USA > New York > Suffolk County > Bridgehampton > Sketches from local history > Part 2
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On the 30th of November, 1664, Governor Nicolls called together a few representatives from both Con- Hecticut and Long Island. After listening to their reasons why the eastern towns of Long Island should not be separated from Connecticut, he decided that Long Island Sound should be the boundary between what colony and the colony or province of New York. l'o this decision, the colonial delegates finally as- ented, they really having no alternative.
Then it was that Long Island for the first time. time wholly under the control of English royalty.
In February of 1665. Governor Nicolls issued a mitlanation directing the people of each town on "In Island to send two deputies to a meeting to be
held in Hempstead, on the first of March ensuing. When these deputies assembled, they were so much pleased by the prospect of better things than they had before enjoyed, that they all signed a memorial of gratitude and loyalty, addressing the same to "His Royal Highness the Duke of York".
The delegates from Southampton Town were John Howell and Thomas Topping. These delegates were given to understand that the object of the as- sembly was to establish the boundaries of the differ- ent towns, but it really was to submit to them a code of laws, compiled by the Duke, and to secure their assent to the same, though the town boundaries were established.
These are known in history as the "Duke's Laws" and united Long Island, Staten Island and West- chester into one shire or province called Yorkshire. This was divided into three parts called "ridings". The territory covered by these maps, being in Sui- folk County, was in the "East Riding of Yorkshire".
It soon became apparent not only to the delegates who attended this assembly, but to the Colonists as well, that the promises were mere "scraps of paper" to use a modern expression, and "that the people were not to have a voice in the legislation of the colony, nor the privilege of electing their own mag- istrates".
Then it was that the people displayed a disposition to rebel, among whom were some of the men. the location of whose homes, as well as those of their descendants, are shown on these maps.
On October 8th, 1670, (the year date of my first map) "A special levy was made upon the towns of Long Island, to raise funds to repair the fort at New York. In reply to this demand, at a joint meeting by delegates, Southampton, Southold and East Hampton, expressed their willingness to sub- mit to the tax, if they could be allowed the right of representation in the legislature". East Hampton supplemented their vote with "But not otherwise".
This was really the first evidence of that spirit of rebellion or retaliation that made itself so strongly manifest a.little more than one hundred years later. resulting in a war that lasted for seven long years. or from 1776 to 1783.
In 1667 Governor Nicolls was succeeded by Fran- cis Lovelace and he ordered the tax referred to above levied, but his administration was cut short by Eng- land becoming involved in a war with Holland, 50
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that on July 30th, 1673. New York and the whole colony surrendered to the Dutch, and Anthony Colve was appointed Governor. The former Dutch colon- ists readily submitted to his rule, but not so those of the East Riding.
Southampton, East Hampton and Southold re- fused to consider any compromise. They at once sent delegates to Connecticut, and sought protect1011 under that colony. Their request was granted, and these three towns were organized into a county (Suffolk ) under the jurisdiction of Connecticut.
On June 29th, 1674. the Duke of York received a new patent from the King for the province of New York, and appointed Edmond Andros Governor. He . took control October 31st, 1674.
The three towns of Suffolk would not submit to his rule, but were finally obliged to, and so again came under the rule of the Duke's government.
On the 27th of August, 1683, Col. Thomas Don- gan was appointed Governor of the colony, with in- structions to call a general assembly of the people's
representatives. The fact that caused him to do this was the fear of a general uprising of the colon- ists and in compliance with the popular feeling. .
The first assembly of the colony of New York under Gov. Dongan was held October 17th. 1683. when they repealed some of the most obnoxious of the Duke's laws. At this session an act was passed abolishing the "ridings" and organizing in their stead the counties of Kings, Queens and Suffolk.
King Charles II, of England, died February 6th. 1685, and the Duke of York came to the throne under the title of James II. He then appointed Sir Edmund Andros governor of all of the colonies of New England, including New York.
The foregoing is a short account of the history and conditions as they prevailed in the colonies from the time of the first settlement to about the year 1700, and those people living in the area included in these maps were subjected to the same unjust taxation, or securing new patents under each new- governor that all other colonists were compelled to do.
FIRST ENGLISH COLONY IN NEW YORK STATE
In 1620 Britain's frontier had extended across the Atlantic to Massachusetts and the Plymouth Colony. It took twenty years for that frontier to reach Southampton and establish a colony at "Old Town" in 1640, and it was another similar period before ·Bridgehampton was declared a separate parish in 1 660.
A small band of adventurers left Lynn, Mass .. crossed the Sound, then went westward to Cow Bay. where they met opposition from the Dutch; they then returned by way of Peconic Bay, and landed at North Sea. They had to trek their way through the forest to a place they afterward called "Old Town".
There was no name assigned to that particular place of landing at that time. for a number of years this locality was known as and called "Northamp- ton" but later changed to "North Sea". The one main, important feature of the location of their new home. was the Ocean or Sea, that, in its boundless magnitude lay before them to the south, so when
referring to that water or sea which formed the northern boundary of the Colony, it was only na- tural that they should say, the "North Sea".
The fact of their landing at North Sea is enough to put that place on the map for all time. What Plymouth Rock was to the Pilgrims and the Massa- chusetts Colony, Conscience Point, North Sea and Old Town, Southampton, were to these Colonists. and should be to us all. This was really the begin- ning of our history. The place of landing is now well marked through the efforts of the Southampton Colonial Society.
North Sea was for many years the seaport for this Colony, and at an early date was made a Port of Entry with an established Custom House. Col. Docts.,.Vol. XIV. P. 608. "In June, 1670 John Lay- ton was appointed a Sub-collector of Southampton and places adjacent". This establishes the date of the first Custom House in Southampton Township. Ilere was also the first tavern mentioned in our local history, which was known as and called an "ordi- nary."
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7
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North Sea Harbor and Rock Monument
On the 6th of September, 1620, the Pilgrims, as they were called, began their long and perilous voy- age to America. Driven by storms and adverse winds far from their intended course, they came to anchor in Cape Cod Bay November 9th, 63 days out from Plymouth, England. What an unpropi- tous time to land on a bleak and barren coast to undertake the founding of a colony. The forests at that time were for the most part denuded of foli- age. All nature was in the "sear and yellow leaf". The cold wintry winds and biting frosts were near at hand. No opportunity to plant crops until after passing through the bitter experiences of a long. cold, desolate, and as it proved, disastrous New Eng- land winter.
Let us place in contrast with this, the landing of the Colonists at North Sea, the latter part of May or early in June of the year 1640. In the first place, it was the most beautiful time of the year. The for- ests were in full foliage. The abundant growth of wild flowers that so profusely decorate the landscape today, were all in evidence then. The vast numbers of wild fowl, with no one to molest had already hatched their broods, and were at that time proudly parading them on creek and upland, vying with one another in their ambition to rear the larger family.
The migratory birds that had spent the winter months in southern climes, had returned to their former summer homes, in some cases to repair their I houses, but generally to build new ones. The inle, tanager, thrush, warbler, bobolink, wren, and il of the others including the humming bird, were 'Il back from their winter sojourn. Yes: they had followed the guidance of an All Wise Creator, and
HEAR THE SPUT
Tablet on Rock Monument
were back once more. The plaintive song of the Meadow Lark was an inspiration that stirred the soul of the Red Man to thank the Great Spirit, as well as the spirit of the White Man to praise his Creator for placing with them such a sweet-voiced singer as a permanent resident.
These were the conditions when Capt. Daniel Howe landed his passengers on Conscience Point at North Sea. We all agree in saying what a contrast was this, with the landing of the Pilgrims; yes, very true, but the one led to the other. Perhaps this con- trast is no greater or more marked, than if we com- pare our present surroundings and comforts that we look upon as commonplace, with the hardships, de- nials and dangers that those Colonists were called upon to endure that we might enjoy the blessings of today, which are really the fruits of their labor ; the one led to the other.
The first year must have been a strenuous one. with building such shelters as could be constructed hastily, and clearing enough land on which to plant corn and other crops. They bought the land for a stipulated price from the Indians, and in no case did they usurp land or property from the Red Man, but in the contract they agreed to assist in the defense of the Indians against hostile tribes, for the eastern Long Island tribes were not at peace with the Pe- quots nor Narragansetts.
The first Colonists formed a joint stock company with a capital of 6,000 Pounds Sterling divided into 40 shares of 150 Pounds each. They afterwards added one more share and gave it to the Minister or Pastor. this made 41 lots that each division of land should be divided into before it was allotted. If a
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man paid 300 Pounds, he could draw two shares or lots, if he paid only 50 Pounds he could only draw one third of a share or lot, and this, in the Town Records is known as a "Fifty."
There were cases where a mechanic was given land, if he would consent to stay and work at his trade for a terni of years. In the Southampton Town Records, Vol. II, page 75. "Ezekiel Sand- ford was to have 15 acres on condition of making cart wheels for a term of seven years." And again. T. R. Vol. I. page 81, "Jeremy Veale is given a hun- dred pound lot if he settle here and do all black- smith work."
The names of the eight original "undertakers" were as follows : Edward Howell, Edmond Farring- ton, Edmond Needham, Thomas Sayre, Josiah Stan- borough, George Welbe, Henry Walton and Job Sayre. Eleven other heads of families were added to this number before they left Lynn, Mass. Their names were John Cooper, Allen Breed, William Har- ker, Thomas Halsey, Thomas Newell, John Far- rington, Richard Odell, Philip Kirtland, Nathaniel Kirtland, Thomas Terry, Thomas Farrington.
·
We know but little of this group of men, or of . their individual characteristics, save in a few in- stances. They were evidently men who thought and acted for themselves, for the records clearly show this to be the case. Edward Howell was the first one to be styled "gentleman". In all probability he was the leader judging from a financial standpoint. and one whose opinion was sought in all matters of importance. Thomas Halsey was aggressive and self-reliant to such a degree that he was often cen- sured and in some cases fined for contempt. but us- ually the fine was remitted, but, this was also true of Henry Peirson *. the first Town Clerk, who joined the Colony some time after the first named group: a man of ability and truly worthy of honor, one to whom we of this day owe a debt of gratitude for the thorough work he did in recording our early Town history.
Abraham Peirson was a man of sterling character. the first minister in the Colony. probably came in
1641, but so narrow in his religious views that his flock dissented, they being more liberal. This led at last to his removal. The colonists as a whole were very strict in their religious life, and passed laws that were truly stringent, some so much so that they were never enforced, nor transgressors of the same punished.
When the need for more land was evident, the natural and in fact the only way was to extend to the east because of its being the best land. and in this extension of tillable territory we at once realize that we are within the area covered by our maps. These different sections were called "Divisions" and the nien who had charge of this work were known as the "Layers out of Land", we would probably call them surveyors.
The Forty acre, Thirty acre or Twelve acre Divi- sions denoted that there were that number of acres in each plot in that particular division ; this, however, did not always hold true, for many times the men assigned to this work sought to equalize the value rather than the area of these plots. A plot of poor land was often supplemented by one of good land. called in the Records an "Amendment" or else given as an amendment to some other plot.
In the next chapter I will give a short historical sketch of the Southampton Township taken as a w hole.
British Fort-North of Canoe Place during the Revo- lution, as it appears at the present time.
*Later changed to Pierson.
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HISTORY OF SOUTHAMPTON TOWNSHIP
SOUTHAMPTON, one of the ten townships comprising the County of Suffolk, State of New York. Area, 91,500 acres. Not named from the town in the south of England bearing the same name, but from the Earl of Southampton, who was very active in colonizing America. Bounded on the south by that mighty ocean which takes its name from Mount Atlas, one of the Titans condemned to bear up the pillars of heaven ; easterly by East Hamp- ton township; northerly by the waters of Shelter Island, Southold and Riverhead townships ; westerly by Brookhaven township.
Its main feature the glacial moraine; a real monument to that giant whose unmeasured strength scooped out the Connecticut valley, conveyed the en- tire mass southward until checked by the sea. where the outwash from the melting ice sheet formed that series of valleys extending to the south, carrying the rich alluvial deposits, which, levelled by water ac- tion, formed that unequalled section of farm land extending the entire length of its southern border. Further north are huge granite boulders, torn from the mother ledge, and dropped where the ice melted, also millions of tons of pebbles, once rough chips from rock ledges. now smoothed and polished through endless ages of activity in Nature's work- shop. Here is also located the most noted chain of "kettles," (geologically speaking) in eastern Amer- ica.
Here was the former home of the peaceful Shin- necock, Weeckatuck, and Noyack tribes of Indians. Southampton was the first English colony in New York State, established early in June of the year 1640, by a company of about twenty men, of the lest blood and highest type of manhood in the Mass- achusetts colony, plainly manifest to this day in the mental, moral and physical characters of their de- scendants as illustrated in the Howell, Hedges, Hal- sey, Cook, Sayre. Post, Foster. Terry, Pelletreau. Sandford, White, Hand, Topping. Rogers, Pierson. Woodruff. Ludlow. Huntting, Jagger and many other families.
Here is the British fort, but little known, and sel- dom mentioned, yet it was the key to British control of eastern Long Island during the Revolution.
The Bible was their textbook. Their government was founded on the "Laws of Judgment, as given by Moses to the Commonwealth of Israel.". They built a church the second year of the colony, and settled Abraham Pierson as their minister. Schools were established almost as soon as the church. The min- ister, magistrate, doctor and schoolmaster were auth- ority in the settlements of all disputes. The Patent for this township antedates the Constitution of the State of New York by many years.
The industries have been agriculture, stock rais- ing, (now somewhat displaced by hotels and sum- mer resorts), whaling, ship building, fisheries, cab- inet work, flouring mills, cotton and stocking fac- tories, leather and morocco tanneries, watchcases, ciock making, engraving machinery, brick-making. cranberry culture and poultry. Some of the first importations of thoroughbred livestock came into this township. Silk industry was tested but failed. Edward Howell built the first watermill in 1644, then followed the horsemill, the spider legged mill and the Dutch windmill, of which there are still four in this town. The Beebe (now Berwind) windmill is the best preserved of any.
The finest specimens of early 19th century archi- tecture may be found here. The first flag bearing · the "Stars and Stripes," known as the "John Hul- burt" flag, was made and carried from this town- ship, and antedates the Betsy Ross flag by about seven months.
The first newspaper ever published on Long Island was the "Long Island Herald." by David Frothing- ham. at Sag Harbor, in the town of Southampton, May 10th. 1791.
A vital political force in this Town was the town meeting, declared by Bryce, the English writer, to have been "the most perfect school of self govern- ment in any modern country."
From the date of its earliest history, the citizens of this township have ever been loyal to their coun- try, both in times of war and peace. We trust that the faith of our fathers is living still, and may that faith never grow less.
The assessed valuation of the property in this Town in 1933 was $38.378.203.
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The population in the year 1930 was 15.313.
The first Custom House ever established by the United States Government in the Township of Southampton was at Sag Harbor.
In Vol. I, Chapter 35. p. 168 of the "Laws of the United States of America." I quote : "The State of New York shall be two districts for the collection of duties : to wit : Sagg-Harbor on Nassau or Long Is- land, and the city of New York. each shall be a port of entry. The district of Sagg-Harbor shall include all bays, harbors, rivers and shores within the two points of land which are called Oyster Pond Point and Montauk Point ; and a collector for the district shall be appointed to reside in Sagg-Harbor." etc.
"The district of the city of New York shall include such part of the coasts, rivers, bays and harbors of
the said state, not included in the district of Sagg- Harbor."
Sagg-Harbor is the first named port of entry in New York State, according to this law and is estab- lished as such.
The first post office in the township of Southamp- ton was Sag Harbor, established Jan. Ist, 1795; the second, Bridgehampton, established .April Ist, 1795. and then third. Southampton. established .April Ist. 1804.
"This Act was signed by Frederick Augustus Muhlenberg, Speaker of the House of Representa- tives; John Adams, Vice-President of the United States, and President of the Senate. Approved August the Fourth, 1790.
George Washington, President of the United States."
AREA COVERED BY MAPS
The territory covered by these maps is in extent about 7 miles east and west, and about 41/2 miles north and south, covering an area of a little more than 30 square miles ; the Atlantic ocean bounding it on the south, and on the north that range of hills which was the glacial moraine.
The average altitude of the highest of these hills is about 200 feet, and the valleys with but few excep- tions run north and south, this occasioned by the flow of water from the glacier into or toward the ocean.
In this area is located one of the most noted chain of "kettles" (geologically speaking) in this entire country, consisting of Mecox Bay, Kellis Pond, Long Pond. Goldfish Pond, Jehu's Pond. Haynes or Short's Pond. and Camp's Pond, all formed dur- ing the glacial period : a wonderful example of the forces of nature that scooped out what is now tite Connecticut Valley, and brought the whole mass consisting of immense boulders, masses of rock torn from the mother ledge. alluvial deposits, and any- thing and everything that was in its way, pushed and ground the whole mountain of material until it melted, spread out and finally formed what we of this day are glad to call Long Island.
In early days the forest covered almost all of this area and extended nearly to the sea shore. Scrub oak and pine grew where the soil was light and poor. the different variety of oaks where the soil was heavier, also maple and hickory. My Grandfather . said that when a boy the section south of Hunting- ton Path was covered with heavy timber and that he used to go after hickory nuts in those woods.
There are a goodly number of upper springs along this morainal section or ridge, some of which flow constantly, and some of these I have every reason to believe are artesian, in most cases the water is very good. According to the U. S. Government survey. the corner of Huntington Path and Lumber Lane is . 115 feet above sea level, and the front piazza floor of my house is 10 feet higher, or 125 feet. Bridge- hampton Main street is about 42 feet above sea level. I have never heard of a case where borings were made down to sea level anywhere in this section but that good water was found.
Mecox Bay is the largest body of water in this arca, and covers about 1200 acres. It abounds in oysters, clams and fish ; when it fills up sufficiently. nature takes a hand and makes it an arm of the ocean, and again nature in due time closes it up. The
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Mill Pond is perhaps the most beautiful, located in Water Mill and covers an area of about 60 acres. It was originally a stream or brook forming an out- let for the "Seven Ponds," but was dammed in the year 1644-5 and thus formed the Mill Pond. Kellis Pond covers about 40 acres, Sagg Pond about 100 acres. Georgica Pond is said to cover an area of 750 acres, but that seems rather large. I know there are several large creeks, so it may be right. Of the smaller ponds such as Peter's, Fairfield, Poxabogue and others I have not named the area, but Wainscott Pond covers about 40 acres, and prior to about 100 years ago broke out periodically into the ocean like Mecox Bay.
I think the good tillable land in this map area would be around 10,000 acres, most of which is of the very best for farming, grazing or market garden- ing ; this is almost entirely free from rocks or even pebble stones, arable and very fertile far beyond most land on Long Island, fanned by cool ocean breezes that make work a pleasure, with heat rarely oppressive, and moisture-laden air that keeps vege- tation thrifty while other sections suffer from drought and shrivel with intense heat. A land truly blest by nature and one seldom equalled as a liome for all classes of men. either rich or poor. Surely we must honor the men who chose this section for a habitation, and cleared it for future generations.
This section includes a portion of the land laid out between the years 1640 and 1648. Sagaponack Division laid out in 1653. Mecox Division laid out in 1677. The "40 Acre Division" laid out in 1679. The "30 acre Division" laid out in 1712; . and the
meadow land sold by the Town Proprietors in the year 1846.
To those who are inclined toward the aesthetic. or wish to get away from the humdrum of every- day business life, and long to behold nature in ail of its beauty and grandeur, without spending any- thing but a little time and energy, just let them climi) the hills previously referred to. on a clear day when the cloud shadows are just right, and I will venture that you would not exchange this view for that from the Rigi, Naples, Lookout Mountain, or almost any other place you ever visited. Here, as a background you have the old Atlantic, rolling on incessantly in all of its beauty and grandeur, the same yet always different, carrying on its bosom the commerce of the world. These vessels range all of the way from the small fishing smack to the great "Ocean Liner." which at this time might be classed as "Transatlan- tic Ferry Boats," more often the coast-wise steamers such as the Portland and Boston lines, then the ocean tugs with a string of coal barges bound for the manu- facturing towns of New England. Before you is that beautiful plain of farming land extending from Southampton to East Hampton, a real panorama, to the southwest is the first named village about 7 miles distant. then comes Water Mill, then Hay Ground and Mecox, Bridgehampton lies due south from your lookout, then to the southeast is Sagaponack and still further east lies Wainscott. Scattered all along this shore are the summer homes of city people, and ' many of them are of the finest types of dwellings.
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