USA > New York > Schoharie County > Military records of Schoharie County veterans of four wars > Part 2
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FORTS AND DEFENSES OF THE REVOLUTION.
The Lower Fort.
In 1772, the people living at and in the vicinity of the present vil- lage of Schoharie made common cause in the erection of a place for worship, by contributing money, labor, and material. The re- sult of their efforts stands on the eastern limit of the village and is known as the " Old Stone Fort." Five years after its erection it was selected as a place of defense against threatened invasions, and it was inclosed by a stockade, within which temporary shelter was provided for the families and non-combatants residing in the neigh- borhood. From its tower much of the surrounding country could be overlooked, and as was the case during Johnson's raid, riflemen could make it unsafe for the enemy to approach from any direction.
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WAR OF THE REVOLUTION.
The "Stone Church" was used for some years after the Revolution as a house of worship, and later as an arsenal, having become the property of the State. At a recent date, title was conveyed by the State to the county, and afterward by the county to the Schoharie County Historical Society, as a museum of antiquities. It appears that, after the completion of the building, many who contributed toward its erection employed the masons or " boss " mason, to carve their names on the more conspicuous stones, charging for the work a sum which other contributors considered exorbitant, and would not pay ; feeling it to be unjust, after contributing to the work. We are then to infer that the names of all who assisted in building this historical edifice are not inscribed on it. It is unfortunate, in- deed, that the name of every person who assisted in the building of this well-preserved relic of Revolutionary times cannot be given.
After a lapse of one hundred and eighteen years some of these in- scriptions appear as if eut within a decade. Johannis Ball, Peter Ball, Jacob Bartholomew, George Beeker, Johannis Becker, Willem Brown, Archibald Camell, Christina Cambell, Josiah Clark, Wil- liam Dietz B. M., Johannis Dietz, John Dominick, Johanes Enders, William Enders, Peter Enders, Jacob Enders, Jacob Enders, Jr., John Eckerson, Wilhelm Hammer, Johannes Lawyer, Esq., Christina Law- yer, Marcus Rickert, Johanes Rickert, Catharina Rickert, Nicholas Rickert, Christian Richtmyer, Peter Schneider B. M., Jacob Schney- der, Philip Schuyler, Johan Schuyler, Anna Schuyler, Peter Schuyler, Dennis Swart, Bartho's Swart, Josias Swart, Gertruy Swart, Lor- rens Schulcraft, Harmoneus Sittenich, Bartholmeus Vroman, Anna Ziellie, Adam Zimmer, Jacob Zimmer, Henry Werth, Johannes Werth, Maria Elizabeth Werth.
The Middle Fort.
About one-half mile east of the railroad depot, and a few rods to the left of the railway, as you approach Middleburg, stands the stone kitchen of the house of Johannes Becker, a " well-to-do" man at the time of the Revolution. Owing to its size and strength, and perhaps the interest felt by the proprietor, this building was selected as the " citadel " of the "Middle Fort " and which, tradition tells us, was inclosed, with two or three acres of land, by a stockade. Within the stoekade, and around the Becker Mansion, were erected temporary barracks and dwellings for the troops sent from abroad to assist the home guards, and for the accommodation of the families living in the vicinity, during an expected invasion. Nothing re-
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mains of the Middle Fort to day but a little stone kitchen. The im- agination must create the rest. Here the " Bowld Soger Boys " from the outside world came from time to time to show their military skill and buttons, eat the "krant " and "liverwurst " provided by the " gutefrans," and flirt with the Low Dutch lassies. Within this stockade, Bartholomew C. Vroman espoused his cousin Susanna, and from its gate, Lieutenant Boyd went forth to meet the fulfillment of the curse pronounced npon him by the girl whom he had betrayed, and whose honor he refused to restore.
The Upper Fort.
Go with me, on foot if you like, from Middleburg to a point on the Fultonham road, a little over half way between the lower and upper village ; then look square to the left, and at a distance of nearly half a mile, and you will see an apple tree standing on a small knoll. This knoll is the original Feek burial-ground, and near it stood the dwelling of Johannes Feek, which was inclosed by a stockade and called the Upper Fort. This fort was at no time seriously assaulted; its commander being well known by the enemy as a good man to keep away from. In the ground referred to lie the ashes of the mutilated bodies of Captain Teunis Vroman, his wife and son, and of the wife and daughter of Lieutenant Ephraim Vroman. No line or letter is found to designate the resting-place of any except one, 1770, Marget Feck.
Fort Duboise.
After the battle of Cobleskill, the Patriots of the valley were com. pelled to seek shelter and protection for their families with the people at the Lower Fort, to the great inconvenience of all. In the spring and summer of 1781 a fort or large block-honse was built, at what is now the eastern limit of the village of Cobleskill, under the super- vision of Colonel Lewis Duboise. We read that it was inclosed by a paling or stockade, and which also inclosed the house of Peter Shafer. This fort served the families of some of the Patriots in good stead during a second invasion of the valley, and a better security against their Tory neighbors, to whom they had become openly hostile.
A block-house, sufficiently strong to protect inmates from ordi- nary attacks, and provided with loopholes or spaces cut in the logs, through which a fire could be directed upon the enemy, was built at or near the present site of Central Bridge.
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WAR OF THE REVOLUTION.
DISCIPLINE AND EQUIPMENT OF SCHOHARIE
MILITIA.
On the 7th of July, 1777, a general order from the "Committee of Safety" was issued, requiring sentinels to be kept posted at fonr specified stations, and imposing a fine upon those who neglected to serve on such duty. The details for service of this kind were made no doubt from the enrollment on the " turn and turnabout " system. The order also required, that " all persons between the ages of six- teen and fifty years " should " bring their arms and accontrements, when they attend meeting on Sunday or any other day," under penalty of a fine of " three shillings New York currency." Under the Militia bill passed by the Provincial Congress of New York, August 22, 1775, all company officers were to be elected by votes of the privates, and two members of the Committee of Safety were to conduct the election. The officers of the company were : One captain, two lieutenants, one ensign, four sergeants, four corporals, one elerk, one drummer, and one fifer. It will be seen that the com- missioned and non-commissioned officers were the same in number in the Revolution, as in the last war, except in the case of corporals. Be- ing Militia and home guards, perhaps each corporal had a duplicate.at home, and in that case "we corporals" would be properly repre- sented in all wars. The bill, before referred to, further required that " every man between the ages of sixteen and fifty, do, with all convenient speed, furnish himself with a good musket or firelock, and bayonet, sword or tomahawk, a steel ramrod, worm, priming wire and brush fitted thereto, a cartouch box to contain twenty-three rounds of cartridges, twelve flints, and a knapsack agreeable to the directions of the Continental Congress, under forfeiture of five shillings for the want of a musket or firelock, and of one shilling for the want of a bayonet, sword or tomahawk, cartridge box, cartridge or bullet, the whole to be judged by the captain or next command- ing officer." "That each company do meet the first Monday in every month and spend four hours in each of the said days to perfect themselves in military discipline." "That at least twice a year the captains of every company of Militia shall deliver to the colonel of the regiment a true and complete roll containing the names of all the men belonging to his company." Militia or " general " training days of fifty years ago are well remembered by the old boys of the present day. They remember the fierce fellow with the gun and bayonet who " cleared the ground," the long strings of men who
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" right wheeled," "left wheeled " and went ahead, the galloping " ginerals." the shouting colonels, the ramrod majors, the fuming captains, the blustering ensign, the sergeants and corporals, scarcely visible, and above all, the "gineral training ginger bread."
It is told of a certain lieutenant who became dissatisfied with the military bearing of one of his men, while on drill during the last war, and instructed him in this way-" drow oudt yer schdumick, -look fierce,- look like hell, - look like me !" We can easily imagine how warlike the Schoharie Militia appeared on their parade ground, and how sturdily Johannes, Pieter, Joost, Stoffel, and Hendricus stamped the ground when " der gommbanie " made " der richt veel." For was not Eve Ann, Peggy, Gertruy Christina and Jannetie stand- ing by the fence to see them " coom roundt." The homespun uni- form of our ancestors, the rude mechanism of their arms, and the clumsiness of their movements on parade, would no doubt excite derision from the dainty Militiaman of the present day, but we should remember that men stood in the ranks of that rough soldiery and gave us a home of our own.
COMMITTEE OF SAFETY.
In the selections made by our forefathers, we find that they were wise, and that but one of the number chosen proved false to the trust. Although several members of this committee were not enrolled and' did not perform such military duty as the term might imply, their services as a war committee appear so intimately connected with the services of those who did bear arms, that I give them a place in the military family.
Johannes Ball, Chairman,
was chosen chairman at the organization of the committee, and held that position during the war. He was a marked man from the first, and a subject for capture or assassination, but escaped all harm, though at times in an apparently providential manner. The date of his death I have been unable to obtain. Two sons, Peter and Mattice, were enrolled in the First Company, as will be found. It is evident that his services as a war statesman were invaluable, and if tradition be true that he was the father of twenty-two children, he was not the man to yield to a King. A great grandson and grandson of Peter, George Ball of Sharon, survives him. William Ball of Schoharie
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and Harvey Ball of Esperance are grandsons of Chairman Ball and his second wife.
Pieter - Peter Vrooman, Colonel,
retained his position on the committee, as secretary, during its existence.
Joseph Becker
with his three brothers were enrolled in the service and are ac- counted for in the roster.
George Warner, Sr.,
was born in Wittenberg, Germany, June 24, 1720, removed to America at the age of twenty-four, and at the time of the Revoln- tion lived at what is now Warnerville, and had three sons, Nicholas and Geo., Jr., enrolled in the service, and David, "a lad of twelve years." Efforts to capture him failed until December 9, 1782, when "Seths Henry" with a party of six Indians, who had been sent from Canada, through heavy snow, for the express purpose, suc- ceeded in taking him and his son Nicholas prisoners. The party en- camped for the night near what is now Richmondville, and at the entrance to Brooker Hollow. Late in the night Nicholas escaped, but his father remained a prisoner and followed his captors to Can- ada. From Niagara he was sent to " Rebel Island " and given parole liberty. During his captivity he was treated with comparative kind- ness, and after remaining eleven months and being sworn to secrecy, he was exchanged. Died June. 1815, aged 95. His wife Dorsa died May, 1817, aged 91.
A great-great-grandson, Lieutenant Geo. W. Snyder, U. S. A., died in the service during the war for the Union. His grandsons Marcus and John Warner served in the war of 1812. Granddaugh- ter, Mrs. John Hynds. Great-grandson Sylvester Warner. Great- great-grandson, Marcus D.
Peter U. Zielie, Lieutenant-Colonel.
Joseph Borst,
served in the Militia and accounted for.
Peter Becker,
enrolled in Captain Becker's company for service abroad.
3
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SCHOHARIE COUNTY VETERANS.
Peter Swart,
no positive data concerning this man. It is barely possible that he was the " Peter Swart, ensign," who was very young at the beginning of the war.
William Zimmer,
" of Breakabeen," is referred to by Simms as proving disloyal to the Patriots.
William Dietz
had a son William, Jr., enrolled for service.
Samuel Vroman,
a merchant, resided in Lower Vroman's Land, and enrolled for service. Father of "Susannah."
Adam Vroman,
supposed to have been a grandson of Adam the first, and son of the first Peter, and grand or great-grandfather of Dow J. Vroman of Middleburg, N. Y. Died October 28, 1822, aged S8.
Jacob Zimmer
resided in the eastern portion of the county. Had four sons, Peter, George, Adam and William,-not the committeeman-enrolled for service. Great granddaughters, Lovina Bigelow, Elmina Weidnian.
Nicholas Sternberg
had four sons enrolled for service - Abram, David, Jacob and Lambert. Grandsons surviving, Abraham of Seward and Levi.
Sebastian France
has been referred to in one instance as a committeeman, but I find nothing more to corroborate the statement. It is very probable that he was consulted on matters of interest to the Patriots, as he was a firm supporter of their cause, and resided in a Tory neighbor- hood.
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THE ROSTER.
During the Revolution an enrollment of Militia was made at several different times, and where a detachment or detail was made up for special service, a special company roll was no doubt kept. When the members of the Cobleskill company were obliged to make their head-quarters at Schoharie they were again enrolled under Captain Stubrach in the First Company. Many members of the First and Third Companies were enrolled alternately under the two captains. In making up the roster of State troops for the archives of the Revolution, the editor evidently had the different muster-rolls to compile from, and put down every name he found regardless of evident repetition, or like the Irishman at Donny- brook fair, hit a head when he saw it. In the roster of Schoharie Militia he has multiplied, in this way, the actual number by two or more. I have endeavored by careful investigation to muster each man but once, and in his proper company, and credit him with ser- vice in other companies, if he evidently served elsewhere. The ser- vice of many of these men extended no farther than a compliance with the regulations existing, serving as sentinels or as messengers, a faet which may be referred to when there is no special mention of service. The descendants of many have passed beyond discovery, while those of others are unable to give their generation, and the name of their Revolutionary ancestor. The date of death of many cannot be found, no record being kept, and no epitaph set up.
ROLL CALL OF THE REVOLUTION.
FIELD AND STAFF-FIFTEENTH REGIMENT, NEW YORK MILITIA.
Pieter - Peter Vroman, Colonel,
born in 1736, commissioned captain under the Crown and served against the French on the frontier. Before the Revolution he was made major of Militia, but when war was declared, he espoused the cause of the Colonies and was commissioned colonel of Militia by the Provincial Congress of New York, from date of October 20, 1775, remaining in command of the Militia from the beginning to the elose of the war, except when reinforcements were sent to the valley, and when the immediate command of the troops was trans-
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ferred to the visiting commandant by reason of courtesy, or seniority of rank. During Johnson's invasion he took part in the defense of the Middle Fort by issuing the ammunition himself, that the men might not know the scantiness of the supply, and en- couraging them to make every shot count. On this occasion he re- buked Major Woolsey for cowardice, and assumed the command himself. In addition to his military service, he held the office of Secretary for the Committee of Safety, served as delegate to the General Committee, and filled other important positions of trust. Died December 29, 1793, leaving but one child, a daughter. Great- grandchildren, Wm. Dietz, Nancy Merrill, Louisa Boughton, Kate Brown, Mrs. Harry Hull and Mrs. John Mann. Great-great- grandson, Henry Cady.
Pieter - Peter U. Zielie, Lieutenant-Colonel,
resided near the Middle Fort. Was appointed lieutenant-colonel, October 20, 1775, and re-appointed February 20, 1778. He aecom- panied the troops in the attack on McDonald and Chrysler, and as. sisted in the defense of the Middle Fort at the time of Johnson's invasion. He was also a member of the Committee of Safety. Died February 26, 1798, aged 51 years, leaving two daughters.
Thomas Eckerson, Jr., First Major,
resided at Middleburgh; received his appointment, October 20, 1775; re-appointed to same rank, February 20, 1778, and continued in same grade until the close of the war. Served with the forces from the Middle Fort. Date of death not positively known; supposed to be January 12, 1806.
Joost - Joseph Becker, Second Major,
resided east of the Lower Fort and one mile west of Gallupville. He was one of four brothers in the Militia service. Was commis- sioned October 20, 1775, and re-appointed February 20, 1778. Dur- ing Johnson's invasion, he commanded the forees at the Lower Fort, and conducted the defense with such spirit as to cause Johnson to " pass by on the other side." On July 26, 1782, an attempt to cap- ture him at his home, was made by a party of Indians under Chrys- ler. Assisted by his wife, George Shell, and John Hutt, he defended his home with such obstinacy and loss to the enemy, that they were obliged to return to Canada withont the major, whom they had come so far to capture. Died August 21, 1806, aged 68. Great-grand- son, Rufus Posson.
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Lorrens- Lawrence Schoolcraft - Schulecraft, Sr., Adjutant,
resided at Schoharie. Appointed adjutant, October 20. 1775, and re- appointed February 20, 1778. He contributed to the erection of the Lower Fort.
Pieter - Peter Ball, Q. M.,
resided at Sehoharie. Appointed quarter-master, February 20, 1778. In addition to regimental duties he superintended the transportation of the surplus wheat raised in the valley to the Continental supply stations at Albany, and posts farther north. Died June 19, 1838, aged 85. Grandsons, George, Barnabas. Great-grandson, Frederick.
FIRST COMPANY, FIFTEENTH REGIMENT, NEW YORK LEVIES AND MILITIA.
Christian Stubrach, Captain,
resided at Knieskerns Dorf or Central Bridge. Was appointed first lieutenant, October 20, 1775. Promoted to captain, February 20, 1778. He was quite wealthy, for the times, and a man of courage. Tradition elaims for him second cousinship to a king of Holland. At the time of Johnson's invasion he was with his company at the Lower Fort and superintended the firing of the small field gun which Johnson styled the "Grasshopper." Although the father ' of ten children, there are no survivors to perpetuate the name. He died between the years 1783 and 1790, or soon after the passage of the act pensioning soldiers of the Revolution. Grandehildren, Sables Davis, Mrs. George Becker, Mrs. Isaac Schoolcraft, Mrs. Oliver Briggs.
Second Lieutenant John Dominick - Dominique,
was born on the Isle De Rae, France, in the year 1740, emigrated to America in 1765, commissioned second lieutenant, October 20, 1775, and assigned to duty at the Lower Fort. Died in 1824, aged 84. Great grandchildren, Weidman, Isaac J. Barber, Mrs. John Hunting, and Mrs. Hiram Walden. A great-great-grandson, Isaac B. Walden, died in the service in the war for the Union.
Jacob Snyder, Ensign,
was promoted to first lieutenant, February 20, 1778. Served under Captains Brown and Miller. Served at the Middle Fort during
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SCHOHARIE COUNTY VETERANS.
Johnson's raid. Married the , widow of Philip Schuyler. Died 1786. Grandson, Philip Snyder.
Johannes - John Dietz, Lieutenant,
promoted to second lieutenant, February 20, 1778. Did service under Captain Brown. Served at Lower Fort against Johnson. Killed by Indians in 1782.
Jacob W. Enders - Entis, Ensign,
appointed ensign, February 2, 1778, but deelined the commission. He did good service as scout and ranger ; was one of the party who followed Johnson from the valley. After Johnson had passed the Lower Fort, Enders went gunning for an Indian who had a paek and a goose. The Indian lost his baggage, Enders lost the Indian, while a comrade got the plunder and refused to divide. He was a prominent Patriot, and an effort was made by the enemy to capture him during the latter part of the war. He never married. Near the close of his life he became partially paralytic, and was familiarly known as "Trembling Jacob." He died by accidental drowning while attempting to drink from the Schoharie creek near Break- abeen, April 4, 1848, aged 91.
Johannes- John Enders, Corporal - Entis,
promoted to ensign, October 30, 1778, in place of Jacob Enders, de- clined. Did service under Captains Brown and Miller.
Davit - David Lawyer, Corporal,
promoted from [private to corporal and to ensign. Grandson, J. B. Lawyer, Washington, D. C. Great-grandchildren, Frederick C., Anna I.
Henrich - Henry Houck - Hauch, Sergeant,
promoted from private to corporal and to sergeant. Served on de- tail under Captain Miller and again under Captain Brown. Died September 14, 1825. The father of four sons, John, Jacob, George, David, and three daughters, Nancy, Maria and Elizabeth. David living, aged 74, and Elizabeth Gardiner, aged 77. His grandson-and son of John-Jacob, has three daughters. His grandchildren and ehil- dren of Jacob are Jolin H. of Central Bridge, N. Y., and David, who served four years in the Union Army, West, and Naney Mowers and Kate Patchen. His son George died without issue. David,
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now living at Howe's Cave, N. Y., has two sons and four daugh- ters, names not given, grandchildren of Henry Houck. James Goff, a son of Maria Houck, served as an officer in the Union Army and suffered imprisonment at Libby.
Jacob Lawyer, Sergeant,
promoted from private to corporal, and to sergeant, and to ensign in Captain Becker's company. Served also under Captains Brown and Richtmyer. Died February 3, 1827, aged 78. Grandchildren, Mrs. Riley, Harriett Borst. Great-grandson. Giles Mann.
Davit - David Sternberg, Sergeant,
died June 8, 1828, aged 85. Great-grandchildren, Peter, William, Eve A. Best, Cassandra Morse.
William Enders - Entis, Sergeant,
detached for service under Captains Brown and Miller. Served at the Lower Fort during Johnson's raid, and worked the field piece with Hendricus Shafer.
Jacob Ziegraft, Sergeant,
detached from his company to serve at different times under Cap- tains Richtmyer and Miller.
Abram Lawyer, Corporal,
was on detached service at different times under Captains Hager, Ritchmyer, Miller and Becker. Died January 20, 1825, aged 66. Grandchild, Mrs. P. A. V. Bartholemew. Great-grandson, Charles Bartholemew, in the Civil war.
Jacob Kniskern, Corporal,
did detached service under Captains Richtmyer and Miller. Was captured at Moak's Hollow in " Turlach," in 1780. Made his es- cape from " Rebel Island," Canada, on a float constructed of two brandy kegs. Died March 9, 1818, aged 64. Grandchildren, Elizabeth, Christina, Mrs. John Warner.
ยท Barent Vrooman,{Corporal,
was detached from his company for service at different times under Captains Brown, Hager, Miller and Becker and served on the fron- tier. Grandchildren, David, Charles, Peter, Lucian, William, Cor- nelius.
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SCHOHARIE COUNTY VETERANS.
Peter Zimmer, Corporal,
served also under Captains Brown and Miller. Was captured July 26, 1780. Paroled a short time previous to the close of the war.
George Hadsel - Hetzel, Corporal,
served on detachment under Captain Miller.
Henry Hitchman - Hitzman, Corporal,
served on detail under Captain Miller. Grandchildren, Charles, Willard, Lansing.
Joost - Joseph Dietz, Fifer,
served on detail nnder Captain Miller.
Johannes- John Dominick, Jr.,
mustered as drummer. Son of Lieutenant John Dominick. Served as captain in the war of 1812. Grandchild, Weidman Dominick of Gallupville, N. Y. Great-grandson, A. L. Fisher, served in the Union Army.
Mathias - Mattice Ball,
a brother to Peter and son of " Chairman" Ball. He was sent to carry powder to the Middle Fort, and arrived just in time-Johnson's invasion. Died about 1840, leaving no descendants.
George Becker,
brother to the major, resided in the present town of Wright.
Jacob Becker,
brother to the major, served in the sortie against MeDonald and was present when the Indian, David Ogeyonda, was killed in his attempt to escape. He served also in the defense of the Lower Fort during Johnson's invasion, was stationed in the tower as sharp- shooter, and accompanied the troops under Colonel Vroman on the following day. He died 1845. Grandsons, Austin, Paul W.
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