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Library University of Pittsburgh Darlington Memorial Library
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Book
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الرهيب
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NE VIEW OF SCHO HARRIE
HISTORY
OF
SCHOHARIE COUNTY,
AND
BORDER WARS OF NEW YORK;
CONTAINING ALSO
A SKETCH OF THE CAUSES WHICH LED TO THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION ;
AND
INTERESTING MEMORANDA OF THE MOHAWK VALLEY;
TOGETHER WITH
MUCH OTHER HISTORICAL AND MISCELLANEOUS MATTER, NEVER BEFORE PUBLISHED.
ILLUSTRATED WITH MORE THAN THIRTY ENGRAVINGS.
BY JEPTHA R. SIMMS. ...
Sleep soldiers of merit, sleep gallants of yore, 'The hatchet is fallen, the struggle is o'er,- While the fir tree is green and the wind rolls a wave, The tear drop shall brighten the turf of the brave .- Upham.
ALBANY; MUNSELL & TANNER, PRINTERS 1845.
Har +127 9355
Entered according to an Act of Congress, in the year 1845, by JEPTHA R. SIMMS,
In the Clerk's Office of the Northern District of New York.
TO THE YOUNG MEN OF THE SCHOHARIE AND MOHAWK VALLEYS, Classic Grounds for the Antiquarian,
This volume is respectfully dedicated. And should the young be interested in its perusal, and its scenes of blood tend to increase their love of country and hatred of tyranny inspiring them with gratitude towards the heroes of the Revolution,- a spirit to emulate their daring deeds, and a desire to become familiar, not only with the stirring events which have been enacted near their own domestic altars, but a perfect history of their whole country- her institutions and the manner of preserving them ; then will his desired reward be attained.
THE AUTHOR.
PREFACE.
-
Comparatively few persons ever read the preface of a book, although every one should who would peruse the contents of the latter understandingly : for as a door serves us to enter the dwelling of our neighbor, so a preface is given by the writer of a volume as its entrance. That individual who does not read what an author says of his own book, can never fully appreciate its merits or demerits. Says Phillips in his Million of Facts : "Let us garner up our notices of past ages, and preserve them in the archives of the country : we shall please and instruct ourselves by so doing, and make posterity lasting- ly indebted to us for the deed. To transmit the honors of one age to another is our duty ; to neglect the merits of our fathers is a disgrace." Actuated by corresponding motives, I com- menced collecting historic matter in 1837, with the view of making it public.
From the lips of many hoary-headed persons of intelligence then living, whom I visited at their dwellings at no little sa- crifice of time, the matter presented in the following pages was taken down; which individuals could say of numerous impor- tant transactions-
I was an actor in, or I witnessed them.
The collection of materials for this volume began just before it was publicly announced, that Col. Stone's forthcoming Life
vi
PREFACE.
of Brant would serve up many border transactions, but rightly conjecturing that not a few would escape that writer's notice, par- ticularly of a personal character, which might prove highly in- teresting to the general reader, I continued my gleanings; with what success the following pages will show. This volume does not profess to contain a detailed narrative of all the tragic scenes enacted on the frontiers of New York; for the reader is aware that several large books filled with such matter have already been published. I have aimed, therefore, to present incidents which have escaped the knowlege of previous writers, or trans- actions to which I could add new facts, generally noticing in their place, however, the most important events published by other authors.
When writers are obliged to rely principally on oral testi- mony for what they publish, they are liable, from the treachery of memory in some, and the fondness for the marvelous in others, to imposition, to be practised in turn upon their readers. Aware of this, in matters of importance I have principally confined my inquiries to individuals sustaining a character of conscientious regard for the truth. More than this, I have had the same stories related by as many different persons as possible, often strangers to each other; and then, on carefully examining their testimony, have been enabled to arrive, as I believe, very sa- tisfactorily at the truth. These antiquarian researches should have been made at an earlier day, but the stale maxim, " better late than never," will surely hold good in this instance if any.
When I commenced collecting materials for this work, I had not designed to make it so extended, but incidents of real in- terest coming to my knowledge, which transpired in sections remote from the Schoharie settlements, where those researches began; I resolved to enlarge it so as to garner up as many
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PREFACE.
unpublished events as possible, particularly of the Revolution ; in pursuance of which plan I visited not a few aged persons in the Mohawk valley. To render the book generally useful, believing it would fall into the hands of some who might never read an elaborate history of the American Revolution, I con- cluded to incorporate from the most authentic sources, a brief sketch of the principal causes which brought about that Revo- lution, adding to it the Declaration of our Independence, a do- cument, which, though now in the possession of comparatively few, should be in the hands of every American citizen.
Since the subject matter of the volume has taken a wider range than was at first anticipated -in truth, not a few novel and important facts have come to hand since a prospectus was issued for it, the author has thought seriously of changing the title because too local; but as often has the question of the poet arisen -" What's in a name ?" and not fastening on any one more satisfactory, it has been retained. That portions of the volume may be found obnoxious to criticism, I do not doubt, as it has mostly been written in the midst of the family circle and domestic cares. Indeed, had it been penned under more favor- able auspices, I am not quite certain it would have been pro- nounced a very classic production ; for, having been bred be- hind a counter, much of my early life was devoted to merchan- dising instead of letters. A friend who has often seen me in my studio, surrounded by my family, has wittily suggested the propriety, not inaptly I must confess, of dating this volume in the kitchen, and dedicating it to my better-half.
The reader may expect to discover some little repetition, and a want of smoothness and harmony in its parts, since portions of this work have been added as new light has been cast upon them, long after others were written: besides, some of it has
viii
PREFACE.
undergone a hasty abridgement to bring it within the volume, which now by far exceeds its intended limits. Care has been taken to correct several errors into which previous writers have fallen, from their not sufficiently authenticating what they publish- ed ; and it is very possible with all my pains-taking, that I have fallen into some. If an essential one should become apparent to any reader, he will confer a favor on the author by pointing it out ; as also he will by transmitting ancient writings, or in- teresting unpublished facts to his address. A true history of the Revolution cannot be written until the epitaphs of all the actors in that great struggle for civil liberty shall have become moss- bound; for as the several parts of a body serve to make up its whole, I conceive it necessary to bring together those scattered parts before it can be pronounced complete. Frequently do historic facts spring into life on the death of a scarred veteran, when, perhaps, for the first time his old papers fall under the observation of individuals who can appreciate their worth.
Although apprised by some of my pioneers in book-making that local histories soldom quit cost, and urged by timid friends long since to abandon the whole enterprise, still I have perse- vered in presenting the volume, such as it is, to the public, feeling conscious, whether deceiving myself or not, that I was discharging a duty I owed my country ; and if I have brought into the general store-house any new materials for the future historian, then has my labor not been in vain. That portions of matter in the following pages may be thought by some readers of too little importance to merit a place; or that other passages are too minutely detailed - too prolix to suit fastidious tastes, I do not doubt. What pleases one will not always please an- other, and that which somc readers would be most desirous to retain, would possibly be the first rejected by others. The mi-
ix
PREFACE.
nuteness with which our countrymen Stephens, Brooks, Clark and other gifted writers have described what they saw and felt, is the charm which renders their writings peculiarly acceptable to most readers. As seasoning in food renders it more agree- able to the palate, so small incidents, trivial in themselves, if not tedious, may give zest to a published event.
I would here acknowledge my indebtedness to all such per- sons as have in any manner aided me, by communicating in- formation either by letter or otherwise; and while I do so, take pleasure in expressing my especial obligations to my friends, Mr. Allen V. Lesley, a young gentlemen of much promise, who sketched with accuracy the principal views with which the volume is embellished; to my engravers, particularly to Messrs. V. Balch and E. Forbes, who have done most of the engraving, for the skillful manner in which they have executed their trust, and to the Rev. John M. Van Buren for taking some pains unsolicited, to bring the work into favorable notice. So much imposition has of late been practised in the sale of books by subscription, that I should not forget to signify my gratitude to those who have conditionally agreed to purchase this book, as they have secured to me the means of its publication.
Persons of little reading are incredulous when told that in- teresting facts of by-gone days remain unpublished, but my in- vestigations have been sufficient to satisfy me, that thrilling in- cidents of an unique character may yet be brought to light, and I cannot refrain from indulging a hope, that other writers will enter the field to glean where yet they may. And now, in closing my introduction and offering this humble effort to the public, to seek its share of popular favor, I cannot refrain from observing, that I am induced to do it, more from a desire to be- come useful than conspicuous.
Fultonville, N. Y.
J. R. SIMMS.
CONTENTS.
CHAPTER I.
Origin and signification of Schoharie-Schoharie tribe of Indians, how formed and distinguished-Location of Mohawk Castles-Indian Confederacy of New York and policy of the Albanians-Course of the Confederates in the Revolution-Arts of the aborigines-Mysterious pit-Indian customs and worship-Proper use of tobacco-Indian villages-Residence of Karighon- dontee-Indian Castle at the Wilder-Hook-Indian name of mountains-' Number of Schoharie Indians-Their coat of arms-Their footpaths- North America peopled by religion-Policy of Queen Anne towards Ger- man emigrants-Schoharie settled by Germans-Their passage from Eu- rope-Encamp on the Hudson-Arrive at Albany-Distinction between German and Dutch-Messengers sent to Schoharie-Party remove thither- Incidents on the way-Origin of the word Helleberg-Location of Schoha- rie settlers-Their names-Probable number. Page 21
CHAPTER II.
Poverty of Schoharie Germans-Birth of four children-First wheat sown in Schobarie-Milling done at Schenectada-Industry and Bravery of the women-Physicians and Ministers-First horse-Settlement in Vrooman's Land-Indian titles at that place-Murder of Truax-Its object how re- vealed-Arriva! of Bayard-Nature of his visit mistaken-Attempts to capture him-He escapes to Schenectada-Schoharie lands sold at Albany to seven partners-Foot race at Weiser's dorf-Battle between Captain Hartman and his Indian neighbors-Puts a spell upon their guns-Smoking of the calumet-Sheriff Adams arrives at Weiser's dorf-Rides upon a rail-Returns to Albany-Delegates sent from Albany to England-Are committed to the Tower-Their return home-Weiser and others remove to Pennsylvania-Origin of Cook-house-Horses return to Schoharie-In- stances of brute instinct-Justice Garlock removes to the Mohawk valley- Evidence of his justice. 51
CHAPTER III.
Ancient apple trees-First grist-mill in Schoharie county-Cobel's mills-In- dian name of Cobelskill-Old mill-stone-Introduction of bolting.cloths- Schoharie fashions-Profitable women-Buttons-Dandies-Long beards- First cider made in the county-First wheel-wright-First German school in America-Schools in Schoharie-First black-smith in Schoharie-Do- mestic beer-Dutch pride and prejudice-Introduction of slaves and their treatment-Farming utensils-Mode of threshing with horses-Shoe- makers-Tailors-Hatters-Abundance of fish-How exterminated-Wild animals-A German killed by a bear-Anecdote of the bear-catcher-A bear killed by a German-Hunt on Fox's creek-A tartar caught-Promi- nent hills east of Middleburgh-A panther story-Beavers and their dams- Doct. Moulter kills a wild-cat-First distillery in Schoharie-Fate of its owner-An Indian shoots six deer with arrows-Rattle snakes-How de- stroyed-Indian courtship-Schoharie Indians sell lands-Ancient bond -- Purchases of Indians how legalized-Royal permit to purchase of Indians-
xii
CONTENTS.
Sale of lands in New Dorlach-Reservations to government-Sales made in presence of Sir William Johnson-Certificate of Thomas Bradstreet- Certificate of Mayor of Albany respecting sale of slaves-The King's highways, how obstructed-First merchant in Schoharie-Anecdote of his marriage-His portrait-The second merchant-His will-A cannon, to whom presented and when used-Origin of Punchkill-Anecdote of John J. Lawyer-Liquor drank at funerals-Indian murders-Savage act of a father-An Indian marries his prisoner. Page 79
CHAPTER IV.
Groat family settle in the Mohawk valley-Erect a grist.mill-Highland troops arrive at Fort Johnson-Lewis Groat captured in the French war- Incidents on his way to Canada-His return home-Murder of Mrs. Van Alstyne and captivity of her daughter-Sir William Johnson-His birth- Is agent for Sir Peter Warren-Establishes himself at Warren's Bush- Becomes an Indian agent for the British government-Obtains a house- keeper-His marriages-Is created a Baronet-Erects Fort Johnson- Builds mansions for his sons-in-law-Removes to Johnson Hall-Sir John Johnson-His marriage and subsequent conduct-Sir William's death-Guy Johnson succeeds him as Indian agent-Johnson mansions by whom occu- pied in the Revolution-Their confiscation-Commissioners for selling con- fiscated personal property in Tryon county-Confidential slave of Sir John Johnson-His recovery-Sale of Johnson Hall-Spook stories-Sir William Johnson a great land-holder-His fondness for women-Lives with Molly Brant-Pleasing anecdotes of the Baronet-Notices of him from the Gen- tleman's Magazine-His coffin made into bullets-Place of his hurial-His portrait-Old King Hendrick-Dreams with Sir William Johnson-Com- missioners of the colonies and Chiefs of the Six Nations meet at Albany- Speeches of Hendrick and other chiefs-Capt. John Scott erects Fort Hunt- er-Queen Anne's Chapel and Parsonage-Indian war dances, how ob- served at Lower Mohawk Castle-Rev. John Stuart removes to Canada -- Sells a slave-Scott's Patent-Marriage of Ann Scott-An Irish colony- Jelles Fonda an early tradesman on the Mohawk-A match at boxing- Smoking at funerals-Boating on the river-Names of rapids-Little Falls-Gen. Schuyler constructs inland Locks-Evidence of his prudence- Durham boats on the river-Difficulties to encounter-Accidents-First bridges in the Mohawk valley-Early merchants at Canajoharie-A duel- The Yankee Pass-Caughnawaga Church-Indians obtain a church bell at the Upper Mohawk Castle-Location of Forts Herkimer, Dayton and Plain-Land speculations-Tragic adventure at the Devil's Hole-Ancient tax-lists-Large bill of rum-First Court held in Tryon county-Herkimer county organized-Public punishment-Changes in Western N. York. 105
CHAPTER V.
Strength of the Vrooman family-A load of wheat-Women go to market and work in the field-Dutch fondness for horses-Feats of strength-Trial of strength and speed-Charitable act of Miss Vrooman-Weddings how celebrated-Gifts to intended brides-Horning at weddings-Playing cards- Fiddlers-Frolicking-Female ball dress-Dancing fifty years ago-Anec- dote of Judge Brown-Supawn how eaten-Dutch eat their plates-New Year's day how observed-Christmas, Paas and Pinkster-Early farming -- Dutch butter-Sour-crout how made-Dutch dishes-More witchcraft- How to get rid of rats-Schoharie invaded in the French war-An Indian treaty-A jubilee-Riding on horseback-Sparking-Why Americans de- generate-First Schoharie tea-party-Causes of the American Revolution- Ignorance of the British ministry-Opposers of British tyranny-Freedom of opinion by whom established-English policy for raising a revenue- Debt of England-Tax imposed-Gov. Bernard issues a pamphlet-Stamp duties-Virginian boldness-Franklin in England-Perseverance of Gren- ville-Barre's reply to Townsend-Sayings of Franklin-Friends of Stamp Act how treated-Virginia resolves-Continental Congress-Death and re- surrection of liberty-Sons of liberty-Patriotic ladies-Speech of Fitt --
xiii
CONTENTS.
Franklin interrogated-Repeal of Stamp Act-Popularity of Gov. Ber- nard-Domestic looms resumed-India tea rejected-British troops sent to New York and Boston-Dickinson's Essays-Gov. Bernard returns to Eng. land-Convention at Annapolis-Troops at Boston fire on the citizens- Event how celebrated-Extract from Dr. Warren's Oration-Tax on tea retained. Page 155
CHAPTER VI.
A contest approaches-Burning of the Gaspee-Gold versus liberty-Predic- tion of Patrick Henry-Espionage of Gov. Hutchinson-Town Committees organized-Franklin sends home letters-East India Company in trouble- It sends tea to America-Its destruction at Boston-Unwise acts of the British government-Predictions of Gov. Johnson and Gen. Conway-Just views of Bishop Shipley-Effect of Boston Port-Bill-Call for a Congress- Patriotic mottos-Proceedings of Congress-Allan's comment on the abili- ty of that Body-Warm discussions in Parliament-Speech of Lord Chat- ham-Expedient of Lord North-Origin of the terms Tory and Whig- Cod-fishing prohibited-Battle of Lexington-Its effect on the country around-Capture of the northern military posts-Ethan Allen's authority- Preparations for war-Washington is appointed to command the army- Battle of Bunker's Hill-Death of Warren-Anecdotes of the battle-Ar- rival of Washington-Proceedings of Congress-Post-office established- Gov. Penn interrogated by the House of Lords-Hessian troops employed- American flag-Colonial Governors-Boston evacuated-Defence of Fort Moultrie-Intrepidity of Jasper and McDonald-Their dying words-Ar- gument for education-Mrs. Elliot-Story of Jasper and Newton-Com. missioners sent to Canada-Declaration of American Independence. 182
CHAPTER VII.
Committees formed in frontier settlements-Indian treaty in Schoharie-Bra- kabeen Castle-Contagious disease-Schoharie Indians go to Canada- Death of granny Warree-A matricide-Schoharie Council of Safety-Ball family divided in politics-Organization of Schoharie militia-Resolution of New York Committee of Safety-Oath of allegiance-Record of Judge Swart-His personal services-Chairman Ball's sons perform extra labor- Accident on the Hudson-Anecdotes of Ball-Attempt to take his life- Character of Col. Vrooman-Attempt to capture him-Designs upon Wash- ington-Commissioners sent to France-Events of 1776-Anecdote of a piquet guard-Washington's retreat from Long Island-Battles of Trenton and Princeton-Sufferings of Washington's army-His remarks to Colonel Reed-A singular requisition-Plan of the enemy for 1777-Arrest of Col. Huetson-Tories in Schoharie-Brant at Unadilla-Interview between Gen. Herkimer and Brant-Affidavit of Col. Harper-Particulars of the inter- view from Joseph Wagner-False impression of Herkimer's character cor- rected-Harpersfield exposed-Cherry Valley threatened-Rangers to be raised-Letter from Chairman Bail to New York Congress-Reply of that Body-They write to the Albany Committee-Geographical ignorance of State Council-Frontier how protected-Albany Committee write General Schuyler-Same Body censure New York Council-Schuyler writes Alba- ny Committee-His apprehensions-New York Council of safety write Al- bany Committee, evincing warmth-Girls murdered at Fort Schuyler- Glance at the enemy's movements-Letter from Albany Committee to New York Council-Schuyler to same Body- Schoharie messenger-New York Council to Gov. Clinton-Albany Committee write the Council-Clinton's letters ordering troops to Schoharie. 206
CHAPTER VIII.
McDonald invades Schoharie-Patriotism of Henry Hager-Messengers dis- patched to Albany-Col. Harper visits Schoharie-Starts for Albany-Is visited in the night-Next day is pursued by Indians-Escapes from them and reaches Albany-Notice of his arrival-New York Council forward
xiv
CONTENTS.
letters to Col. Pawling-Harper obtains a company of Cavalry-Captain Mann how concealed-Barracks how constructed-Troops halt at Sny- der's-Effect of music-Death of an Indian-Novel confinement-Madam Staats-Battle of the Flockey-Citizens accompany McDonald in bis flight-Concealment and surrender of Capt. Mann-Chairman Ball to Scbo- harie Committee-Mann's property not confiscated-Col. Harper writes Council of Safety-Reply of that Body-Extract from Journal-Commis- sioners of Tryon county how instructed by New York Council-Remarks of Rev. Daniel Gros-Expedition to Norman's.kill-Advertisement , by Chairman Ball-Citizens of Schoharie transport provisions to Stillwater- Anecdote of the Patroon-New Dorlach-Money buried in Albany-Bur- goyne's surrender how celebrated in Albany-Anecdote of Evert Yates- Incident of the French war -- A spy in Burgoyne's camp-Death of Gen. Fraser-By whom killed-Retreat of Burgoyne how cut off-Anecdote to show skill of Morgan's riflemen-Anecdotes of the Oriskany battle-Death of Gen. Herkimer-Indians in a cellar-Corps of Invalids-British enter Philadelphia-Sufferings of the American army at Valley Forge-Anec- dote of Washington-Acts of Gov. Tryon-Arrival of Lafayette-Con- spiracy against Washington-A female spy and Maj. Tallmadge-Scho- harie Forts when and how constructed. Page 237
CHAPTER IX.
Interesting incidents now lost-Fortune how fickle-Last effort of Chatbam- Acts of Parliment rejected-Treaty with France-Its effects-Settlement on Cobelskill-Organize a militia company-Lieut. Borst shoots an In- dian-Cobelskill battle-Death of Capt. Patrick-Names of Cobelskill mi- litia engaged-Escape of Belknap-Escape of Henry Shafer-Burial of the dead-Subsequent celebration-Designs on Cherry Valley how thwart- ed-Destruction of Wyoming-Dastardly act of a Tory-Invasion of the German Flats-Walter Butler imprisoned-Escapes and leads the enemy to Cherry Valley-Pleasing anecdote of Brant-England declares war against France-Battle of Monmouth-Capt. Molly-Col. William Butler goes to Schoharie-Heroic Soldiers-Fate of a Scout-Capt. Long inter- cepts and kills Capt. Smith-Death of Christopher Service-His confisca- ted property recovered-His remains how honored-Lower Fort garri- soned-Col. Butler destroys Indian towns on the Susquehanna-Col. Du- boise winters in Schoharie-Gerard arrives in the States as Minister from France-Dr. Franklin goes to France as American Minister-Price of Am- erican scalps-British possess Georgia-Washington's winter quarters- Jay chosen President of Congress. 272
CHAPTER X.
Captivity of Cowley and Sawyer-Escape from their enemies and return to Schoharie-Murder of Durham and his wife-Capt. Hager on the Dela- ware-Mohawk river settlements invaded-Anecdote of Cornplanter and his Father-Contemplated invasion of the Indian settlements-Execution of Hare and Newbury-Signification of Caughnawaga-Arrest of the Spies-Burial of Hare-Clinton's army at Cooperstown-Moves down the creek-Industry of Beavers-Death of a Deserter-Anecdotes of Colonel Rigne-Col. Butler leaves Schoharie-The Boyd family-Lieut. Boyd and his sweetheart-She invokes a Curse upon him-Marriage of her Daugh- ter-Elerson surprised by Indians-Kills one and escapes-Brown's Mills why not burned-His house plundered while heis in it-A wedding-Source of water how discovered-Anecdote of a Sentinel in a tree-Battle of New- town-Sullivan's signal guns-Rescue of a Prisoner made at Wyoming- Destruction of Indian property-A Child found-Its Death-Scout under Lieut. Boyd-Death of an Oneida-Two of Boyd's party set out for the Camp-Murphy shoots an Indian-Scout surrounded by the Enemy-Cap- ture of Boyd and Parker-Escape of Murphy and two others-Death of Boyd and Comrade-Fate of Han-Yerry-Indians die of Scurvy-Justice to Boyd's memory-Schools in the Revolution-Delegates from Tryon County to State Convention-Invasion of Ballston-Capture of Col. Gor-
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