History of Queens County, New York : with illustrations, portraits, and sketches of prominent families and individuals., Part 94

Author:
Publication date: 1882
Publisher: New York : W.W. Munsell and Co.
Number of Pages: 703

USA > New York > Queens County > History of Queens County, New York : with illustrations, portraits, and sketches of prominent families and individuals. > Part 94

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His grandparents on the paternal side were Clark Cock and Elizabeth Pierce, she of Westchester county, N., Y .; they died in the same house, he at the ripe age of 83 and she at 91. His parents succeeded to that house, and re- sided therein nearly seventy years, dying at the advanced age of about 90 years.

His grandparents on the maternal side were Daniel Cock and Rosanna Townsend, who lived and died at the old family mansion near the Friends' meeting-house at Matinecock. The same place is now occupied by the subject of this memoir, and from the best information that can be obtained it is believed that the family has maintained a continuous ownership of it since the title was granted by the native Indians. The ancestors of our subject have for the most part been connected with the Society of Friends since their establishment in this country.

We find Mr. Cock early introduced into active life. During the war with England lasting from 1812 to 1815 he was placed in a large country store, the owners of which were much of the time absent-one in the army, the other attending to outside business; consequently he |him.

was frequently at that early age left alone in the respon- sible position of having sole charge of the concern. He continued in this place a number of years, spending a few days at a time, when he could be spared from the store, attending a select school near by. After leaving this occupation he had the opportunity of attending the district school for a brief period. He was then placed in his father's mill to learn the trade. of a miller. He often speaks of this apprenticeship a little boastingly, as he accomplished the task in one day so far as to take charge of the mill on his own responsibility.

After a short service at the old mill he returned to his father's farm, delighted with the prospect of spending his days there, pursuing the honorable occupation of an ag- riculturist. He remained in this position until about the 28th year of his age, when he was married to Elizabeth H. Seaman, the widow of Dr. William Seaman and the daughter of Isaac and Sarah Hicks, of Westbury, Long Island, at which place she resided with her widowed mother. It was the understanding before their marriage that he should reside with his wife at the home of her mother, which he accordingly did, remaining there more than thirty years. They had two children, Mary H. and Isaac H. The former died in her 20th year and the latter, a highly esteemed citizen, now occupies the old Hicks mansion.

Near the beginning of the year 1865 Mrs. Cock died. In the latter part of the year 1867 Mr. Cock was united in marriage with Hannah F. Burling, of New Rochelle, Westchester county. Two years later they removed to the old family residence of his maternal ancestors, before mentioned as his present home, where he is quietly pur- suing his favorite occupation of cultivating the soil. By his present wife he has one child, William Burling Cock.

While a very industrious and successful man in busi- ness affairs, Mr. Cock has never been negligent in the really more weighty matters of life. He has long been a regular attendant of the meetings of the Society of Friends, and has frequently been appointed to responsi- ble services in its administration. Not only has he trav- eled many miles with its ministers in their labor of love, but at his home he has been a laborer in imparting re- ligious instruction.

For a few years past his interest has been largely cen- tered in the affairs of the Friends' College of Long Isl- and, founded by his late friend Gideon Frost. They conferred much together as to its location and adminis- tration. The site was decided upon and purchased for a moderate compensation from Mr. Cock, who was named as executor, trustee and president. of the board by the founder during his life. The two latter appointments he holds at the present time.

Mr. Cock still remains among the scenes and friends of his childhood. His long life of usefulness and de- votion to the elevation of his fellow men has won for him the respect, esteem and affection of all who know

512

HISTORY OF QUEENS COUNTY.

FRIENDS' COLLEGE, MATINECOCK.

This school was established by the late Gideon Frost, in 1876, for the purpose of giving to the children of Friends and others an opportunity to gain a thorough education, with a guarded moral training, to be conducted in accordance with the principles of the Society of Friends. The buildings are new and the school is sur- rounded by no bad influences. The course of study is designed to prepare for the freshman class of any col- lege.

The officers are: Willian T. Cock, president; Stephen Rushmore, vice-president; James Willets, treasurer; Frederick E. Willets, secretary; Leonard F. Coles, J. Augustus Prior and Frederick E. Willets, executive committee.

LOCUST VALLEY,

formerly called Buckram, is the terminus in this section of the Long Island Railroad, and has a post-office and several stores.

Here live the descendants of some of the oldest families of the town, including the Cocks, Underhills, Townsends, Weekses and Tillys.

The first store was opened about 1815 by Ambrose Cock, where Mrs. Lot Cornelius now lives. Benjamin Hawhurst also started a store about that time. Michael Weeks opened a store about 1820 where E. Weeks now keeps one. Edwin Weeks succeeded Michael Weeks in 1836; the firm name was S. C. & E. Weeks. Isaac Cock kept a store about seventy-five years ago on the site of the house now occupied by Edwin Weeks. This was carried on till 1832, when Mr. Cock was succeeded by Samuel C. Weeks, who in turn was followed by the pres- ent proprietor, Albert Weeks. Among other early mer- chants were Richard Cock and Underhill & Downing.

The first hotel was kept by Michael Weeks, where the store of Albert Weeks now stands. Abraham Hall succeeded Michael Weeks. After him there was no regular hotel until Mr. Fleming opened his well kept house.

The principal merchants now are S. W. Thurston, dealer in pure drugs, medicines, perfuinery, etc .; A. Weeks, dealer in family groceries, foreign and domestic wines, ales, etc .; Mr. Davis, dealer in all kinds of gro- ceries, dry goods and hardware, and C. Weeks, dealer in family groceries, flour, dry goods, provisions, etc.

On the advent of William E. Kirk, the veteran black- smith of the place, who came here when 19 years of age, there were only two buildings where the depot now is- those of Lot Cornelius and Uncle John Whalley. There are now in the neighborhood of the depot two stores, a meat market and numerous private dwellings.

In early days the mails were brought here on horse- back from New York.

LOCUST VALLEY SCHOOLS.

Locust Valley's inhabitants appear to have been ener- getic in the cause of education. To their district school,

established at an early date, they paid particular atten- tion. It was taught by Lot Cornelius for thirteen years before he established his boarding school, which con- tinued twenty years. This boarding school consisted of some forty pupils, and during its whole existence there was no sickness of any account among them, which speaks well for the salubriousness of Locust Valley. Pre- vious to the establishment of his boarding school this veteran educator had been teaching in the vicinity many years, and he was superintendent of the schools of the town of Oyster Bay a number of years. Some of the lead- ing men of the town received their education at his hands.

In the school district the facilities for education during some years were meagre. The school was held in a build- ing which partook of the nature of a dwelling and a school-house. The inhabitants, becoming alive to the necessity of better accommodations, built the present school-house, which is thought to be the first one with all modern improvements in the township. A member of the Cock family gave $5,000 toward its erection. The land was bought of Isaac Townsend, who offered it at a nominal price. The building is two stories high and large enough to afford room for all the children in the district; its builders having in view the probability that the district might be enlarged. Mr. Chamberlain succeeded Mr. Cornelius as principal of the school; then came Messrs. Bell, Skidmore, Keller, Mathews, Down- ing, Green, Bellows, Valentine, Robinson and McDon- alds. The present principal is Mr. Surdam, under whose care and teaching the pupils are very proficient.

THE REFORMED CHURCH OF LOCUST VALLEV.

The first evangelical organization in the vicinity of Locust Valley was connected with the Methodist Episco- pal church, and was established about 1838. For many years it continued to afford the only regular preaching that was enjoyed by the people living in the neighbor- hood, and was supported, regardless of denominational preferences, by all interested in the maintenance of the Christian church. During a vacancy in the pastorate of this church, which occurred in 1864 and which resulted in a partial suspension of its services, a proposal was made and agreed to by the officers of the Methodist church, that the Rev. E. S. Fairchild, of the Presbyterian church of Oyster Bay, should be invited to supply this pulpit every alternate Sabbath; and somewhat later the Rev. Jeremiah Searle, of the Reformed church of Oyster Bay (situated at Brookville), was requested to preach regularly upon the unoccupied Sunday. These arrange- ments, proving satisfactory to all concerned, were con- tinued until the resignation of their respective charges by these ministers interrupted the services held at Locust Valley. In 1866 the Rev. John H. Smock became the pastor of the Reformed church at Brookville, and, in ac- cordance with the desire of the people of Locust Valley, preached for them every other Sabbath, alternating with the supplies by the Methodist conference with which the Locust Valley church was connected, and continued his

513

DOSORIS-LOCUST VALLEY REFORMED CHURCH.

services until 1867, when, a settled pastor being obtained by the Methodist church, it was deemed undesirable to continue the union services, which had hitherto been carried on with great unanimity and profit. Many of the people, however, had become attached to the forms of worship and government of the Reformed and Presbyte- rian churches, and, desiring a continuance of them, they retained the services of Rev. Mr. Smock; and, securing the use of the district school building, held their first service therein August 25th 1867. The interest in the movement continuing, it was soon thought advisable to proceed to the erection of a church building. A plot of ground containing about half ån acre, adjoining the dis- trict school-house, was donated to the enterprise by D. V. Smith, of Lattingtown, and a neat frame building, with a seating capacity of nearly 250, was erected thereon at an expense of about $5,000. This edifice was dedi- cated July 4th 1869, and the congregation worshiping therein was considered to be under the care of the con- sistory of the Reformed church at Brookville. Upon the resignation of the pastorate of the Brookville church by Rev. Mr. Smock it was decided by the congregation at Locust Valley to request a separate organization, which was accordingly effected May 30th 1871, at which time the following named persons, sixteen in number, were received from the Reformed church at Brookville, and were constituted the original membership of the Re- formed Church of Locust Valley: Mrs. Angeline Bayles, Thomas A. Cock, Mrs. Anna Hall, Mrs. Ann A. Lawson, Mrs. Sarah Mallison, Benjamin C. Nevins, Mrs. Amanda Thurston, Mrs. Frances S. Townsend, Mrs. Anna Valen- tine, Miss Matilda Valentine, Joseph W. Valentine, Mrs. Ann E. Weeks, Miss Mary E. Weeks, Daniel V. Weeks, Mrs. Cornelia Wright, Daniel Wright.

From these sixteen the membership of the church has grown to sixty, while many more are regular attendants upon its services. The first consistory of the church was composed of Daniel V. Weeks and Daniel Wright, elders, and Benjamin C. Nevins and Thomas A. Cock, deacons. Of these gentlemen Mr. Weeks alone still serves among the officers of the church as an elder; his present asso- ciates being, in the eldership Charles H. Williams and in the diaconate John Bayles and Henry Bond.

The first pastor of this church was the Rev. John Hart, who was ordained and installed July 2nd 1872 and served the church nearly three years, resigning his charge in March 1875. His successors in the pastorate have been the Rev. Horace P. Craig, installed June 16th 1875, re- signed April 18th 1880; and the Rev. A. De W. Mason, who was installed October 7th 1880 and is the present incumbent.

The Sabbath-school of the church was organized Au- gust 25th 1867, under the superintendency of the Rev. Mr. Smock. Since that time its sessions have been reg- ularly held throughout the entire year. Its present of- ficers are: Joseph W. Valentine, superintendent; C. F. Williams, secretary and treasurer. The school numbers upon its roll eleven officers and teachers and nearly one hundred scholars.

DOSORIS.

Dosoris is situated on the sound, two miles north of Glen Cove. The original tract, nearly 1,000 acres, was purchased November 24th 1668 by Robert Williams from several chiefs of the Matinecock Indians. A patent of confirmation was issued the same year by Governor Nicolls. This patent included "West Island " and "East Island." Williams sold the premises September 24th 1670 to Lewis Morris, of Barbadoes, brother of Richard Morris, first proprietor of Morrisania. May 16th 1686 Governor Dongan gave Morris a patent, reserving a quit- rent of one bushel of wheat yearly. Morris conveyed the premises, August 10th 1693, for £390, to Daniel Whitehead, who for the same consideration conveyed them to his son-in-law John Taylor. Taylor dying in- testate, the property descended to his daughter Abigail, afterward the wife of Rev. Benjamin Woolsey. This gentleman resided on the premises from 1736 to the time of his death, August 16th 1756.

The name Dosoris is supposed to be a contraction of dos and uxoris-a wife's dower-the property having come to Mr. Woolsey by his wife. By forms of lease and release the title was vested in the husband, who de- vised three-fifths to his son Melancthon Taylor Woolsey and the remaining two-fifths to his son Benjamin Wool- sey. In 1760 the executors of the former conveyed his part of the estate, about 416 acres, including East Island (sometimes known since as Mutlear Island, Presque Isle and Butler's Island), for £4,000, to John Butler. Butler built the first flouring-mill here, on the dam between the mainland and West Island. Na- thaniel Coles (son-in-law ot Butler) came here to reside and bought the remainder of the Woolsey estate, con- taining about 300 acres; and also West Island, sometimes called Cavalier Island, for $3,600.

The two sons of Nathaniel Coles, John Butler Coles and General Nathaniel Coles, built the two flouring-mills on the dam between the two islands. All three of the mills did a large business. The first was taken down; the last two were burned.

The scenery here is beautiful, the soil excellent and the air salubrious, rendering it a delightful place of resi- dence. Dosoris contains some of the oldest locust trees on Long Island. The place was thickly populated with Indians, as the numerous skeletons and domestic uten- sils show. It is now occupied by the Coles family, who came here over a century since, and several other fam- ilies. East Island contains about 75 acres, and is occu- pied by Townsend Cox, commissioner of charity in New York city. West Island contains 50 acres, and is occu- pied by Charles A. Dana, editor of the New York Sun.

GLEN COVE.

This village at its first settlement was called "the Place," then " Musceata Coufe," and for some time went by the name of " Pembroke." In 1834 by a vote of the people the name was changed to Glen Cove.

514

HISTORY OF QUEENS COUNTY.

In 1667 one Joseph Carpenter applied to the governor for permission to buy " a certain piece of land on each syde of the ryver at Musceata Coufe, where he proposes to settle two or three plantations and to erect a saw and fulling-mill." This petition was granted. On the 24th of May 1668 Carpenter bought the land of the Indians. November 24th 1668 he joined with him as equal share- holders in the property Nathaniel Coles, Abia Carpenter, Thomas Townsend and Robert Coles. In 1677 Governor Andros granted letters patent to Joseph Carpenter, N. and R. Coles and Nicholas Simpkins for the land around Mosquito Cove. The following is a partial copy of this ancient document:

" Edward Andross Esq., by the grace of God lieuten- ant and governor-general under his Royal Highness James Duke of York and Albany, &c., of all his territory in America. Whereas there is a certain tract of land at Musketo Cove, in the north riding of Yorkshire upon Long Island, which by my order hath been laid out for Joseph Carpenter, Nathaniel Coles, Robert Coles, Daniel Coles and Nicholas Simpkins-the said land lying by the side of Hempstead Harbor, beginning at a certain marked tree, formerly marked for Colonel Lewis Morris; running then due east by the land of the said Colonel Morris 80 chains, ranging the same course from Colonel Morris's eastern bounds to a certain marked tree upon the common 40 chains; thence south 160 and 4 chains to certain markt trees; 90 chains due west, to the rear of the lots of Richard Kirby, Jacob Brocken, George Downing and Robert Godfrey; thence due north by the said lots 60 chains, and thence due west to the water side; ranging then by the water side to the run of Col- onel Lewis Morris, and thence nearest south to the first markt tree; including in the same the swamp and mill run- * *

* I have given and granted and by these presents do hereby give and grant unto the said Joseph Carpenter, Nathaniel Coles, Daniel Coles, Robert Coles and Nicholas Simpkins, their heirs and assignees, the aforementioned track of swamp, mill run and premises, with their and every of their appurtenances; they making improvements thereon according to law and yielding and paying therefor yearly and every year unto His Royal Highness's use as a quit-rent one bushel of good winter wheat, unto such officer or officers as shall be empowered to receive the same."

We will give the bounds of this patent in a form more comprehensible to the present generation. The starting point was at a marked tree, now replaced by a stone marked B, upon the land of John T. Valentine; from there the line ran in an easterly direction, a little to the south of the present residence of Stephen M. Cock, to a point at or near the northeast corner of his farm; thence in a southerly course, crossing the highway just east of the dwelling of the late Simon Craft, to the northwest corner of Pound Hollow Woods; along the west side of the woods to the northeast corner of Andreas McQueen's farm; thence westerly along the north side of his farm and across the Cedar Swamp road to a point a short distance southeast of the residence of Darius Benham; then northerly, passing a little west of Samuel Craft's resi- dence, until about opposite Littleworth lane; then west- erly to and along that lane as far as the first turn of the lane southwardly; then in a direct line to Hempstead Harbor and Long Island Sound, to Dosoris Creek, up the

creek to the pond; then to and through the west or old pond (thus including West Island) to the mouth of Flag Brook; up that brook (which is a southerly course) to its head, and then in a direct line, which is still southerly, to the marked stone. The tract contained according to the patent "seventeen hundred acres;" but from a list of the landholders dated November 11th 1786 (which we give below), made out upon the occasion of a final payment of quit-rent and which gives the number of acres owned by each person within the patent, the total number of acres appears to amount to 3,678; which being more than double the quantity given under the hand of the surveyor points to a mistake somewhere, in which the Indians must have been the losers. In the following paragraph the number of acres of each owner is followed by the amount of his tax:

Caleb Coles, 125, 25. 6d .; Benjamin Coles, 100, 25 .; Jacob Valentine, 277, 55. 6d .; Coles Mudge, 80, Is. 8d .; Jordan Coles, 19, 4d .; James Bennett, 3, Id .; Henry Mott, 26, 6d .; Charles Thorne, 19, 4d .; Thomas Kipp's estate, 6, 2d .; Joseph Wood, 120, 25. 5d .; Benjamin Craft, 73, IS. 6d .; Joseph Craft, 147, 2S. IId .; Solomon Craft, 60, IS. 3d .; Morris Carpenter, 15, 4d .; William Hyde, 11, 3d .; Coles Carpenter, 200, 45 .; Albert Coles, 75, Is. 6d .; Derich Coles, 62, IS. 3d .; William Coles, 48, IS .; Benjamin Coles jr., 100, 25 .; Isaac Coles, 19, 4d .; Daniel Coles, 120, 25. 5d .; Ananias Downing, 156, 35. 2d .; William Hopkins, 80, Is. 8d .; Thomas Hopkins, 140, 2S. rod .; Silas Downing, 20, 5d .; Jeromas Bennett, 80, IS. 8d .; George Bennett, 80, Is. 8d .; Thomas Pearsall, 185, 35. 9d .; Charles Frost, 3. Id .; John Frost, 3, Id .; Wil- liam Bennett, 6, 2d.

Joseph Carpenter, the first purchaser, appears to have resided for some time with his father, William, at Provi- dence, R. I .; from there he moved to Oyster Bay early in the year 1667, and thence to Mosquito Cov'e.

Nathaniel Coles was the son of Robert Coles, one of the associates of Governor Winthrop in the settlement of Ipswich, Mass. He came to Long Island in 1654, in company with Robert Williams, and settled at Oyster Bay. Many of the descendants of these two men are still living in the village and vicinity.

A saw-mill was built immediately after the settlement, and soon afterward it was thought necessary to build a grist-mill for the convenience of the settlers. The fol- lowing is a copy of the builder's agreement with the set- tlers after it was built:

"Agreed yt whareas I, Joseph Carpenter, haveing Built A grist-mill joyneing to oure new saw-mill, and upon ye stream which belongeth to us five purchasers-Nathanell Colles, Daniel Colles, Robert Colles, Nickolas Simkins and my selfe-and in consideration of three parts in ye streme and timbar I Joseph Carpenter doe pledge my selfe, my heyres, Exsexetors, Administrators, and Asignes, soe long as my selfe, my heyres, Exsexetors, Administra- tors, or Asignes shall keep or mantaine ye said mill, tto grind ye aforesaide proprietors' corne or grayne for each of their famylies well and Tolle-free for ever; and iff my selfe, my heyres, Exsexetors, Administrators, or Asignes for ye futar shall see case to Lett ye sayde grist- mill fall, and not to keep it in repayre for ye fulfilling of ye conditions as above inserted, that then and after, for- ever, ye aforesayde streme to remaine to us five proprie- tors and our heyres and Asignes for ever, to order and

515

THE GROWTH OF GLEN COVE.

dispose of as we shall see Case-to which I have sett my hand and seale ye 14th of Janewry 1677.

"JOSEPH CARPENTER.

"Signed, sealed and delivered in ye presence of us- Tho. Townsend, Samuel Pell."

The saw-mill and grist-mill were erected upon a dam thrown across the stream, and we are told vessels would run up to the dam and load at the lowest tide. The saw-mill soon grew very advantageous to the colony, for in 1678 we find Carpenter receiving extensive orders for plank to be used in the construction or repair of old Fort James, which stood on the Battery, New York. The growth of the settlement was rapid. Following Carpenter, Simp- kins, Coles and Mudge came Robert and Daniel Coles, John Thompson, Matthias Harvey, Thomas Townsend, Job Wright and Isaac Doughty. A year after the settle- ment of the Cove the list of freeholders in Oyster Bay included but forty-one; yet the increase in population was so rapid that in twenty years (1687) Governor Don- gan stated that the people complained of a want of room.

The records would show some confusion of boundaries among the proprietors; but, such was the liberal and friendly policy pursued by the people, we can hear of no disputes, but confirmations, concessions and grants. Un- der one of these Richard Kirby, Jacob Broking, George Downing and Robert Godefree were established in the ownership of land which was part of the original pur- chase by Simkins, Coles and Carpenter.

The Weeks family appears as interested in lands, but resided at Oyster Bay until somewhat later. There is no trace of Simpkins or any of his descendants, so it is sup- posed he must have left Mosquito Cove soon after be- coming associated in the purchase. Besides the families above mentioned the names of Mudge, Albertson and Thornycraft appear very often upon old papers. It is a curious fact that the name of Thornycraft now furnishes two distinct surnames-Thorne and Craft-both of which can be directly traced back to their common ancestor William Thornycraft.

In selecting places for their homes the early settlers chose sites in proximity to springs or streams, or where water would be found near the surface of the ground, which fact is very noticeable along Cedar Swamp Valley.

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History of Queens County, New York : with illustrations, portraits, and sketches of prominent families and individuals., Part 94

Author: Publication date: 1882 Publisher: New York : W.W. Munsell and Co. Number of Pages: 703

Author:
Publication date: 1882
Publisher: New York : W.W. Munsell and Co.
Number of Pages: 703