Leviness, Joseph, 1765-1850
John M. McDonald interview — 1845-10-20
Joseph Levinus (1765-1850), whose surname is usually spelled Leviness, lived on the farm of Robert Read (Reid) during the Revolutionary War. Located along Saw Mill River Road at present-day Palmer Road in Yonkers, this farm adjoined the north side of the parsonage lot belonging to present-day Saint John’s Episcopal Church. Grace Isaacs Babcock, widow of the Reverend Luke Babcock, resided at the parsonage with her children and Sarah Williams. Sarah was a sister of Elizabeth Williams Philipse, who was the wife of Frederick Philipse III, Lord of Philipsburg Manor. Leviness recalls that Frederick Philipse was taken prisoner early in the war but was released on parole. Levinus then notes that Colonel Mordecai Gist of the Continental Army was romantically interested in Mrs. Babcock. He concludes the interview by stating that his cousin, a Mr. Reed, killed “a fine horse” by trying to reach Colonel Joseph Thompson, commander of the American forces at the Battle of Youngs’ House, to warn him of the British advance.
Manuscript page facsimiles
High-resolution images served from the Westchester County Historical Society's IIIF endpoint. Click any page to view full size.
Transcription
216 153 18215 [margin: 81] Elijah Vincent on being informed of it vowed revenge and waylaid the French horse. The Vincents were born and brought up on the place (at East Chester) of their father which was afterwards owned by Colonel William Smith, son in law of President John Adams.
October 20th. Joseph Levinus of Greenburg (or Yonkers) on the Tuckey hoe road: "I lived in the Revolutionary war at Mr. Read's the next place north of the Widow Babcock's. Old Col. Philipse at the commencement of the war was taken prisoner, carried above and afterwards discharged on his parole when he returned home. It was said he was governed by his wife."
[page break]
154 217 18215 [margin: 82.] The widow Babcock was a very handsome and accomplished woman and Colonel Gist in 1778 was much fascinated with her. She saw company on the night preceding the morning on which he was surprised and Colonel Gist was one of the party. Colonel Philipse's wife's sister, also a beautiful woman, was staying with Mrs Babcock at this time. My cousin, Mr. Reed, killed a fine horse in sending an express to Colonel Thompson advising him of the enemy's advance on the 3d of February 1780." (2) 1778