Moseman, Elizabeth
John M. McDonald interview — 1847-11-18
Elizabeth Moseman (c.1774-1848) was the wife of Elisha Moseman and a daughter-in-law of Marcus Moseman, who served as a captain in the Westchester County Militia during the Revolutionary War. She notes the site of Marcus Moseman’s capture as well as the length of time that he spent as a prisoner. Mrs. Moseman may have been from a Loyalist family, as she notes that they resided on the west side of the Bronx River in Morrisania in present-day Bronx County during the Revolutionary War. She witnessed the hanging of Tim Knapp by the orders of Loyalist Colonel James DeLancey, whom she describes as “severe and cross.”
Original findings from this interview
Manuscript page facsimiles
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Transcription
- Hufeland Index Page 642 -
Novr. 18. Mrs. Elizabeth Moseman of Bedford, New Purchase, aged 73: “Capt. Moseman, my father in law was taken about half a mile southwest of North Castle church in the Tarrytown road. Rivington’s note is nearly correct. I saw Tim Knapp hanged at an old barn near Colonel Delancey’s Headquarters. Captain Moseman was kept prisoner in the Sugar House six months. Col. Delancey was severe and cross, and slept at night at a house near the East river. The French army encamped on Robert Knowlton’s ridge half a mile from here and two miles
- Hufeland Index Page 643 -
from North Castle church. We lived at Morrisania on the west shore, and Capt. Knapp on the east side of the Bronx. – There were a great many huts in the Refugee settlement. Capt. Gilbert Totten was popular.