Barker, William, 1764-1859
John M. McDonald interview — 1851-10-20
William Barker (1764-1859) reminiscences about several people connected to the Revolutionary War in Westchester County. He comments on Cornelius Oakley and Isaac Oakley and Gilbert Vincent and Elijah Vincent, but notes that he is not knowledgeable about Colonel Charles Armand. He also mentions “Landlord Burtis,” whose son William was tried and convicted of being a spy for the British. Although William was sentenced to death, he was not executed, and left for Canada after the war. Barker mentions Burtis’s tavern in White Plains, as well as Day’s tavern in Manhattan. He concludes the interview with his reminiscences of Westchester Guide John Odell (referred to here as Colonel John Odell) and Colonel Samuel Drake.
Manuscript page facsimiles
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Transcription
262 1078 [margin: 169]
John. James Oakley, my father's cousin, was both a Lieutenant and a guide.
My father married soon after the war, but in what particular year I don't know. My mother's maiden name was Sarah Warner. She was the daughter of John Warner who occupied and owned the most southerly farm of Philipse's Manor!"
October 20th William Barker, aged 87: "Cornelius Oakley's temper, I think, was quick and severe. I don't recollect anything about his 4th of July oration in opposition to Major Thomas at the Court House. I don't know whether Isaac Oakley
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1079 265 [margin: 170]
was a prisoner in April, 1780. I never saw, nor do I know anything about, Col. Armand. Gilbert Vincent, the brother of Elijah, was a blacksmith.
Landlord Burtis, of White Plains, whose son was sentenced to be shot as a spy, kept a Tavern upon the spot where Robert Palmer now lives.
Mr. Day's Tavern was at the head of Harlem Lane, a little south of Peter Meyers, and on the east side of the road.
Col. John Odell, when straightened up, must have been six feet high. He was some what round-shouldered and long-limbed.
Before the Revolutionary war, Colonel Samuel Drake lived at Sing Sing, and owned the place that afterwards belonged to Judge Kemys. During the war he lived in the vicinity of Peeks Kill. After peace he removed to Tarrytown or that vicinity!"