan., 1723-4.

During the early period of the Revolutionary war, this house was garrisoned by a piquet guard of the Green Yagers, whose officers held their head-quarters here.

His Excellency, General Washington, and aids, dined in one of the apartments on' the memorable July of lySr, when the British piquets were driven wthin the lines upon New York Island. In another room, the unfortunate Captain Rowe expired in the arms of his bride-elect.

The first entry occurs, New York, den 19th Jan., 1723-4.

During the early period of the Revolutionary war, this house was garrisoned by a piquet guard of the Green Yagers, whose officers held their head-quarters here.

His Excellency, General Washington, and aids, dined in one of the apartments on' the memorable July of lySr, when the British piquets were driven wthin the lines upon New York Island. In another room, the unfortunate Captain Rowe expired in the arms of his bride-elect.

To the north of the mansion, is seen rising Vault Hill, so called from the family sepulchre, which is seated upon its summit. From this spo; hallowed by the remains of the illustrious dead, the view is exceedingly beautiful; Tippett's vale, the mill-pond, orchards, and neighboring hills. The vault itself is a small square edifice of stone, surmounted with a pointed roof, the whole enclosed by a solid stone wall. Within an adjoining vault, in the same yard, repose the remains of

CHARLOTTE AMELIA BAYLEY,'^

relic of Doctor Rich.vrd B.vyley,

who died the 1st day of Sept.,

1S05.

It was upon this hill that General Washington stationed his troops and lighted camp-fires for the purpose of deceiving the enemy, whilst he secretly withdrew to join La Fayette before Yorktown, in Virginia, A.D. 17S1.

a This UJy waa a sister-iri-Iaw of Au^itua Vau Cortljatlt, Sen.

THE TO\V'N OF YONKERS. 621

There are still the remains of a considerable fort on the north end of the ridge. During the Revolutionary struggle, the valley south from Vault Hill to Kings Bridge, appears to have been the constant scene of skirmishing between the two armies. ,

It was upon this hill that General Washington stationed his troops and lighted camp-fires for the purpose of deceiving the enemy, whilst he secretly withdrew to join La Fayette before Yorktown, in Virginia, A.D. 17S1.

a This UJy waa a sister-iri-Iaw of Au^itua Vau Cortljatlt, Sen.

THE TO\V'N OF YONKERS. 621

There are still the remains of a considerable fort on the north end of the ridge. During the Revolutionary struggle, the valley south from Vault Hill to Kings Bridge, appears to have been the constant scene of skirmishing between the two armies. ,

On the 3d of July, 1781, General Washington planned an expedition' to cut off Colonel James de Lancey, stationed in the vale, and Major I'ruschanck, another British officer occup>ing Cortlandt ridge, in command of tlie Yager horse.

It had been so arranged that the Duke of Lauzun should march to Williams' Bridge, and there make his rendezvous till daylight the following morning. General Lincoln was to be piloted down from Tappan and landed below Yonkers, while Washington himself should take post on Valentine's hill. Lauzun accordingly conducted his cavalry to William's Bridge, where he halted. In the mean time General Lincoln had been landed half a mile below the village, on the property now owned by Thomas W. Ludlow, Esq., then occupied by Isaac Post. After landing, Lincoln, guided by ]\Iajor LauTence, passed along shore south, missing Col. Emmerick with his corps marching north to Boar hill; then crossing over the hills east, Lincoln followed the course of Tippett's brook, for the purpose of avoiding, Pruschank's corps, stationed upon Cortlandt's ridge. Passing the Van Cortlandt residence, he kept close to the edge of Gun and Locust hills, and had arrived in the vicinity of General Montgomery's house, (then occupied by his widow,) unobser\-ed by the sentinels on the opposite side, when the enemj^s patrol fired.

Emmerick with his corps marching north to Boar hill; then crossing over the hills east, Lincoln followed the course of Tippett's brook, for the purpose of avoiding, Pruschank's corps, stationed upon Cortlandt's ridge. Passing the Van Cortlandt residence, he kept close to the edge of Gun and Locust hills, and had arrived in the vicinity of General Montgomery's house, (then occupied by his widow,) unobser\-ed by the sentinels on the opposite side, when the enemj^s patrol fired. De Lancey, instantly on the alert, commenced his retreat in face of General Lincoln's advancing columns. Totten, De Lancey's lieutentant, seemed determined to make a stand, but soon received positive orders from De Lancey to retire, which he did, just in time to avoid the surprisal.

Colonel Armand, the celebrated French cavalary officer made a daring and successful attempt to surprise a large piquet of Green Yagers, stationed at Warner's store, under the command of De Wurmb. For this purpose Armand left his quarters above the Croton and proceeded down the main i)ost road to the village of Yonkers ; after passing the village, and when in the neighborhood of the enemy's encampment, he started his whole corps on a full gallop. The Yagers had taken the precaution to post a sentinel at Hadle/s spring, but the poor fellow became so perfectly alarmed and powerless on seeing the furious onset of Armand's horse, that he could give no alarm, and was instantly dispatched. The consequence was, the whole corps were killed or made prisoners. Cononcl Armand then made goo.l his retreat, passing in front of the Van Cortlandt residence, and returning by way of Tippett's valley. In

The Yagers had taken the precaution to post a sentinel at Hadle/s spring, but the poor fellow became so perfectly alarmed and powerless on seeing the furious onset of Armand's horse, that he could give no alarm, and was instantly dispatched. The consequence was, the whole corps were killed or made prisoners. Cononcl Armand then made goo.l his retreat, passing in front of the Van Cortlandt residence, and returning by way of Tippett's valley. In

62 2 HISTORY OF THE COUNTY OF WESTCHESTER.

the mean time the British bugle sounded to horse, and his enemies \vctc in full pursuit. On arriving at the Van Cortlandt house a vigoro'js search was made for Armand, who was by this time far advanced on his retreat to the Croton. ^

On the Van Cortlandt estate is situated Indian bridge and field ; the the former crosses Tippet's brook, the latter forms a portion of the Cortlandt woods -- an extensive range of woodland to the north-east of the mansion. Both these places are memorable as the scene of a severe engagement between the British troops and Stockbridge Indians, on the 31st of August, 177S.

The action is thus related in Simcoe's Military Journal: --

"Lt. Col. Simcoe, returning from head quarters, the 20th of August, heard a firujg in front, and being informed that Lt. Col. Emmerick had patrolled, hv immediate!}' marched to bis assistance. He soon met liim retreating ; aad Lt. Col. Emuierick -being of opinion the rebels were in such force, that it would tn.- advisable to return, he did so. Lt. Col. Simcoe imderstood that Nimham, an Indian chief, and some of his tribe, were with the enemy ; and by his spies, who were excellent, he was informed that they v;ere highly elated at the retreat cf Emmerich's corps, and applied it to the whole of the light troops at Iliugsbridgc.

He soon met liim retreating ; aad Lt. Col. Emuierick -being of opinion the rebels were in such force, that it would tn.- advisable to return, he did so. Lt. Col. Simcoe imderstood that Nimham, an Indian chief, and some of his tribe, were with the enemy ; and by his spies, who were excellent, he was informed that they v;ere highly elated at the retreat cf Emmerich's corps, and applied it to the whole of the light troops at Iliugsbridgc. Lt. Col. Simcoe took measures to increase their belief; and, ordering a day's provision to be cooked, marched the next morning, the 31st of August, a small distance in front of the post, and determined to wait there the whole day, in hopos of betraying the enemy into an ambuscade ; the country was most favorable to it. His idea was. as the enemy moved upon the road which is delineated in the p.lan as intersecting the country, to advance from his flanks ; this movement would L-o perfectly concealed by the fall of the ground upon his right, and by the wotxls upon the left; and he meant to gain the heights in the rear of the enemy, attacking whomsoever should be within by his cavalry and such infantry as might Ik? necessary. In pursuance of these intentions, Lt. Col. Emmerick with liis corp-, was detached from the Queen's Hangers and Legion, as Lt. Col. Simcoe thought, fully instructed in the plan ; howe^\;r, he most unfortmiatelj' mistook the nean r house for one at a greater distance, the names being the same, and there he po.^ted himself -- and soon after sent from thence a patrol forward upon the road, before Lt. Col. Simcoe could have time to stop it. This patrol had no effect, not meeting with any enemy; had a single man of it deserted, or been taken, the wh'iio attempt had. probably, been abortive.

Simcoe thought, fully instructed in the plan ; howe^\;r, he most unfortmiatelj' mistook the nean r house for one at a greater distance, the names being the same, and there he po.^ted himself -- and soon after sent from thence a patrol forward upon the road, before Lt. Col. Simcoe could have time to stop it. This patrol had no effect, not meeting with any enemy; had a single man of it deserted, or been taken, the wh'iio attempt had. probably, been abortive. Lt. Col. Simcoe, who was half way up a tree, on the top of which was a drummer bo\', saw a flanking party of the eiieuiy approach. The troops had scarcely fallen into their rank.^, when a smart tiring was heard from the Indians, who had lined the fences of the road, and were exchanging shot with Lt. Col. Emmerick. whom they had discovered. Tin' Queen's Hangers moved rapidly to gain the heights, and Lieut. Col. Tarleliui inmicdiately advanced with the Hussars and the Legion cavalry ; not beingable to pass the fences in his front, he made a circuit to return further upon their ridit: which being n ported to Lieut. Col. Simcoe, he broke from the cohmui of t!,- Rangers, ■^ith the grenadier companj', and. directing Major lioss to coniluet !!;c

THE TO\YS OF YON'KERS. 625

corps to the heights, advanced to the road, and arrived, without being perceived, wiiliin ten yards of the ludians. They had been intent upon the attack of Eiuiuerick's corps and the Legion; they now gave a yell, and fired upon the ijrenadier conipanj', wuuuding four of them, and Lieut. Col. Simcoe. Thej'were driven from the fences; and Lieut. Col. Tarlcton, with the cavalry, got among them, and pursued them rapidly down Cortlandl's ridge. That active ofilcer had a narrow escape; in striking at one of the fugitives, he lost his balance and fell Irom his horse; luckily, the Indian had no bayonet, and his musket had been discharged.

They had been intent upon the attack of Eiuiuerick's corps and the Legion; they now gave a yell, and fired upon the ijrenadier conipanj', wuuuding four of them, and Lieut. Col. Simcoe. Thej'were driven from the fences; and Lieut. Col. Tarlcton, with the cavalry, got among them, and pursued them rapidly down Cortlandl's ridge. That active ofilcer had a narrow escape; in striking at one of the fugitives, he lost his balance and fell Irom his horse; luckily, the Indian had no bayonet, and his musket had been discharged. Lieut. Col. Simcoe joined the batallion and seized the heights. A captain of the rebel light infantry, and a few of his men were taken; but a body of them, under Major Stewart, who afterwards was distinguished at Stony Point, left the Indians and fled.

'•Though tills ambuscade, its greater part, failed, it was of consequence. Near forty of the Indians were killed, or desperately wounded ; among others, Nimhaia, a chieftain, who had been in England, and his son ; and it was reported to have stopped a larger number of them, who were excellent marksmen, from joining General Washington's army. The Indian Doctor was taken ; and he said that when Ximham saw the grenadiers close in his rear, he called out to his people to fly, 'that he himself was old, and would die there.' He wounded Lieut. Col. Simcoe, and was killed by "Wright, his orderly Hussar. The Indians fought most gallantly ; they pulled more than one of the cavalry from their horses. French, an active youth, bugle-horn to the Hussars, struck at an Indian, but mis.sed Ins blow, the man dragged him from his horse, and was searching for his knife to stab him, when, loosening French's hand, he luckily drew out a pocketpistol and shot the Indian through the head, in which situation he was foimd.

Simcoe, and was killed by "Wright, his orderly Hussar. The Indians fought most gallantly ; they pulled more than one of the cavalry from their horses. French, an active youth, bugle-horn to the Hussars, struck at an Indian, but mis.sed Ins blow, the man dragged him from his horse, and was searching for his knife to stab him, when, loosening French's hand, he luckily drew out a pocketpistol and shot the Indian through the head, in which situation he was foimd. One man of the Legion cavalry was killed, and one of them, and two of the Hussars, wounded. "«

The scene of this conflict lies on the land of the late Frederick Brown, now occupied. by his widow. The struggle commenced in tlie second field weit of Urown's house, and close by tlie present road leading to Devau.x's. The opening in the Cortlandt woods still goes by the name oi InJuzn Field. Here the dead were buried. The Indians, accordin'--- to the British account, led do\^Ti the ridge across the present aqueduct, to what is called Indian Bridge ; v,-hich then, as now, crossed Ti])pett's brook. On gaining the western bank, they secreted themselves amid the rocks and bushes ; here the cavalry pursued them ; but being unable to scale the rocks, called upon the fugitives to surrender; promising them as a condition for so doing, life and protection. Upon this, three vertured to throw themselves upon the mercy of the British soldier, and were immediately cbav.n out by the bridge and cut to pieces. Notwthstanding the strictest search that could be made for the remainder, four managed to escape to the American lines beyond the Croton. One of the survi-

On gaining the western bank, they secreted themselves amid the rocks and bushes ; here the cavalry pursued them ; but being unable to scale the rocks, called upon the fugitives to surrender; promising them as a condition for so doing, life and protection. Upon this, three vertured to throw themselves upon the mercy of the British soldier, and were immediately cbav.n out by the bridge and cut to pieces. Notwthstanding the strictest search that could be made for the remainder, four managed to escape to the American lines beyond the Croton. One of the survi-

<'. S ',-• siiiiro.-'s Militiry Journal, pnhlUhi-ii by r.arr'.ott A- Wvlfonl, X. Y., ty which work we I'-U-i- Mir rtMilLTs for an engravni pwii ui lUt- uIhjvc mci/.iouf'l acu jli.

C24 HISTORY OF THE COUNTY OF WESTCHESTER.

vers by the name of Job, lived to a good old age ; gaining his livelilux).! by fishing on the banks of the Hudson; but whenever he could be tempted to relate the horrors of that day, the big tears would start in his eyes and he would sob like a child. Nimham, the Indian chief, fell as related by the hand of Wright, Simcoe's orderly huzzar, in the swamp between Jesse Halstead's house and John and Frederick Devaux's, now the Mankin property. There he was left a prey to the dogs and crows, to be devoured at their leisure. All traces of the bones are now gone. Eighteen Indians were buried in one pit in an Indian field ; it is still a current tra- ■dition, that the old Sachem haunts the scene of conflict.

Nimham, the Indian chief, fell as related by the hand of Wright, Simcoe's orderly huzzar, in the swamp between Jesse Halstead's house and John and Frederick Devaux's, now the Mankin property. There he was left a prey to the dogs and crows, to be devoured at their leisure. All traces of the bones are now gone. Eighteen Indians were buried in one pit in an Indian field ; it is still a current tra- ■dition, that the old Sachem haunts the scene of conflict.

"Does fancy's mimic dread pnurtray Amid the boughs a spectre gray, Or is it, the boding vision seen Where murders bloody work has been ? " [ Yamoyden.

It is not a little singular, that a few months preceding this battle, the two British Generals Simcoe and Tarleton, had a narrow escape of their lives, from these very Indians. These officers it appears were making observations on the country, and patroling \vith a few huzzars. " The Stockbridge Indians, about sixty in number, excellent marksmen, had just joined General Washington's army. Lieut. Col. Simcoe was describing a private road to Lieut. Col. Tarleton; Wright, his orderly dragoon, alighted and took down a fence of Devaux's farm-yard for them to pass through ; around this farm the Indians were Ipng in ambuscade. Wright had scarce mounted his horse, when these officers -- for some trivial reason -- altered their intentions; and, spurring their horses, soon rode out of sight, and out of reach of the Indians.

In a few daj-s after, they had certain information of the ambuscade, which they so fortunately had escaped : in all probability they owed their lives to the Indians' expectation of surrounding and taking them prisoners "*

Tarleton; Wright, his orderly dragoon, alighted and took down a fence of Devaux's farm-yard for them to pass through ; around this farm the Indians were Ipng in ambuscade. Wright had scarce mounted his horse, when these officers -- for some trivial reason -- altered their intentions; and, spurring their horses, soon rode out of sight, and out of reach of the Indians.

In a few daj-s after, they had certain information of the ambuscade, which they so fortunately had escaped : in all probability they owed their lives to the Indians' expectation of surrounding and taking them prisoners "*

Bordering the road north-west of the Van Cortlandt's, is the old Hri'!- ley property, ov.-ncd by the late Major Joseph Delafield. The following account of the family, has kindly been furnished by a member of it: --

In 1S29 Major Delafield purchased a farm of 250 acres on the North River between Spuyten-Duyvcland the present village of Kiverdale, to Avhichhe gave the name of Fleldi^ton f rom a family scat in Great Britain. This name, until villages sprang up with local designations, -was generally used ; and -when, in 1S73, the locality separating from Yonkers souglit in town meeting its separate name, Fieldston fell short of being selected instead of Kings Bridge, but bj- a few votes.

Tlirou'-'h FIcld?ton eastcrlv from the river ran the southern boundary, in many

a SLnicoe's ilil. Jouvaal, p. SO.

THE TOWN OF YO-N'KERS. 635

ylnces Still standing, of the old Phillipse manor. Against its walls, near the river, ai)\v in a forest but said to have been cultivated lands a hundred years ago, reuiain the foundations of Nanny Piper's cottage, perhaps the widow of an old retiiucr or wood guard, by whose name a never dying spring, famous for the puritv of its waters, is still known.

Tlirou'-'h FIcld?ton eastcrlv from the river ran the southern boundary, in many

a SLnicoe's ilil. Jouvaal, p. SO.

THE TOWN OF YO-N'KERS. 635

ylnces Still standing, of the old Phillipse manor. Against its walls, near the river, ai)\v in a forest but said to have been cultivated lands a hundred years ago, reuiain the foundations of Nanny Piper's cottage, perhaps the widow of an old retiiucr or wood guard, by whose name a never dying spring, famous for the puritv of its waters, is still known. Other springs with which the wooded hills are wonderfully well supplied, yet point to old dwellings, especially one on the high ground above the Albany turnpike, near which are the foundations of a house, of which even Tradition can give no account ; and another, hid in the woods, is known as Cork Tom.

On the south of the farm, an upland pasture, until lately covered with ancient apple trees, too old in this generation to bear fruit, was twenty years ago kno^-n as Johnson's meadow. Here Johnson, a spy, was hung during the revolution- Until increasing population and Riverdale avenue opened the woods and let in the light, Johnson's ghost haunted the spot, to the terror of young and old among the farmers of the soil. His was the only undoubted ghost of antiquity, certified to by many eye witnesses that favored with his presence the rocky ridge from Spuyten-Duyvel to Yonkers. lu 1S30 there were many traces of the revolution remaining; an old chariot covered with gilt, taken fror.i some British officer, caltrops found on the broad river slope, thrown there to impede the charge of cavcl:y ; old English muslcets and a grind-stone, marked with the regal R, which, restored to a frame has until recently been in use.

His was the only undoubted ghost of antiquity, certified to by many eye witnesses that favored with his presence the rocky ridge from Spuyten-Duyvel to Yonkers. lu 1S30 there were many traces of the revolution remaining; an old chariot covered with gilt, taken fror.i some British officer, caltrops found on the broad river slope, thrown there to impede the charge of cavcl:y ; old English muslcets and a grind-stone, marked with the regal R, which, restored to a frame has until recently been in use.

On the turnpike stands the old stO"e farm house, then one of the best buildings in the neighborhood, occupied in turn l)y officers of either party and claimed to have more than once given shelter to Washington.

In 1830 Jlajor Dclafield built himself a bachelor establishment (destroyed by fire in 1833) directly over the river and near by a lime kiln, erected on a new plan as described in volumes imported by him for the purpose from France. This kiln, the first of its kind in America, became the model of all those subsequently built throughout the country. The enterprise proved very profitable, so long as the coal dealers of 2sew York gladly gave the coal dust in exchange for carting it away from their yards ; as lime kilns on the same plan increased and other uses were found for coal dust the profits diminished and the work was abandoned in 1S37.

In 1849 Major Dclafield built a residence in a beautiful position overlooking the river, which he occupied in summer until his death. It is now enlarged and occupied by his eldest son. His second son built at Fieldston in 1S70.

The enterprise proved very profitable, so long as the coal dealers of 2sew York gladly gave the coal dust in exchange for carting it away from their yards ; as lime kilns on the same plan increased and other uses were found for coal dust the profits diminished and the work was abandoned in 1S37.

In 1849 Major Dclafield built a residence in a beautiful position overlooking the river, which he occupied in summer until his death. It is now enlarged and occupied by his eldest son. His second son built at Fieldston in 1S70.

Major Joseph Delalield born 2-d. August 1T90, graduated from Yale college 1808, studied law wi;li Hon. J. Ogden Hoffman, aduiitted to practice 1811, appointed lieutenant 1810 and captain 1812 in Hawkins famous battery of artillen,-, and in the following yrar major of the 46th U. S. infantry. At the close of the war he resigned his commission in the army and wishing active service accepted the appointment first of acting and later as full agent for settling tlie northern boundary of the United States under the 6th and 7th articles of tl;c treaty of Ghent. Until 1828 his summers were occupied in command of the detachment on the boundar}', there he commenced the formation of his afterwards famous collection of minerals. The long co'd winters of the north preventing active operations he p-.i-^ied in New Y^irk, Tloston, riiilailclphia and WaslunLrtoi!. ;ihvay3 studious but not neglectful of the plea.-;urcs of societj-. He marrinl li2ih De-

626 HISTORY OF THE COUNTY OF A\T.STCH ESTER.

At the close of the war he resigned his commission in the army and wishing active service accepted the appointment first of acting and later as full agent for settling tlie northern boundary of the United States under the 6th and 7th articles of tl;c treaty of Ghent. Until 1828 his summers were occupied in command of the detachment on the boundar}', there he commenced the formation of his afterwards famous collection of minerals. The long co'd winters of the north preventing active operations he p-.i-^ied in New Y^irk, Tloston, riiilailclphia and WaslunLrtoi!. ;ihvay3 studious but not neglectful of the plea.-;urcs of societj-. He marrinl li2ih De-

626 HISTORY OF THE COUNTY OF A\T.STCH ESTER.

cember,lS33. Julia, eldest daughter of Maturin Livingston of Staatsburg. N. Y. and from henceforth devoted himself to his books and scientilic i)ursu'its. ' Fur forty years w>i3 President of the Society of Natural History; was a member of a great number of scientific societies in tliis country and throughout Europe, w^s trustee in many institutions, vestrymau in Trinity church, &c., &c. After a long and useful life he died 12 February 1S75, in hi's 83th year at the same tim^ with his brothers, Henry and Edward, all of whom were buried on the same di-- from Trinity church. The beautiful building could not contain one-fourth o'f tbose who assembled on the 16th of February to pav the last lionors to the brothers Delafield. Major Delafield had issue four chOdren, of whom two sons and one daughter survived him.

After a long and useful life he died 12 February 1S75, in hi's 83th year at the same tim^ with his brothers, Henry and Edward, all of whom were buried on the same di-- from Trinity church. The beautiful building could not contain one-fourth o'f tbose who assembled on the 16th of February to pav the last lionors to the brothers Delafield. Major Delafield had issue four chOdren, of whom two sons and one daughter survived him.

1. Lewis L., married Emily, daughter of Frederick Prime, of New Kochellc N. Y., and has issue. 2 Maturin L., married Mary Coleman, eldest dau-hier of Eugene A. Livingston of Dutchess County, N. Y., and has isssue. 3 Julia L 4 Joseph died in childhood. The father John Delafield, born IGth March 174S died 3 July 1824, was the head of the English family of that name. His descent may be found in Burke's Commoners, in his Dictionary of tlie Landed G^'ntry and under the head of foreign titles in the Peerage and also in the Germail Gothaischer genealogisches Tashenbuch der Grafiicen Hauser. John Delafield having expended mo^t of his fortune returned to America, landing in New York 6 April, 17S3. Settling in New York he entered into commerce^ meeting- with the greatest success. He married Ann, daughter and co-heiress of Joseph milett and had nine (9) sons and four daughters. Of the daughters but one mani..d ': Susan M., married to Henry Parish but had no issue. Two sous died younthe eldest son. 1 John, born 23 January I7S6, died 22 October 1853 banker- President Phenix Eank, President New York State Agricultural Society &c married twice, 1st in England to a cousin Mary, only child of John Roberts of Whitchurch., Burks and left issue. 2nd to Harriet ^Vadsworth, dau-hter of Col Benjamin Tallmadge of Litchfield, Conn., and left issue. 2d Joseph born -^3 August 1700, died 12 February, 1875, married Julia daughter of Matm-in Livingston of Staatsburgh and left issue as above. 3d and 4th Henry and William twins, ]>oru, 19 July 1792, merchants.

Two sous died younthe eldest son. 1 John, born 23 January I7S6, died 22 October 1853 banker- President Phenix Eank, President New York State Agricultural Society &c married twice, 1st in England to a cousin Mary, only child of John Roberts of Whitchurch., Burks and left issue. 2nd to Harriet ^Vadsworth, dau-hter of Col Benjamin Tallmadge of Litchfield, Conn., and left issue. 2d Joseph born -^3 August 1700, died 12 February, 1875, married Julia daughter of Matm-in Livingston of Staatsburgh and left issue as above. 3d and 4th Henry and William twins, ]>oru, 19 July 1792, merchants. William died unmarried, 20 November 18o3. Henry married ^fary daughter of Judge L. Monson of Delaware Co N T., and dying February l.jth 1875, left one daughter. 5 Edward, born 17 May 1794, died 13 February 1875, M.D., President of College of Pliysicians and Surgeons and President of Roosevelt Hospital, &c., married twice ; 1st to Elinor E Langdon, daughter of Thomas Elwyn, of Portsmouth, N. H., bv whom no i'^sue survived him; 2d to Julia, daughter of Hon. NicoU Flovd of Mastic Lon- Island, by whom he left issue. 6 Richard, born September, 1798. died 5 Novcmt bcr 1873, Brigadier General, Brevet Major General and Chief of En<riucer3 U. S. army ; married twice, 1st to Helen, daughter of Andrew Summersrof Phila. delphia, Penn., by whom he had no issue ; 2d to Harriet B., dau-hter of Gen. Elijah M. Covington, of Covington, Ky., by whom he left issue. 7 Rufus King, born IS November 1802, died 6 February 1874, merchant and President of the Delafield .t Bascher Cement Co., married Eliza, daughter of Wm. Bard, Of High Park, N. Y., and left issue.

S. army ; married twice, 1st to Helen, daughter of Andrew Summersrof Phila. delphia, Penn., by whom he had no issue ; 2d to Harriet B., dau-hter of Gen. Elijah M. Covington, of Covington, Ky., by whom he left issue. 7 Rufus King, born IS November 1802, died 6 February 1874, merchant and President of the Delafield .t Bascher Cement Co., married Eliza, daughter of Wm. Bard, Of High Park, N. Y., and left issue.

The shore of the Hudson in this region is studded mth beautiful v-iTIas,

THE TOWN OF YONKERS. 6^7

111 the immediate vicinity of the latter is situated Font Hill, the seat •of Mr. Edwin Forrest, now owned by the Sisters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul. They have erected a very large young ladies academy. The old edifice which is of stone, after the designs of IMr. Thos C. Smith, presents a fine specimen of the English castellated style. The building has six towers, affording extended views of the Hudson River ; the highest of these called the flag or stair tower, is seventy-one feet from the surface of the ground. ■

The gothic residence of the late Thomas W. Ludlow occupies a very pleasant spot on the bank of the river, a short distance south of the -village, on a plateau with hills to the east, and the river in front to the Tvest. From this place the noble Hudson appears in all its glory. The edifice is built of brick in the Eli/abethian style. The exterior presents quite the beau ideal of an old Enghsh country residence. A pretty lodge in the rural gothic order adorned the entrance of the grounds, but has given way to a progress of the age ; which by cutting streets through the old domain, long since separated the place into many streets.

From this place the noble Hudson appears in all its glory. The edifice is built of brick in the Eli/abethian style. The exterior presents quite the beau ideal of an old Enghsh country residence. A pretty lodge in the rural gothic order adorned the entrance of the grounds, but has given way to a progress of the age ; which by cutting streets through the old domain, long since separated the place into many streets. Mr. Thomas W. Ludlow is the youngest son of Thomas Ludlow, Esq., who was Marshal of the Court of Admiralty in lySo." The family of Ludlow derives its surname from the ancient town so denominated, in the county of Salop, England. They afterv/ards removed to High Deverell in Wihshire, about the middle of the 14th centur>-; at which time lived "William Ludlow, Esq., of High Deverell, from whom Uneally descended Sir Henry Ludlow, Knt. of Maiden Bradley, in the county of Wilts, IM. P. for that shire, father of Edmund Ludlow, the celebrated Republican General during the civil wars, who died in exile, at Vevay, in Switzerland, in 1693, where a monument is erected to his memory. The half brother of Sir Henry Ludlow, was Edmund Ludlow, Esq. ancestor of the American branch. Of this family, is Henry Ludlow, Usq.

Near the city of Yonkers, is situated the farm and residence of the late Elijah Rich. Directly opposite the house, a commanding eminence of rocks rises very abruptly. Up the side of this steep precipice, General Washington, pursued by the enemy's patrol, was compelled to fly to escape capture. From the high grounds in the rear, are fme views of the river. • Here, in 1777, a memorable engagement took place between the two British frigates, the Rose and the Phanix, which lay off at anchor, and the gun-boats of the patriots which sallied out of the harbor of Yonkers, having in tow a large tender filled with combustibles, intenda Ili.-i sriiiT of office h still preserv.-d at'Yoakers In the Kbiipe of a silver oar, Inscribed "Court o£ Vicu Adiuiralty, New York.."

From the high grounds in the rear, are fme views of the river. • Here, in 1777, a memorable engagement took place between the two British frigates, the Rose and the Phanix, which lay off at anchor, and the gun-boats of the patriots which sallied out of the harbor of Yonkers, having in tow a large tender filled with combustibles, intenda Ili.-i sriiiT of office h still preserv.-d at'Yoakers In the Kbiipe of a silver oar, Inscribed "Court o£ Vicu Adiuiralty, New York.."

628 HISTORY OF THE COUNTY OF WESTCHESTER.

ing to run it alongside of the frigates. The crews, however, kept it oft' by means oftpars; and a heavy fire of grape and cannister compelled the gun-boats and their brave crews to seek shelter in the mouth of the- Saw Mill river.

The year r)re\-ious, General Heath had been requested by the person in command of the fire ships, to be a spectator of the burning of these vessels.

On the i6th of August, 1776, General Heath, accompanied by General Clinton and several other officers, took a proper position on the banks of the Hudson.

" The night," says Heath, himself, " was pretty dark ; we soon found that the gallics and fire vessels were silently moving up with the tide. After some time, and almost immediately after the sentinels on board the British ships, had passed the word 'all is well,' two of the fire vessels flashed into a blaze; the one close to the side of the Phcenix, the other grappling one of the tenders. To appearance, the flames were against the side of the Phcenix, and there was much confusion on board. A number of cannon were discharged into the fire vessel, in order to sink her. A number of seamen ascended and got out on the yard-arm, supposed to clear away some grapplings.

After some time, and almost immediately after the sentinels on board the British ships, had passed the word 'all is well,' two of the fire vessels flashed into a blaze; the one close to the side of the Phcenix, the other grappling one of the tenders. To appearance, the flames were against the side of the Phcenix, and there was much confusion on board. A number of cannon were discharged into the fire vessel, in order to sink her. A number of seamen ascended and got out on the yard-arm, supposed to clear away some grapplings. The fire vessel was alongside, as was judged ten minutes -- when the Phcenix either cut or slipt her cable. let fall her fore-topsail, wore round and stood up the river, being immediately veiled from the spectators, by the darkness of the night. The Rose and the other two tenders remained at their moorings."'^

Cannon balls are sti4I dug out of the banks in great numbers.

A little south, upon the east shore, lies the Vischcr's rock,, or Fisher's Point The Groshon place was frequently visited during the war, by prowling bands of " Cow-boys;" who not only levied exactions of stock and money, but compelled its inmates to find other shelter out of doors, while they filled the rooms with straw and quartered themselves thereon for the night. A cow and horse belongmg to the family, were concealed for some time in one of the bed-rooms ; while the family silver was stowed away between the wainscoat.

A little south, upon the east shore, lies the Vischcr's rock,, or Fisher's Point The Groshon place was frequently visited during the war, by prowling bands of " Cow-boys;" who not only levied exactions of stock and money, but compelled its inmates to find other shelter out of doors, while they filled the rooms with straw and quartered themselves thereon for the night. A cow and horse belongmg to the family, were concealed for some time in one of the bed-rooms ; while the family silver was stowed away between the wainscoat.

Contiguous to the old village of Yonkers, and immediately south of it, is situated on a commanding eminence, the hotel of the late De Witt C. Kellinger, called the Mansion House. --

This place was called by its aboriginal possessors, N'appe-ckaviak, a name derived as before stated from its situation at the mouth of the Neperah ; or in other words, it was tlie Rapid water st'ttlemcntJ'

The Dutch aftenvards conferred upon it the name of the Little /on l:- ers Plantation. This word was sometimes pronounced Yonkers, which

a Hoarh'-i Mcui. .>t.

6 The word at th;-; date has become Nepperhan (lOiO).

THE TOWN or YONKERS. 629

m-es US the present name of the \'iHage. During the occupancy of the I'hill'ps's, it was called FhilUpsboroiigh, after tlie Manor.

The Dutch termed the Saw Mill, the Saeg kil (stream.) After the Patroon's settlement, it -was named in compliment to him, the Jonkers or Yonkers kill and Colendoncks kill. " Several fme creeks enter into the North river, says Van der Donck, such as the Colendonck's kill or Saw kill""

THE TOWN or YONKERS. 629

m-es US the present name of the \'iHage. During the occupancy of the I'hill'ps's, it was called FhilUpsboroiigh, after tlie Manor.

The Dutch termed the Saw Mill, the Saeg kil (stream.) After the Patroon's settlement, it -was named in compliment to him, the Jonkers or Yonkers kill and Colendoncks kill. " Several fme creeks enter into the North river, says Van der Donck, such as the Colendonck's kill or Saw kill""

Yonkers is now a large and flourishing city. On April 12th, 1855, i^ miles on the river front and \ a mile in width was incorporated, and this act was amended in '57, '60, '68 and '71. The officers consisted of a President, Wm. Radford ; Clerk, W. H. Post ; and si.x Trustees : Lemuel ■\V. Wells, Wm. C. Waring, Thos. A. Farrington, Reuben W. Van Pelt, Fulding S. Grant, Jacob Reed. By act of Legislature, June ist, 1S72 the Avhole township was erected into a city, by the name of the city of Yonkers and divided into four wards -- a Ivlayor, City Clerk, and one Legislative Board, consisting of eight Aldermen, and called the Common Council. The first officers were. Mayor, Jas. C. Courier ; clerk, Wm. H. Doty; President of Common Council, Ethan Flagg. For a time it was under the Metropolitan poHce ; but by an act of the Legislature, passed in 1S71, it was set off and formed a department of its own, consisting of four commissioners, appointed by the Mayor -- one each year for four years term ; one captain, two sergeants, two seniors, two roundsmen, and eighteen men. There are nine signal telegraph stations with head quarters, besides telephones. The first commissioners were Chas. R. Dusenberr)', R. W. Cobb, Joseph Reene, Dennis McGrath.

For a time it was under the Metropolitan poHce ; but by an act of the Legislature, passed in 1S71, it was set off and formed a department of its own, consisting of four commissioners, appointed by the Mayor -- one each year for four years term ; one captain, two sergeants, two seniors, two roundsmen, and eighteen men. There are nine signal telegraph stations with head quarters, besides telephones. The first commissioners were Chas. R. Dusenberr)', R. W. Cobb, Joseph Reene, Dennis McGrath.

An act to provide water for the city of Yonkers was passed Feb. 28th, 73, and amended in ' 74 by the Legislature, and for the building of a reservoir. The first commissioners were Dand Hawley, Peter P. Getty, R. Eickemeyer, P. White, and S Barker. Hawley and Barker resigned, and J. H. Knox and Chas. H. Hamilton were appointed to fill the vacancy. Wm. AV. Wilson was appointed engineer.

The fire department consists of a chief engineer, two assistants, 259 members, of Engine, Hose, and Hook and Ladder companies. There are three principal hotels -- the Getty House, Yonkers Plotel, and Peab^dy House.

The city is lighted by gas. There are several very large factories. It has some handsome buildings, and seventeen churches -- three Protestant Episcopal, three Presb>-terian, one Reformed, two Baptist, two Methodist, two Roman Catholic, one Unitarian, one German, one African,

a Vauder Doack's >'. N., N. Y. Hist. Soc. p. Ser. i. 142.

630 HISTORY OF THE COUNTY OF WESTCHESTER

Zion church, and one Messiah, Colored Baptist, and fivo Union Freeschools.

There are three principal hotels -- the Getty House, Yonkers Plotel, and Peab^dy House.

The city is lighted by gas. There are several very large factories. It has some handsome buildings, and seventeen churches -- three Protestant Episcopal, three Presb>-terian, one Reformed, two Baptist, two Methodist, two Roman Catholic, one Unitarian, one German, one African,

a Vauder Doack's >'. N., N. Y. Hist. Soc. p. Ser. i. 142.

630 HISTORY OF THE COUNTY OF WESTCHESTER

Zion church, and one Messiah, Colored Baptist, and fivo Union Freeschools.

On the organization of the city, a City Court was estalv islied ; jurisdiction limited to $1000. Appeals taken to County or Suoreme Court, according to amounts involved.

The old Philips Manor house was purchased by the city on the ist of May, 1 868, for public purposes. As few alterations were made in it as possible. It became necessary to remove the beams and garret floor of the north end of the building, in order to construct a Common Council chamber, which has been done with great skill and taste. On the first floor, which was the kitchen and drawing room, is now held the City Court. The principal chamber is used as the office of the Board of Water Commissioners. The large chamber, in the western end of the building, is used for the Engineers of the Water Department. The old parlor is now used as the Mayor's and Clerk's Office. The room used as a sitting room or drasving room on the first floor of the old house is used as an office for the City Treasurer, Receiver of Taxes, and Board of Assessors. Yonkers has two Savings Banks, two Banks of Dei)osits, and St. John's Riverside Hospital.

The large chamber, in the western end of the building, is used for the Engineers of the Water Department. The old parlor is now used as the Mayor's and Clerk's Office. The room used as a sitting room or drasving room on the first floor of the old house is used as an office for the City Treasurer, Receiver of Taxes, and Board of Assessors. Yonkers has two Savings Banks, two Banks of Dei)osits, and St. John's Riverside Hospital.

THE SETTING OFF OF KINGS BRIDGE.

On Sept. i6th 1872, the Board of Supervisors of Westchester County passed an act by which they set off and erected into a separate township, to be called Kings Bridge, about J of the territory situated south u{ the old Post farm, and a Hne extending easterly therefrom to the Bronx River. This act was confirmed by the Legislature, on Jan. ist 1S74. Soon after, the towns of Kings Bridge, West Farms, and Morrisannia were annexed to the city of New York. Formerly a beautiful road led to the landing, which was tastefully ornamented with the fme horse chestnut (iEsculus.) This avenue afforded a beautiful sight in the month of May, when those trees put forth their gay clusters of white flowers. In 1S79 but one of these trees remained of all that in old times lined the western side of the Post Road from its crossing of the Saw Mill to the roatl, to the old landing, and thence toward the landing itself. This survivor is now in the centre of Washington avenue, and is protected from injury by oaken strips and bands of iron. But the beauty of the roi/J> d' a-il is the scene from the landing. In front flows the Hudson, like a broad silver}- mirror; while opposite, tower in majesty the basaltic rocks of the " Palisad'js.

In 1S79 but one of these trees remained of all that in old times lined the western side of the Post Road from its crossing of the Saw Mill to the roatl, to the old landing, and thence toward the landing itself. This survivor is now in the centre of Washington avenue, and is protected from injury by oaken strips and bands of iron. But the beauty of the roi/J> d' a-il is the scene from the landing. In front flows the Hudson, like a broad silver}- mirror; while opposite, tower in majesty the basaltic rocks of the " Palisad'js. " Northward, the view is temiinated by the highlands of Tappa.in

o Thi! Iniii.in n.iiair for thi7 paUs.n.I :.s Ls suppo.sed to have ln>tu that of the present town of ■Weh-iNvkcu ; the term awk, to indicate a slructure of rocKs rcseiiibling trees.-- -bcAuu/crn./'f.

THE TOWN OF VON'KERS. ~ 63I

and the distant hills of Westchester, which bound the eastern shore of the Tai>paan Zee The prominent clift" at the south-west corner of Rockland Co., presents a noble object viewed from this spot. It boldly projects at the entrance of the Zee, and in a bright summer s day may be seen casting its shade upon the waters.'' A very deep interest attaches itself to this spot, when we recollect, that on the afternoon of the 13th Sep., 1609, Hendrick Hudson " taking advantage of a light wind and and flood tide, anchored the " Halve }vlaen "^ near where the village pier projects into the Hudson. The old Dutch Patroon of this town, Adriaen van der Donck, in his N. Neth. Vertoogh, (a rare old book printed just 41 years after the discovery of Hudson) tells us what our native tribes thought when they for the first time saw this wondrous \-essel."

It boldly projects at the entrance of the Zee, and in a bright summer s day may be seen casting its shade upon the waters.'' A very deep interest attaches itself to this spot, when we recollect, that on the afternoon of the 13th Sep., 1609, Hendrick Hudson " taking advantage of a light wind and and flood tide, anchored the " Halve }vlaen "^ near where the village pier projects into the Hudson. The old Dutch Patroon of this town, Adriaen van der Donck, in his N. Neth. Vertoogh, (a rare old book printed just 41 years after the discovery of Hudson) tells us what our native tribes thought when they for the first time saw this wondrous \-essel."

"Tlicy did not knowthere weie any more people in the world than of the same \rith themselves: nmch less, people who differ so widely from each ether as our luUion and theirs ; so tliat, when they fir,-t discovered our ship, they did not know what to make of it. They were in great fear, and knew not wh'jther it might not be aa apparition; but whether from Heaven or Hell, they could not divine. Others supposed it to be a great sea monster, and that those in it had more the appearance of devils than human beings ; at least a strange report circulated through the country, and caused a great consternation among them."c

What must have been the wonder then, of the Nap-pe-cka-mak settlement, when they beheld the apparition anchor off the mouth of the Saw mill -- especially when we conjure up old Master Hendrick Hudson standing upon the poop of his round built yacht, and Master Robert Juet and brother officers in their tall shovelled brim hats and doublets. This arrival must have created quite a talk among the Mohegan squaws of Nappeckamack.

Others supposed it to be a great sea monster, and that those in it had more the appearance of devils than human beings ; at least a strange report circulated through the country, and caused a great consternation among them."c

What must have been the wonder then, of the Nap-pe-cka-mak settlement, when they beheld the apparition anchor off the mouth of the Saw mill -- especially when we conjure up old Master Hendrick Hudson standing upon the poop of his round built yacht, and Master Robert Juet and brother officers in their tall shovelled brim hats and doublets. This arrival must have created quite a talk among the Mohegan squaws of Nappeckamack. In connection with the Palisades and the river, the romantic legend of the "storm ship" must not be forgotten. To the. great terror of the early colonists, she would appear gliding by the PaH- sades bearing her Dutch colors, the evening sun gilding her canvass as she came riding over the billows on her voyage down the river like Moore's spectre ship, bound to " Dead Man's Isle."

Occasionally, the old village and landing appear to have been enlivened by the march and embarkation of troops. The following extract occurs in the journal of Lewis Morris, Judge of the .admiralty: --

"June 4th, 1746, returned home, dined at Westchester, when the detachments from Queens county and ^\■estchester marched to Colonel

~a A[r. 11. Sohoolcnift susfrests, that Tlio term '^Tabanzee,'' which rapuus j" i^'-' •'^'/'J",1"'°; asti'jrt crouching person, luiiy ornrmally havu been ai)pli-a to this nobit- cliir. it li mj leti, Abuve the Itvei ot thj iliulson. Pioo.-ed. of >'. V. Hbt. Soc, lS-14.

The following extract occurs in the journal of Lewis Morris, Judge of the .admiralty: --

"June 4th, 1746, returned home, dined at Westchester, when the detachments from Queens county and ^\■estchester marched to Colonel

~a A[r. 11. Sohoolcnift susfrests, that Tlio term '^Tabanzee,'' which rapuus j" i^'-' •'^'/'J",1"'°; asti'jrt crouching person, luiiy ornrmally havu been ai)pli-a to this nobit- cliir. it li mj leti, Abuve the Itvei ot thj iliulson. Pioo.-ed. of >'. V. Hbt. Soc, lS-14.

b :\io!utoi:"s ITisr. of N. V-, p. '^^S.

c Mriiillou Hist,, p. i!5j.

632 ■ HISTORV OF THE COUXTY OF WF.STCHESTER.

Philipse's, in order to embark for Albany, on board of Captain Conra<!Ls Derrike's sloop, who lay there for that purpose."'*

This was on occasion of the war with France, when the Colony of New York was making formidable preparations for the reduction of Canada.

Directly opposite the dock on the Jersey shore, is situated Clostcr landing, from which a road gradually ascends to the summit of tlie Palisades--a height of 517 feet above the river. Here Lord Grey, after coming up the Hudson in barges, disembarked his troops for the purpose of catting off Baylor's light dragoons then stationed at Tappaan.''

During the winter of 17S0, the river was frozen so hard, that sleighs were driven from this place to the city on the ice. At a short distance above the landing, facing the post road, is the old Manor hall. The present front was erected cir. 1745 ; the rear, at a much earlier period -- which is reported to have been built soon after the Philipse family purchased here, A. D. 16S2 -- although the favorite residence, at first, appears to have been Castle Philipse, in Sleepy Hollow.

During the winter of 17S0, the river was frozen so hard, that sleighs were driven from this place to the city on the ice. At a short distance above the landing, facing the post road, is the old Manor hall. The present front was erected cir. 1745 ; the rear, at a much earlier period -- which is reported to have been built soon after the Philipse family purchased here, A. D. 16S2 -- although the favorite residence, at first, appears to have been Castle Philipse, in Sleepy Hollow.

The front of the Manor hall presented quite a handsome elevation for a country residence of the olden time.

It is built in the Dutch style, so fashionable at that period ; its roof is surmounted by a heavy line of balustrade forming a terrace, that commands extensive \new3 of the river.

The principal entrance is through the eastern porch, ornamented wi*,h light columns and corresponding pilasters. There are likewise two porches on the eastern front, looking upon the lawn. The interior is fitted up with wainscoted walls, ceilings highly ornamented in arabesque work, and carved marble mantels. The view from the south, cominanvls the old stone mill, village spires, and the wooded banks of Philip's point. On the west, beautiful prospects of the dock and river ; on the east, a verdant lawn skirted by garden terraces, horse-chestnuts and the main road, above which rises Locust hill.

The hall is capacious, and its ^\•ide staircase ysnth. antique balustrades and banister, has a fine effect. The bedrooms are large panelled

The interior is fitted up with wainscoted walls, ceilings highly ornamented in arabesque work, and carved marble mantels. The view from the south, cominanvls the old stone mill, village spires, and the wooded banks of Philip's point. On the west, beautiful prospects of the dock and river ; on the east, a verdant lawn skirted by garden terraces, horse-chestnuts and the main road, above which rises Locust hill.

The hall is capacious, and its ^\•ide staircase ysnth. antique balustrades and banister, has a fine effect. The bedrooms are large panelled

a Journal of Lo'tris Morris.

b October, ITTS, (say,-; Ttuctier) the resriment of cavalry commandetl hy Col r.ajlnr Iv-ms postt:il on our lines luar Tajipau. thuir situarion was htiti'iiyoii by some turies, .ami a I'arfy "f the eaerny surprised ttiem whil^^ in a barn, in ttie uiirdt, aiul massacred a part of them u!;J<t circuiu.'tances of savau'e onifUy. Th'- coiumanUer of the partv who ili'^Kiacfd thfiii-'Ivi-M by this foul deti'd. was the Kuv'li^h Gori'jrul (.irt-y. Col. I'/aylor'i iktactimi.iit coi;si.-!ti.-d of <•;;<; bnudvfd and fiuir hori'-m-ii. The attack was so siiildfii, that thfv were entirely iicfiM!Cs';'""s and the e:i<my iinniediatcly oininioiniod the h rrid worhof slanUhter; thitr rntroafi'-i «!»*! cries f'lr itifrcy were iur.iiiy disr- ^'.irdnd by their savau'e fi,(s. Jt lia-i b.eii wdl jihi-.tim;;--'' that the Briti>h snuiiors were ordm-d by t'leir iriliuiuaii I'liie^Ti to bayoutt every iuju thcjT could liad, and give no iiuartor.-- iV.(!.;/it:('j il'.iitaiy Jvunuu, UT.

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THE TOWN OF YQNKERS. 633

apartments, v\-ith old fashioned fire-places faced in Ehitch tile, representini^ thereon, Scripture stories vrith appropriate references.

The walks around are laid out in the shape of noble terraces, some' of which lead between tall avenues of box. The garden is extensive, and enriched by valuable fruit trees and shrubs. The splendid orange and mjTtle trees that once adorned the green house, were formerly in the possession of Mrs. Macomb of Kings Bridge. The green sward, sloping gradually to the Hudson, is here and there dotted with fine ■specimens of ornamental trees ; this, during the occupancy of the Philipse's, was emparked and stocked with deer. Among other exotics (which seem to thrive here,) we noticed on the edge of the river the EngUshyew; judging from its appearance and the exposed situation ■which it occupies, we should say it was quite hardy enough to endure our coldest winters. We should be glad to see this beautiful tree, whose dark verdure never fails, naturalized in the gardens of Westchester.<»

The green sward, sloping gradually to the Hudson, is here and there dotted with fine ■specimens of ornamental trees ; this, during the occupancy of the Philipse's, was emparked and stocked with deer. Among other exotics (which seem to thrive here,) we noticed on the edge of the river the EngUshyew; judging from its appearance and the exposed situation ■which it occupies, we should say it was quite hardy enough to endure our coldest winters. We should be glad to see this beautiful tree, whose dark verdure never fails, naturalized in the gardens of Westchester.<»

In this mansion the lords of the manor, on the great rent days, feasted their tenantr}'. Some idea may be formed of this establishment which maintained thirty white and twenty colored servants. There appears to liave been two rent days yearly for the manor of Phillipsborough. One in January, held at Yonkers, for the convenience of the lower tenantry; another a few days subsequent, at Sleepy Hollow, for the upper.

In lieu of rent, was frequently received a couple of fat hens, a day's work, or a trifling sum amounting to three or four pounds. The farmers bordering the river ha\-ing greater privileges, paid higher rents. The Courts Leet and Baron were held yearly at the house of John Cockles, the site of the present Nap-pec-ka mak tavern. This court took cog- ■nizance of all criminal matters, and sometimes inflicted punishments that were even capital. In the administration of justice the baronial lord presided, either in his own jierson or that cf his steward.

In lieu of rent, was frequently received a couple of fat hens, a day's work, or a trifling sum amounting to three or four pounds. The farmers bordering the river ha\-ing greater privileges, paid higher rents. The Courts Leet and Baron were held yearly at the house of John Cockles, the site of the present Nap-pec-ka mak tavern. This court took cog- ■nizance of all criminal matters, and sometimes inflicted punishments that were even capital. In the administration of justice the baronial lord presided, either in his own jierson or that cf his steward.

In the Manor Hall, July 3d, 1730, was born ^Nlary Philipse, daughter of the Hon. Frederick Philipse, speaker of the House of Assembly and lord of the manor of Philipsborough. From this lady's character Penimore Cooper formed the heroine of the Spy, under the name of "France." It was in the. drawing rooni of this old hall, the ceiling of ■which is highly ornamented with arabesque work, that the charming Mary Philpse was married to Colonel Roger Morris on Sunday afternoon of January 15th. 1758.

That wedding, we are assured, was a pleasant romance of the Hudson. Tlie leading families of the jtrovince, and U^ie Britisii forces

a Tlii.i Is tli'j Jesc;i;itiua of lUo >[anor honsu in ISiS.

634 HISTORY OF THE CuJNTY OF WESTCHESTER.

in America, had representatives there. The sleighing was good and the weather was tnild, and early as two o'clock in the afternoon the guests • began to arrive. The Rev. Henry Barclay, rector of Trinity church in New York, with his assistant, Mr. Auctmuty, was there at three o'clock. Half an hour later the marriage was solemnized under a crimson canopv, emblazoned with the golden crest of the family (a crowned demi-lion, rampant, rising from a coronet) in the presence of a brilliant assembh,-.

The sleighing was good and the weather was tnild, and early as two o'clock in the afternoon the guests • began to arrive. The Rev. Henry Barclay, rector of Trinity church in New York, with his assistant, Mr. Auctmuty, was there at three o'clock. Half an hour later the marriage was solemnized under a crimson canopv, emblazoned with the golden crest of the family (a crowned demi-lion, rampant, rising from a coronet) in the presence of a brilliant assembh,-. The bridemaids were Miss Barclay, Miss Van Cortlandt, and Misi DeLancey. The groomsmen were Mr. Heathcote, Captain Kennedy, and Mr. Watts, acting Governor DeLancey (son-in law to Colonel Heathcote, lord of the manor of Scarsdale) assisted at the ceremony. The brother of the bride, the last lord of the manor -- decorated with the gold chain and jeweled badge of office of his family as keeper of the deer forests of Bohemia -- gave away the bride, for her father had been dead seven years. Her do^\Ty in her own right was a large domain, plate, jewelry and money.

A grand feast followed the nuptial ceremony, and late on that brilliant moon-lit night most of the guests departed. While they were feasting, a tall Indian, closely v.Tapped in a scarlet blanket, appeared at the door of the banquet hall, and with measured words said, " your possessions shall pass from you when the eagle shall despoil the lion of his mane." He as suddenly disappeared. This message was as mysterious as the writing on the wall at Belshazzar's feast. The bride pondered the ominous words for years; and when, because they were royalists in action, the magnificent domain of the Phihpses was confiscated by the Americans at the close of the Revolution, the significance of tlie prophecy and its fulfillment were manifested.

While they were feasting, a tall Indian, closely v.Tapped in a scarlet blanket, appeared at the door of the banquet hall, and with measured words said, " your possessions shall pass from you when the eagle shall despoil the lion of his mane." He as suddenly disappeared. This message was as mysterious as the writing on the wall at Belshazzar's feast. The bride pondered the ominous words for years; and when, because they were royalists in action, the magnificent domain of the Phihpses was confiscated by the Americans at the close of the Revolution, the significance of tlie prophecy and its fulfillment were manifested. Such is the story of the wedding as told by Ange\ine (son of the favorite colored valet of Philipse), who was sexton of St. John's church at Yonkers for forty-five years.""

Captain, afterwards Colonel, Roger Morris greatly distinguished himself during the first American war, and was wounded in the battle of Monongahela river; on which occasion General Braddock'was killed •with most of his officers. In that engagement George Washington, Robert Orme, and Roger ]Morris, Esqrs., were aids to Braddock.^' At the commencement of the Revolution he was a member of the Council of the Colony, and continued in office until the peace, although the Whigs organized a government as early as 1777, under a written and well framed constitution. Col. Roger Morris died in England in i794»

n riarper'a .Viie-J/ont/i'y itan. '•Ko'-uaiK'':" of tho II;iil.~on," No. cccxi, April, ISTC, voL lUl. p. 6U.

b BurkCs lUst. of tHe Landed Goniry of Engliiud, vol. Iv. 400.

In that engagement George Washington, Robert Orme, and Roger ]Morris, Esqrs., were aids to Braddock.^' At the commencement of the Revolution he was a member of the Council of the Colony, and continued in office until the peace, although the Whigs organized a government as early as 1777, under a written and well framed constitution. Col. Roger Morris died in England in i794»

n riarper'a .Viie-J/ont/i'y itan. '•Ko'-uaiK'':" of tho II;iil.~on," No. cccxi, April, ISTC, voL lUl. p. 6U.

b BurkCs lUst. of tHe Landed Goniry of Engliiud, vol. Iv. 400.

THE rows OF YONKERS. 635

aged sixty-seven; and Mary his widow died in 1S25, at the age of ninetysix. Their remains were deposited near Sanour-gate church, at York, Their son was Captain Henry Gage Morris, R. N.

Their children were as follows : Henry Gage, above mentioned, a captain in the royal navy; Amherst, who was named for his god-father Lord Arnherst, who was also a captain in tPie royal navy and who died unmarried in 1S02; Johanna, who married Captain Thomas Co^\•per Hincks of the British dragoons, and who died in 1S19; and another daughter, whose name and fate have not been ascertained.

To the memor)- of Captain Arnherst ]Morris there is a monument at Baildon, England. Of Captain Henry Gage Morris, honorable mention is made in the British Naval Historj'. Of Mrs. Morris' early life there is a most interesting incident. That Washington had some desire to become her suitor, is a fact which rests on the highest authority.

Their children were as follows : Henry Gage, above mentioned, a captain in the royal navy; Amherst, who was named for his god-father Lord Arnherst, who was also a captain in tPie royal navy and who died unmarried in 1S02; Johanna, who married Captain Thomas Co^\•per Hincks of the British dragoons, and who died in 1S19; and another daughter, whose name and fate have not been ascertained.

To the memor)- of Captain Arnherst ]Morris there is a monument at Baildon, England. Of Captain Henry Gage Morris, honorable mention is made in the British Naval Historj'. Of Mrs. Morris' early life there is a most interesting incident. That Washington had some desire to become her suitor, is a fact which rests on the highest authority.

In Mr. Sparks' life of the illustrious commander-in-chief, there is the following passage : --

"\\1iile in New York in 1756, Washington was lodged and kindlj^ entertained at the house of Mr. Beverley Robinson, between vvhom and himself an intimacy of friendship subsisted, which indeed continued ■without change, till severed by their opposite fortunes twenty years afterwards in the Revolution. It happened that Miss Mary PhiHps, a sister of Mrs. Robinson, and a young lady of rare accomplishments, was an inmate in the family. The charms of this lady made a deep impression upon the heart of the Virginia Colonel. He v.ent to Boston, returned,. and was again welcomed to the hospitality of Mr. Robinson. He lingered there till duty called him av\ay; but he was careful to entrust his secret to a confidential friend, whose letters kept him informed of every important event. In a few months intelligence came that a rival was in the field; and that the consequences could not be answered for, if he dela}'ed to renew his visits to New York.

He v.ent to Boston, returned,. and was again welcomed to the hospitality of Mr. Robinson. He lingered there till duty called him av\ay; but he was careful to entrust his secret to a confidential friend, whose letters kept him informed of every important event. In a few months intelligence came that a rival was in the field; and that the consequences could not be answered for, if he dela}'ed to renew his visits to New York. Whether time, the bustle of the camp, or the scenes of war had moderated his admiration, or whether he despaired of success, is not known. He never saw that lady again till she was married to that same rival. Captain Morris, his former associate in arms, and one of Braddock's aids-de-camp.

'•In an English work, shown to me by Mrs. Morris' relatives in New Brunswick, it is stated that she refused Washington. But this is very doubtful ; and the passage just cited, which is founded upon Washington's papers, seems to utterly disprove the assertion. Imagination dwells upon the outlawry of a lady whose beauty and virtues won the admiration of the great Whig Chief. Humanit;,' is shocked that a wom.an was attainted of treason, for no crime but that of clinging to the fortunes of her husband whom she had vowed on the altar of religion never to desert.""

a "Til" .\ni.Tie:»n I.ovalists,"' by T.nrenzo .'J.iblne. Sfi> al.so Ilisrorical view- of \ho. crimraia- Plon f r inuuiry i:!:.j ttiu Uisaes auil cliim.s of tlie .Vniencaa LovaUscs, liv John EarUk-y W ilmot, iisq., LouUon, 1515,

Imagination dwells upon the outlawry of a lady whose beauty and virtues won the admiration of the great Whig Chief. Humanit;,' is shocked that a wom.an was attainted of treason, for no crime but that of clinging to the fortunes of her husband whom she had vowed on the altar of religion never to desert.""

a "Til" .\ni.Tie:»n I.ovalists,"' by T.nrenzo .'J.iblne. Sfi> al.so Ilisrorical view- of \ho. crimraia- Plon f r inuuiry i:!:.j ttiu Uisaes auil cliim.s of tlie .Vniencaa LovaUscs, liv John EarUk-y W ilmot, iisq., LouUon, 1515,

■636 HISTORY OF THE COUNTS' OF ^%T.STCHESTER.

" A part of the Phillips estate, (observes Mr. Sabine,) was in pos.scssion of Colonel Morris in right of his wife, and was confiscatcti ; a;-..i that the whole interest should pass under the act, Mrs. Morris was included in the attainder. It is believed that this lady, her sisters, Mn^ Robinson, and Mrs. Inglis, were the only females who were attainted u{ treason during the struggle. But it appeared in due time, that the confiscation act did not affect the rights of Mrs. Morris's children. Ti.e fee simple of the estate was valued by the British government at ^£20,- 000; and by the rules of determining the worth of life interests, the life interest of Col. iVlorris and his wife were fixed at ^12,605, ^'-''^ which sum they received a certificate of compensation.

"In 1787, the Attorney General of England examined the case, and gave the opinion, that the reversionary interest (or property of the children at the decease of the parents,) was not included in their attainder, and was recoverable under the principles of law and of right. In the year 1809, their son, Captain Henrj' Gage Morris of the royal navy, in behalf of himself and his two sisters, accordingly sold this reversionary interest to John Jacob Astor, Esquire, of New York, for the sum of ^20,000 sterling.

"In 1787, the Attorney General of England examined the case, and gave the opinion, that the reversionary interest (or property of the children at the decease of the parents,) was not included in their attainder, and was recoverable under the principles of law and of right. In the year 1809, their son, Captain Henrj' Gage Morris of the royal navy, in behalf of himself and his two sisters, accordingly sold this reversionary interest to John Jacob Astor, Esquire, of New York, for the sum of ^20,000 sterling. In 1828 Mr. Astor made a compromise with the State of New York, by which he received for the rights thus purchased by him (with or without associates.) the large amount of five hundred thousand dollars. The terms of tiie arrangement required, that within ■a. specified time he should execute a deed of conveyance in fee simple, with a warrantee against the claims of the Morrises -- husband and wife _ -- their heirs, and all persons claiming under them ; and that he should also obtain the judgment of the Supreme Court of the United States affirming the validity and perfectibility of his title. These conditions ■were complied with, and the respectable body of farmers who held the confiscated lands under titles derived from the sales of the commissioners of forfeitures, were thus quieted in their possessions. It is understood that the British government made them a second compensation for their losses, and that the whole sum received was ^17,000 sterling.

There is a beautiful portrait of Mar}' Philipse still preserved at Philipstown in the Highlands, which represents the youthful heroine in ail her native loveliness. It is in the possession of her namesake and grand niece, Mary Philipse, widow of the late Samuel Gouverneur, Esq. In Rivington's Royal Gazette of May 18, 1773, occurs the following notice of the commencement at King's College, (now Columbia College) New York.

It is understood that the British government made them a second compensation for their losses, and that the whole sum received was ^17,000 sterling.

There is a beautiful portrait of Mar}' Philipse still preserved at Philipstown in the Highlands, which represents the youthful heroine in ail her native loveliness. It is in the possession of her namesake and grand niece, Mary Philipse, widow of the late Samuel Gouverneur, Esq. In Rivington's Royal Gazette of May 18, 1773, occurs the following notice of the commencement at King's College, (now Columbia College) New York.

" Tuesday being the day appointed for the annual commencement c{ the graduates of King's College in this city, a very numerous and splcn-

THE TOWN OF YONKERS. 637

»l:d audience assembled at Trinity claurch. After prayers and a Latin i;<t.'c!i b)- the President, an elegant salutatory oration was delivered with '"'rcat propriety of pronunciation and gracefulness of action by Mr. Fredc:;ck Pb.ilipse. The audience was then entertained with a discourse on jhc happiness of connubial life, by Mr. Ueverly Robinson, whose just observations on the subject did him much honor. Degrees were after this, roiiferred on the following gentlemen : Beverly Robinson, Frederick I'hilipse, Nathaniel Philipse, B. A. Philip Pell, and the Rev. Harry Munro, M. A."

Ui>on the arrival of the British forces in New York, Colonel Frederick was arrested on some suspicions in the J^Ianor Hall, at Yonkers, and removed to Flartford, Connecticut, by the American anthorities. On thisoccasion, his faithful colored valet, George Angevine, attended hinx until his return to Philipsborough, which took place shortly afterwards. Here Colonel Philipse was residing when the battle of White Plains was fought.

A. Philip Pell, and the Rev. Harry Munro, M. A."

Ui>on the arrival of the British forces in New York, Colonel Frederick was arrested on some suspicions in the J^Ianor Hall, at Yonkers, and removed to Flartford, Connecticut, by the American anthorities. On thisoccasion, his faithful colored valet, George Angevine, attended hinx until his return to Philipsborough, which took place shortly afterwards. Here Colonel Philipse was residing when the battle of White Plains was fought.

After the departure of the family from Yonkers, in 1777, John Williams, steward of the manor, took charge of the property till the confiscation, A. D. 1779. As before mentioned, at the close of the war, the whole manor became forfeited.

Februar)' i, 17S1, the following individuals were appointed Commissioners for the southern district of New York: Stephen Ward, Mr. Lawrence and Isaac Stoutenbergh. September 1785, those gentlemen conveyed the homestead and mills situated in Yonkers, amounting to 320 acres, to Cornelius P. Lowe ; bounded west by Hudson river, on the north by R. Johnson, &c., &:c. May 12, 1786, CorneHus P. Lowe convened part to William Constable. April 29, 1796, Wm. Constable and wife sold to Jacob Stout. April i, 1803, Jacob Stout conveyed it to Joseph Howland. It was finally bought under a decree of Chancery by Lemuel Wells, Esq., at whose death in 1S42, the Mansion House with 300 acres, passed to his heirs at law, he d}nng intestate. The present proprietor of the I^Lanor House is his nephew, Lemuel W. Wells, Esq. The "Wells family are originally from Cambridgeshire, England, and descend from Richard Wells, who held the manor of Wells at a very early period. In the possession of the present Lemuel W. "Wells, Esq, is a coat of arms beautifully embroidered in silk needlework. These arms were granted to the Cambridge Wells's, A.

It was finally bought under a decree of Chancery by Lemuel Wells, Esq., at whose death in 1S42, the Mansion House with 300 acres, passed to his heirs at law, he d}nng intestate. The present proprietor of the I^Lanor House is his nephew, Lemuel W. Wells, Esq. The "Wells family are originally from Cambridgeshire, England, and descend from Richard Wells, who held the manor of Wells at a very early period. In the possession of the present Lemuel W. "Wells, Esq, is a coat of arms beautifully embroidered in silk needlework. These arms were granted to the Cambridge Wells's, A. D. 1614." The present family are more immediately descended from Samuel Wells, of Wethersheld, Conn., who removed A. D. 1639, with his three sons -- John, Thomas and Samuel -- to Milford, Conn.^ This family gave a Govenior to that State,

a Borry'.-i Euoyclopedla of .\nns. b TrumhiiU's t'oim., luo

6$B HISTORY OF THE COUNTY OF WESTCHESTER.

The last lord of the manor, Colonel Frederick Philipse, returned to Chester, England, where he died, A. D. 1785, after a short illness, and has a monument erected there to his memory. His faithful colored valet, Ange\ane, who had accompanied his master in all his changes of fortune, survived him but one year. They are both interred in the same church yard.

Charley Philips, son of Angevine, still lives on the banks of the Hudson, and was -- under a succession of dynasties -- 45 years sexton of Sl John's church, Yonkers.

There is still living in this village and near the landing, Capt. Joel Cook, a hero of 1776, who belonged to Colonel Meigs' regiment." The day Andre was captured. Gen. Washington ordered the brigade then stationed at Peekskill to march to West Point.

They are both interred in the same church yard.

Charley Philips, son of Angevine, still lives on the banks of the Hudson, and was -- under a succession of dynasties -- 45 years sexton of Sl John's church, Yonkers.

There is still living in this village and near the landing, Capt. Joel Cook, a hero of 1776, who belonged to Colonel Meigs' regiment." The day Andre was captured. Gen. Washington ordered the brigade then stationed at Peekskill to march to West Point.

This gentleman during the war escorted 1500 men from Teller's Point to the neighborhood of Kings Bridge.

In compliment to the services of the old veteran, the citizens of Yonkers presented him ivith a gold medal bearing the following inscription : --

PrescDted to

CAPT. JOEL COOK,

by the citizens of Yonkers,

in honor of his patriotic services in defence of

LIB EKTT,

July 4th, 1S45,

at the battles of

Lexington, Danbury, White Plains, Trenton and Stony Point,

Springfield and Tippacanoe.

The inhabitants of this town appear to have taken an active part during the struggle for Independence.

On the nth April, 1775, Colonel Frederick Philipse appeared at the head of a large body of his tenantry, when the deputies from the several towns of Westchester met at Wliite Plains, for the purpose of electing delegates to represent this colony in the general Congress to be held in Philadelphia.''

At a meeting of the Committee for this County held at "White Plains, on Thursday and Friday, the 17th and i8th days of August, inst., the committee divided the County into districts or beats, agreeable to tiie directions of the Provincial Congress, for forming militia and minute companies.

On the nth April, 1775, Colonel Frederick Philipse appeared at the head of a large body of his tenantry, when the deputies from the several towns of Westchester met at Wliite Plains, for the purpose of electing delegates to represent this colony in the general Congress to be held in Philadelphia.''

At a meeting of the Committee for this County held at "White Plains, on Thursday and Friday, the 17th and i8th days of August, inst., the committee divided the County into districts or beats, agreeable to tiie directions of the Provincial Congress, for forming militia and minute companies.

Yonkers formed one of the districts of the southern battalion. The

a TI1I3 n-a-l i^;s. b See page 350.

THE TO^VN OF YONKERS.

officers chosen were John Cock, Captain; William Betts, first lieutenant; Joiin Warntr, second lieutenant; and Jacob Post, ensign. °

The following petition from the inhabitants of Lower Yonkers, occurs

in 1775:--

Loicer Tonlccrs, Sept. 15, 1775.

To the Hon. the Provincial Congress for the Province of New York, convened in their recess, to the lion. Conimittee of safety. The humble petition of the inhabitants of the precincts of Lower Yonkers, in the county of Westchester, humbly showeth, that your Hon. Ilouse had made a resolve, and published the fame, recommending to the inhabitarts of every town, manor, precinct and district within the province aforesaid, to meet, nominate and appoint a captain and other officers, to form themselves as companies of militia; and, whereas the inhabitants of this precinct did meet agreeable to your said resolve, on the 24th Aiy of Au^uust last, under the inspection of the committee of that district, and by a very great majority, as by the list will appear, did nominate and appoint Mr. John Cock of the said precinct, for his known skill and ability in military discipline, and for o'iicr good causes, captain of tlie company for the district aforesaid ; and, whereas, we are informed that a complaint hath been made to the committee by a fev,- of the inhabitants against the said Mr John Cock, out of spite and rualice, and as we conceive what has been alleged against him was before signing the association, we are well assured that since his signing the association, no person can accuse him of breaking the same by any ways or means whatsoever i therefore, we the petitioners and subscribers, do humbly beg the indulgence of this Hon.

John Cock of the said precinct, for his known skill and ability in military discipline, and for o'iicr good causes, captain of tlie company for the district aforesaid ; and, whereas, we are informed that a complaint hath been made to the committee by a fev,- of the inhabitants against the said Mr John Cock, out of spite and rualice, and as we conceive what has been alleged against him was before signing the association, we are well assured that since his signing the association, no person can accuse him of breaking the same by any ways or means whatsoever i therefore, we the petitioners and subscribers, do humbly beg the indulgence of this Hon. House to grant Mr. John Cock the commission of captain for the company aforesaid ; as we are convinced he was chosen agreeable to your said resolve, and your petitioners as in duty bound shall ever pray.

Anthony Archer,

Basil

Thos. Oakley, Jonathan Fowler, Abraham Hick, Matthias Archer, Ezekiel Brown, Araham Astor, Robert Farrington, John Odell, Abraham Odell, Abraham Post, Dennis Post, William Post, Robert Brown, Daniel Dean, Stephen B;u;tiue, Henry Isorris, John Gresinall,

John Devoe, Jacob Post, Israel Post, Lewis Post, John Warner, Elnathan Taylor, Jacob Taylor, James Crawford, Elnathan Taylor, David Oakley, jr., Joseph Oakley, jr., George Crawford, Sloses Oakle}', Francis Smith, Jordan 2^ orris, Frederick Yermilyea, John Cartright, Edward Cartright, Henry Taylor, Fred. Brown.

Charles Tyler, Martin Post, James Munro, Anthony Allaire, Edward Ryer, Benj. Farrington, Will. Rose. Henry Presher, Thomas Farrington, Isaac Post, James Rich, Gilbert Brown, Thomas Tippet, Samuel Lawrence, Thomas Merrit, Sanuicl Williams, Israel Underliill, Henry Brown, Benjamin Archer,

John Devoe, Jacob Post, Israel Post, Lewis Post, John Warner, Elnathan Taylor, Jacob Taylor, James Crawford, Elnathan Taylor, David Oakley, jr., Joseph Oakley, jr., George Crawford, Sloses Oakle}', Francis Smith, Jordan 2^ orris, Frederick Yermilyea, John Cartright, Edward Cartright, Henry Taylor, Fred. Brown.

Charles Tyler, Martin Post, James Munro, Anthony Allaire, Edward Ryer, Benj. Farrington, Will. Rose. Henry Presher, Thomas Farrington, Isaac Post, James Rich, Gilbert Brown, Thomas Tippet, Samuel Lawrence, Thomas Merrit, Sanuicl Williams, Israel Underliill, Henry Brown, Benjamin Archer,

a Americau Arctnves, p. 691.

640 HISTORY OF THE COUNTY OF WESTCHESTER.

The commanding eminence rising above the village directly east of the Philipse Mansion, is called Locust Hill. Here the American anriv were encamped during a part of the war, while the enemy lay in the lower grounds.

October 1 2th, 1776, the American army marched from Kings Bridge, along the heights above Yonkers towards Dobb's Ferry.

St. John's church, Yonkers, together with its gothic parsonage, stands pleasandy situated on the south bank of the Saw mill. This church is one of the handsomest in the county, having been recently repaired and

■.^:

Su Johu's Rectory.

beautified at a hea\7- cost. It owes its early foundation to the Philipses. who, as lords of the ^Nlanor at that time enjoyed the advowson or riglit of patrona;je to all and evt;ry church erected therein. Its fust founder and patror^ was the Hon. Frederick Philipse, for some years speaker 01 the house of the Assembly in the province of New York, 1 721-8.

This church is one of the handsomest in the county, having been recently repaired and

■.^:

Su Johu's Rectory.

beautified at a hea\7- cost. It owes its early foundation to the Philipses. who, as lords of the ^Nlanor at that time enjoyed the advowson or riglit of patrona;je to all and evt;ry church erected therein. Its fust founder and patror^ was the Hon. Frederick Philipse, for some years speaker 01 the house of the Assembly in the province of New York, 1 721-8.

There is every reason to believe that this distinguished individual took some stej)s towards the erection of the churcli previous to his death, which happened in 1751 : (he died of consumption at the age of 53.) In his vvill, which is dated tlie 6th of June, 01 die same year, he directs,

"That out of the rents that were, or should thereafter be due liim, from the manor of Phillipsborouc^h. the sum oi ^400 be bv his executrix laid out in erectini/ a bLiil.linu^ or finishnitr a church (jf En'j:land as

THE TOWN OF VOXKERS. 64I

by law established, on the farm near and to the northv\-ard of the house then in the tenure of WilHam Jones, sen., unless he should build the said church in his lifetime; and he devised all the said farm with all the buildings thereon, unto all his cliildren, and their heirs, in trust, for the use of such ministers of the Church of England as by law estabhshed, as should be from time to time admitted or instituted in the said church; and so for ever to remain for a glebe to the said church."'*

by law established, on the farm near and to the northv\-ard of the house then in the tenure of WilHam Jones, sen., unless he should build the said church in his lifetime; and he devised all the said farm with all the buildings thereon, unto all his cliildren, and their heirs, in trust, for the use of such ministers of the Church of England as by law estabhshed, as should be from time to time admitted or instituted in the said church; and so for ever to remain for a glebe to the said church."'*

That the building was commenced in 1752, there is no doubt; for •among the -family papers, occurs an account of the expenses on the church at Philipsborough to the estate of Frederick Phillipse, debtor, commencing Nov. 1752, closing December, 1753; whole amount, ^623 6s. ()d. This sum shows that his executrix had exceeded the original bequest in the will, £2 2t,. The curious reader vs'ill not be displeased with one or two more of these accounts, showing the expenses attendant oa building a church at that early period: --

BENJAMIN' FOWLEB'S ACCOUNT IN FTILL FOK YE CITTROH.

May 11th, 1753, dito 6i days works at geting timber for the dors and the winder frams for the church, at 5 shillings per day, - - - - - £1 13 6.

September the '30th, in working and going to ask tlic peple to come to work at the churcli, 8 days, &c., &o. -----...

John Underhill's receipt for supplying the workmen at the church with beef, commencing Aug. 31st.

BENJAMIN' FOWLEB'S ACCOUNT IN FTILL FOK YE CITTROH.

May 11th, 1753, dito 6i days works at geting timber for the dors and the winder frams for the church, at 5 shillings per day, - - - - - £1 13 6.

September the '30th, in working and going to ask tlic peple to come to work at the churcli, 8 days, &c., &o. -----...

John Underhill's receipt for supplying the workmen at the church with beef, commencing Aug. 31st.

Madame Philipse, dito, C9 pound of beef, at 2.<i3<f per

pound, £15 10 3.

Ileceived of Bevef.lt Robinson, the above amount in full,

JOHN UXDERIIILL.

Nothing rem.-' ins of the original structure, except the walls and tower, the roof and wood-work having been destroyed by an accidental fire, May, 1791. When the niins of the church came to be examined after this melancholy accident, the skeleton of a full sized man was discovered behind the remains of the pulpit. In 1792, it was again repaired; and on the 2ist of August of that year, consecrated to the service of Almighty God, under the name and title of St. John's church, Phillipsborough, by the Right Rev. Samuel Provoost. first Bishop of the State of New York. The edifice consisted of a square tower surmounted with a wooden cupola and spire, body and vestry-room in the rear.

The principal entrance Avas by a circular-headed door on the south

a Su' TOgJLte'.s i.iUce, N. T, >\0. xvUi. S.

HISTORY OF THE COUNTY OF WESTCHESTER.

In 1792, it was again repaired; and on the 2ist of August of that year, consecrated to the service of Almighty God, under the name and title of St. John's church, Phillipsborough, by the Right Rev. Samuel Provoost. first Bishop of the State of New York. The edifice consisted of a square tower surmounted with a wooden cupola and spire, body and vestry-room in the rear.

The principal entrance Avas by a circular-headed door on the south

a Su' TOgJLte'.s i.iUce, N. T, >\0. xvUi. S.

HISTORY OF THE COUNTY OF WESTCHESTER.

side. There were two monumental tablets in the churcli; the first placed against the south wall, is inscribed :

To perpetuate the memory of the

REV. ELIAS COOPEK,

27 years Kector of this Church who departed this life, January 16, 1816,

aged 58 years and 11 days.

He laboured industriously to promote the

happiness of mankind

by advancing the influence of the Christian religion.

Pious without superstition, and zealous

without bigotry;

n

St. John's Ctiurcli, Yonkers, ia 1752.

a friend to the poor and an ornament to the Church, exemplary in the discharge of every relation

and professional duty,

respected and honored through life by those

who knew his virtues,

and in his death universally lamented.

This humble monument (not of his praise)

is erected l)y his faithful flock,

who knew him, loved him, au^ lament their loss,

and are desirous of recording in

this inscription,

iheir esteem, alYcclion and regret.

THE T0\\Or OF YOXKERS. 643

Tiic second, on the chancel wall, is erected

a friend to the poor and an ornament to the Church, exemplary in the discharge of every relation

and professional duty,

respected and honored through life by those

who knew his virtues,

and in his death universally lamented.

This humble monument (not of his praise)

is erected l)y his faithful flock,

who knew him, loved him, au^ lament their loss,

and are desirous of recording in

this inscription,

iheir esteem, alYcclion and regret.

THE T0\\Or OF YOXKERS. 643

Tiic second, on the chancel wall, is erected

TO TUB MEMORY OF TilK

REV. ALEX.\2\DER H. CROSBY, A.M.,

10 years Rector of this Church, who died at the Island of St. Croix,

January 4, 1S39, aged 35 years. In the General Theological Seminary,

the piet}', virtues and talents, were nurtured, which fitted him for the

CIIKISTIAN MINISTKY,

sincerity of character, kindness of heart,

and purity of life, united with steady zeal,

current principles, patient labor and true

devotedness to God, edified the Cliurch,

won for him the hearts of his flock, and were honored by his Divine master,

with abundant fruits.

In all things he was an example and a

pattern for the people to follow ; and with

this testimony he has entered into his rest.

A BELOVED BKOTUER,

and faithful minister in the Lord.

The flock

for whose sakes he gladly spent himself,

have erected this tablet to attest their sense

of his excellence,

and their grief for his loss.

The bell'^ was presented to the church by the late Joseph Howland, Esq., and contains the following inscription:

In all things he was an example and a

pattern for the people to follow ; and with

this testimony he has entered into his rest.

A BELOVED BKOTUER,

and faithful minister in the Lord.

The flock

for whose sakes he gladly spent himself,

have erected this tablet to attest their sense

of his excellence,

and their grief for his loss.

The bell'^ was presented to the church by the late Joseph Howland, Esq., and contains the following inscription:

"B. HA2sKS, Maxsfield, Conn., 181S."

It is much to be regretted, that the old communion service of tliis church was carried off during the war of the Revolution, for safe keeping, to the city of New York. Some years after the close of the war, tlie altar cloth was discovered in an old dusty box, where it had lain tlirough the whole period of the Revolution: this is now in use at St. John's chapel, Tuckahoe. The silver now used at the administration of the holy sacrament, consists of one large silver flagon, two silver chalices, a

a BeViR were iistxl i)> the duciont Romans to signify the time of battuug, aud naturuUy ai>. plied by the early Clinstiaus to denote thu hours of devotion.

644 HISTORY OF THE COUNTY OF \VESTCHF,STER.

silver bason or font ; the latter presented by a member of the Van Cortlandt family ; and a silver plate bearing the follo-vving inscription :

"Presented

To the Episcopal Church

Of the town of Yonkers,

1795.'"

During the troubles of the Revolution, an American soldier, killed in this neighborhood, is known to have been interred beneath the floor of this church, but there is no tradition of the cause of so unusual a place of sepulture being chosen.

silver bason or font ; the latter presented by a member of the Van Cortlandt family ; and a silver plate bearing the follo-vving inscription :

"Presented

To the Episcopal Church

Of the town of Yonkers,

1795.'"

During the troubles of the Revolution, an American soldier, killed in this neighborhood, is known to have been interred beneath the floor of this church, but there is no tradition of the cause of so unusual a place of sepulture being chosen.

*' Here the warrior rests in peace, And holy church his tomb doth grace."

The chuTch-yard has been long since abandoned on account of its rocky situation. The one now used is located on the old parsonage property, and formed once a portion of the glebe. It is beautifully situated on a rising knoll in the valley of the Saw Mill. The first interment on record occurs 1783, Richard Archer Among other memorials in this yard are those of

LEMUEL WELLS, ESQ,, MISS SUSANNAH HOTVLAND, born in the city of Hartford, born in Boston, 1753,

Mar. Eliza H. died in Greeuburgh, 1S23,

died Feb. 11, 1S42, aged T3 years.

aged 82.

The first mention of the parish of Yonkers occurs in an act passed during the f.rst session of the third Assembly, 5th of King WiUiam and Queen Mar>', September, 1693, entitled an act for settling a ministry and raising a maintenance for them in the city of New York, counties of Richmond, Westchester and Queens ; " \\'herein it was enacted by General Assembly, and by the authority of the same, that in each county there shall be called and inducted two clergymen for the county •of Westchester -- one to have the cure of Westchester, Eastchester, Yonkers and the manor of Pelham ; the other to have the cure of Rye, Mamaroneck and Bedford ; and allowed ^100 each, to each, ^50 to be paid in countrj' produce.

The first mention of the parish of Yonkers occurs in an act passed during the f.rst session of the third Assembly, 5th of King WiUiam and Queen Mar>', September, 1693, entitled an act for settling a ministry and raising a maintenance for them in the city of New York, counties of Richmond, Westchester and Queens ; " \\'herein it was enacted by General Assembly, and by the authority of the same, that in each county there shall be called and inducted two clergymen for the county •of Westchester -- one to have the cure of Westchester, Eastchester, Yonkers and the manor of Pelham ; the other to have the cure of Rye, Mamaroneck and Bedford ; and allowed ^100 each, to each, ^50 to be paid in countrj' produce. In raising the respective maintenances for the ministers, the respective justices of every city and county aforesaitl, or any two of them arc required to issue out warrants to the constables to summon the freeholders of every city, town and precinct, for the-

THE TOWN OF YON'KERS. 645

choosing two vestrymen and two wardens.'' Confirmed the nth of May, 1697. This act was further explained 3rd Queen Anne."^

A. D. 169S, Lord Cornbury, Governor of the Province, issued an order to the magistrates of the several towns in Westchester County to build churches; by virtue of this, several towns were enabled to build public houses for the worship of Almighty God. St. Peter's church, Westchester, was thus built and became the parish church inclusive of the precincts of Eastchester, Manor of Pelham and Yonkcrs.

choosing two vestrymen and two wardens.'' Confirmed the nth of May, 1697. This act was further explained 3rd Queen Anne."^

A. D. 169S, Lord Cornbury, Governor of the Province, issued an order to the magistrates of the several towns in Westchester County to build churches; by virtue of this, several towns were enabled to build public houses for the worship of Almighty God. St. Peter's church, Westchester, was thus built and became the parish church inclusive of the precincts of Eastchester, Manor of Pelham and Yonkcrs.

The quota contributed by the precinct of Yonkers towards the support of the Rector and poor of the parish in 1702, was £"].(>, in 1709,

The first vestrjTnan elected by the freeholders of this precinct was Mr. John Archer ; seven years later Jolm Archer and Noah Barton, were vestrymen.

A. D. 1702, King William III. by Royal Charter, incorporated the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel in Foreign Parts. The principal object of this society was to send clergymen to the colonies; " and the society to earnestly request and beseech all persons concerned that they recommend no man out of favor or affection or any other worldly consideration ; but with a sincere regard to the honor of Almighty God and our blessed Saviour, as they tender the interest of the Christian rehgion and the good of men's souls."*^

The first Rector of the parish of Westchester and precinct of Yonkers was the Rev. John Bartow, who received his license from the Bishop of London in 1702. The same year upon his arrival here, he was inducted by the commission of his Excellency Governor Cornbury.

The principal object of this society was to send clergymen to the colonies; " and the society to earnestly request and beseech all persons concerned that they recommend no man out of favor or affection or any other worldly consideration ; but with a sincere regard to the honor of Almighty God and our blessed Saviour, as they tender the interest of the Christian rehgion and the good of men's souls."*^

The first Rector of the parish of Westchester and precinct of Yonkers was the Rev. John Bartow, who received his license from the Bishop of London in 1702. The same year upon his arrival here, he was inducted by the commission of his Excellency Governor Cornbury.

In 1703 Rev. John Bartow commenced his services within this precinct. September 5, 1708. he A^-rites to the society that he occasionally preached at Yonkers, where the population was then 250 souls. "^

In 1 7 13, the Propagation Society founded a charity school for the education of children in this town. The same year ^5 per annum is granted to a schoolmaster at Yonkers, where there is a large congregation of Dutch and English, for instructing the younger sort of both nations in the catechism and liturgy, provided he can produce a certificate of his teaching thirty children. In that summer A. D. 17 19, Mr. Jones was allowed fifty shillings for teaching children to read at Mile Square.

a Acta of Asjsembly passed in the province of N. T. from 1C91 to 1725, p. 23.

The same year ^5 per annum is granted to a schoolmaster at Yonkers, where there is a large congregation of Dutch and English, for instructing the younger sort of both nations in the catechism and liturgy, provided he can produce a certificate of his teaching thirty children. In that summer A. D. 17 19, Mr. Jones was allowed fifty shillings for teaching children to read at Mile Square.

a Acta of Asjsembly passed in the province of N. T. from 1C91 to 1725, p. 23.

6 Ibta.

c From a collectioa of pajicrs printcj hy onler of the Society, 9.

d FrniM til.; WL->ik;Ui-ster liecovils we t.ik j tlte fiMlortinir txtrjct, "John Archer, constable of ti'.e Vor.kiTS aD;iear'^. with a r.c';i|>' from Mr. Hartow, iioanii^rUate ye '21 May, 1714-15 5iuC8 tlie year 17l(J, as Uie miiu.--ier's rate ^Mthltio collectiou alluweil, Ac.

646 HISTORY OF THE COUNTY OF WESTCHESTER.

In 1 761, the Rev. ^Ir. Milner, Rector of the parish, informs the Propagation Society, that one of the edifices he preaches in at Yonkers was a new one, raised by the generosity of Colonel Frederick Phil ipse of Philipsborough, who has given to its service a fine farm as a glebe, consisting of two hundred acres, upon which he purposes to build a good house for a minister. In 1764 the society report that they have received a letter from Colonel Frederick Philipse of Philipsborough within the Province of New York, dated October 23, 1764, representing: --

" That at the expense of himself and family there is now erected on the Manor of Philipsborough a handsome stone church completely finished, and ever}'thing necessary for the decent performance of disine service prepared; that about three quarters of a mile from the church he has laid out and appropriated two hundred and fifty acres of excellent arable and wood land for a glebe for the minister for ever, and that he fully intends as soon as they are happy to have a worthy clergyman of the Church of England settled among them, to build him a genteel and handsome house upon said glebe, the materials for which are now pro\'iding, and which will cost at least ^400.

" That at the expense of himself and family there is now erected on the Manor of Philipsborough a handsome stone church completely finished, and ever}'thing necessary for the decent performance of disine service prepared; that about three quarters of a mile from the church he has laid out and appropriated two hundred and fifty acres of excellent arable and wood land for a glebe for the minister for ever, and that he fully intends as soon as they are happy to have a worthy clergyman of the Church of England settled among them, to build him a genteel and handsome house upon said glebe, the materials for which are now pro\'iding, and which will cost at least ^400. He therefore earnestly requests the society to send them a missionary, that he and his tenants, nearly one hundred and fifty famihes, may be no longer destitute of the worship of the Church of England."

The board taking this letter into consideration appointed the Rev. Harr)' Munro,^ a gentleman recommended to them by all the clergy of

a Vol. L 315.

New Jersey and the Rev. Messrs. Charlton and Auchmuty at Perth Amboy, September 20th, 1764, and by other verj' ample testimonials, 10 be the societ/s missioaary at Philipsborough, \nth a salary of ^^30 per annum.

June 8th, 1765, Mr. Munro himself, TOtes, "that on his arrival at his mission, he found everything promising and agreeable, a neat church (always kept in good repair by Col. Frederick Philipse and family) and a decent congregation, materials already for a parsonage, the glebe well fenced, plenty of wood, and a sufficient quantity of arable land."

Charlton and Auchmuty at Perth Amboy, September 20th, 1764, and by other verj' ample testimonials, 10 be the societ/s missioaary at Philipsborough, \nth a salary of ^^30 per annum.

June 8th, 1765, Mr. Munro himself, TOtes, "that on his arrival at his mission, he found everything promising and agreeable, a neat church (always kept in good repair by Col. Frederick Philipse and family) and a decent congregation, materials already for a parsonage, the glebe well fenced, plenty of wood, and a sufficient quantity of arable land."

In 1 77 1, the Rev. Luke Babcock was recommended by the clergy of New York, " being lately ordained by the bishop of London, as a proper person for a missionar>^ And Colonel Philipse having requested that the mission of Philipsborough formerly filled by the Rev. Harry Munro, should be renewed; and the Colonel having made a proper provision for the maintenance of a minister, with the assistance of the society, they have accordingly appointed the Rev. Luke Babcock to the mission "vvith a salar/ of ^30."

The youngest son of Doctor Joshua Babcock, of Westerly Narragan-

THE TO\VN OF YOXKERS. 647

SL'tt (observes Mr. Updike) was Rev. Luke Babcock, " an Episcopal clergj-- nian at Philips's Manor, on the Hudson, wliere he died, leaving a wife and several children." Hawkins, in his Historical Notices of the Missions of the Church of England, says : " Another victim of ill treatment already mentioned, was the Rev. Luke Babcock, missionar}' at Philipsborough. He was seized by the insurgents, his papers were examined, and because he answered affirmatively to the question, 'Whether he considered himself bound by his oath of allegiance to the king,' he was deemed an enemy to the liberties of America, and ordered to be kept in custody."'* After four month's confinement his health gave way and he was then dismissed with a written order to remove within the lines of the king's army. '• He got home," (says Mr.

He was seized by the insurgents, his papers were examined, and because he answered affirmatively to the question, 'Whether he considered himself bound by his oath of allegiance to the king,' he was deemed an enemy to the liberties of America, and ordered to be kept in custody."'* After four month's confinement his health gave way and he was then dismissed with a written order to remove within the lines of the king's army. '• He got home," (says Mr. Seabury,) " with difficulty, in a raging fever and delirious, and there died, extremely regretted."* Indeed, I know not a more excellent man ; and I fear his loss, especially in that mission, will scarcely be made up.*'

His wife was Grace Isaacs, a cousin of Judge Isaacs of New Plaven. His children were Cortlandt, Frederick, the father of Mrs. "W. L. Monis, of Wave Hill, Yonkers, and Henrietta, who married a Mr. Richard Saltonstal of New York.

This parish suffered greatly during the war of the Revolution. The church was used at intervals by both armies as an hospital ; and its pulpit was occupied by ministers of different denominations, who made some strong efforts to retain possession.

At the close of the war, May ist, the State of New York passed an act vesting the church with two acres of land, and the glebe, in the corporation of the Episcopal church, Yonkers.

This was confirmed by another act of the Legislature, passed April 3, 1792, wherein it is specified: "That all the estate, right, title, interest, claim and demand of the people of the State of New York, in and to the said church, and two acres of land, and in and to the said parsonage or glebe, shall be, and hereby are granted to, and vested in the corporation of the Episcopal church in the town of Yonkers, in the County of Westchester and State of New York, and their successors forever, for the use of the said corporation."

This was confirmed by another act of the Legislature, passed April 3, 1792, wherein it is specified: "That all the estate, right, title, interest, claim and demand of the people of the State of New York, in and to the said church, and two acres of land, and in and to the said parsonage or glebe, shall be, and hereby are granted to, and vested in the corporation of the Episcopal church in the town of Yonkers, in the County of Westchester and State of New York, and their successors forever, for the use of the said corporation."

This church had been prev^iously incorporated under the act of 17 84. Sept. 15, 1787, Augustus van Cortlandt and John Warner, trustees.

In accordance \vith the act passed for the relief of the Episcopal church, passed ^L'lrch 17, 1795, it was again incorporated, Sept. 7, 1795.

a He was seized aiiil carried off a prisoner to Hartford, Conn. Here he was detained in CQstody, from UctciKT, ITTO, to Tebruary of ITTT.-- /•;■./. 'ur. b His romaiu.i were licpusiti.-'l m tin' f;im!!y vault of the Vaa Cortlaadt's.-- iTiii'for. c Updikcs Uiit. of th" NarruKuusctt church. :;10.

648 HISTORY OF THE COUNTY OF WESTCHESTER.

Augustus van Cortlandt and William Constable, wardens; John Warner, Thomas Valentine, Isaac Vermilyea, Frederick Underhill, Shadrach Taylor, Isaac Lawrence, Stephen Oakley and Jacob Post, vestr)'men. In the first Convention of the Protestant Episcopal church in the diocese of New York, held in the city of New York, June 22d, 17S5, this church docs not appear to have been represented.

Here he was detained in CQstody, from UctciKT, ITTO, to Tebruary of ITTT.-- /•;■./. 'ur. b His romaiu.i were licpusiti.-'l m tin' f;im!!y vault of the Vaa Cortlaadt's.-- iTiii'for. c Updikcs Uiit. of th" NarruKuusctt church. :;10.

648 HISTORY OF THE COUNTY OF WESTCHESTER.

Augustus van Cortlandt and William Constable, wardens; John Warner, Thomas Valentine, Isaac Vermilyea, Frederick Underhill, Shadrach Taylor, Isaac Lawrence, Stephen Oakley and Jacob Post, vestr)'men. In the first Convention of the Protestant Episcopal church in the diocese of New York, held in the city of New York, June 22d, 17S5, this church docs not appear to have been represented.

To the Convention of 1787, she sent her first delegates, Augustus van Cortlandt and Israel Hone>-%vell, Esqrs.

The principal benefactors to this parish, have been, the Hon. Frederick Philipse, Mark Noble, Esq., Augustus van Cortlandt, Esq.,« and the wardens and vestry of Trinity Church, New York.'^

In 1845, owing to the large increase of famiUes within this parish, and the uumerous calls made upon its officiating clergy, it was deemed advisable, after mature deliberation, to erect a patronage within the village of Yonkers. For this purpose, an order v/as obtained the same year from the Court of Chancery, to dispose of the old parsonage and glebe. These were finally sold for $6,500. With part of these funds, the present Rectory was built, the corporation reserving to themselves the burjing ground in the Saw Mill Valley.

A part of Philipse's point in the rear of the present rectory, appears to have been used as a grave-yard for strangers.

In 1845, owing to the large increase of famiUes within this parish, and the uumerous calls made upon its officiating clergy, it was deemed advisable, after mature deliberation, to erect a patronage within the village of Yonkers. For this purpose, an order v/as obtained the same year from the Court of Chancery, to dispose of the old parsonage and glebe. These were finally sold for $6,500. With part of these funds, the present Rectory was built, the corporation reserving to themselves the burjing ground in the Saw Mill Valley.

A part of Philipse's point in the rear of the present rectory, appears to have been used as a grave-yard for strangers.

The following table extracted from the reports of the venerable Propagation Society and the church records, deduces the catalogue of incumbents to the present time : --

LIST

OF MIN'ISTEKS AND RECTOIJS.

Instimied or called.

»

iDCunibents.

Vacated by.

■ Sept.

20, 1764,

Rev.

Haket Munko, A.m. Clericus,

Per resig.

1770,

Rev.

LcKE Babcock, Clericus,

" death.

1777,

Rev.

Geoege Patton', Clericus,

" resig.

1780.

Rev.

A.N"t)!>Ew Fowi.EE, Prcsb.

Sept.

10, ITbS,

Rev.

Elias Cooper, Presb.

" death.

Mar.

14, 1S16,

Rev.

William Powell, Presb.

" resig.

Mar.

20, 1820,

Rev.

John Geigg, Presb.

« u

Oct.

17, 1823,

Rev.

Joiix West, Presb.

<1 ><

Dec.

lo, 1S28.

Rev.

Alex. H. Crosby, A. M. Prcsb.

" death.

May

4, 1889,

Rev.

Smith Py.ne, A. M. Prcsb.

" resig.

Mar.

20, 1841,

Rev.

Henkt L. Stoei;,s, Presb.

" death.

1852,

1780.

Rev.

A.N"t)!>Ew Fowi.EE, Prcsb.

Sept.

10, ITbS,

Rev.

Elias Cooper, Presb.

" death.

Mar.

14, 1S16,

Rev.

William Powell, Presb.

" resig.

Mar.

20, 1820,

Rev.

John Geigg, Presb.

« u

Oct.

17, 1823,

Rev.

Joiix West, Presb.

<1 ><

Dec.

lo, 1S28.

Rev.

Alex. H. Crosby, A. M. Prcsb.

" death.

May

4, 1889,

Rev.

Smith Py.ne, A. M. Prcsb.

" resig.

Mar.

20, 1841,

Rev.

Henkt L. Stoei;,s, Presb.

" death.

1852,

Rev.

Abraham Beach Carter,

" resig.

a This indivt'lual, by his will dated Dec. £0. 1323 tjequeatbPd "tlie snm of $500 to ttie Eector. warden-, ai.d vestry of St. .John"s church, at Yonkers, being the Prote.sant Ei)iscopal cnurcn of that town, to be put and kept oat at interest by them, nnon ffoi>d real secuntv within the Cuuuty of Wtriclie^rer." 1 1 o - ..

6 In 1^--, Trinity Cli';:i;h oimrribineJ 5 for a parsonage at Yonkers. to which wa«

added m IS , the sum of i .

THE TOWN OF YOXKERS. 649

1869, Rev. Thomas A. Jaggaij, D.D., now Bishop, " "

Nov. 1570, Rev. Wilma.m S. Langfokd, " "

Dec, 1875, Rev. A. B. Atkins, D. D., " "

Oct., 1879, Rev. Ja:mes Houghtox, Present incumbent.

There is also a Reformed Dutch Church standing directly south of St. John's, situated upon rising ground. This church was erected on a portion of the estate of the late Lemuel Wells, Esq., which was given by his heirs in 1844. The building is a neat edifice of brick. The interior arrangements, and fittings up, are peculiarly appropriate, being neat and simple. A chaste pulpit and communion table, occupy the west end, while a gallery extends across the eastern.

There is also a Reformed Dutch Church standing directly south of St. John's, situated upon rising ground. This church was erected on a portion of the estate of the late Lemuel Wells, Esq., which was given by his heirs in 1844. The building is a neat edifice of brick. The interior arrangements, and fittings up, are peculiarly appropriate, being neat and simple. A chaste pulpit and communion table, occupy the west end, while a gallery extends across the eastern.

This church was incorporated under the act of 1813, dated July 13, 1844. Lemuel W. Wells and Ducan McFarland, elders; Frederick Nodine and Ralph Shipman, deacons. The first installed pastor was the Rev. V. ]M. Hurlbert, present minister.

There appears to have been a Dutch Reformed congregation in this town as early as 1784, "called the Reformed Dutch Church at the Lower Mills, in the Manor of Phillipsborough," incorporated under the Act of 1784, dated September 8th, 1786; William Warner, Abraham Odell, Isaac Vermilyea, James ISIcChain, Jacobus Dyckman, trustees.

The Methodist Episcopal church was organized March ist, 182S, under the name and title of Christ church: first trustees, Joseph Oakley, Frederick Shonnard, Thomas Griff'en and David Oakley.

North-west of the city is Wild Boar Hill,'^ so called from the animal that once frequented the solitudes of its ancient forests. So troublesome and numerous had this animal become at one perjod, that the Provincial Government was compelled to pass laws for its destruction.

Up to a late era, Indians occupied this hill in great numbers. From here they are all said to have taken their departure in one night. The scarcity of the wild game, together with the encroachments of the white man, may in some measure, account for this sudden removal.

North-west of the city is Wild Boar Hill,'^ so called from the animal that once frequented the solitudes of its ancient forests. So troublesome and numerous had this animal become at one perjod, that the Provincial Government was compelled to pass laws for its destruction.

Up to a late era, Indians occupied this hill in great numbers. From here they are all said to have taken their departure in one night. The scarcity of the wild game, together with the encroachments of the white man, may in some measure, account for this sudden removal.

During one period of the Revolution it was the site of the American encampment. Its summit commands fine views of the surrounding country and the noble Hudson, stretching in one long reach to Jersey City.

Somewhere near this spot there formerly stood a peculiar shaped tree, as if adapted by nature to receive the body of a man. In this rustic couch, the illustrious Washington, wearied with his toils, slept for two hours; his trusty guide, Martin Post, watching.^

a ThU lii;i H liiil u.nvii in O.-nor.il U:i-lu:i;/irm'.-i sarvcvt-d map of the county, a3 Boar tuU. b I'ost w.ii al tliid liaj'; uttacQcd to C'ul. s^cUHUHLieis reirmieut.

650 HISTORY OF THE COUNTi' OF WESTCHESTER.

In the summer of 17S0, die famous spy Huddlestone was discovered concealed in the woods upon this hill, and was afterwards hung at Poughkeepsie. For a long time it was frequented by the American water guards, whose business it was to intercept all traders passing to the British lines.

a ThU lii;i H liiil u.nvii in O.-nor.il U:i-lu:i;/irm'.-i sarvcvt-d map of the county, a3 Boar tuU. b I'ost w.ii al tliid liaj'; uttacQcd to C'ul. s^cUHUHLieis reirmieut.

650 HISTORY OF THE COUNTi' OF WESTCHESTER.

In the summer of 17S0, die famous spy Huddlestone was discovered concealed in the woods upon this hill, and was afterwards hung at Poughkeepsie. For a long time it was frequented by the American water guards, whose business it was to intercept all traders passing to the British lines.

On the south side of this hill fell the brave Captain Rowe of Pmschank's yagers. This individual appears to have been in the habit of making a daily tour from Kings Bridge, round by Mile Square, for the purpose of reconnoitering. On the morning of the melancholy accident which terminated his career, he was on his last tour of military duty, having already resigned his commission for the purpose of marrying the accomplished Elizabeth Fowler of Flaarlem ; when passing with a company of light dragoons he was suddenly fired upon by three Americans of the water guard of Captain Pra/s company, who had ambuscaded themselves in the cedars near the site of the present residence of Mr. Bangalore. Their shot took deadly effect, for the Captain fell from his horse mortally wounded. The yagers instantly made prisoners of the undisciplined water guards, and a messenger was immediately dispatched to Mrs. Babcock, then living below in the parsonage, for a vehicle to remove the wounded officer. The use of her gig and horse was soon obtained, and a neighbor, Anthony Archer, pressed to drive. In this they conveyed the dying man to Col. Van Cortlandt's. They appear to have taken the route of Tippett's valley, as the party stopped at Mr. Frederick Post's to obtain a drink of water.

The yagers instantly made prisoners of the undisciplined water guards, and a messenger was immediately dispatched to Mrs. Babcock, then living below in the parsonage, for a vehicle to remove the wounded officer. The use of her gig and horse was soon obtained, and a neighbor, Anthony Archer, pressed to drive. In this they conveyed the dying man to Col. Van Cortlandt's. They appear to have taken the route of Tippett's valley, as the party stopped at Mr. Frederick Post's to obtain a drink of water. In the mean time an express had been forwarded to Miss Fowler, his affianced bride, to hasten without delay to the side of her dying lover. On her arrival, accompanied by her mother, the expiring soldier had just strength enough left to articulate a few words, when he sunk exhausted with the effort.

As late as 1780 a thick forest extended from the village north to Mr. William Bohner's, bounded by the Hudson and Saw Mill rivers. The site of these woods on the Hudson shore is now occupied by a number of country residences, among which are those of Sampson Simpson, Esq. This gentleman's father, in company with Col. James had charge of the silver mines at Sing Sing previous to the Revolution. Also Pomona Hall, the residence of Philip Rhinelander Roberts, Esq. In this house the aspiring politician Colonel Burr found a safe asylum to shelter himself from the storm of indignation which followed the death of the illustrious Hamilton.

The eastern edge of Boar hill is still covered with beautiful woods, sloping gradually to the bank of the Saw Mill river This lovely stream rises among the picturesque hills of Chappequa; its source is formed

James had charge of the silver mines at Sing Sing previous to the Revolution. Also Pomona Hall, the residence of Philip Rhinelander Roberts, Esq. In this house the aspiring politician Colonel Burr found a safe asylum to shelter himself from the storm of indignation which followed the death of the illustrious Hamilton.

The eastern edge of Boar hill is still covered with beautiful woods, sloping gradually to the bank of the Saw Mill river This lovely stream rises among the picturesque hills of Chappequa; its source is formed

THE TOV\rN' OF YONKERS, 65 1

from two springs, one on tlie land of Job Collins, the other on the proj-crty of Willett Kipps. Its descent from the springs lies nearly in a south course of sLxteen miles through the rich bottoms of a valley borilered with high woodlands; and not unfrequentlyits waters become lost in some rocky dell or amongst dark foliage. At times it is seen stealing through some green meadow with a babbling sound, or occasionally becoming impetuous, it rushes over rocks and stones in its headlong course; but more frequently

"Clear are the depths where its eddies play, And dimples deepen and whirl &^a.y.^'-- Bryant.

At the foot of Boar hill a bridge crosses the stream nearly opposite the Parsonage.* It was here that Eden Hunt, brother of Major David Hunt, was waylaid and attacked by two soldiers belonging to the British Refugee Corps. It would appear that the unfortunate man being better mounted than the rest of his companions, who were all retreating before Col. De Lancey, rode considerably in advance ; and on coming to the cross roads near the Methodist church, he mistook his way, and was following the course of the Saw Mill road when he was mortally wounded. The rest of the party made good their retreat by the Albany turnpike.

At the foot of Boar hill a bridge crosses the stream nearly opposite the Parsonage.* It was here that Eden Hunt, brother of Major David Hunt, was waylaid and attacked by two soldiers belonging to the British Refugee Corps. It would appear that the unfortunate man being better mounted than the rest of his companions, who were all retreating before Col. De Lancey, rode considerably in advance ; and on coming to the cross roads near the Methodist church, he mistook his way, and was following the course of the Saw Mill road when he was mortally wounded. The rest of the party made good their retreat by the Albany turnpike.

The old Parsonage, formerly called Babcock's house, appears to have been frequently garrisoned by the troops of both armies. It was here that Lord Howe fixed his head-quarters, and here the American Col. Gist was visiting in 1778, when the enemy detennined upon his surprisal. At this period the house was occupied by the handsome and accomplished widow of the Rev. Luke Babcock and Miss Sarah ^^'illiams, a sister of Mrs. Frederick Philipse. To the former lady Col. Gist was devotedly attached; consequently when an opportunity afforded, he gladly moved his command into that \'icinity. On the night preceding the attack, he had stationed his camp at the foot of Boar hill, directlyopposite the parsonage, for the better purpose of paying a special visit to this lady. It is said that whilst engaged in urging his suit the enemywere quietly surrounding his quarters ; he had barely received his final dismissal from Mrs. Babcock when he was startled with the firing of musketry. The following account of the attack is thus gi%en by the British commander, Lieut. Col. Simcoe : --

On the night preceding the attack, he had stationed his camp at the foot of Boar hill, directlyopposite the parsonage, for the better purpose of paying a special visit to this lady. It is said that whilst engaged in urging his suit the enemywere quietly surrounding his quarters ; he had barely received his final dismissal from Mrs. Babcock when he was startled with the firing of musketry. The following account of the attack is thus gi%en by the British commander, Lieut. Col. Simcoe : --

" Colonel Gist, who commanded a light corps of the rebels, v.-as posted near Babcock's house, from whence he made frequent i)atrols. Lieut. Col. Simcoe had determined to attack him ; when, a deserter coming in, at night, who gave an accurate account of his position, the following

a This IS a clc-'criptlon of li>is.

652 HISTORY OF THE COUNTY OF WESTCHESTER.

morning was fixed upon for the attempt. General Kniphausen, wi:a commanded at Kings Bridge, approved of the enterprise, and ordered a detachment of the Yagers to co-operate in it; Lieut. Col. Emnicrick undertook to lead the march, having in his corps people who were wlII acquainted with the country.

The following disposition was made. Emmerich's infantry, followed by the Queen's Rangers, were to march through the meadows on t/ic side of Valentine's hill, opposite Cortland's ridge, and pass between the rebel sentries to Babcock's house, when they would be in the rear of Gist's encampment, which they were immediately to attack. Lieut. Col. Tarleton, widi the whole of the cavalry, was to proceed to covt-r the right, and arrive at Valentine's hill by daylight ; a detachment of Yagers, under Capt. Wreden, were to march on Cortland's ridge, and to halt opposite to Gist's encampment; and a larger detachment of Yagers, under Major Pruschank, were, at the same time, to be ready to force Philiy.se's bridge, then to proceed to the bridge opposite Babcock's house, and to cut off the enemy's retreat by that road.

Tarleton, widi the whole of the cavalry, was to proceed to covt-r the right, and arrive at Valentine's hill by daylight ; a detachment of Yagers, under Capt. Wreden, were to march on Cortland's ridge, and to halt opposite to Gist's encampment; and a larger detachment of Yagers, under Major Pruschank, were, at the same time, to be ready to force Philiy.se's bridge, then to proceed to the bridge opposite Babcock's house, and to cut off the enemy's retreat by that road. The signal for tiiese divisions moving on, was to be the noise of storming Gist's encampment. Lieut. Col. Emmerich conducted the march in so able a manner, and tiie whole corps followed with so much silence, that the enem)^s sentinels were passed without alarm, and this division gained the heights in the rear, and could see the whole chain of sentinels walking below them. Major Ross was detached to possess himself of Post's house, to preserve a communication with Lieut. Col. Tarleton on Valentine's hill; the remainder of the Rangers inclined to the right, towards Gist's camp, and Lieut. Col. Emmerick was directed to secure the Saw Mill road. Firing soon began ; and it was apparent from Lieut. Col. Emmerick's quarter, whom the enemy had discovered. Lieut. Col. Simcoe immediately moved rapidly into the road, and directly up the steeps to the enem/s camp, as a nearer way than through the thickets; he attained it, and, to his great surprise, found that Major Pruschank had not forced Philips' Bridge, as had been intended, but had crossed and joined Capt. Weeden en Cortlandt's ridge ; ?..nd that Col. Gist had escaped through the passage which had been so unaccountably left open. Lieut. CoL Tarleton fell in with a patrol of cavalry, and dispersed it; and tlie Queen's Rangers, as soon as they got possession of Gist's camp, having ambuscaded themselves,took a patrol which came forward on hearing, the firing.

Simcoe immediately moved rapidly into the road, and directly up the steeps to the enem/s camp, as a nearer way than through the thickets; he attained it, and, to his great surprise, found that Major Pruschank had not forced Philips' Bridge, as had been intended, but had crossed and joined Capt. Weeden en Cortlandt's ridge ; ?..nd that Col. Gist had escaped through the passage which had been so unaccountably left open. Lieut. CoL Tarleton fell in with a patrol of cavalry, and dispersed it; and tlie Queen's Rangers, as soon as they got possession of Gist's camp, having ambuscaded themselves,took a patrol which came forward on hearing, the firing. The troops set fire to Gist's huts and returned to their camp."<^

From the Americari accounts, it appears that all the roads and bridges had been well guarded by the enemy, except the one now called Warner's Bridge, and that Capt. John Odeli,upon the first alarm led off his troops through the woods on the west side of the Saw Mill ; here Colonel Gist joined them. In the merntime Mrs. Babcock, having stationed herself in one of the dormer windows of the Parsonage, aided their escape v,-henever they appeared, by the waving of a v.-hite handkerchief. a Simcoe "s ililU Journn!, p.S6.

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THE TOWN OF YONKERS. 653.

During the winter of 17S0 a gang of six or eight " cow boys" broke open the Parsonage and robbed the defenceless ladies of everything valuable. To escape detection, they had blackened their faces and disguised their persons. Upon the departure of this gang their leader, after making a profound bow, thus addressed Mrs. Babcock : --

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THE TOWN OF YONKERS. 653.

During the winter of 17S0 a gang of six or eight " cow boys" broke open the Parsonage and robbed the defenceless ladies of everything valuable. To escape detection, they had blackened their faces and disguised their persons. Upon the departure of this gang their leader, after making a profound bow, thus addressed Mrs. Babcock : --

"Fare you well and fare you better, And when I die, I'll send you a letter."

Fortunately, Mrs. Babcock, through the inter\-ention of Col. James van Cortlandt, obtained restitution of everything. Within a few years, trees have been cut down near the site of Gist's camp and found to contain balls buried six inches in the wood.

North of the Parsonage, on the Saw Mill river road, is situated the residence and property of the late Mr. Robert Reed. This patriotic indi\idual ha\-ing obtaiiied certain information from King's Bridge, that the enemy were fitting out an expedition against Col. Thompson -- then stationed at the Four Corners-- and were on the eve of marching, he instantly mounted his horse and rode up to the American quarters, a distance of thirteen or fourteen miles, thus giving Thompson timely warning of the enemy's approach. The horse upon which he rode died a few minutes after his arrival.

In the Saw Mill valley is also situated the residence of the late General Jacob Odell, a descendant of the ancient and honorable family of the Odils. "'The river Ouse," says Camden, "runs under Odil or Woodhill, formerly Waylmll, which also had its Barons of Wayhull, eminent for their ancient nobility, where v,as a castle." The first ancestor of the family in this country, was William Odell, of Concord, who removed to Fairfield, Connecticut, in 1644.

In the Saw Mill valley is also situated the residence of the late General Jacob Odell, a descendant of the ancient and honorable family of the Odils. "'The river Ouse," says Camden, "runs under Odil or Woodhill, formerly Waylmll, which also had its Barons of Wayhull, eminent for their ancient nobility, where v,as a castle." The first ancestor of the family in this country, was William Odell, of Concord, who removed to Fairfield, Connecticut, in 1644. His son William was one of the principal proprietors of Rye, in 1661-2."

General Jacob Odell, at the early age of 21 years, embraced the military profession, and in the year 1776, took up arms in defence of his country. He used to recount with pleasure the time and the very spot where himself and three other cousins of the name, volunteered their services to the Continental Congress. It was beneath the white- wood tree ■where the Westchester farmers stopped Major Andre, and found the papers that revealed the treason of Arnold. After enlisting, he served in Captain Samuel Drake's regiment, belonging to the brigade of General Scott. On the memorable retreat after the battle of Long Island, he was on picket guard. At the close of the vvar, and as soon as the militia was formed, he received his com.mission from Major General Morris.

a See Kedisrcf of OdoU yamily.

654 HISTORY OF THE COUNTY OF WESTCHESTER.

Like the rest of the '■'N'eutral Ground," this part of Yonkers was infested with marauding parties of "Cow Boys" and " Skinners," the former of whom claimed the title of Loyahsts; the latter, under the mask of patriotism, called themselves Whigs.

At the close of the vvar, and as soon as the militia was formed, he received his com.mission from Major General Morris.

a See Kedisrcf of OdoU yamily.

654 HISTORY OF THE COUNTY OF WESTCHESTER.

Like the rest of the '■'N'eutral Ground," this part of Yonkers was infested with marauding parties of "Cow Boys" and " Skinners," the former of whom claimed the title of Loyahsts; the latter, under the mask of patriotism, called themselves Whigs.

During the war when General Odell's father and family were living in the homestead, a party of these lawless ruffians, with blackened faces, armed with muskets, entered the house. Their first act appears to have been to secure the females in the cellar; having effected this, they proceeded to interrogate the General's father, and demanded his money.

On his refusing to satisfy their demands, they immediately hung him by his neck to an adjoining tree; and when life was well nigh extinct, they cut him do^\-n, and again repeated their threats, but to no better purpose. WTiereupon they once more suspended and lowered him, leaving him for dead.

During these proceedings, the females had escaped from the cellar, and Mrs. Odell, the General's mother, a woman of great intrepidity, boldly assaulted them, upon which these cowardly villians attacked her with the butt ends of their muskets. She managed, however, to escape with a few broken ribs. On this occasion the General was too young to take an active part in the affray, and narrowly escaped by lowering himself with a cord from the garret window. His son Jacob Odell, Esq., now owns the property. The adjoining estate, north, belongs to his son-in law, Cornelius Odell, Esq.

Odell, the General's mother, a woman of great intrepidity, boldly assaulted them, upon which these cowardly villians attacked her with the butt ends of their muskets. She managed, however, to escape with a few broken ribs. On this occasion the General was too young to take an active part in the affray, and narrowly escaped by lowering himself with a cord from the garret window. His son Jacob Odell, Esq., now owns the property. The adjoining estate, north, belongs to his son-in law, Cornelius Odell, Esq.

The roads leading east of the Saw Mill vaUey intersect with the Sprain valley road, which runs nearly north and south.

The .Sprain river, called by the Indians Arniotiperahin, rises in two springs north of Thirty Deer Ridge; the west branch in Wolf Swamp.* The other called the Grassy Sprain, on the lands of widow UnderhilL These two springs flowing south intersect a little east of Benj. Prowler's. They again divide at the northern extremity of Thirty Deer Ridge, and running through two different vales again meet nearly opposite the Cat rocks -- so called for the abundance of wild cats that once frequented the hilL These animals, Van der Donck assures us, had skins resembling that of a lioness; and not unlike them in form, with the exception of short tails like a rabbit or hare.

After uniting here, the Sprain pursues a south-east course until it discharges into the Bronx, on the lands of Nathaniel Valentine. The waters of the Sprain were pronounced by the commissioners in 1S42, to be the purest in Westchester county. a A wolf was killed here as late as ISOS,

They again divide at the northern extremity of Thirty Deer Ridge, and running through two different vales again meet nearly opposite the Cat rocks -- so called for the abundance of wild cats that once frequented the hilL These animals, Van der Donck assures us, had skins resembling that of a lioness; and not unlike them in form, with the exception of short tails like a rabbit or hare.

After uniting here, the Sprain pursues a south-east course until it discharges into the Bronx, on the lands of Nathaniel Valentine. The waters of the Sprain were pronounced by the commissioners in 1S42, to be the purest in Westchester county. a A wolf was killed here as late as ISOS,

THE TOWN OF YONKERS. 655

This beautiful stream was long celebrated for its trout. Well may the lover of the sport exclaim with Cotton,

"None so briglit, So pleasant to the taste, none to the sight: None yield the angler such delight."

This fish begins to bite in March or April. Ver>- large sized trout have been caught here about the middle of March, and they continue till the months of July and August. They he, generally, under the shelter of stumps, bridges and stones.

The bait generally used in catching this fish, is the common earth worm. By connoisseurs, the artificial fly is preferred.

The north-eastern part of" this township is occupied by a high ridge of hills, called the Tuckahoe Hills. This portion of the town, originally formed a part of that large tract of land between the Saw Mill and the Bronxrivers, which was ceded by the Indian chiefs-- Scpham and others -- to Frederick PhiUipse, June 5, 16S4. Tradition says, that anciently, an Indian Sachem of that name had his residence on one of these hills, and exercised all auihority among the tribes of the neighboring valleys.

The north-eastern part of" this township is occupied by a high ridge of hills, called the Tuckahoe Hills. This portion of the town, originally formed a part of that large tract of land between the Saw Mill and the Bronxrivers, which was ceded by the Indian chiefs-- Scpham and others -- to Frederick PhiUipse, June 5, 16S4. Tradition says, that anciently, an Indian Sachem of that name had his residence on one of these hills, and exercised all auihority among the tribes of the neighboring valleys.

The name Tuckahoe, means in the Algonquin, "The Bread;" literally, Tuckah (bread) the o, oe, or ong, being merely an objective sign relating to the plant itself.

The celebrated Captain Smith, in his travels and adventures, tells us, " That the chief root the Indians of Virginia have for food, is called Tockawhoiighe. It groweth like flagge in marshes. In one day a savage will gather sufficient for a weeke. These roots are much of the greatness and taste of potatoes. They are toasted, a great many of them, wth oke leaves and ferns, and then cover all wiih earth in the manner of a cole pit ; over it on each side, they continue a great fire twenty-four hours before they dare eat it. Raw it is no better than poyson ; and being roasted-- except it be tender, and the heat abated, or sliced and dry-ed in the sunne mixed with sorrel and greens, or such Uke -- it will prickle and torment the throat, extraordinary; and yet in summer, they use this commonly for bread."<^

They are toasted, a great many of them, wth oke leaves and ferns, and then cover all wiih earth in the manner of a cole pit ; over it on each side, they continue a great fire twenty-four hours before they dare eat it. Raw it is no better than poyson ; and being roasted-- except it be tender, and the heat abated, or sliced and dry-ed in the sunne mixed with sorrel and greens, or such Uke -- it will prickle and torment the throat, extraordinary; and yet in summer, they use this commonly for bread."<^

R. Beverly, in his History of Virginia, pubhshed A. D. 1722, calls it Tuckahoe J>

"Respecting the frequent diet of the Indians in general," [says John F. Watson, "we may say that besides their usual plantations of corn, they often used wld roots ; of these they had tawho, [arum virginicum,]

a Travels and .^ilvoaturL'a of Capt. John Smith, p. 121.'. h Beverlj'd llisr, of Vlrijiuia, p.-153.

656 HISTORY OF THE COUNTY OF WESTCHESTER.

and tawkee, [orantium aquaticum.] These roots grew in low damp grounds, were a kind of potatoes to them, and were divested of their poisonous or injurious quahty by roasting."'^ The Mohegan term for bread is Tauquah.^

These names evidently point to one and the same plant, which still flourishes along the moist margins of the Tuckahoe creek. This stream rises on the lands of John Tompkins, and waters the western side of the ridge. Pursuing a south course, it discharges into the Armonperahin, near where the latter forms a junction with the Bronx.

and tawkee, [orantium aquaticum.] These roots grew in low damp grounds, were a kind of potatoes to them, and were divested of their poisonous or injurious quahty by roasting."'^ The Mohegan term for bread is Tauquah.^

These names evidently point to one and the same plant, which still flourishes along the moist margins of the Tuckahoe creek. This stream rises on the lands of John Tompkins, and waters the western side of the ridge. Pursuing a south course, it discharges into the Armonperahin, near where the latter forms a junction with the Bronx.

Upon the highest ground of the ridge stands the Episcopal chapel, from which the eye can command a fine prospect embracing almost every variety of scenery. This chapel was erected A. D. 1798, during the Rectorship of the Rev. Elias Cooper, upon land the gift of the late John Bowne, Esq. Mr. Bowne was the son of Thomas Bowne, and grandson of John Bowne, formerly of Flushing, L. I., a descendant of the celebrated John Bowne of that place, who was born at Matlock, Derbyshire,, England, March 9th, 1627. The adjoming estate was occupied by the sons of the late John Bowne, Esq.

We have seen a receipted bill rendered in 179S, for building the Protestant Episcopal Church at Turkeyhoe, (it is now in the possession of Elias Cooper Bowne, Esq., who is in his 84th year) to John Bowne, Esq., one of the founders of the church, and father to P21ias Cooper Brown, Esq. And on one of the guide-posts near the church, a few years ago, as late as 1854, could easily be traced, the name " Turkeyhoe," painted over with the pesent name " Tuckahoe." The valley to the west was always famous, so Elias Cooper Bowne, Esq., informs us, for wild turkies. An old resident informed us that when the market wagon came down the valley, which was called Turkey hollow, the driver would call out, "Turkey ! hoe." -- Editor.

And on one of the guide-posts near the church, a few years ago, as late as 1854, could easily be traced, the name " Turkeyhoe," painted over with the pesent name " Tuckahoe." The valley to the west was always famous, so Elias Cooper Bowne, Esq., informs us, for wild turkies. An old resident informed us that when the market wagon came down the valley, which was called Turkey hollow, the driver would call out, "Turkey ! hoe." -- Editor.

For many years it was an appendage or chapel of ease to the parish church of St. Johns, Yonkers. About 1846, the building underwent considerable repairs, and a commodious vestry-room was added to the chapel. On June ■29th, 1847, it was consecrated to the service of Almighty God by the name of St. John's chapel, Tuckahoe.

In iS53,it severed its connection with the parent church, after having been a chapel for more than half a century.

Early in the summer of 1S70, the church was put in thorough repair, a recess chancel added, and several additional pews. An organ WJ'" purchased in the same year : -- •

a Jolin T. Wat<oa. W\<\. T.iles, also .A..l!!ro«3 of De Witt Clinton, Ac, Ac

THE TOWN OF YON'KF.RS. 657

LIST OF KECTOF.S A^D MIXISTEK3.

CAM-

BEKOTAL.

Aug. 1, 1S53,

Rev.

Cn.\d. Jones,

1S5S.

Oct. 1S59,

Rev.

AuGcsixs St. Claie,

1860.

July 1S60,

Rev.

D.vviD Dor.EMus,

1861.

1SG5,

Rev.

A. :M. Ivks,

Dk

^cl

in ISSO.

From 1661 to 1SG5, the cliurcli was closed.

Early in the summer of 1S70, the church was put in thorough repair, a recess chancel added, and several additional pews. An organ WJ'" purchased in the same year : -- •

a Jolin T. Wat<oa. W\<\. T.iles, also .A..l!!ro«3 of De Witt Clinton, Ac, Ac

THE TOWN OF YON'KF.RS. 657

LIST OF KECTOF.S A^D MIXISTEK3.

CAM-

BEKOTAL.

Aug. 1, 1S53,

Rev.

Cn.\d. Jones,

1S5S.

Oct. 1S59,

Rev.

AuGcsixs St. Claie,

1860.

July 1S60,

Rev.

D.vviD Dor.EMus,

1861.

1SG5,

Rev.

A. :M. Ivks,

Dk

^cl

in ISSO.

From 1661 to 1SG5, the cliurcli was closed.

In 18S0, Elias Cooper Bowne, Esq., had the church completely renovated--frescoing it handsomely, and putting in beautiful stained-glass w indows, carpeting and cushioning it throughout. It is now one of the gems of the county.

There are many interesting historical recollections connected with this hill and vicinity. During the eventful week that preceded the battle of White Plains, General Washington's advance corps lay upon the Tuckahoe heights, under the command of General Scott, whose whole corps numbered 2000 men. Directly south of the church, bordering the Eastchester road, was the property of Mr. Valentine Odell. Here a party of nine patriots were overtaken by a large company of DeLancey's horse, conmianded by Colonel Oliver Hatfield. The whole party were barbarously killed or mortally wounded.

A touching incident deserves to be recorded, in connection with this melancholy affair. A dog belonging to one of the Americans that fell upon this occasion, took up his quarters at Mr. Caleb Smith's v.'ho lived a mile below. The ladies of Mr. Smith's family were frequently in the habit of visiting their neighbor Mr. Odell, when the dog would go with them half way and return. It appears nothing could ever tempt him to pass the fatal spot.

A touching incident deserves to be recorded, in connection with this melancholy affair. A dog belonging to one of the Americans that fell upon this occasion, took up his quarters at Mr. Caleb Smith's v.'ho lived a mile below. The ladies of Mr. Smith's family were frequently in the habit of visiting their neighbor Mr. Odell, when the dog would go with them half way and return. It appears nothing could ever tempt him to pass the fatal spot.

On the farm of the late Isaac Lent west of the hill, the American officer (Major Leavenworth of the Massachusetts line) ambuscaded a large detachment in 1778, for the purpose of cutting ott Capt. Joshua Barnes of DeLancey's corjjs ; who, he ascertained, had gone up in the neighborhood of Hart's Comers for the object of plundering. The better to draw Barnes into his ambuscade, Shotwell posted a party of his command upon the hill a little below the church. Upon the return of Barnes he immediately descried the detachment on the hill, to avoid ■which he lead his men ot'f by the opposite side, thus walking directly into the trap Liid by his wary foe. They received one heavy fire and surrendered, consisting of one full company -- sixty-four men.

In the house of Isaac Lent, then occupied by Jacob Vermil)ea, a small party of American vo'iuitecrs un.'er the command of Captain Honevwcll had stoppt'd to take some rctreslmicnis, having just rctt'.rr.ed from

658 HISTORY OF THE COUNTY OF WESTCHESTER.

Upon the return of Barnes he immediately descried the detachment on the hill, to avoid ■which he lead his men ot'f by the opposite side, thus walking directly into the trap Liid by his wary foe. They received one heavy fire and surrendered, consisting of one full company -- sixty-four men.

In the house of Isaac Lent, then occupied by Jacob Vermil)ea, a small party of American vo'iuitecrs un.'er the command of Captain Honevwcll had stoppt'd to take some rctreslmicnis, having just rctt'.rr.ed from

658 HISTORY OF THE COUNTY OF WESTCHESTER.

an incursion into Morrisania -- when they were suddenly surrounded by the enemy under Captain Totten, who fired upon the house kiUing one of the patriots and making prisoners of nine. These, however, finally rose upon the guard and escaped.

Near the vicinity of the school-house, Benjamin Hunt of the continental army, captured thirty of the enemy by stratagem, with a furce of half that number. Avaihng himself of the darkness of the night, he called out as if in command of a large detachment, " Lieutenant Sucha-one to the right;'' "Captain to the left;" in this manner he deceived his enemy, who laid do^Mi their arms and surrendered at discretion.

On the east side of the Tuckahoe hill is the property of Charles R- Dusenberry. Esq., one of the most active members of the Croton water commissioners. The house occupies an elevated position, overlooking a picturesque v.ile to the south-east.

The Methodist church is prettily situated at the foot of the hill, surrounded by a fine locust grove, and near the margin of a small stream that washes the eastern side of the hills. The edifice is a handsome stone structure. This society was first organized in 1797, and called "the first Methodist Episcopal Church of the town of Yonkers."

Esq., one of the most active members of the Croton water commissioners. The house occupies an elevated position, overlooking a picturesque v.ile to the south-east.

The Methodist church is prettily situated at the foot of the hill, surrounded by a fine locust grove, and near the margin of a small stream that washes the eastern side of the hills. The edifice is a handsome stone structure. This society was first organized in 1797, and called "the first Methodist Episcopal Church of the town of Yonkers."

The small settle ntent of Tuckahoe is situated upon the western margin of the Bronx. Here is a convenient depot of the Harlem railroad, post office, stores, and India rubber manufactory.

The Tuckahoe bridge which crosses the Bronx at this place, appears to have been erected at a very early period, as we find it recorded by that name, A D. 172s.''

During ihe encampment of the American army upon the hills to the west, the British horse stationed above at Wood's house, (afterwards called Marble Plall), now the residence of S. D. Gifford, County Judge, were in the constant habit of coming down to water their horses at the foot of this bridge. On one occasion a small party of Continentals concealed themselves in ambush on the margin of the river, and lay waiting for the usual aj)proach of the horse. A long interval elapsed, but at lost the well known tramp declared the enemy near at hand. Every gun was cocked, and a death-like stillness prevailed; but whether the enemy suspected their designs, or obtained information, was never ascertained; for, at tliat time, they came with nearly their whole force. To liave fired upon them, would have been but the prelude to a massacre; the patriots, therefore, lay snugly concealed until their departure. ' The following extracts from the- town records, relale to the first eleca H.coiiU ol nouJs, Co.

A long interval elapsed, but at lost the well known tramp declared the enemy near at hand. Every gun was cocked, and a death-like stillness prevailed; but whether the enemy suspected their designs, or obtained information, was never ascertained; for, at tliat time, they came with nearly their whole force. To liave fired upon them, would have been but the prelude to a massacre; the patriots, therefore, lay snugly concealed until their departure. ' The following extracts from the- town records, relale to the first eleca H.coiiU ol nouJs, Co. Kocords.

THE TOWN OF YONKERS. 659

tion of tovm. officers, in 1756, and immediately subsequent to the Revolutiua : --

At a public town meeting of the freeholders and inhabitants of the Yonkers and jVIile ISquare, at the house of Edward Stevenson, in said Yonkers, on the first Tuesday of April, in 1756, being the day appointed by act of the General Asicnibly of this Province of New York, for choosing town olTicers, and likewise to make regulation of creatures and fences. The under-written officers and orders of creatures and orders of fences, were made by majority of votes,

James Coetox, Supei-tisor and Pounder.

BEN'jAiux FowLEK, TowTi Clcrk.

TnoiiAS SnET.wooD, Con&tdble and Collector.

Datid Oaklet, ) > William WAE^-EI:, ; '^*«^^^"^'-«-

Edwabd Weeks, "1 William Ckav. foed, | ■

DaMEL DeVOE. \ tt- t. -\r j.

.Tonv 1?TnF,v \ Highicaij Masters.

JonN Hide I Isaac Odell, HEXDincK Post.

AxDEEw Xonrs', "]

Cuaf.les "Wakxeh, I -c ,7-, T--

Moses Tailek, \ "^'""^^ «^^ Daviage Vwxers.

The under-written officers and orders of creatures and orders of fences, were made by majority of votes,

James Coetox, Supei-tisor and Pounder.

BEN'jAiux FowLEK, TowTi Clcrk.

TnoiiAS SnET.wooD, Con&tdble and Collector.

Datid Oaklet, ) > William WAE^-EI:, ; '^*«^^^"^'-«-

Edwabd Weeks, "1 William Ckav. foed, | ■

DaMEL DeVOE. \ tt- t. -\r j.

.Tonv 1?TnF,v \ Highicaij Masters.

JonN Hide I Isaac Odell, HEXDincK Post.

AxDEEw Xonrs', "]

Cuaf.les "Wakxeh, I -c ,7-, T--

Moses Tailek, \ "^'""^^ «^^ Daviage Vwxers.

Isaac Odell, J

At a town meeting held for the Yonkcrs, in the Manor of Philipsborough, at the house of David Hunt, ou the 2Sth day of December, 1788, under the Superintendence of Israel Honeywell, Esq., William Iladlcy and Thomas Slierwood, in pursuance of an ordinance for holding elections in the southern district, by the Council appointed. The act entitleil an act to provide for the teniporary government of the southern pait of lliis State, until the enemy shall abandon or be dispossessed of the same, and until the Legislature can be convened, ttc. Passed the 23d day of October, 1779. The following town officers were chosen :

Israel Honeyweli.. Esq., Supervisor.

David Hi'n-t, Clerk.

TnoM.vs SuEEwooD, Constable and Collector.

Israel Hon'eywet.l, Jr., Esq., Security.

William Betts, > , Jacob Vekmilyea,/ ^^*^'^«'-'''*-

Feedehick Vehmiltea, Ourseer of Roads on the cant side of TippdVs Brook, William Cuawfoed, " " " for the upptr part,

_WiLL. Wai'-Xed, " w <■ for the middle part,

IJen.tamix Odell,

John Aucuei:, " " " f^r Tucknhoe,

Passed the 23d day of October, 1779. The following town officers were chosen :

Israel Honeyweli.. Esq., Supervisor.

David Hi'n-t, Clerk.

TnoM.vs SuEEwooD, Constable and Collector.

Israel Hon'eywet.l, Jr., Esq., Security.

William Betts, > , Jacob Vekmilyea,/ ^^*^'^«'-'''*-

Feedehick Vehmiltea, Ourseer of Roads on the cant side of TippdVs Brook, William Cuawfoed, " " " for the upptr part,

_WiLL. Wai'-Xed, " w <■ for the middle part,

IJen.tamix Odell,

John Aucuei:, " " " f^r Tucknhoe,

66o HISTORY OF THE COUx\TY OF WESTCHESTER.

Jacob Lent, " " " frmn Lent's house to the null,

Stephen Bertln-e, " " " the cross-road f ram Mi!^ Square ta

the Bridge.

WiLTTAM H.iDLEY, ~\

Joseph Cp.oos:, [

I3AAC VerMILTEA. [ j~, „.

SStepiten'Sheuwood, f-^^"'''^'^^ \ lewers. John Gakus,

WiLLIAil CkAAVFOPD

Abp.aham Odei.l, )

Will. Hadlet, ■■ Commmioners of Roaih.

Tno.MAS iSuEinvooD, )

The general surface of the town is uneven and broken; soil, clay, and sandy loam, mostly well cultivated. The natural growth of wood is veryextensive. We have already shown that it is well drained by numerous streams, upon wliich are several mill seats.

THE TOV/N

-^TCDI^I-^TO-WIISr.

Yorktov,Ti is situated sixteen miles north of White Plains, the countyseat, distant forty-two miles from New York, and one hundred and seventeen from Albany ; bounded north, by Putnam county ; east, by Somers and New Castle ; south, by New Castle, and west by Cortlandt.

Prior to 17SS, Yorktown and Somers constituted the "middle ward" of Cortlaudt's manor, called " Hanover." A portion of the former early acauiredthenameof "Gertrude's Borough," in honor of Gertrude Beeckman, wife of Colonel Henry Beeckman, and one of the daughters and devisees of De Fleer Stephanus Van Cortlandt, first Lord of the manor of Cortlandt. The present tovniship was erected on the 7th of March, 17 98."

Yorktov,Ti is situated sixteen miles north of White Plains, the countyseat, distant forty-two miles from New York, and one hundred and seventeen from Albany ; bounded north, by Putnam county ; east, by Somers and New Castle ; south, by New Castle, and west by Cortlandt.

Prior to 17SS, Yorktown and Somers constituted the "middle ward" of Cortlaudt's manor, called " Hanover." A portion of the former early acauiredthenameof "Gertrude's Borough," in honor of Gertrude Beeckman, wife of Colonel Henry Beeckman, and one of the daughters and devisees of De Fleer Stephanus Van Cortlandt, first Lord of the manor of Cortlandt. The present tovniship was erected on the 7th of March, 17 98."

The Mohegan name '= Appamaghpogh," appears to have been applied to the whole Indian territory v.-ithin the manor, west of Meahagh (Verplanck's Point), which was subject to Weskhewen, chief sachem of Sachus, as late as 16S5. The eastern section of Yorktown still bears the name of '-Aemawalk," probably an abbreviation and corruption of the former town-- thus, Appama^hpogh, A/nag/pogh, Amaiiwgh or Aiiiawalk. The lands of ''Appamaghpogh," were originally granted to Stephanus Van Cortlandt in 16S3, by the two Indian sachems, Pewemind and Oskewans, as mentioned in our description of Somers, &:c.

The principal aboriginal settlement in this part of " Appamaghpogh,"

occupied the summit of -Indian Hill," a vast height which arises to an

elevation of nearly six hundred feet above the northern margin of "'Lake

• Magrigaries," "Magnegamus,"or " Magregard," (Hollow Lake), situated

a KuviioJ StJlutca ijJ N. v., p- +?G-

The lands of ''Appamaghpogh," were originally granted to Stephanus Van Cortlandt in 16S3, by the two Indian sachems, Pewemind and Oskewans, as mentioned in our description of Somers, &:c.

The principal aboriginal settlement in this part of " Appamaghpogh,"

occupied the summit of -Indian Hill," a vast height which arises to an

elevation of nearly six hundred feet above the northern margin of "'Lake

• Magrigaries," "Magnegamus,"or " Magregard," (Hollow Lake), situated

a KuviioJ StJlutca ijJ N. v., p- +?G-

662 ^HISTORY OF THE COUNTY OF WESTCHESTER.

in Jefferson valley. On the southern side of the hill lies the Indian burying ground. The remains of several Indians were disinterred some years ago, near the residence of the late Dr. Hosea Fountain. whose property bordered on the lake. "Indian Hill" is also memorable as the last spot inhabited by a band of Aborigines in "V^'estchester Countv. On the "eastern border of the town is situated the Indian cemetery of "Appamoghpogh." or as it is now called "Amawalk."

Upon the partition of the manor of Cortlandt, among the heirs and devisees of De Heer Stephanus van Cortlandt, in the year 1734, the following allotments were made in this town : --

North lot No. 2, Andrew Miller; ditto, No. 3, Gertrude Beeckman; ditto No. 4, Cornelia Sehuyler ■ and her husband, Col. John Schuyler. This gentleman was the father of the illustrious Gen. Philip Schuyler, of the Revolution. Middle lot No. 2 and 3, Gertrude Verplank; ditto No. 4, Elizabeth Skinner; South lot No. i, bordering tlie Croton river, John Watts; ditto, Nos. 4, 5, 6, 7, Philip Verplank ; ditto. No. 8, Gertrude Beeckman; ditto, No. 9, Susannah ^\'arren. The latter was the wife of Admiral Sir Peter Warren, K. B., who died in 1752; he commanded the e.xpedition which captured Louisburg, capitol of the Island of Cape Breton, in 1745.

Philip Schuyler, of the Revolution. Middle lot No. 2 and 3, Gertrude Verplank; ditto No. 4, Elizabeth Skinner; South lot No. i, bordering tlie Croton river, John Watts; ditto, Nos. 4, 5, 6, 7, Philip Verplank ; ditto. No. 8, Gertrude Beeckman; ditto, No. 9, Susannah ^\'arren. The latter was the wife of Admiral Sir Peter Warren, K. B., who died in 1752; he commanded the e.xpedition which captured Louisburg, capitol of the Island of Cape Breton, in 1745. They were married in 1731, lost two lovely children, Peter and Elizabeth, in 1746 or 7, but left issue three daughters ; first, Ann, who married Lt. Gen. Charles Fitzroy, (second son of Lord Augustus Fitzroy, and grand-son of Charles, second Duke of Grafton), first Lord Southampton in 175S; secondly, Charlotte Warren, who married Willoughby Bertie, fourth Earl of Abingdon, in 176S; thirdly, Susan Warren, who married Gen. William Skinner.''

Subsequently the devisees and their heirs, made other divisions.

A. D. 17S4, Andrew Ivliller sold to John Strang a farm in west range of north lot No. 2, consisting of two hundred acres, which he jmrchased of John Watts.

Gertrude Beeckman bequeathed lot No. S, south of the Croton to her t\vo nephews Philip and William Ricketts van Cortlandt, as tenants in common in fee tail.

Stephen van Cordandt with his wfe Catalina Staats, in 1791 gave a release to Elvan Purdy, with the fee of a certain lot No. 3, lieretofore called Gtrrirjide's borough, being by division amongst the heirs of Stephen van Cortlandt, deceased, allotted to Gertrude, one of liis daughters, late N\-ife of Henry Beeckman, containing 156 acres.

S, south of the Croton to her t\vo nephews Philip and William Ricketts van Cortlandt, as tenants in common in fee tail.

Stephen van Cordandt with his wfe Catalina Staats, in 1791 gave a release to Elvan Purdy, with the fee of a certain lot No. 3, lieretofore called Gtrrirjide's borough, being by division amongst the heirs of Stephen van Cortlandt, deceased, allotted to Gertrude, one of liis daughters, late N\-ife of Henry Beeckman, containing 156 acres.

a nernWncfe Journal, WTijrnMHoro, vol. iii, inC. 'Tpon t)ie 25th Jan \'^» No i!) wtw sold to Mr. CJilbort Van Conlau'lt, of Xow York, for vCS-f, Cm ; boun-lod northlpa-iLTlv hv laiuis now. or lat" of treln-irsorsir F'-'f.T Wan-en. lU'L'c.is.'d: ami .s'iiu.n-f;i>[(M-iv bv yur-ri.-i- lot cont;ii:iinL' ai)outi..(; aciv.-., fi,--ii.::.-| t» 'in; i.-Mpi,.- nf ths .State hy iho •itUuMcr of Wiu. iiay;.ra. '-- .vlj.st. of ^ales of cou.'isuattd :an.l.s, WliKo I'laic.-;, p. S.

THE TOWX or YORKTOWN. 663

The foUo'.ving receipts for rent prove the Purdys to have been tenants in coninion, long prior to the above release. They also established the carlv names of the town : --

'• Rec'd, Ilano-icr, ]\Iay ye loth, 1760, by ye hand of Abraham Purdy, tliree pound in part for his farm rent and for the use of Col. Henry Beeckrnan. Esq., per me.

^3 o o JoHX Brv.ax.''

"Received at CronpoiuL i6th Nov'r, 1786, per Mr. Elvan Purdy, one pound \-^s. in part of rent.

Stephen van Cortl.^xdt."

"Received at Yorklown, Nov. 7th, 17S9, of Mr. Elvan Purdy, ^2, i<js. ()d. in full of rent due.

'• Rec'd, Ilano-icr, ]\Iay ye loth, 1760, by ye hand of Abraham Purdy, tliree pound in part for his farm rent and for the use of Col. Henry Beeckrnan. Esq., per me.

^3 o o JoHX Brv.ax.''

"Received at CronpoiuL i6th Nov'r, 1786, per Mr. Elvan Purdy, one pound \-^s. in part of rent.

Stephen van Cortl.^xdt."

"Received at Yorklown, Nov. 7th, 17S9, of Mr. Elvan Purdy, ^2, i<js. ()d. in full of rent due.

Stephen van Cortlandt."

The Purdy's, who v/ere among the first tenants of the A'an Cortlandt's in this town, are descended from Francis Purdy, who died at P'airfield, Conn., in 1658. His thr-e sons -- John, Joseph and Francis -- wc re among the early settlers of Rye in this county. Joseph is first mentioned as residing in that town in 1677. " tie was a leading member of the community, being Supervisor of the town in 1707-170S; Justice of the Peace in 1702, and after, representative of the county for several years in the Assembly; and one of the chief promoters of the Church, writes tiie Rev. James "Wetmore, many years later. With Colonel Caleb Heathcote and others, in 1701, he purchased lands in New Castle, where some of his dccendants settled. His will is dated Oct. 5th, 1709. He had seven sons, Joseph, Daniel, Samuel, David, Jonathan. John, (^called still John), and Francis.""^ Daniel, the second son, was one of the patentees of Budd's neck, in 1720, and held a tliousand acres in Cortlandt's manor. He had t'lree sons -- Hackaliali, Joshua and Daniel. The latter vras t!ie father of Abraham, who was born on loth of Oct, 1 7 1 6 ; married Phcebe, daughter of Daniel Strong, and died at York town, i7L!i of April 177S. His eldest son was Abraham Purdy, Esq., for many years a lieutenant of Militia for the manor of Cortlandt, whose son, the late Alvan Purdy, Esq., erected the family homestead at Crompond, in 1775, cind held a Lieutenancy in Ca-ptain Haddy's company of militia, belonging to the regiment of Col.

The latter vras t!ie father of Abraham, who was born on loth of Oct, 1 7 1 6 ; married Phcebe, daughter of Daniel Strong, and died at York town, i7L!i of April 177S. His eldest son was Abraham Purdy, Esq., for many years a lieutenant of Militia for the manor of Cortlandt, whose son, the late Alvan Purdy, Esq., erected the family homestead at Crompond, in 1775, cind held a Lieutenancy in Ca-ptain Haddy's company of militia, belonging to the regiment of Col. Samuel Drake. The sons of Alvan Purdy, were th.e late Abraham, of Goshen Co., N. Y. ; James of Yorktown ; and Alvan, late pro])rietor of the homestead.

. The Lees, too, were among the early tenantry of the manor, and are supposed to have been a younger branch of the Lees of Lee -- Magna,

It I'-unfa Iliii. of Uye, pp. S-l-t, 433.

664 HISTORY OF THE COUNTY OF \VF,STCHESTER.

Kent, England, v/ho settled in Nottingham at an early period William Lee, (whose sister Elizabeth, bequeathed her estate in England to the heirs general), emigrated from Nottingham to America in 1675, died in 1724, married Mary Marvin, and left three sons and seven daughters. His sons were Thomas, of Long Island, who died without issue; Joseph, of Long Island, and Richard, who entered the French MiUtary ser\-ice in Canada, and died without issue. Joseph Lee, second son of William, on the 4th of December, 1753, purchased of Andrew Johnston, of Perth Amboy, N. J., "All that lott of land in the manor of Cortlandt, known by the name of Lot No. 18, and part of lot No. 17, in north lot No. 2. He also purchased the farm on which his great-grand-son, Enos Lee, now lives, in 1786 ; he also ounied Crumpond Corner. His sons were Joseph of Yorktown, who died aged 77, leaving WiUiam, who died aged 50; Joseph, who died aged 50; Hon.

Joseph Lee, second son of William, on the 4th of December, 1753, purchased of Andrew Johnston, of Perth Amboy, N. J., "All that lott of land in the manor of Cortlandt, known by the name of Lot No. 18, and part of lot No. 17, in north lot No. 2. He also purchased the farm on which his great-grand-son, Enos Lee, now lives, in 1786 ; he also ounied Crumpond Corner. His sons were Joseph of Yorktown, who died aged 77, leaving WiUiam, who died aged 50; Joseph, who died aged 50; Hon. Elijali, who died aged 78, and Enos, who died aged 70, (the father of Stephen, whose sons are David and Enos of Yorktown). Thomas Lee, second son of Joseph, second son of William, of Cortlandt manor, died aged 80, leaving si.x sons. David, died aged 90, married a Young ; Peter, of Oliio, died aged 80 ; Paul, died aged -jo; Israel, of Orange Co., N. Y., died aged So; Philipi, also of Orange, died aged So ; and William of 2n ew Jersey, died aged So; John, third son of Joseph, removed from Long Island, to Yorktown, in 1750; he was born in 1726, married Sarah Perine, and died iNIarch 12th, 1816 ; she died July 31st, 1796, aged 74. Their children were, Thomas, died aged 40, without issue ; John, of New Jersey, died aged 84; Sarah, died aged 65, married John Horton ; Henrj-, died aged go, without issue; Hannah, died aged 87 ; Margaret, died aged 77, married Jonas WiUiams; Abigail, died aged 60, married David Knapp; Phcebe, died aged 7S, married Francis Colgrove; Dinah, married Thaddeus Rockwell ; Robert Lee, of Yorktown, (father of the late Hon. Thomas R. Lee, of Croton Falls) ; Phoebe, died aged 84, married Dennis Coombs ; Anna, died aged 85. married -- ^Martin ; Ruth, died aged 84, married John Wright; Elizabeth, died aged 80, married -- Martineau; Sarali, died aged 60; Mary, died aged 64, and Abigail, died aged iS."

Their children were, Thomas, died aged 40, without issue ; John, of New Jersey, died aged 84; Sarah, died aged 65, married John Horton ; Henrj-, died aged go, without issue; Hannah, died aged 87 ; Margaret, died aged 77, married Jonas WiUiams; Abigail, died aged 60, married David Knapp; Phcebe, died aged 7S, married Francis Colgrove; Dinah, married Thaddeus Rockwell ; Robert Lee, of Yorktown, (father of the late Hon. Thomas R. Lee, of Croton Falls) ; Phoebe, died aged 84, married Dennis Coombs ; Anna, died aged 85. married -- ^Martin ; Ruth, died aged 84, married John Wright; Elizabeth, died aged 80, married -- Martineau; Sarali, died aged 60; Mary, died aged 64, and Abigail, died aged iS."

In Crompond street, near the residence of Enos Lee, is situated an ancient cemetery* surrounded by a dense locust grove, containing memorials to the Travis's, Hyatt's, Ferris's and Hughson's: --

a The arms of this family arc: a:? on a fesse. between two lUkts, or, three leopard's head-', pu. Crt-it. A dL'iu; Mnnr (ipir. vested gu. ruaified nmud the collar witli two bars or, tied rouinl the wai5t with a ribtxdi ar. wreathed about ti. j head ar. and gu. holdiut; in his dc.\ter hand a gem-rms nf the third.

'■ This reini'tcrv (which i.-i doabtltss a public o e) coataining about Uaif an acre of laud, \s claiiii! d by J'jhii J. lioak aud Asa Adams.

THE TOWN OF YORKTOWN. 665

Here lies interred

the body of

JOSEPH HUGUSON,

A dL'iu; Mnnr (ipir. vested gu. ruaified nmud the collar witli two bars or, tied rouinl the wai5t with a ribtxdi ar. wreathed about ti. j head ar. and gu. holdiut; in his dc.\ter hand a gem-rms nf the third.

'■ This reini'tcrv (which i.-i doabtltss a public o e) coataining about Uaif an acre of laud, \s claiiii! d by J'jhii J. lioak aud Asa Adams.

THE TOWN OF YORKTOWN. 665

Here lies interred

the body of

JOSEPH HUGUSON,

the son of

. Nathaniel HcansoN,

Bora Feb. the 16th day, 1744,

Departed this life June the 30th day, 1759,

Aged 15 years, 4 months

and 2 -vreeks.

In memory of

JEMIMA FERRIS,

wife of

Geoki.e Fekeis,

■who was bora April Sth, 17G0,

and depui ted this life

ila-ch 14th, 1S06,

Aged 39 years, 1] months

and 6 days.

Hall siaful mortal read this lay The tyre of thy sliurt (•uUiiis'day, For lu, tUy ilosii devored must Ere loug rciuin to native Uust,

This parish was first organized under the ministrations of the Rev. James Wetmore, of Rye, and the Rev. Ebenezer Dibblee, of Stamford, Conn. Episcopal services, we are assured, were held at the village of Crompond, in Vorkto^m, at a very early period b> the former gentleman who was not wanting in his endeavors to promote the interest of true religion among the inhabitants ; but his advanced age and their distance prevented his being so very sociable, as otherwise he might have been. In 1762 !Mr. Dibblee, who had occasionally performed services at Crompond, and St. George Talbot, Esq., in company visited this place. The former described the people at that time, '"as sheep without a shepherd, a prey to various sectaries and enthusiastic lay teachers." He also says "that he found here many well wishers and professors of the Church of England, who told him they had not heard the Liturgy in several years." About 1774, a site was given by John Schuyler, Esq.,« for the erection of an Episcopal Church at Crompond in the vicinity of where the Congregational Meeting House stood ; but the troubles consequent upon the breaking out of the Revolutionary war put an end to the enterprise, and the deed of gift has been withheld ever since.

The former described the people at that time, '"as sheep without a shepherd, a prey to various sectaries and enthusiastic lay teachers." He also says "that he found here many well wishers and professors of the Church of England, who told him they had not heard the Liturgy in several years." About 1774, a site was given by John Schuyler, Esq.,« for the erection of an Episcopal Church at Crompond in the vicinity of where the Congregational Meeting House stood ; but the troubles consequent upon the breaking out of the Revolutionary war put an end to the enterprise, and the deed of gift has been withheld ever since. The original conveyance from Schuyler to Sackett is said to be in the

a .^',\\n. SiriaTicr. E-n., unrrleil C!):ue!;:i. a,vi>,'litcr of tjtcplianua vnn Cortlandt. IIU son was Citu. I'ui'iii- bi-auyl-.r, uf the RevoiiUioUwiry wur.

HISTORY OF THE COUNTY OK WESTCHESTER.

possession of Mr. Bakh\-in, of Lake ?kIahopac. "The house of Mr-. Johnson stood on the church property, a little south of the Con-rc a" tional greeting House."<^ ° ^

A Presbyterian society in this town appears to have been first or-a.nized under the ministry of the Rev. Samuel Sackett, about 1 740. u'j.oii the 2nd of January, 1739, ^^e find a deed for three acres of land given by Joseph Lane, Henry Beekman and Gertrude, his wife, unto Juli.-i Hyatt, John Haight and David Tra\is, trustees for the first Presbyterian church, on which land the meeting house was erected; (said' tliree acres being part of two hundred and twenty acres leased to Josepli Lar.c for three lives, 25th March, 1737,) dated 2nd of January, i'739, according to the act of 17 84, and the act of 1801.^

Samuel Sackett, about 1 740. u'j.oii the 2nd of January, 1739, ^^e find a deed for three acres of land given by Joseph Lane, Henry Beekman and Gertrude, his wife, unto Juli.-i Hyatt, John Haight and David Tra\is, trustees for the first Presbyterian church, on which land the meeting house was erected; (said' tliree acres being part of two hundred and twenty acres leased to Josepli Lar.c for three lives, 25th March, 1737,) dated 2nd of January, i'739, according to the act of 17 84, and the act of 1801.^

The following title occurs in an old hog skin record fonricrly in tlie possession of the Rev. Silas Constant:--

"A Record of the Proceedings of the Presbyterian Society of Hanover, from the seventh Day of Aug., in tlie Thirty Fourth year of the Ileieu of our Sovcrci -:i Lord George tlie Second l,y the Grace of God of Great JJntahi, France, Iroiatll &c., and in the year of our Lord Christ one Thousand and seven Hundred and sixty. An. Doai. 1760. 'V'

On the 26th of May, 17S4, this Society was incorporated mider the name and title of the -^ First Presbyterian Society, upon the plan of the Church of Scotland." Aaron Furman, Gilbert Travis, Ebenezer White. Elijah Lee. Henry Strong and Gabriel Carman, trustees; elected ^d of May, 17S4. A re-incorporation of the same occurs on the 4th of Mr.rch. i8o6.<^'

The P)-esbyterian Church is handsomely located on the highest ground of the \-iHagc, commanding a fine view of the surrounding country ; it was built in 1799, on the site of an older edifice erected cir. 173S. and destroyed by fire in June or July, 1799. The late Thomas Strong testified "that when the British, under Abercrombie, came to Crompoud and burnt Strong's house, it was in the afternoon.

A re-incorporation of the same occurs on the 4th of Mr.rch. i8o6.<^'

The P)-esbyterian Church is handsomely located on the highest ground of the \-iHagc, commanding a fine view of the surrounding country ; it was built in 1799, on the site of an older edifice erected cir. 173S. and destroyed by fire in June or July, 1799. The late Thomas Strong testified "that when the British, under Abercrombie, came to Crompoud and burnt Strong's house, it was in the afternoon. But when their ligr.t horse anived under Tarieton, it was early in the morning of the 24t.'i of June. Tarieton came up by a circuitous route, following the Croton

« Te?t;rn.ony of :\lr?. -- ny.-irr. of Sornprs. In reply to an enquirv on this snhjecr. t!ie !:• t. nVfi-si^'iv,;V\ l''''*''''l^'J'-'^''"'^''''- "^'- J-^n'*^s's llL'ctorv, bou!FiS:.r,teo,.Tau. IStii i'.'-.-

do not niii.-ral,, r h\ nhdiu it w:i> piv,-ii, m h-iw laii.-h w.i,-; •rivea. My itiirtre^sio'T Is tin.: i' i rniiik ■nas aiioot tlit- [i.tioiI of tlie HLVoltitioii.'.ry war "

h Coiiuty r.oc. RMi^bius Soc. I.ii.. .\, .■5.'!.

c Ki:ir::y f irr.i^ho 1 !.y \\i Kor. W. ^. rummings.

d <^>}. lire. HijjioiH Soc. Lib. A, pp. TT, 79, SI, 8:1, 147.

THE TOWN OF YORKTOWN'. 667

ibove Pine's Bridge one mile and a half or more, crossing the Croton it Vails ford, advanced upon Crompond from the east by a road which iiiuihIs like a semi-circle, coming into the Crompond road a little south of where Delavan lived. It was at Delavan's house, where they found John Shaw, whom they killed -- mistaking him for Copt. Delavan. This h.ippened in the morning of June 24th, on the road from Crompond to Pine's Bridge, about three-quarters of a mile from Crompond. The British burnt the Meeting House and parsonage and retired upon Pine's Pridge.

ibove Pine's Bridge one mile and a half or more, crossing the Croton it Vails ford, advanced upon Crompond from the east by a road which iiiuihIs like a semi-circle, coming into the Crompond road a little south of where Delavan lived. It was at Delavan's house, where they found John Shaw, whom they killed -- mistaking him for Copt. Delavan. This h.ippened in the morning of June 24th, on the road from Crompond to Pine's Bridge, about three-quarters of a mile from Crompond. The British burnt the Meeting House and parsonage and retired upon Pine's Pridge. On the 3d of June, 1779, Major Abercombie, burnt Mayor Strong's house then occupied as a Court House, and also burnt a store house than used as a depot for arms and stores, &c., for the military. Shaw was killed at Delavan's stables ; he defended himself stoutly, but was set upon by five or six burly horsemen and cut to pieces. The " Cow boys, Tories and horse thieves penetrated Westchester and Dutchess counties all the way to Albany. On the 24ta of June, 1779, some of Tarleton's men advanced a mile north of the meeting house as far as the brook beyond my house."

" Ezekiel Hyatt raised a company of minute men in rifle dress, say about forty, with black gaiters, which were placed by the Provincial Congress under the three committee men for Crompond, viz., Joseph Strong, Abraham Purdy and Joseph Lee, who ordered Hyatt to apprehend one Chase a tory -- very influential with the rabble. Chase was taken and lodged in a guard house at Peekskill, whereupon two or three hundred Tories assembled in arms and demanded his release ; Hyatt, hov\'- ever studily refused to give him up. Nathaniel Merritt, who lived in Peekskill, v.-as also another influential man among the Tories; he assembled a large company at his house and threatened to release the prisoner, upon this my father, uncle Henry, and Joseph Strong, obtained six hundred Continental troops of the committee, and disarmed the Tories and placed their arms and instruments in the Parsonage house for safe keeping.

Chase was taken and lodged in a guard house at Peekskill, whereupon two or three hundred Tories assembled in arms and demanded his release ; Hyatt, hov\'- ever studily refused to give him up. Nathaniel Merritt, who lived in Peekskill, v.-as also another influential man among the Tories; he assembled a large company at his house and threatened to release the prisoner, upon this my father, uncle Henry, and Joseph Strong, obtained six hundred Continental troops of the committee, and disarmed the Tories and placed their arms and instruments in the Parsonage house for safe keeping. A more queer collection of arms it v/as impossible t(.i collect together, old fire locks, rusty and worn out pistols, and ancient swords of all descriptions, >S:c."''

At the time of its destruction, the old church appears to have been used as a store house by the Continental troops ; for, during the year 1739, a select committee appointed by Congress to investigate Revolutionary claims, reported "That Congress paythe Yorktown congregation' the sum of three thousand five hundred dollars out of the first unappropriated funds -- the Government ha\ing occupied the church and parsona Testimony of tin; late T'l^iina-i .S-:uij:, ui Yorktuwu, in 1>44. ZU. >:cDo:ui:u s .MS?, iu the possession oIG'- uri^'o Muore, iJ^ii., of >.. V.

668 HISTORY OF THE COUNTY OF WESTCHESTER.

age as barracks and store houses, during the Revolutionar)' war." T.'-.j appropriation, however, was never made by Congress.

The present edifice'^ is constructed of wood, presenting in front a lofty colonnade, above which rises a neat tower, finished with a rich cornice and pinnacles, in which is a large bell weighing over 600 lbs., inscribed as follows :

ZU. >:cDo:ui:u s .MS?, iu the possession oIG'- uri^'o Muore, iJ^ii., of >.. V.

668 HISTORY OF THE COUNTY OF WESTCHESTER.

age as barracks and store houses, during the Revolutionar)' war." T.'-.j appropriation, however, was never made by Congress.

The present edifice'^ is constructed of wood, presenting in front a lofty colonnade, above which rises a neat tower, finished with a rich cornice and pinnacles, in which is a large bell weighing over 600 lbs., inscribed as follows :

"Cast 1iy J. n. Thompson, New York, 1S23."

The Rev. Samuel Sackett, first pastor of this society, was the son of the Rev. Richard Sackett, minister of the second society of Greenwich in 1 71 7, who graduated A.M. at Yale College, in 1709, and died in 1727.

Presbyterian Cliiircli, CromponO.

iHe was installed pastor of the Bedford society in 1743, and chargtx! -with the occasional supply of Salem and Cortlandt manor.

In 1747, Crompond obtained his services for half his time, and in December, 1749, he was released from his labors here and gave ti-.c whole of his time to Bedford. In 1753, he resigned the care of tl-.c church in Bedford and settled at once over the church of Hanover, and again he appears to have gone back to Bedford, was dismissed April ist, 1760, and the next year was installed again in Crompond. Mr. Sackett had a great deal of trouble v.-ith his brethren in the Presbytery. He differed widely with them, in both the doctrine and government of the Brcsbyterian church. On the whole he preached for twenty years lierc, and

In 1753, he resigned the care of tl-.c church in Bedford and settled at once over the church of Hanover, and again he appears to have gone back to Bedford, was dismissed April ist, 1760, and the next year was installed again in Crompond. Mr. Sackett had a great deal of trouble v.-ith his brethren in the Presbytery. He differed widely with them, in both the doctrine and government of the Brcsbyterian church. On the whole he preached for twenty years lierc, and

occasion *^*^''-'^'"^''''^ iJamnsou Cccoiii, of the Mkhiga tribe, prcacheJ la ttiia church oa o-t"

/

THE TOWN' OF YORKTO\VN. 669

f'n.illv' rested from his labors on the 5th of June, 17S4. His tomb in the aJjoiaing grave-yard, bears the following inscription : --

REV. SA-MUEL SACKETT,

■who died June 5tli, 17S4. *

He was a judicious, faithful, laborious and successful minister of Christ.

Thrice Mest ilepartKj spirit thou art free From the toUs of mortaiitj.

The remains of his son Joseph, repose close b}', Anth the follomng inscription- on the tomb-Stone : --

Here Ij-es the body of

JOSEPH SACKETT,

Born April ISth, 1735,

and departed this life Dec. 1757.

" Behold all ye thut now pass by, As you are now, so once was I, As i am now, so you m;iy be, Prepare for death and follow me,"

flann^h, his daughter, married Stephen James de Lancey, second son cf the Hon. James de Lancey, and a grand-son of Anna, daughter of Hon. Stephanus van Cortlandt, Lord of the manor of Cortlandt. This lady, mounted on a fine bay horse, was endeavoring to escape from the burning of the meeting-house in July, 1779, when she was overtaken, about one mile north of Crompond, by some of the enemies cavalr)-, who robbed her of her shoe-buckles and ear-rings, and requested her to dismount ; she refused and exclaimed, "• Is this the way you treat unprotected females?

James de Lancey, and a grand-son of Anna, daughter of Hon. Stephanus van Cortlandt, Lord of the manor of Cortlandt. This lady, mounted on a fine bay horse, was endeavoring to escape from the burning of the meeting-house in July, 1779, when she was overtaken, about one mile north of Crompond, by some of the enemies cavalr)-, who robbed her of her shoe-buckles and ear-rings, and requested her to dismount ; she refused and exclaimed, "• Is this the way you treat unprotected females? I will inform }'our superiors ! where is your conimander?" he appeared. " I am the wife of Stephen de Lancey ; is this proper treatment for her ? I demand an escort to a place of safety I " The British officer, on hearing de Lancey's name, granted her request. She carefully, however, abstained from telling him that she was the Gaughter of Mr. Sackett, the whig Presbyterian minister of Crompond.*

LIST OF PASTORS AND SUPPLIES.

INST. OR CALL.

Pastof.s.

VACATED E

Supply in 1742.

Pastor 17G1

Rev. Samuel Sackett

death

Supply in 17Sj-6

, Pa-stor nSti

Rev. Silas Constant

resigned

ISOS

Rev. Andhew Thomps

"

a Testtuioayof TUuiuas S'.ran;;,-- McDju.iM .MSS. in po-^eisioD of Geo. FI. Moore, Esq.

670 HISTORY OF THE COUNTY OF WESTCHESTER.

rS3T. OR C.\.r.L. PaST0K3. vacated EI

1S22 Rev. Asadei, Ukonson

June 14tli, lSi7 Rev. Kiciiahd WYNKOOpa

April iSth, 1S36 Rev. Robep.t G. 'xIiomi'son

Nov. 11th, 1S47 Rev. Matthew T. Adam

1853 Rev. Samuel D. Westeevelt

Oct. l-"tli, ]S(j6 Rev. James W. JouxsTON

Supply in 17Sj-6

, Pa-stor nSti

Rev. Silas Constant

resigned

ISOS

Rev. Andhew Thomps

"

a Testtuioayof TUuiuas S'.ran;;,-- McDju.iM .MSS. in po-^eisioD of Geo. FI. Moore, Esq.

670 HISTORY OF THE COUNTY OF WESTCHESTER.

rS3T. OR C.\.r.L. PaST0K3. vacated EI

1S22 Rev. Asadei, Ukonson

June 14tli, lSi7 Rev. Kiciiahd WYNKOOpa

April iSth, 1S36 Rev. Robep.t G. 'xIiomi'son

Nov. 11th, 1S47 Rev. Matthew T. Adam

1853 Rev. Samuel D. Westeevelt

Oct. l-"tli, ]S(j6 Rev. James W. JouxsTON

Aug. Sth, 1S77 Rev. ^VILL1AM J. Ccmmixg present pastor.

In tlie grave-yard surroufiJing the church are monuments to Captain Samuel Sackett, Deacon Knapp, Dr. Brewer, and others.

DR. JAMES BREWER,

a native of Massachusetts,

but for I'laiiy 3"ears a pmctisiag Physician

in Yorktown.

Whilst visiting a patient in Jefferson Valley, he -was

captured by Cow-boys, and trying- to escape in Hog

Lane, was killed by them, November 20th, 17S0,

aged 39 years, 4 months and 7 days.

In the south-east corner of the yard (just thirty-six feet from the present east fence and six feet from the south fence;, he the mortal remains of CoL Christopher Green, the hero oi Redbank, and IMajor Flagg, his brave companion in arms, both of whom fell by the hands of cruel treachery, on the morning of the 14th of May, 1 7S1. But where shall we look for a monument, or even a stone, to mark the spot where these brave patriots lie pillowed in tlie dust ? When will justice be rendered to the memory of the brave and illustrious dead, who fell in the noble cause of freedom ?

In the south-east corner of the yard (just thirty-six feet from the present east fence and six feet from the south fence;, he the mortal remains of CoL Christopher Green, the hero oi Redbank, and IMajor Flagg, his brave companion in arms, both of whom fell by the hands of cruel treachery, on the morning of the 14th of May, 1 7S1. But where shall we look for a monument, or even a stone, to mark the spot where these brave patriots lie pillowed in tlie dust ? When will justice be rendered to the memory of the brave and illustrious dead, who fell in the noble cause of freedom ?

Near tliis spot are interred the remains of the noted Brom. Dyckman, of Revolutionary fame.

The new parsonage is pleasantly situated, facing Crompond Street. The old one, which has been sold, stood on the site of a still older edifice, which was occupied for some time, durii g the Revolution, by the Yorktown Committee of Public Safety. Here that tribunal transacted business, disarmed the disaffected, and punished the incorrigible. Zephaniah Piatt and others, aided by six hundred Connecticut troops, disarmed the Loyalists of Cortlandt's manor, during the winter of 1776. Here, also, a convention of Congress assembled for the purpose of distributing commissions to the officer^, who were empowered to raise the mihtia.

For the destruction of this obnoxious post, Col. Robertson obtained of the English governor, a special order and -the command of an entire regiment. From New York, he appears to have proceeded by water to Peekskill, where he landed, swearing he would b'.nii the d d Committee

Zephaniah Piatt and others, aided by six hundred Connecticut troops, disarmed the Loyalists of Cortlandt's manor, during the winter of 1776. Here, also, a convention of Congress assembled for the purpose of distributing commissions to the officer^, who were empowered to raise the mihtia.

For the destruction of this obnoxious post, Col. Robertson obtained of the English governor, a special order and -the command of an entire regiment. From New York, he appears to have proceeded by water to Peekskill, where he landed, swearing he would b'.nii the d d Committee

a His sou i-j th'j present Mr. BicliuiU Wyiikoop of ><\'\v York city.

THE TOWN OF VORKTOWN. 67 1

House; and guided by a spy, named Caleb ^Morgan, marched to Cromj;i)nd, where he burnt the parsonage, then used as a store house and arsenal. Upon the departure of the British troops, the Continental guard took possession of the meeting-house.

The Congregational Society of Crompond, which was organized, under the ministry of the Rev. Silas Constant, has ceased to exist -- the members having been absorbed into the Presbyterian Church.

In 17S7, Dr. Elias Cornelius and JNIr. Benjamin Plaight, were chosen deacons. In 1790, a part of the members withdrew by mutual consent, and fonned a new church at Red Mills. About the year iSo6, a division occurred in the church, when more than two-thirds of her members adhered to Mr. Constant, and maintained the Congregational mode of worship, the remainder resumed the Presbyterian form.

In 18 1 6, a number of members harmoniously left the society and fonned a church at Peekskill.

Benjamin Plaight, were chosen deacons. In 1790, a part of the members withdrew by mutual consent, and fonned a new church at Red Mills. About the year iSo6, a division occurred in the church, when more than two-thirds of her members adhered to Mr. Constant, and maintained the Congregational mode of worship, the remainder resumed the Presbyterian form.

In 18 1 6, a number of members harmoniously left the society and fonned a church at Peekskill.

From the time of }^Ir. Constant's death until the closing of the organization quite a number of ministers had officiated here, among w^hom may be mentioned the Rev. Daniel Jones, Rev. Griffeth H. Griffeth, JRev. Albert Hyde, and the Rev. J. B. Loring.

The church edifice has been sold and removed from its former site. Among other monuments in the grave yard is the following :

lu memory of tlie

Rev. SILAS CONSTANT,

•who departed tliis life

Jlarcli 22, 1S25,

Aged 7o years, 2 mo. and 7 days.

The Friends tJiceiing house is situated at a short distance from the village of Crompond, and stands on land jointly given by John Clapp and Joseph Waters, in 1774.

The following is a brief abstract of the conveyance : --

"John Clapp of Greenwich, and Joseph Waters of Cortlandt ma:ior, of the first part, conve\"to John Griffin, John CromweH, John CorociJ, Uriah Field and Thomas Clapp, of the second part, all that tract of land being in Avw^ralk, in Cortlandt manor, consisting of two acres lying and being in the north-east corner of greiM lot No. 4. Dated 12 day of October, 1774.

The Friends tJiceiing house is situated at a short distance from the village of Crompond, and stands on land jointly given by John Clapp and Joseph Waters, in 1774.

The following is a brief abstract of the conveyance : --

"John Clapp of Greenwich, and Joseph Waters of Cortlandt ma:ior, of the first part, conve\"to John Griffin, John CromweH, John CorociJ, Uriah Field and Thomas Clapp, of the second part, all that tract of land being in Avw^ralk, in Cortlandt manor, consisting of two acres lying and being in the north-east corner of greiM lot No. 4. Dated 12 day of October, 1774.

The Methodist Episcopal society of Yorktown, was first incorporated upon the 13th of August, 1792 ; Timothy Oakley, John Oakley, Solomon FOwler, James Haden, Thomas Kirkham and Jacob Badeau, trustees.*

o Co. Ittc. Religious i?oc. Li'.>. A. 34. For re-iaooipoiatiou, sec pages IC;;, 175, ic.

672 HISTORY OF THE COUNTY OF WESTCHESTER.

A Baptist society was incorporated on the 27th of April, 1793 ; Rcul^'n Garrison, John Tompkins and Amos Lane, trustees. '^

Cm?npo7id, the principal village in this township, is situated on tp.c high road leading from Somers to Peekskill ; it contains a Presbyterian church, a post office, a store, and several dwellings. The name is undoubtedly derived from the large pond that lies north-v,-est of the vil. lage, which, from its pecuHar shape, is sometimes called the crooked pond -- " Cron," denoting in the Dutch language, crooked. This beautiful sheet of water covers an area of 200 acres.

Cm?npo7id, the principal village in this township, is situated on tp.c high road leading from Somers to Peekskill ; it contains a Presbyterian church, a post office, a store, and several dwellings. The name is undoubtedly derived from the large pond that lies north-v,-est of the vil. lage, which, from its pecuHar shape, is sometimes called the crooked pond -- " Cron," denoting in the Dutch language, crooked. This beautiful sheet of water covers an area of 200 acres.

In the vicinity of Crompond, and bordering on King street, is the residence of the late Hon. Henry White, (now occupied by his nephew, Constant White) one of the judges of the late Court of Common Pleas in this county. Judge White was the son of Ebenezer Wniite, AL I)., "who died 8th of March, 1825, by his wife Plelena Bartow, and grandson of the Rev. Ebenezer White of South Hampton, Long Island. L>r. Wliite left issue also, Bartow White, \)x. Ebenezer White of Somerstown (for many years Surrogate of the County and a INIember of Assembly) Lewis of Peoria, James, Theodosius of Somers, and a daughter Catharine. Judge White, died Nov, 5th 1857. Dr. White of Yorktown, through the whole course of the Revolution sustained the character cf a patroit, with that devotion and firmness which characterized the many at that eventful period of our history. It appears that the enemy made several unsuccessful attempts to capture this distinguished individual. On one occasion they were desirous of exchanging the doctor for a British surgeon then in the hands of the Americans. To effect his surprisal a large party of Light Horse were despatched to Crompond. with strict orders to surround his dwelling and make him prisoner. Some kind friend, however, gave the doctor timely warning which enabled him to escape.

White of Yorktown, through the whole course of the Revolution sustained the character cf a patroit, with that devotion and firmness which characterized the many at that eventful period of our history. It appears that the enemy made several unsuccessful attempts to capture this distinguished individual. On one occasion they were desirous of exchanging the doctor for a British surgeon then in the hands of the Americans. To effect his surprisal a large party of Light Horse were despatched to Crompond. with strict orders to surround his dwelling and make him prisoner. Some kind friend, however, gave the doctor timely warning which enabled him to escape.

As a substitute, they seized upon Dr. James Brewer, who resided in the immediate neighborhood, and were proceeding home with their prisoner. when passing through Stony street they were fired upon b\- a jjarty of Americans, who lay concealed behind tiie fences. \n. Brewer received a mortal wound and expired the ne.xt morning, Nov. 20, 17 So, m the arms of Dr. White -- who had thus narrowly escaped the melancholy late of his friend. It deser\'es to be mentioned, that he was the only one wounded of the party. Dr. Brewer, who thus perished at the early a^e of thirty-nine, was a native of Massachussetts and left by his wite, Hannah Brewer, four sons and three daughters. His grandson is the present Dr. James Brewer, of Peekskill.

a. IliKl. Lil). A. 40. For rc-mcorpor.ition, sei; page 93.

THE T0"\\^" OF YORKTOWN. 673

In King street is also situated the residence of Major Thomas Strang a soldier of the Revolution. Major Strang is the son of Capt. Henry Strang who was the grandson of the worthy Huguenot, Daniel L'Estrange and Charlotte his wfe. From the genealogical table in possession of the Strangs of Putnam, it appears that Daniel L'Estrange and Charlotte his wife, (daughter of Francis Hubert) being Protestants, fled from the city of Paris in the year of our Lord 1685, during the persecutions under Louis the XIV, and came to the city of London.

Major Strang is the son of Capt. Henry Strang who was the grandson of the worthy Huguenot, Daniel L'Estrange and Charlotte his wfe. From the genealogical table in possession of the Strangs of Putnam, it appears that Daniel L'Estrange and Charlotte his wife, (daughter of Francis Hubert) being Protestants, fled from the city of Paris in the year of our Lord 1685, during the persecutions under Louis the XIV, and came to the city of London. He obtained a lieutenancy in the guards of James IL, King of Great Britain, and continued there until the year 1688, when with his wife he embarked for America in company with a number of French Protestants and arrived at the city of New York. From thence he went to New Kochelle, and subsequently removed to Rye.'* Daniel L'Estrange who was born in the city of Paris A. D. 1656, died at Rye in this county, A. D. 1706. His will bears date the same year. The late Major Joseph Strang, uncle of the present proprietor, greatly distinguished himself in the bateaux service during the old French war. -- --

In the same street resided Susan De Lancey and her mother Anne, daughter of Col. Caleb Heathcote, and widow of the Plon. James De Lancey, Lt. Governor of the Province of New York, who died in July 1 760. Tixese ladies retired here, for the sake of escaping the turmoils of tlie Revolution. Mrs. De Lancey died here in 1779, ^"'-^ '^^'^s buried at Crompond;buther remains have since been removed to Heathcote Hill, Mamaroneck. During the war their house afforded an asylum for the persecuted, who found here a safe protection from their enemies. Susan De Lancey afterward resided with her brother, John Peter De Lancey, at Heathcote Hill, where she died in 1815 and was interred in the De Lancey family burning ground.

Tixese ladies retired here, for the sake of escaping the turmoils of tlie Revolution. Mrs. De Lancey died here in 1779, ^"'-^ '^^'^s buried at Crompond;buther remains have since been removed to Heathcote Hill, Mamaroneck. During the war their house afforded an asylum for the persecuted, who found here a safe protection from their enemies. Susan De Lancey afterward resided with her brother, John Peter De Lancey, at Heathcote Hill, where she died in 1815 and was interred in the De Lancey family burning ground.

Near the main road leading from Crompond to Somers is situated the estate and residence of the late Robert P. Lee, Esq., for many years one of the leading memlxrs of the bar in this country. Mr. Lee was the youngest son of John Lee of Yorktown, whose grandfather WiUiam Lee, emigrated to this country in 1675 from Nottingham, England.

The village of Crompond and its immediate neighborhood appears to have been greatly harrassed during the revolutionary troubles by frequent forays of the enemy. Before the morning of the 24th of June, 1779, ( says General Heath.) about 200 of the enemy's light horse came up as far as Crompond, surprising two militia pickets, killed" and took prisoners

a Tim foUowuig tnidiiion ti;is hfi.-n handed down In the fuiiiily, ttiat the above Charlotte L'Kstraiijre wi^liui;^ f) iicromii.iriy fit-r liu-iainl in his esciipo tnuu Fimmi'o [••ft licr Infant ic^ a,

h'lslai;!.' in Pan-, Ilt niciiii. - lisiiiL' !i,v tni^ iifti'ic- ti» iiiniire lu.-r r.-tnru, tnii t:ikin).' >tr;i the drs.- oi>iii>rniiii'v she ci-.k-mI ;h ■ chiu:;!-! itito Iviu-iand. |)u:-in.j tiKM;i;;,r [lio^Lxutioi tUal rreccil- d ttii.-u- ilifc'ht tlic ijiui;;. Dm:^ w;is couccul^-d bcueaiU Uio Ucartu ^louc.

a Tim foUowuig tnidiiion ti;is hfi.-n handed down In the fuiiiily, ttiat the above Charlotte L'Kstraiijre wi^liui;^ f) iicromii.iriy fit-r liu-iainl in his esciipo tnuu Fimmi'o [••ft licr Infant ic^ a,

h'lslai;!.' in Pan-, Ilt niciiii. - lisiiiL' !i,v tni^ iifti'ic- ti» iiiniire lu.-r r.-tnru, tnii t:ikin).' >tr;i the drs.- oi>iii>rniiii'v she ci-.k-mI ;h ■ chiu:;!-! itito Iviu-iand. |)u:-in.j tiKM;i;;,r [lio^Lxutioi tUal rreccil- d ttii.-u- ilifc'ht tlic ijiui;;. Dm:^ w;is couccul^-d bcueaiU Uio Ucartu ^louc.

674 HISTORY OF THE COUNTY OF WESTCHESTER.

nearly thirty men. About 130 light infantry of the enemy at the same time came out from Verplank's Point, made an excursion round and then-returned." Upon another occasion the Continental troops having stacked their arms in the church, then used as an Arsenal, were enga,:^ed at breakfast when the enemy made a sudden and furious onset, capturing and killing some and compelHng others to seek safety in flight Among the latter was Bot Lent who fled down King street, closely pursued b}' two of the British light horse. After following the road some distance Lent took to the woods, when his enemies gave up the pursuit. They had scarcely, however, turned their backs, than he raised his ril^'^ and fired at the nearest. The shot must have taken effect, for his com. rade was afterwards seen dragging him down the road covered ^\-ith blood. Major Strang, who happened to be miserably mounted, was pursued down the same street,and narrowly escaped by jumping from his horse.

It seems from the following letter, that timely notice was occasionally given of the enemy's approach : --

They had scarcely, however, turned their backs, than he raised his ril^'^ and fired at the nearest. The shot must have taken effect, for his com. rade was afterwards seen dragging him down the road covered ^\-ith blood. Major Strang, who happened to be miserably mounted, was pursued down the same street,and narrowly escaped by jumping from his horse.

It seems from the following letter, that timely notice was occasionally given of the enemy's approach : --

Hanover, Saturday Marntng, one o'clock.

Sij-:.-- Captahi Buckliout and ISIr. Hunt are sent by Colonel Putnam to inform

you that the light-horse are to be in this place about day-light. He is at Solomon

Hunt's with his detachment ; any of the inhabitants who shall join him, will bo

gratefully received. I am yours,

Joseph Strang.

N. B --I am desired to let you know that it is expected tliat you will acquaint your neighbors up the street, and Mr. Carmans.

The subjoined account of this place is given by Thacher, in his militarj' journal : --

"Cp.OMroxD, Map.ch, 17S1.

"The advanced guard of our army, consisting of about two hundred men, is posted at Croir'pond, about twenty miles below West Point, and is relieved every two or three weeks. A surgeon constantly attends, and I am now ordered to repair to that post, to relieve Dr. Thomas.

"I have taken my (juarters at Crompond, in a house with IMajorTrescott, who commands at this post. This vicinity is constantly liarrasscd by small parties of volunteers on our side, and jiarties of royalists and tories on the other, who ore making every effort to etTect mutual destruction ; seeking every opportunity to beat up each other's quarters, and to kill or capture all who are found in arms. This is to be considered a very hazardous situation ; it requires the utmost vigi. lance to "-uard against a surprise. ^lajor Tresoott is an excellent disciplinarian, an active vigilant officer, and well acquainted with his duty.

This vicinity is constantly liarrasscd by small parties of volunteers on our side, and jiarties of royalists and tories on the other, who ore making every effort to etTect mutual destruction ; seeking every opportunity to beat up each other's quarters, and to kill or capture all who are found in arms. This is to be considered a very hazardous situation ; it requires the utmost vigi. lance to "-uard against a surprise. ^lajor Tresoott is an excellent disciplinarian, an active vigilant officer, and well acquainted with his duty. A party of volunteers collected here on horseback, for a secret expedition, and by their earnest request, Major Trescott marched in the night with a party to cover their retreat, and to

a H ath'M .Mem. inc.

THE TOWN' OF YORKTO\\'>:. 675

take any advantage which might offer. The party returned the next day with fix tory prisoners, three of whom were wounded by the broad-sword. One of our volunteers, named Hunt, received a dangerous wound through the shoulder and lungs ; the air escaped from tlie wound at every breath. Dr. Eustis came to the lines, and dilated the wound in the breast ; and as the patient is athletic, and had not sustnined a very copious loss of blood, he recommended repeated and liberal blood letting -- observing that in order to curt; a wound through the lungs, you nmst bleed your patient to diath. He eventually recovered, which is to be ascribed principally to the free use of the lancet, and such abstemious living, as to reduce him to the greatest extremity. A considerable number of wounded prisoners receive my daily attention.

Eustis came to the lines, and dilated the wound in the breast ; and as the patient is athletic, and had not sustnined a very copious loss of blood, he recommended repeated and liberal blood letting -- observing that in order to curt; a wound through the lungs, you nmst bleed your patient to diath. He eventually recovered, which is to be ascribed principally to the free use of the lancet, and such abstemious living, as to reduce him to the greatest extremity. A considerable number of wounded prisoners receive my daily attention.

"A gentleman volunteer, by name Rcquaw, received a dangerous wound and was carried into the British lines; I was requested b}' his bmther to visit him, under the sanction of a fiag of truce, in company with Dr. White, wlio resides in this vicinity. This invitation I cheerfully accepted; and Mr. Requaw having obtained a flag from the proper authority and procured horses, we set of in the morning, arrived at Westchester before evening, and dressed the wounded man. W^e passed the night at Mrs. Bartow's, mother-in-law of Dr. W. She has remained at her farm between the lines during the w-ar, and being friendly to our interest, has received nmch abusive treatment from the royalists. We were treated in the most friendly manner, and her daughter, an amiable well educated girl, entertained us in conversation till one o'clock in the morning, relating numerous occurences and incidents of an interesting nature, respecting the roj'al part}'. The next day we visited our patient again, paid the necessary attention and repaired to a tavern, where I was gratified with an interview with the much famed Colonel De Lancey, who commands the Refugee Corps. He conducted with much civility, and having a public dinner prepared at the tavern, he invited us to dine with him and his officers.

We were treated in the most friendly manner, and her daughter, an amiable well educated girl, entertained us in conversation till one o'clock in the morning, relating numerous occurences and incidents of an interesting nature, respecting the roj'al part}'. The next day we visited our patient again, paid the necessary attention and repaired to a tavern, where I was gratified with an interview with the much famed Colonel De Lancey, who commands the Refugee Corps. He conducted with much civility, and having a public dinner prepared at the tavern, he invited us to dine with him and his officers. After dinner. Colonel De Lancey furnished us with a permit to return with our flag ; we rode ten miles, and took lodgings in a private house. Here we were informed that six of our men, having taken from the refugees thirty head of cattle, were overtaken by forty of De Lance3''s corps and were all killed but one, and the cattle re-taken. In the morning breakfasted with a friendly Quaker family, in whose house was one of our men who had been wounded wiien four others were killed ; we dressed his wounds, which were numerous and dangerous. In another house we saw four dead bodies, mangled iu a most inhuman manner by the refugees, and among them, one groaning under five wounds on his h«;'a(!, two of them quite through the skull bone with a broadsword. This man was capable of giving us an account of the umrder of his four companions. They surrendered and begged for life, but their entreaties were disregarded, and the swords of their cruel foes were plunged into their bodies so long as signs of life remained. We found many friends to our cause, who reside on their farms between the lines of the two armies, whose situation is truly deplorable, being continually exposed to the ravages of the tories, horse thieves, and cow boys, who rob and plunder them without mercy, and the personal abuse and punishments which they iutlict is almost incredible."

They surrendered and begged for life, but their entreaties were disregarded, and the swords of their cruel foes were plunged into their bodies so long as signs of life remained. We found many friends to our cause, who reside on their farms between the lines of the two armies, whose situation is truly deplorable, being continually exposed to the ravages of the tories, horse thieves, and cow boys, who rob and plunder them without mercy, and the personal abuse and punishments which they iutlict is almost incredible."

•About a mile below the residence of Mr. William Smith, on the Pines JBridge road, a narro-.v lane diverges south-west to Da\cnport, or Dan-

676 HISTORY OF THE COUXTV OF WESTCHESTER.

forth's house. Here, Col. Christoplier Greene v.-as posted with the lUiode Island regiment, in advance of the Continental army, in 17S1, and near the French force under Count Rochambeau. The followin<T communication appears to have been addressed to Col. Greene, by John Dexter, of the orderly office, upon the reorganization of his force : --

Ordeely Office, Iotowa, ^Tut. 19tb, 1780. Mt deae Sir : --

I have been a considerable time expecting your arrival at camp, or at least a deputy or delegate from our regiment, in order to a settlement of the otliccrs -vvho continue in service from our State on tlie nev,- arrangement. There are many circumstances which must inevitably atteud'it, that may possilily and probably not be considered without the most particular attention and deliberation. But the most material, which I recollect at this time, is this-- "The filling up all the vacancies in the regiment which happened previous to the passing the late resolution, for the re-aiTangcmeat of the army as far as tlie ofScers in it will extend." This I have made particular enquiry respecting at Ijead-quarters.

There are many circumstances which must inevitably atteud'it, that may possilily and probably not be considered without the most particular attention and deliberation. But the most material, which I recollect at this time, is this-- "The filling up all the vacancies in the regiment which happened previous to the passing the late resolution, for the re-aiTangcmeat of the army as far as tlie ofScers in it will extend." This I have made particular enquiry respecting at Ijead-quarters. They say it is not only right, but tolerated, and is to be pursued in all the different lines of the arm}-.

In this promotion I conceive my brother will be intererested, and I would •\\-ish to see the arrangement before it is delivered at I'.cad-quarters,

It has also been determined at head-quarters tliat the Captain Lieutenants must continue on the new arrangements as LieutLuauts only, but are to be the eldest Lieutenants in the regiment.

Wh\' I mention this circumstance is this : that on filling the vacancies in our regiment my brother \\ill be entitled to the Captain Lieutenancy as will Jerauldin Angells.

There are particular reasons, besides the justice of it, why I -ss-i.sh the vacancies should be filled. These, however, I should wish not to conmiunicate -- only by word of mouth.

You must all along observe that I have addressed you as tlie Colonel of tlie one regiment to be raised by the State of Rliode Island, as I cannot entertain a thought of your wishing to retire.

Wh\' I mention this circumstance is this : that on filling the vacancies in our regiment my brother \\ill be entitled to the Captain Lieutenancy as will Jerauldin Angells.

There are particular reasons, besides the justice of it, why I -ss-i.sh the vacancies should be filled. These, however, I should wish not to conmiunicate -- only by word of mouth.

You must all along observe that I have addressed you as tlie Colonel of tlie one regiment to be raised by the State of Rliode Island, as I cannot entertain a thought of your wishing to retire.

I should have seen you at Rhode Island before this time if the state of my finances, would have admitted, but all the cry in camp is v.-aut of mone}-, no money, no monc}- since the first of the year.

You may, if you please, show my brother tins letter vnih. my love to him-- I ■wish to see him. I would write him if I had time.

I am in the greatest hurry, but nevertheless do not forget that I am, with the greatest respect, Your most obedient servant,

(Signed) Jno. Dextek.

Eight days after the date of the above letter, the following order was addressed to CoL Greene by General Washington : --

Srp: --

It is probable you will receive the Count de llocliambeau's order to march with your regiment to West Point. Should this be the case you will only come

THE TOWN' OK YOKXTO\\"N. 677

on ^N-ith such officers as are to reiaaiu on service ou the new anangcment, and such lucu as arc en-aged for the Avtir, or at least for a terra that will last through the next campaign. Tlie other men you may dismiss, unless the Count de Rochanibeau, shouvftiud any employment for them where they now are.

It is probable you will receive the Count de llocliambeau's order to march with your regiment to West Point. Should this be the case you will only come

THE TOWN' OK YOKXTO\\"N. 677

on ^N-ith such officers as are to reiaaiu on service ou the new anangcment, and such lucu as arc en-aged for the Avtir, or at least for a terra that will last through the next campaign. Tlie other men you may dismiss, unless the Count de Rochanibeau, shouvftiud any employment for them where they now are. In this you will perceive, it is presumed you have ah-eady agreed upon the arrangement. I am, sir, your obedient humble servant,

(Signed) GEO. WASHINGTON.

Head-quarters, Nov. 22d, 17S0.

Smce writing the above, I have received your letter of the ISth. Public Lerviee, Colonel Gkeexe,

Newport, Long Island. Geo. WASiiiNroTON.

The arrangement alluded to in the foregoing letter, must have soon after taken place; for on the 15th of April, 1781, the Colonel accompanied Maior Flagg in viewing the hnes at Pines Bridge, as it api^ears from the following letter addressed by Col. Greene to Col. Samuel Ward of Warwick, Rhode Island. It showed that the Colonel had some forebodings of the fate which awaited him : --

RnouE Island Village, IGth Apeil, 17S1. Dear Col: --

I had the happiness to receive your two favours of the 12th and 31st ult. by Major Flagg, and, sorry you meet with so much difliculty in getting the matters you have in charge for j-ouri^elf and old mother officers settled to your mind; however, I don't doubt your perseverance will in a sliort time effect it. I know, nothing in yoiu power will be omitted to serve your friends of which I have "ever had the strongest assurances of being one. I often very agreeably reflect upon the toils and dangers we have gone through together, during the course of this horrid wur ; and nothing would liave been more agreeable than to have had your company in command to the end of it.

I had the happiness to receive your two favours of the 12th and 31st ult. by Major Flagg, and, sorry you meet with so much difliculty in getting the matters you have in charge for j-ouri^elf and old mother officers settled to your mind; however, I don't doubt your perseverance will in a sliort time effect it. I know, nothing in yoiu power will be omitted to serve your friends of which I have "ever had the strongest assurances of being one. I often very agreeably reflect upon the toils and dangers we have gone through together, during the course of this horrid wur ; and nothing would liave been more agreeable than to have had your company in command to the end of it. But so it could not be, without injustice to a great military character and a very worthy geutleman.a We therefore must, for the present, be apart. I was overjoyed at the :Major's arrival. I yesterday went Willi him to the lines at Pines Bridge. Isliall join him, myself, iuavcry few davs. We have at present but about two hundred, including officers, to guard about twenty miles ; but expect, as soon as the men get out of the small-pox, to have the force augmented to three or four hundred. I am exceedingly sorry the Governor and family had not the pleasure of Gen. Washington's company when he was in Rhode Island, as I am sure nothing could have been inore pleasing to them. I hardly know wliat to tliink of the plan of boats, as they call them, in the French plan you sent me : and therefore can at present give no judgment on the matter. Should you see any of the gentlemen of my acqudntance, please to present them with my most rt-sperttul compliiuents.

I am exceedingly sorry the Governor and family had not the pleasure of Gen. Washington's company when he was in Rhode Island, as I am sure nothing could have been inore pleasing to them. I hardly know wliat to tliink of the plan of boats, as they call them, in the French plan you sent me : and therefore can at present give no judgment on the matter. Should you see any of the gentlemen of my acqudntance, please to present them with my most rt-sperttul compliiuents. I hope to have the pleasinc of tlieir company in llie field this sunnner. I have been much indulged, and consequently very lazv. Since I arrived here I liave not been culled upon forauy regular tour

a Lieut. Ccj;. Uhiey Is hero refcni J to.

678 HISTORV OF THE COUNTY OF WESTCHESTER.

of du^}- -- unless dining out son?.GtimGS at headquarters, and often withGen. Heath and other gcntlcmcu, cau bo called so. I expect irht n I go iipon the lints to he more indu^tnms and akrt, otluririRcI mayhe surprised; that, youknoir, I ahmy^ Jield up as unpardoTuible in an ojiicer.

We have no late news, none Liter than has been in all the prints from Gen. Greene. I am exceedingly an.^ioiis to hear from him, his army 1 fear is too raw to contend with the troops he has to oppose it. If he succeeds with such men he must immortalize his name. I ai.n certain he is as equal to the task as any one, but I am sure he must have his head as well as his hands full, and perhaps the ablest generals and best troops in the British army to cope with.

I am exceedingly an.^ioiis to hear from him, his army 1 fear is too raw to contend with the troops he has to oppose it. If he succeeds with such men he must immortalize his name. I ai.n certain he is as equal to the task as any one, but I am sure he must have his head as well as his hands full, and perhaps the ablest generals and best troops in the British army to cope with.

The vilains who go by the name of Cow-boys, are often out stealing horses and cattle from the inhabitants. The laws of the State, I believe, are not severe enough upon them. I have heard of many being taken and none hanged. And believe me to be yom- sincere Friend and Servant,

CoL. Ward. C GREENE.

Address Col. SAinrEL W,vr.D,«' Warwick.

C. Gkkexe."

Scarcely had a month elapsed ere Col. Greene's worst fears were fully realized by his surprisal at Davenport's or Danforth's house, by the British refugees, upon the 13th of ]May, 1781. The following account of this incursion, is given by General Heath : --

" The ne.xt day intelligence was received, that on the 13th, Col. Green of the Rhode Island regiment, who was doing duty on the lines of the American arm,v, was surprised by a body of the enemy's horse, supposed to be about 150 dragoons, and that the Colonel, JSIajor Fagg, two subalterns and twenty-seven men were killed, and several wounded. Col. Green was a brave and intrepid ofTicer, and his loss wus much regretted. The colmiel had taken post above and near to Croton river, at a place where the river v/as fordable, to prevent the enemy passing up by this ford to ravage the country. He had practiced the greatest vigilance in guarding this ford in the night time, taking off the guards after sunrise, apprehending that the enemy would never presume to cross the river in the day time ; but the enemy, having learnt his mode of doing duty, on tlie morning of the 13th effected his overthrow, by crossing the ford soon after the guards had come off, and surrounding tlicir quarters before they had an idea of any enemy being near them.

He had practiced the greatest vigilance in guarding this ford in the night time, taking off the guards after sunrise, apprehending that the enemy would never presume to cross the river in the day time ; but the enemy, having learnt his mode of doing duty, on tlie morning of the 13th effected his overthrow, by crossing the ford soon after the guards had come off, and surrounding tlicir quarters before they had an idea of any enemy being near them. In this situation, the utmost exertion could not then avail them.'"&

A person named Gilbert Totten, is said to have betrayed his countr)'- men to Col. Peter de Lancey, on this occasion, in retaliation for an act of discipline administered under the following circumstances : -- It appears Totten had been for some time mustered into the English service, holda '\'\\\i <ii.'ii!itiiro llo^lh!I!■^3 sprveil ii-^ a nasspurt t.i Ucurer. CopicJ from original lioculuent lu ixjHsossi'jiiof tlic ia'e Jolm V.'.ird, of Ilipn^l srrci,'i, X. V.

b Ilcatli'.s Mem. 2SS-- 9.

THE TOWN OF YORKTOWN. 679

ing a captain's commission, and liadjust been arrested by Col. Dunmore (who commanded a regiment of colored soldiers stationed near Pines Bridge, about hilf a mile north-east of the pickets on Crow Hill) for coming up with a flag, under peculiar circumstances, and a black soldier placed over him as guard. Upon his discharge, shortly after, he swore vengeance, " declaring that the next flag sent up vrould be a red one."'* "When Totten was up at Pines Bridge, in the spring of 1781, and insulted, the officer of the guard said to him on parting: "A\Tien will you be up again with a flag, (or another one be sent ?') To which he replied: "The next flag that comes up '■^zcill be a bloody oneP With these ominous words he departed.

Upon his discharge, shortly after, he swore vengeance, " declaring that the next flag sent up vrould be a red one."'* "When Totten was up at Pines Bridge, in the spring of 1781, and insulted, the officer of the guard said to him on parting: "A\Tien will you be up again with a flag, (or another one be sent ?') To which he replied: "The next flag that comes up '■^zcill be a bloody oneP With these ominous words he departed. " When Totten v.-as insulted at Pines Bridge, just before the capture of Davenport's house, he said on parting, to the officer who commanded the guard, " When I come up again it will be with a red flag, and after that ?iiggers unll be scarce."^

True to his word, he went directly to Col. de Lancey's head-quarters at Morrisania and gave him the clue by which he might cross the Croton and surprise, not only Green, but the negro guard at Pines Bridge. Capt. Samuel Kipp (with Totten as guide)'' probably led the party, (which he was pleased to denominate Invincibles) over the ford, with the full determination neither to give or take quarter.

July 1867, the late Joshua Carpenter informed the author, "that his aunt Fanny Totten, told him that Gilbert Totten (her cousin) led de Lancey's party to Da\enport's house, and that the enemy came up (after crossing the Croton at OLlenus's ford) by way of the valley on the east side of Turkey Mountain, then a perfect wilderness, until they struck just west of the house ; when suddenly they wheeled and galloped up the hill, surprising the sentinel who fired and fled towards the house. The American soldiers were Ipng on the stoop when alarmed by the firing on the west side. Some managed to escape by jumping off the east end of the piazza, and making for the orchard in the rear.

July 1867, the late Joshua Carpenter informed the author, "that his aunt Fanny Totten, told him that Gilbert Totten (her cousin) led de Lancey's party to Da\enport's house, and that the enemy came up (after crossing the Croton at OLlenus's ford) by way of the valley on the east side of Turkey Mountain, then a perfect wilderness, until they struck just west of the house ; when suddenly they wheeled and galloped up the hill, surprising the sentinel who fired and fled towards the house. The American soldiers were Ipng on the stoop when alarmed by the firing on the west side. Some managed to escape by jumping off the east end of the piazza, and making for the orchard in the rear. When the firing first began, the sun was about an hour high. The sliding of the window by Mayor Flagg first attracted the enemies attention, and induced them to fire into that part of the house. Between twelve and twenty fell, in and around the house, and were afterward interred in one common grave or pit in the north-west corner of the lot, near an ash tree. The British returned by the vway of the Crompond road and so to Pines

a Tesri.niuiiy of Gen. N.u. Montross, of Yurkiowti.-- McPouald's MSS. in tiossessioa of Geoi'irri Moore, Ksq.,

5 TtHt, (if AbraUum Wei-ks of Soiners. a:;refl y2.-- ;McPoiialil MSS. in possession of George Mouri', Esu.

c Totfu wa-i hiiin^mi' t'l iin-nii.-rs ainl [woulav, 'unt Capi. Suaiuel Ki;ii) was SL-vero.-- Test, of Josi>i,u I'atiU'V, .McHouaMs MS.S.

Between twelve and twenty fell, in and around the house, and were afterward interred in one common grave or pit in the north-west corner of the lot, near an ash tree. The British returned by the vway of the Crompond road and so to Pines

a Tesri.niuiiy of Gen. N.u. Montross, of Yurkiowti.-- McPouald's MSS. in tiossessioa of Geoi'irri Moore, Ksq.,

5 TtHt, (if AbraUum Wei-ks of Soiners. a:;refl y2.-- ;McPoiialil MSS. in possession of George Mouri', Esu.

c Totfu wa-i hiiin^mi' t'l iin-nii.-rs ainl [woulav, 'unt Capi. Suaiuel Ki;ii) was SL-vero.-- Test, of Josi>i,u I'atiU'V, .McHouaMs MS.S.

6So HISTORY OF THE COUNTY OF WESTCHI'STER.

Bridge, where they surprised and shot tlie colored picket guard statior.v.I there. One mile from tiie entrance of the lane, by a rock on the ri-i.t hand side of the road, and about a quarter of a mile from Pines Bri-.f-e descending. Green fell off the horse and was laid down to die.

De Lancey anxious for an opportunity to return the recent attac k made upon liis quarters by Captain Gushing, instantly fitted out a force of about 150 dragoons, as described by Heath. The route selected by their experienced commander, vras the road leading to Vv'hite Plains, bv which means the party escaped tlirough the only opening in the Ionline of sentinels stretched across the country. Near Chappequa, tl^y halted for a short time at the house of Daniel Underbill, and then proceeded by the west road -- which is an intersection of the present Sing Sing turnpike -- till they arrived at the residence of ]Mr. Lyon ; here, tliey anxiously awaited the withdrav\-al of the American guard at Oblenus's ford, which is nearly one mile west of Pir.e's Bridge. Up to this moment no one of the party, save their commandei and his guide, knew the object for which they had been detailed.

Near Chappequa, tl^y halted for a short time at the house of Daniel Underbill, and then proceeded by the west road -- which is an intersection of the present Sing Sing turnpike -- till they arrived at the residence of ]Mr. Lyon ; here, tliey anxiously awaited the withdrav\-al of the American guard at Oblenus's ford, which is nearly one mile west of Pir.e's Bridge. Up to this moment no one of the party, save their commandei and his guide, knew the object for which they had been detailed. According to General Heath's account, the American officers appear to have had no i'lea that the enemy would dare to cross the ford after sunrise ; and therefore had taken no precaurions to prevent it. By tliis means, Davenport's house was surounded by the enemy, and all possibility of escape cut 0*7 before the danger was discovered. De Lancey remained on the south side of the river, probably with a viev.- to cover the retreat of the party, if it should prove necessary.

To General Heath's account of the surprisal, we m.ust be permitted to add the follo\\-ing extract from Col. H. Lee's history of the Southern war : --

" In the springof ITSI. wlieu General Wasliington began to expect the promised naval aid from our best friend, the ill-fated Louis XVI. , lie occasionally approached the enemy's lines on the side of York island. In one of these movements. Col. Green, with a suitable force, was posted on tlie Crotou Biver, in advance of the army. On the other side of this river lay a corps of rcfui^ecs. (American citizens wlio had joined the British army,) under tlie command of Col. Delancy. The.se half citizens, half soldiers, were notorious for rapine and murder; and to their vindictive conduct may be justly ascribed mcst of tlie cruelties which stained tlie progress of our war. and wliich at length compelled Washington to order Captain Asgill, of tlic British army, to be brouglit to head.-qua.'-ters, for the purpo.se of retaliating, by his execution, for the murder of Cajit.

On the other side of this river lay a corps of rcfui^ecs. (American citizens wlio had joined the British army,) under tlie command of Col. Delancy. The.se half citizens, half soldiers, were notorious for rapine and murder; and to their vindictive conduct may be justly ascribed mcst of tlie cruelties which stained tlie progress of our war. and wliich at length compelled Washington to order Captain Asgill, of tlic British army, to be brouglit to head.-qua.'-ters, for the purpo.se of retaliating, by his execution, for the murder of Cajit. Iluddy, of New Jersey, per[)etrated by a Capt. Lippencourt, of tlie refugees. The commandant of these refugees, (Dehiucy was not iirtseut.) having ascertaiucd tlie posi- ■ tioii of Greene's cor.js. which thoc(jlonel h.ul cantoned in adjacent farm houses-- rrobably with a view to tlic procurement of subsistence-- took the resohuiiin t^> strike it. This was accordingly done, by a nocturnal movement, 0:1 the loth of

THE TOWN OF VORKTOU'N. 6Sl

3I:\v. The enemy crossed the Croton before daylight, and hastening his advance, rt.u'hed our station with the dawn of day unpei-ceived. As he approached the f:iriij house in which tlie Lieutenant-Colonel was quartered, the noise of troops n:.iri'hing was heard, wliicli was the first intimation of llie fatal design. Greene and Major Flagg immediately prepared themselves for defence ; but they were too late, .so expeditious was the progress of the enemy. Fiagg disch-irged his pistols, and instantly afterwards fell mortally wounded, when the rufSaus (unworthy the appellation of soldiers) burst open tlie door of Greene's apartment. Here the gallant veteran singly received them with liis- drawn sword. « Several fell beneath the arm accustomed to conquer; till at length, overpowered by numbers, and faint from the loss of blood streaming from his wounds, barbarity triumphed over valor. ' His right arm was almost cut off in two places, the left in one, a severe cut on the left shoulder, a sword thrust through the abdomen, a bayonet in the riglit side, and another through the abdomen, several sword cuts on the head, and many in difl'ereut parts of the bod}'.'

Here the gallant veteran singly received them with liis- drawn sword. « Several fell beneath the arm accustomed to conquer; till at length, overpowered by numbers, and faint from the loss of blood streaming from his wounds, barbarity triumphed over valor. ' His right arm was almost cut off in two places, the left in one, a severe cut on the left shoulder, a sword thrust through the abdomen, a bayonet in the riglit side, and another through the abdomen, several sword cuts on the head, and many in difl'ereut parts of the bod}'.'

"Thus cruelly mangled, fell the generous conqueror of Count Donop, whose •wounds, as well as those of his unfortunate associates, had been tenderly dressed as soon as the battle terminated, and whose pains and sorrows had been as tenderly assuaged. How different was the relentless fury here displa\"cd !

"The commander-in-chief heard with anguish and indignation the tragical fate of his loved, his faithful friend and soldier, in whose feelings the army sincerely participated. On the subsequent day, the corpse was brought to head-quarters, and his funeral was solemnized with military honors and universal grief.*

The following additional jiarticulars concerning this melancholy affair are contained in a letter from the paymaster, Thomas Hughes to Mr. Job Greene of War^uck, R. I., a son of Colonel Greene.

RnoDE Island VillaCxE, 14Tn, 3Iat, 17S1. Dear Sir : -- It is with pain I write on a subject that is so nearly and closely connected to you as a parent ; I must, my dear friend, inform you of the unhappy fate which befcl your father.

The following additional jiarticulars concerning this melancholy affair are contained in a letter from the paymaster, Thomas Hughes to Mr. Job Greene of War^uck, R. I., a son of Colonel Greene.

RnoDE Island VillaCxE, 14Tn, 3Iat, 17S1. Dear Sir : -- It is with pain I write on a subject that is so nearly and closely connected to you as a parent ; I must, my dear friend, inform you of the unhappy fate which befcl your father.

Tliis morning the enemy made au attack on the lines, which was a compleat surprise, and he fell a sacrifice to the cruel hand of tyranny in defeniling himself against the strokes struck by the light horsemen. He had his rite rist almost cut off in two places, his left in one, a severe cut in the left shoulder, a sword run through his body, a bayonett into his right side, another through his body, his head cut to picics in several plaices, his back and body cut and hacked in such a manner as gives me pain to inform you ; he was carried about three-quarters of a mile from his quarters, where they left him to dye, or rather through the loss of Wood and not strength to go forward, finished his days in the woods ; and as they

a " When Davoiiiinit's house was ta'tcon one Ackerly broke in an 1 enrereil first ; Col. Greene ficiz^it nnd ttiri'W liiiii il'uvn. aii'l w;i< on the point of ilis[Kitc!uu:.j Jam wuh his sword, wlien berecfiveil a cm in thviirui, uliii-|iili>:iMiHlliini. Ackerly was irurn no;ii- I'iul^s BrlUi."'.'' -- Test. -Of Josliuu rnriH'v, a^fil s;.-- Mcl'i'H.iliI .Ma's, m i)u>si;ssion of lieo. Mnoie, Esq., I,il>. of N. V. Hist. S<>c. Tlie (JtrioiT coinin.uiiliii^' at tl;.; I'.ri.lLr.', who iiisultinl Totten cscaiu-d on !lio 1-lih of M IT, iTsi, bv beiin: al'S',-nt lu'ciilfiiiailv at the tiuie of attack, some two or three miles oIT. -- TfSt.oY .lO'lina iMriicv.-- .McHon.iM MSS.

Greene ficiz^it nnd ttiri'W liiiii il'uvn. aii'l w;i< on the point of ilis[Kitc!uu:.j Jam wuh his sword, wlien berecfiveil a cm in thviirui, uliii-|iili>:iMiHlliini. Ackerly was irurn no;ii- I'iul^s BrlUi."'.'' -- Test. -Of Josliuu rnriH'v, a^fil s;.-- Mcl'i'H.iliI .Ma's, m i)u>si;ssion of lieo. Mnoie, Esq., I,il>. of N. V. Hist. S<>c. Tlie (JtrioiT coinin.uiiliii^' at tl;.; I'.ri.lLr.', who iiisultinl Totten cscaiu-d on !lio 1-lih of M IT, iTsi, bv beiin: al'S',-nt lu'ciilfiiiailv at the tiuie of attack, some two or three miles oIT. -- TfSt.oY .lO'lina iMriicv.-- .McHon.iM MSS.

6 .\t tti.' clo^e of ill ■ i;-vo;nni)ri.iiv war Col.-T>cT,anr;.-v polirclv forwanlo.! to General Tlionias. of Jl.irrison, ill • Moo,i-~taiiii'<l pookot-liooks of C'oi. (;i-<M'n;tn(l Mnjor FUi'.'-ir. These intorL'stinii r'--;ie.s, wo ri-jj-'L". I'j say, (siuec ttio GcntTar.s UeceasL') have 1)l'i;ii il^jsiruyeJ.

682 HISTORY OF THE COUXTV OF WESTCHESTER.

went bv the hmi.^fs informed the inhabitant.-^, should there be any enqnirini:: afier the Colonel, that they left him dead in the edge of a wood. This cruel and barbarous treatment ■v\-as perpretratcd by Dullenceas core, himself at the head. Major Flagg, as he arose from his bed received a ball in his head ; and when thev entered the house the}' stabbed and cut him in a cruel manner, that he cxpirtd immediately. A doctor of the New Hampshire line, and a lieutenant of tlie Massachusetts line, was wounded in the house and carried off. Lieutenant Maco'Tibcr being sick in bed, wss made a prisoner. Ensign Guanman, who commanded a guard at the bridge, with himself and all but me was talking or killed.

Major Flagg, as he arose from his bed received a ball in his head ; and when thev entered the house the}' stabbed and cut him in a cruel manner, that he cxpirtd immediately. A doctor of the New Hampshire line, and a lieutenant of tlie Massachusetts line, was wounded in the house and carried off. Lieutenant Maco'Tibcr being sick in bed, wss made a prisoner. Ensign Guanman, who commanded a guard at the bridge, with himself and all but me was talking or killed.

I went on the lines the evening before, to pay off the troops, and tarried with Greeman, my horse being hitched at the door ; and when the alarm was given, I saddled him and just made my esc-ape. My flight was so rapid, I left my recpts, behind. The woman of the house was so kind as to hide them, so that I received them again. The loss, my dear friend, must fall heavily on the family; but as life is uncertain, we must surrender it when the great Johovah calls. To-morrow we shall bestow on each of them the honors that is due to men who so nobly suilered the pains of death in the service of their countr_v. It is uncertain what number we had killed and talking; but I believe n!)0ut fortj' talking, and near twenty killed and wounded. John is killed. Prince wounded and I am affraid will dye.

Please to make my respects to your mamma and sisters, and believe me to be with esteem [ Signed ]

To-morrow we shall bestow on each of them the honors that is due to men who so nobly suilered the pains of death in the service of their countr_v. It is uncertain what number we had killed and talking; but I believe n!)0ut fortj' talking, and near twenty killed and wounded. John is killed. Prince wounded and I am affraid will dye.

Please to make my respects to your mamma and sisters, and believe me to be with esteem [ Signed ]

3'our sincere friend and humble servant, Me. Job Greexk. THOMAS HUGHES. <»

Mk. Job Geexn-e,

Warwick. Honored by >_ ^ Lt. Dextek. >

We have seen that Davenport's house was occupied at the time of the surprisal by Richardson Davenport, who was one of the early settlers of this portion of Cortlandt manor when it was a perfect wilderness. For some time the family occupied a stone cellar, until the present structurewas erected in 1776, as appears from the following inscription placed in

\ Dec. the 11, 1776. R.D. / /

the passa;.'^e-way near the front door. For some years it was used as a tavern, until occupied by Col. Greene as head-quarters. Jacob Carpenter, who married Rachel, daughter of Richardson Davenport, mo\'ed

(t rill?'!!"'' wa-i Ciipt anii Pnvniasr'-r of ttif i;!i<).le li!;i[(,l nrginioiit unila ^■oIl of Cnl. Civ-t.^ 6 Coiu-il fmsii th" original d-cuineiit iu the tivis..-3;iou of tr.e Uto Jolirt Waril. E.-^i, ■-'• Boad Street, Now YorK.

THE TOWN OF YORKTOWN. 683

here in 1793. He was a son of John Carpenter, whose family formerly resided on Long Island, and subsequently emigrated to East or Westchester, and from thence removed to New Castle. In the latter place, John Carpenter died, and was buried at the Chappaqua meeting-house, Jacob Carpenter's sons were the late Joshua, of Davenport house; and.

Civ-t.^ 6 Coiu-il fmsii th" original d-cuineiit iu the tivis..-3;iou of tr.e Uto Jolirt Waril. E.-^i, ■-'• Boad Street, Now YorK.

THE TOWN OF YORKTOWN. 683

here in 1793. He was a son of John Carpenter, whose family formerly resided on Long Island, and subsequently emigrated to East or Westchester, and from thence removed to New Castle. In the latter place, John Carpenter died, and was buried at the Chappaqua meeting-house, Jacob Carpenter's sons were the late Joshua, of Davenport house; and. Jacob, now living at 34 Grove street, New York. Jacob's daughter, Amy W., married Daniel H. Griffen, who now owns the Davenport estate and homestead.

Mr. Griffen still points out the spot where the bed of Col. Greene stood, and the window from which the Lieutenant fired his pistols, and through which ^^lajor Flagg received the fatal shot, while the old-fashioned wainscoting and doors, are pierced with numerous bullet-holes. A large addition has since been made to the house on the east. . The wonderfully extensive views which this elevated spot commands, 'i^'ill amply repay the \-isitor, besides the interest attached to the above associations.

The following communication is supposed to have been addressed to Henry Ward, Esq , Secretary of State for Rhode Island, who was then residing ac Providence, uncle of Major Flagg, by Lieut. Col. Olney, who succeeded Col. Greene in command : --

"The advance guard of the Americau army, were on Croton river, which falls into the Hudson about 30 miles above New York, over this v>-ere two bridges at several miles distant from each other; near that on the main road, was stationed the principal part of the guard, consisting on the whole, of a Major's cnraniand; a Captain's command being detached some miles on the right and left. Small parties patrolled l.ielow the bridges.

Greene in command : --

"The advance guard of the Americau army, were on Croton river, which falls into the Hudson about 30 miles above New York, over this v>-ere two bridges at several miles distant from each other; near that on the main road, was stationed the principal part of the guard, consisting on the whole, of a Major's cnraniand; a Captain's command being detached some miles on the right and left. Small parties patrolled l.ielow the bridges. The quarters Major Flngg had taken, were two or three miles from the bridge, but at no great distance froiu the river, which at that time was not supposed to be fordable : this, however, was a mistake, and proved fatal to the party.

Col. de Lancey, who stooped so f,-jr from the dignity of a gentleman, as to command a regiment of freebooters, who subsisted on plunder, and served without pay, marched a strong piirty of Horse and Foot, into the vicinity of the post undiscovered, gettiug information of the quarters occupied by Col. Greene, >[ajor Flagg and several other ol!iccrs, secured only by a sergeant's guard : and finding a fordable place in the river, not far off, he passed his troops, and dividing his force into two parties, sent one to the bridge, where they surprised and took a subaltern's guard, and with the other, marched to Col. Greene's quarters. As our officer had no idea of their pas.-ing the river except at the bridge. tlie_v had taken no precautions to prevent a surprise. In addition to this, the quarter guard-scntiDul, and all, were asleep; by this means the house was surrounded by the enemy, and all possibility of escape cut off before the danger was discovered. The officers were all asleep in one rooni ; on being awakenctl liy the firing without, they sprang from Ihuir beds and seized on arms.

As our officer had no idea of their pas.-ing the river except at the bridge. tlie_v had taken no precautions to prevent a surprise. In addition to this, the quarter guard-scntiDul, and all, were asleep; by this means the house was surrounded by the enemy, and all possibility of escape cut off before the danger was discovered. The officers were all asleep in one rooni ; on being awakenctl liy the firing without, they sprang from Ihuir beds and seized on arms. Near that on which Major Flagg lay, there ^vas a window; be received a uiusket-shot tliroughthis-- if 1 am

68 ' HISTORY OF THE COUXTY OF ^\'ESTCHESTER.

not much mistaken-- before he had time to reach his pistols, which were placed Dear the foot of the bed. The ball passing through his head, he fell forward upoa the bed and there continued ; the enemy breaking into the room, found him ui that situation-- and tiiinking him to be sullen, gave him several cuts in the back ■with their broad-swords-- but he was probably out of the reach of their unmanly rage, having expired the instant he received the ball. Ilis remains were attended"to the church-yard in Crompond, by the ofiicers of the regiment and a respectable number of the inhabitants, and decently interred with the inhumanly mangled corpse of his Colonel. "«

The news of DeLaiice/s movement reached Washington, at West Point, about six hours after Colonel Greene's surprisal -- too late to be of any ser\-ice, as appeals by the following : --

The ball passing through his head, he fell forward upoa the bed and there continued ; the enemy breaking into the room, found him ui that situation-- and tiiinking him to be sullen, gave him several cuts in the back ■with their broad-swords-- but he was probably out of the reach of their unmanly rage, having expired the instant he received the ball. Ilis remains were attended"to the church-yard in Crompond, by the ofiicers of the regiment and a respectable number of the inhabitants, and decently interred with the inhumanly mangled corpse of his Colonel. "«

The news of DeLaiice/s movement reached Washington, at West Point, about six hours after Colonel Greene's surprisal -- too late to be of any ser\-ice, as appeals by the following : --

"May 14th, about noon intelligence was received from Gen. Paterson, of West Point, that the eiioiiy Kcre on the north mle of Cvoton Tiivtr in fcnxe ; that Col. Greene, Major Flagg, and Sonne other officers, vith forty or fifty men, were surprised and cut off at the Bridge, and that Col. Scammoll, with the New ITampshh-e troops had marched to their assistance. I ordered the Connecticut troops to move an(i support those of New Hampshire. In the evening information was brought tliat the enemy, consisting of about sixty horse and one hundred and forty uifantry liad rctreat(-d precipitately. May 16th, went to the posts at Vk'est Point ; received a particular account of the surprise of Col. G-reene, and the loss we sustained, v.-hich consisted of himself and :\laior Flagg killed, three of^^cers and a surgec^n taken prisoners, the latter and two of the former wounded : a sergeant and five rank and file killed, five Avounded and thirty-three made prisoners or missing ; in all forty four, besides officers.

In the evening information was brought tliat the enemy, consisting of about sixty horse and one hundred and forty uifantry liad rctreat(-d precipitately. May 16th, went to the posts at Vk'est Point ; received a particular account of the surprise of Col. G-reene, and the loss we sustained, v.-hich consisted of himself and :\laior Flagg killed, three of^^cers and a surgec^n taken prisoners, the latter and two of the former wounded : a sergeant and five rank and file killed, five Avounded and thirty-three made prisoners or missing ; in all forty four, besides officers.

In Rivington's Gazette of May i6th, it is said that the party who made the attack, marched from Morrisania under the command of Col. iJe Lancey, and consisted of about one hundred cavalry and two hundred infantry."'^

Upon the same day that Washington visited the outposts at West Point, he thus addresses the President of Congress : --

GFA'ERAL WASni>XrTON' TO TUE PKESIDEXT OF COXGKESS.

New Windsor, VItu M.a.y, 17S1. Pn: -.--I am sorn,- to inform your Excellency, that a part of our advanced troops were sm-prised on Monday morning near Croton River, by abuut sixty hor.^^c and two hundred foot, under the conmiand of Colonel DeLancoy. Colonel Greene, who conunanded our party, was mortally wounded in his quarters. The enemy attempted to carry liim oiT. but he died upon the road. Major Flagg was

• „ roniiMj f'om thp nri'^inal. In tlio possession of \\\<^ vy.o John Wunl, E>a.. of Boml street, ^,•^^• V.iik, wlu.-li n-Li-i '.rfS.UT'.'.l I'l .Mr. I{- K. \Va:M •>', -Now York, liy Mrs. DoWctl, tlaiiilllter

Pn: -.--I am sorn,- to inform your Excellency, that a part of our advanced troops were sm-prised on Monday morning near Croton River, by abuut sixty hor.^^c and two hundred foot, under the conmiand of Colonel DeLancoy. Colonel Greene, who conunanded our party, was mortally wounded in his quarters. The enemy attempted to carry liim oiT. but he died upon the road. Major Flagg was

• „ roniiMj f'om thp nri'^inal. In tlio possession of \\\<^ vy.o John Wunl, E>a.. of Boml street, ^,•^^• V.iik, wlu.-li n-Li-i '.rfS.UT'.'.l I'l .Mr. I{- K. \Va:M •>', -Now York, liy Mrs. DoWctl, tlaiiilllter

of the u; ovc-iiKuU'ii.ri'i iiriirv SV.ird. b SpLirfe's wi-niigsof \\";iMiiii;;ron, Voi. VHI., p-- 1-:.

THE T0^^■^' of YORK.TO^\'^■. 6S5

V.il'.oil. The loss of these two officers is to be regretted, especially the former, vii> ba.s, upon several occasions distin^jiiishedhiniscif. jiarticularly inthe dct'-jnce nf the r^^st ^^ I^f'tl Bank, in 1777, ^vlien he defeated Count Donop. I enclose a p :urn of our loss upon that occasion.''^

It may not prove uninteresting to add the testimony of Lydia Vail, a i-Tand-daughter of Richardson Davenport, owner of the house, who was a young girl about eleven years old when the surprisal took place in 17S1 : --

'•Oct. 19th, 1844. -- When the house of my grandfather, Richardson Dc-venport, was attacked in May 1781, I was a girl ten or eleven years old, or thereabouts. I was at Davenport's house a few minutes after the Refugees left. Part approached in front of the building, and pirt by the j-oad from the Croton, w hich road then passed by the rear of the house'/, e. on the north and nortb.-west of it. Greene, Flagg, and a young Lieutenant, whose name I do not remember, occupied a large bed- room in the north-west corner of the second story which communicated directly with the ground by an outer door at the rear or north end of the house.

Part approached in front of the building, and pirt by the j-oad from the Croton, w hich road then passed by the rear of the house'/, e. on the north and nortb.-west of it. Greene, Flagg, and a young Lieutenant, whose name I do not remember, occupied a large bed- room in the north-west corner of the second story which communicated directly with the ground by an outer door at the rear or north end of the house. In consequence of being built upon ground which rises in the rear, Davenport's house was then two stories high in front and but one in the rear. This is partly the case at present. My grandfather v\-as in the adjoining apartment, and overheard all the conversation of the three officers. The rashness and folly of the young Lieutenant was the cause of the disaster, as my grandfather and his family always saidj at least as far as relates to the bloodshed. This was their account, Avhich I heard at the time and often afterwards. When the Refugees came up they fired a volley, to signalize their friends in the orchard near Pines Lridge, and approached the house without making further use of their arms, calling upon the inmates to surrender. The young Lieutenant always slept with a pair of loaded pistols upon a stand at the head of his bed, and when he heard the niose he sprang up, raised the window sash, on the west side of the room and discharged both pistols at the enemy-- who instantly cried out : ' Kill ! Kill ! no quarter ! ' Flagg then exclaimed

When the Refugees came up they fired a volley, to signalize their friends in the orchard near Pines Lridge, and approached the house without making further use of their arms, calling upon the inmates to surrender. The young Lieutenant always slept with a pair of loaded pistols upon a stand at the head of his bed, and when he heard the niose he sprang up, raised the window sash, on the west side of the room and discharged both pistols at the enemy-- who instantly cried out : ' Kill ! Kill ! no quarter ! ' Flagg then exclaimed

aloud to the Lieutenant, calling him by name, " you've undone

us.' These were the last words he v/as ever heard to utter. Green, half dressed, but sword in hand, said. ' we must sell our lives as dearly as v,-e can!" and approaching, the head of the stairs, called aloud to the soldiers below : ' Stand to your arms men ! Courage ! They are only a parcel of cow boys, fire away ! ' Flagg approached the window from which the Lieutenant had fired, and a volley vwis discharged at him. He fell, pierced with five or six balls.

When I entered the house just after the refugees had left, the young lieutenant was lying dead at the door. He was t'ne first one they killed on breaking in. Flagg. though desperately v.-oundcd, was yet alive and they dispatched him. Four or five were dead, where the tents stood cast of the house, besides many wounded. .A. greater part, at lea'^t half of the Rhode Island recrimcnt were cut off at this time. Besides the otticer I

When I entered the house just after the refugees had left, the young lieutenant was lying dead at the door. He was t'ne first one they killed on breaking in. Flagg. though desperately v.-oundcd, was yet alive and they dispatched him. Four or five were dead, where the tents stood cast of the house, besides many wounded. .A. greater part, at lea'^t half of the Rhode Island recrimcnt were cut off at this time. Besides the otticer I

a Washington's Diary.

686 HISTORY OF THE COUNTY OF ^VESTCHESTER.

have mentioned, three others quartered at the time, at my grand-father's ; whose house was Col. Green's head quarters, Dr. Cushraan, (a Conti. nental surgeon), and also a captain and lieutenant, whose names I do not recollect. The refugees retired by the south road or path to the Crompond road, taking ^Greene with them on horseback; near where this path or farm road comes out mto the highway, Greene, faint v/ith loss of blood;-fell ort. Finding that he was dying they placedhim in a spot surrounded by whortleberry bushes, and putting something umler his head for support, left him in that state to finish his days alone. Here he bled to death, and was soon after found with no clothing on but his shirt and drawers. The whortleberry bushes were by or near to tl-,e public highway, (/. c. the Crompond and Pines Bridge road). _ They soon after took the bodies of the dead officers and buried them with the honors of war, in Crompond church-yard, depositing the remains of Greene and Flagg -- and I believe, those of the young lieutenant -- in one common grave. "The widow of Col. Greene was present at this ceremony, which was conducted with great pomp ; a large number of the military, as well as of citizens, m.ox-ing in the procession, while the bands played the most solemn airs from the dead -march, &c.

The whortleberry bushes were by or near to tl-,e public highway, (/. c. the Crompond and Pines Bridge road). _ They soon after took the bodies of the dead officers and buried them with the honors of war, in Crompond church-yard, depositing the remains of Greene and Flagg -- and I believe, those of the young lieutenant -- in one common grave. "The widow of Col. Greene was present at this ceremony, which was conducted with great pomp ; a large number of the military, as well as of citizens, m.ox-ing in the procession, while the bands played the most solemn airs from the dead -march, &c.

Ensi2;n Green, commanding the guards at Pines Bridge, was a nephew of the Colonel.

After all the circumstances of the surprise at Davenport's house came to be known and understood, Col. De Lancey and the Refugees were not blamed. The impetuosity and indiscretion of a single individual, caused probably, all the bloodshed at my grand-father's. The young lieutenant atoned for his error, by fighting bravely to the last."''

On the 19th of November, 1S44, Lydia Vail, adds to her former testimony by saying : --

" Two negro servants and my father were wounded, one in the arm and the others in the shoulder. The very night before the surprise, Greene said to my grand-father, 'Mr. Davenport, you are_ a happy man, surrounded by a fine wife and a dutiful family of children. I envy you much, but I hope this unnatural war is drawing to a c!o.-e and that this time next spring, I also shall enjoy domestic happiness, as you do, with my v/ife and children.' Twelve hours had not elapsed after this, before he was a dead man. Davenport's house was Greene's headquarters. Greene was much beloved by my grand-father's family, as well as Flagg and the other ofiicers ; and the death of those who fell, partic ularly "that of Greene, was much and long lamented.

I envy you much, but I hope this unnatural war is drawing to a c!o.-e and that this time next spring, I also shall enjoy domestic happiness, as you do, with my v/ife and children.' Twelve hours had not elapsed after this, before he was a dead man. Davenport's house was Greene's headquarters. Greene was much beloved by my grand-father's family, as well as Flagg and the other ofiicers ; and the death of those who fell, partic ularly "that of Greene, was much and long lamented. This disaster happened a little before sunrise. I lived at my father's, half a mile ot! northerly, on the Crompond road ; word came to us that they were all cut off and killed at head -quarters, and we all ran through the fields to Davenport's house. The Refugees were at this moment retre.iung through the woods towards Pines Bridge, and when we saw their glittering caps and arms, we stopped and hid till they had i^assed. "We arrived at^Davcnport's about sunrise or little after, and found the floors and wahs

"~a T.-sthnnris- of I.vi.l; i Vai' of Soi.ic-rs. .:'.'(-il T (. E-iveii Oct. 13ili, lS-t4.-- McBoualil M-'>- -^ poiSv.s-iiou of 'GlO. U. M'jore, LSq., Lib. of N. V IIisi. Hoc.

THE TOWX OF YORKTO^V■N. 687

covered ^nth the blood of the dead, wounded and dpng. Flagg and the captain were killed outright. The Refugees forced Greene to mount a hor.se, and retreated upon Pines Bridge by a lane which then led to the niain or Cronipond road, through a piece of woods which at that time extended to the main road. This lane was considerably south of the jjresent lane, which lead from Davenport's house to the Crompond road, and was a much nearer road to Pines Bridge. Green held on the horse till they were just coming out of the vrood into the main road.

The Refugees forced Greene to mount a hor.se, and retreated upon Pines Bridge by a lane which then led to the niain or Cronipond road, through a piece of woods which at that time extended to the main road. This lane was considerably south of the jjresent lane, which lead from Davenport's house to the Crompond road, and was a much nearer road to Pines Bridge. Green held on the horse till they were just coming out of the vrood into the main road. He then fell otf, and they found he had fainted and was dying from loss of blood. They then laid him on the bank by the side of the road, and passed on. Major Morrell escaped the disaster of Davenport's house by accident. He happened to pass that eventful night at a Mrs. Remsen's, who lived some where near Pines Bridge, (courting it was said) ; returning to head-quarters (where he stayed) next morning, he heard a noise which seemed to approach ; he rained up his horse, hstened, and looking in the direction from whence the sounds came, saw the glittering of the soldiers capis and swords ; spurring his horse he leaped over the fence and concealed himself in a thicket, until the detachment had passed by. The widow Griffin's house stood above the Croton on tlie west side of the Crompond road ; her maiden name was Brundage. The widow Budd's house stood below the Croton, and at Pines Bridge, on the left side of the road leading to "White Plains, and on the right of the road leading to North Castle Corner; her maiden name was Griffin.""

Remsen's, who lived some where near Pines Bridge, (courting it was said) ; returning to head-quarters (where he stayed) next morning, he heard a noise which seemed to approach ; he rained up his horse, hstened, and looking in the direction from whence the sounds came, saw the glittering of the soldiers capis and swords ; spurring his horse he leaped over the fence and concealed himself in a thicket, until the detachment had passed by. The widow Griffin's house stood above the Croton on tlie west side of the Crompond road ; her maiden name was Brundage. The widow Budd's house stood below the Croton, and at Pines Bridge, on the left side of the road leading to "White Plains, and on the right of the road leading to North Castle Corner; her maiden name was Griffin.""

Lieut. Col. Greene was murdered in the meridian of life, being only forty-four years old. He married in 175S, ]Miss Anne Tippitt, a daughter of J. Lippitt, Esq., of Warwick, whom he left a widow, with three sons and four daughters. He was stout and strong in person, about five feet ten inches high, with a broad round chest ; his aspect manly, and demeanor pleasing, enjoying always a high state'of health, its bloom irradiated a countenance which significantly expressed the fortitude and miklness invariably displayed throughout his life.

The following communication was addressed by Washington to Col. Greene, only seven days before Count Donop attacked Fort Mercer at Red ]j.ink, on the Delaware : --

He was stout and strong in person, about five feet ten inches high, with a broad round chest ; his aspect manly, and demeanor pleasing, enjoying always a high state'of health, its bloom irradiated a countenance which significantly expressed the fortitude and miklness invariably displayed throughout his life.

The following communication was addressed by Washington to Col. Greene, only seven days before Count Donop attacked Fort Mercer at Red ]j.ink, on the Delaware : --

HEAD-QrAr.TEr..s, Octoeep. lorn, 1777.^^ 11 o'clock at ni[iht.)

Sir. :-- I am persuaded by intelligence from different quarters that the enemy are dctermiued to endeavour, by a speed}' and vigorous eflort to carry Fort Mitllin, and for this purpose ;ye preparing a consideraVile force. Their attempt will probably be sudden and violent, as they are hardly in a situation to delay a niattir so e.-sential to them as that of removing the river obstructions. It is of intinite im;-.ortance to disappoint their intentions in this instance, as their keeping or evacuating Philadelphia materially depends upon their having the Cvjmmunia T- -MiiiMiiv of I.yiliii Vail. a-zetX 74, N-iv. V.\ Isu, pr.ui'lau^'^tLr of rji'liapl^on I'avtnport, aji'l lui-coot FriuciJ Tuttea,-- -McUoajul Mis. la p^J~iOi^l ju of Ouo. iloortr, ir;:^q.

688 HISTORY OF THE COUNTY OF WESTCHESTER.

cation with tlicir sliippinj immediately opened, and it is not unlikely they iimv despair of effecting, it if tliey should fail in the push, which I imudnc they :ir.; now about to make. Col. Smith's present force is not as great as could be wi.-JK-d, and requires to be augmented to put hiin in a condition to make an efrectu:ii opposition. I would tlicreforc have you to detach immediately as la:go a part vi your f(?rce as you pijssibly can in aid of the garrison. I cannot well determine what proportion. This must be regulated by circumstances and appearances, but my present idea is that the principal part sliould go to his assistance.

Smith's present force is not as great as could be wi.-JK-d, and requires to be augmented to put hiin in a condition to make an efrectu:ii opposition. I would tlicreforc have you to detach immediately as la:go a part vi your f(?rce as you pijssibly can in aid of the garrison. I cannot well determine what proportion. This must be regulated by circumstances and appearances, but my present idea is that the principal part sliould go to his assistance. To enabli.- you the better to spare a respectable reinforcement, I have directed General Isewcomb to send his brigade of militia to Red Bank or as many of them as hecan prevail upon to go. Colonel Angell will also march early to-morrow mornin'.' to join you with his regiment. The garrisons and Steel's may be informed of these succours ; by way of keeping up their spirits. I would not have }-ou trust to the houses in the neighbourhood of your post, as these in case of an investiture will fail you ; which makes it prudent to have a sufficient number of huts before hand firepared witliin the fort.

I hoi)e, and doubt not, you will lieep fully in mind the prodigious importance of not suffering the enemy to get entire possession of the Delaware ; and will spare no pains nor activity to frustrate their efforts for that purpose. Be watchful ou every quarter and industrious in stopping every avenue by which you are assailable. Be cautious not to pay too much attention to any one part of your works, and neglect tiie others, but take every precaution to strengthen tlie whole ; for otherwise the greatest danger may be where you least expect it. I am, sir.

I hoi)e, and doubt not, you will lieep fully in mind the prodigious importance of not suffering the enemy to get entire possession of the Delaware ; and will spare no pains nor activity to frustrate their efforts for that purpose. Be watchful ou every quarter and industrious in stopping every avenue by which you are assailable. Be cautious not to pay too much attention to any one part of your works, and neglect tiie others, but take every precaution to strengthen tlie whole ; for otherwise the greatest danger may be where you least expect it. I am, sir.

Your obed't serv't. N.B. -- The above letter was v.-ritten by his Excellency's orders.- but as he went

to bed before it was finished, it will be bar ded you without his signature. (Signed) Alex. Hamiltox, A. D. C,

3 {on public scrvicf).

COLONEL GKEENE,

Alex. IIamii.tox, A. D. C. I C'owmamlinrj Officer,

to ye Orni in Chief. j o p^^.^l jj^^j-^ "^

The Rev. M. L. Weems, the former rector of Mt. Vernon Parish, Va., thus describes the attack made by Count Donop, on the Red Bank in his Life of General Wasliington : --

"On the eastern or Jersey side of the river, at a place called the Red Bank, Washington ordered a strong redoubt, the command of which, witii 205 men. was given to Col. Greene. These with some chc-aux-de-frise sunk in the river, and a few gallies, formed all the barrier that Washington could present against the British Navy. The strength of this barrier was soon fuit to a fiery trial. Great preparations were made to attack tlie Americans, at the same instant, both by land and water. Count Donop, with a host of Hessians, was sent over to be in readiness to attack Red Bank, while the tide of flood groaning under their enormous weight, brought up the men of war.

These with some chc-aux-de-frise sunk in the river, and a few gallies, formed all the barrier that Washington could present against the British Navy. The strength of this barrier was soon fuit to a fiery trial. Great preparations were made to attack tlie Americans, at the same instant, both by land and water. Count Donop, with a host of Hessians, was sent over to be in readiness to attack Red Bank, while the tide of flood groaning under their enormous weight, brought up the men of war.

rt Copk-il from onglQai documuai ;a pos-Joihion of the late JoUu ^\'al•d, £-■!., of Boml SL

THE TOWN OF YORKTOWN. 689

The morning was still, and the heavens overcast with sad clouds -- as if TUture sympathizing with her children, was ready to droj) sliowers of celestial pity on their strifes. No sooner had the ships floated up within three cables length of the fort, than they began a most tremendous (.mhonade; while camion balls and fire-tailed bombs, like comets, fell upon it thick as hail. The gallant Smith and his myrmidons, stood the .shock to a miracle, and like men fighting under the eye of their Washington, drove the two-and-thirty pounders through them, -with such spirit atid success, that in a little time, the Augusta, a heavy 64 gun sliip took fire and blew up, the horrible balloon and many of the crew. Another ship cilled the Merhn, or Black Bird, soon got on the wing, blew up likewise and went off in thunder to join the Angusta. At the same moment Col. Donop, with his Hes-sians, made a gallant attack on the fort at Red Bank. After a few well directed fires, Greene and his men artfully retired from the out-works. The enemy, now supposing the day their own, ruslicd on in ^•ast numbers along a large opening in the fort, and within twenty steps of a masked battery of eighteen pounders, loaded with grape shot and spike nails.

Another ship cilled the Merhn, or Black Bird, soon got on the wing, blew up likewise and went off in thunder to join the Angusta. At the same moment Col. Donop, with his Hes-sians, made a gallant attack on the fort at Red Bank. After a few well directed fires, Greene and his men artfully retired from the out-works. The enemy, now supposing the day their own, ruslicd on in ^•ast numbers along a large opening in the fort, and within twenty steps of a masked battery of eighteen pounders, loaded with grape shot and spike nails. All at once, hell itself seemed to open before their aftrighted view. But their pains and their terrors v»'ere but for a moment. Together down they sunk by hundreds, into the sweet .slumbers of death, scarcely sensible of the fatal blow that reft their lives.

Heaps on heaps, the slaughtered ITessiaus lie ;

Brave Greene beholds them with a tearful eye.

Far now from home, and from their native shore,

They sleep in death and hear of wars no more.

" Poor Donop was mortally wounded, and taken prisoner. The attentions of the American officers, and particularly the kind condolence of the God-like Washington, quite overcame him: and his last moments were steeped in tears of regret, for having left his native land, to fight a distant people, who had never injured him. 'See here. Colonel,' said the dying count, (to Col. Danl. Clymer, who had been sent b}- Washington to condole with him) 'see in me, the vanity of all human pride ! I have shone in all the Courts of Europe, and now, I am dying here, on the banks of the Delaware, in the house of an obscure Quaker."''

The attentions of the American officers, and particularly the kind condolence of the God-like Washington, quite overcame him: and his last moments were steeped in tears of regret, for having left his native land, to fight a distant people, who had never injured him. 'See here. Colonel,' said the dying count, (to Col. Danl. Clymer, who had been sent b}- Washington to condole with him) 'see in me, the vanity of all human pride ! I have shone in all the Courts of Europe, and now, I am dying here, on the banks of the Delaware, in the house of an obscure Quaker."''

As Captain Mauduit Duplessis was traversing the scene of slaughter after the repulse, he was accosted by a voice from among the slain : "Whoever you are, draw me hence." It was the unfortunate Count Donup. Duplessis had him conveyed to a house near the fort, where every attention was paid to lu's comfort ; he languished t'cr three days, during which Duplessis ■ was continually at his bed-side. -'This is finishing a noble career earl}-," said the Count sadly, as he found his death approaclu'ng. Then, as if conscious of the degrading service in which he had fallen, hired out by his prince to aid a foreign power in

11 J.ifi.' of Gc-jr-^c Vv'a..lun,.''on oy M. L W,.'L>mg, formerly Kector of JH Vernon I'ari^ti. riiila. ISUU.

690 HISTORY OF THE COUNTY OF WESTCHESTER.

quelling the brave struggles of a people for their liberty, and contrasting it with that in which the chivalrous youth by his bedside was engaged-- " I die," added he bitterly, '" the victim of my ambition, and of the avarice of my sovereign."* He was but thirty-seven years of age at the time of his death.

11 J.ifi.' of Gc-jr-^c Vv'a..lun,.''on oy M. L W,.'L>mg, formerly Kector of JH Vernon I'ari^ti. riiila. ISUU.

690 HISTORY OF THE COUNTY OF WESTCHESTER.

quelling the brave struggles of a people for their liberty, and contrasting it with that in which the chivalrous youth by his bedside was engaged-- " I die," added he bitterly, '" the victim of my ambition, and of the avarice of my sovereign."* He was but thirty-seven years of age at the time of his death.

According to the plan of the enemy, Fort Mifflin, opposite to Fort Mercer, was to have been attacked at the same time by water. The force employed was the Augusta of sixty-four guns, the Roebuck of forty four, two frigates, the Merlin sloop of eighteen guns, and a galley. They forced their way through the lower line of chevaux-de-frise; but the Augusta and Merlin ran aground below the second line, and every effort to get them off proved fruitless. To divert attention from their situation, the other vessels drew as near to Fort Mifflin as they could, and opened a cannonade; but the obstructions in the river had so altered the channel that they could not get mthinver}- effective distance They kept up a fire upon the fort throughout the evening, and recommenced it early in the morning, as did likewise the British batteries on the Pennsylvania shore; hoping that under cover of it, the ships might be got off. A strong adverse ^\•ind, however, kept the tide from rising sufficiently to float them.

To divert attention from their situation, the other vessels drew as near to Fort Mifflin as they could, and opened a cannonade; but the obstructions in the river had so altered the channel that they could not get mthinver}- effective distance They kept up a fire upon the fort throughout the evening, and recommenced it early in the morning, as did likewise the British batteries on the Pennsylvania shore; hoping that under cover of it, the ships might be got off. A strong adverse ^\•ind, however, kept the tide from rising sufficiently to float them.

The Americans discovered their situation, and sent down four fireships to destroy them, but ^nthout effect. A heavy lire was now opened upon them from the galleys and floating batteries. It was warmly returned. In the course of the action, a red hot shot set the Augusta on fire. It was impossible to check the flames. All haste was made with boats to save the crew, while the other ships drew off as fast as possible to be out of reach of the explosion. She blev/ up, however, while the second lieutenant, the chaplain, the gunner, and several of the crew were yet on board, most of whom perished. The Merlin was now set on fire and abandoned ; the Roebuck and the other vessels dropped down the river, and had kept up a brave defence against batteries directed by the enemy on the Pennsylvania shore. A reinforcement of \%ginia troops made the garrison between three and four hundred strong.

She blev/ up, however, while the second lieutenant, the chaplain, the gunner, and several of the crew were yet on board, most of whom perished. The Merlin was now set on fire and abandoned ; the Roebuck and the other vessels dropped down the river, and had kept up a brave defence against batteries directed by the enemy on the Pennsylvania shore. A reinforcement of \%ginia troops made the garrison between three and four hundred strong.

Floating batteries, galleys and fire-ships, commanded by Commodore Hazlewood, were stationed under the forts and about the river.

Fort Mercer had hitherto been garrisoned by militia, but Washington now replaced them, by four hundred of Gen. Vaniurn's Rhode Island

a l)t'Cliaste!!ux, vol. i. p. 206. "Doaop was rorrihly woandecl and takoii to the housL' of a Quaker iiLMf t)v. yiXwxo lie e.xpirpil tluee ilays afterwarcls. Ho was huiit-a wiMiiu tli'' ft>rr. .V low v-uM -.i'jo'hls!) u-j WL-re ilisiiiti rreil. ;iiid ^ii skiili was takeu posscssiju uf by a >ow Joiscv iiliT.T;.;id:i."-- l.o.-:5ii.t.'',i Uiat. of X. S.

THE TOWN OF YORKTOWN. 69 1

Continentals. Col. Christopher Greene, was put in command j a brave oniccr who had accompanied Aniold in his rough expedition to Canada, and fought valiantly under the walls of Quebec. ''The post with which you are intrusted," wTites Washington in his letter of instructions, "is of the utmost importance to America. The whole defence of the Delaware depends upon it ; and consequently all the enemy's hopes of keeping Philadelphia, and finally succeeding in the present Campaign."

Christopher Greene, was put in command j a brave oniccr who had accompanied Aniold in his rough expedition to Canada, and fought valiantly under the walls of Quebec. ''The post with which you are intrusted," wTites Washington in his letter of instructions, "is of the utmost importance to America. The whole defence of the Delaware depends upon it ; and consequently all the enemy's hopes of keeping Philadelphia, and finally succeeding in the present Campaign."

Col. Greene was accompanied by Captain INIauduit Duplessis, who was to have the direction of the artilleiy. He was a young French engineer of great merit, who had volunteered in the American cause, and received a commission from Congress. The chexaiix-de frise, in the river, had been constructed under his superintendence.

Greene, aided by Duplessis, made all haste to put Fort Mercer in a state of defense ; but before the outworks were completed, he was surprised (Oct. 2 2d,) by the appearance of a large force from a wood within cannon-shot of the fort. Their uniforms showed them to be Hessians. They were, in fact, four battallions, twelve hundred strong of grenadiers, picked men, besides light infantry and cliasseurs, all commanded by Count Donop, who had figured in the last year's campaign. Col Greene, in nowise dismayed by the superiority of the enemy, forming in glistening array before the wood, prepared for a stout resistance. In a little while an officer was descried, riding slowly up with a flag, accompanied by a drummer. Greene ordered his men to keep out of sight, that the fort might appear but slightly garrisoned.

They were, in fact, four battallions, twelve hundred strong of grenadiers, picked men, besides light infantry and cliasseurs, all commanded by Count Donop, who had figured in the last year's campaign. Col Greene, in nowise dismayed by the superiority of the enemy, forming in glistening array before the wood, prepared for a stout resistance. In a little while an officer was descried, riding slowly up with a flag, accompanied by a drummer. Greene ordered his men to keep out of sight, that the fort might appear but slightly garrisoned.

When within proper distance, the drummer sounded a parley, and, the officer summoned the garrison to surrender; with a threat of no quarter, in case of resistance.

Greene's reply was, that the post would be defended to the last extremity.

The flag rode back and made report. Forthwith the Hessians were seen at work throwing up a battery within half a mile of the outworks. It was finished by four o'clock, and opened a heavy cannonade, under cover of which the enemy were preparing to approach.

As the American outworks were but half finished, and were too extensive to be manned by the garrison, it was determined by Greene and Duplessis, that the troops should make but a short stand there ; to gall the enemy by their approach, and then retire within the redoubt, which was defended by a deep intrenchment, boarded and fraised.

Donop led on his troops in gallant style, under cover of a heavy fire from his batter}-. They advanced in two columns, to attack the outworks in two places. iVs they advanced, tliey \vere excessively galled

As the American outworks were but half finished, and were too extensive to be manned by the garrison, it was determined by Greene and Duplessis, that the troops should make but a short stand there ; to gall the enemy by their approach, and then retire within the redoubt, which was defended by a deep intrenchment, boarded and fraised.

Donop led on his troops in gallant style, under cover of a heavy fire from his batter}-. They advanced in two columns, to attack the outworks in two places. iVs they advanced, tliey \vere excessively galled

692 HISTORY OF THE COUNTY Of WESTCHESTER.

by a flanking fire from the American galle}-s and batteries, and by sharp voIle}"S from the outworks. The latter, however, as had been conccned, were quickly abandoned by the garrison. The enemy entered at two places, and, imagining the day their own, the two columns pushed on with shouts to storm different parts of the redoubt. As yet, no troops were to be seen; but as one of the columns approached the redoubt i.n the north side, a tremendous discharge of grape-shot and musketry burst forth from the embrasures in front, and a half-masked battery on the left. The slaughter was prodigious ; the column was driven back in confusion. Count Donop vrith. the other column, in attempting the south side of the redoubt, had passed the abatis ; some of his men had traversed the fosse; others had clambered over the pickets, when a similar tempest of artillery and musketry burst upon them. Some wore killed on the spot, many were wounded, and the rest were driven out. Donop himself was wounded, and remained on the spot ; Lieutenant- Colonel Mingerode, the second in command, was also dangerously wounded. Sevei"al other of the best officers were slain or disabled.

Count Donop vrith. the other column, in attempting the south side of the redoubt, had passed the abatis ; some of his men had traversed the fosse; others had clambered over the pickets, when a similar tempest of artillery and musketry burst upon them. Some wore killed on the spot, many were wounded, and the rest were driven out. Donop himself was wounded, and remained on the spot ; Lieutenant- Colonel Mingerode, the second in command, was also dangerously wounded. Sevei"al other of the best officers were slain or disabled. Lieutenant-Colonel Linsing, the oldest remaining officer, endeavored to draw off the troops in good order, but in vain; they retreated in confusion, hotly pursued, and were again cut up in their retreat by the flanking fire from the galleys and floating batteries.

The loss of the enemy in killed and wounded, in this brief but severe action, was about four hundred men. That of the Americans, eight killed and twenty-nine wounded.

Washington Irving thus describes the attack made by the enemy on Fort Mifflin and Mercer on the 2 2d of October, 1777 : --

"On the forts and obstructions in the river, Washington m:iiniy counted to complete tlie harassment of Philadelphia. The defences had been materially impaired. The works at Billingsport had been attacked and destroyed, and sonicof the enemy's ships had f(jrced their way througli the c7iecriux-(h-frh/', placed tliere. The American frigate Delaware, stationed in the river between the upper forts and Philadelphia, had run aground before a British battery and been captured.

Washington Irving thus describes the attack made by the enemy on Fort Mifflin and Mercer on the 2 2d of October, 1777 : --

"On the forts and obstructions in the river, Washington m:iiniy counted to complete tlie harassment of Philadelphia. The defences had been materially impaired. The works at Billingsport had been attacked and destroyed, and sonicof the enemy's ships had f(jrced their way througli the c7iecriux-(h-frh/', placed tliere. The American frigate Delaware, stationed in the river between the upper forts and Philadelphia, had run aground before a British battery and been captured.

It was now the great object of the Howes to reduce and destroy, and of Wash ington to defend and maintain, the remaining forts and obstructions. Fort Mifflin, which we have already mentioned, was erected on a low, green, reedy island in the Delaware, a few miles below Philadelphia, and below the mouth of the Shuylkill. It consisted of a strong redoubt, with extensive outworks and batteries. There was but a narrow channel between the island and the Pennsylvania shore. The main channel, practicable for ships, was on the other side. lu this were sunk strong clu-rnvx-df-frm', difficult either to be weighed or cut through, and dangerous to any shins thut miglit run against them; subjected as they would i>e to tile batteries of Fort Millliu on one side, and on the other to those of Ft-rl ilercer. a strong work at lied Dauk ou the Jersey shore.

THE TOWN OF VORKTO\\"N'. 693

Fort Mifflin was garrisonod by troops of the Maryland line, under Lieutcnant- Coloii'-'l tramiicl Smith of Baltiinorc ; and the attack on Fort fiercer was given up.

The main channel, practicable for ships, was on the other side. lu this were sunk strong clu-rnvx-df-frm', difficult either to be weighed or cut through, and dangerous to any shins thut miglit run against them; subjected as they would i>e to tile batteries of Fort Millliu on one side, and on the other to those of Ft-rl ilercer. a strong work at lied Dauk ou the Jersey shore.

THE TOWN OF VORKTO\\"N'. 693

Fort Mifflin was garrisonod by troops of the Maryland line, under Lieutcnant- Coloii'-'l tramiicl Smith of Baltiinorc ; and the attack on Fort fiercer was given up.

These signal repuJies of the enemy had an auiniutingeti'ect on the public mind, and were proQiptly uuticed by Congress. Col. Greene, who comniauded at Fort Mercer; Lieutenant-CoU^iiel Smith of Marjdund, who commanded at Fort Mifflin ; and Commodore Hazelwood, who commanded the galley*, received the thanks of that body ; and consequently a sword was voted to each, as a testimonial of distinguished merit.""

Shrub Oak is a small village, in the northern part of the to\vn, forming a portion of Jefferson valley, and situated not far distant from Lake Ivlagrigaries, or what is now denominated Lake Osceola. This place is beautifully situated in a well watered and picturesque region, and, chiefly on account of its healthiness, is much sought after by New York citizens who are erecting some fine country seats in the neighborhood. One of the oldest residences in the village is located on Park street and belonged formerly to the Paulding family, but is now owned by the Rev. George S. Gordon, one of the former rectors of St. • Peter's church, Peekskill. It seems that the celebrated John Paulding of revolutionary fame, purchased the estate, on which the mansion stands, of Ezekiel Knapp, probably before the Revolution or soon after.

This place is beautifully situated in a well watered and picturesque region, and, chiefly on account of its healthiness, is much sought after by New York citizens who are erecting some fine country seats in the neighborhood. One of the oldest residences in the village is located on Park street and belonged formerly to the Paulding family, but is now owned by the Rev. George S. Gordon, one of the former rectors of St. • Peter's church, Peekskill. It seems that the celebrated John Paulding of revolutionary fame, purchased the estate, on which the mansion stands, of Ezekiel Knapp, probably before the Revolution or soon after. Upon the nth of January, 1S17, we find the said John Paulding conveying to Nathaniel Garrison of Cortlandtown, for the sum of $4,500, one piece (of this very property), "containing eighty-two acres, be the same more or less, excepting the lands deeded to the Methodist meeting house and Isaac Knapp, and except the lot sold for a district school-house and a piece containing four acres, two rods and six perches."^ Garrison afterwards sold to Dr. Collett (who married a daughter of Dr. Felton, then rector of St. Steph.en's church, N. Y.) and the latter conveyed to the Rev. George S. Gordon." The old house, which was used as a tavern during the Revolutionary war, is well constructed of heavy oak timber, while the parlor and dining room are finished with old fashioned mantles and fire places six feet wide. Tradition says that a bold Toiy captain, who was suspected of being a spy, was shot at the gate while attempting to escape. It is well known that Major fVndre passed this spot on his way to Crompond. The Five Mile Turnpike leading from Peekskill to Red ]Mills, passes ^^■^thin one quarter of a mile of this place, likewise the intended route of the railroad from Turners Station in Rockland Co., to Fort Montgomery and thence by the great Suspena From Itvia^s l.ile of Washingion, vol. iil, pp. 200 to 2T5.

Tradition says that a bold Toiy captain, who was suspected of being a spy, was shot at the gate while attempting to escape. It is well known that Major fVndre passed this spot on his way to Crompond. The Five Mile Turnpike leading from Peekskill to Red ]Mills, passes ^^■^thin one quarter of a mile of this place, likewise the intended route of the railroad from Turners Station in Rockland Co., to Fort Montgomery and thence by the great Suspena From Itvia^s l.ile of Washingion, vol. iil, pp. 200 to 2T5.

6-Ciipu'cl from ori^rinal Doe. in po.sses.sion of the Kev. U. S. Gordon.

c The K.-v. Gnr;i.' S. CJonloii i.s a H..a of rUc late Capt. fleury Oor'lnn of V. S. X. hy Ajaria tl-,1. i,f \\"i;.. :r .1 .Mj:.,- rai'i'. Win. Tapp wiis b-iin iu Lon'loti, >Ill^-llo^c\, Jiuglauil, tM i)oc. 1T5U.-- N. s;vlts.

694 HISTORY OF THE COUNTY OF WEST.CHESTER.

sion Bridge across the Hudson River at St, Antony's nose, next follow. ing the PeekskiU creek, passing through Shrub Oak to HoUocksville or Mahopac, and thence south into New York city.

The Methodist Episcopal church is very pleasantly situated, almost in the centre of the village, directly opposite the old cemeterj'. It is a large gothic edifice of stone, fifty by ninety, -with a low embattled tower of the same material, costing about $39,000. It was designed by the well known architect, William F. Martin, a resident of this village; and dedicated in December, 1870. To it, is attached a small parsonage of wood and six acres of land, valued at $6,000. The interior of the church is neatly finished in bbck-walnut trimming, while the windows are filled mth stained glass quarryings of lead work. The desk Bible contains the foUomng : --

It is a large gothic edifice of stone, fifty by ninety, -with a low embattled tower of the same material, costing about $39,000. It was designed by the well known architect, William F. Martin, a resident of this village; and dedicated in December, 1870. To it, is attached a small parsonage of wood and six acres of land, valued at $6,000. The interior of the church is neatly finished in bbck-walnut trimming, while the windows are filled mth stained glass quarryings of lead work. The desk Bible contains the foUomng : --

"Cextf.xaby Methodist EnscoPAL Chteoh, Shrub Oak, October, 1S70."

The bell weighs 1,950 pounds, and cost $1,000. The burying-ground opposite the church, contains memorials to the Hyatt's, Fowler's, Lounsburgh's, Hall's, Conklin's, Horton's, Crawford's, Halleck's, Smith's, Wilde/s, and Townsend's, &c.

The Methodist Episcopal Church, it is said, was first organized here about one hundred years ago; but be this as it may, we have already seen that John Paulding, sometime before 1817, had deeded to the "Methodist Meeting House" a small portion of his property. The old church stands a short distance only from the present structure, and is now used by the Roman Catholics for their senices.

The present pastor of the Methodibt Episcopal Church is the Rev. G. D. Gillespie, who reports 260 communicants.

Near Shrub Oak, a short distance only from the PeekskiU turnpike, is situated ■' Lake Mohegan," a charming sheet of water covering an area of three hundred acres and one eighth in length. An analysis of its waters gives the two following ingredients as held in solution -- \iz : Sixty per cent, of hme, and thirty per cent, of magnesia. Many fine bass and pickerel are taken here, (some of the former weighing five lbs) as well as white and yellow perch. Five years ago an attempt was made to stock the lake ■intli 10,000 salmon trout; but since then the black bass have been introduced with better success.

An analysis of its waters gives the two following ingredients as held in solution -- \iz : Sixty per cent, of hme, and thirty per cent, of magnesia. Many fine bass and pickerel are taken here, (some of the former weighing five lbs) as well as white and yellow perch. Five years ago an attempt was made to stock the lake ■intli 10,000 salmon trout; but since then the black bass have been introduced with better success. At the head of the lake stands the residence of Charles D' Urban Morris, A. M., who for a number of years past has so successfully conducted the "Lake School." This braiicli of the Morris family is not only descended directly from the Philipses, (^Lauorial lords of riiilipsburgh) but

THE rovrs OF VORKTO\V>f. 695

is also connected mth the Van Cortlandts, the lords of Cortlandt Manor. Roger Morris (eleventh in descent from Cadugan of Philip IXirddu, a powerful Welsh chieftain) who stood high in favor, and on terms of great friendship, u-ith the Duke of .-^gyle and the Earl of Pembroke in 1734, married Man,-, daughter of Sir Peter Jackson, Knt., a (Turkey) merchant of London, by Mary his wife, daughter of Sir Peter Vandeput, Knt., sheriff of London in 1684, by Margaret his wife, daughter of Sir John Buckworth, Knt. of West Shun Surrc}-. Roger Morris died 13th Jan., 174S. The third son of Roger Morris and Mary Jackson was Roger IMorris, Esq., lieutenant-colonel in the British army, born 2Sth of Januaiy, 1727, married igth Januar}^, 1758, ]Mary. daughter of Frederick Philipse, last Lord of the Manor of Philipsburgh. It was from this lady's character that Cooper formed the heroine of " The Spy," under the name of Frances. Washington is said to have greatly admired her. Col. Roger Morris ser\-ed mth distinction in the first American war, and was wounded in the celebrated battle of the Monongahela Biver, in which General Braddock was killed with most of his officers.

The third son of Roger Morris and Mary Jackson was Roger IMorris, Esq., lieutenant-colonel in the British army, born 2Sth of Januaiy, 1727, married igth Januar}^, 1758, ]Mary. daughter of Frederick Philipse, last Lord of the Manor of Philipsburgh. It was from this lady's character that Cooper formed the heroine of " The Spy," under the name of Frances. Washington is said to have greatly admired her. Col. Roger Morris ser\-ed mth distinction in the first American war, and was wounded in the celebrated battle of the Monongahela Biver, in which General Braddock was killed with most of his officers. In that engagement George Washington, Robert Orme and Roger Morris, Esqrs., were aides-de-camp to General Braddock ; and of the conflict, an original manuscript account, a very curious document, was in possession of the late Capt. Henry Gage Morris, of the R. N.

Col. Roger Morris died 13th Sept., 1794, aged si.xty-eight ; Mary, his wife, iSth July, 1S25. aged ninety-six, having been born 5th July, 1730. The remains of this distinguished and worthy couple are deposited in a vault in St. Saviours church, York, England, where the following inscription occurs on a marble tablet : --

Near this sj^ot are deposited the remains of

COLONEL llOGER MORRIS,

formerly of his Majesty's -ITUi Regiment of Foot,

who departed this life on the 13th day of September, 1794,

in the 6Sth year of his age.

AXD OF

MARY MORRIS,

relic of tlie same

who departed this life on the I81I1 day of July, 1S25,

The remains of this distinguished and worthy couple are deposited in a vault in St. Saviours church, York, England, where the following inscription occurs on a marble tablet : --

Near this sj^ot are deposited the remains of

COLONEL llOGER MORRIS,

formerly of his Majesty's -ITUi Regiment of Foot,

who departed this life on the 13th day of September, 1794,

in the 6Sth year of his age.

AXD OF

MARY MORRIS,

relic of tlie same

who departed this life on the I81I1 day of July, 1S25,

in the 9Gth year of her age.

AND .\LSO OF

MARLV JIORRIS,

the alTecli'Miale daughter of the above,

who deiiarled this life Oil tliu 2r)tli day of Sept., IS06,

in the 71st year of her age.

696 HISTORY OF THE COUXTV OF WESTCHESTER.

Col. Roger Morris had five children; (i), Joanna Morris, married in 17S7, to Thomas Co;\7X-r Hincks, Esq., Captain in tlie Dragoon Guards, and left issue. (2), Amherst, (named after his god-father, Lord Amherst , born in 1763, Commander in the Royal Navy; died at Bailden, in Yorkshire, in 1S02. The foilowng inscription is on his grave-stone there : --

To the memory of

CAPTAIN AMHEIIST MORRIS,

of the Royal Na ;-y,

■who died the 27th day of April, Anuo Domini 1802,

aged 38 years.

Virtute nihil ohbtat et armis.

(3), Maria, died at York, as above ; (4), Margaret, died young in this country; Henr\' Gage Morris, Rear Admiral of the Royal Nav}', who was born in 1770, married in 1805, died in 185 1, and lies buried in the church-yard of Beverly Minster, Yorkshire, lea\'ing, by his -wife Rebecka, Newenhara, Millard, Orpen, daughter of Rev. Francis Orpen, of Cork, Ireland, and six sons, viz: -- Rev. Francis Orpen Morris, Rector of Nun- Bumholme, Yorkshire; Rear Admiral Henry Gage Morris, of the Royal Navy, London ; Frederick PhiHpse Morris, Barrister, London ; Beverly Robinson Morris, M.D., Nottingham; Rev.

(3), Maria, died at York, as above ; (4), Margaret, died young in this country; Henr\' Gage Morris, Rear Admiral of the Royal Nav}', who was born in 1770, married in 1805, died in 185 1, and lies buried in the church-yard of Beverly Minster, Yorkshire, lea\'ing, by his -wife Rebecka, Newenhara, Millard, Orpen, daughter of Rev. Francis Orpen, of Cork, Ireland, and six sons, viz: -- Rev. Francis Orpen Morris, Rector of Nun- Bumholme, Yorkshire; Rear Admiral Henry Gage Morris, of the Royal Navy, London ; Frederick PhiHpse Morris, Barrister, London ; Beverly Robinson Morris, M.D., Nottingham; Rev. Adolphus Philipse I^Iorris, A.M., first rector of St. Mary-'s Parish, Yorktown, and now curate of Leeds, Kent, England; and Charles D'Urban ^lorris, A.M., of Lake Mohegan.

The parochial church of St. ISIary stands near the Lake, and the residence of Mr. Morris, fronting on the Peekskill road, leading from Lake !Mahopac to the latter place ; it is built of stone concrete, in the early English style. The church lot, embracing half an acre, was the gift of Chades D'Urban Morris, A.M.

Shrub Oak contains a iSIethodist church, a post-office, and about fifteen dwellings. The Methodist society of this place was first incorporated upon the 22d of September, 1S40; Newman Lounsberry, Benjamin Curry, Solomon Requa, Thomas Curry, jr., and Jonathan Danow, trustees." The church, which was erected in 1839, is a very neat wooden structure. In the immediate neighborhood, lies Lake Magrigaries, (Hollow Lake, already alluded to,) which is a beautiful sheet of water, well stocked with fish.

Shrub Oak contains a iSIethodist church, a post-office, and about fifteen dwellings. The Methodist society of this place was first incorporated upon the 22d of September, 1S40; Newman Lounsberry, Benjamin Curry, Solomon Requa, Thomas Curry, jr., and Jonathan Danow, trustees." The church, which was erected in 1839, is a very neat wooden structure. In the immediate neighborhood, lies Lake Magrigaries, (Hollow Lake, already alluded to,) which is a beautiful sheet of water, well stocked with fish.

A rich and picturesque vale extends south from Crompond, backed T)y rolling hills. Upon one of the principal heiglits in this vicinity,

o Co. Rec. RcU-jioua Soc. lib. B. 6.3.

THE TOWN OF YORKTOWX. 697

railed French hill, the French forces were encamped .in 17 81-2, under Comte de Kocharnbeau. " The French army, at the time the Marquis speaks of, (Nov. 17S2, says the translator of Chastellux,) had been for some time encamped at Crompond, near Cortlandt's manor, a few miles from that of General Washington's, and between which there was a daily intercourse. The translator dined, in October, 1782, in General "Washington's tent, with the Marquis de Laval, the Baron de Viomenil, and several French officers, within hearing of tlie British guns, v/hich were at that period happily become a Briiium fidmen."'^ On the northwest side of French hill, are the two ponds styled by the Indians A><7/^atis. The largest of these, sometimes known by the name of the Great Fond, covers an area of 200 acres, and discharges its redundant waters into the smaller one of 100 acres. Both are supplied by numerous Sjjrings, and have their outlet in ^fliscooia river. The site of an Indian village is still pointed out, on the borders of the Great Pond, north of cedar swamp, like\\"ise the remains of a cemetery on Cedar Point.^

The translator dined, in October, 1782, in General "Washington's tent, with the Marquis de Laval, the Baron de Viomenil, and several French officers, within hearing of tlie British guns, v/hich were at that period happily become a Briiium fidmen."'^ On the northwest side of French hill, are the two ponds styled by the Indians A><7/^atis. The largest of these, sometimes known by the name of the Great Fond, covers an area of 200 acres, and discharges its redundant waters into the smaller one of 100 acres. Both are supplied by numerous Sjjrings, and have their outlet in ^fliscooia river. The site of an Indian village is still pointed out, on the borders of the Great Pond, north of cedar swamp, like\\"ise the remains of a cemetery on Cedar Point.^

Several roads intersect the town, running principally north and south, from the Mahopack turnpike to the great post-road, formerly called the King's road. These consist of Stoney, King's Gorme, Amawalk, Tomaliawk and Lovett streets.

The Pine's Bridge road leading south from Crompond, affords magnificent views of the rich and fertile country bordering the Croton River, together with the village of Yorktown. and the Turkey and CoUabergh mountains. Upon this road are situated the farms and residences of General Bernardus Montross, Mr. Seth Whitney, Mr. James Underbill, Mr. Richard 'SI. Underbill and George McKeel, (S:c. In a back room of llie General's house, fell the notorious freebooter, Joseph Hueson, by the hand of Seth Whitney, (father of the a'bove mentioned gentleman) former j)roprietor of the estate. Hueson was a perfect scourge and terror to this part of the countrv" during the Revolution, for he devoted himself to the most cruel pillage and robber)' among the defenceless inhabitants. Whilst in the act of entering the house for plunder, Whitney plunged a bayonet into his body.

In a back room of llie General's house, fell the notorious freebooter, Joseph Hueson, by the hand of Seth Whitney, (father of the a'bove mentioned gentleman) former j)roprietor of the estate. Hueson was a perfect scourge and terror to this part of the countrv" during the Revolution, for he devoted himself to the most cruel pillage and robber)' among the defenceless inhabitants. Whilst in the act of entering the house for plunder, Whitney plunged a bayonet into his body. Ui)on hearing their leader exclaim, " the rascal has killed me !" a band of ruffians forced an entrance, seized Whitney, and inflicted on him the most savage cruelties. Directly opposite the mansion of the latter, stands the orthodox Friends meeting-house, erected in 1833.

A road diverging to the south-west, near the raceting-house, leads to

a Travels in Norn America in tbe vf.irs 17>0, 81, S2. by the Marqul? Chastellux. One of tlio •,in!K'i;)al vir-;;n:'.s a: the r r'jucU ^.v.\,-j i:i 17>-J. was ihu r.iron il-j Tdiieyr.iii.,l.

*> rpo'.i C>"l,ir Point aa eccuatMO oJiurautL-r ku^jwiias Xaucv Lauo the Uermiit.-s, r...'iideil loriuuuy jtara.

698 HISTORY OF THE COITXTY OF WHESTCHESTER.

the Turkey mountain, a vast tract of woodland covenng 800 acresfrom the summit of which, the spectator has a noble pro°s pect of the surrounding country. At the foot of the mountain is situated the residence of Mr. Edward Burrougli Underhill, son of the late A?jraham I. Underhill, "a worthy and prominent member of the society of Friends^ who sustained throughout a useful and protracted life, an unsuUied reputation." Abraham I. Underhill, who died on the 5th of May, 1841, aged 78 years, was the second son of Isaac Underhill, fourth in descent from John Underhill of Oyster Bay. L. I. In the old family mansion which stands one mile south of this spot, (on the Pine's Bridge road) is shown the room where xMajor Andre and Joshua H.

Underhill, "a worthy and prominent member of the society of Friends^ who sustained throughout a useful and protracted life, an unsuUied reputation." Abraham I. Underhill, who died on the 5th of May, 1841, aged 78 years, was the second son of Isaac Underhill, fourth in descent from John Underhill of Oyster Bay. L. I. In the old family mansion which stands one mile south of this spot, (on the Pine's Bridge road) is shown the room where xMajor Andre and Joshua H. Smith breakfasted on the 23d of September, 17S0. At this period, the house was occupied by Isaac Underhill and Sarah his wife,« who appears to have been a woman of good resolution and courage ; whilst engaged in entertainin- Andic and his companion, she took particular notice of the former-- .and imagined she read in his confusion, a person embarrassed in some great undertaking. A few days previous to this event, Mrs. Underhill had visited head-quarters to recover some cattle carried off by a band of marauders.

This lady was the daughter of Robert Field, whose nephew John was a resident of Yorktown. The following notice of the death of Moses Field, (son of John) occurs in the Xew York A»ierican of Oct. 25, 1S33 :

"Died at Peekskill, on the i8th inst., Moses Field of this city, a^ed fifty-three years. The poor could not have sustained a greater loss in an individnal. No man had more enlarged and perseverin.rr benevolence m feedmg the hungry, clothing t.he naked and providing for tl'.e sick. His greatest happmess appeared to be, to mitigate the 'suffering and relieve the wants of the virtuous poor."

The following notice of the death of Moses Field, (son of John) occurs in the Xew York A»ierican of Oct. 25, 1S33 :

"Died at Peekskill, on the i8th inst., Moses Field of this city, a^ed fifty-three years. The poor could not have sustained a greater loss in an individnal. No man had more enlarged and perseverin.rr benevolence m feedmg the hungry, clothing t.he naked and providing for tl'.e sick. His greatest happmess appeared to be, to mitigate the 'suffering and relieve the wants of the virtuous poor."

Abraham J. Underhill, the son of Isaac and Sarah, has left us the following account of his own and his father's Reminisences of the Revo lution : --

"My father Isaac Underhill, born at White Plains, was a tall, healthv man of great bodily strength, and ver\' industrious even to old age-- sa'v over eighty. During his life, he partly cleared three farms near Saw MiU River, Nanahegan or Philips Manor, now the touTi of Mt. Pleasant. He was possessed of good natural abilities and judgment, but like most men of his time felt sadly the want of an early education. For many years he was an elder in the society of Friends. Before leavin^^ White Plains my lather had partly cleared the farms of his two brother's Jacob ALraliam at Xanahegan, travelling to and fro by a foot path "which

AaVon'T-'r,,'vrh?H',nH^"r-' ''"^i'^- f^'^'^f^'-^^rrived convoyed to Isaac McKeo!, -Dimiol Smirli. ^c-^BnTlgl i-'lrt-ai-'l Burroi.jrh L ti.lorhiU, one aero of lauii, three miles uonh ol

He was possessed of good natural abilities and judgment, but like most men of his time felt sadly the want of an early education. For many years he was an elder in the society of Friends. Before leavin^^ White Plains my lather had partly cleared the farms of his two brother's Jacob ALraliam at Xanahegan, travelling to and fro by a foot path "which

AaVon'T-'r,,'vrh?H',nH^"r-' ''"^i'^- f^'^'^f^'-^^rrived convoyed to Isaac McKeo!, -Dimiol Smirli. ^c-^BnTlgl i-'lrt-ai-'l Burroi.jrh L ti.lorhiU, one aero of lauii, three miles uonh ol

THE TOWN OF YORKTO\\'N. 699

T/rLs then the only road between the two places -- the surrounding country l-cir;^;; infested by Indians, and wild animals. He moved to Nanahegan 2l:out the year 173S, at which time the Indians had not left the neighliorliood. In 1774 he settled down at Amawalk, (Yorktown) the farm then hanng been one of the first cleared in that section of the countr)^,

"During the Revolutionary' war the main body of Washington's army, on its way from White Plains to New Jersey, marched past the house going from Pines Bridge to Peekskill. I frequently saw Washington pass during the time, so that I knew him as well as I did anybody. He always had a life guard of twelve young gentlemen riding before him with drawn swords for protection and honor -- they were said to be Virginians. I recollect perfectly well meeting him by the school house near Parkers, and at another time a little south of the old Amawalk inecling-house, and also when he passed our house. On the two former occasions he was not with the army. On the latter he proclaimed his intention to capture New York, and was making every exertion to collect men and stores for that purpose; but his real object v,-as to amuse the British in New York, to prevent their sending forces to Yorktown in Virginia to relieve Lord Comwallis.

I recollect perfectly well meeting him by the school house near Parkers, and at another time a little south of the old Amawalk inecling-house, and also when he passed our house. On the two former occasions he was not with the army. On the latter he proclaimed his intention to capture New York, and was making every exertion to collect men and stores for that purpose; but his real object v,-as to amuse the British in New York, to prevent their sending forces to Yorktown in Virginia to relieve Lord Comwallis. Washington. went douTi as far as White Plains and then commenced forced marches to West Point and so through New Jersey south to Yorkto\\'n, and succeeded in capturing Comwallis and all his army before he could be relieved from New York. A sergeant's guard was kept at our house almost throughout the war.

" Major Andre, with La\\7er Smith of Orange Co., called at my father's the day he was taken at about eight o'clock in the morning ; they wanted breakfast. Andre was on his way from West Point to New York, and made many inquiries respecting the road ; his mind appeared to be very much impressed, so that he could not be still a moment. Smith eat breakfast (which mother prepared for them) but Andre appeared very agitated, walked back and forward before the front door and eat nothing; he had on a blue tight bodied coat, made plain, after the fashion of the New England farmers of the day. Smith v\-ent back north from our house, and Andre went on toward New York alone -- going south by the way of Pines Bridge, and Taniytown ; near the latter place he was taken prisoner.

Smith eat breakfast (which mother prepared for them) but Andre appeared very agitated, walked back and forward before the front door and eat nothing; he had on a blue tight bodied coat, made plain, after the fashion of the New England farmers of the day. Smith v\-ent back north from our house, and Andre went on toward New York alone -- going south by the way of Pines Bridge, and Taniytown ; near the latter place he was taken prisoner.

" In the time of the Revolution the British Light Horse came through this part of the countr)-, taking the route from Crompond to our house. On this occasion they burned many houses, killed several men and wounded every one they met, carrying them off prisoners to New York. Every house was robbed by them, and all the cattle they could possibly find, driven off. A few weeks previous to this a violent hurricane had taken off the back portion of the roof of our house. The British rode up very furiously, with their swords, drawn and demanded which party had removed the roof; I replied "Tlie upper party," which they understood to mean the Whigs -- the British being the lower party. They then placed a sentinel at tlie door who prevented any of the party from going into tlie house or takisig an3lhing from us, which we considered a remarkable I'rovidential preseiwation.

700 HISTORY OF THE COUNTY OF WESTCHESTER.

" In the Revolution robberies and murders were very frequent in tlils part of the country. One niglU tlierc were two strangers putting up at our house, from New England ; in the dead of night a man knocked at the door -- father asked who was there ? the reply was "a friend." l-'atii^r mistook the voice for that of a particular friend of his, but mother thought they were robljers beyond any doubt ; father got up and opcncl the upper half of the door, and soon found they were come to pilb.ge the house.

One niglU tlierc were two strangers putting up at our house, from New England ; in the dead of night a man knocked at the door -- father asked who was there ? the reply was "a friend." l-'atii^r mistook the voice for that of a particular friend of his, but mother thought they were robljers beyond any doubt ; father got up and opcncl the upper half of the door, and soon found they were come to pilb.ge the house. Mother, while father was parleying "with the gang out.side, armed all her children -- seven sons and four daughters -- (all as large as men), put men's coats and pants on the girls, in the space of a few minutes, and marched them into the room where father was; so large a company struck such a damper upon the robbers, that they immediately retreated. We then looked for the strangers who were stopping with us, and after a considerable search, found them hidden away under the back part of the bed. They appeared to be very m.uch frightened, having about their persons $1,500 in Continental money, (which v»'as then good). This was about 1776; they felt very thankful for their dehverance.

'• On another occasion, being detained at work in the field after dark, on my return to the house, and when very near it, I suddenly found n:yself stepping on some men, and was much frightened These men (about 100), were lying flat on the ground, their quarters being at the house then occupied by Joshua Carpenter ; an olYicer stepped up to me, and enquired who I was and where I was going? I replied that my home was close by, and I had been detained later than usual by work. He made me promise to say nothing about what I had seen, and tiien let me go.

'• On another occasion, being detained at work in the field after dark, on my return to the house, and when very near it, I suddenly found n:yself stepping on some men, and was much frightened These men (about 100), were lying flat on the ground, their quarters being at the house then occupied by Joshua Carpenter ; an olYicer stepped up to me, and enquired who I was and where I was going? I replied that my home was close by, and I had been detained later than usual by work. He made me promise to say nothing about what I had seen, and tiien let me go. Their object was apparently to prevent surprise, or to intercept some passing enemy.

" Joshua Huson was a notorious character in the Revolution, being cop.- nected with the Briti.sh army, although a native of Yorkto"wn. He frequently passed through the American army acting as a spy, and carrying his information to Canada. Rochambeau's army lay encamped in Yurktown about si.x weeks, but it had scarcely been there one week before Huson passed tlirough it. He frequently lay in ambush and shot down American officers, or others that he dishked. All efforts to secure h:ni were unsuccessful, though large rewards were offered for his apprehension. At length, aided by some confederates, he broke into the house of Seth Whitney, (now Barney I\Iontross's), abusing and beating him badly and carrying off any thing they wanted. Huson told Wln'tney that he would come again and kill him. The old man (Whitney) t"ixe<l a bayonet on a rake handle, determined to dispatch the robber, should he ever try it again. Whitney's wife warned Huson to keep away, but paying no attention to the warning, he soon after tried to break in ; when about half way through the windov.', Whitnev, true to his threat, stabbed him just below the breast-bone, making a wound about one and a half inches deep.

Huson told Wln'tney that he would come again and kill him. The old man (Whitney) t"ixe<l a bayonet on a rake handle, determined to dispatch the robber, should he ever try it again. Whitney's wife warned Huson to keep away, but paying no attention to the warning, he soon after tried to break in ; when about half way through the windov.', Whitnev, true to his threat, stabbed him just below the breast-bone, making a wound about one and a half inches deep. Huson, notwithstanding, made good his entrance and beat Whitney until he thought him dead. Huson and his assistants then mounted and rode away.- At first the family believed \\'iiitney dead, but after a while they ^vere successful in restoring him and he soon

THE TOWN OF YORKTOWN. 70I

i^ot well. When I sa^- him the day after the beatins, he was d-eadfully bruised. Huson's wound proved much more serious than he had at first supposed, for it bled internally ; and when within twenty rods of our house, exclaimed '• I am a dead man," and fell from his horse a corpse. His comrades appHed to some tories living in the neighborhood, who took the body and buried it about eighteen inches deep, under an apple tree in Veil's orchard on the east side of the road. The next day they dug another grave behind tlie hill in the woods, south-east of William Smith's house, a very out of the way place. The better to conceal the grave, they cut down a tree -- making it fall directly over the spot. Five months afterwards, it became generally known that Pluson was buried there ; whereupon the neighbors disinterred the remains, and crowds of people carne, some from a'gre.it distance, to see the remains of one who had been such a terror and scourge to the whole country round.

The next day they dug another grave behind tlie hill in the woods, south-east of William Smith's house, a very out of the way place. The better to conceal the grave, they cut down a tree -- making it fall directly over the spot. Five months afterwards, it became generally known that Pluson was buried there ; whereupon the neighbors disinterred the remains, and crowds of people carne, some from a'gre.it distance, to see the remains of one who had been such a terror and scourge to the whole country round. They wanted to satisfy themselves that^he was really dead ; some proposed to hang the corpse on a jibbet, but finally better feehngs prevailed and they consigned it to the grave where it probably remained undisturbed. Several of the men v,-ho first buried him we afterwards discovered to be the same party who also robbed our tenant liouse and intended to pillage us. Whitney, as a rev.-ard for killing Huson, was exempted from papng taxes during the remainder of his life. This Huson was of the same family as the man who was hung for instigating the negroes to insurrection in New York city.

Rochambeau, while in our neighborhood, had his head-quarters at Parkers (then Samuel Dilwa/s) while another French General was quartered at my father's. The Generals always dined together alternately at each others 'quarters, this brought them, once a week, to our house. Great preparations were always made on these occasions-- a French cook who had been in the employ of the king of France, and his assistants, serxing in the kitchen.

This Huson was of the same family as the man who was hung for instigating the negroes to insurrection in New York city.

Rochambeau, while in our neighborhood, had his head-quarters at Parkers (then Samuel Dilwa/s) while another French General was quartered at my father's. The Generals always dined together alternately at each others 'quarters, this brought them, once a week, to our house. Great preparations were always made on these occasions-- a French cook who had been in the employ of the king of France, and his assistants, serxing in the kitchen.

"I once entered a complaint, to the General staying at our house, that some of his soldiers were in tlie habit of stealing turnips. He accompanied me to the field about three-quarters of a mile back of the house, that he might judge for himself; when w^e came to the field he gave me four crowns as pay for what turnips his soldiers had taken, that satisfied me and we returned to tlie house. I recollect that v.-hile returning I offered him a peach, which he declined taking.

" One morning a man came running to our heuse saying, Col. Green and about fifty of his m^n who were quartered at Danford's, (^now Joshua Carpenter's ) had been killed. It appeared that the British light horse, each rider with another behind him, had surprised the Americans immediately after thev had drawn in their sentinels, early in the moniing, kiUing and wounding them as they lay in their tents, which were pitched around the house. Col. Green was in bed at the time ; he sprang up and seized his sword, but was soon cut down. It was supposed nearly 200 bullets were fired into the house ; at the same time there was a party of Americans stationed at our house commanded by a lieutenant -- but it was probalilv unknown to the British, or th.ey might have cut them off too.

It appeared that the British light horse, each rider with another behind him, had surprised the Americans immediately after thev had drawn in their sentinels, early in the moniing, kiUing and wounding them as they lay in their tents, which were pitched around the house. Col. Green was in bed at the time ; he sprang up and seized his sword, but was soon cut down. It was supposed nearly 200 bullets were fired into the house ; at the same time there was a party of Americans stationed at our house commanded by a lieutenant -- but it was probalilv unknown to the British, or th.ey might have cut them off too. PTad they attacked tiie house, tl.e family would have been in great

702 HISTORY OF THE COUXTV OF WESTCHESTKR.

danger ; for some of the boys were in bed with the officers, and in t!-.;- confusion it is scarcely j-ossible that all would have escaped injury. I had often thought of making the house musket -proof by casing the outside with logs.

" 'i he Btitish army had possession of New York; their northern i;nL-!-> being at King's Bridge, while the American lines were at Croton Ri\i.T. about 25 miles north of the British The distance between being occasionally occupied first by one party und then the other Thiefts and murders were of constant occurance, so that few of the fonner inhabitants of this portion of Westchester county chose to remain at home. There being no cattle left to eat the pasture, the grass grew to a great height, so that it fell down and rotted on the ground from )'ear to year. In 1777, we being just above the American lines, the Cow Boys, stoic from us 14 head of cattle and drove them off to Morrisania.

" 'i he Btitish army had possession of New York; their northern i;nL-!-> being at King's Bridge, while the American lines were at Croton Ri\i.T. about 25 miles north of the British The distance between being occasionally occupied first by one party und then the other Thiefts and murders were of constant occurance, so that few of the fonner inhabitants of this portion of Westchester county chose to remain at home. There being no cattle left to eat the pasture, the grass grew to a great height, so that it fell down and rotted on the ground from )'ear to year. In 1777, we being just above the American lines, the Cow Boys, stoic from us 14 head of cattle and drove them off to Morrisania. Mother, on horseback, traced them to the British lines and determined to recover them by an appeal to the British General, then quartered on Harlem heights. Upon her arrival at King's Bridge, she discovered that tb.e sentinel stationed there, was the same light horseman that had once st0( ul guard before her own house at Yorkto\\ii, on occasion of the roof beii>g blown off. It was a mutual recognition, and the soldier kindly led her across the bridge, for which she bestowed upon him a pistareen. Arrived at headquarters she quickly proved to the guard's satisfaction that her .son was one of the harmless people called Quakers, who took no part in th.e war; whereupon he gave her an order directed to the Cow-Bo\s. either to return the stolen property or pay its full value. Thus officially armed she went to Morrisania and presented the order to the robbers who, in a great rage, threatened not only to kill her but her family; a few words, however, sufficed to quiet them down, and they paid her t!-.e full value for the cattle, in gold.

Arrived at headquarters she quickly proved to the guard's satisfaction that her .son was one of the harmless people called Quakers, who took no part in th.e war; whereupon he gave her an order directed to the Cow-Bo\s. either to return the stolen property or pay its full value. Thus officially armed she went to Morrisania and presented the order to the robbers who, in a great rage, threatened not only to kill her but her family; a few words, however, sufficed to quiet them down, and they paid her t!-.e full value for the cattle, in gold. Upon reflection, she deemed it hardly safe to return home through the Neutral Ground with so much money on her person; so she deposited it with Israel Underbill, who then resi.?- ed on the estate now owned by Lorillard Spencer, Esq., who concealcl it under a stone ^^•all on his farm. The whole was returned safely aftjr the war. The Skinner's somehow became aware of her errand, and tried in every way, except by force, to get possession of the money; b;;t she quietly informed them it had been left at Westchester. On anoth.er occasion, son^ie Cow-Boys ha\-ing stolen three horses, she followed them on horseback and recovered them from the commanding officer at Morrisania."

Mr. Joshua Caq:)enter,« the present occupant of the house, still points out the spot where the bed of Colonel Green stood, and the window from which Major Flagg fired his pistols, while the old fashioned wainscoting and doors are pierced with numerous bullet holes. A large addition has been since made to the house, on the east. The wonderfully extensive views which this elevated spot commands, will amply repay the visitor, besides the interest attached to the above associations.

Joshua Caq:)enter,« the present occupant of the house, still points out the spot where the bed of Colonel Green stood, and the window from which Major Flagg fired his pistols, while the old fashioned wainscoting and doors are pierced with numerous bullet holes. A large addition has been since made to the house, on the east. The wonderfully extensive views which this elevated spot commands, will amply repay the visitor, besides the interest attached to the above associations.

a Mr. C;iriu.'ut..T i.-i a grari'.I-sou of lUctiiiril Davenport, wlio held the proiicrty in ITm^.

THE TOU-N" OF YORKTO^V^^ 703

In the south-east corner of Yorktow-n, is situated the great dam of ti'.c Croton Acqueduct, one of the most important and extensive works ever undertaken in tliis country. " The dam across the Croton is placed where the river enters between the hills, after having passed for several niiles through a more level country. The hill on the south side is composed of solid rock."*^ The dam itself is not of great length, but is one of the most ingenious works of substantial masonry any where to I-e found. The highest point of the structure is rather more than fifty feet above the natural bed of the Croton. By this elevation, the water is thrown back more than six miles, forming a beautiful lake of several hundred acres, containing about 100,000,000 gallons for each foot in depth for the surface. The water is drawn into the acqueduct by means of a tunnel cut into the rock, which constitutes the hill on the south side. At distances of one mile, a circular hollow tower is erected over the acqueduct, for the purpose of ventilation, these being composed of white marble, produce a very ■[)retty effect. Every three miles is an apparatus for drawing off the water in case any internal repairs should be necessar)-, &c.*

By this elevation, the water is thrown back more than six miles, forming a beautiful lake of several hundred acres, containing about 100,000,000 gallons for each foot in depth for the surface. The water is drawn into the acqueduct by means of a tunnel cut into the rock, which constitutes the hill on the south side. At distances of one mile, a circular hollow tower is erected over the acqueduct, for the purpose of ventilation, these being composed of white marble, produce a very ■[)retty effect. Every three miles is an apparatus for drawing off the water in case any internal repairs should be necessar)-, &c.*

The whole quantity of land which the Water Commissioners have been compelled to buy on the forty miles of the works, amount to nine hundred acres, and the average price has been nearly five hundred dollars per acre.

The great bend of the Croton, west of Pine's Bridge, was denominated by the aborigines Keti'eg/tti-gnack. Croton lake, bordered by meadows and high hills, presents a lovely and interesting scene to the eye of the beholder. The following lines, suggested by a visit to the lake, are from the Hudson River Chronicle : --

TO CROTON LAKE.

How mildly beams the moou's pale light,

As o'er tliy breast wc gaily glide ; Her silvery lustre chaniis the night,

As swift we float along the tide. Unruffled calm tli_v bosom lies,

Save where the oars the stillnecs break ; Nor do tlie br0c7.cs dare to rise,

To mar thy beauty, Croton Lake.

The following lines, suggested by a visit to the lake, are from the Hudson River Chronicle : --

TO CROTON LAKE.

How mildly beams the moou's pale light,

As o'er tliy breast wc gaily glide ; Her silvery lustre chaniis the night,

As swift we float along the tide. Unruffled calm tli_v bosom lies,

Save where the oars the stillnecs break ; Nor do tlie br0c7.cs dare to rise,

To mar thy beauty, Croton Lake.

a Distumell'ri Gaziltcer of \. Y. h Di-tnriieirs Gazetteer ot N. Y. c IbiO.

704 HISTORY OF THE COUNTY OF WESTCHESTER.

The purest joys that friendship yields,

We here in rich profusion taste, While busy thought roams o'er the fields

Of memory, bri^iditening from the past ; Sweet recollections ciowd the mind,

With former scenes of purest bliss ; While uow, ,1 siveet delight v,-e find

In musing o'er past happiness.

N"ow is the hour of tranquil peace,

Wldle gliding o'er thy fair exp.anse ; All fierce, trumultuous passions cease,

And heavenly joys the soul eutrauco ; > The hallowed fellowship of friends

We here with rich delight partake, ISTor o'er, till this esisicnce ends,

Shall we its memory dear forsake.

But list I the hour sounds to deprtrt.

And thy bright shores we leave with pain ; Thou ever shalt be near my heart,

While life or thought or hope remain ; The friends I here have found, shall be

Dear to my heart till life forsake ; And often shall I think of thee.

And heavenly joys the soul eutrauco ; > The hallowed fellowship of friends

We here with rich delight partake, ISTor o'er, till this esisicnce ends,

Shall we its memory dear forsake.

But list I the hour sounds to deprtrt.

And thy bright shores we leave with pain ; Thou ever shalt be near my heart,

While life or thought or hope remain ; The friends I here have found, shall be

Dear to my heart till life forsake ; And often shall I think of thee.

Thou mildly beauteous Croton Lake.

The supplies of the Croton are derived exclusively from the elevated region of the Highlands, in Westchester county and Putnam, being furnished by the pure springs v/hicli so remarkably characterize the granitic formation of this, region. Many of the ponds and lakes fro:n wliich it is maintained, are, tliree or four hundred acres in e.xtent and as large as 1,000 acres; ail these ponds are surrounded by clear upland shores, which furnish soft and clear v/ater. Half a o-allon of water taken from the Croton at Wood's bridge, pelded by evaporation, 2.3^3 grains residuum, in the following proportions :-- Vegetable matter. 1,33 : Carbonates of lime and magnesia, 1,200; Muriate of magnesia, 1,000; Total, of grains.f^ 2.333.

Prior to the erection of the dam, shad fish annually ascended the river some miles above the present lake. The fishinf is now entirely confined to trout, perch, and other fresh water fish.

In iSoo it was proposed to render the Croton river navigable, from its mouth to Pine's Bridge. The following report of die engineers is entitled : --

Half a o-allon of water taken from the Croton at Wood's bridge, pelded by evaporation, 2.3^3 grains residuum, in the following proportions :-- Vegetable matter. 1,33 : Carbonates of lime and magnesia, 1,200; Muriate of magnesia, 1,000; Total, of grains.f^ 2.333.

Prior to the erection of the dam, shad fish annually ascended the river some miles above the present lake. The fishinf is now entirely confined to trout, perch, and other fresh water fish.

In iSoo it was proposed to render the Croton river navigable, from its mouth to Pine's Bridge. The following report of die engineers is entitled : --

<i tj'.'C Corporut, Doc. of N. Y., Xo. xxxvL 409.

THE TOWN OF YORKTOWN. 705

♦' ESTIMATE OF EXPENSE TO MAKE THE CEOTON RTTEE NAVIGABLE FOE BOATS OF

T^O TONS."

Tlie falls at Crotou river with a lock, The falls below the Old bridge,

Small rapid,

Kapid aud stony, ....

Two small fails, ....

Rocky falls and stony water,

Fall both above and below Fowler's mill,

Rapids and rocks.

Long rapid water, two stony falls,

do do

Fall at Carpenter's mills and locks . A short rapid, ....

This brings us to Pines Bridge. Here we find eighteen obstructions, such as small rapids, fish M'ares, stony, &c., &c. The cost of which is estimated at . . . " .

£350

eo

£1,650

Pines Bridge crosses the lake about one mile above the dam. Ou the south side of the Croton is a small settlement bearing the name of Crotonville -- which contains a Methodist church, a Friend's meeting house, two stores, a tavern, a post ofhce, and several scattered dwellings. The old bridge was situated west of the present structure, and served, during the Revolution, as the principal communication between the lines. Here the Americans generally kept a strong guard for the purpose of affording timely notice of an enem/s approach.

Ou the south side of the Croton is a small settlement bearing the name of Crotonville -- which contains a Methodist church, a Friend's meeting house, two stores, a tavern, a post ofhce, and several scattered dwellings. The old bridge was situated west of the present structure, and served, during the Revolution, as the principal communication between the lines. Here the Americans generally kept a strong guard for the purpose of affording timely notice of an enem/s approach. It was also a place of rendezvous, as appears from the following orders : --

Manok of Coetland, 12th Nov., 17S1. Lieutenant Purdy, you are commanded to march twenty-four of your men, well armed and equipt with six days provision, to Fines Bridge, by to-morrow morning at 8 o'clock, with all the teams in your company.

SAMrEL Deaee, Colonel.

Daneorth's, 8 o'clock in the evening. Sir -- I have this moment received intelligence that the enemy are out as far as Young's. I shall be at the Bi-id'je, ready to march, at 3 o'clock, and wish to have all the militia in Crompond mustered aud at the Bridge by that time. I am, sir, your most obedient servant,

William Hull, Lieut. Colonel. P. S. -- I beg you to send to Major Strang's and Capt. Drake's.

On the morning of the 25th of June, 1779, ^^^ British light horse, and about 1,000 infantry, u-ere at Pines Bridge. Gen. Heath "ordered 200 light infantry, under the command of Lieut. Col. Grosvcnor, to march to Robinson's stores, near Marpoach Pond, to cover that quarter.".

I shall be at the Bi-id'je, ready to march, at 3 o'clock, and wish to have all the militia in Crompond mustered aud at the Bridge by that time. I am, sir, your most obedient servant,

William Hull, Lieut. Colonel. P. S. -- I beg you to send to Major Strang's and Capt. Drake's.

On the morning of the 25th of June, 1779, ^^^ British light horse, and about 1,000 infantry, u-ere at Pines Bridge. Gen. Heath "ordered 200 light infantry, under the command of Lieut. Col. Grosvcnor, to march to Robinson's stores, near Marpoach Pond, to cover that quarter.".

a XIcatn's.Mcni. 'JOu.

7o6 HISTORY OF THE COUNTY OF %\T.STC HESTER.

Oil the 2ist of October, 17S0, ••intelligence was received tiiat the enemy were meJitatin;.; an excursion as far up as Crompond and its vicinitv to sweep off the cattle." Gen. Heath immediately ordered Col. Hazcn, with a detachment of 500 men, to move to Pines Bridge, and Lieut. Col. Jameson, with the 2d light dragoons, to niove from Bedford towards Col. Hazen. The detachment arrived at Fines Bridge about twu o'clock the next morning. The evening of tlie 23d, Col. Hazen returned with the detachment ; the enemy did not come out.'* It was in the \-icinity of Pines Bridge that Enoch Crosby, the Westchester spy, first commenced his career of secret service.

By way of a general geographical description of Yorktown, it may be observed, " that the north is broken by the hills of the southern border of the Highlands, and the general surface is hilly, though its hills are of a moderate height in the south "^ The numerous streams supplv abundance of mill seats. " The soil is generally productive, and wcil distributed into arable, pasture, and meadow lands. ]Much of it is stony; and previous to the late introduction of g^-psum as a manure. many fanns were nearly exhausted by constant tillage."" The timber is very thrifty and tall, consisting for the most part of oak, chestnut, hickor}' and walnut, &c.

By way of a general geographical description of Yorktown, it may be observed, " that the north is broken by the hills of the southern border of the Highlands, and the general surface is hilly, though its hills are of a moderate height in the south "^ The numerous streams supplv abundance of mill seats. " The soil is generally productive, and wcil distributed into arable, pasture, and meadow lands. ]Much of it is stony; and previous to the late introduction of g^-psum as a manure. many fanns were nearly exhausted by constant tillage."" The timber is very thrifty and tall, consisting for the most part of oak, chestnut, hickor}' and walnut, &c. The low grounds >-ield maple, black birch, ash and hemlock, <S:c.

The first entry relating to towTi officers occurs in the manor book, entitled,

" Record for the marior of Corilandt and Yorktown. "

"At a town meeting held for ye manor of Cortlandt, on the first Tuesday, in April, in the year of our Lord, 1760, to choose town officers for ye said manor for the ensuing year, and the respective names and offices of those chosen."

Pierre v.vn' Cor.TLA>T3T, Supervimr. Mo^^!-.^ Travis, Ckrk. Joseph SnEEwcdD, Treasurer. Daniel Rthaxg.^ ^ Joseph TiDD, f -^^*^^*^"-«-

JosEi-n Tp.vvis. for the ^Vatcr Collector at Peekskill. Joii.v TiiAvis, PtmuiUr.

JEKEMiAfi Dr..u<E, Constahle for the west part ; Joii.v YEOMAXri, for ye niiiklle pari ; Jou.v PrKDV, for ye east part, ifcc.i^

a IbUl. 2C.0.

h Sp.ifTora's GazatU'fr of N-w York.

"At a town meeting held for ye manor of Cortlandt, on the first Tuesday, in April, in the year of our Lord, 1760, to choose town officers for ye said manor for the ensuing year, and the respective names and offices of those chosen."

Pierre v.vn' Cor.TLA>T3T, Supervimr. Mo^^!-.^ Travis, Ckrk. Joseph SnEEwcdD, Treasurer. Daniel Rthaxg.^ ^ Joseph TiDD, f -^^*^^*^"-«-

JosEi-n Tp.vvis. for the ^Vatcr Collector at Peekskill. Joii.v TiiAvis, PtmuiUr.

JEKEMiAfi Dr..u<E, Constahle for the west part ; Joii.v YEOMAXri, for ye niiiklle pari ; Jou.v PrKDV, for ye east part, ifcc.i^

a IbUl. 2C.0.

h Sp.ifTora's GazatU'fr of N-w York.

c Illid.

'/ >■■>' Eec. of Yorkto'sTi. T(io uamca of soru? twenty fi-eeUiMdori are also atmcUoa to cue

APPENDIX A.

^ • y- ■■ PEDIGREES OF THE FAMILIES

COUNTY OF WESTCHESTER

Note.-- In tbe following pases b. stands for bora; lu. or mar. for marriea; d. for died; da. for daughter; and »t. for aged.

AitELEE OF Bedford. Two brothers of this name were among the early settlers of Bedford. Benjamin Ajnbler, luar. Dibble, and left three

sous, Joseph, Joshua and Benjamin, and a da., Kachel, who mar.

Miller. Benjamin, the youngest, mar. Mary Wilson, and left Hemy and William H. of Bedford.

AyGEVT>'E. The name of Zacharie Angevine, occurs as a freeholder of New Rochelle, in 1710, mar. May, lG7t5. Pierre, probably son of Zocharie, left 1, Louis; 2, Pierre; 3, Marie. Louis, mar. Esther Sicard, and had Louis, b. 19th August, 1732. Pierre, b. 30 August, 1734. ilarie, Esther aud Annie, the latter

sous, Joseph, Joshua and Benjamin, and a da., Kachel, who mar.

Miller. Benjamin, the youngest, mar. Mary Wilson, and left Hemy and William H. of Bedford.

AyGEVT>'E. The name of Zacharie Angevine, occurs as a freeholder of New Rochelle, in 1710, mar. May, lG7t5. Pierre, probably son of Zocharie, left 1, Louis; 2, Pierre; 3, Marie. Louis, mar. Esther Sicard, and had Louis, b. 19th August, 1732. Pierre, b. 30 August, 1734. ilarie, Esther aud Annie, the latter

b. 1731. » Pierre, second soii of first Pierre, mar. Jlargaret , and

left a da. Esther, b. 4 Dec. 17-29. John, a member of this family, left John and Daniel. Mary, da. of John, d Jauuary, 1S41, at. 105. Daniel, mar. Catharine Geraud, aud left Daniel, who was lost at sea. Ell Angevine, of Scarsdale, had nine children ; 1st, Jonathan of Poughkeepsiu ; 2nd, Caleb of Poughkccpsie,

mar. Ostraudor; Sd, Phrvbe mar. Stephen Lockwood; 4th, Charity

mar. Israel t-heerly ; .')th, Susan mar. Isaac Purdy ; Gth, Mary mar. Budd Purdy ; 7th, Putioncc mar. Jacob Burnett ; Sth, Pegay mar. Joshua Underbill; Gth, ElizaV-th ir.ar. Kichard Cornell. Jonathan of Poughkccpsie, mar. Susan Ferris, aud has Eli and Caleb.

Ar.cHEP. OF For.DnAM. The ancestor of this family is supposed to have been Uuniphny Ardur who was born 1527, and died Oct. 24th, 1502, eldest son aud heir of Pichard Aicher, iwelflli in descent from Fulbcrt L. Archer, one of ths couifaviious C)f ^\"iilianl lUo Coniiuerur. Humphrey mtU". Elizabeth Townseud, and left 1, ilumphrey; 2, Arthur; 3, Andrew, who mar. Margaret lialeigh; 4,

Kichard Cornell. Jonathan of Poughkccpsie, mar. Susan Ferris, aud has Eli and Caleb.

Ar.cHEP. OF For.DnAM. The ancestor of this family is supposed to have been Uuniphny Ardur who was born 1527, and died Oct. 24th, 1502, eldest son aud heir of Pichard Aicher, iwelflli in descent from Fulbcrt L. Archer, one of ths couifaviious C)f ^\"iilianl lUo Coniiuerur. Humphrey mtU". Elizabeth Townseud, and left 1, ilumphrey; 2, Arthur; 3, Andrew, who mar. Margaret lialeigh; 4,

7cS APPENDIX A.

John, who mar. Eleanor Frcvrin ; 5, Bridget, who mar. John Bancroft ; 6, Marjory, who mar. JohuCoUis; 7, Elizabeth, who mar. John Hereford. Andrew, third son of Humphrey, died 2 April, 1629, leaving issue by his wife ^^hugarettwo sons, Simon, born September 21, 1G24, who mar. Anne Ferris; and Lieut. Col. Thomas, an officer in the Parliament service, who fled beyoiid the seas ; Humphrey,EI:zabeth and Penelope. Rich.nrdsecondsonof Audrewbyh!Swifer'.IaryEull, left one son Rowland. John Archer, fourth sou of first Hun:phrey by Eleanor Frcwin, left one son John the father oiJolni Archer f,r,^t Lord of Vie Manor of Fordham, Westchester county. John, first Lord of the Manor, mar. Sarah Odell, da. of William, and had one son John and three daughters, viz. Mary, Catharine and Sarah. John, second Lord of the manor married Mary Fowkr, had tliree sons; 3, Samuel; 2, Richard who mar. Sarah Valentine, and died 1783; 3, John •who mar. Elizabeth- , T.ill dat. 17CS, no. xxL 60, a da. Eleanor v.ho married Oliver Drew, Samuel Archer, first son of John, left one ."^on Benjanun of Fordham who had first, Benjamin, owner in fee of part of the Manor, mar. Rachel deVaux; second, John ; fourth, Mary who mar. John Pugslcy ; fifth, Sarah who mar. Jacob Alord, and sixtli, ]Iachel who mar. James Crawford. Bcnjanun first son of Benjamin, had 1, William of Fordham ; 2, Sanmel of ditto, whose sons are George, Charles, Benjamin, Lewis, William and Henr}" ; 3, Catharine who mar.

Eleanor v.ho married Oliver Drew, Samuel Archer, first son of John, left one ."^on Benjanun of Fordham who had first, Benjamin, owner in fee of part of the Manor, mar. Rachel deVaux; second, John ; fourth, Mary who mar. John Pugslcy ; fifth, Sarah who mar. Jacob Alord, and sixtli, ]Iachel who mar. James Crawford. Bcnjanun first son of Benjamin, had 1, William of Fordham ; 2, Sanmel of ditto, whose sons are George, Charles, Benjamin, Lewis, William and Henr}" ; 3, Catharine who mar. Charles Valentine ; and 4, Rachel who mar. Richard Archer. Richard Archer, second son of John, second proprietor of the Manor by his wife Sarah Valentine left two sons ; 1, Anthony, born 1746, died ISSS, mar. Margaret Mapcs, and had Elijah, Benjamin of N. Y., Richard, Charles, Anthony of Yonkers, Sarah. Mary, Margaret, Eliza and Sally; 2, Matthias who had Matthias, v.iio mar. Sarah Odell, da. of Hendrick, and left Charles and Odell of Yonkers. John Archer, third sou of John second proprietor, had 1, Abraham of Eastchester, in

17C4, mar. Hilary ; 2, Jacub ; 3, John of Wiiiterhiil, Eastchester, mar. I^Iary

Leggett ; 4, Jonathan of Eastchester, will dat. 1764, no. xxiv. 279, whose children were Sarah who mar. Joseph Fowler, John, Ezekiel, and Abigail who mar. Joshua Pell. John of Winterhil! uiul Mary Leggett had 1, James who mar. Pha'bc

, their children are ?tLary, Pluebe, Anne and Esther ; 2, Gabriel who mar..

Susan Hunt and left John of N. Y., JaUiCS, Daniel, Benjamin of New Casile, Elizabeth M'ho mar. Clark Guion, Sally wife of Stephen Hunt, Pha>be wife of Robert Sarles, Mary wife of L=^;iiTc Carpenter, Hetty wife of Nehemiah Purdy, and Susan the wife of Eli.sha Tompkins; 3, John mar. Susan Wheeler; 4, Catharine mar. John Bashford : 5.

John of Winterhil! uiul Mary Leggett had 1, James who mar. Pha'bc

, their children are ?tLary, Pluebe, Anne and Esther ; 2, Gabriel who mar..

Susan Hunt and left John of N. Y., JaUiCS, Daniel, Benjamin of New Casile, Elizabeth M'ho mar. Clark Guion, Sally wife of Stephen Hunt, Pha>be wife of Robert Sarles, Mary wife of L=^;iiTc Carpenter, Hetty wife of Nehemiah Purdy, and Susan the wife of Eli.sha Tompkins; 3, John mar. Susan Wheeler; 4, Catharine mar. John Bashford : 5. Mary mar. John Brown ; 6, Bridget mar. Samuel Hitchcock; 7, Martha mar. William Green ; 8, Sarah mai'. Jacob ; 9, Hannah mar. Archer Reed. , . / ,-^^. /T'-l-L. _---■■ --^-Ud'. 1 ; ■. c . f^< /j B.ULET OF SoMEns. Lett Bailry living in 1795, mar. - --''y'' _ Gilchrist. He had De Vaux of Putnam co., James of Somers, Gilbert, Thomas, William of Nova Scotia, Levi of Canada, Stephen, Daniel, Sarah who mar. Daniel Carpenter, Esther who mar. John Steven and Sarah who mar. Nathan Brown. De Vaux mar. Elizabeth Smith and left l.Sauuiel; 2, Stephen; 3, Benjamin; 4, William; 5, Levi; r, Horace; 7, Daniel; S, Ira; 9, Isaac ; 10, Thomas; 11. Esther. J.-imesof Somers m.ar. Ann Ero'.vn and !iad 1, Stephen; 2. llaohaliah of Somers d. ]S4.'); 3. Mary; 4, Ann ; "i, Jar.i, : ''■. .■■•', ma n : 7, Eiiz;ibcui; S.Theodore. Gilbert mar. Sarah Field and left-- 1, William ; 2, Joseph ; 3, Levi; 4, Solomon; 5, Simon,

Elizabeth Smith and left l.Sauuiel; 2, Stephen; 3, Benjamin; 4, William; 5, Levi; r, Horace; 7, Daniel; S, Ira; 9, Isaac ; 10, Thomas; 11. Esther. J.-imesof Somers m.ar. Ann Ero'.vn and !iad 1, Stephen; 2. llaohaliah of Somers d. ]S4.'); 3. Mary; 4, Ann ; "i, Jar.i, : ''■. .■■•', ma n : 7, Eiiz;ibcui; S.Theodore. Gilbert mar. Sarah Field and left-- 1, William ; 2, Joseph ; 3, Levi; 4, Solomon; 5, Simon,

APrF.XDIX A. 709

G, Claude; 7, Jane ; 8, Elizabeth. Thomas mar. i^arali , and had Jacob and

Deborah. Williaiii of ZS'ova Scotia left Levi and Esther. Levi of Canada had John ami Chloe. Duvid left Daniel and Deborah.

Barker of Sc.\r3Dale, Uni-Zcrjloft three sons, (I.) Wllliana of Scarsdale

mar. Fowler of Eastcliester, and had 1, Thomas of Greeaburgh, mar.

Anne Hortoa whose sons are Peter, Caleb and Samuel. 2, John mar. Marj' granda. of the Ilcv. John Saiith, their son is \Yilliam Barker of White Plains.

3, Williain of Mamaroueck mar. Fowler of Eastchester, and left one sou

Samuel; 4, Samuel of Scarsdale. 5, A da. mar.- Bonnett of PhiUpse's

Manor. (II.) Daniel the father of Daniel. (III.) Thomas of Dutchess county.

Bayaeds of AVestcuestke. -- Stiphen Bayard had two sons Col. Samuel Vetch Bayard of Throckmorton's Neck, Westchester; and William of New York. Col. Samuel mar. 24th of April, 1773, Catharine van Home and left -- 1, Wiliam b. at Halifax, N. S. Feb. 14, 1779; 2, Elizabeth b. at N. Y. Dec. 1, 17S0; 3, Catharine nat. 13 Oct. 178S ; 4, Stephen b. at Cornwalis, N. S , Oct. 26, 1785, mar. Elizabeth Anne dc Lancey and left Eliza Auue mar. Jacob Lorillard, Stephen, and William, M. D. of West Farms; 5, Robert b. at Wilmot, N. S., March 1, 17SS ; 6, Saumel b. at Wilmot, N.

Samuel mar. 24th of April, 1773, Catharine van Home and left -- 1, Wiliam b. at Halifax, N. S. Feb. 14, 1779; 2, Elizabeth b. at N. Y. Dec. 1, 17S0; 3, Catharine nat. 13 Oct. 178S ; 4, Stephen b. at Cornwalis, N. S , Oct. 26, 1785, mar. Elizabeth Anne dc Lancey and left Eliza Auue mar. Jacob Lorillard, Stephen, and William, M. D. of West Farms; 5, Robert b. at Wilmot, N. S., March 1, 17SS ; 6, Saumel b. at Wilmot, N. S., March 1, 1700 ; 7, Frances b, 25 July, 170.3; 8, Ethelinda; 9, Eliza mar. George L.Cooper; 10, Louisa; 11, Sarah. William of New York, second sou of Stephen, mar. Harriet Cornell and had 1, Harriet mar. Stephen van Ilenselaer; 2, Justiua mar. Joseph Black well ; 3. Susan mar. Duncan P. Campbell ; 4, Maria ; 5, Robert of Fishkill ; 6, William of New York.

Benedict of LEwisBouoroii. -- -.-1?«'JS ^t'r<,«Z«;i removed at an eturly period from Norwalk tj South Salem ; killed by the fall of a tree. His children were, 1st, Holjimm, who mar. Hannah Benedict and left one son, Solomon ; 2, Isatic, mar. Elizabeth Burchitt, and had Isaac, Ady, Elizabeth, mar. Samuel Townsend, Huldy, Anne, and Esther; 3, Amos. mar. Elizabeth Brown ; 4, Jacob ; 5, Jonah, mar. Mary Husky, and left Peter, the present occupant of the Homestead, near Long Pond.

BEl:i:IA^- of Yoxkeks.-- The family of Bernaii was ^ among the French Huguenots who fled from France to Holland on the Revocation of the edict of Nantes, Xi'chohu Bcrrian, the first of the family who emigruted to this country, had five sons : 1, Nicholas; 2, Cornelius; 3, Richard ; 4, Samuel; 5, Peter; Cornelius, the second son, mar. Sarah Warner. Richard, who was b. in Holland, resided for some time upon Long Island.

Mary Husky, and left Peter, the present occupant of the Homestead, near Long Pond.

BEl:i:IA^- of Yoxkeks.-- The family of Bernaii was ^ among the French Huguenots who fled from France to Holland on the Revocation of the edict of Nantes, Xi'chohu Bcrrian, the first of the family who emigruted to this country, had five sons : 1, Nicholas; 2, Cornelius; 3, Richard ; 4, Samuel; 5, Peter; Cornelius, the second son, mar. Sarah Warner. Richard, who was b. in Holland, resided for some time upon Long Island. He mar. Grace, or Geshe, Ilyker of Ryker's Island, and left, 1, Abraham, second proprietor of Berrian's Neck, who mar. 1st, ilary Moore ; 2nd, Mary Williams ; their children were Col. Abraham, Nathaniel of Berrian's Neck, b. June 24, 1781, d. 1845. Richard, Phncbc, Mary, Geshe, and Charity : Geshe, mar. Jesse Leverich. Samuel, 4th

son of first Nicholas, mar. Tippet, and left twos ons ; 1st, Samuel ; 2nd,

Richard; whose son was the Rev. William Bcrrian, D. D., late Rector of Trinity church. New York.

"Bertine ok New Rociielle. The ancestors of the Btri/nes. or Dertcins (a3 the n..n-e was origiii.dly spelt,) \v<.ro Protest.:ats, iuhabitanis of Ruclieik', in

7IO APPENDIX A.

France. Oa the Revocation of the edict of Nantes, Pierre Bertine. fled from France to England, and S'njn after came thence to America. Two brothers bv the name of Peter and James v\-erc living at New Rochelle in 1742. Peter left three sons, James, Peter, and Isaac, and a dan.^bter Elizabeth, James mar. Deborah Cozine, and had James, Thomas, Hannah, -w-ho mar. William H. Pinciiney of Eastchester ; Sarah, mar. Henry Remsen ; Eliza, mar. Gilbert Hatfield, and Julia, who married Gershom Smith.

Oa the Revocation of the edict of Nantes, Pierre Bertine. fled from France to England, and S'njn after came thence to America. Two brothers bv the name of Peter and James v\-erc living at New Rochelle in 1742. Peter left three sons, James, Peter, and Isaac, and a dan.^bter Elizabeth, James mar. Deborah Cozine, and had James, Thomas, Hannah, -w-ho mar. William H. Pinciiney of Eastchester ; Sarah, mar. Henry Remsen ; Eliza, mar. Gilbert Hatfield, and Julia, who married Gershom Smith.

Bip.DS.\Li, OF Peekskill.-- Z?a«;>? Blrdmll of Peekskill, b. 17th January,

_J/7S4-5, d. Oct. 29th, ISOO, mar. Hannah ; she was b. 7th Nov. 1737.

Their chiklren were, 1, Daniel, jr, of Peekskill, who mar. 1st, Phebc Brown; and secondly, Letitia Lewis ; and left William B. of Peekskill, James of N-j-.v York; Samuel of Cincinnati. Ohio; Daniel, Mary, who mar. Medad Raymoud; Anne Eliza and Hannali ; 3, Samuel, left William, who mar. 1st, Nancy Haws;

2nd, Spook, and had Samuel of Peekskill; 3, Sarah, b. Nov. G, K.'jS;

4, Mary Hannah, b. Sept. 1760; 5. Elizabeth, b. Sth July, 1765; 6, :\rartha.

Eleecker.-- Jan. Jansen Bleeckcr, a native of Meppel in the Province of Overyssel, Holland, came to New Amsterdam from Holland in 105S, and subsequently removed to AIl)any. He was one of the first aldermen named in the charter of ^Ubany, A. D. 1GS6 : and ma}-or of that city in 1R95, mar. ^klar^'arct da. of Rutger Jacobsen, A. D. 1C67. He d. a;t. 91. They had eight children ; 1. John, Mayor of Albany in 1701, d. Sept. 173S, tet 70, mar. Anna Coster, Oct. 1693 : 2, Rutger, Recorder and Mayor of Albany, 1725, 6-, 7, 8, d. Aug. 175G, set. 82, Diar. Catalina Schuyler, da. of David S. ; 3, Nicolas ; 4, Henry ; o, Catharine, mar.

D. 1GS6 : and ma}-or of that city in 1R95, mar. ^klar^'arct da. of Rutger Jacobsen, A. D. 1C67. He d. a;t. 91. They had eight children ; 1. John, Mayor of Albany in 1701, d. Sept. 173S, tet 70, mar. Anna Coster, Oct. 1693 : 2, Rutger, Recorder and Mayor of Albany, 1725, 6-, 7, 8, d. Aug. 175G, set. 82, Diar. Catalina Schuyler, da. of David S. ; 3, Nicolas ; 4, Henry ; o, Catharine, mar. Abraham Cuyler ; 6, Jane, mar. John Glen; 7, Margaret, mar. Henry Ten Eyck; S, Rachel. John, the eldest, left five sons, John, Henry,

Nicolas, Jacob, and Anthony. John, eldest son of John, mar. 1st, Ten

Eyck: 2d, Brees, their children were, 1, Jacob; 2, John, d. Sept. 1747,

mar. Gerritje van Schaick, and left John, mar. Van Allen, Sybrant and

Jacob ; 3, Gertrude, mar. Abraliam Wendell: 4, Anne; 5, Catharine. Henry, 2d son of John and Anna Coster, d. in the country of the Senecas. Nicolas. 3d son, mar. JIargaret Rooseboom, and left three sons, Henry. John, and Nicolas. Henry, the eldest, mar. Catharina Cuyler, their children are Nicolas of .Ubauy, mar. Nettje Siaats, Henry of Albany, mar. Elizabeth Metcalfe, Margaret, mar. Hermanns Ten Eyck, and Catharine, mar. James van Ingen. John, second sou of Nicolas, d. 182.', ait 87, mar. Margaret van Dusen, and left, 1, Henry S., of Albany; 2, Nicolas, of xVlbany ; 3, Jacob; 4, Eliza, mar. Jacol> Brodhead; 5, Harriet, mar. John Romeyn ; 6, Margaret, mar. John van Schaick. Jacob, fourth son of John and Anna Coster, mnr. 3Iargaret Ten. Eyck, and left one sun,

Nettje Siaats, Henry of Albany, mar. Elizabeth Metcalfe, Margaret, mar. Hermanns Ten Eyck, and Catharine, mar. James van Ingen. John, second sou of Nicolas, d. 182.', ait 87, mar. Margaret van Dusen, and left, 1, Henry S., of Albany; 2, Nicolas, of xVlbany ; 3, Jacob; 4, Eliza, mar. Jacol> Brodhead; 5, Harriet, mar. John Romeyn ; 6, Margaret, mar. John van Schaick. Jacob, fourth son of John and Anna Coster, mnr. 3Iargaret Ten. Eyck, and left one sun,

Hermauus, who mar. Wendell, their sous are Jacob J. and Hernianus or

Albany. Anthony, fifth son of John and Aiina Coster, d. without issue at Otsego. Rutger. second son of Jan Jansen, d. 175G, leaving two sons, Jf)hn Rut-rcr and James, of New Rcchelle, also a da. Margaret. John Rutger d A. D. ISOO, at. SS, mar. Elizabeth Staats da. of Barent S., and left, 1, Barent, of Albany mar. Sarali Lansing; 2, John. mar. 1st, Jane Gilliland ; 2nd. Elizabeth vf.n Ren.-^Sflaer, wid .w r.f J.-bn SchuylcT. Tliei;- ehildron wire. 1, EliT^a. mar. Grant Powell ; 2, Charlotte, mar. VumI Luce ; 3, Sanili ; 4, .Stephen, d. lS2t; ; 5.

APPENDIX A. 711

John, d. 1S32. 6, Catharine, mar. C. G. Van Rensselaer ; 3. Faitger, mar. Catharine Elmendorf, ami left John R., Elizabeth, mar. Peter Rrinckerhoof, Maria, mar. [Morris Mills, and Blaudina, mar. Charles D. Dudley. James of New Rochelle, second sou of first Riitger, mar. Abigail R. Lispcnardof ±sew Ruchelle, and left, l.^t, Anthony L.. mar. ^lary Xocl; 2, Rutger; Jj, David; 4, Andrew; 5, James; 6, John, mar. Anne Eliza Schuyler; 7, Leonard, mar. 1st, da. of James Ahcel ; 2d, Grace Moore Berrian ; 8, Elizabeth Grace, mar. "William Le Hart. Arms, az. two embattled chevrons or, empaling, arg. a rose branch ppr, Criht, a pheon or.

Dudley. James of New Rochelle, second sou of first Riitger, mar. Abigail R. Lispcnardof ±sew Ruchelle, and left, l.^t, Anthony L.. mar. ^lary Xocl; 2, Rutger; Jj, David; 4, Andrew; 5, James; 6, John, mar. Anne Eliza Schuyler; 7, Leonard, mar. 1st, da. of James Ahcel ; 2d, Grace Moore Berrian ; 8, Elizabeth Grace, mar. "William Le Hart. Arms, az. two embattled chevrons or, empaling, arg. a rose branch ppr, Criht, a pheon or.

Bkewei: of Peekskiix. -- The ancestor of this family was Daniel Brewer of ilassachusetts, who d. A. D. 1770. He mar. Phoebe Locke and left issue; 1, Samuel d. A. D. 1810: 2, James, :M. D. b. 1741, d. Nov. 20th, 1780, mar. Hannah Lee, da. of Josepli Lee, of Yorktown, she died Sept. 4th 1810 ; 3, Daniel,

d. 1777; 4, Pho-bemar. Jones of Ashbury, Mass.; 5, Lncymnr.

Darbe of Hanwick, X. IL ; C, Mary mar. Williams of Randolph, Vermont;

7, Sarah mar. Willard of Elaine ; 8, Jfette mar. Solomon Safford, of

Bennington, Vermont. James, M. D., and Hannah Lee, left, 1, Sanih mar. Elias Cornelius, M. D., of Pliiiipstown ; 2, Mary d. Oct. 10, 1779, ft. 33, mar. Stephen Brown of Peeksldll ; 3, Joseph d. May 31, 180a, tet. 34 ; 4. Daniel d. Sept. 6, 1804, ret. 33, mar. Phwbe Howell, left one son, James, who died young; 5th, James, died Oct. 24, 1810, ajt. 27 j'ears, mar. Anne Brotherson, and left James. JL D., of Peekskill, and Sarah Ann, who mar.- Coflin S. Brown, of Peukskill; 6, Phcebe d. July 7, ISIG, ;vt. 38, mar. Daniel W. Birdsall ; 7, Samuel d. March 1, 1815. a't. 3.5. mar. Elizabeth, da. of John Titus of Fkishing. L. I., and left two da., Mary and Elizabeth, who mar. Thurston, Hunting! on.

Phwbe Howell, left one son, James, who died young; 5th, James, died Oct. 24, 1810, ajt. 27 j'ears, mar. Anne Brotherson, and left James. JL D., of Peekskill, and Sarah Ann, who mar.- Coflin S. Brown, of Peukskill; 6, Phcebe d. July 7, ISIG, ;vt. 38, mar. Daniel W. Birdsall ; 7, Samuel d. March 1, 1815. a't. 3.5. mar. Elizabeth, da. of John Titus of Fkishing. L. I., and left two da., Mary and Elizabeth, who mar. Thurston, Hunting! on.

BoLTOX. -- The surname of B'Aton. is one of considerable antiquity, and is derived from the place of that name in Yorkshire, England.

"Bodelton or Botheltou, the ancient orthography of all the towns which bear this nan;e, (says "Whitaker) is evidently from Boel, mansio, implying probably, that it was the principal residence of some Saxon thane. The spelling, with a shght variation, was continued a century or more after tlie conquest : for, in the the time of Stephen. Abbot of Salley. (probably in Henry the second's reign,) Elias de Bothilton held lands iu this place, <» de Feodo de la Leya."^

In the reign of Henry the third', Richard de Bonhilton is nauied of the village of Bonhiltou, in Yorkshire. The Testa Villarum of the time of Henry the third, and Edward the first, ciint;un the name of Robert de Bolrun, as holding si.x acres of laud at Bolrun, in Yorkshire. John de Bolton, bow bearer of Bolton forest, in 1312, was the lineal representative according to Dugdalo, of the Saxon earls of Mcrcia. From Whitaker's History of Craven it appears that Edwin, Earl of Merciiv, was seized of the manor of Bodeltone*" before the conquest, and held it five ye;\rs after. This nobleman was son of Lcofwinc, and brother of Leopie,

The Testa Villarum of the time of Henry the third, and Edward the first, ciint;un the name of Robert de Bolrun, as holding si.x acres of laud at Bolrun, in Yorkshire. John de Bolton, bow bearer of Bolton forest, in 1312, was the lineal representative according to Dugdalo, of the Saxon earls of Mcrcia. From Whitaker's History of Craven it appears that Edwin, Earl of Merciiv, was seized of the manor of Bodeltone*" before the conquest, and held it five ye;\rs after. This nobleman was son of Lcofwinc, and brother of Leopie,

a Parish of IJuiton, ju.xta Bo-ft-laatl.

6 WhitakL-r's Ilis:. of tho Deanery of Cravca.

r Ti-e M;in >r nr Mi.ihnp,', on- nf rh.' tti.'Jt e\-r"nsive anfl va'.ua'Dic ffrazinir farms in I'rnven, ■w.i.s parcfl <jf tliL' (ircat i.i)sst-..-i,)iii of iho };'i!hiii.s, aud (vx-istHl iiiio tli-: Listtr fa'iiUy. \>v iiiarri.iii' Willi ii co-hiMr<js of tti.i' Hiri-t ;inci-iit iii'tiif. iu ttif tiini' of IMwaid rhc S, niuil.'' \\ !ii\ilc<T\s Hi--.t. of CiMVi-n. /;•.'■■.. ,i wm.-. MjiMirti ili-- >ty;e li.itii )n-i-M ulr. !>-.!. (savs s. L-ir- ua a'.i'.-iit !'i.i:r..i\ i)v ri-iii:; •■ iti n.-:'.rv In;- ~' C'l.i I"; :i:ii'-. a'ul tli.- .•> -ro'i.ic.^ of fpsal] aa 1 AI i^haiu

i-',; i!i a ilirro' llli- il-.-;^fluii'il fn>:il t!i.; l;.ir.j'.i< 14')i:!>:i of IJultoa."

712 APPENDIX A.

earls of Mercia. Iii tiie year 1330, John do Boltou was rector of the ch\irch at Bolton, iu Yorkshire; and Jobji do Enlton, patron of the same. Henry Bolt!ni i.-; the next ancestor of whom we liavc any account. Ho appears to have been llvini; at Bolton iu Lancashire, about 1332. He left Robert the father of William, wh'> had a son liobcrt.

i-',; i!i a ilirro' llli- il-.-;^fluii'il fn>:il t!i.; l;.ir.j'.i< 14')i:!>:i of IJultoa."

712 APPENDIX A.

earls of Mercia. Iii tiie year 1330, John do Boltou was rector of the ch\irch at Bolton, iu Yorkshire; and Jobji do Enlton, patron of the same. Henry Bolt!ni i.-; the next ancestor of whom we liavc any account. Ho appears to have been llvini; at Bolton iu Lancashire, about 1332. He left Robert the father of William, wh'> had a son liobcrt.

Robert Bolton, the more immediate ancestor of the family, was residing at Blackburn, Lancashire, iu 15G9. His sons were John and Robert. Of the youiigest. Fuller in his Worthies of England, thus speaks : " Robert Bolton was bom at Blackburne, in Lancashire, on Whitsunday, 1572, a year as infamous for the massacre of many Protestants in France, as for the birth of some eminent in England. His parents having a narrow estate, struggled w^ith their necessities lu give hi;n a liberal education ; he was bred first, iu Luicoln, then in Brazeu-noM^ college, iu Oxford. He had Isocrates' six marl^s or properties of a good scholar. His want of means proved an advancement unto him; for, not having whence to buy books, he borrowed the best authors of his tutor, read over, abridged into note books, and returned them. He was as able to express himself in Latin or Greek, as English; and that, stylo imp&raiorio. He was chosen one of tiie disputants before King James, at his first coming ti » the university, and performeil it with great applause.

He had Isocrates' six marl^s or properties of a good scholar. His want of means proved an advancement unto him; for, not having whence to buy books, he borrowed the best authors of his tutor, read over, abridged into note books, and returned them. He was as able to express himself in Latin or Greek, as English; and that, stylo imp&raiorio. He was chosen one of tiie disputants before King James, at his first coming ti » the university, and performeil it with great applause.

Thus far I have followed my author mentioned in the margin ; but we must depart from him a little iu one particular. Though Mr. Bolton's parents were m jt overiln\ving with wealth, they had a competent estate, (as I am informed by credible intolligeuce) wherein their family liad comfortably continued long time in good repute.

Sir Augustine Kicolls presented him to the rectory of Broughton, in Northamptonshire: sending him his presentation unexpectedly, from his chamber in Sergeant's Inn, where Dr. King, Bishop of London, being accidentally present, thanked the judge for liisgood choice; but told him withal, that lie had deprived the university of a singular ornament. Besides liis constant preaching, lie liath left behind liim, many useful books, the witnesses of his piet}' and learning; and died, in the 59th year of his age, December 17, ir)31.

The following epitaph is engraven on his monument in Broughton church Northamptonshire :

KOBERTUS JACET niO I;0LT0^"^S,

CETERA XOVIT,

OCCUBITL'S DEFLENS ANGLIA TOTA

DIEM,

rKoius ET oPTiMrs nrjus, eo

King, Bishop of London, being accidentally present, thanked the judge for liisgood choice; but told him withal, that lie had deprived the university of a singular ornament. Besides liis constant preaching, lie liath left behind liim, many useful books, the witnesses of his piet}' and learning; and died, in the 59th year of his age, December 17, ir)31.

The following epitaph is engraven on his monument in Broughton church Northamptonshire :

KOBERTUS JACET niO I;0LT0^"^S,

CETERA XOVIT,

OCCUBITL'S DEFLENS ANGLIA TOTA

DIEM,

rKoius ET oPTiMrs nrjus, eo

CLESIJK ri'.JCCO

D0CTIS3IME lies Qn 17, DIE

DECEMF,.,

ASSO DNI, 1631, PLACIDE OBDOB

.MIVIT UJ DOMING."

Rev. Rn'.K-rt Bolton mar. Anne Biiyce of Kent, and left one son, Samuel and four iiaugiiieis. John Bolt')u, eide.-L brotiier ot the above liobert, mhi.iited his

APPENDIX A- 713

ritlu^r's property at Blackburu, and was living in 1032. Among the names of his diiliirca, all of which arc not preserved, we find Robert who was baptized at lihickbum in 1609, father to John baptized in the same place, in 163-2. John died about 1700, at Sheffield, Yorkshire, he mar. Anne, and left Robert, b. at lilackburn, 26 July, 16S8 ; and a da. Anne, who mar. Thomas Richmond. Robert emigrated from Sheffield to Pliiladelpliia, Peun., la 172C, and mar. Anue Curtis, widow of Robert Clay, on the 19th Feb., 1721. He was for many years warden of Christ church, Philadelphia. He d. June 25th, 1742 ; she d. .May 7th, 1747. Their children were ; 1, Robert, b. January 1st, 1722; 2, Anne; 3, Mary, mar. 1741, Hon. James Habersham of Savannah, Georgia ; 4, Rebecca d. Dec. 22, 1729 ; 5, Joseph, d. May 1, 1725 ; 6, John, b. 1725, d. ]May 20, 1726 ; 7, John, b. 1726; Joseph and Hannah, b. 20 June, 1727.

He was for many years warden of Christ church, Philadelphia. He d. June 25th, 1742 ; she d. .May 7th, 1747. Their children were ; 1, Robert, b. January 1st, 1722; 2, Anne; 3, Mary, mar. 1741, Hon. James Habersham of Savannah, Georgia ; 4, Rebecca d. Dec. 22, 1729 ; 5, Joseph, d. May 1, 1725 ; 6, John, b. 1725, d. ]May 20, 1726 ; 7, John, b. 1726; Joseph and Hannah, b. 20 June, 1727. Joseph, d. June 13, 1729. Hannah, d. 25 April, 172S. Robert the eldest, removed to Savannah, Ga., where he married Susannah Mauve, a native of Vivay, Switzerland. He left Robert of Savannah, b. in 1757- Hannah, m. Mr. Moore; Sarah, n:;. Will. Evans ; xYnne, m. Nathl. Adams; and Rebecca, m. Thomas Xewell.

Robert of Savannah mar. Sarah JlcClean, and had, 1st, Robert, b. at Savannah, Sept. 10, 17SS, baptized by his grandfather, Robi'rt. 2nd, Sarah, mar. hec second cousin, John Bolton. 3d, Anne, mar. her second cousin, Curtis Bolton ; 4th, James mar. 1, Miss Clay of Philadcipliia ; 2, Honorah Richardson d. Feb. ICth, 1824, left three sons. James, Edward and William; 5, Frances mar. Richard Richardson of New Orleans. 6th, Rebecca. Robert, the eldest, mar. Anue Jay, da. of the Rev. WiKiam Jay of Bath, England ; and had, 1st, Robert Bolton, b. at Batli, April 17, 1S14, niar. 1, Josephine, da. of Brewster WoodhuU; 2, Elizabeth R. Breutou, da. of James B.; 2nd, .lime ; 3d, William Jay; 4th, John; rth. Cornelius Winter: 6th. MaryStatira; 7th, Arabella; 8lh, James; 9th, Rhoda: 10th, Abby : 11th. Jleta ; 12th, Adele and Adelaide; 13th. Frances Georgianna!

Richard Richardson of New Orleans. 6th, Rebecca. Robert, the eldest, mar. Anue Jay, da. of the Rev. WiKiam Jay of Bath, England ; and had, 1st, Robert Bolton, b. at Batli, April 17, 1S14, niar. 1, Josephine, da. of Brewster WoodhuU; 2, Elizabeth R. Breutou, da. of James B.; 2nd, .lime ; 3d, William Jay; 4th, John; rth. Cornelius Winter: 6th. MaryStatira; 7th, Arabella; 8lh, James; 9th, Rhoda: 10th, Abby : 11th. Jleta ; 12th, Adele and Adelaide; 13th. Frances Georgianna!

BoNNETT OF Xew Rociiellk.-- Thc ancestors of the Bounetts were Protestants, inhabitants of RocheUe, in France. On the Revocation of the Edict of Nantes. Daniel Bonnet t tied from France to England. He subsequently emigrated to America. Daniel left. 1, Pierre, b. in England; 2, Jacques; 3, Daniel. Jacques had Peter, who mar. Mary Parcot, and James, who left one son, Peter, of New York. I'etcr, the eldest son uf Jacques, d. in 1S23, and had Salmon, of Upper New Pwoehelle, and a da. Elizabeth, who mar. Bartholomew Ward.

Bi:oN^DiG OF RxE.-- John Bror,d!s?i or Brondig, was one of the lii-st and principal proprietors of Manu.>ing Island and Poningne Neclc, iu 16';2. He left four soTis-- John, Joseph, Daniel and Joslma-- ancestors of thc numerous and respectable families which bear the name in Westchester County.

Brown of Rye.-- This family was a younger branch of t!ic Browns of Beecii- ■worth, in the County of Kent, Engiand, founded by Sir Anthony Brown," who was created a Kniglit of the Balli, at tlie coronation of Richard 11. He left issue two sons, Sir Pueliard his heir, and Sir. Stephen, Lord Mayor of Landon in 14:?9. Sir Rubert JJruwn. living U»ip. Henry V. was father of Sir Thomas Browne, treas.urer" of the household to Henry VL, and SheritT of Kent, iu 1444 and 1160

Brown of Rye.-- This family was a younger branch of t!ic Browns of Beecii- ■worth, in the County of Kent, Engiand, founded by Sir Anthony Brown," who was created a Kniglit of the Balli, at tlie coronation of Richard 11. He left issue two sons, Sir Pueliard his heir, and Sir. Stephen, Lord Mayor of Landon in 14:?9. Sir Rubert JJruwn. living U»ip. Henry V. was father of Sir Thomas Browne, treas.urer" of the household to Henry VL, and SheritT of Kent, iu 1444 and 1160

(I Th" ii.rt'.i- of Hnnvu i.s f;-.v,ii.;H;v •,Mi;frii v\ '.'.1101. •at ro^vjr Is w.Vu "ac r'li -i:!.)-. o' Uv e aiiil .st.vi.r;il faaiilK's havu ovou : i.tuiiieil liiis brtuojiraiJtiy. '

APPKNDIX A.

Thomas Brown, Esq., of Hyc, County of Sussex, England, emigrated to Concr>r.!. MassachusL-tts, cir. It332, from ^\-henc(■' be removed to Cambridgi', ^vhere he liv!. 1 some time." His sons were (1.), Thomas of Piye, who d. A. D. 16iJ4, and irachalLi.'i of Eye. The latter left issue ; 1, Benjamin, d. in 1755, and had 1, Benjamin ; 2,

Joscpli ; 3, Daniel ; 4, "NYilliam. (II.), Peter, d. 1731-2, mar. Martha , hv

left, l.'it, Ebenezer ; 2nd, Caleb ; 3rd, Peter, d. 1739 ; he had Rebecca, mar. J.-Ln Purdy, and Sarali. mar. Thomas Sutton ; 4th, Hon. 2sathaniel ; 5th, Ilonr'Xrh..;- imaTi ; Gth, Hannah: 7th, Sarali ; 8th, Bebecca ; 9tii, Elizabeth. (HI.), Thoniiis d. 1702; (lY.). Hachaliah, d. 17S4. mar. Ann Kniffen ; he left, 1st, Hachaliah . f Somers, b. August 20, 1727, d. :May 22. 1S13, mar. Abby Halsted. She w;i3 b. 1704, d. AuiQSt, 1807. The children of Hachaliah and Abby Ilal.sted. were JS'athan, b Aug. ^4, 175G, d. March, 1S14 ; StqiUii, b. July 10,1 766; Len-u. b. May 12, 17TS, d. March 3, 1800, mar.

Thomas Sutton ; 4th, Hon. 2sathaniel ; 5th, Ilonr'Xrh..;- imaTi ; Gth, Hannah: 7th, Sarali ; 8th, Bebecca ; 9tii, Elizabeth. (HI.), Thoniiis d. 1702; (lY.). Hachaliah, d. 17S4. mar. Ann Kniffen ; he left, 1st, Hachaliah . f Somers, b. August 20, 1727, d. :May 22. 1S13, mar. Abby Halsted. She w;i3 b. 1704, d. AuiQSt, 1807. The children of Hachaliah and Abby Ilal.sted. were JS'athan, b Aug. ^4, 175G, d. March, 1S14 ; StqiUii, b. July 10,1 766; Len-u. b. May 12, 17TS, d. March 3, 1800, mar. Clarissa Clift of Somers ; Ann, b. C'^ Oct., 1754, d. July, 1S04, mar. James Bailey ; J/Wr?/, b. 22 June, 1753, d. 'J.', Aug., £et. 52, mar. Hon. Elijah Lee ; Ancr, b. IG Feb., 1760, d. 7 April, 1507,

mar.' Crane, M. D. ; Ahigail, b. lath Jan., 1762, d. 20 Apri!.

182S, mar. Colonel John Odell, of Greenburgh: Susannah, b. 15 Dec, 1703. .mar.' John Titus ; lU'tfcer, b. 8 April, 1768, d. 16 April, 1798 ; and Sarah, b. 1 ' June, 1772, mar. Jonathan Ward. 2ud, Christopher of Somers, second son of Hachaliah, had Isaac, Aaron, Frederick and Phwbe. 3d, David d. 1773, mar. Esther Wetmore, da. of Rev. James Wetmore. 4th, Nathan d, 1764, mar. Elizabeth Kniffen, he left Gilbert, d. Dec. 27, 1820, £Et. 61. Elizabeth d. June, 1831. fct. 71. Margaret d. Feb. 1, 1820, at. 50 ; and Lavinia. 5th, Thomas d. AjtII 6, 1815, ffit. 86, mar. Jane Seaman, she d. April S, 1813, set. 71. Their chiklr-n vrere, IMud, d. Feb. 5, 1847, set. 85. Thonias d. Sept. 20, 1830, set. 58 Natl.art, Hachaliah, Letitia, d. Sept. 20, 1830. ffit. 30, mar. Hon. Elijah Lee ; Anne, mar. David Stebbins. Jane, d. Sept. 24, J 830, at. 53. Abigail d. 1813, mar.

Margaret d. Feb. 1, 1820, at. 50 ; and Lavinia. 5th, Thomas d. AjtII 6, 1815, ffit. 86, mar. Jane Seaman, she d. April S, 1813, set. 71. Their chiklr-n vrere, IMud, d. Feb. 5, 1847, set. 85. Thonias d. Sept. 20, 1830, set. 58 Natl.art, Hachaliah, Letitia, d. Sept. 20, 1830. ffit. 30, mar. Hon. Elijah Lee ; Anne, mar. David Stebbins. Jane, d. Sept. 24, J 830, at. 53. Abigail d. 1813, mar. Thomas Strang, and Catharine mar. Rev. Elias Cooper, Rector of St. John's church, Yonkers. 6th, Josiah d. Aug. 30 1789, a?t 47, mar. Deborah Browu, da. of Jonathan; she d. January IS, 1830, 'xt. 76. Their children were, UachoUa^ yancy, mar. John Watsun, EUzab'lli and Clarism ; 7th, Isaac; Sth, Gilbert d. young: and 9th, Gilbert who also d. young. (V.), Deliverance had three so;i< ; 1st, Deliverance; 2n.i, Zel)cdiah and Jonathan. (YL), Anne mar. Daniel Punly. (YII.), Mary mar. Absalom Brondigc. Of this family, was Jonathan Brown, whose son Jonathan left issue ; 1st. Jonathan mar. Esther Parcels, he iuui.

Elizabeth mar. James 13utterworth. and Claris.sa who mar. Perkins:

2ud, Obadiah, ho left Isaac and Anne: 3d, Charies mar. Wyrgaiis;

4th, Clarrissa mar. Niclinlas Hasbraock ; 5th, Deborah mar. Josiah Brown. Armx. sa, three lions, pasant, in bend, betw. two double cotteses, arg. Crt-t, an eagle displayed vert. Another crtit, a stag, ppr., altered and ducally gorged and lined or.