Poningoe, the Indian name of Rye, is apparently derived from Ponus, the title of the aboriginal proprietor of this territory, A. D. 1640. Tile final termination oe or oug, denoting locality.

Thus the whole word may emphatically express the place or locality of that Sachem's residence. Nothing however remains at this late period, to establish the connection with any degree of certainty. Ponus himself, was one of the ruling Sagamores of Rippowams, (Stamford) in 1640. This individual left issue, three sous, Owenoke, Taphance and Onox ; the latter had one son, Powhag.

The ruling Sagamore of Poningoe in 1681, appears to have been Maramaking, commonly known as Lame Will. His successor was Patthunck, who with his son Wappetoe Patthunck, granted to .Toseph Horton in 1694, lands bordering the Mamarneck river.

For the various localities within Poningoe, the Indians had other names. The meadows bordering the Armonck, (By ram) were called Haseco and Miosehassaky. The high ridge ea.st of the Mockquams (Blind brook) Euketaupucuson and the territory west of the Mockquams, (embracing Rye neck) Apawquammis or Epawainos.=^

* Apwonnah is the Indian term for an oyster. -- Cotton's Indian vocabulary.

COUNTY OF WESTCHESTER. « " 17

The Beaver Dam or Stony brook was styled in the Indian tongue Pockeotessen. The former existence of Indian habitations on the great neck of Poningoe is amply proved by the number of hunting and warlike weapons found in that neighborhood. The site of the principal Mohegan village was on or near Parsonage Point. In the same vicinity is situated ^^ Buryiiig Hill,^^ their place of sepulture. The remains of six Indians were discovered on excavating the present foundations for Newberry Halstead's residence, which stands near the entrance of the great neck. The first grantees under the Indians of Poningoe, were the Dutch West India Company, who obtained a grant of the lands extending from Westchester to Greenwich, A.