Bolton, Robert Jr. The History of the Several Towns, Manors, and Patents of the County of Westchester, from its First Settlement to the Present Time, Vol. I. New York: Charles F. Roper, 1881. Revised posthumous edition.

In the year 1705, (to prevent, if possible, their entire destruction,) it was enacted by the governor, council, and general assembly, " that whosoever within the County of Westchester, Christian or Indian, freeman or slave, after the first day of January, which will be in the year of our Lord, 1705, shall kill or destroy any buck, doe or fawn, or any sort of deer whatsoever …

The manorial proprietors of Philipsburg and Cortlandt, had a charter of free warren, e., an exclusive right of pursuing and 'killing game throughout their respective patents, a privilege which they previously conceded to their tenantry. This beautifully wooded region contains many wild and picturesque scenes, united with charming prospects of the river. In the immediate …

Cornelius Beeckman, (who married Christiana Huygens of Cologne, who died December 4, 1506,) flourished about 1478; his son Gerard, born at Cologne on the 17 th of May, 1558, married Agnes Stuning of Cleves, (born January 13, 1557,) studied divinity at Frankendoel, 1576, 1577 and 1578, and was conversant with the Latin, French, Italian and German languages ; after completing …

His eldest son was Hendrick or Henry Beeckman, who was born at Cologne, Sept. 14, 1585; fled from Emeric and settled at Berg. He married for his second wife, Mary, daughter of Wilhelmus Bandetius, minister of the Reformed church at Tutphen Guilderland; she was born January 24, 1621, and died the 17th of September, 1631. Hendrick Beeckman died at Wezel, Dec. 2, 1642. Their son …

He filled the office of Burgomaster of New Orange in 1674, and was Alderman subsequently under the English, from 1678 to 1682; and again in 1685; and 1691 down to 1696, when he retired from public life."*1 " In 1652 he purchased Corlear's Hook for 750 guilders; in 1677 he is mentioned as a brewer in New York, where the present " William " and " Beeckman " streets still bear …

In 1 76 1 the Rev. Ebenezer Dibble of Stamford, Conn., who visited this part of the country, says : -- " I found a great want of a regular clergyman to officiate in these parts, to prevent confusions in religion, which hath too much obtained ; and there seems a general good disposition to the Church, if they could be favored with a settled teacher. This deficiency was in some …

Mary's church is beautifully located on high ground above the Hudson River, about two miles south of the village of Sing Sing, and was erected in 1850, principally at the cost of the late Rev. Wm. Creighton, D.D., and of his son-in-law, the late Rev. Edward N. Mead The whole structure cost about $7,500. Besides the lot of one acre, on which the church stands, the Rev. Founder …

Church, (Beechwood.) county poor house, or hospital, an incorporated and endowed institution for the afflicted and indigent. Its officers consist of three superintendents, (who are nominated by a board of county supervisors,) a keeper, a physician and teacher. The buildings are extensive and principally constructed of stone. Its inmates, at present, number one hundred and …

This was followed by loud rapping at the door, and demands to open. The Colonel dressed as quickly as possible ; and, as he opened the door, several English soldiers demanded his surrender and all within. The Colonel replied, " I do surrender, and all with me." They then demanded : " Where is General Washington?" The Colonel replied, " He left yesterday evening." Upon looking …

" " Why, they give us nothing but corn to eat -- I a'int no hog, I tell you ! " The surrounding neighborhood is rendered peculiarly attractive, from the contiguity of high hills rising to bold heights, crowned with rich hanging woods. One of these is that noble hill called " Kaakeout." The meaning of the word being " Look out." This hill is, therefore, a sort of Lookout …

From it can be seen the city of New York with its spires, and glancing across the river you behold the fields and towns of New Jersey; and turning to the westward and northward, you see the spurs by which the Kaatskills descend to the plains ; and turning to the east you behold hill and dale, wood and meadow simply charming. Washington Irving must have often climbed its …

At one time it was occupied by four or five English soldiers, who, returning after a raid, amused themselves by hacking with their swords the doorway casings. The front door has five or six deep hacks now, and the inner door two. In the south sitting-room is a door leading into the kitchen with a small pane of glass inserted in it, which was used in old times when slaves were …

The road leading north from the county house, passes near the celebrated Raven Rock, around which cluster a thousand strange stories and superstitions The rock is said to have derived its name from the fact, that it was once the favorite haunt of that ominous bird, whose hoarse croakings were believed to prognosticate approaching ill. The ferocious wife of Macbeth, on being …

For the purpose of annoying the enemy they concealed themselves in a neighboring wood, from whence they could obtain a view of the road; and, as the British passed in full gallop, Acker fired at the commanding officer. The sudden report of the musket frightened the horse, which immediately commenced plunging ; the rider in his efforts to restrain the restive animal, lost his …

The elevated situation of the dwelling house and the number of out-buildings, rendered it a convenient post for the American troops; that from- August, 1776, until February, 17S0, the said dwelling-house was occupied as headquarters for the several commanders in those lines, and the out-houses were occupied as barracks for the soldiers, and places of deposit for their …

the City of New York about one year; that the bam of the said Joseph Young was burned by the British refugees, who also took from the said Joseph Young a large and valuable stock of cattle; that in the winter of 1779, said dwelling-house and other buildings were occupied by the said continental troops, under the command of Colonel Burr, and in the spring of that year by Major …

This spot is celebrated in the Westchester Spy, as the site of the hamlet of the Four Corners ; whilst a little west of the present Van Wart residence stood the " Hotel Flanagan, a place of entertainment for man and beast." In front of this imposing edifice, on a rough board suspended from a gallows-looking post, was written in red chalk, "ELIZABETH FLANAGAN, HER HOTEL." This …

Heath.) the enemy made an attack on Lieut.-Colonel Thompson, who commanded the troops on the lines ; the colonel's force consisted of two hundred and fifty men, in five companies, properly officered; they were instructed to move between Croton River and the White Plains, Hudson's River and Bedford ; never to remain long at any one place, that the enemy might not be able to …

He gave the lieutenantcolonel notice of their advancing, and that their force was considerable, and advised him to take a stronger position a little in his rear. But the lieutenant-colonel was very confident that the enemy were only a body of horse, and that he could easily disperse them, and would not quit his ground. They first attacked a small advanced guard, consisting of …

After about fifteen minutes sharp conflict, our troops broke; some took into the house, and others made off ; the enemy's horse rushing on at the same instant, and the whole shouting. At this time, the two flank companies came up, but, finding how matters stood, judged it best to retreat; Capt. Stoddard's company giving a fire or two at long shot. Capt. Cooper's, from their …

Maynard, of Greaton's ; Ensign Fowler, of Nixon's ; Ensign Bradley, of Bigelow's ; with eighty-nine others, were taken prisoners. The enemy left three men dead on the field, and a captain of grenadiers was wounded in the hip, and a lieutenant of infantry in the thigh. The British, in their account of their action, acknowledged that they had five men killed, and eighteen …

"February, 17S0, Lieutenant Colonel Thompson had the command of about two hundred and fifty men, as an advanced party, on our lines. He was instructed to be constantly alert, and in motion, that the enemy might not be able to take advantage, and form a plan for his destruction. It happened, however, that a detachment of British, Hessians, and mounted refugees, were discovered …

b It was afterwards related by Isaac van Wart, that the day previous to this fata! occurrence, Captain Roberts, In a conversation with him. mentioned that his father had been piled in the old French war. and be was sure he should fall in the present Btruggle, He fell, alas! not by the hand of a foe, but by one of his own countrymen, a refugee named Hammond, who, as he …

The British advanced by the southern road, and divided at the junction of the Four Corners -- one party going west, the other marching directly upon the house. The party moving west intercepted or cut off Isaac van Wart and a small company under his command, who were attempting to succor their comrades. The dead, who fell in this engagement, were buried on the east side of the …

Your letter of the 30th ult., asking for some account of the campaign in which I served under the command of Col. Burr, during the Revolutionary War. was received some davs ago, and has been constantly in my mind. I will reply to it with pleasure, but the compass of a letter will not admit of much detail. I resided in the lines from the commencement of the Revolution until the …

Parties of marauders assuming either character, or none, as suited their convenience, indiscriminately assailed both Whigs and Tories. So little vigilance was used on our part, that the emissaries and spies of the enemy passed and repassed without interruption. These calamities a Thachcr's Military Journal, 185. b Davis's Mem. of Burr, vol, i, 165. c We are indebted for this …

On the same day, also, he commenced a register of the names and characters of all who resided near and be'.ow his guards-- distinguishing by secret marks the Whig, the timid "Whig, the Tory, the horse-thief and those concerned in or suspected of giving information to the enemy. He also began a map of the country in the vicinity of the fort -- of the roads, bye-roads, paths …

He employed mounted videttes, for the same purpose, directing two of them to proceed together ; so that one might be dispatched, if necessary, with information to the Colonel, while the other might watch the enemy's movements. He established signals throughout the lines; so that, whether by night or by day, instant notice might be had of an attack or movement of the enemy. He …

All these measures were entirely new ; and, within eight or ten days, the whole system appeared to be in complete operation, and the face of things was totally changed. A few days after the Colonel's arrival, the house of one Gedney was plundered in the night, and the family abused and terrified. Gedney sent his son to make a representation of it to the Colonel. The young man …

He caused the robbers to be conveyed to Gedney's house, under the charge of Capt Benson ; there to restore the booty they had taken ; to make reparation in money for such articles as were lost or damaged ; and for the alarm and abuse, the amount of which the Colonel assessed ; to be flogged ten lashes, and to ask pardon of the old man. All which was faithfully and immediately …

Between midnight and two o'clock in the morning, accompanied by two or three of his corps of horsemen, he visited the quarters of all nis captains and their picket guards, changing his route, fro;n time to time, to prevent notice of his approach. You may judge of the severity of this duty, when I assure you that the distance he thus rode, every night, must have been from …

The strictest discipline prevailed, and the army felt the fullest confidence in their commander and in themselves, and by these means became really formidable During the same winter, Gov. Tryon planned an expedition to Horseueck, for the purpose of destroying the Salt Works erected there, and marched with about two thousand men. Col. Burr received early information of their …

De Lancy, win commanded the British Refugees, in order to secure themselves against surprise, erected a block house on a rising ground below De Lancy's bridge. This, Col. Burr resolved to destroy. 1 was in that expedition, and recollect the circumstances. He procured a number of Grenades, also rolls of port fire and canteens filled with inflammable material, with contrivances …

Burr directed those who carried the combustibles to march in front as silently as possible ; that on being hailed, they should light the hand grenades, &c, with a slow match, provided for the purpose, and throw them into the port holes. I was one of the party that advanced. The sentinel hailed and fired. We rushed on -- the first hand grenade that was thrown in dro\e the enemy …

The American lines were afterwards changed and extended from Bedford to Croton Bridge, and from thence, following the course of that river, to the Hud- Son. All the intermediate country was abandoned and unprotected ; being about twenty miles in the rear of the ground which Col. Burr had maintained. The year after the defeat, Col. Thompson, (a brave, and in many respects a …

It was thought a severe punishment, as well as a disgrace, to be sent up to the camp, where they had nothing to do but to lounge and eat their rations. During the whole of his command, there was not a single desertion -- not a single death by sickness-- not one made prisoner by the enemy -- for Col. Burr had taught us that a soldier, with arms in his hands, ought never, in any …

Emerich and De Lancy, opposed to Burr, on the fines; j*et, they were completely held in check. But, perhaps the highest eulogy of Col. Burr is, that no man could be found capable of executing his plans, though the example was before them. When Burr left the lines, a sadness overspread the country ; and the most gloomy forebodings were too soon fulfilled, as you have seen …

The old veteran further stated that he was then on his way to obtain certificates for a pension. At the Four Corners, Thaddeus Kosciusko also fixed his headquarters, when the American army lay encamped in this vicinity.'* From Samuel Young the Corners passed to Isaac van Wart, one of the captors of Andre, who exchanged the original farm granted by the State for this property …

Emmerick himself having received similar information of Hopkin's advance, had previously dispatched Colonel Baremore, with a strong body of De Lancey's cavalry, directing them to proceed by the way of Davis's brook, east of the upper cross roads. Hopkins pursued another route, inclining west of Twitchings', passing the residences of Mr. Avery and Colonel Hammond, where he …

In this neighborhood resided the noted Brom Boyce, "who at the early age of sixteen, enroll. -A himself among the minnte men of the American army. He was soon distinguished for his bravery and daring, and was recognized as the best guide to he procured in tins vicinity." "Boyce, after the Revolution, followed the business o? a carman in the city o* New York. Be was a member of …

Finding his retreat thus intercepted, he was compelled to take the Bedford road ; but hi had scarcely arrived at See's store, when he found Emmerick again drawn up to dispute the passage. Hopkins a second time discovering his retreat terminated, decided upon a vigorous charge, and succeeded in cutting his way through the detachment with the loss of a few prisoners. A running …

Yerks served for several years in the capacity of a water guard, and remembered to have seen on one occasion as many as fifty British vessels and galleys stationed on the Hudson River. Near his place of residence, himself with nine others engaged in a deadly conflict with a party of twenty Cow Boys. In this skirmish they brought off three prisoners and four horses, besides …

The Dutch Reformed church of Unionville, was first organized in iS^o," under the pastoral charge of the Rev. Thomas Smith, and incorporated on the 8th of August, 1842, by the title of the " Minister, Elders and Deacons of the Reformed Protestant Dutch Church of Unionville." First elders, John Newman, Abraham Onderdonck, and Isaac G. Graham, Jun.; first deacons, Abraham Yerks …

The Methodist Episcopal Church of Pleasantville appears to have been the first of that denomination founded in this section of the country. As early as 1S00 a class meeting was organized on Bear ridge, near the residence of Mr. Jesse Barker. The present building was erected in 1820. Its pastor, in 1847, was the Rev. Charles T. Pelton. A small burying-ground surrounds the …

Nothing can be finer than the views from this beautiful spot, which commands a most extensive prospect of eight counties, viz : Suffolk, Queens and Kings, Long Island ; Fairfield, Conn.; Putnam, New York; Rockland, Orange and Bergen; besides beautiful views of the North and East rivers, the Palisades and the Hook on the west side of the former, the Dunderberg or Bread Tray …

" There is in this town a great variety of timber and wood, being a good proportion of almost every kind which is known to grow in this part of the counrty." The surface of the town is mostly hilly, the soil productive and well cultivated. Mount Pleasant has the reputation of being rich in mineral productions; an iron mine has recently been opened on the land of the late David …

New Castle was taken from the older town of North Castle, and set off as a separate or distinct township on the 18th of March, 1791. By the Indians it was called Shappequa, or Chappequa ; which tradition asserts to mean literally, " The Laurel Swamp" a it might have been, however, a mere corruption of the Algonquin term, " Chapacour." which signifies " a vegetable root."*5 The …

The late Abraham Hyatt, Esq., well remembered, when a youth, to have seen seventeen Indians from the Chappequa hills passing the old homestead, near Roaring Brook, in file on their way to Rye or Sawpitts by the sound for salt or " to salt " a Testimony of the late Abraham Hyatt, Esq., of Chappoona, who ha* alwavs hoard this meaning given to the word for eighty years past …

The next proprietor was Colonel Caleb Heathcote, who obtained of Mrs. Anne Richbell a patent right to purchase lands, '-which are already included in her husband's sale of 1660;" upon the 12th of October, 1696, his excellency, Benjamin Fletcher, captain general and governor of his Majesty's province of New York, &c, did grant unto Caleb Heathcote, Esq. " Free liberty and …

''Now knoicall men that said Wampus, Cornelius aud Coharuith, Indian sachems, and others, whose names are hereunto subscribed aud seals affixed, the native proprietors of all the aforesaid tract of laud, have, for and in consideration of the sum of £100, good and lawful money of New York to them in hands paid by the said Caleb Heathcote, at and before the ensealing and …

lakes, ponds, rivers, rivulets, mines, minerals, (royal mines only excepted,) fishing, fowling, hunting and hawking, rights, privileges, hereditaments, and appurtenances to the same belonging or in any way appertaining, and all the estate, right, interest, claim, possession, property and demand of the said Wampus, Cornelius and Coharnith, sachems, and the other Indians whose …

The above sale included the township of New Castle, and all that portion of North Castle lying West of the Byram river. Upon the fourteenth day of February, 1 701-2, the following letters patent were issued under the great seal of the province of New York, to Robert Walters and his associates ; they rendering and paying therefore to the King or his heirs and surveyors, the …

"William the Third, bjr the grace of God, of England, Scotland, France, and Ireland, King, Defender of the Faith, etc., to all whom these presents shall come, sendeth greeting : Whereas, our loving subjects, Robert Walters, Leigh At wood, Cornelius Depeyster, Caleb Heathcote, Matthew Clarkson, John Cholwell, Richard Slater, Lancaster Simes, Robert Lurting, and Barne Cosens …

Caleb Heatheote, -which first above named tract of land was purchased by Colonel Caleb Heatheote and others, -w ith whom he has agreed, excepting James Mott and Henry Disbrow, whom he hath nndertaken to satisfye. Within which bounds there are, by estimation, about five thousand acres of profitable land, besides wastes and woodlands, which reasonable request we being willing to …

Leigh Atwood, Cornelius Depeyster, Caleb Heathcote, Matthew Clarkson, John Cholwell, Richard Slater, Lancaster Simes, Robert Lurting, and Barne Cosens, all the above recited tract of land within our County of Westchester, and within the limits and bounds aforesaid, together with all and singular the woods, underwoods, trees, timber, feedings, pastures, meadows, marshes …

Iu testimony whereof, we have caused the great seal of our said Province to be here unto affixed. Witness, John Nanfan, Esq., Lieut. Governor and Commander-inchief of our province of New York, and the territories depending thereon in America, and vice-Admiral of the same, at our fort in New York, this 14th day of February, 1701, and in the 13th year of our reign " M. Clakkson …

Upon the 18th of February, 1701, occurs an " Indenture Decempartite" between Robert Walters, of the city of New York, Esq., of the first part; Leigh Atwood of the same place, Esq., of the second part, and eight others, named in the before mentioned patent, which recites the patent of 14th of February, 1701, and wherein it is covenanted and agreed upon between all parties " …

February 21st, 1743, an agreement between the Receiver General and others, " concerning money that is coming to the former on the behalf of the King, for quit-rent of the West Patent."6 The same year Robert Walters and Peter Fauconier had rights concerning quit-rents in the West Patents. Peter Fauconier, c Esq., one of the early proprietors of this town, "was an attendant of …

On the application of the people of Rye for a patent in 1720, the council examined Mr. Fauconier, who made no objection to the granting of the petition."' Peter Fauconier, Esq., left issue, William, whose children were Josiah. Ruth, Catharine and Hannah. John, second son of Peter, who resided at East Chester, was born December 18th, 1747, and died June 24th, a Copied from the …

Their children were David, of New York, born Dec. 10th, 1772; Jonathan, of Miltown, New York, born February 14, 1774; Roger, of New Jersey, born Aug. 20th, 1775; Josiah, of New York, born May 1st, 1780; William, of New York, born May 1st, 1780; Anne, born Dec. 9th, 1779, married Matthew Fogel ; Elizabeth, born July, 1 781, married William Baldwin; and Catharine, born Jan. 8 …

In the Secretary of State's office at Albany is a map of part of a tract of land (granted by letters patent under the great seal of the colony of New York, bearing date the fourteenth day of February, 1701-2, to Robert Walters and others) " which remains unsold, and contains four thousand one hundred and fifty-one acres, divided into sixteen lots by Charles Clinton, Jonathan …

King William the Third, by letters patent under the great seal of the colony of New York, bearing date the 14th day of February, 1701-2, and of the 13th year of his reign j did grant and confirm unto Robert Walters, Leigh Atwood, Cornelius Depeyster, Caleb Reathcote, Matthew Clarkson, John Cholwell, Richard Slater, Lancaster Simes, Robert Lurting. and Barne Cosens j a certain …

We do hereby give notice, that true maps and Meld books of the survey of the said part thereof, and of the allotments made, specifying the bounds of every lot ; on which maps the lots are laid down and numbered, and the number of acres in every lot ; and the said maps aud field books signed by us, and by Nathaniel Merrit, our surveyor, are filed, one of the said maps and field …

We find thq following indenture, on the 5th of April, 1774, between Benjamin Smith, Caleb Fowler and Joseph Sutton, all of the West Patent of the North Castle, &c., of the first part, and Caleb Sands of Bedford, of the other part, witnesseth that his gracious majesty, King William the Third, of glorious memory, by letters patent, under the great seal of the province of New …

Now this indenture witnesseth. that for and in consideration of the sum of ^15 12s. of good current and lawful money of the province of New York, well and truly paid by the said Caleb Sands, one of the associates in making of the above said purchase, we the said Benjamin Smith, Caleb Fowler and Joseph Sutton doth acknowledge by these presents, and therefore have given …

north with Bedford line till it comes to a. chestnut oak tree, marked with a heap of stones about it, at the south-east corner of the land of Benjamin Hall, then westward to a white wood tree with a heap of stones about it, then south-eastwardly as the fence stands to a large black oak tree, marked, then more southerly as the fence stands to an oak stump or a cliff of rocks …

Joseph Sutton, who removed to Long Island, died between 1765 and 1770, aged 80; married Mary Sands, and had issue; Joseph Sutton of this town, who- died aged 80, leaving several children by his wife Deborah Haight, of Chappaqua. Caleb, the second son of first Joseph married Abby Pell, and died aged 70, leaving issue, Edward, Andrew, Pell, Mary, Sophie, Solomon, Henry and …

Richardson of Croton, fifth son of Joseph first, was born July 11, 1732, and died 1776 ; married Elizabeth, daughter of Moses Quimby, who was born February 28, 1736 -- their issue being, Esther, born March 15, 1752, married Joseph Totten; Moses, born March 15, 1756; Daniel, born May 22, 1758; Deborah, born June 17, 1760; Robert, born April, 1762 ; Samuel, born January 22 …

The first election for town officers took place on the 5th of April, 1791, when the following individuals were chosen for the year ensuing : Isaac Smith, supervisor; Abraham Hyatt, town clerk; Sutton Craft, constable ; Benjamin Carpenter, collector ; and Caleb Carpenter, security ; Caleb Haight, Nathaniel Smith, Henry Slason, assessors ; Caleb Carpenter, Abraham Hyatt …

Robert Jenney, minister of Rye, writing to the Propagation Society in 1722, thus alludes to the place : "I have lately been to a settlement in the woods, where I had good success, having baptized a whole family, parents and children."6 This evidently refers to the present village, for in 1728 the Rev. T. Wetmore, his successor informs the same society, that " at North Castle …

At a vestry meeting, held March the ist, 1730, for the parish of Rye, it was ordered, that "whereas the vestrymen of the district of North Castle have neglected to make up their parish rate last year and this year, though often requested thereto, ordered therefore by ye vestry and justices, that the North Castle vestrymen, for ye last year and this year do appear at Rye at …

George Dibble and St. George Talbot, Esq. Of the latter gentleman, Mr. Dibble thus writes to the Society : " He is indefatigable in his endeavors to serve the interests of true religion and our holy Church, whose services I find universally acceptable, and his life agreeable to his public character. He was (continues Mr. Dibble) surprised both at the number and devout …

Caleb Kirby, James Fish, John B. Horton, Tyler Fountain and Benjamin Kirby, trustees." The second church was enlarged in 1843, and the present church was erected in 1867. During the war, this part of the country was greatly annoyed by the enemy, who frequently made sudden inroads, plundering and capturing the defenceless inhabitants. Religious services were consequently …

Theodosius Bartow appears to have been officiating minister for the united parishes of Bedford and New Castle. From 1804 to 1819 services were performed here by the clergy of Bedford. At a meeting of the vestry, November 12th, 1796, it was ordered "that William Miller, Esq., be empowered to commence and carry on a suit against Philip I. Livingston, for money left by St. George …

Godfrey Haines, (acting under authority of the vestry,) sold at public auction for the paltry sum of forty shillings. It deserves, however, to be recorded that Judge Miller, one of the wardens of the united parishes, strenuously opposed its destruction. The principal part of the timber is still preserved in a barn on the property of Mr. Hezekiah Raymond, a short distance only …

Harris preached a sermon from Haggai ii : 9 -- " The glory of this latter house shall be greater than of the former, saith the Lord of hosts : and in this place will I give peace, saith the Lord of hosts." St. Mark's church was incorporated on the 7th of October, 1S50 ; Gilbert Martin and Henry D. Tyler, wardens ; Gilbert Brundage, Thomas Wright, Thomas Searles, John Cary …

It appears that the unfortunate man was on his route to the American hospital at New Castle, when arrested by his murderers, who dragged him from his horse, and conveyed him into an adjoining swamp. Here, having secured their victim, they proceeded to play a game at cards -- as to which of them should be his executioner. In vain their victim pleaded in broken English for his …

b Tradition reports that the following remarkable accident befell the assassin soon after: he was struct by lightning, which dissolved the metal on his shoe buckles. When asked if this was a fact, the conscience-stricken murderer replied, " If I should say yes, that would be an admission of my guilt." Totten is said to have been a terror not only to himseU, but all who knew …

At the foot of the Kisco Mountain is situated the Westchester and Harlem railroad depot. New Castle'is exceedingly well watered by rivers, rivulets and springs. The Saw Mill River (Nepera) takes its rise from two springs near the centre of the town, one of them situated on the land of Job Collins, the other on the property of Willett Kipps. The Bronx River (Aquehung) has its …

The Chappequa sulphur springs, which have acquired some celebrity, are situated "four miles north-east of Sing Sing. They issue from a cleft in the rock, near the base of a hill about two hundred feet in height. The water, as it rises from the rocks, is transparent, but in its course deposites a reddish yellow powder. The salts held in solution are said to be sulphate of lime …

It is a singular fact, that sulphuretted springs are to be found at short distances from this spot to Fort Miller, in Washington County, a distance of a hundred and fifty miles. In the north-east corner of the town lies the romantic valley of the Pepemighting," through which the river of that name meanders in its passage to the Croton. This part of New Castle has been recently …

This tract of land was originally included in the grant made by the Indians in the year 1640, to the Dutch West India Company; but no settlement was actually commenced upon it until long after Thomas Pell's purchase, which occurred in 1654. The Aborigines, who were one of the seven tribes of the sea coast called " Siwandys," appear to have resided principally on Davenport's …

As late as 1695 the Indians were in the habit of coming down into the northern part of New Rochelle from the neighborhood of White Plains, for a cider frolic, which they considered as a kind of usu-fruct title to the soil. The remains of an oak tree which they burnt upon one of these occasions, is still visible on the farm of the late John Soulice. This seems to have been the …

There can be no doubt that some of the French Huguenots had already commenced a settlement at New Rochelle prior to the above mentioned confirmation from Dongan to Pell ; for Maria Graton, widow of William Cothonneau, had conveyed to Alexander Allaire a tract of land, in what is now New Rochelle, on the 24th of September, 1686; and Allaire also states that he had sold a tract …

Know tee that the said John Pell and Rachel his wife for and in consideration of the sum of sixteen hundred aud seventy-five pounds and twenty-five shillings sterling, current silver money of this province, to him in hand paid and secured to be paid at the, or before, the ensealing and delivery thereof by Jacob Lcisler of the city of New York, merchant, the receipt whereof …

Bounded on the east by a line that runs from said meadow north-westerly by marked trees, to a certain black oak tree standing a little below the road, marked on four sides, and from thence to run due north four miles and a half, more or less, and from the north side of the said west line, ending at Bronckes's river, and from thence to run easterly till it meets with the north …

To have and to hold the aforesaid tract of land, with all other the above granted premises, unto the said Jacob Leisler, his heirs and assigns, for ever, to his and their own soul and proper use, benefit, and behoof, for ever, yielding and paying unto the said John Pell, his heirs and assigns, lords of the said manor of Pelhara, to the assignees of him or them, or their or …

The said John Pell and Rachel his wife, for themselves, their heirs, executors, and administrators respectively, do hereby covenant, promise, and grant to and with the said Jacob Leisler, his heirs and assignees, in manner and form following, that is to say, at the time of the ensealing hereof, they, the said John Pell and Rachel his wife, do avouch themselves to be true …

And the said John Pell and Rachel his wife, for themselves respectively, and for their respective heirs, do covenant, promise, and grant to warrant and defend the above granted premises with their appurtenances, and every part and parcel thereof, unto the said Jacob Leisler, his heirs and assignees, forever, against the lawful charges and demands. In witness whereof t lie said …

Leisler, the above grantee (who only survived this conveyance about eighteen months) was authorized by the Committee of Public Safety (a body appointed by the people) on the 16th of August, 16S9, "to use the power and authority of commander-in-chief, until order should come from their majesties," King William and Queen Mary; "and further, to do all such acts as are requisite …

And Jacob Leisler was truly an honest man, who -- though a martyr to the cause of liberty, and sacrificed by injustice, aristocracy and party malignity-- ought to be considered as one in whom New York should take pride. In the possession of E. N. Bibby, Esq., of New York, is a gold piece, of the time of James II., said to have been in the possession of the unfortunate Leisler …

I Cary I Wilkins I J I Randolph. I 1).D. Catharine-- Abijah E.N. Bibby, M.D. Gouverner Morris, Martin- Sarah I Hammond. Youkera. Morrlsania. Wilkins | Nutter. I I ™ •Ogden namniond, tGouverneur Wilkins, • DkmmI, Castlehill Neck, t ivccomij! Westchester. HISTORY OF THE COUNTY OF WESTCHESTER. Throughout the year 1690, (the one preceding his execution,) we find Jacob Leisler …

Whereas, John Pell of the manor of Pelham, Esq., together with Rachel his wife, have, by their certain deed in writing, from under our hands and seals, bearing date the 20th of September, A.D., 1689, given, granted, bargained and sold, unto the said Jacob Leisler, his heirs and assigns forever, all that tract of land lying within the said manor of Pelham, containing six …

In witness whereof, I, the said Jacob Leisler, have set my hand and seal to these presents, this one and twentieth day of May, A.D. 1699. The quantity of acres I acknowledge be above the limits, I will not engage at all. Signed, New York, 31 May, 1690. JACOB LEISLER, ELSJE LEISLER. The same year, Jacob Leisler, with the consent of Elsje, his wife, conveyed to Alexander …

Leisler's and Lacounte's neck (now Davenport's neck) contained, according to the survey, two hundred acres. Upon the 20th of November, 1700, Sir John PelU and Rachel, his wife, granted to Daniel Sampson and Isaac Cantin, one hundred acres, "provided that the purchasers and their assignees, shall do suit and service, now or at any time hereafter, from time to time in the manor …

They were, no doubt, aided in their escape from France by the English vessels that lay for some time off the Island of Rhe, opposite La Rochelle, in which they were conveyed to England. Tradition says, that they were subsequently transported to this place in one of the King's ships, and landed on Davenport's Neck, at a place afterwards called Bauffet's or Bonnefoy's Point …

Their Majesty es by their proclamation of ye 25th of Aprill, 1 689, did grant them an azile in all their dominions, with their Royall protection ; wherefore they were invited to come and buy lands in this province, to the end that they might by their labour help the neccssityes of their familyes, and did spend therein all their smale store, with the help of their friends …

" The cruelties which they suffered in France are beyond anything of the kind on record, and in no age was there ever such a violation of all that is sacred, either with relation to God or man ; and when we consider the exalted virtues of that glorious band of brothers, we are amazed, while we are delighted with their fortitude and courage. Rather than renounce their Christian …

Y, says: l-I have it from a parishioner more than octogenerian (the deceased pious Vaultiere of Reade street, whose loneliness during the first months of my arrival among you I used frequently by the side of his bed to comfort with the words of the Lord), who related to me that he had seen here himself old men the fathers of whom had told them often that they had emigrated to …

Some, of the name and character, were murdered in cold blood, and massacred without any legal forms of justice. " It is a singular fact, (continues Mr. Disosway, to whom we are indebted for the materials of this sketch,) that the Reformation originated in France, upon her own soil, and its earliest seeds were germinated in the University of Paris, then a stronghold of …

Of this individual, Beza remarked ; ' It was he who boldly began the revival of the holy religion of Jesus Christ.' Thus a new era opened in France, and the Reformation soon niade rapid progress. One of its first witnesses in the court of royalty was the celebrated princess, Margaret of Valois, Duchess of Alencon, and sister to the reigning monarch, Francis the First.* She is …

Her device was. 'Non inferiora secutus'-- ' I seek not things below; '-- signify- ' tng," continues our author, that her actions, thoughts, purposes and desires, were directed to that exalted Sun, namely God." 59° ' HISTORY OF THE COUNTY OF WESTCHESTER. John Le Clerc was the first martyr of the gospel in France. He was the pastor of the Church at Meaux. For writing against …

France had now been baptized with the blood of the martyrs ! "In the midst of perils, opposition and persecution, the first national synod was called at the metropolis of the kingdom. This council published to the world their confession, which is entitled, ' The Confession of Faith held and Professed by the Reformed Churches of France, Received and Enacted by their First …

To assert that the excesses were only commited by one party would be untrue, and that some of our race were allied to angels ; but we hazard nothing in saying that the reformed, in almost every instance, resorted to arms from motives of self-preservation." " Upon Sunday, August the 24th, 1572, was perpetrated the massacre of St. Bartholomew. De Thou, a popish historian …

"Charles, by a public edict, proclaimed himself the author of it, pretending that he was forced to the measure by the Admiral Coligny and his friends. In honor of it, high mass was performed by the pope; salvoes of artillery thundered from the ramparts of St. Angelo ; a Te Dev.m was sung to celebrate the atrocious event, and a medal was struck for the same purpose. If every …

P. Disostfay. S.?e Christian Intelligencer. b There was an original medal in the possession of the late Rev. S. Farmer .larris, D.D., LL.l)., of Middletown, Conn., who obtained it at the mint in Rome. Electrotype copies of this medal are very numerous ; " and vet we are told that the Papa! Church is not answerable for its acts and deeds; but only for such words as it thinks …

It was here they issued their famous declaration stating the affair to be one of unheard of cruelty, and bidding defiance to their enemies the house of Guise. " And it was here they armed and fortified themselves, trusting in a just cause and to the favor of Heaven. For nine months they fought most gallantly in defence of La Rochelle, killing 40,000 of their enemies, who …

One arm of this immense dyke overlapped the other, so that the entrance instead of being in front was lateral. A stockade of piles, interlaced with chains effectually stopped the passage. This work he completed and defended by 45,000 men, while forty pieces of cannon on the one shore, and twenty-five on the other, flanked the approaches ; and the narrow passage in its centre …

Two illustrious ladies, the Duchess of Rohan and her daughter, who were not named in the capitulation, are thus referred to by a writer of that day. ' Rigor without precedent, that a person of her quality, at the age of seventy, on quitting a siege in which she and her daughter had lived for three months on horse flesh and four or five ounces of bread per day, should be held a …

To enter into the minute particulars of this disastrous period would be surperfluous; suffice it to say, that now commenced a renewal of the outrageous proceedings of former years. Commissioners were sent into the provinces to dispossess the Reformed of all they held as citizens ; nothing awaited them but fines, humiliation, and poverty. Troops of soldiers were quartered among …

Their well-known industry and skill made them welcome in every Protestant country. No less than five hundred thousand thus escaped, and found homes in Germany, Holland, and England. "b King Charles II. granted letters of denization in council, under the great seal, and assured the exiles that, at the next meeting of Parliament, he would introduce a bill by which they should be …

Some of the Huguenots must have been " aided in their escape from France by the English vessels that lay for some time off the Island of Rhe, opposite La Rochelle, in which they were conveyed to England."' Tradition says that many of them were subsequently transported to this place in one of the king's ships. The point on Davenport's Neck called Bauffet's or Bonnefoy's Point …

Disosway's Sketch of the DuguenotS. c Smedley'B Hist, of the Reformed Religion, iii. 21T. rfSee Charter of Trinity Church in this town. e So rapid and instantaneous appears to have been their flight, that one family in particular (the GralonB) " left their pot boiling on the lire." An earthen jug, rescued on this occasion, was in ihe possession of the late Airs. Julia Law-ton …

Civitas Bmstol. -- These are to certify that the hearer thereof, Daniel Bonnett, weaver, (as we arc very well assured by persons of credit and repute of the French refugees here,) is a French Protestant of good repute, and hath here lived ten years.. But iu hopes of better maintaining himself and family, is intending to settle himself, with his wife and four children, in some …

Daniel Bonnett took out naturalization papers in New York on the 3d of July, 1700. The following incident is related of this family: "Daniel and his wife were attempting to reach the French coast with two small children concealed in the paniers of a donkey, covered with fresh vegetables. The mother having enjoined upon the children to keep perfect silence, no matter what might …

John Pintard, we were assured that on some occasions the devoted inhabitants of this town walked on communion Sundays to New York, a distance by the road at that time of twenty miles, to attend the services at the old French church in Pine street ; and returned on the same evening to their homes to be ready for their weekly avocations on Monday. To them, the service of the …

About twelve miles from New York, at a place since called the Blue Bell, there was a large rock by the road side covered with cedars ; here they stopped for a short time to rest and take some refreshment, and then proceeded on their journey till they came to a freshwater pond, (within the bounds of the city) here they washed their feet, put on their shoes and stockings, and …

At the conclusion of the services, the minister never failed to add ' Souvenez vous les pauvrcs' remember ye the poor. Upon which, every person, old and young, on going out of church, dropped a copper into the box.* The money collected in this manner was divided the next morning among the poor, who came regularly to receive their allowance at nine o'clock in the consistory …

In the common sitting-room of most houses, the mantel-piece was finished with Dutch tiles, containing chiefly the history of the New Testament and the Parables.6 They were taught to learn the subject by these tiles on Sunday evenings, for at that period Sunday evening services were not common ; other denominations first introduced them. The consequence has been that domestic …

of the sick, as formerly practised in the French Reformed church of this place in 1697. One of the prayers is thus entitled: u Oraison au fidele detenu en captivite." The catechism of the French church is also added, and the psalms in metre with their appropriate tunes. On a blank leaf occurs the following memoranda : Cette Bible appartient a moy Yaltlicr Humbert du Locke & de …

I, John Machet, a ship carpenter, born and bred in ye town of Tremblade, in France, and dwelling in Bordeaux, and being fugitive by the persecution, with my family, viz: Jeanne Thomas my wife, and Peter, John, Jeanne and Mary Anne Machet, my children, sons and daughters, and having all abandoned and forsaken all my goods for my religion's sake, which I profess in the purity of …

And as for my corpse, to be buried after the custom and manner of my religion and discipline, till the accomplishment of times, and until the resurrection when our Lord shall come for to judge the quick and the dead, &c, &c. The above will is dated New Rochelle, 17th of April, 1694. Among the Lespinard papers (at Upper New Rochelle) is preserved a diary kept by a member of …

Margaret died, and has given her spirit to God, between six and seven o'clock of the afternoon."0 In 1 710 Margaret Lespinard, or Lepperner, (as it was then spelt) who was born in France in 1644, was living in New Rochelle with her two children, Anthony and Susanna. " Between the French Huguenots who settled at Oxford in Massachusetts, and those who came to New York, it …

The French Huguenot ladies brought out their Bibles rolled up in their hair, one of these Bibles is now in possession of Servoss, Esq., of Harlem. 6 -Massachusetts Hist. Collect. Vol. II. 'H. 600 HISTORY OF THE COUNTY OF WESTCHESTER. "granting to Anthony Lespinard a portion of land (situated on Davenport's Neck) for the erection of a mill."a Besly, Peter Samson, Oliver Besly …

In the same assembly, Peter Frederick and Joseph Devane have been named for to be surveyors about the fences i:i all the plantations of this place, for to preserve the peace. April, 1700. Robert Bloomer, Supervisor. A.mbroise Sicard, Collector, Peter Valleau, Assessor, Peter Frederick, ) a, „ „ - IT. , Andrew Barchui,; Su™yors of Highways. Occasionally the entries occur in the …

At a town meeting, held the 22d of December, 1783, at the house of Gilbert Brush, inn-keeper, for choosing town officers for the town of New Rochelle, ia pursuance of an ordinance of the Council, appointed by the act cf the Legislature, entitled an act to provide for the temporary government of the southern a The site now ocr.'oled by Mr. S^cor's mill. * Co. Reo. lib. Fi 150.' …

There are, 1 Protestant Episcopal, 1 Roman Catholic, 1 Presbyterian, 2 Methodist, 1 Baptist, 1 German Lutheran, 1 German Methodist Episcopal church, a post office, a bank, 2 hotels, and several extensive boarding houses, many spacious stores, 2 grist mills, and 2 carriage factories. There is afire-brick edifice erected in 187 1 by the Westchestei Fire Insurance Company. This …

Thir. favorite asylum of the French Protestants was, at a very early period, a First President, Albe-t Smith, M.D. An act to amend, passed April 20th, 1S(U, and amended April 11, lSTa. Since lis incorporation, the streets have been lighted with gas, the side aud cross walks of the streets have beeu flagged, and the roads macadamized. Benjamin Stephenson, Supervisor, James …

John Jay, (the grandson of a Huguenot), " who made the celebrated treaty of Paris, for the independence of our country, and exerted a powerful influence in extending the limits of the United States to the Mississippi." Also General Philip Schuyler, so conspicuous for his sen-ices and successes in the Revolutionary war, and Washington Irving, the world-renowned author. It is a …

This is a very pretty place, well compact, and good, handsome houses, clean, good, and passable roads, and situated on a navagable river, abundance of land, well fenced and cleared all along as we passed, which caused in me a love to the place, which I could have been content to live in it. Here we rid over a bridge made of one entire stone, of such a breadth that a cart might …

Coeval with the foundation of the village was the organization of a church, in which the Huguenots appear to have adhered to the principles and as far as they were able at that time to have maintained the Articles, Liturgy, Discipline and Canons, according to the usage of the Reformed Church in France. " It was for their religion that they suffered in their native country, and …

It appears to have been held for many years by a small minority of the Huguenots who resisted the conformity of their brethren to the Church of England in 1709° Near the same time that the church was erected, Louis Bongrand did give unto the inhabitants of New Rochelle a piece of land forty paces square for a church yard to bury their dead/ A house and about three acres and a …

The shield on th.' right of the plate bears the arms of Pell, that on the left the coat armor of Picknev, or 3 fusils m fesse g". * " Louis Rongrand purchased of Jacob Leisler and Elsie, his wife, 31st May, 1690, and sold to Francis Tierena and Valentine O uger, onthe 22d June, 1693. In the conveyance of the latter lo Joost Pane, 9th May, 1698, the above Rift is specified." …

Sir : -- I have too much respect for your orders not to execute them punctually, so that pursuant to what you did me the honour lately to give me, I spoke to the principals of this New Colony about the nomination of some persons for the vacant office of Justice of the Peace ; but as the condition you require -- that is a knowledge of the English tongue -- has precluded them …

The time is very short, since it is the twenty-seventh inst, they must be at Westchester ; but they look for some forbearance and delay from your goodness in case, notwithstanding their diligence, they may not be able punctually to answer. It is not through any unwillingness to exert themselves to meet it, but you know their strength as well as I. Notwithstanding, despite …

John Miller describing the Province of New York in 1695, says: " There is a meeting-house at Richmond, (Staten Island.) of which Dr. Bonrepos is the minister." Upon the 9th day of March 1696, "David a Doc. ntst. N. Y. vol. 1. p. 29S. b Iu 14(i0 Jean de la Baume appears as Seigneur de Bonrepos and de Valusln, vovcz tome vlj de cette histoire, p. 45, 420, Tom viij. c Doc. Hist …

Therefore calling to mind the mortality of my body, and knowing that it is appointed for all men once to die, Do make and ordain this my last Will and Testament, that is to say and principally and first of all I give and recommend it to the earth to be buried in a Christian and decent manner, at the Discretion of my executors, nothing doubting but at the General Resurrection …

Second a negro woman called Tenah and her daughter called Sarah, which is at Jacob Bibyous ; thirdly, for her maintenance she shall have and receive so long as she shall remain a widow the interest of all my bonds, that shall be due to me at my decease ; and for my other negro wench, named Judde, and her child called Elizabeth, I give the child Elizabeth to my wife, and the …

Item, I give my Silver Tankard and silver cup and all the Rest of my estate Real and Personal, unto David De Bonrepos, and the son of Alexander De Bonrepos aforesaid. Item, I will that after my Decease my negro man Sasfasson shall be maintained by 1113- heirs and executors at their discretion. Item, I constitute and ordain Messrs. Barnt Martlings, Paul Michaux and Nicolas …

General and Governor-in-chief of ye provinces of New York, New Jersies and Terri'es depending thereon in America and vice-admiral of ye same, &c. To Elias Bon Repos greeting you are hereby impowered and lycens'd to keep school within ye town of New Rochelle in ye County of Westchester and carefully and diligently to instruct ye children under yo' care and tuition in ye art of …

In which she bequeaths to her daughter Rachel her negro weueh Tenno and a large brass kettle; daughter Martha, her girl Hess; daughter Mary, "bed and furniture where I now lay:'' daughters Anne and Rachel, "the other best bed and furniture and brass kettle; son-in-law, C'obus Billoe, granda Martha Hrittain, Win. Brittain, das. Nicolas Brittain, da. Martha C'obus Billow, da …

Bonrepos, 1718 to 1725. THE TOWN OF NEW ROCHELLE. Ambrose Sicard, Jr., and Daniel Sicard to convert in moneyed rents at six per cent, the forty shillings that each of them owes which make four pistoles for ten acres of ground sold to them by said inhabitants, &c, and begin to pay the rent from the first to the last of May of the year, 1694. Signed, Thauvet Ecotonxeau, J …

On the revocation of the edict of Nantes he fled from France to England.6 Here he received Holy Orders from the Right Rev. Henry Compton, Lord Bishop of London, and soon after accompanied the French emigrants who arrived at Boston, Mass., in the summer of 1686. For eight years he was employed by the Corporation for propagating the Christian Faith among the Indians^ at a place …

I, either inio England, Holland. < w\ many or Switzerland : yea, and some are now in New England " Quick's Syuodicon introduction in Sept., 16S6. Twentysix pounds were contributed for the relief of the French Protestants who came to New England, Mass. llist. Col., 3rd series, vol. IV., 62. "In 1693, Cotton .Mather sneaks of Mr Pondet as a faithful minister to the French …

Bondet must have continued his labors at New Oxford and its vicinity until near 1695 ; for in another communication we find that "In 1695 Mr. Bondet, a French Protestant minister, preached to the Nipmug Indians." After this we hear no more of him at New Oxford." He probably removed to this place sometime during the Summer or Fall of 1695, for the inhabitants of New Rochelle …

Bondet to the living, (of Westchester) and the parish being large enough to maintain two, we would likewise continue Mr. Mather and support him by subscriptions. The Vestry seemed to be extremely well pleased with this proposal and desired me to send for Mr. Bondet, which I immediately did -- hoping by that means to bring them over to the Church ; but Mather apprehending what …

I am a French refugee minister, incorporated into the body of the ministry of the Anglican Church ; I removed about fifteen years ago into New England with a company of poor refugees, to whom lands were granted for their settlement ; and to provide for my subsistence, I was allowed one hundred and five pieces a His name does not occur in a list of the principal inhabitants in …

I remained after that, two years in that province -- expecting a favorable season for the re-establishment of affairs ; but after waiting two years, seeing no appearance, and being invited to remove to this province of New York, by Colonel Heathcote, who always evinces an affection for the public good, and distinguishes himself by a special application for the advancement of …

Nanfan, his lieutenant, that I annexed my signature to an ecclesiastical certificate which the churches and pastors of this province had given to Sieur Delius, Minister of Albany, who had not the good fortune to please his late Lordship, his defunct Excellency cut off his thirty pieces which he had ordered me in his Council at York, deprived me of the Boston pension of …

Your Excellency's equity; the affection you have evinced to us for the encouragement of those who employ themselves constantly and faithfully in God's service induce me to hope that I shall have a share in the dispensation of your justice to relieve me from my suffering, so that 1 may be aided and encouraged to continue my service, in which, by duty and gratitude, I shall …