History of Orange County, New York, with illustrations and biographical sketches of many of its pioneers and prominent men, Part 59

Author: Ruttenber, Edward Manning, 1825-1907, comp; Clark, L. H. (Lewis H.)
Publication date: 1881
Publisher: Philadelphia, Everts & Peck
Number of Pages: 1336

USA > New York > Orange County > History of Orange County, New York, with illustrations and biographical sketches of many of its pioneers and prominent men > Part 59

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ROBERT BURNET.

The Burnet family of Little Britain is one of the oldest in the county. Robert Burnet, its progenitor, came from Scotland, near Edinburgh, about the year 1725. He first settled at Raritan, N. J., where he followed his trade as a tailor. In 1729 he purchased two hundred acres of the Andrew Johnson Patent at Little Britain. Accompanied by his brother, who subsequently returned to New Jersey, he erected a log cabin and made preparations for elearing and cul- tivation. He was also accompanied by John Reid, who purchased an adjoining farm-lot, and whose daughter, Ann, subsequently became his wife. He

was a Scot of pure type, six feet two inches in height. a firm Presbyterian, and a rigid disciplinarian. Ile died in the year 1774, in the seventy-third year of his age. Seven children were the issue of this marriage, viz. : 1, James ; 2, John ; 3, Robert ; 4, Thomas; 5, Patrick ; 6, Sarah; 7, Mary. These children were multiplied in the second generation to thirty-four, whose descendants in the succeeding generations may now be found in different parts of the country in numbers beyond computation in a work of this char- acter. Confining attention to a single branch, we notice briefly Robert Burnet (2d), the oldest son of James, the oldest son of Robert and Ann (Reid ) Bur- net. Robert (2d) was born in Little Britain, Feb. 22, 1762. He resided with his father until his fifteenth year, and attended the school of the Rev. John Mot- fat, a local academy in the vicinity of some note in its day. When the Revolution came on he joined a military company, mainly composed of boys of from fourteen to sixteen years of age, for home protection, and with this company was several times under arms, especially assisting in guarding the Hessian prisoners from Burgoyne's army in 1777, who, on their march through Little Britain, encamped for a night at Maj. Telford's tavern, opposite the Burnet homestead. In June, 1781, then nineteen years of age, he received from Governor Clinton a commission as second lieu- tent in Col. Lamb's regiment of artillery, then sta- tioned at West Point, and was with his regiment at the capture of Cornwallis at Yorktown. Returning with his regiment to West Point, he remained there until the disbandment of thearmy, and commanded the rear- guard in the march into the city of New York, as the British evacuated it, in November, 1783, where, after bidding Washington farewell at Fraunce's tavern, he folded up his epaulette and laid it away, a memorial which is still preserved. While stationed at West Point he was one of the delegates appointed to meet Washington at the Temple (March, 1783), and par- ticipated in the proceedings on that occasion. He was also present at a meeting of officers for the or- ganization of The Society of the Cincinnati, of which he became a member. Released from military duty, he immediately entered upon his life-work at Little Britain. On the 9th of June, 1784, he married Rachel De Witt, a niece of Mrs. Gen. James Clinton, and in 1785 purchased twenty acres of land from his uncle, Maj. John Burnet, and commenced housekeeping in the log cabin which his grandfather Robert had oceu- pied on his first settlement. In 1791 he purchased the remainder of his uncle's farm, and took posses- sion of the house which the latter had built. In 1801 he purchased of his father, James, one hundred acres, and thus became the owner of the original homestead of two hundred acres. In 1804 he erected the com- modious mansion in which he resided at his death, now owned (1881) by his grandson, Joseph B. Burnet. He took an active part in the business affairs of his native town and county ; was justice of the peace and

242

HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK.

town clerk for a number of years, and member of As- sembly for two terms, 1800 and 1804. He was fre- quently an executor and an administrator of estates; among others of the estate of Gen. James Clinton , and who has no children. and of Moses De Witt, the latter his wife's brother., In person he was tall and erect, with a kindly face and presence,-a man whose integrity was never ques- tioned. At the time of his death he was the last sur- viving original member of The Society of the Cincin- nati, as well as the last surviving officer of the army of the Revolution. He died Nov. 24, 1854, in his ninety-third year. His wife, Rachel DeWitt, died June 4, 1830, in her sixty-eighth year. His children were: 1, Alexander C .; 2, Charles; 3, Jane; 4, Moses DeWitt, at one time sheriff of Orange County, and whose only surviving son, John Barber Burnet, re- sides in Syracuse ; 5, Mary DeWitt; 6, Robert, Jr. The present owner of the Burnet homestead, Joseph B. Burnet, who has already been referred to, is the son of Charles (2d) and his second wife, Mary Ann Barber. Through threescore years of life he has fully maintained the characteristics of his ancestors, not only in personal appearance, but in public and private business relations. He has served six terms as super- visor of the town, and also as justice of the peace, and has the place of his grandfather in the church and in society. At the old homestead home of his grandfather was celebrated, under his auspices, on the 29th of October, 1879, the one hundred and fiftieth anniversary of the settlement of the pro- genitor of the family.

JAMES W. MORRISON.

James W. Morrison was born in New Windsor, on Feb. 22, 1819, and was the fourth child of James and Harriet (Patton) Morrison. His father engaged in farming pursuits at Little Britain, and also kept the hotel at that point for several years. The other chil- dren were William P. (deceased), John H., and Jane H. (deceased wife of Samuel Weed).

Mr. Morrison started out in life, after the death of his parents, at the early age of nine years, and com- menced work on the farm of his uncle, James Patton, at Washington Lake. He remained there until 1842, with the exception of four years, during which he was a clerk in the drug-store of John D. Phillips, of Newburgh. In 1842 he purchased a farm of 100 acres near Washington Square, and entered upon the | life of a farmer on his own account. On Aug. 16, 1843, he married Sarah Jane, daughter of William and Nancy Stewart, of New Windsor, and removed to : the old Stewart homestead, of which he has since be- come the owner, and which constitutes his present farm. His first wife died on April 3, 1868, leaving an only son, William J. Morrison, who was born Jan. 25, 1847, and who resides on the farm with his father. Mr. Morrison's second wife was Jane, daugh- ter of Samuel Palmer, of New York, to whom he was

united Jan. 6, 1869, and who died, leaving no chil- dren, on July 8, 1873. His present wife is her sister, Margaret E. Palmer, whom he married Sept. 15, 1874,

Mr. Morrison is recognized as one of the leading farmers of his seetion. lle has taken no active in- terest in public affairs, but devoted himself closely to the cultivation of his fine farm of 170 acres. His buildings, both residence and outhouses, present a handsome appearance, and he is constantly adding to the architectural attractions of his place. The build- ings were all erected by Mr. Morrison himself, under the mechanical supervision of his friend, Harvey Alexander, of New Windsor, and the frame-work of all was obtained from his own farm. All the appoint- ments of the farm are complete; the land is thor- oughly drained, well fenced, and carefully cultivated and intelligently tilled, and bears witness to the agri- cultural skill of Mr. Morrison, and to the years of labor and toil that he has expended upon it. He has made a specialty for many years of dairying and the manufacture of butter, and has sold this commodity for forty-one years to one firm in New York City. Though not a church-member, he has always lent lib- eral support to church and kindred institutions, and is one of the liberal, progressive men of his town, en- joying the respect and esteem of many friends. . He attends the Second Presbyterian Church of Washing- tonville, of which he is one of the trustees. He attended the Associate Reformed Church of Little Britain for many years (and his parents before him), of which he was also a trustee. He was a member of the building committee in the erection of the present house of worship, gave liberally to the building fund, and had the personal supervision of the work.

JOIN BEATTIE KERNOCIIAN.

John Beattie Kernochan was born in New Wind- sor, on Oct. 26, 1821, on the place which constituted his homestead at the time of his death. llis maternal grandparents were John Beattie, born 1751, died April 17, 1840, and Elizabeth, his wife, who was born in 1761, and who died March 31, 1840. The Beattie family was one of the early families of the town of New Windsor, and identified with its pioneer history from the earliest years. John Beattie resided where his grandson, the subject of this memoir, lived, and for many years was one of the strong representative farmers of his section. The parents of John B. Ker- nochan were John Kernochan, born Nov. 20, 1785, died Aug. 16, 1871, and Elsie (Beattie) Kernochan, born Oct. 9, 1784, died Dec. 21, 1827. The marriage occurred Nov. 7, 1815, and the children were Elsie J., who married Samuel McGill, of New Windsor ; Sa- rah, wife of 1. R. Goldsmith, of the same town; and John B., our subject.

The latter was deprived of a mother's care at the age of six years, and was reared to manhood in the

Farnes M. Morrison

ICE HO. GRAINERY.

CARRIAGE HO. "GLEN MEAR FARM" RES. OF J.W. MORRISON, LITTLE BRITAIN, ORANGE CO.N. Y.

VIEW FROM THE SOUTH .

CARRIAGE HO: AND SHOP. VIEW FROM THE EAST

RESIDENCE .

GRAIN AND CATTLE BARN . VIEW FROM THE SOUTH WEST.

Among the leading men of New Windsor for many years the subject of this notice occupied a prominent place. llis parents were Thomas and Jemima ( Frost) Fulton, who early emigrated from Duchess County, and located upen the tract of land which had been taken up by their kinswan, Robert Johnston, near Bethlehem. Their log cabin, which was probably erected by Robert Johnston, stood in the orehard of the late Thomas J. Fulton, Jr. Subsequently the couple ocenpied the aueient dwelling that formerly stood on the lot now occupied by the residence of William S. Fulten. llere Thomas Fulton and his wife passed the remainder of their lives, enduring the priva- tions, hardships, and dangers ineident to a pioneer life. The former was born on Oet. 3, 1763, and died Oct. 26, 1814. llis wife, who was born Nov. 5, 1767, died June 26, 1846. Their children were Jane, born Dec. 5, 1785, married Linus MeCabe, died Sept. 18, 1852; Robert J., born Jan. 31, 1788, died Sept. 3, 1834; Martha, born Ang. 26, 1793, married William Conser, died Sept. 1, 1876; and Thomas J., born June 10, 1804, died July 13, 1875. After the death of Themas Fulton bis farm passed to the possession of his two sons, Robert J. and Thomas J. Fulton, and subsequently became the sole property of the latter.

Thomas J. Fulton, er, as he was more familiarly known, "Squire" Fulton, was born on the family homestead, near Bethlehem, on the date indicated above. Ilis educational ad- vantages were such only as the district school of his neighbor- hood afforded. At the age of ten years he was deprived by death of a father's eare and protection, and thus early in life the management and cultivation of a portion of the family homestead devolved upon him. He met the situation man- fully, and by industry, perseveranee, and the exercise of good judgment took a place among the successful agrieulturists of the town. He engaged in farming until the year 1859, when the management of the property passed to his son, William S. Fulton, with whom he continued to reside until his death, in 1875.

While Squire Fulton confined his life-work to the cultivation of his farm, it was in the larger field of publie life that he manifested special activity and became most widely known. Early imbued with Democratie principles, he remained a stead- fast adherent of that party throughout his life, and was fre- quently honored by his fellow-eitizens by election to the leading

offices of the town of New Windsor. Ile was supervisor for a number of years ; a justiee of the peace for thirty-two consecu- tive years, and until be deelined further cleetion ; and was fer several years one of the lay judges of Orange County. IIe was also assessor of the town for a number of years, and in his capacity of a justice he transaeted a large amount of public business. Ile was a man of strong eouvieticos, decided in his opinions, and possessed of excellent judgment. Ile frequently aeted as the adviser and counselor of his friends, and was ex- ecutor or administrator of a large number of estates, some of them of great value. Ilis private life was free from fault; his integrity of purpose and deed was never questioned; and he was respected and esteemed by all who knew him. He took an active interest in church affairs, and was a valuable member of the Bethlehem Presbyterian Church, of which be was also a trustee, and a ruling elder for more than a quarter of a century. He settled his sons, Thomas J. and William S. Fulton, on farms adjoining, and lived to see his family grow up and his children prospering in the world.

Squire Fulton was married on Nov. 9, 1824, to Mary A. Schultz, of New Windsor, a representative of one of the pio- neer families of the town. She was born June 26, 1807, and died in December, 1875. The children were Fanny E. ; Mary J., widow of Samuel M. Clemenee, late of Bethlehem ; Harriet E., died Nov. 5, 1829; Thomas J., died Sept. 12, 1874; and William S. Fulton.

Thomas J. Fulton, Jr., lived where his family still reside, near Bethlehem, and was a useful mao in his day and genera- tion, filling positions of prominenee in the town. He married, Oet. 28, 1858, Mary E., daughter of Jarvis Knapp, of New Windsor, who survives him, with their three daughters, Georgi- anna, Mary F., aod Laura C. Fulton.

William S. Fulton resides on the old homestead built by his father in 1847. Ife is a member and trustee of the Bethlehemn Presbyterian Church; was town elerk of New Windsor for six years, and assessor for the past seven years. He was elected a justice of the peace, but did not qualify. He married, Nov. 10, 1859, Phehe E., daughter of Sylvester M. and Annie M. Gregg, of Newburgh, and has three daughters,-Fanny L., Jeunie M., and Anna S. Fulton. They and the children of the late Thomas J. Fulton, Jr., are the fourth generation of the family residing on the same property.

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NEW WINDSOR.

family of his grandfather, John Beattie. His educa- ional training was limited to the common schools of is day. Upon attaining his majority he came into possession of the old Beattie homestead, which was

John B Kernochan

devised to him by his grandfather, subject to the pay- ment of certain legacies, and he entered upon the avo- cation of a farmer. On March 9, 1843, he was united in marriage to Jane, daughter of James and Prudence Denniston, of Little Britain, and a representative of another of the old, substantial families of the town.

Mr. Kernochan passed his entire life upon the farm upon which he was born. He was a careful and thrifty farmer, cultivating his land with intelligence and good judgment, and ranking among the first agriculturists of his section. While no aspirant for public place, he took an active interest in events transpiring around him, and used his influence for the good of the community in which he dwelt, and for the welfare of society in general. He was possessed of great firmness of character, exercised an independ- ent judgment in most matters, and was one whose integrity and honesty was never questioned. He was a regular attendant upon the ministrations of the As- sociate Reformed Church of Little Britain, of which he was a member and trustee, and to which he con- tributed liberally. He acted as executor and admin- istrator of a number of estates, and frequently as the advisor and counselor of his friends. He was an ex- cellent business man, and carried on his various trans- actions in a methodical and exaet manner. He died on June 15, 1875, and his wife on April 12, 1869. His

children were three in number, viz. : Frances M., de- ceased, wife of Abner Mills, of Wallkill, and Adelaide and Prudence M. Kernochan, who reside on the old homestead.

WILLIAM LUSK McGILL.

His grandfather was Hugh McGill, who was born in the north of Ireland, where the family was in good circumstances. At the breaking out of the Irish re- bellion, Hugh McGill, then a lad of seventeen years of age, participated in the revolutionary movements of the neighborhood, and narrowly escaped arrest by the English authorities. Getting on board of a vessel he came to New York, and subsequently engaged in farming at Little Britain, Orange Co. After a time he purchased a farm in Cornwall, where he passed the remainder of his days, dying about 1834. He married a Miss Hallock, and had three sons and a daughter. John and Samuel lived and died in Corn- wall. Margaret, the daughter, married George Van- derheiden, of Troy, N. Y.

William Il Gile

Hugh McGill (2d), eldest son of the above-men- tioned Hugh, was born in the town of New Windsor in 1786. He grew to manhood in that town, and married Margaret, daughter of Richard Lusk. He began the life of a farmer first by renting, but subse- quently bought the farm where his son, Samuel S. McGill, lives, in New Windsor, which became the family homestead. He died in 1833. His three sons were James B., a practicing physician, who died at Columbus, Ohio, in 1851; Samuel S., and William L. McGill.

244

HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK.

The latter was born in the town of New Windsor, on July 7, 1813, and grew up on his father's farm, at- tending the district school during the winter seasons. After the demise of his father he farmed the home- stead, in company with his brother, until Aug. 12, 1844, when he married Elizabeth, daughter of James and Elsie Kernochan. Soon after he purchased 100 acres of his present farm of the estate of Jabez At- wood. Subsequent additions make the area of the | moved into it three years later. farm 225 acres in 1881.

Mr. McGill has been one of the most active and enterprising of the farmers of New Windsor for many years. While no office-seeker, he has always been a stanch supporter of Democratie principles, and taken an active interest in the local politics of his town. He has been a commissioner of highways for more than thirty years, a justice of the peace, and excise com- missioner for a number of years. As a farmer he has been successful and painstaking, and by thrift and economy has been enabled to accumulate a good estate. Until quite recently be has made a specialty of the making of butter. He attends the Unitarian Church of Newburgh, and contributes liberally of his income to the encouragement of all worthy enter- prises. He is a man of integrity and moral worth, and enjoys the confidence and respect of a large circle of friends. The children of Mr. MeGill, Wil- liam J. and Mary E. McGill, reside at home.

JOHN S. BULL.

The Bull family is one of the oldest in the county of Orange. Isaac Bull was born Feb. 15, 1772, passed his life as a farmer in the town of Monroe, and died Oet. 16, 1846. He was the father of the subject of this memoir, and was twice married, first to Hannah Mapes, who died March 16, 1812, in her thirty-sixth year, and secondly to Rachel Marvin, who died with- out issue Jan. 27, 1829, aged fifty-five years. The children of Isaac and Hannah (Mapes) Bull were eight in number, namely : Maria, born Mareh 6, 1795, died June 21, 1818; Franklin, born March 11, 1797, died April 15, 1855 ; Sarab, born Nov. 30, 1798, mar- ried Francis Bowman; David, born Oct. 11, 1800, died December, 1880; Hiram W., born Feb. 7, 1802, died July 26, 1863; Daniel, born Aug. 23, 1805, died Sept. 14, 1813; Elizabeth, born Feb. 25, 1808, mar- ried Francis Bowman, died Aug. 12, 1873; John Springstead, born Nov. 26, 1809, died Nov. 17, 1876; and an infant, who died unnamed.

John S. Bull was born at Satterly, in the town of Monroe, on the date given above. He received a common-school education, and about the age of four- teen began the duties of life by clerking in the store of Barney Horton, at HIamptonburgh. After two years he returned to his home for a brief season, and then entered the employ of his brother-in-law, David H. Moffatt, who was engaged in the mercantile busi- ness at Washingtonville. He remained with Mr.

Moffatt until 1832, when he purchased the business and engaged in trade on his own account for a num- ber of years longer. About the year 1840 he bought the old Clinton farm, in the town of New Windsor, of Walter Halsey, and entered upon the life of a far- mer, where he continued to reside until his death in 1876. In 1855 he began the erection of the substan- tial stone residence in which his family live, and

A.J. Bull

The long mercantile career that Mr. Bull enjoyed previous to his turning his attention to agricultural pursuits well fitted him for success in any department of business life. As a farmer he was circumspect in his affairs, cultivating his land with good judgment, and utilizing the productive qualities of his farm to the fullest extent. He made a specialty of dairying for many years, and the excellent quality of his butter gave it a ready sale in the markets of the country. He was a careful business man, and his services were often in demand among his neighbors and friends who were in need of counsel, advice, and assistance. He was of a self-reliant nature, independent in judgment and action, and took a leading place among the progres- sive, intelligent farmers of his section. He partiei- pated somewhat in local politics, but was averse to the holding of public office. His integrity of purpose and deed was never called into question, and he sus- tained the reputation of an upright and honorable man. He was a member of the Blooming-Grove Congregational Church.

Mr. Bull was twice married. His first wife was

John Cromwell

The several branches of the Cromwell family in America claim descent from the same parent stock as that of the Pro- tector, Oliver Cromwell. It is presumed that the ancestor of the American line was Col. John Cromwell, third son of Rich- ard Cromwell, and a brother of the Protector.

John Cromwell, son of Col. John, emigrated from Holland to Now Netherlands. He resided in 1686 at Long Neck, West- chester Co., afterwards known as Cromwell's Neck. lle mar- ried, and left two sons, John2 and James. The latter was born in 1696, and died in 1780. He married Esther Godfrey, and had children, -John,3 James, and William.

John Cromwell,3 of Harrison, Westchester Co., was born Dec. 5, 1727, and married Anna Hopkins, of Long Island, who was boro Jan. 12, 1730. Ile was an active patriot during the Revo- Jution, and endured many hardships in the cause of liberty. Ile diod in 1805. His children were James, Daniel, John, Joseph, William, Naomi (who married Rev. Mr. Halsted), Es- ther (who married John Griffin, Jr., of North Castle), and Hannah (who married Win. Field, of Cortlandt Manor).

James, eldest son of Jobu Cromwell,3 and father of the sub- ject of this sketch, was born Nov. 6, 1752. He married, May 15, 1782, Charlotte, daughter of Aaron Hunt, of Green- wich, Conn. She was born Nov. 18, 1762, and died in January, 1839. In early manhood James Cromwell worked Gen. Morris' farm at Morrisania. Subsequently he kept a grocery store in New York City for a short time, and theu located at Sufferns, Rockland Co., where he worked at the trade of a blacksmith and at farming for several years. He finally purchased a farm in the town of Monroe, Orange Co. (then known as Southfield), where he passed the remainder of his days. lle was an indus- trious and successful farmer, quiet, and unostentatious in man- ner, a member of the Society of Friends, and a man of integrity and moral principles. He died Dec. 23, 1828. Ilis children were Hannah, who married David Griffin, of Westchester County ; Rebecca, who married George Fritts, of Monroe ; Daniel, a carpenter and builder, who lived and died in New York City ; James, who farmed the family homestead in Mon- roe throughout his life ; Oliver, who passed his life in Cornwall ; Ann, who married John Haviland, of Westchester County ;

David, who lived and died in Cornwall; Aaron; William and Mary, twins, who died young; William, formerly a merchant in New York, died in the old homestead ; and John.

The latter, the subject of this sketch, was born in the town of Monroc, July 26, 1803. Ile was reared upon his father's farm, and received only a district school education. On Oct. 12, 1826, he married Letitia, daughter of Abijah and Patience Ilaviland, of White Plains, Westchester Co. After the death of his father he engaged in the earting business an New York City until the spring of 1817, when, having met with success, and by thrift and economy having accumulated some means, he purchased of Leonard Nicoll his present farm of one hundred acres, in the town of New Windsor, where he has since con- tinued to reside. He has been equally successful as a fartuer, and taken a place among the prosperous and intelligent agri- eulturists of his section. He has devoted much attention to the cultivation of fruit, and for many years made a specialty of the dairying business. He occupies a pleasant home near Moodna, and now, in a ripe old age, is cojoying with contentment the fruits of a long life of industry, of devotion to duty, and of fidelity to principles of right living.

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History of Orange County, New York, with illustrations and biographical sketches of many of its pioneers and prominent men, Part 59

Author: Ruttenber, Edward Manning, 1825-1907, comp; Clark, L. H. (Lewis H.) Publication date: 1881 Publisher: Philadelphia, Everts & Peck Number of Pages: 1336

Author: Ruttenber, Edward Manning, 1825-1907, comp; Clark, L. H. (Lewis H.)
Publication date: 1881
Publisher: Philadelphia, Everts & Peck
Number of Pages: 1336