In 1685, John Hiatt, of Bronx's river, deeds sixty acres of upland to Hopestill Betts of the Yonckers, this sale being a part of tlie whole tract of land called by the name of the AFile Square. Tradition says that this place was given by Frederick Philipse as a dower portion when his daughter Annetje married Philip French. From the French and Jones family it passed by sale to the Oakleys, Bertines, Cunvells, Sherwoods and Riches. The latter family have been long residents here, and are still possessed of a large estate, which has been successively occupied for several generations. By marriage they are connected with the ancient family of the Valentines. The Rich family originally came from Germany, and are descended of the Ulrich of Flaack, whose son, Balthassar Ryche, emigrated to tliis country at an early period of its settlement. The follo\\'ing ancient document is still preserved in the family; it is written in the German language, and was brought from Germany by Balthassar Ryche : --

"I, Johaun Conradt Heidegger, sen'r, of the 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 Uulricli 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 humblj' requested an authentic certificate showing his honest birth, pedigree, and name, and likewise that be leaves this country with a good name and character, in order that he may produce such testimony when and where it might be requisite.