Oakley, Sarah
John M. McDonald interview — 1845-12-12
Sarah Oakley was a daughter of Cornelius Oakley (1757-1805), one of the Westchester Guides. She provides background information on her father, and recounts his escape from the Sugar House prison in Manhattan.
Manuscript page facsimiles
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Transcription
- Hufeland Index Page 329 -
1845 <left margin> Conclusions ? <left margin>
December 12th. Sarah Oakley: “Cornelius Oakley, my father, died at White Plains on the 15th of January 1805, being at the time of his death 48 years and 14 days old. He was interred in the burying ground belonging to the Purchase Quaker Meeting Society where his father, mother, and friends also lie. I do not know that his grave can be found, but I hope and believe on proper enquiry and search that it may, and this circumstance may lead to the discovery, vizt. his daughter Eliza was buried at his feet in a contrary direction, that is, at right angles. His father was by religious profession a Quaker, and very averse to his taking up arms in the Revolutionary War. His father, from the old deeds of the family, appears to have removed from West Chester and settled at White Plains in 1755. James Oakley the guide,
- Hufeland Index Page 330 -
1845 &c, was my father’s cousin and Isaac Oakley was his brother (and a Lieutenant in the service?) My father was once taken prisoner and confined in the old Sugar House along with his brother and others and determined to make his escape His brother opposed the attempt, but he was resolved and persuaded his friends to let him down from the windows by a rope at midday. It was hot weather and when he attained the public street in order to escape recognition he pretended to be wiping his face in with his handkerchief. He took the road to Haerlem with all expedition, and when he arrived went to Mrs. Day’s Tavern and threw himself upon his mercy and friendship, telling her that his liberty and life were in her power. The woman was much alarmed and trembled with agitation but said she would do all in her power
- Hufeland Index Page 331 -
1845 to aid him. Mrs. Day is an old acquaintance and tried to get a boat to take him across Haerlem river but could not succeed. He then asked for a rope and a bottle of brandy She had no rope, but he persuaded her to cut the cording of one of her beds and give it to him. She also supplied him with a bottle of brandy. With the cord and some nails he made a raft, and with much difficulty got across when his knowledge of the country enabled him soon to join his friends.