The place acquired its name from the Heathcote family, who originally came from Scarsdale, Derbyshire, England. "More onward, says the learned Camden, (describing that part of Derbyshire,) we see Chesterfield in Scarsdale, that is, in a dale enclosed with rocks: For crags were call'd scarrs by the Saxons." Under the Mohegan Indians Scarsdale is believed to have formed a portion of the Indian territory of Quaroppas, which was ceded to John Richbell by the Indian proprietors in 1660.

A. D. 1696. Col. Caleb Heathcote obtained of Anne Richbell, relic of John Richbell, deceased, a full patent right to purchase lands, '■^ which are already included in her husband's sale of 1660.'b

Upon the 30th of March, 1701, occurs the following indenture "between Col. Caleb Heathcote on the one part, of Mamaroneck, gentleman, and the Indian proprietors, Patthunck, Beanpo, Kohawney, and Wapetuck, on the other part,

" Witnesseth that the said Patthunck, Beaupo, Kohawney, and Wapetuck, &c., for and in consideration of a certain sum of good and lawful money to them in hand paid, and secured to be paid, at or before the ensealing and delivery of these presents, by the said Caleb Heathcote, the receipt whereof the said PaUhunck, Beaupo, Kohawney, Wapetuck, &c., doth hereby acknowled^'e themselves therewith to be fully satisfied and contented and paid and thereof and therefrom do acquit, exonerate and discharge the said Caleb Heathcote, his heirs, executors, and administrators have given, granted, sold,

^ The present township was organized on the 7th of March, 1768. b See Mamaroneck, New Castle, &c.