Scharf, J. Thomas, ed. History of Westchester County, New York, including Morrisania, Kings Bridge, and West Farms, which have been annexed to New York City, Vol. I. Philadelphia: L.E. Preston & Co., 1886.

Dongan's deed from the Indians thus describes the tract, which from the Indian name of the Croton, was called Kichtawanck, or Kitchtawong; -- "all that Tract or parcell of Land situate Lying and being on the East side of Hudson's River, within the County of Westchester, beginning at Kichtawong Creek, and so running along Hudson's River northerly to the land of Ste])hanus van …

Previously to his purchase of the Dongan lands, and on the 13th of July, 1688, Stephanus Van Cortlandt bought from the Haverstraw Indians a tract on the West side of the Hudson River, directly opposite to the promontory of Anthony's Nose, and North of the Dunderbergh Mountain, forming the depression or valley,' througli the upper part of which, in the Revolutionary War, Sir …

That for and in Consideraion of the Sume of Six Shillings Curr: Silver mouey to them the said Indians in hand payed before the Ensealing and Delivery here of the Receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged and for Diverse other Valuable Causes and Consideraions tliey the said Indians have Granted Bargained Sold Aliened Enfeoffed and Confirmed and by these Presents Doe Fully "XIII …

Cleerly and Absolutely Grant Bargain 8ell Alien Enfeoff and Confirm unto Steplianus Van Cortlandt of the Citty of New Yorke Merchant his lieircs and assignes for ever All that A Certaine Tract or Parcell of Land Situate Lyeing and being on the West side of Hudsons River within the High Lands over Against a greate Hill Commonly called Anthonys Nose beginning on the South side …

And they the said Indians Doe for themselves and their heires and every of them Covenant Promise and engage that the said Sleph : Van Cortlandt his heires and assignes Shall and may from henceforth for Ever Lawfully Peaceably and Quiettly have hold Possesse and Enjoye the said Tract or Parcell of Land and all and singuler other the Premisses with their Appurtenences without …

In Witnesse whereof the said Sakaghkeineik Sachem of Haverstraw Werekepes Saquoghharup Kakeros and Kaghtsikroos the Indians owners and Proprietors aforesaid have hereunto Sett their hands and 1 Now called Snakehole Creek. 2 The Creek South of Snakehole Creek. ' Now called loiia Island. Scales in New Yorke the 13th day of July in the thirty-fifth yeare of his Ma"" Reigne Anno …

The consideration mentioned is " a certain summ of good and lawfull money." And the premises conveyed are thus described-- "AH that certain tract of land situate, lying, and being up Hudson's River on the East side thereof, beginning at the East side of the land late belonging to Jacob De Key and Company at a Creek called Pohotasack and so along a creek called by the Indyaus …

How extensive an area this description embraced cannot be stated its terms being too vague, but is was a very large tract lying east of the eighteen hundred acre tract called Sachus, or Sachoes, and known as " Rycke's Patent," which embraced the present village of Peeks Kill and its immediate neighbourhood, the fee of which was not owned by Stephanus van Cortlandt, although …

Adolph Phillipse' Including in the said Northerly Line all the Meadows, Marches, Coves, Bays, and Necks of Land and pennensulaes that are adjoining or Extending into Hudson's River within the Bounds of the said Lines, and from said red ceader tree another Due Easterly Line Runing into the Woods Twenty English Miles, and from thence along the Partition Line between our Colony …

And also a Ceartain parcel of Meadow Lying and being situate upon the West side of Hudson's River Within the said High Lands over against the aforesaid Hill called Anthony's Nose, Beginning on the South side of a creek called by the Indians Sinkeepogh, and so along said Creeke to the head thereof and then Northerly along the high hills as the River Runeth to another Creeke …

and the wise, rule of the day in such matters, (the reason of which has been fully explained in the beginning of this essay in speaking of the Native owners of the County) * obtained from the Indian dwellers upon the lands of his grant as a whole, a special deed of confirmation. This Instrument is very important as it states specifically the lands in, and the bounds of, the …

" We, Sachima- Wicker, Sachem of Kightawonck," (and twenty two other Indians seven of whom were squaws) " all right, just, natural owners and proprietors of all the land hereinafter mentioned, lying and being within the bounds and limits of the Mannor of Cortlandt, &c., have sold, for a certain sum of money, all that tract and parcel of land, situate, lying, and being in the …

The former was the tract known as "'Ryke's Patent." Its Indian name was "Sachus," or "Sackhoes," and it was purchased of the Indians on the 21st of April, 1685, under a license dated March 6, 1684, from Governor Dongan, by Richard Abrams, Jacob Abrams, TeunisDekey or De Kay, Seba, Jacob and John Harxse;* and on the 23rd of December, 1685, a patent was granted to these …

R. west of the aforesaid creek which lies by Stcphanus van Cortiandt'a land, including all the meadows both fresh and salt within said bounds, containing in all 1800 acres or thereabouts." The tenure like that of the Manor was " in free and common soccage according to the tenure of East Greenwich in the County of Kent in his Majesties Kingdom of England." The quit rent was …

Hercules Lent devised the patent in several parcels among his children and grandchildren by will in 17G6.' The name of Lent is still very common in the neighborhood of Peekskill to this day, and some of the name still own portions of the original tract. The 300 acre tract, which was of little importance, fronted on the inner and upper part of Peekskill bay, and became prior to …

Hence for convenience sake the Dutch traders sought the landing place of the Indians, in the sheltered North side of the Estuary of the Croton, then an open bay without the sedge flats which now nearly fill it. Here too was subsequently established the ancient ferry and ferry house, as the population, and the traffic, up and down the Hudson, began to grow and increase. The …

" Before beginning to build " he says, " 'Twill above all things be necessary to select a well located spot, either on some river'or bay, suitable for the settlement of a village or hamlet. This is previously properly surveyed and divided into lots, with good streets according to the situation of the place. This hamlet can be fenced all round with high palisades, or long …

In this document, there are descriptions of a few regions in New Netherland which he mentions as well adapted for settlement and among them, that of the eastern and northern part of West Chester county comprising the subsequent Manors of Cortlandt, the upper part of Philipsburgh, and lands immediately adjacent to them and the Manors of Scarsdale and Pelham. The region is thus …

He undoubtedly did a good deal in bringing in inhabitants and stock, between 1683, the date of his first purchase, and 1G97, the date of his Manor-grant. Here it was that he erected the mills, mentioned (in the plural) in his will, dated three years later in 1700, the year of his death, which by both Dutch and English law the Patroons and the Lords of Manors were bound to …

The Rent Service on which the Manor was held, was " Forty shillings current money of our said Province " (five dollars), payable "at our city of New York on the feast day of the Annunciation of our blessed Virgin Mary." The peculiar franchises of the Manor of Cortlandt were two only, the Rangership of the Manor, and the right to be represented by its own member in the General …

They were appointed, either, by a special royal grant, over a special district, which was the more usual, or else, as in this instance, the franchise was named among others in the grant of a Manor. The appointment by Governor Hunter on September 4th, 1710, of Major Thomas Jones, of Fort Neck, Queens County, the grandfather of Judge Thomas Jones the author of the " History of …

This was a franchise of so high a character that it was granted to but two more out the many New York Manors, those of Rensselaerswyck in 1705 and Livingston in 1715, the former eight years, the latter eighteen years, after the grant to Cortlandt. The franchise in this case was not to be enjoyed till after the lapse of twenty years from the date of the Manor-Grant, June 17th …

On the 10th of June 1734, says the Journal of the House, " Philip Verplanck, Esq., attending without, was called in, and produced to the House, an indenture that he was duly elected a Representative for the Manor of Cortlandt, in this present Assembly, as likewise the Letters Patent of the said Manor dated in the year 1697, whereby a Power and Privilege [was]granted to choose …

De Lancey " (Etienne or Stephen De Lancey, the first of that family in America, then the first named of the four members for the City of New York, a ^on-in-law and one of the heirs of Stephanus van Cortlandt) " according to leave presented to this House a bill entitled, An Act for regulating the choice of a Representative for the Manor of Cortlandt in the County of Westchester …

Verplanck before the Governor, and see him take the oaths and subscribe the Declaration according to Law. This was done, and on their return Mr. Le Count reported that the duty had been performed, whereupon it was, Ordered, that the said Mr. Philip Verplanck take his place as a Member of this House accordingly." ^ It is easy to see from these proceedings that the Assembly was …

Verplanck had been elected " pursue ant to a Writ lately issued to the Freeholders of and inthe said Manor," and it then gives the reason for enacting the law in these words; -- "But inasmuch as the Heirs of the said Stephanus van Cortlandt, by Reason of the said Manor's remaining undivided among them, and otherwise, had not, untill very lately, asserted and claimed their said …

planck as aforesaid ; and thereupon for the regular admission of the said Philip, it was ordered that he should have leave to bring in a bill for that purpose; Wherefore and to the end such Representative may be more orderly and duly elected for the future." It was enacted ; -- first, that Verplanck's election should be confirmed ; second, that the Freeholders of the Manor …

There was probably some jealousy, or political feeling at the bottom of the insertion of this provision, for three years later, in 1737 it was unconditionally repealed by an Act passed on the 16th of December in that year,* except as to the general County charges. This act also fixed the " Wages " of the Representative of the Manor at "Six shillings for every day he attends …

Elected and admitted to his seat under this franchise in 1734, Philip Verplanck was constantly reelected to subsequent Assemblies and sat for the Manor of Cortlandt continuously up to the year 1768, the long period of thirty-four years. A continuous period of service without a parallel in Province of New York, and which has never occurred under the State of New York. The …

Verplanck having died and Sir Henry Moore the Governor having dissolved the old Assembly on the 6th of February 1768, writs for a new election were issued on the 10th of February returnable on the 22d of March following, between which dates the new election was held, in the manner that has been before described, and " Pierre Van Cortlandt Esq." was duly elected representative …

"This Indenture made and concluded this first day of February in the Ninth year of the Reign of Our Sovereign Lord George the Third by the Grace of God of Great Brittain France and Ireland King, De" fender of ye Faith, etc., and In the year of Our Lord One Thousand Seven Hundred and Sixty-Nine -- With and Between Joshuah Traviss Constable of the one Part and Jeremiah Traviss …

Hustoii's service iu the Assembly, he sat for Rockland County directly across the Hudson. - Assembly Journals of 17G8, 3. 3 Assembly Journals of 17(59, p. 3, By a printer's error the Journals make the issue of the new Writs the "14th," instead of the "4th" of January, 176'J. Commander-in-Chief of the Province of New-York In General Assembly for Said Province, on the Fourteenth …

The first of these " division " contained all the Manor West of the east bonds of North lot No. I. and South lot No. I., North of the Croton River, and West of the West bounds of lot No. 8 on the South of the Croton. The second division, lay east of the first, and West of the West bounds of North lot No. 8 and South lot No. 8, and West of the East bounds of lot No. 10 South of …

By 1770 the people in Ryke's Patent had so increased in number, that an act was passed on the 27th of January in that year, for their special benefit which provided " that for the better defraying the common and necessary charges of Ryke's Patent in the Manor of Cortlandt in Westchester County," the Freeholders thereof should elect on the first Tuesday in every April, one …

A singular law in regard to the Manor, as it appears to us now, was one passed the 13th of December, 1703, which enacted that in case any person whatsoever " shall carry on the Practice of Inoculation for the Small-Pox in the Manor of Cortlandt within the Distance of Half a Mile of any Dwelling House he shall forfeit the sum of Twenty Founds ($50.) for every such oftience …

Van Cortlandt's home was in New York, and this first building was intended as a station for Indian traffic. Naturally it became his place of temporary residence when visiting his lands after his first purchase, either for business, pleasure, or the enjoyment of hunting and fishing. It is a tradition that Governor Dongan often visited this region for the latter purposes, as he …

The roof is a rather low pitched one, in the Dutch style with dormer windows. A piazza of modern construction, extends along the entire front above the high basement. It stands on the brow of a declivity sloping to, and overlooking, the wide estuary of the Croton River, and commands a magnificent view, to the southwest of the wide Tappan Sea of the Hudson, and its striking …

To the death of Stephanus van Cortlandt so shortly after the erection of his lands into a Manor, is probably to be ascribed the fact, that there are no records to show whether he ever organized his Manorial Courts. The probability is, from the then sparseness of the inhabitants, that he did not. Nor before his death, was there sufficient time to have introduced very many new …

The peninsula of Verplanck's Point was devised to his eldest son Johannes, and all the rest of his property of all kinds was divided equally among all his surviving children, eleven in number, including Johannes. The devise of Verplanck's Point was all that Johannes received in addition to the others in virtue of his being the eldest son.^ Had it not been for the terms of …

He married on the tenth of Sei)teniber, 1671, in his 28th year, Gertrude, daughter of Philip Pie- I II. V. S. Laws, Ch. 1459, p. 576. 'The win ia recorded in the N. Y. Surr. Off., Lib. 2 of Wills, p. 78. HISTORY OF WESTCHESTER COUNTY. terse Schuyler, of Albany; and died, as has been stated ou the twenty-fifth day of November, 1700, at the comparatively early age of fifty-seven …

He remained only a short time in the military service, having been appointed by Kieft in 1639 "Commissary of Cargoes,'' or customs officer, and in 1643, Keeper of the Public Stores, of the West India Company, a responsible position under the provisions of the Charters of Freedoms and Exemptions, being the Superintendent of the collection of the Company's Revenue in New …

He was also engaged in several temporary public matters as a Councillor and Commissioner during the administration of Director Stuyvesant, notably in the Connecticut boundary matter in 1663, and the settlement of Capt. John Scotfs claim to Long Island in 1664. He acted in similar capacities under the first English Governors, Nicolls, Lovelace, and Dongan, and was chosen the …

highest ofiices in the Colony," says O'Collughan, (vol. 2, p. 38, n.) died, worth 520,000 guilders, or $208,- 000 ; an immense sum when the period in which he lived is considered." Olofif Stevense van Cortlandt died on the 4th of April, 1684, and his wife followed him about a month afterwards.' They had seven children, the oldest of whom was Stephanus, and the youngest …

Except the Governorship itself, he filled at one time or another every prominent office in that Province. And when Lt. Gov. Nicholson went to England at the outbreak of Leisler's insurrection and actual usurpation, to report in person to King William, he committed the Government itself in his absence, to Stephanus van Cortlandt and Frederick Philipse. * A fact that caused …

Brought up under the eye of his father, and educated by the Dutch clergymen of New Amsterdam, ' whose scliohirship was vastly higher than it has pleased luoderii writers to state, and which would compare favorably with that of the clergy of the nineteenth century, young van Cortlandt long before the death of his father in 1G84, showed how well he had i)r()tited by the …

His name was continued in each ofthe Commissions of all the succeeding Governors down to and including Hellomont's in 1697, and he continued in the office till his death in 1700. Early in this latter year he was appointed Chief Justice, but he only filled the office till his death in November of the same year. He had many years before been appointed Judge of the Common Pleas …

His letters and despatches to Governor Andros, and to the different Boards and officers in England charged with the care of the Colonies and the management of their affairs, remain to show liis capacity, clear headedness and courage. - Equally esteeme<l and confided in by the governments of James as Duke and King, and by William and Mary in the troublous times in which he …

l()9o Anne Soi)hia vau Schaack and left one child Gertrude, who married I'liiliii \'^er[)lanck grandson of Abraham Isaacsen Verplanck the first of that family in America. 2. Margaret, born 12 Aug. 1674, married to Col. Samuel Bayard only son of Nicholas Bayard the youngest of the three nephews of Gov. Stuyvesant. 3. Ann, born 13 Feb. 1()76, married Etienue (in English Stephen …

These were ancestors of the ' van Cortlandt of Second River ' (the Passaic) New Jersey, now extinct in the males. 9. Gertrude, born 10 Oct. 1()88, married Col. Henry Beekman. No issue. 10. Gysbert, born 1689, died young. 11. Elizabeth, born 1691, died young. 12. Elizabeth, 2d, born 24 May 1694, married Rev. Wm. Skinner of Perth Amboy. 13. Catharine, born 24 .June 1696, married …

Bcekman who had no issue, had large families, and those of the sons were also numerous. And when to these were added the children of Stephanus's younger brother Jacobus van Cortlandt of Yonkers, and their wives and husbands, it will be seen what an enormous family circle it was, and will explain why at this day all these families now so widely extended, are by the marriages …

Speaking of the New York Assembly of 17r)2, and the influence of Chief Justice James de Laiiccy, Smith says, " It may gratify the curiosity of the reader to know, that of the Members of this Assembly Mr. Chief Justice De Lancey was nephew to Col. Beekinan, brother to Peter De Lancey, brotlier-in-law of John Watts, cousin to Philij) Verplanck and John Ba])tist Van Rensselaer …

acteristic decision of character, good sense, personal beauty, and warm affection for each other. When their mother died in 1723, the list of her descendants and family relatives i)resent, which is still preserved, is most sur[)rising for its numbers, length and prominent names. The funeral took place in New York and was one of the largest ever seen in that city up to that …

His wife Gertrude was made " sole Executrix," and with her as guardian of the minor children, of whom there were several, as well as of the others, he a|)pointed "my Brother Jacobus Van Cortlandt, my Brother [in law] Brant Schuyler, and my cousin William XicoUs,-' to be Guardians, Tutors, and Overseers over my said children." Tlie personal and mixed estate including " plate …

There was a custom among the Dutch j»eople of New York, not to have the will of a deceased parent opened till after the expiration of a month from the day of the death, as a token of respect.' Then it was read in a family council, and immediately offered for probate. This custom was probably followed in this case. The Witnesses who proved the will were, Thomas Wenham, Rip Van …

continues, " and it is my Desire and Appointment that tlie same houses, lands, and premises be Eitlier Equally Divided amongst them my said children, or that they hold or enjoy the same in Common Amongst them, as my said children and Overseers and Guardians hereafter named shall judge and think most eflectuall and proper for their best advantage, use, and benefit." The next …

This determination continued not only during i\Irs. van ('ortlandt's life, which terminated in 172.'!, but up to the year 1730, when it was agreed to divide that part of the ^^anor lying north of the Croton River. During this period the population gradually increased, the rents were applied, in part, to its development in building of mills, the making of roads, and aiding …

Johannes, or John, van Cortlandt the eldest son of Stcjjhanus, had married Anna Sojihia van Schaack of Albany, and had only one child a daughter who became the wife of Pliilip Verplanck son of Abraham Isaacson Verplanck the first of that name in America. To her wa-s devised by her Father at his death, the Point, from her husband's name called " Verplanck's Point," and his one …

The original of the latter disappeared, at a comparatively late day, but in 1774, before the American Revolution, a lac-simile copy (the oldest in existence, and often wrongly called the original Manor Map) was made from it by the well known surveyor of the City of New York of that period, Evert Bancker, and is now among the Van Wyck paj)ers in the possession of that family …

It |)rovi(led for a division iiito ten e(|ual parts of the estates of Stephanus and his son Oliver, "and to that end all the said parties with an unanimous assent and consent did elect and choose Philip Ver planck, surveyor, to survey and lay out the same into thirty Lotts, by virtue of which nomination and appointment he the said Philip Verplanck did project and lay out the …

In 1733 under the same articles of agreement, the parties in interest made in the same way, another division "of the other find remaining part of the lands aforesaid," into ten lots, and duly executed to each other similar deeds of partition dated November 1st, 1733. These two divisions, however, were confined to lands north of the Croton river about which there was no …

At length, to settle all questions absolutely, and to effect a final division of these undivided lands and those south of the Croton river, a special agreement was entered into by all of the heirs as they stood, in 17')8, in virtue of which a final disposition and distribution of the lands was effected, with some small exceptions. At the first two divisions, the ten heirs who …

During the twenty years which elapsed between 1733, and the execution of the agreement for the division of 1753, changes by death had occurred, so that the heirs who joined in the latter were as follows : 1. Stephen Van Cortlandt (of Second River, N. J.). 2. John Miln, widower. 3. Henry Beekman and Gertrude his wife. 4. William Skinner and Elizabeth his wife. 5. Andrew …

last above named in whom the undivided lands had vested in 1753, by lease and release, the latter dated the 14th of December in that year, conveyed them to Oliver de Lancey, John Watts, and John Van Cortlandt, in trust, to settle all disputes as to encroachments and trespasses on the lands, either by ejectment, or arbitration, as they saw fit ; and all as to boundaries in the …

The lauds north of the Croton River were divided into two ranges called north and south "Great Lots " of the same Arabic nundiers, from 1 to 10. Those north of the Croton but fronting on the Hudson River were called "Front lots" and were also numbered from 1 to 10. Number 11, was the tract on the west side of the Hudson. The lots south of the Croton were also numbered in the …

It is my will and appointment and Direction that upon a division of my s* houses, lands, and mills, and other Real Estate my sons according to their ])riority of birth shall have the first choyce, alwayes allowing to the value of those parts they shall choose that the respective parties and i)ersons of my children may be made Equall in worth one to another." Nothing is said as …

THE ORIGIN AND HISTOKY OF THE MANORS. To Stephen rleLancej', North lot No. ten, and Soutli h)t No 5, north of Croton, and Front lot No. six, on the Hudson. To Philip Van Cortlandt, north lot No. six and South lot No. one, north of Croton, and Front lot No. one on the Hudson. To Stephen Van Cortlandt, South lots Nos. six and seven. North of Croton, and Front lot No. 4 on the …

It is easy to see, from the choice of the sons in this division and the extra value that must have been put upon the lots which fell to Andrew Johnston, to ecjualize, that, the lots on and nearest the Hudson were then deemed the most valuable and desirable. When Verplanck's Map was made the ten lots South of the Croton, shown in it were not included in the " thirty lots " …

After the first two divisions there was a little changing among the heirs of their lots, either by ex- ' This is ttie correct name. It lias been spelled Jleliii, anil Milin, in eome |iaper» »Dd nia|iH. He was a physieiun of Aliiany, N. V., and married Maria, or Mary, van t'., the widow of Kilian van Renselaer, the Patroon of liis day, and first Lord of Uensselaersburgli as a …

Mr. de Lancey died in 1741, and under his will and the division of his Estate among his children, two of these lots became the property of his eldest son James, then the Chief Justice of the Province. In 1744 the latter conveyed them, as a gift, to his second son Stephen. Stephen a few years later began their settlement, and brought in many fanners, and some mechanics. The …

Stephen de Lancey, the younger, the son of James, likewise about the year 1705 built a very large double frame house on the Titicus River and resided there many years. It is still standing, and, from just after the revolution was " The Academy of North Salem," having been sold for that i)urpose. It was One of the very first established in this State, and has only recently been …

Hudson, was from her Christian name, styled "Gertrudesborough," that of Philip van Cortlandt "Cortlandttown " (now with adjacent lands called "The town of Cortlandt," and that of Mr. dc Lancey, "De Lanceytown " now "The Town of North Salem." " Hanover " was also a name for part of the present " Somcrs " town. The number of acres in the shares of the respective heirs and their …

The first column shows the numbers and areas of the first or north range of Great Lots north of the Croton ; the second those of the south range of the Great Lots nortii of the Croton ; and the tliird those of the Front lots on the Hudson. North range of the Great Lots Nortli of tlu^ Croton. No. 1, contents 40<ir) acres. „ 2, 2784 3, „ 2904 „ 4, „ 2804 5, , 2811 G, „ 3168 7, „ …

„ !>, „ 1233 „ 10, „ 2764 14,333 Recapitulation. Great North lots 32,887 „ South lots 28,765 Front Lots on Hudson 14,333 Total in the Divisions of 1732 and 1733 75,985 Lots South of Croton 7,128 83,113 Lands in Pound ridge 3000 Parson's Point on the Hudson 100 Total east of the Hudson... 8(!,213 „ ' Tract on West side of the Hudson 1500 Total number of acres in the whole Manor …

I This IB not in Verplanck'B survey, but is added as an estimate from the best information the writer could ol)tain. 2 From tlie MS. in tlie Van Wyck papers. 8 Tlio seiianite values of each of these three lots are oniiltiil in the original, though the total is given ; evidently an accidental error. THE ORIGIN AND HISTORY OF THE MANORS. N'imcs Acre's. Vttluu ill poui 238. 300 …

Hence the entire value in money of the 75,000 acres and upwards, in 1733, when the division among the heirs took place, was only $25.0(52, or about $2,500 per share ; and as the shares averaged 7000 acres each, it is seen at once how extremely low was the value of land j)er acre in New York and in Westchester County at that time. This valuation also is evidence of the good …

So that five of the old townshijis and about a third of a sixth, were Ibrmcd out of the Manor of Cortlandt. The following tabular statements of the valuation of the land in these live and one-third townships, in 1829 and in 1875, the* former about a century and the latter about a century and a half, after the valuation of the Manor as a whole in 1732-33 above given, show in …

It must be borne in mind, however in comparing these tables of 1829 and 1875, that the valuation of 1732-3 embraced only the divisions of those years • It is greatly to be regretted that a paiiy s(]ual)l)le about the political patronage in the taking of it, should have prevented the taking of any State Census in 1885, so that a comparison of values up to that year could have …

among the heirs, while the valuation of the Townshijis eniVjrate in addition the lands subsequently divided among the heirs in 1753, and a small portion of lands then leftundivided, as mentioned above ; and also that in North Salem and Lewisborough the " Oblong" lands are included in their respective valuations, which were never a i)art of the Manor. But allowing for these …

As will be seen by the footing at the end, the gross number of acres somewhat exceeds the figures of the gross number by Verplaiick's survey as stated above. AVithout attem])tiiig to explain this discrepancy the statement is given as in the original, because it shows clearly which great lots of the old Manor were embraced in each Township, carved out of it, and the amount of …

5,(i44 iSomers Town. Acres. N. Lot No. 5 2,811 N. Lot No. 6 3,168 N. Lot No. 7 3,096 About a third of N. Lot No. 8 1,232 S. Lot No. 5 2,982 S. Lot No. 6 2,760 Half of S. Lot No. 7 1,330 17,979 North Salem. I of N. Lot No. 8 2,464 N. Lot No. 9 3,696 N. Lot No. 10 3,273 9.433 iSontli Salon. i of S. Lot No. 7 .1,330 S. Lot No. 9 3,696 S. Lot No. 10 3,273 9,433 f'oiiiif/riili/e …

He was a merchant in New Amsterdam, and like his father took an active i)art in public affairs. In June 1729 he was recommended to the King for appointment as a Councillor of the Province by Governor Montgonierie in place of Lewis Morris jr. The appointment was made the 3d of February 1730, he took his seat in April of the same year, and continued in the Council until his …

His wife was Catharine daughter of Abraham do Peyster to whom he was married in 1710. ' He left him surviving, six children, five sons and one daughter, Catharine, who was killed by the bursting of a cannon on the Battery while watching the firing of a salute in honor of the King's birth day June 4th 1738, in her 13th year. By the death of his elder brothers, Johannes who left …

Philip the elder, the fourth head of the family born 10th November 1739, preferring a military life, entered the British Army, in which he served many years, dying on the 1st of May, 1814, in his 75th year. He is buried in Hailsham Church where a mural monument is erected to his memory. He maiTied on Aug 2d, 17G2, Catharine, daughter of Jacob Ogden of New Jersey. They had the …

The daughters were, 1. Mary Ricketts, married John M. Anderson ; 2. Elizabeth, married William Taylor, Lord Chief Justice of Jamaica, and left oue sou, Colonel Pringle Taylor of Pennington ; 3. Catharine, twin with Mrs. Taylor, married Dr. William Gourlay of Kincraig Scotland ; 4. Margaret Hughes, married 0. Elliott-Elliott of Berkshire and died without issue ; 5. Gertrude …

Pierre van Cortlandt, the youngest son of Philij) the third son of Stephanus, born the 10th of January 1721, and who died the 1st of May, 1814, in consequence of the deaths in early numhood of his brothers Abraham, Philip, and John, unmarried, and of the death in 1756, of his eldest brother Stephen, and the absence in the army of his nephew Philip, Stephen's eldest son, became …

Beekman, Anne wife of Philip S. van Rensselaer, so long the Mayor of Albany, at which city she died in 1855 at the age of 89 years, and Gertrude who died, a child in her eleventh year in December 1766. Of the four sons, two, Gilbert, and Ste{)lien, died in early life unmarried. The eldest was the celebrated Colonel Philip van Cortlandt of the Revolution, who at its close was …

By his second wife he had one child, a son, the late Colonel Pierre van Cortlandt, who died only on the eleventh of July 1884, leaving him surviving, his widow, Catherine, eldest daughter of the late eminent Theodrick Romcyn Beck, M.D., of Albany, one son, Mr. James Stevenson van Cortlandt, and two daughters, Catharine, the wife of the Rev. John Rutherfurd Mathews, and Miss …

In the cijsc of the Manor of Cortlandt the first payments of its (]uitrent, were receipted for by the King- Receiver-Cieneral and Collector, on the back of the Manor-Grant itself, which has been already described. This course was unusual and was owing probably to the early death of its first lord and the careful attention of his widow and executrix. The receipts for similar …

In full of Quitrents for all the Lands Lying within the Man nor of Cortlandt, to the 25 of March 'Pait 10, of this essay, ante pp. 95, 96. Last Pursuant to the within Pattent as wittness my hand T. Byerley GoW. 3'' Endorsement. Received of Phillip Cortland Esq' for account of M'^ Geertruydt Van Cortland two pounds proc'. money in full for one years quitt rent to the 25 of …

both which Provinces he was of the Governor's Coun- j cil. He died in 1725, and was succeeded as Receiver- ' General in New York by Archibald Kennedy, who i signs the last of the above receipts, in 1726. j Subsequent to the divisions of 1732-33 among the ' heirs, the (]uit rents were paid j>roportionably by the different owners. During the Revolutionary war and after it …

l)aid, if not on what i)art of the Manor those now de- jl manded were due, and how the different propricstors 'm are to proceed in estinuiting their respective pro])or- il tions. As lam interested in a part of the Manor, I |H will thank you for any information you cau give me ■ on this subject. I hope you will excuse the trouble I |l give you, and believe me, Sir Respectfully …

" The Comptroller is requested as soon as convenient to make out what amount of Quit Rent is due from the Manor of Cortlandt Pattent, which includes in its bounds, the Pattents granted to Stephen V. Cortlandt for lands on both sides of the Hudson, Dated March 16, ICSo-- John Knight, dated March 24 l()8f)-- and Hugh McGregory dated the 2d of April l()i)0 -- wliich became the …

"There is another small Patent granted to Tennis Dekey, Sybout Harchie and Jacobus Harchie which is also included in the Manor and is subject to pay Q. Reut. " Of this a part to be sold. "There is about eighty acres called Parson's Point, which was left by the Proprietors of the Manor undivided and now is in the possession of the Dutch Minister -- and if sold a title can be …

After the Revolutionary War I obtained jxjssession tliereof and put the Dutch lieformed Congregation in possession. As they cannot obtain a comjilete title from the Heirs, I want it sold for the benefit of the said cliurch, or as much thereof as will pay the Quit Rent now due from the said Manor of Cortlandt. Ph. V. Cortlandt.'^ Parson's Point is bounded on the West and South …

The Revolution checked this movement entirely for the time being, nor was it till 1787 or 8 that it began again. But from that time it progressed continually, so that by 1847, there were only about 2500 or 3000 acres of leased land," exclusive of the estate belonging to Gen. Pierre Van Cortlandt, left throughout the Manor. Of this about 1200 acres divided into five farms are …

" days work with carriage and horses," meaning not " a carriage " in our sense of the word to-day, but a day's work with wagon and team. Tliis latter was Often spoken and written of as a " day's riding.'' These were all originally introduced as an easy way for the tenants in those times when there was very little mon ey in the country to pay a part of the rents reserved in the …

The northernmost branches of that River rising in Putnam County and the easternmost, in Connecticut, each receiving in its course many small affluents, meet near its centre, and form the main stream of the Croton, which falls into the Hudson on the south side of the striking peninsula of Teller's, or Croton, Point. Five or six small streams, the largest of which, is " John …

So many are they that only a few of the larger are to be found upon the Maps. This region so remarkably wooded and watered, formerly abounded in beaver, all kinds of deer, and the ever present foes of the latter, wolves. Many are the provincial statutes offering bounties for the destruction of the latter. The beaver lived on the streams and in the forests of Corelandt till …

From its summit looking west the eye ranges over the whole twenty miles in length of the Manor of Cortlandt, the view being only terminated by the Rockland Mountains across the Hudson. The depression in which the latter lies is distinctly seen. Immediately in front of the spectator spreads the rich and affluent valley of the Titicus, the "Mughtiticoos" of the Indians, the …

The whole twenty miles of the Manor, hill, valley, river, and forest, glowing in the most brilliant radiance beneath the deep red tints of a gorgeous sky, and then as the great luminary, tinting their peaks with gold, sinks behind the blue Rockland Mountains, the whole suddenly blotted out in a deep purplish sombre gloom. Upon the lower slopes of the height stands the old home …

Thus within the Manor are three distinct water-sheds, two carrying their waters into the Hudson, and one into the sound. The origin of the name of the river, the great natural feature of the Manor, the waters of which supply the great city of New York by means of a magnificent aqueduct without a rival in Ancient or Modern times, is not certainly known. Different theories have …

Vcrplanck lived many years prior to 1732 in the Manor, and knew every one interested in it, from shortly after the death of Stephanus Van Courtland to his own death a period of about seventy years, his opportunities of knowing the English name of the stream were certainly better than those of any one of whom we now have knowledge. He was also a surveyor, and hence obliged to …

TIte Manor of Scarsdale, Its Origin, Local History, Adjoining Patents and Manors, Its First Lord and his Faiaily, Division and Topography. Named by its Lord after that division of the beautiful county of Derby, nearly the geographical centre of England, in which the city of Chesterfield, crowning a lofty verdant height, sits like a queen upon her throne, the rivers Rother and …

By its terms the Manor-Grant included a tract embracing the i)resent towns of Mamaroneck, Scarsdale, a small i)art of Harrison, with White plains, and a portion of Northcastle. But as a dispute existed with "some of y'' inhabitants of y° town of Rye " as to White plains at the time of Colonel Ileathcote's'' purchase of the tract, the Manor-tJrant expressly provided that it …

River to the head thereof, & thence on a north line untill eighteen miles from the said marked tree is compleated ; westerly, beginning at the marked tree or a great rock being the westermost part of the northern bounds of the aforesd. township, being about two miles from the country road, & thence to run northerly eighteen miles as the line on the eastermost side of the said …

Caleb Heathcote, & other parte has been purchased by yc sd. Caleb Heathcote of ye Native Indian Proprietors ; & whereas ye sd. Caleb Heathcote hath further petitioned our sd. Lt. Governor & Councill that ye sd. tract of land may be erected into a Mannour by ye name of ye Maniiour See tlie Manor map and bis "explanatioin " api>ciiilcd to it. -Tliis Dninc is projwrly pronoimccd …

All & every ye aforesd. tracts & ])arcells of land and meadow w"" in ye respective limits & bounds beforementioned & expressed, together w"" all & every ye messuages, tenem'"*, buildings, harnes, houses, out-houses, fences, orchards, gardens, pastures, meadows, marshes, swamjjs, ])ools, ponds, waters, water courses, woods, underwoods, trees, timbers, quarries, runs, rivers …

White Plaines untill the same shall happen to belong to the sd. Caleb Heathcote, and moreover, Know yee that of our further speciall grace, certain knowledge, & meer motion, wee have thought fitt to erect all the aforerecited tracts & j)arcells of land & meadow, w"'"in the limitts & bounds aforesaid, into a Lordship and Mannour, except as before excepted, and therefore by …

Court Leet & Court Baron to be holden within our said lordship or manor, to be sett, forfeited, or imposed, or payable, or happening, at any time to be l)ayable, by any of the inhabitants of, or w"'ii], the said Lordshipp or Manuour of Scarsdale or die Limitts & bounds thereof, & also all & every power & powers, authority & authorityes, for the holding & keeping, the sd. court …

Mannour, shall & may at all times hereafter meet together & choose assessors within the man."' aforesd. according to such rules, wayes, & methods, as are prescribed for cities towns & counties within our sd. j)rovince, by ye acts of Generall of Assembly for defraying the publick charge of each respective city, town, & county, aforesaid, & all such sumes of money so assessed & …

of uiiy town, township, or Maiiour, whatsoever, to be holden of us, our heires & successors, in free & comon soccaRe according to the tenure of our Mannour of East Greenwicli in the county of Kent, w"'in our Kingdonie of Enghmd, yielding rendering and p(iiji/i(j therefore, yearly, & every year, forever, at our city of New Yorke, unto us our heires & successours, or to such …

I do hereby certify the aforegoing to be a true coi)y of the original record word & 5th line page 229 being obliterated and or interlined in its stead as in said record. Compared therewith by me. Lewis A. Scott, Secretory. State of New York, Office of the Secretary of State. I hare compared the preceding copy of Letters Patent with the record thereof in this office, in Book …

Of this trade the central point in the West Indies was Barbadoes then, as now, a British Island. The voyages were from England to Barbadoes, thence to New York or Boston, and thence back to England. Hence the continual refeience in the accounts aiul letters of that day to the "news from home via Barbardoes." Precisely when John Kichbell left England is not known. He was a …

These laws increased in extent, and vigorously enforced by Cromwell, bore harshly upon England's "Plantations in foreign parts" at thattime just beginning to exist. Then began that illicit contraband trade in America which continued and increased from that time during the whole colonial period. And which proved, in conse(iUcnce of the very stringent measures adopted by England …

They piously begin, and are in these words: -- "God sending you to arrive safely in New England, our advice is that you informe yourself fully by sober understanding men of that parte of [the] land which lyetli betwixt Connecticott and the Dutch Colloiiy, and of the seacoast belonging to the same, and the Islands that lye betwixt Long Island and the Maine, viz.: within what …

That it be near .some navigable Ry ver, or at least some safe port or harbour, and that the waye to it be neither long nor difficult. II. That it be well watered by some running streame, or at least by some fresh ponds and springs, near adjoining. III. That it be well wooded, which I tliinke you can hardly mis.se of. That it be healthy, high, ground, not boggs or fens, for the …

Tiien after cautioning him to obtain a good title, and directing him how to begin and carry on the actual settling and planting of the location, the instructions, with a sharj) eye to their main object, thus conclude; -- " La,stly, we desire you to advise us, or either of us, how affairs stand with you, what your wants are, and how they may be most advantageously employed by …

Directly on the Sound, close to Connecticut and claimed by that Colony, yet within the Dutch jurisdiction, with a deeply indented harbour, and a fine ever running stream of fresh water falling over a reef directly into it, backed by high wooded hills, and skirted by the cleared planting fields of the Indians ; and within a day's sail of the" Manhadoes," Richbell could not have …

He purchased that beautiful peninsula, or a part of it, in Oyster Bay, afterwards, and still, known as Lloyd's Neck, on the 5th of September IGGO, which six years later he subsequently sold.^ He was a resident of Oyster Bay from IGGO to 1GG3 or 1GG4, and afterwards of Mamaroneck. A year later, in September 1G61, he made the first purchase of the Mamaroneck lands of the …

Also the said Richbell or his Assignes may freely feed cattle, or cutt Tind)er Twenty miles Northward from the marked Trees of the Necks, fibr and in consideracion the said Richbell is to Give and Deliver unto the aforenamed Wajjpa- ([uewam the goods hereunder mentioned, the one hallo about a month after the date here of, and the other halfe the next Spring following, as the …

When the change of rule came and the English were in power and the Dutch Transports, or patents, had been confirmed by English ones under the Duke of York, Richbell had recorded with his English Patent, in the Secretary's office of the Province, the numerous affidavits made in 1661 and 1662 and laid before the Dutch authorities, on which they condemned Revell's Indian deed and …

Pells purchase, Now These are to certify to all and every one of whom it may concerne, That I Wampaquewam did for myselfe and in the behalfe of my aforesaid Brother Mahatahaii, firm firmly Bargain and Sell to Mr. John Richbell of Oyster Bay, to him and his Heires forever, the above mentioned three Necks of Land, together with all other Priviledges thereunto belonging, Six …

• As explained above in this eseay. s Liber 2 of Deods, 192-199, Sec. of state's off* Albany. < Liber Two of Deeds p. 128. lla In December, 1661, John Richbell made his application to the Dutch Governor and Council for the grond-bref above alluded to. His memorial, dated the day before Christmas, 1661, is in these 'words: John Richbells Petition to the Dutch Government for a …

In the meantime he supplicates that your Honours may be pleased to grant him letters patent for the whole tract, which he is willing to enforce and instruct them of your Honours Government and will, in similar manner, on terms and conditions as are allowed to other villages. Hoping for your assent he remains, respectfully, John Richbell.' This memorial was read and considered …

John Rissebel and his friends, that he be under the protection of the high and subordinate Authority of this Province, upon terms and conditions that other inhabitants doe enjoy, may take up and posssess a certain Neck and parcel of Land called Mammarinikes, j)rovided that the aforesaid Mr. John Rissebel, his associates, and every one that are now hereafter to come, in due and …

It is recorded in vol. xx. of the State Records at Albany, 127. HISTORY OF WESTCHESTER COUNTY. The Dutch " Transport " which was formerly in the writer's possession was unfortunately destroyed by accident at the same time with the original Groundbrief as stated above. It vested the lands in Richbell absolutely. The English Patent of Confirmation of the Transport to John …

Having to the south, the sound, and running northward from the marked trees upon the said neck, twenty miles into the woods, which said parcel or tract of land hath been lawfully purchased of the Indian I)roprietors, by John Richbell of Mamaronock, gentleman, in whose possession now it is, and his title thereunto sufficiently proved, both at several courts of sessions, as also …

But in matters of assessment and public rates, they are to be assessed by the officers of that town to wljich they do properly belong, being the nearest unto them, to have and to hold the said parcel and tract of land in the said three necks contained, and premises with all and singular the privileges and ai)purtenances to the said John Richbell, hia heirs and assigns, to the …

The "East Neck" extended from Mamaroneck River to a small stream called "Pij)ins Brook" which divided it from the Great Neck and is the same which now crosses the Boston Road just east of the house of the late Mr. George Vanderburgh ; the " Middle Neck " extended from the latter stream westward to a much larger brook called " Cedar or Gravelly Brook," which is the one that …

For some reason not now known, the survey and division was not actually effected till 1677, when it was made by Robert Ryder the Surveyor-General as follows ; -- " Whereas there hath been a difference between John Richbell and Mr. John Pell which by virtue of an order from the Right Honourable Major Edmund Andros Esqr. Governor Generall of New York, I have made a division of …

which is in manner and form as is hereafter expressed viz.' That the said Richbell shall extend from Cedar Tree Brook or Gravelly Brook, .south westerly fifty degrees to a certain mark'd Tree, lying above the now comon Road thirty and four chains in length, marked on the east with R and on the west with P, thence extending south sixty three degrees East by certain marked Trees …

In Richbell's Petition of the 24th of December 1631 to the Dutch Government for a ground-brief above given, he says the name of the " East Neck " is " Mamaranock Neck." A misreading by Mr. Bolton of the first of these two words in this document as recorded led to his stating in the first edition of his History of Westchester County issued in 1848, (vol. i. 282) that the …

distance above the present bridge between the towns of Mamaroneck and Rye where the river bends suddenly to the east and then takes a northerly course, a rocky reef originally crossed it nearly at right angles, causing the formation of " rapids." It was high enough to prevent the tide rising over it at highwater, so that the fresh water of the river always fell directly into …

John Richbell for her dutiful observance towards me." * By way of making this provision for his wife more secure, John Richbell settled the same East Neck upon her as a jointure, by a deed in trust to John Ryder dated 23d of April, 1669, " in consideration of a marriage long since had and solemnized between the said John Richoell and Ann his present wife," and therein …

John Richbell died the 26th day of July 1684,* leaving his widow him surviving, in whom his entire real estate vested in fee absolutely under the above deeds and jointure, except what little he and his wife had together conveyed in liis lifetime. 3 Ancient copy of the deed in writer's possession. It is also Recorded in SecJ* office and in West. Co. * .\ncient copy of this …

Caleb Heathcote, Mayor of the Borough of Westchester," his heirs and assigns forever in fee simple absolute, excepting only a small tract previously deeded as a gift to James Mott and his wife in 1684, and another small piece deeded as a gift to John Emerson on the 30th of Sept 1686, which latter was subsequently conveyed by Emerson to Mott by deed dated 25th of June 1690, the …

The above reservation to Mott referred to a small piece of upland at the entrance to that portion of the East Neck, subsequently, and to this day, called "De Lancey's Neck," of about thirty acres deeded by Mrs. Riehbell to Mary and James Mott on the 8 August 1684, which from Mott's heirs finally became vested in the late Giles Seaman after whose death it passed by sale to the …

Nothing remains to show whether the trade of Modiford Sharpe and Riehbell was, or was not, profitable. If the latter, it could not have been 80 very long, for the English conquest of New Netherland in 1664, three years after Richbell's purchase of Mamaroneck, put an end to its advantages for a contraband business. After his controversy with Pell was terminated in 1671 as shown …

John Bassett." It was bounded east by No. three, and west " with my own house lot named No. five." It reserved a rent of "one bushel of winter wheat payable annually on the 25th of March," and " one day's work each yearly harvest;" and prohibited any sale of the land "but by and with the consent and approbation of the said John Riehbell or Ann his wife." Of the other six " …

W.ly [line] 45 degrees to a certaine Rocky hill being upon the Southermost pt. of the greate plaine, one hundred twenty and two chaines : running thence by pt. of the edge of the plaine & threw the woods to Momorronacke River one hundred twenty & seaven chaines : ffrom thence running by the side of the River to the Going over of the said River: one hundred & sixty chaines. &in …

That line these Commissioners thus officially describe in their formal treaty between the two Colonies ; -- " We order and declare thai the creeke or river called Mamoroneck which is reputed to be about thirteen miles to the east of Westchester, and a line drawn from the east point or side where the fresh water falls into the Salt at Highwater-Mark North Northwest to the line …

What a perfect " Yankee trick " this claim was is shown by the fact that it describes the Whiteplains as being "within the town bounds of Rye," when six days after its date the then pending public negotiations fixed the boundary line at Byram River, and Rye ceased to be a part of Connecticut, as she claimed to be and from which she got her " town bounds." It was obtained in a …

Contained with a small River Commonly called Momoroneck River being also the East bounds or Limitts of this Governm' upon the maine, and the Westermost with the gravelly or Stony brooke, or river which makes the East limitts of the Land knowne by the name of W" Pell's Purchase haveing to the south the sound and runing northward from the marked Trees upon the said Neck's twenty …

And manureiug the same & to Settle thereon with themselves and familyes is wholly Obstructed and hind** by Ryemen haveing made a greate Disturbance amongst them and Pretends aright to the Same therefore Cannot dispose of any part or p'cell thereof till your bono'' will be pleased to grant an Order to Cleare the Same. Therefore humbly pray and beseech your bono"' and the …

He left his widow Ann and three daughters, Elizabeth, second wife ot Adam Mott, of Hempstead, Mary, the wife of Capt. James Mott and Anne, the wife of John Emerson, ot Maryland, his only children him surviving. The Rye claim however did not die, but remained a source of annoyance to his widow. In 1694 the matter came to a head. Mrs. Richbell served the following Protest upon …

Richbell Esq^, Deceased Am Credebly Informed that Humphry Underbill and severall other persons belongeing to the Towne of Rye have made a forcable Entry : and are further proceeding in the Like Manner Upon and into Severall parcells and Tracts of Land within the pattent Right of me the said Anne Richbell as may and dos Appeare by the Grand Pattent Granted under the hand and …

Ann Richbell It is believed to be the only Westchester County Court document of the kind of the seventeenth century which has come down regularly to a present representative in interest of one of the parties to the original action. Its form being somewhat different from that now used, and showing the names of the Judges, Jurors, and Counsel, and the summary of the evidence …

This lustrum' was Read at a publick Towne meeting at y"" Towne house of Rye the day and date above written, and their Answer was if they did not meddle or make with any Lands that belongs to M" Richbells Patent But at the same Time they was makeing a Generall Agreem' to Lay out and devide a parcell of Land the said Richbell Layeth Clame Too by virty of her said Pattent. Test …

Underbill Reads an ord' about the Line betweene this Province and Canniddecott and Pleads the Land in question not within this Governm' but in Canniddecott. Mr. Peter Cock^ Pleads that Joseph Lee' might be swore to give what Report he cann about the Surveigh of the now Surveyo'' Generall, who upon oath, saith, that he begun his Survey at or about Momoronock Bridge : * and soe …

The Jury find that Momorronack River is the bounds of Richbells Pattent ^ here the ffresh water flals into the salt in said River, and from thence a northerly line into the woods : and if the Tenn' in Possession be on the West side of said Line then wee find for the plaintive, otherwise for the Defendant. Joseph Lee, CI." It would have been of more interest still at this ' …