In 1665 he was a delegate from the Town of Oyster Bay to the assembly held at Hempstead under the call of the first English governor, Nicolls, by whom he was later appointed under-sheriff of the North Biding of Yorkshire, or Queens County. In 1667 he was presented by the Matinecoc Indians with one hundred and fifty acres of land, to which he gave the name of Kenilworth or Killing-worth. A portion of this tract is still in the possession of his descendants. The character and personality of Captain John LTnderhill have been variously estimated and pictured. No doubt most of our readers are familiar with Whittier's poem, which quite idealizes him: Goodly and stately and grave to see, Into the clearing's space rode he, With the sun on the hilt of his sword in sheath, And his silver buckles and spurs beneath, And the settlers welcomed him, one and all, From swift Quanipeagan to Gonic Fall. " Tarry with ns," the settlers cried, « Thou man of God, as our ruler and guide." And Captain Underhill bowed his head, « The will of the Lord be done! " he said. And the morrow beheld him sitting down In the ruler's seat in Cocheco town.
HISTORY
WESTCHESTER
COUNTY
And he judged therein as a just man should; His words were wise and his rule was good ; He coveted not his neighbor's land, From the holding of bribes he shook his hand; And through the camps of the heathen ran A wholesome fear of this valiant man.