History of Rockland County, New York : with biographical sketches of its prominent men, Part 29

Author: Cole, David, 1822-1903, ed. cn; Beers, J. B., & co., New York, pub
Publication date: 1884
Publisher: New York : J. B. Beers & co.
Number of Pages: 993

USA > New York > Rockland County > History of Rockland County, New York : with biographical sketches of its prominent men > Part 29

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-- 1759." "1733 C. S." " R. I. Oct. 1757." On one of the slabs, with difficulty, the following can be traced:

"ALBART FECAR-IF-BORN NO-20-D-0-1753 AND-DE-OC-18-D 1762." "B DE 1763."

" Here lies the body of John the Son of John and Sarah Jones who departed this life Oct. roth, 1782, aged 1 year 8 months and 10 days."

" 1765 the 6 day of March deceased Marya Coailla aged 60."

A yard adjoining the west side of the old ground is enclosed by a neat iron fence, is in good condition and contains a few stones of more recent date, the oldest being less than sixty years old.

On the east side of the neat white marble monument, resting on a granite pedestal, is the following: "John J. Wood. Born Feb. 28, 1784, died May 20, 1874;" and on the south side of the same, "Elizabeth Lydecker, wife of John J. Wood, Born Feb. 22, 1790, died May 8, 1849."

On the farm of Albert Hopper is a burial ground which is next in age to the last. Here, on the eastern hillock, beneath the fruit trees of the forest, beside a softly babbling brook, many have found a resting place from the cares and toils of this busy life. The head stones are mostly of rough field slabs, of various shapes, and many of the inscriptions are made with poor tools in in- experienced hands. The oldest was marked: "W. Clark Dec. June 18, 1749." On others "Alex. McDugall 1752;" 1762 ADM E." " Harmanus Blauvelt died Feb. 28, 1833, aged 91 years 10 months 15 days."

Two neat stones mark the graves of Daniel H. Blau- velt, and his wife, Rachel Cole. The former was born November 25tl1 1764, and died May 20th 1848.

Among the oldest graves in the burial ground in Dis- trict No. 6 are these: Johannes Blauvelt, who died May 24th 1794, aged 79; Jacob Onderdonk, died 1795; Isaac Steward, 1811; Anny, wife of A. Blauvelt, who died in 1820; and Nicholas Van Houten, died December 3d 1825, aged 89.

What is now known as the Nanuet Cemetery was first used as a burying ground at about the time the church adjoining was built. There is, however, one stone bearing date a year prior to the erection of the church, and its inscription reads thus:

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CLARKSTOWN-BIOGRAPHIES.

" In memory of Daniel De Clark who departed this life Sept. 22, 1825, aged 57 years 11 months and 21 days. " My dear children come and see

Prepare for death and follow me."

Another records the death of David J. De Clark, which occurred " Sept. 12, 1826, aged 16 months."

That of Rachel Demarest, wife of John A. Serven, is the third in age and bears date " Sept. 19, 1827."

An infant son of Abram and Martha Serven died Oct. 6th 1828.

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.

THE PYE FAMILY.

Among the early settlers in the town of Clarkstown was David Pye. A native of England, and by profession a lawyer, he came to America in 1857 on legal business, intending to return again to his native country. Being left without means he remained in America, and soon afterward settled in Rockland county. December 30th 1762, he was married to Mary Martin, of Western New Jersey, by Rev. John Hanna. By her he had six chil- dren: Sarah, born March 24th 1764; John, born April 17th 1766; James, born May 13th 1768; Benjamin, born August 3d 1770; Ann, born September 20th 1771; and David. Mrs. Pye died January 20th 1783, aged 43 years. David Pye was again married, October 22d 1783, his second wife being Cathrena, daughter of David and Elizabeth Cooper, of Bergen county, New Jersey. By her he had one child, Isaac. David Pye did an exten- sive business as a surveyor, and also settled many estates. Previous to the erection of the county, deeds, records, etc., were placed with him for safe keeping, and upon the organization of the county in 1798 he became the first County Clerk. He was also clerk of the first Board of Supervisors of Rockland county. He filled many other important positions, among which may be men- tioned: Member of Provincial Congress, State Senator, Member of Council of Appointment, Member of Assem- bly, Supervisor, etc. He was a man of superior ability, and was widely known and universally respected. He died August 28th 1804. His wife died July 20th 1820.

David Pye (whose portrait appears in this work), son of the first named, was born in Clarkstown, February 14th 1776. He was married, April 10th 1799, to Sarah Acker, by Rev. Nicholas Lansing. Their children were: David D., born October 30th 1799, died June 24th 1867; Catharine, born March 3d 1802, died December 9th 1851; John D .: Isaac; Matthew, born March 8th 1816, died February 8th 1870; Sarah, born July 20th 1818; Edward; and Jere- miah, born November 10th 1826. Like his father, David Pye was a civil engineer, and had charge of the settle- ment of many estates. His influence in matters of public importance was widely felt. His advice in legal matters was often sought, and many controversies were settled through his influence without recourse to the courts of law. If public estimation be a just criterion of merit, he was excelled by few, since for many years he was hon-

ored with the office of County Clerk, and also held very many other positions of trust. He died September 27th 1852, and was buried in Oak Hill Cemetery.

John D. Pye was born in Clarkstown, May 17th 1806. He married Clara Van Houten, April 5th 1835. The result of this union was five children: Neplin, born July Ioth 1836, died July 8th 1843; Mary E., born January 16th 1838, married A. Cornelison, living at Nyack; Isaac E .; James H., born March 23d 1845, died July 16th 1850; and John H., born August 15th 1851, married Mary E. Perkins, living at Haverstraw. John D. Pye received a common school education. He was for sev- eral years engaged in the manufacture of woolen goods at Clarksville. In 1841 he removed to the farm near New City, now owned and occupied by his son Isaac E. Here he spent the remainder of his life, being actively engaged in the farming and lumber business. He was also engaged in the mercantile business at New City. He was a man of good business abilities, and was highly esteemed in the community. He died January 30th 1864. Isaac E. Pye was born January 29th 1841, and succeeds his father in the farming and lumber business. He was married June 25th 1866, to Sarah A. Dickson. They have one child, Jennie D., born June 3d 1868. Mr. Pye served two years and eleven months in the war of the Rebellion, in the 128th Infantry. He enlisted as a private and was promoted sergeant.

Isaac Pye was born in Clarkstown, December 21st 1813. He was married to Elizabeth Ann Van Houten, December 9th 1841. She was born August 20th 1821. Two children have been born to them: David Edward, born September roth 1842, died July 30th 1855; and Laura, born October 14th 1856, married, September 13th 1882, to Samuel B. MeKee, a civil engineer, living at Toronto, Canada. They have one child, Clayton Stuart, born October 30th 1883. Mr. Pye received his education in the common schools of his native town. Since his early manhood he has been actively engaged in the business of farming. He was for many years captain of a company of cavalry known as the Rockland County Rangers. This company was after- ward attached to the 17th regiment New York State Militia, of which Mr. Pye became major. During the late war he held command of the regiment in the absence of the colonel, his brother Edward. He is a good citi- zen and neighbor, and is universally respected in the community.

Edward Pye was born September 5th 1823. He was graduated from Rutgers College, New Brunswick, New Jersey. He afterward studied law under Judge William F. Frazer and others, and entered upon the practice of his profession at Haverstraw. He soon rose to distinc- tion in his chosen profession. He held the office of County Judge and Surrogate for four years. He was estimable for his devotion to duty, his virtuous principles, and his extensive acquaintance with men and things. He was for several years colonel of the 17th regiment of militia. When the war of the Rebellion broke out, his devotion to the cause of the Union led him to take an active part

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HISTORY OF ROCKLAND COUNTY.

in its defense. He joined the 95th regiment of volun- teers. March 6th 1862, he became major of the regi- ment, and was promoted colonel, December 23d 1863. He died June 12th 1864, of wounds received at the battle of Cold Harbor. Edward Pye Post, G. A. R., of | Maria, born July 28th 1802, died July 27th 1821; Gity, Haverstraw, was named in his honor. His memory is hallowed by the esteem and regret of a large circle of friends.

THE DE BEVOISE FAMILY.

The ancestor of this family was Carel de Beauvois, a well educated and highly respectable French Protestant who came from Leyden in Holland. The family name was probably derived from the ancient city Beauvais, on the river Therin, northwest of Paris. During the relig- ious wars of the 16th century the Protestants were scat- tered and expelled from France, and fled to Holland. Carel de Beauvois came to America in the ship Otter, which arrived at New Amsterdam, February 17th 1659. "He brought with him his wife, Sophia Van Lodensteyn, and three children born in Leyden. The family settled in Brooklyn, just east of the site of the present City Hall and Municipal Buildings. He soon obtained a position as a teacher, and is said to have been the first schoolmas- ter in Brooklyn. In 1661 he became chorister reader and schoolmaster for the people of Brooklyn, at a salary of 25 guilders and free house rent. He also served as pub- lic secretary or town clerk, which office he held until 1669. His children were: Jacobus, Gertrude, Catharine, and Cornelia.

Jacobus De Bevoise, only son of Carel (1), was born at Leyden in 1651, came with his father to Brooklyn, and remained on the old homestead during his life: When a young man he joined the church in Brooklyn and after- ward became deacon. He was married, June 12th 1678, to Maria, daughter of Joost Carelsz. He died in the born December 10th 1829, died in infancy; John, born early part of the next century, his widow surviving him. Their children were: Carel, born in 1680; Joost, born in 1683; Jacobus, born in 1686; and Johannes, born in 1689.

Carel De Bevoise (2), son of Jacobus, was married in 1707 to Margaret Meserole. He became notary public in Brooklyn, and was very prominent both in civil and in church affairs. From 1752 to 1761 he held the office of County Judge. His sons were Jan, Jacobus, Carel, and Johannes.

part of Brooklyn, and was a farmer. The land on which he settled is still in the possession of his descendants. He married, October 9th 1736, Eve, daughter of Coert Van Voorhees, of Gravesend. He died in 1757, and his widow in 1793, aged 74 years. Their children were: Margaret, born in 1738; Nelly, born in 1740; Carel, born in 1742; Maria, born in 1744; Anna, born in 1746; Co- ert; John, born in 1751; Catharine, born in 1753; Jaco- bus, born in 1755; and Isaac, born in 1757.

Coert De Bevoise, son of Carel (3), was born at Bush- wick, October 28th 1748, and married Elizabeth Sloat.

Charles De Bevoise, son of Coert, was born August 22d 1772. He married Maria Post, who was born No- vember 26th 1774. By her he had seven children: Pe- ter; Charles, born August 19th 1800, died July 23d 1801 ;

born February 25th 1805, died October 29th 1878; Charles Washington, born October 14th 1807, died Au- gust 24th 1829; Margaret Ann, born May 8th IS10, died about 1833; and Cornelius, born September 12th 1815, died December 16th 1835. Mrs. De Bevoise died March 15th 1823, and Mr. De Bevoise married, for his second wife, Mary Strong, by whom he had one child, Ebenezer, who died December 22d 1831, aged about two years. Charles De Bevoise was a blacksmith by trade. He had a large shop in New York city, at the corner of Chapel street and West Broadway, where he carried on an ex- tensive business, manufacturing iron railings, etc. He died March 4th 1847.

Peter De Bevoise, son of Charles (1), was born in New York city, January 7th 1798. He entered into business with his father, and after working with the latter for sev- eral years, he enlisted in the United States navy. After serving three years on the old frigate Constellation, he re- turned to New York city and again engaged in business with his father. He married, for his first wife, Harriet Hurd, of New York city. By her he had one child, Charles, born September 24th 1824. He was married, December 25th 1828, to Emeline De Friese. She was born in New York city, March 27th 1808. About 1837 he removed to New City and settled on a farm of 65 acres, which he bought of Henry and Polly Pool, Janu- ary 14th 1840. During the remainder of his life he car- ried on the business of farming. He died January 13th 1879. His widow is living on the homestead at New City. Five children have been born to them: Amelia, March 5th 1832, died July 22d 1882, leaving three chil- dren, Charles W., Bertha, and Harry; Maria, born Au- gust 8th 1834, died June 28th 1862, leaving three chil- dren, two of whom are living, Augusta R., and Kate; Abram, born January 5th 1837, died June 12th 1841; and Peter.

Charles De Bevoise, son of Peter, was born September 24th 1824. January 9th 1854, he was married to Mary C. Haight. Five children have been born to them: Al- bert, Sarah, William, Charles S., and Zenor. Albert, the eldest child, died at the age of four years. Charles De

Carel De Bevoise (3), son of Carel (2), was born on the old homestead, in 1711. He settled in Bushwick, now a Bevoise was in the United States naval service 17 years. He served in both the Mexican war and in the war of the Rebellion. He is the present proprietor of the New City Hotel.

Peter De Bevoise, youngest child of Peter (1), was born in New City, May 17th 1840. After leaving school he worked upon his father's farin for a few years, then moved to Haverstraw, where he engaged in the station- ery business. He continued this business for about two years, after which he entered into partnership with Jere- miah Pye, undertaker and furniture dealer, under the firm name of Pye & De Bevoise. In 1861 he enlisted as a

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CLARKSTOWN-BIOGRAPHIES.

private in the 95th regiment of infantry. He was pro- moted corporal and afterward transferred to the 59th Company, 2d Battalion, Veteran Reserve Corps. After a service of three years he returned home and entered the store at New City as clerk for A. Cornelison. In 1872 he bought out the business, which he has since con- ducted. He has held the position of postmaster at New City for 12 years. He was married, September 24th 1879, to Ada M., daughter of Sylvester Clark. Two children have been born to them: Emma, born August 4th 1880; and Irene, born October 7th 1882.

ISAAC VANDERBILT.

Johannes Vanderbilt, father of Isaac, was born April 6th 1727. He resided in that portion of the precinct of Haverstraw which was afterward erected into the town of Clarkstown. He did quite an extensive business as a merchant, and accumulated, during his business life, a large amount of real estate. He was married about 1764 to Maritje Bogert, who was born June 24th 1731. By

her he had six children: Johannes, James, Hyla, Maria, Bridget, and Ida. His first wife died August 24th 1777, and in 1778 he was married to the widow of Jacob Blau- velt. Her maiden name was Annetje Van Houten. The children by this union were: Jacob, Garret, Maritje, Catharine, Sarah, Margaret, and Isaac. Johannes Van- derbilt died October 16th 1805. Annetje, his second wife, died November 13th 1839.

Isaac Vanderbilt, youngest child of Johannes, was born in Clarkstown, January 27th 1792. He married for his first wife Sarah Stephens, grand-daughter of John and Charity Manuel. The children by this marriage were: John, William, Jacob, Catharine, Anne, Harman, and Sarah. Sarah Stephens Vanderbilt died in May 1827. She was a member of the old Reformed Dutch Church of Clarkstown, with which she united, February 24th 1821.

For his second wife, Isaac Vanderbilt married Mar- garet Stephens, sister of his first wife. She was born February 3d 1798. Four children were born to them: Adaline Amanda and Margaret Elizabeth, born Decem- ber 22d 1828; Dewitt Clinton, born October 19th 1833; and Isaac Stephens. Isaac Vanderbilt died September 17th 1764. Margaret, his second wife, died September 2 tst 1867.

received the commission of ensign in the 83d regiment, January 2d 1824, and was promoted captain November 8th 1827.

Isaac Stephens, youngest child and only living son of Isaac Vanderbilt, was born in Clarkstown, March Sth 1835. He received his education in the public schools of his native town, and at the Hamilton Military and Collegiate Institute, White Plains, New York. After leaving school he entered the dry goods house of Hearn Brothers, 425 Broadway, New York city. He remained there one year, after which he entered into partnership with his brothers, William and Dewitt, and under the firm name of Vanderbilt Brothers, engaged in the retail clothing business, at 408 Broadway, New York city. He remained in this business until the death of his father, after which he moved to the old homestead in Clarks- town, where he has since resided. He enlisted in the 7th regiment, New York Infantry, September 6th 1858, and was honorably discharged from the saine, December 30th 1865. He was married, November 27th 1862, to Sarah J., daughter of William J. Haddock, tobacconist of New York city, one of the respected self-made men of the present time. Nine children have been born to them: William Haddock, born August 27th 1863; Ralph Seton, born May 12th 1866; Isaac Stephens jr., born August Ist 1868; Herbert Mansfield, born September 27th 1870; Bessie and Jennie, born January 22d 1873; Arthur Moore, born May 3d 1875, died August 27th 1876; Ernest Castelle, born April 25th 1877; and Harold Moody, born August 23d 1879. The family are attend- ants of the Episcopal church at New City, of which Mrs. Vanderbilt is a communicant.

TUNIS BLAUVELT.

To perpetuate the memory of our ancestors is an ob- ligation we owe to them, a duty we owe to ourselves. It is a duty which elevates human nature, strengthens our patriotism, and draws closer together the bonds of sym- pathy between man and man. In the story of our country, how many incidents are forever lost, which a laudable family pride would have fondly cherished! It is there- fore eminently fitting that those incidents, connected with the early settlement and growth of this town and country, which are not already lost, be rescued from oblivion and preserved for the benefit of future generations.

When about nineteen years of age he moved to the Intimately connected with the settlement and growth Jacob A. Blauvelt, son of Abraham Blauvelt, of Tappan, in the county of Orange and province of New York, pur- chased of William Campbell, of the precinct of Haver- straw, a tract of 300 acres of land, situated in the precinct of Haverstraw, about one and one-half miles from the present Court House at New City. This tract was known as Lot No. 5 in the Kakiat Patent, which was granted to Daniel Honan and others, June 25th 1696. For the tract, Jacob A. Blauvelt paid to William Campbell the sum of £100. farm now owned and occupied by his son, Isaac S. This of Rockland county is the name Blauvelt. In 1741, farmi was conveyed to Johannes Vanderbilt, grandfather of the present owner, by Isaac A. Blauvelt and Moricha, his wife, the deed bearing date, November 18th 1799. Since this time the farm has remained in the possession of the Vanderbilt family. Besides carrying on the bus- iness of farming, Isaac Vanderbilt was an extensive dealer in horses and cattle, and also in real estate. Through his business transactions he became widely known throughout the county. He was active and ener- getic in business, and commanded the confidence and respect of the community in which he lived. He was for In 1753, Jacob A., for the sum of £60, sold the north- many years a member of the New York State militia. He |erly half of this tract, to Jacob ja. Blauvelt, great-grand-

Verdin 0

ROCKLAND COUNTY, N. Y.

HAVERSTRAW,

Residence of JOHN DERBYSHIRE,

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KPN!

132

HISTORY OF ROCKLAND COUNTY.

father of the present owner; and there beneath the shadow of the classic Thor, and amid the streams which constitute the head waters of the Hackensack, bounded on one side by the Van Houtens, and on the other by the De Pews; on a land rough but fertile, he commenced, with the few settlers around him; the struggle for a sub- sistence, of which his descendants may justly feel proud. The lessons of unwearied toil and pinching economy taught them in their native land, accompanied by a spirit of self-denial that was proof against all temptation, and a perseverance that flagged not, at length wrung victory out of the most adverse circumstances.

The distance they had to go to attend their place of worship, and the conveyance in which they had to travel thither, would appall the modern reformer; but that spirit of devotion, born and nurtured in Holland, lost none of its purity or vigor by being transplanted to American soil. Though the nearest church was at Tap- pan, 12 miles distant, and the road thither but a rough path, yet on Sabbath mornings the wagon, which was adapted for all work (for they had but one) was brought to the door, and the family started on their way, taking along something to eat, for there was service both before and after noon, and they deemed it their duty to attend both.

To provide for the intellectual wants of the young com- mitted to their care, they felt to be one of the first duties devolving upon them. A school house 20 or 30 feet square was built on the southwestern corner of the farm. At what date and at what expense this building was erected are unknown. In the year 1823 it was destroyed by fire. The inhabitants promptly voted to raise the sum of $130 by tax on the district for the purpose of building a new one, and John Blauvelt was exempted from the tax, in consideration of allowing them to place the building on that corner.

John Blauvelt [1], son of Jacob Ja., and successor to the estate, was married to Catharine Blauvelt, of Tappan. By her he had three children: Maria, Jane, and Jacob J. He died in 1824, and his widow in 1828.

Jacob J. Blauvelt, son of John [1], was born in Clarks- town in 1796. He was married in 1816 to Margaret Remsen. Five children were born to them: John, Eliza- beth, Emeline, Tunis, and Catharine. He was for many years captain of a company in the 83d regiment, New York State militia, his commission bearing date Septem- ber 4th 1830. He died February 20th 1858. His wife died August 30th 1839.

John Blauvelt [2], eldest child of Jacob J., was born in 1817, and was married in 1840 to Ellen Conklin, by whom he had one child, Stanley V. He died in 1865.

Tunis Blauvelt, the present occupant of the ancestral [home, was born May 31st 1827. He received a common

The nearest market was Manhattan Island, 40 miles away, but there was at least a choice of routes. One was school education, and engaged in the business of farm- to go on foot through field and forest, the trees being ing, which he still carries on. In 1874 he was married to Ellen Conklin, his brother's widow. He has no issue. He has served several times as Supervisor of Clarkstown. He is a justice of the peace, also one of the loan com- missioners for the county of Rockland. He is a man of considerable ability, a substantial farmer, and a public spirited citizen. blazed by the way to guide the traveler aright; the other was to get to the shore of the Hudson, where something called a boat, which was drifted about by the tides and blown about by the winds, would undertake to deliver the traveler at his destination, but within no specified time. The voyage was often considered extremely peril- ous. In evidence of this fact one incident may be related. Stanley V. Blauvelt, son of John [2] was born in 1853. He was married to Antoinnette Hoffman in 1875. They have two children: Annie, born 1876, and Margaret, born in 1878. A Mrs. Anna Blauvelt had engaged passage up on the boat for herself and babe, but the wind commenced blow- ing, her timidity increased, and she dared not hazard the voyage. But it would be a long time before another trip was made, and her business and comfort demanded her FLORENT VERDIN. return home. She was ferried across the river, and, with her babe in her arms, she started on foot for her home which was nearly 40 miles distant, but which she safely reached during the night.

Florent Verdin, son of Nicholas Verdin, was born at Alsace, France, October 13th 1815. He left his native country in 1837, came to America, and settled at Cincin- nati, Ohio. He worked at his trade, that of cabinet making, for about one year, after which he entered into partnership with Michael Werk, under the firm name of Verdin & Werk, and commenced the manufacture of candles and oils, at Cincinnati, which business he con- tinued for about nine years. In the spring of 1850, he moved to New York city. He formed a partnership with R. G. Mitchell, under the firm name of R. G. Mitchell & Co., and again engaged in the candle and oil business, at the corner of Fourth street and First avenue. In 1863, Mr. Verdin bought a farm of 70 acres, at New City, in the town of Clarkstown. By subsequent purchases. this farm has been enlarged to 125 acres, and is considered one of the finest farms in the county. In 1874, Mr. Verdin sold out his interest in the firm of R. G. Mitchell & Co., and moved to his farm, at New City, where he has since re- sided.

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History of Rockland County, New York : with biographical sketches of its prominent men, Part 29

Author: Cole, David, 1822-1903, ed. cn; Beers, J. B., & co., New York, pub Publication date: 1884 Publisher: New York : J. B. Beers & co. Number of Pages: 993

Author: Cole, David, 1822-1903, ed. cn; Beers, J. B., & co., New York, pub
Publication date: 1884
Publisher: New York : J. B. Beers & co.
Number of Pages: 993