Robert Bolton, the Author of this History was born in Bath in the county of Somerset England, on the 17th of April 181 4, and was baptized by his grand-father, the Rev. William Jay, in Argyle chapel. Bath. (His father, the Rev. Robert Bolton, was born in Savanah, in the State of Georgia, but married in England and resided there for several years.) He was the oldest of thirteen children, and came to this country with his father on his return in 1836. He first studied medicine in

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England, but it did not suit his tastes. Afterwards he became a farmer, and resided at Bronxville, East Chester ; moved to New Rochelle, then to Tarrytown where he took charge of the Irving Institute, (now occupied by Prof. Jackson), from there he removed to Bedford, having charge of the Institute in that town for many years, and finally removed to Lewisboro.

He was ordained deacon in the Protestant Episcopal Church in October, 1868, and priest in June 1869. He was settled over the parish of St. Johns, Lewisboro, his only charge; and died October 11, 1877, at Pelham Priory and was buried in the family vault under Christ church, Pelham.

He became a walking, living history of the county ; and we deeply regret that so much has perished in his death, for he had other plans, and other purposes which he intended to present to the public.

I acknowledge, with pleasure and gratitude, the valuable assistance I have received from the Rev. Chas. Baird. D. D., historian of Rye; Edward F. Delancey, Esq.; Geo. H. Pell, Esq.; Fordam Morris, Esq.; Josiah Mitchel, Esq., and the Rev. O. R. Willis, of White Plains, who has compiled the Flora Table for this work. And I also take this opportunity of returning thanks to all those kind friends who have in any way assisted my late brother in the present Revised Edition.