USA > New York > Ulster County > History of Ulster County, New York, with illustrations and biographical sketches of its prominent men and pioneers. Vol. II > Part 27
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75 | Part 76 | Part 77 | Part 78 | Part 79 | Part 80 | Part 81 | Part 82 | Part 83 | Part 84 | Part 85 | Part 86 | Part 87 | Part 88
The homestead uf Marinus Van Aken was near the river, the present place of James and George Van Aken. It has been continually in the hands of the family from the earliest Fettlement. He was succeeded by his son Eliphaz, and his son was Jacobus, and the present-owners are JJames and George, sous of Ebenezer, who was the sen of Jacobus.
Henry Ostrander was an early settler of Esopus. He was a descendant of Jan Ostrander, and married Elizabeth Wambomy, of Kingston. Soon after his marriage he pur- chased a farm at the foot of Hussey Hill, and not far from
Kallicoon Hlook, a place noted for wild turkeys. This must have been as early as 1730, for in 1760, in conse- quence of his large family, he removed to Plattekill for the purpose of securing a larger fim for their convenience.
The following description of a farm deeded to Arien Gerretse, March 25, 1724, seems to apply to the southeast. part of the Hurley patent, within the present limits of Esopus and Rosendale :
. . . "lying and being within the limits of Hurley aforcsaid, on the southeast site of the Rondont. Creck and on both sides of the Paltz Creek, beginning on the south side of a certain creek commonly called Swarte Kill, where the falls on the Paltz Creek, being the bounds of Coll. Jacol, Rutsen ; then along his line and said Swarte Kill to the northerninoat part thereof. and from thence cast to the line of Kingston ; then along said bne of Kingston north to the patented lands of the heirs of Jacob Aert-e; then along said lant to the patented land of Mattys and Nico- las Blasyan so as it runs to the land of said Rutse, and along the same lo the first station ; being bounded easterly to the land of Kings. ton, southerly by said Col. Jacob Ratsen, northwesterly by the lands of the sabl Mattys and Nicholas Blasyan and the beirs of said Jacob Aertse."
Likewise,
. . . " four acres of land on the south side of said Swarte Kill by the two falls that lays upon said kill next the Paltz Crock, and privilege to make two dams upon zuid falls."
Also,
... "a certain tract lying within the bounds of Hurley aforesaid, beginning on the south side of the Green Creek by the bridge on the e.ist side of the high-road that leads to the New Paltz; fromn thenco along siil road to the brow of the hill on the road that leads to the house of Jan Freer, and from thence all along said brow of the hill to the lin. of Kingstoun ; then along said line north to the Green Creek ; then up alope said ereck to the firet station; being boundel easterly by the corporation of Kingston, portherly by said Green Kill, and westerly by the said High-Road."
Of the Honghtaling family, so prominent in the public affairs of this town, it is understood that the original pioneers were two brothers from Holland. One settled in Greene Comity, the other in Ulster. The earliest Houghtaling homestead in this town was undoubtedly at what is now South Rondout. A grandson of the pioneer was Jeremiah Iloughtaliug; one of his sons was Abram I., and Robert S. Houghtaling, to whom we are indebted for this and other items, is a son of Abram I.
From land records at Albany, vol. ii. page 114, as quoted by Jonathan Hasbrouck, it appears that Frederick Hussey bought, June 12, 1685, a tract of 2360 acres betwist Ron- dout Kill aud Cline Esopus, called Hussey's Hill, including Cline Esopus, Fly, and Sunken Fly at the mouth of the Rondout, and two small lakes.
The following is evidently a full statement of the citizens of Esopus residing upon that part taken from Hurley, for the date given :
"A list for the overseer of Hurley Town, east side of the Wallkill, March, 28th, 1781. DAYS.
" Johannis Hardenbergh ..... 10
" Ephraim Keyser ..
Timothy Telsey ..... 3
Daniel York.
Julin Wintel. ..
Johannis York.
Benjamin Winfield.
Jonathan Bardenbergh.
Hendrick Smith ..
7 Isane tiardenbergh
Jonathan Hutchinson ...... 3 Pavil Turner.
Jeronemus Burger
1
Joseph fire. .. Direk Keyser ... ...
1 Zacharias Sluyter.
This assessment shows the relative standing, as regards
111
TOWN OF ESOPUS.
property, of those sixteen persons. Johannis Hardenburgh seems to have led all the rest.
Coming down to the organization of the town, we have the data for determining all the inhabitants in what is now Esopus, except the portion taken from New Paltz in later years.
Most of the highway rolls of 1811 are preserved among the papers in the office of the town clerk, and by using a portion of those for the year 1812 a complete series is ob- tained, as given below. The description of the districts being easily traced at the present time, the record determines not only the names of all the male inhabitants liable for highway work, but also the part of the town in which they lived about seventy years ago.
Road District No. 1 (1812): " From John J. Sleght to the three-mile stone, whereof Ephraim Low, Jun., is oversrer."-Ephraim Low, Jun., John J. Sleght, Jacob Winfield. John Staats, Theophilis Ellsworth, William Ells- worth, Henry Ellsworth, Jolin Longyear, Daniel Sits, John Van Vliet, David Monelt, Robert J. Mouch, Benjamin Bogardus, Leonard Krows, Widow Cornelius Houghtaling, Jacobus Du Bois, Peter F. Brinck, John W. Houghtaling, Abraham Van Vliet, Jun., Arie Van Vliet, Tennis C. Iloughtaling.
Road District No. 2 (1812): " From the three-mile stone to the bounds of New Paltz, near John Bever, whereof Peter H. Eckert is overseer."-Peter H. Eckert, Henry Hammon, Stephen Eckert, Jeremiah Degraff, John F. Sluyter, Solomon Eckert, Jonathan Degraff, John Lith, John Smith, Martinus Cole, Johannis Weist, Solomon Eekert, Widew Jchannah Degraff, John L. Post, Peter R. Decker, Ileury Van Every, Teunis Van Vliet, Thomas Van Vliet, Sylvester Eckert, Benjamin Delemunter, Cornelius D. B. Delemater, Jeremiah Eckert, Reuben Decker.
Road District No. 3 (1812) : " From Hudson's River were John I. Lefevre to the bounds of New Paltz, whereof Peter Parcel is overseer." --- Peter Parcel, John De Garmo, John I. Lefevre, William Litts, Nathan Whitney, Isaac Sluyter, Conradt Weist, Jacob Neese, Low R. Weist, Jr., Low R. Weist, Jr., William Degraff, John Greatsinger, William Hasbrouck. John Price.
Road District No. 4 (1812) : " From Willet Simmons to intersect the Paltz Road near the Peach Orchard, whereof Jonah Cornell is overseer." -- Jongh Coruell, Scoplien Great- singer, Isaac Mott, John Merrit, Jacob Eckert, Hezekiah Ferguson, John Hunt, Richard Wiley, Jacob Shears, James Zinhens, John P. Eckert, Peter Eckert, Joel Myner, David Wells, Philip A. Sheres.
Road District No. 5: " From the Cross- Road near the house of John Cole to Hudson's River, for which Matthew Van Keuren is overseer." -- Matthew Van Keuren, Benjamin Van Aken, Benjamin B. Van Aken, Johannis Cole, Levi Deyo, William Smith, John W. Van Keuren,
Road District No. 6: " From the house of William Styles to the bounds of Hurley, near the house of James Anchmoody, whereef Isme Deletter is overarer."-Isaac Delemater, Ephraim Van Aken, William Styles, Ephraim Low, Ephraim Low, Jr., Jeremiah Terpenning, Abraham G. Van Aken, Widow Polly Van Auken, Matthew and Abram Van Auken, John Van Auken, Widow Polly Bur-
nett, Cornelius L. Hasbronek, Solomon Eckert and son. Simion Barnar, Jonathan Woolsey, Johaunis Smith, Matthew Stone, Mores Day, Peter W. Ostrander, John Van Keuren, Benjamin Delemater, Cornelius D. Delemater, Frederick F. Van Nostrandt, Frank H. Van Wagener, Walter Sluyter, Benjamin Sluyter, Jr., Josiah Carrigin, Johannis Barner, Christopher Davis.
Roud District No. 7: "From the bounds of Hurley near the house of David Ackerman to the intersection of District No. 6, whereof John Terpenning is overseer."- John Terpenning, Boudewine Terpenning, John Nettress, Henry Plongh, Entrim Decker, Elihu Bever, George Elkins, John Ohinstead, Peter D. Terpenning. Steven Bedford.
Roud District No. S: " From District No. 2 at the Esopus Church to Hudson's River at the ferry of John Van Aken, for which John E. Van Aken is overseer." -- Jolin Van Aken, John Winfield, John Delemater, William Terpenning, James Bedford, Abraham Terpenning. Joshua Terpenning, John Delemater, Tjerek F. Terpenning, William I. Honghtaling, Zachariah Burger, Elias Hardenbergh, Reuben Deeker, John Wells, George Terpenning, Henry Terpenning, Neliewiah Ostrander, Ilendriekus Terpenning.
Road District No. 9: " From the ferry of John E. Von Aken to District No. 1 at Matthias Sehryver's, whereof John W. Houghtaling is overseer."-Johu W. Iloughtaling, Solomon Terpenning, Martinus Sehryver, Jacobus Van Aken, Jacob Gulnack, Martinus Sehryver, Jr., Johu Johnson, Thomas Wells, Eliphas Van Aken, Benjamin Wells, Cornelius Velie, Abraham Van Vleet, Jacobns Terpenning.
Road. District No. 10: " From District No. G near the house of Jacob Weist to the ferry of Benjamin A. Van Aken, whercof Solomon Degraff is overseer."-Solomou Degraff, Jacob Wart, Benjamin A. Van Aken, Cornelius D. Krum, Moses York, David Van Wagoner, Abrahama Eckert, Benjamin Van Aken, Thomas Guinnis, Peter Atkins, Abraham A. Van Aken, James Van Aken, Peter P. Duntont, Abraham Seamans, Jacob T. Couk, Peter P. Decker.
Road District No. 11 : " From Hudson's River at Jeshua Degraff's to District No. 6, near the house of the Widow Van Aken, whereof Jonathan Shayter is overseer." --- Jonathan Sluyter, Benjamin Sluyter, Elias Terpenning, Abraham C. Delemater, Henriens Van Wagoner, Alibaster Sehryver, Charles Wells, Zacharias Scheyver, Charka Wells, Johannis Schryver, Jacobus Louw, Jacobus and John Degraff, Widow Degraff, Joshua Degraff, Simon Terpenning, Henry Schryver, Isaac Hamilton, Sylvester Terpenning, Gerrit Terpenning, Jr., Samuel Terpenning, Luke Romane, Simcon Schryver.
Road District No. 12: " From District No. 1 near John Velie's house to a stone marked S. F., west near the Rondout Creek, for which Jeremiah Houghtaling is chosen overseer."-Jeremiah Houghtaling, Cornelius Houghtaling, Hezekiah Iloughtaling, Abraham Houghtaling, John Velie, Cornelias C. Delemater, John 1. Houghtaling, Jeremiah Houghtaling, Jr., Peter Delamater, John Bodine.
Road District No. 13 (1812) : " From the Rendout Creek at a becch-tree opposite the house of James Ham- meltown, Jr., whereof Abraham HI. Van Aken is overseer."
112
HISTORY OF ULSTER COUNTY, NEW YORK.
-Abraham II. Van Aken, Gariet I. Freer, Peter Van Aken, Garret Freer, William Clark, Jacob Van Aken, Samuel Contant. Perrick Crum, John Neese, Isaac Van Aken. Stephen Waring, Cornelius C. Delemater, Peter De- lemater, John Badine, Jacob B. Van Aken, Nathaniel S. - Brodhead, Jeremiah Clearwater, Handary Row.
Road District No. 14 (1812) : " From District No. 1 near the house of David Parcel to District No. 12, whereof John H. Post is overseer."-John H. Post, Solomon Par- cel, David Pareel, John A Low, Benjamin Parcel, Samuel Swart, John G. Krum, Lyman Krum, Jeremiah Van Keu- ren.
No. 15: " From the bounds of Hurley to Willet Sim- mous', whereof James C. Ferguson is overseer."-James Ferguson, Willet Simmons, Rowlen Robinson, Job Minard, Adin Hunt, Thomas Frost, Timothy Humphrey, James Minard, Ezekiel Roads, Thomas Ferguson, Benjamin Tur- ner, Basley Ferguson, David Mivard, Jolm B. Schofield, Abraham Sluyter, Jr., Davis Coddington, Richardson Cor- nell, Jolin Mott, James Hunt.
The poll list at the town-meeting of 1812 shows 119 votes cast. At the first town meeting the year before, 155 votes were east, and these poll lists are both in good pres- ervation among the town papers.
The town laws passed in 1811 or 1812 provide for a pound "as near to the house of William I. Houghtaling as possible."
A bounty of $12.50 was offered for "cach wolf killed within the town of Esopus; the person killing the same must bring the head with the cars on and make oath to the facts."
From the original certificate of cleetion returns filed in the town elerk's office May 10, 1811, it appears that at an election held the last Tuesday of April, 1811, and con- tinned by adjournment during the first and second days of May. there were the following results :
For Lieutenant Governor .- Nicholas Fish had 109 votes; De Witt Clinton, 19.
For Senator .- Elisha Williams had 109 votes; Erastus Root, 20; William Saber, 20.
Among the town papers is a letter directed to Jonathan Sluyter, Esq., giving the names of the peddlers licensed by the State in Ulster County during April, ISI1 : April 15th, Robert Broomlee ; 25th, Samuel Harbison, John Daughon ; 26th, James Wood ; 80th, James Donaldson, Gordon Gil- inore, John Hawshorn, Michael Douglass.
The total assessed valuation of 1815 was $82,110. For the year 1816 it was $87,200. The assessment-roll of 1816 is preserved. and shows the following persous assessed for $1000 or upwards :
-
Isaac Delemaler. $1250 | William Terpenning $1050
Jacobus and Johannes De-
1600
Solomon Degraff ant sen ...: 1000)
Jatues Van Aken. 1150 Gariet 1. Freer .... 2200 !
Elaphas Van Aken ... 2600 Jeremiah Houghtaling and
5600
Henry Hannoni 1450
Ephraim Luw. 2000
Walter Lockwood, in posses. sion of Pell. 1260
John H. Slight .... 1650
Benjamin Slayder and .... LUSH
John Smith 1900
Alabertis Sehryher and sons 1900 Jacobus Terpenning 1150
Margaret Terpenning and
EBas Terpenning .. 1100
Benjamin B. Van Aken ....
Abrabuin Van Vliet and son Henry Van Warenen. 1,50 Divil Van Wagenen .. 1230
Abraham J. Van Aken. 1150
Menrnis Van Aken ...
Abraham Van Aken and
son Matthew .. 1200
John Winfiel! 1100
i
TAVERNS.
The former taverns of the town are shown by the license- list of 1830. Joseph Wildey received a grocer's license. His store was at what is now called New Salem, where he was a merchant for some years. Peter L. Hardenburgh applied for license. Ilis place was at Perrine's Bridge, on the same place that the Dubois house now occupies. John Burger applied for license. His place was at New Salem. Daniel Woolsey received a groeer's license. He was a merchant at Pell's Dock. Martinus Schryver applied for license. His place was at what is now Port Ewen, on the old post-road. Caleb Merritt applied for license. His house was at what is now Ulster Park. Jacob Wiest applied for license. His house was at Kallienon Hook, now Union Centre. Simon F. and John Perrine were denied a tavern license but were granted a grocer's license. They were merchants at Elmore's Corners. William: Wise re- ceived a tavern license. His house was at Elmore's Cor- ners. Gitty Ellsworth received a tavern license. The widow Eilsworth lived two miles south of Port Ewen, at the present farm-residence of Livieres Van Aken. That was an old tavern-stand of early times, kept by William Ellsworth. Thomas M. Holt received a license. His tavern was at what is now Ulster Park, opposite the present hotel kept by his son-in-law, Albert M. WNorris. Tjerck F. Terpenning received a license. His tavern was on the post- road, south from Ulster Park, the present farm-residence of Edgar Terpenning. Solonem Terpeuning received a license. His tavern was ou the river, at a point about a mile north of Escpus Meadows. Jacobus Van Alen, also licensed, kept a tavern near the house of Solomon Terpenning. These two houses were particularly for the accommodation of the fish-buyers, who came in large numbers to purchase shad. Samuel Elmore had a grocer's license. He was a merchant at Elmore's Corners, and from that. finnily the place received its name.
MERCHANTS.
An early merchant was Jonathan J. Lefevre, whose store was at or near the dock at Elmore's Corners. This was probably the only store in town, 1810 to 1815. The El- inores were his successors. Somewhat later a store was opened at Pell's Point by Israel Hammond, and was con- tinued for a time. After a few years the Ehnores moved up to the main road at the Corners. A store at Ulster Park was kept by various proprietors-John H. Schryver and Dr. Thomas M. Holt. The business was continued by Cheney Ames, whose son, Osear Ames, is now the well- known merchant at Elmore's Corners. Next to Cheney Ames was Henry Sailus, followed by Charles Lawrence, and the same store is now kept by Albert M. Norris. At Sleighitburgh was a very carly store, as carly, perhaps. a. any in Rondout. It was the old Sleight stand. The John P. Sleight homestead was just below the house of the late Isaae D. Sleight building, taken down about twenty years ago. John P. Sleight left five sons-Abraham, Stephen, Isaac D., Peter, Solomon, Daniel C .- and one Janghter, Mr -. Robert S. Houghtaling. Stephen and Peter moved away ; tire others settled here. Two sons of Abram-George S. and Johannes-are now in trade at the old store of their father.
.
-
JOHN GRIFFITHS, son of John Griffiths, was born in Wales, May 7, 1795. His mother died when he was only eighteen months old. In 1820 he married Margaret Jones, also a native of Wales. In 1822, with his wife, and child four months old, accompanied by his wife's brother, William Jones (then a young man, but now an old resident of the town of Lloyd), he came to America, first settling in Catskill, N. Y., where, however, he remained only five years and removed to New York City. In 1830 he removed and settled in Esopus, Ulster Co., where he resided in business until 1852, when he was elected sheriff of Ulster County on the Democratic ticket, and took up his residence in Kingston. His wife died Aug. 31, 1853, aged fifty-five, during his first year's service as sheriff. At the close of his official term Mr. Griffiths re- turned to Esopns, where he resided until his death, which occurred Oct. 11, 1873. Both he and his wife were buried in the cemetery in Esopus. Of
his six children only two survive in 1880,-John S., born in 1821, a resident of Esopus; Margaret E .. boru in 1829, was married in 1851 to William Ait- chison, a native of Scotland. After the death of her mother her father resided at her house, first in Kingston and afterwards in Esopus.
She now resides at Hyde Park, N. Y. Of her six children three are living,-Emma J., W. Wallace. and F. Ervin. Frank H. Griffiths, son of John S. Griffiths, is an enterprising merchant of Rondout.
Sheriff Griffiths, as he was familiarly known, was an active member of the Democratic party, a firm supporter of the Union cause during the late war, and sent one son to the field with the old 20th Regi- ment. Mr. Griffiths was a genial and unassuming gentleman, and his heart was always open to the pleadings of the unfortunate and weak. He had many friends, a large circle of acquaintances, and all who knew him held him in high esteem for his integrity in all the relations of life.
113
TOWN OF ESOPUS.
PHYSICIANS.
Dr. William Clark was an early physician, probably before 1800. He practiced in Esopus until his death. He lived at Green Kill. Dr. Hasbrouck, who lived a little north of Ulster Park, practiced for many years from 1810 or 1812. He was contemporary with Dr. Clark, and after- wards removed to New Paltz and died there. Dr. Thomas M. Holt resided at Ulster Park, and was a physician from 1816 or about that date until 1858, having an extensive practice for over forty years. Dr. Morris Wurts lived south of Elmore's Corners. He died many years ago. It is said that when he died no charge could be found against a single individual, -that he had kept no books. Dr. John V. Holt, son of Dr. Thomas M. Holt, became a phy- sieinu, graduated in the Vermont Medical School, practiced in Esopus, Rondout, and other places, and died in New Paltz. Thomas M. Holt, above mentioned, eame here as a teacher from Connecticut about the time of the last war with England. He married, in 1818, Rebecca Van Vliet, settled at what is now Ulster P'ark, and spent the rest of his life at that point as a hotel-keeper and physician. He died in May, 1858, aged sixty-five. He was one of the old-time physicians, and rode horseback with the old-fash- ioned saddle-bags.
The present physicians of the town are Dr. Josiah Has- Brouck, who resides at Port Ewen, and has practiced there for twenty-three years. Dr. McKenzie also located at Port Ewen, and has been in practice for some years.
MEN DOING LAW BUSINESS.
Among the men who formerly attended lawsuits was William H. Irving. John F. Slater was also employed in similar work, and John B. Livingston, who lived at Elmore's Corners. Those doing the principal leg: I writing of the town since 1800 have been Peter R. Decker, Jonathan Sluyter, Benjamin Niese, Marinus V. Wheeler, and other justices of the penec. A son of Dr. MeKenzie is now practicing law at Port Ewen.
STATISTICS.
The total population of Esopus, as determined by the census of 1875, was 4521. Of this number 3877 were native born and 644 foreign born. In regard to race, 1515 were white and 6 colored. In regard to sex, 2305 were laals and 2216 females. The males of voting age were 1155. The total cqualized assessed value of property in Esopus for ISTO-80 is $1,239,613, and the total tax col- leeted upon that basis, 818,377.09.
IV .- ORGANIZATION.
Esopus was formed from Kingston, April 5, 1811. Sev- eral changes were made in its territory during subsequent years. In ISIS a part of Esopus was annexed to Kings- ton and a part of Hurley to Esopus. April 12, 1842, a part of New Paltz was also added to E-opus. The town perpetuates the most ancient name given to this section at the time of the earliest settlement. It was known as the 4. Country of the Esopus." The writ from the last Dutch Governor ordering the surrender to the British was directed to the " sheriff of Esopus." The principal Indian diffi . culties are known in the annals of the State as the first and
second Esopus war. The name is said to mean " a place of high banks."
From the town bouks we take the following record :
"THE FIRST TOWN-MEETING.
" We the subscribers certify that the following officers were chosen at the town-election held at the house of William Elsworth, in the town of Esopus, pursuant to an act of the Legislature of the State of New York, entitled an act to divide the town of Kingston, passed at the last session : Jobn J. Lefevre, Supervisor; Jonathan Sluyter, Town Clerk ; Garret I. Freer, Peter Percell, John Winfield, Assessors : Solomon Degraff, William Styles, John P. Sleight, Commissioners of Highways ; William Terpenning, Ephraim Van Aken, Poormasters ; I'rederick F. Van Nostrandt, Collector; Peter D. Terpenning, Fred- erick Vau Nostrandt, Constables.
" Overseera of the Highways .- No. 1, -_; No. 2, Henry Hom- men; No. 3, John Dy Garino; No. 4. Josiah Cornell; No. 5, Mat- thew Vankeuren ; No. 6, Isane Delemater; No. 7, John Terpenning; No. S, John G. Van Aken ; No. 9, -; No. 10, Solomon Degraff ; No. 11, Jonathan Sluyter : No. 12, Jeremiah Houghtaling; No. 13, Garret 1. Freer; No. 11. Solomon Parcell.
" Poundmaster, William Houghtaling."
The record of the meeting according to the heading should have the names of the justices of the peace who presided attached to the same. They do not, however, appear in the book.
FURTHER NOTES FROM THE RECORDS.
The title-page contains the following inscription : "The Book where the town officers are recorded and where the stray cattle are recorded in (and), the marks of the different persons of their cattle are recorded in this book."
The first estray notice is the following: " Came into the enclosure of Peter R. Decker in the first of the month of September last a red stear white under his belly a brindle face Marked on the left ear with a half moon cut out of the under side about eighteen months old." Recorded Now. 9, 1811.
The first eattle-mark recorded is by Benjamin Sluyter : "a slit ent from the under side of the left ear."
New names appearing on the records of the second town- meeting are Peter HI. Decker, Isaac Sluyter, Henry Sehryver, Peter Parcel, Cornelius Houghtaling, Ephraim Van Aken, Johannis Schryver, Ephraim Low, Jr., Jere- ini: h Terpenning, William Van Vliet, Abram J. Van Aken, James Ferguson, Peter HI. Eckert, John H. Post, Tjerck Terpenning.
The following is an unusual vote for a rural town, and shows undoubtedly that somebody was active early in the morning of the town-meeting :
" MARCH 7, 1S65.
" Resolved, That there be assessed and levied upon the town a tax of $100 for the purpose of assisting in erecting an engine-house for Lafayette Fire Engine Company, No. 1, in South Rondout, in the said town of Esopus .-- a company formed and organized under the statute laws of the State of New York in and for said town of Esopus."
The money was secured, but the company is said to have been disbanded in a few years.
PLACE OF THE TOWN-MEETINGS.
The first meeting (1$11) was held " at the house of Wil- liam Ellsworth." This was the old tavern well known for many years already mentioned. In 1812 the meeting was
15
114
HISTORY OF ULSTER COUNTY, NEW YORK.
" at the house of Tjerck Terpenning;" also in 1813, and yearly to 1833. This was at the present place of Edgar Terpenning, near the Reformed church. In 1834 the meeting was held at the house of Thomas M. Holt; also in 1835-36. This was at Ulster Park. In 1837 the town-meeting was held at the house of Frederick Winfield. This was the old Terpenning tavern, near the Reformned church. In 1838 the meeting was again held at the house of Thomas M. Holt; also in 1839-40; and since that date the meetings have been held there all the time. The sue- cessive proprietors are shown by the language of the records :
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.