It was there that the Declaration of Independence was formally proclaimed, that the name of the State of New York was substituted for the ancient designation of the Province of New York, and that the original steps for the organization of the State machinery were taken. To the lasting regret of all who hold venerable associations dear, the historic court house where these ever-memorable events transpired ceased to exist very soon afterward, being burned by some vandal soldiers of Washington's army on the night of the 5th of November, 177(i. This original Westchester County court house, as we have already noted, was built after the destruction by tire (February 4, L758) of the court house in Westchester Town, ami was first used

by the Court of Common Pleas on the 7th day of November, lTo!).1 The representatives from Westchester County to the important body whose sessions began within its walls on the 9tli of July were Colonel Lewis Graham, Colonel Pierre Van Cortlandt, Major Ebenezer Locki To Dr. Robert Graham, who was supervisor of White Plains from 1769 to 1775. and county the credit of having judge in 1778, White riains fixed upon is the county-seat, having the court house building erected, and having the courts removed there from WestHe gave to the county the site upon ehester

irt house was erected. His efwhich t ly seconded by John Thomas, .if forts w< Rye, who was then a member of the colonial assembly. Dr. Graham also, at considerable expense, caused two hotels and a country store to be built, and thus gave the county-seat a start.-- Smith's Manual of Westchester County, 33.