By marriage they are connected with the ancient family of the Valentines. The Rich family originally came from Germany, and are descended of

fyiber B. Co. Rec. p. .'53.

COUNTY OF WESTCHESsTER. 431

the Ulrich of Flaack, whose son, Balthassar Ryche, emigrated to this country at an early period of its settlement. The following ancient document is still preserved in the family ; it is written in the German language, and was brought from Germany by Balthassar Ryche.

I, Johann Conradt Heidegger, sen'r, of ihe 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 Ulrich 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 humbly requested an authentic certificate showing his honest birth, pedigree, and name, and likewise that he 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 heard the said Ryche'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 were lawfully married and he thus legitimately conceived and born, and subsequently baptized in a Christian like manner on the first day of June, in the year 166:2, in the presence of sponsors. It also appears that from his infancy and during the time lie resided here he conducted himself uprightly and without reproach ; and that when he left this place he carried with him an honest reputation.