History of Suffolk county, New York, 1683, Part 26

Author: W.W. Munsell & Co., pub; Bayles, Richard M. (Richard Mather); Cooper, James B. (James Brown), 1825-; Pelletreau, William S. (William Smith), 1840-1918; Street, Charles R. (Charles Rufus), 1825-1894; Smith, John Lawrence, 1816-1889
Publication date: 1882
Publisher: New York : W.W. Munsell & co.
Number of Pages: 677

USA > New York > Suffolk County > History of Suffolk county, New York, 1683 > Part 26

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Joshua Garlick was an inhabitant of the town for a short period. He bought a home lot of Richard War- ing, lying between the latter and Thomas Biggs, Novem- ber 16th 1666. June Ist 1668 he sold the same again to Waring.

Robert Goulsbery : All that we know of him is that he bought an accommodation of Richard Floyd August 29th 1679.

Thomas Harlow drew a share in the division of land about 1661. He probably remained here but a short time.

Zachariah Hawkins was one of the early settlers, and the holder of several shares in the proprietorship. The records show his transactions in real estate to have been comparatively frequent. He appears on a jury in 1663 ; and in 1666 brings a suit against Robert Akerly for damage done by the latter's hogs, claiming eight bushels of peas. The court returns judgment for four bushels and costs. He held the office of trustee in 1696 and 1697. He appears to have been a man of honest prin- ciple and sober, plodding habits, and was somewhat addicted to the acquirement of property. These quali- ties, associated with a tenacious vitality, appear to have been transmitted through the generations to a numerous posterity, as the fact that on the town assessment books at the present time this family name appears more fre- quently than any other may suggest.

William Herrick appears only as the owner of lot No. 23 of the fifty-acre lots. He was probably a resident of Southampton, the son of James Herrick, one of the early settlers of that town, who was employed to beat the drum on Sabbath days to call the people to worship.

Thomas Helme was an active member of the early community, and a shareholder in the proprietorship. He occupied a number of positions of confidence and honor ; was one of the second patentees ; was commis- sioned with Richard Woodhull to lay out Little Neck in 1687 ; was town clerk the same year, as well as a " com- missioner ; " held the latter office in 1690 ; was a justice in 1691, president of trustees in 1694, 1695 and 1698, a

John Jenners (Jenner or Gennors) was one of the early settlers. His name appears as that of a juror in 1663, and as one of the patentees of 1666. September 25th 1662, probably as an initiatory step toward the organiza- tion of the new Connecticut government, he was elected one of the four men to act as magistrates until the end of the year. He was a delegate to the convention to elect burgesses in 1691.

Thomas Jenners was a younger man, and probably the son of the former. November 17th 1671 he received an allotment at Wading River. He was commissioned by the town to join Mr. Gibb in going to New York to apply for a patent December 10th 1686, and became one of the trustees incorporated by that patent; was constable in 1690, and trustee in 1701, 1703, 1709 and 1711. He was employed by the town to join Benjamin Smith in sur- veying meadows at Old Man's, June 25th 1701, and was one of the four men appointed by the town to oversee the clearing of highways in May 1704. His name ap- pears on the records as late as 1723.

William Jayne, sometimes erroneously spelled Jean, first appears on a committee appointed by the town to secure a parsonage site, May 7th 1689. He was a trustee in 1701. His numerous descendants cling to the old stamping-ground at Setauket. The legend on his tomb- stone in the ancient burial plot-now defaced almost be- yond recognition-tells us that he was a native of Bris- tol, England, and that he died March 24th 1714, at the advanced age of ninety-six years.

Robert Kellam was a former resident of Southampton. His name appears as a shareholder in the "fifty-acre lots" of this town.

Gabriel Linch, a weaver by trade, received from the town the weaver's accommodation March 30th 1667, he agreeing to weave the town's cloth "as cheaply as it is commonly woven."

Jacob Longbotham, or Longbottom, was one of the primitive inhabitants, and son-in-law of Henry Perring. He sold part of his accommodation to John Beeswick June Ist 1672. He appears in possession of the mill as part owner with his mother-in-law, the widow Perring, February 4th 1674, at which time the overseers agree to make up the dam to the height of ten feet from the bot- tom of the pond, and then the town is to have no more expense with it.

Joseph Longbotham was a brother of the last named,

THE TOWN OF BROOKHAVEN.

and also a son-in-law of Henry Perring. November 17th 1671 he received an allotment in the new settlement at Wading River. The descendants of these brothers still hold some of the land occupied by them. The family is noted for the longevity of its members. But few gene- rations bridge between the earliest and the latest.

Daniel Lane appears to have been a man of large busi- ness capacity, which quality gave him a favorable intro- duction to the townspeople. He was one of the early settlers, and was frequently intrusted with important com- missions in behalf of the town. He owned a large share in the proprietary interests, and his traffic in real estate was constant. Having bought of the Indians a tract of land in Little Neck he assigned it to the inhabitants April 6th 1663, they reimbursing him in the expense; March 31st 1665 he was the bearer of money, £6 Tos., to the Indian Tobacus on behalf of the town in payment for land and meadows purchased June 10th 1664. In 1666 he was one of the first patentees. In 1664 he agreed with a number of the inhabitants to build a mill. June 17th 1667 he was commissioned by the town to petition the governor for the right to whales coming upon the seashore to be given the town.

Matthew Priar, one of the pioneers, held proprietary rights at an early period. Having been unfairly distressed Daniel Lane jr. was granted an allotment at Wading River, to be " convenient to the water for his calling," November 17th 1671. by Mr. Scott, the committee of the General Assembly of Connecticut, June 9th 1664, ordered that some of Mr. Scott's goods should be sold and three cows be bought Thomas Mapes, or, as it is more commonly spelled in the old records, Mabbs, was one of the six first purchasers of 1655. He received shares in the various divisions of land, and May 11th 1670 sold a new purchaser's accomo- dation to Richard Briant. He brought an action (date not given) against Henry Rogers for defamation, claiming damage to the amount of £100, to which the court re- sponded with a verdict for £5 and a public acknowledg- with the proceeds for the present benefit of Priar's fam- ily. He sold his house and. lot to the constable and over- seers of the town for the use of the minister October 24th 1665, for £12, to be paid in corn, wheat and peas. His house was probably something more than ordinary for those days, since the fact that it had glass windows, doors and partitions seemed worthy of remark in the deed. After this he removed to Matinecock, and still later sold ment, or {10 and costs. The records do not tell us which his accommodation here to Captain John Platt, July 18th 1666.

of the alternatives the defendant chose. He was a justice of the peace in 1693, but probably removed from this town to Southold soon after that date. His name ap- pears as that of a militia captain in the latter town in I700.

Andrew Miller, a son of John Miller of East Hampton, bought an accommodation of William Poole, his home Jot and one-fourth commonage, March 30th, and the re- remainder of his rights October 16th following. About 1673 he purchased an accomodation of John Budd. He was the founder of the beautiful hamlet Miller's Place, and there his posterity still lives.

Francis Moncey was one of the early proprietors. He received an allotment of meadow at South Fireplace in 1664 or thereabout, and another in the new settlement at Wading River November 17th 1671. He died shortly before 1675, and left a widow, who afterward held his estate.

Nathaniel Norton, from Southampton, bought an ac- commodation of Captain John Platt March 27th 1668, for £40, payable in cattle. He was a carpenter by trade, and the following year engaged to frame the new meeting-house and put it up ready for the covering, the town people hauling the timber and helping to raise it,

for which service he was to be free from all rates for six years. September 17th 1674 the town voted to give him a piece of meadow near " Mt. Misery House," with "3 pole of land ", for clapboarding and shingling the meet- ing-house, he finding materials. He was chosen an over- seer in 1676. He is still represented in his posterity, among whom have appeared some well known names.

Matthias Nicolls was a nephew of Governor Richard Nicolls and secretary of the colony. He received from the town meeting January 25th 1674 a new purchaser's ac- commodation with a home lot in the town plat, in con- sideration of his assistance in the purchase of meadows at South. This he gave to his son William, March 9th 1674

William Nicolls, son of Matthias and patentee of the large part of Islip known as Nicolls's patent, was a pro- prietor in this town but never a resident for any length of time. His history belongs to that of Islip.

Thomas Pierce was one of the early freeholders of whom but little is known. He was a magistrate, appointed by the court at Hartford in 1661.

Henry Perring, one of the town fathers, dabbled con- siderably in real estate and was a man of some business qualities. He was one of the patentees of 1666, had allotments in several divisions of land and owned a mill in the town. This he gave in 1671 to his two sons-in-law Jacob and Joseph Longbotham, reserving a life lease upon it, and inserting a direction that their three sisters were to go "tole free" but that his daughter Hannah was to be "tole free forever, and her heirs." He was chosen overseer, and surveyor of highways in 1671, and the fol- lowing year was authorized (March 16th 1672) to con- struct and maintain a "pound," and to be "pounder." For his services in this direction he was to collect fees for pounding,-I penny for a hog, 2 pence for a beast, 3 pence for a horse, 1/2 penny for a sheep or goat, and to have the old pound for his own use. He had been on the committee to purchase meadows at South in 1671, and July 20th 1674 the town granted him three little islands in Unkachaug Bite. He is supposed to have died that year.

Captain John Platt bought an accommodation of Mat- thew Priar July 18th 1666, and sold the same to Na- thaniel Norton March 27th 1668. In June of the same

THE TOWN OF BROOKHAVEN.

year he sold the home lot and one-fourth commonage (which probably had been reserved from the former sale) to John Budd for his rights in Huntington.

William Poole was a citizen of the early days; his name appears as an inhabitant in 1664, but he was prob- ably settled here much earlier than that. By two sales, bearing date March 30th and October 16th 1671, he transferred all his rights in this town to Andrew Miller.

Stephen Person: Town meeting voted him a new pur- chaser's right on his paying the necessary proportion of charges, December 17th 1669.

Henry Rogers was an early citizen of this land of free- dom, whose ideas of free speech were too liberal for the times. Consequently he was fined by. a court of four magistrates and six jurors, December 8th 1663, for lying, ten shillings; and on another occasion was sentenced by the court to pay £5 and make a public confession, or £10 and costs without such confession, for traducing the character of his neighbor Thomas Mapes.

Edward Rouse was a transient resident, who bought accommodations of John Scudder and sold the same to John Tooker June 8th 1662, for accommodations in Ja- maica, whither he probably removed.

Simeon Rouse's name appears as that of an inhabitant in 1664.

John Roe was a shoemaker, and an inhabitant of Southampton in 1666. He came to this town the fol- lowing year, and December 6th the town gave him the home lot that was laid out for a minister, and a new pur- chaser's right when he should pay for it as others had done. He at the same time agreed to work at his trade for the town's people. He was elected constable, collect. or and trustee January 10th 1688, to fill out the unex- pired term of .William Satterly, deceased. Among the generations of his descendants have been many honored and respected citizens.

William Rogers received from the overseers a home lot and accommodation February 16th 1675.

Samuel Shermon is a name that stands among the early settlers of whom little is known.

William Satterly was a member of the proprietary brotherhood. He was an overseer in 1671, and was made constable in 1676, an office then of considerable note. In 1671 he was also chosen to act "in the place of a church warden." He died early in January 1688 or late in the previous year, holding the offices of constable, collector and trustee.

Richard Smith probably joined this settlement as early as 1656 ; a man of more than ordinary powers and ac- quirements, he was a leading spirit, and figured con- spicuously in the affairs of the town. He held a propri- etary interest here for many years, was a justice of the peace, and on the disruption of the government in June 1689 was elected by the town as alternate or second to Richard Woodhull, to represent the town in the council at New York "for the good of the country." He is best known as the progenitor of the "Bull " Smiths and founder of the town which bears his name.

Arthur Smith was one of the first settlers of the town;

his name appears as an inhabitant in 1664. He probably died about 1665, leaving a widow and two sons, Benjamin and John.

Benjamin Smith, one of the young men, succeeded to the rights of his father, and by his own exertions ad- vanced to a position of considerable prominence and in- creased possessions. He was ordered by the town to join Thomas Jenner in surveying meadows at Old Man's June 25th 1701; was trustee that year and the year fol- lowing; and was appointed one of the superintendents of the work of clearing the highways in May 1704.

John Smith, a weaver, probably a brother of the last named, bought with Thomas a share in the new pur- chase at South in 1674. In 1670 he bought a horse of Richard Woodhull, to be paid for in weaving at regular rates.

Thomas Smith, probably a wheelwright by trade, was an early settler to whom the town granted a new purcha -. ser's right March 16th 1672. In 1673 he exchanged his home lot with Samuel Akerly for the one that was Joshua Garlick's, and agreed to give in the bargain a "suffisent pair of Cart Wheels." In 1674 he received from the town one-sixth of the west meadows at Old Man's, and bought half a share in the new purchase at South. He held the office of overseer in 1676.

Robert Smith, an early freeholder, sold his right in the new purchase at South to John Thompson, April 7th 1674.

Daniel Smith was a citizen of whom but little is said. Richard Woodhull loaned him a horse, which died in his possession, whereupon the owner brought suit and re- covered£18 and costs, December 28th 1664. He was town clerk in 1669.

William Salyer was a son-in-law to Foulk Davis, from whom he received a home lot and accommodation, Osto- ber 25th 1671. He probably came here from Southampton, where he was a resident in 1668. His name is perpetuated on the records as the index to a proprietary right.

Obadiah Seward was one of the early proprietors; his name is frequently met on the records, but generally in personal transactions. Though he does not appear to have held any important public trusts he still had occasions of difference with his neighbors, as most men do. On one of these Thomas Thorp became so demonstrative as to fall upon him with blows and set his dogs upon him, the latter biting his legs severely. The case was brought into court, but was settled privately. A tradition lingers that he was the ancestor of the late statesman William H. Seward, but no evidence is at hand either to confirm or disprove its truth. His name has for some time been ex- tinct in this town.

Willian Simson was one of the early settlers. July 11th 1660 he agreed to keep a boat in the town, and in con- sideration of that convenience the townspeople granted him a ten-acre lot lying next to James Cumfield's. His name appears as an inhabitant in 1664, but before 1671 he had sold his home lot to Richard Briant. It is prob- able that he sailed his boat as a packet, making trips to points on the Connecticut shore, and after selling his in- terest here made his home elsewhere.

THE TOWN OF BROOKHAVEN.

John Scudder was one of the first six purchasers of inhabitants is seen in the fact that he was appointed to 1655. He had a share in the proprietorship, which he sold to Edward Rouse previous to 1662.

John Scott was a former resident of Hartford and later of Southampton, where he appears as an attorney, prac- ticing law in the primitive courts as early as 1660. He was a resident of this town in 1663, having bought a home lot and accommodation of Joseph Hand that year. He was a magistrate at the same time, and wore the titulary honors of captain and esquire. He brings suit in 1664 against Robert Bloomer, for £30, but failing to appear in court is " non-shewted;" also claims damages against Arthur Smith for "outrayege an victious Acktions" to the amount of £1,000, to which the jury return a verdict for £50 and costs. March 26th 1664 he sold his home lot and accommodation to Zachariah Hawkins. After this he appears to have been absent from the town, hav- ing left a quantity of glass and iron, and a dependent John Thomas, from Rye, was taken as an inhabitant August 22nd 1671, and instructed in regard to selling land to any one not approved by the town that such vio- lation of laws would work forfeiture of all his rights. He was a constable in 1686. family. The committee of the General Assembly of Con- necticut, being here June 9th 1664, appointed three men to take an inventory of his goods-glass and iron-and ordered them stored in John Ketcham's house for safe keeping. The committee at the same time ordered that John Thomas sen., son of the last named, appears as the owner of a share in the " old purchase " of meadows at South Fireplace. a quantity of the goods be sold to procure funds with which to buy three cows for the present use of Matthew Priar, whom Scott had unjustly oppressed; and also that John Thompson, a blacksmith, is supposed to have come to Setauket in 1656. July 15th 1672 he received from the town the "smith's accommodation " on condi- goods to the amount of thirty or forty shilling worth be sold to supply the present need of Scott's family for "bred and corn." February Ist 1666 he sold all his lands tion that he should do the town's work. His descend- to Zachariah Hawkins.

Eben Salsberry appears as one of the early residents; he sold his accommodation to Daniel Lane March 2nd 1666, delivering the same-according to an old custom- "by twig and turf." He appears as high sheriff in 1670.

John Sweasey, or Swesie, of Southold, was one of the original six who secured the first Indian deed of 1655. If he shared any material interest in the original pur- chase he probably transferred it, and afterward bought, January 13th 1672, of John Thomas one-half his accom- modation.

Thomas Thorp is but seldom mentioned, except in a number of court records, where he appears as the defendant under various charges, among which are running a book account with Richard Mills, of Southampton, in 1651; trespass and damage done Richard Woodhull in 1666, and assaulting and setting the dogs on "Obed " Seward at another time. He however held a proprietary right in Brookhaven, and his name is perpetuated as its signa- ture.

John Tooker was one of the most active members of the primitive democracy. He was concerned in several real estate transactions at an early period. He was a man of considerable business tact, and was frequently chosen by his fellow townsmen to missions of importance, With Daniel Lane he bought part of Unkechage Neck of the Indian Wapheege in 1670, and August 16th 1671 he was appointed on a committee to purchase meadows at South. An evidence of the trust reposed in him by the

many-offices. He was town clerk many years; just how long is uncertain, but it is known that he commenced to serve as early as 1668 and probably earlier, and contin- ued until 1677 or later. He was empowered as a magis- trate September 25th 1662; was one of the patentees of 1666; chosen constable in 1671, and a trustee in 1702. June 17th 1667 the town authorized him to keep an " ordnery," and appropriated upland and meadow about "Mt. Misery House " for that use. July 12th 1670 High Sheriff Captain Salisberry and Richard Woodhull, magis- trate, licensed him to retail strong drink so long as he should keep a house of entertainment. September 6th 1677 the town granted him fifty acres of land wherever he might choose it, in recognition of his services in " writing the records to date." His name is perpetuated by numerous descendants.

ants still hover about Setauket, though the name is ob- solete there.

Anthony Thompson received from the overseers and constable a home lot and accommodation February 16th 1675.

Captain John Undrell, or Underhill, was the owner of a proprietary right here at an early period, though as early as 1668 his name appears as a resident of Oyster Bay. He probably never resided in Brookhaven for any length of time.

Christopher Tooly received from the overseers and constable a home lot and accommodation February 16th 1675-

George Wood, having obtained an unsavory name in Southampton, joined this settlement and secured small lots of land. He remained however but a short time.

Peter Whitehaire was one of the early freeholders of the town and founders of the settlement. He was elect- ed to the office of commissioner in 1687 and again in 1690. He died, holding the office of trustee, about the year 1698. His name has long since become extinct.

Richard Waring, an early settler, sold his accommoda- tion to Joshua Garlick November 16th 1666, and bought the same back again June 1st 1668. He was employed in 1672, by the people of the "hie strete," as a " cow- ceeper" or herdsman, whose duty it was to drive the cattle from their yards to the plains to pasture every morning, and bring them back again at night. For this service he was paid 2s. 6d. a day, in butter, corn, wheat and peas.

THE TOWN OF BROOKHAVEN.

Thomas Ward, one of the early land holders, was grant- ed by the town (August 22nd 1671) two necks of meadow next beyond the "ould man's medow " for his share.

William Williams was accepted as a townsman in 1676 or 1677, and granted a half allotment, in accordance with the town's order in relation to young men.

Richard Woodhull: In verification of the Scriptural statement "The first shall be last," etc., this name appro- priately falls at the close of this list. Were we called upon to write a eulogy on the foremost man among the settlers of Brookhaven, we could not select a more worthy subject. But he needs no such effort at our hands. The records of Brookhaven and the facts of history concerning him are the modest but unfaltering witnesses to a character which for principles of honor and justice, unselfish motives, far-seeing discretion, kind- liness of manners, and constant zeal in public service has few superiors among the honored names that grace the first pages of American history. He is said to have descended through an ancient lineage from a subject of William the Conqueror who came with him from Nor- mandy into England in 1066. He was born in North- amptonshire, England, September 13th 1620, and is sup- posed to have come to this country when a young man. His first appearance here of which we find any definite evidence is at Southampton in 1644. He was probably there before that date, and may have come from Lynn with the original company of settlers of Southampton. He appears to have manifested there the same untiring

energy and active interest in the affairs of the town that made him afterward so conspicuous in Brookhaven. He was frequently placed on juries, on committees and on many important missions. The records of that town give frequent testimony of the esteem in which he was held as a training officer and a surveyor, as well as. a man of general intelligence and sound judgment in all public affairs. He appears to have left Southampton about the year 1655; and after a year or two, spent perhaps in looking for a desirable place to locate, he appears among the early settlers of Brookhaven. His name appears here as early as 1657, when, July 20th, he pur- chased of Wyandanch two necks of meadow at Mastic for the town. He was appointed a magistrate for the town by the court at Hartford, May 16th 1661, which position he continued to hold for many years. He was one of the patentees of 1666, and again of 1686, and was a surveyor and conveyancer of superior abilities. He was appointed to many offices and acted on many important commissions, one of the most conspicuous of which was that masterly stroke of diplomacy by which the title of the town to the whole northern territory was forever freed from the com- plication of Indian claims under which it was liable to fall. The name of his father was probably the same as his own; that of his wife was Deborah, and his children were Richard, Nathaniel and Deborah. He died in Octo- ber 1690. The name as it appears in the early records is variously rendered, as Odell, Oodell, Wodhull, and Woodhull.

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