USA > New York > Dutchess County > The history of Dutchess County, New York > Part 4
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Mr. Beekman also surrendered the grant for land east of Rombout's Patent, receiving a new patent therefore granted June 25, 1703. It embraced the northeast half of the present town of LaGrange, all of the towns of Union Vale and Beekman (except a few hundred acres in the southern angle of Beekman), about 8000 acres of the northwest portion of Pawling, and the western part of Dover. A strip one and three-eights of a mile wide along the east side of the two latter towns formed a portion of the Oblong.
Little or Upper Nine Partners' Patent, granted to Broughton & Company, April 10, 1706, was bounded as follows: "Beginning at the North Bounds of the Lands And then lately purchased by said Richard Sackett in Dutchess county, and runs thence South Easterly by his north bounds to Wimposing thence by the mountains southerly to the south east corner of the said Sackett's Land and thence Easterly to the Colony Line of Connecticut and thence Northerly by the said colony Line and Wiantenuck River to the south bounds of lands pur- chased by John Spragg &c. at Owissetanuck thence westerly by the said purchase as it runs to the south-west corner thereof thence to the Manor of Livingston and by the south bounds thereof unto the lands purchased and patented to Coll. Peter Schuyler over against Magdelons Island and so by the said purchase and patent To the
42
THE COUNTY OF DUTCHESS.
patent of Coll. Beekman for Land Lying over against Clyne Esopus Fly and thence by the said Land to the said south east corner and thence to the place where it begun."
This tract comprised the present towns of Milan and Pine Plains, the north half of North East, and the small portions of Clinton and Stanford not included in the Great Nine Partners' Patent. It was confirmed September 25, 1708, by Queen Anne to the following patentees: Samson Broughton, Rip Van Dam, Thomas Wenham, Roger Mompesson, Peter Fauconier, Augustus Graham, Richard Sackett, and Robert Lurting. A law authorizing its partition was passed by the Colonial Assembly in 1734.
The Oblong Patent, termed in Colonial documents "Equivalent Land," led to much controversy between the States of New York and Connecticut. It covers a narrow strip along the east borders of Dutchess, Putnam and Westchester counties, containing 61,440 acres. It was in dispute between the officials of New Netherland and the United English Colonies. An effort to adjust the difficulty was made at Hartford, September 19, 1650, by representatives of both govern- ments, but agreements then arrived at were not adhered to. When the English superseded the Dutch in 1664, commissioners were ap- pointed by Charles II of England, who determined on a line parallel with the Hudson and twenty miles distant from it on the east. This line gave rise to a dispute respecting the right of government over the towns of Rye and Bedford in Westchester County. Another agreement was concluded in 1683, and these towns were adjudged to be subject to New York government, and confirmed by the Crown March 28, 1700. "Nineteen years afterward" says Smith in his His- tory of New York "a probationory act was passed, empowering the Governor to appoint commissioners, as well to run the line parallel to Hudson's River, as to re-survey the other lines and distinguish the boundary. The Connecticut agent opposed the King's confirmation of this act, totis viribus ; but it was approved on the 23d of January, 1723. Two years after, the commissioners and surveyors of both colonies met at Greenwich, and entered first into an agreement re- lating to the method of performing the work. The survey was im- mediately after executed in part, the report being dated on the 12th of May, 1725, but the complete settlement was not made till the 14th
DIAGRAM Showing the relative position of various lines refered to in the REPORT OF THE COMMISSIONERS ON THE NEW YORK & CONNECTICUT BOUNDARY, Made to the Legislature of New York April 1857.
SSACHUSETTS
Line of.
of Tx Mareachus" - ett 8
1
1
1
1
1
NE W
Kingstono YORK Poughkeepsie HUDSON RIVER Newburgh West Point CONNECTICUT Line agreed on in 1664 EQUIVALENT TRACT - - -
Lines refered to in the agreement of 1683,C.N.O. Tinesruby Surveyors in 1684. and resmcveyed by Commission ers in 1725. C. D. E &. L.D.
Peekskill
-0
1 Ridge-
F
1650
H
E
Sing Sing
of
O
Narwalk
Line".
Mouth of C Byrum R.
Marathon Manannak R.
NEW
JERSEY
LONG
ISLAND
SCALE OF STATUTE MILES 5 10
15
Q
Lines Surveyed by Commission: ers &Surveyors in 1730. E.F.G. M F. R G. ....
NEW YORK CITY
R
Sanger't
43
INDIAN DEEDS. LAND PATENTS.
of May, 1731, when indentures, certifying the execution of the agree- ment in 1725, were mutually signed by the commissioners and survey- ors of both colonies. At this time the tract known as the Oblong was ceded to New York as an equivalent for the lands near the Sound, the peaceable possession of which Connecticut had enjoyed during all the intervening years."
Further disputes arose in regard to surveying the boundary and marking it with suitable monuments. Finally a survey was made in 1860 which was subsequently agreed to by both States.
The Oblong was annexed to the contiguous counties in this State May 31, 1733, and December 17, 1743, the Precincts of South, Beek- mans, Crom Elbow and North were extended across the tract to the Connecticut line. To facilitate the collection of quitrents, the patent was divided into lower, middle and upper districts.
A patent conveying the Oblong to Sir Joseph Eyles & Company was granted in London May 15, 1731. The Colonial government, however, patented the greater part of the same tract to Thomas Haw- ley and others, June 8, 1731. The consequent litigation was termi- nated by the Revolutionay war, the American patentees maintaining possession.
44
THE COUNTY OF DUTCHESS.
CHAPTER V.
PIONEER SETTLEMENTS AND EARLY INHABITANTS.
W ITH the extinguishment of the native title to lands des- cribed in the foregoing chapter, the settlement of Dutch- ess county began. Nicholas Emigh is credited in previous County Histories with being the first pioneer. Authorities differ as to the date of his settlement at the mouth of Fishkill creek, but it is gener- ally conceded that he was here in 1685. He came to America with Robert Livingston in 1683. On the ocean voyage he courted and married a Dutch lass from Holstein, and the couple remained for a time on the Livingston domain. Becoming dissatisfied, they went to Fort Orange, intending to settle on an island in the Hudson which constituted a part of the Manor of Rensselaerwyck. Here they had the misfortune to be drowned out by a Mohawk flood, and young Emigh and his wife removed to the site of Fishkill. He bargained with the Indians for a large tract of land, only to learn that it had been recently covered by the Rombout Patent. He then purchased of the patentees, lands in the Clove district where he subsequently removed.
While living at Fishkill, they became the parents of a daughter, the first white child born in the county. She received the name of Katrina, and at maturity married a young Hollander named Peter Lasink,1 who located in the county previous to 1700.2 The young couple settled in the town of East Fishkill where four sons and four daughters were born to them.
The next settler near the mouth of the Fishkill, according to Bai- ley's Historical Sketches, published in 1874, was Peche Dewall, who
1. Peter Lasinck is the ancestor of a numerous family in Dutchess County, different branchea of which apell their name varioualy, Lassing, Lossing, Lawaon, etc. He is sup- posed to have been a son of Peter (Pieterse) Lassingh, who migrated from Holland about 1658, and aettled at Albany, where he died 1695.
2. Mr. Edmund Platt ia of the opinion that Lasink located in the county as early as Emigh. He is unquestionably the same Peter Lanaing. or his son, to whom Arnout Viele eoid his land near the mouth of Wappinger Creek.
45
PIONEER SETTLEMENTS AND EARLY INHABITANTS.
arrived in the Spring of 1688. He evidently did not remain long as his name does not appear in subsequent records.
The settlements in Poughkeepsie and Rhinebeck were nearly, if not quite contemporaneous with those in Fishkill. In the grant of 1686 to Sanders and Harmense reference is made to the land of "Sovryn, alias called the Baker," but there is no evidence that he settled here, nor is the name of record as a patentee. The names of Jan Smeedes, Peter Lansing and Gerret Lansing, are quoted in early documents pertaining to land in the vicinity of Poughkeepsie, and apparently they had begun a settlement previous to 1690. The Kips were the first to build and settle in what is now the town of Rhinebeck. On the east side of the stone house, built on Hendrick Kip's south lot, were inscribed the figures "1700."
Inasmuch as Dutchess county was for some years provisionally at- tached to Ulster, on account of the paucity of its inhabitants, a de- tached census was not made until 1714. The total number of souls was four hundred and forty-five of whom twenty-nine were slaves. The list of sixty-seven heads of families then resident in the county contains the following names :
Abraham Beuys
Catrine Lasink Wedo
Mellen Springsteen
John Beuys
Peter Lasink
Jeurey Springsten
Roger Brett
Frans Le Roy
Johnes Terbots
John Breines
Lenar Le Roy
William Tetsort
hendrick bretsiert
Lenard Lewis
Adaam Van alsted
Andreis Daivedes
Aret Masten
Elias Van Bunchoten
Peter De Boyes
Gysbert Oosterhout
Elena Van De Bogart
John De Grave
Whilliam Ostrander Meindert Van Den Bogart
Frans De Langen
Lowrans Ostrout Henry Van Der Burgh
Peck De Wit
John Ostrow
Abraham Van Dusen
Roelif Duijtser
William Onten
Balthus Van Kleck Barent Van Kleck
Johanis Dyckman Sienjer Maghell Pallmatir
Johannis Dyckman Junjor Peter Palmater
Johanes Van Kleck
Aenderis Gerdener
Hendrick Pells
Garatt Van Vleit
Isaac Hendricks
Tunis Pieterse
Evert Van Wagenen
Bartolumus Hoogenboom
Jacob Plowgh
Swart Van Wagenen
Jacob Hoghtelingh
Harmen Rinders
Abraham Vosburgh
James Husey
Thomas Sanders
Jacob Vosburgh
Jacob Kip
Willem Schot
Peter Vely
Harmen Knickerbacker
henderck Sissum
Willem Wijt
Louwerens knickerbacker - Matieis Slejt
Cellitie kool
Johannis Spoor
Dirck Wesselse
John Kip ey Scouten
46
THE COUNTY OF DUTCHESS.
This census further enumerates the total number of male persons above sixty years of age, 11; male persons from sixteen to sixty years of age, 89; male persons under sixteen, 120; number of females over sixty, 1; females from sixteen to sixty, 97; females under sixteen, 98; slaves, 29.
In the original tax roll1 of 1718 the total assessed valuation of property in the county was £1300, divided among one hundred and twenty-nine tax payers as follows:
The Inhabetents Residents Sojorners and frieholders of Dutchess County are Rated & assesed By ye assesors Chosen for ye Same the Day of Janury the 17, 1717/18
for ye North Ward Viz
L
L
, S
d
Wedwen Van Harmen Kneckerbaker
20
00
18
9
Lowerens Knickerbaker
10
00
9
41/2
Adam Van Alstyn
5
00
4
81/4
Barent Van Benthuyse
5
00
4
81/4
Jacob Jacobse
1
00
0
11 1/4
Jacob hooghtylingh
5
00
4
81/4
Jurrie Loonart
5
00
4
81/4
Phillip Loonart
5
00
4
81/4
Arent ffinhout
5
00
4
81/4
Fallentyn Penner
4
00
3
9
Phillip ffeller
1
00
0
111/4
Barent Noll
3
00
2
10
Jureie Toefelt
6
00
5
71/2
Lowerence hendereik
6
00
5
71/2
Barent Sieperell
8
00
7
6
Ananieas Tiel Wagener
2
00
1
101/2
Frederick Mayer
2
00
1
101/2
Karel Neaber
5
00
4
81/4
Jurreye Teder
4
00
3
9
Hans meigel wegele
3
00
2
10
Hans Jurrie priegell
4
00
3
9
Hans Adam freherick
3
00
2
10
Hans Jacob Denkes
4
00
3
9
Necolas Rou
5
00
4
81/4
Johanis Risdorph
3
00
2
10
1. The First Book of the Supervisors and Assessors, 1718-1722, printed for Vassar Brothers' Institute (1908), from which much new data for this History has been obtained, was unearthed in the County Clerk's Office by Edmund Platt, in his search for original material for the History of Poughkeepsie (1905).
PIONEER SETTLEMENTS AND EARLY INHABITANTS.
47
Henderick Scheerman
2
00
1 101/2
Wednwe Van Jacob Kapontsier
4
00
3
9
Johanis Backus
5
00
4 81/4
Andris Contreman
1 00
0
111/4
Jureian Saltman
2
00
1 101/2
Hans feelten Woleven
5 00
4 81/4
Peiter Wouleben
6
00
5
71/2
Anthony Cremere
5
00
4
81/4
Frans Kelder
6
00 00
5
71/2
Hendrick Shever
7
00
6
8
Peiter Van oosterande
6
00
5
71/2
De wedn marritie oosterande
3
00
2
10
Wellem Trophage
12
00
11
31/2
Jacob Kip
60
02
16
3
Hendrick Kip
12
00
11
31/2
Mathys Sleight
15
00
14
Jan Van Gelder
2
00
1
101/2
Evert Van Wagenen
20
00
5
0
Hendriccus Heermans
7
00
6
8
Goose Van Wagene
8
00
7
6
Lourens Oosterhout
7
00
6
8
Henricus Beekman
40
01
17
6
Jacob ploegh
3
00
2
10
Tunis Pear
6
00
5
71/2
Louwerens Tedder
2
00
1
101/2
Peiter Typell
3
00
2
10
Albartus Schriver
4
00
3
9
Necolas Eemeig
5
00
4
81/4
Hendrick Ohle
4
00
3
9
Carel Ohle
2 00
1 101/2
Adam Eykert
7
00
6
8
Hans Lambert
7
00
6
8
Stefan fredrich
5
00
4
81/4
Marttyn Bock
3
00
2
10
Peiter dob
5
00
4
81/4
Johanis Dob
1
00
0 111/4
Jurie De Mont
2
00
1
101/2
Martyn Whitman
2
00
1
101/2
L426 L19
19
41/2
Calculated to 11d 1 far Pr pound
Janury the 30 Annoq 1717/18 Henricus Beekman Asesor
Hendrick Kip
Asesor
L
L
S
d
Joosep Reykert
8
7
6
48
THE COUNTY OF DUTCHESS.
The Inhabetents Residents Sojorners and frieholders of Dutchis County are Rated & assesed by ye assessores Chosen for ye Same the Day of 1717/18 for ye meedel Ward Viz
L
L
S
d
Thomas Sanders
35
02
02
Elias Van Bunchoote
10
00
12
1
Zacharias Flegelar
4
00
04
10
Hendrick Van Der Burgh
53
03
04
01/2
Jacob Titsort
04
00
04
10
Josias Crego
06
00
07
31
Johannes Van Kleck
11
00
13
31/2
Myndert Van Den bogert
20
01
04
31/2
Harmon Rynderse
01
00
01
21/2
Jan Ostrom
13
00
15
81/2
Baranet Van Kleck
35
02
02
31/2
Fransoy Le Roy
24
01
09
0
Lowarance Van Kleck
05
00
06
03/2
Jacobus Van Den Bogart
05
00
06
01/2
Damon Palmater
03
00
03
71/2
De Weden Van Baltus Van Kleck
58
03
10
1
De Weden Van Myndert harmese
52
03
02
101/2
Jan De Graef
11
00
13
31/2
Bartholomous Hoogeboom
05
00
06
0
Leonard Lewis
55
03
06
5
De Weden Van Jan Keep
05
00
:06
0
Pieter Vielee
22
01
06
7
Hendrick Pels
13
00
15
81/2
Willem Titsoor
13
00
15
81/2
Magiel Palmetier Junr
03
00
3
71/2
Magiel Palmetier Siniur
45
02
14
41/2
Pieter Palmetier
14
00
16
11
Hendrick Buys
03
00
03
71/2
John Egerton
01
00
01
21/2
Thomas Lewis
01
00
01
21/2
Thomas Shadwick
02
00
02
51/2
Jonas Slodt
02
00
02
51/2
Richard Sackett
10
00
12
1
-
-
As Wettniss our hands
554
38
09
61/2
Henry V D Burgh assr
Johanes Van Kleck assor
Lowerens Van Cleeck assor
James hussey
Jacobes Van Den boogert assor
H V Dr Burgh Clk
10
00
12
Evert Van Wagene
Milton
Lime
Lime Kilns
Barnegat
Wappingers Creek .S.m.
Caspar
G. Clinton
to Hackensack 81.m.
Rasclif
Jews Crack.
to Bookman
Hamburgh
Low Point
to Beekman
Fishkill
Brewster
Van Wyck
J.M. Acan
I.Powell.
Creek
J.P. Dewint
landing
Newburgh
Fishhill
Schenchs|Matexwan)
-
Marlborough
Johnson Ve plank
Judge Verplank
noston
49
PIONEER SETTLEMENTS AND EARLY INHABITANTS.
The Inhabetents Residents Sojorners and free Holders of Dutchis County are Rated & assesed By the assessores Chosen for the day of 1717/18 For ye South Ward Viz
L
L
S
d
Juerien Springhsteen
05
00
06
01/2
Jacobus Cranckheit
02
00
02
.5
Lodewick De Duytser
06
00
07
3
John Brions
06
00
07
3
Hendrick De Duytser
05
00
6
01/2
Isack Hendricks
08
00
9
8
De Weden Van Mr Roger Breet Decsd
57
03
8 101/2
Pieter De Boys
22
01
6
7
Rober Dengon
05
00
6
01/2
James Hussie
15
00
18
11/2
Johnnes Terboss
. 53
03
04
01/2
Jan Buyes
07
00
8
51/2
Johnnes Buyes
05
00
6
01/2
Abram Buyes
07
00
8
51/2
Johnnes Metteler
06
00
7
31/2
Everhert Jonge
05
00
6
01/2
De Widive Van Simon Schoute
17
01
0
61/2
John Scouten
04
00
4
10
Pieter Lasseing
07
00
8
51/2
Richard Cook .
01
00
1
21/2
Isack Lassink
10
00
12
1
Jan De Langen
01
00
1
21/2
Frans De Langen
12
00
14
6
Andries Frederick Pech
02
00
2
5
Johnnes Devensher
02
00
2
5
Gerret Van Vlied
24
01
9
0
Markus Van Bomeln
06
00
7
3
Aart Masten
09
00
10
10
Peter Teackselar
05
00
6
01/2
Jacob Cooun.
02
00
2
5
Hendrick Sweteslar
04
00
4
10
Henry Van Derburgh
Tottall
L320 L19
6
7
Johnnes Van Kleeck
James Hussey
Lowrance Van Kleeck
Jacobus Van Den Bogart
assrs
The county tax list of December 1722 contains one hundred and eighty-three names with a total assessment of £2243. A year later
-
50
THE COUNTY OF DUTCHESS.
the population of the county, including forty-three slaves, was 1,083. For many years the progress of settlement was slow, and up to 1731 Dutchess was the least populous county in the Province, its inhabi- tants then numbering only 1,727 of whom one hundred and twelve were "blacks." In 1740 the list of freeholders numbered two hundred and thirty-five, certified by "Ja. Wilson Sheriff." Many of these names are perpetuated to the present generation. For convenience they are here arranged alphabetically, but the original orthography, as in preceding lists, has been adhered to:
Ackert, Jury
Dollson, Issac
Haber, Zacharias
Auchmoty, James
Du Bois, Christian
Hagaman, Francis
Backus, Johannis
Du Bois, Mathys
Hallstead, Samuel
Baily, John
Du Bois, Lewis
Hasbrook, Benjamin
Beekman, Henry
Du Bois, Peter, Jr.
Heermans, Hendrickus
Berringer, Coeuradt
Du Bois, Jacob
Hendrick, Godfreed
Bloome, Ephraime
Du Bois, Jonathan
Hendrickse, Arie
Bogardus, Cornelius
Du Bois, Mathew, Jr.
Hermans, Andries
Bonesteel, Nicholas
De Peyster, Jacobus
Heyner, Hans
Boss, Daniell
Earnest, Mathys
Hoff, Jacob Hoff, Lowrance
Brinckerhoff, George
Ellsworth, George
Brinckerhoff, Isaac
Emigh, Nicholas
Hoffman, Martinus
Brinckerhoff, Jacob
Emons, John
Hoffman, Nicholas
Brinckerhoff, John
Feder, Jury
Humphreys, William
Britt, Robert
Feller, Philip
Kidney, Robert
Britt Francis
Filkin, Henry
Kip, Abraham
Calkin, John, Junr.
Filkin, Issac
Kip, Jacob
Carman, John
Filkin, Frans
Kip, Hendrick
Cole, William
Flegelaer, Simon
Kip, Issac
Concklin, John
Flewellen, John
Kip, Johannis
Cook, John
Foelandt, Philip
Kip, Roeloff
Cool, Jacob
Freer, William
Knickerbacker, Evert
Creed, Augustine
Freer, Teunis
Knickerbacker, Lowrence
Crego, Josias
Freer, Simon
Koens, Nicholas
Crego, Stephen
Freer, Abarbam, Jr.
Kool, Simon
Davinport, Thomas
Frelick, Stephen
La Count, Bowdewine
De Dutcher, David
Gamble, John
Lambert, Hans
De Graaff, Mosis
Gay, John Gerbrantz, Lowrance
Langdon, Thomas
De Graeff, Abraham
Germain, Issac
Lassing, Peter Lassing, Isaac
De Yeo, Jacobus
Germain, Issac, Jr.
Lassing, William
Drake, William Drom, Jacob
Griffen, Joshua
La Roy, Simon
Dollson, Johannis
Griggs, Alexander
Lewis, Thomas
DeWitt, Jacob
Gonselesduck, Manuell
La Roy, Frans
PIONEER SETTLEMENTS AND EARLY INHABITANTS.
51
Londen, Philip
Runnels, John
Lossee, Jobn
Rykert, Joseph
Sackett, Richard
Schutt, William
Scott, William
Secundus, William Smith
Sheffer, Hendrick
Middelaer, Johannis
Sheffer, Hans felte
Van Keuren, Mathewis
Montross, Jolın
Shoe, Martinus
Van Kleeck, Baltus B.
More, Philip
Shonk, Martin Shriver, Albartus
Van Kleeck, Ahaswarus
Mufford, Hendrick
Simon, William
Van Kleek, Lowrence
Mufford, Peter
Simpson, Peter
Van Kleek, Barent
Nauthrop, Mosis
Sipperly, Fredricke
Van Kleek, Johannis
Neker, Fran
Sipperly, Michael
Van Steenberg, Benjamin
Nellson, Francis
Sleght, Mathys Smith, Zacharias
Van Vliet, Arie
Ostrander, Adam
Snyder, Johannis P.
Van Vliet, Tunis
Ostrander, Peter
Snyder, Christophell
Van Voorhees, Johannis
Ostrander, Maes
Soefelt, Jury
Van Voorhees, Johannis
Ostrander, Arent
Soefelt, Jury Adam
Van Voorhees, Coert
Ostrom, Jan
Spaller, Johannis
Van Vreedingburgh,
Ostrom, Roeloff
Swartwoudt, Rudolphus
Ostrom, Hendrick
Swartwoudt, Barnardus
Outwater, Peter
Swartwoudt, Abraham
Owl, Hendrick
Swartwout, Jacobus
Van Wagenen, Goese
Palmer, Joshua
Syfer, William
Van Wagenen, Jacob
Palmer, Joseph
Tappon, Johannis
Van Wagenen, Evert
Palmer, Peter
Ter Boss, Jacobus
Van Wagenen, Nicholas
Palmer, Samuel
Ter Boss, Hendrick
Van Wagenen, Gerret E.
Palmer, William
Ter Boss, Johannis
Van Wyck, Cornelis
Palmatier, Peter
Tiel, Martin
Van Wyck, Theodorus
Peelen, Gybsert Pells, Magiel
Tiel, Lowrance
Veile, Peter
Philip, Hendrick
Tippell, Peter
Ver Planck, William
Polver, Michael
Trever, Basteaan
Ver Veelen, Gideon
Polver, Wendal
Van Amburgh, Isaac
Weaver, Johannis
Richart, David
Van Benthuysen Jan
Westfall, Gysbert
Rosekrans, Hendrick
Van Benthuysen, Johannis Widerwox, Andries
Rosekrans, John Ross, Josias
Van Benthuysen, Barent Van Bomell, Christaphell
Willsie, Johannis
Row, Nicholas
Van Bomell, Jacobus
Willsie, Cornelis
Runnels, Issac
Van Bomell, Marcus
Wollever, Hans felte
Runnels, Issac, Jr.
Van Buntschoten, Elias
Yager, Wendell
Runnels, Nehmiah
Van Buntskoten, Teunis
Yomens, Daniel
Van Campen, Jacob Van den Bogart, Jacobus Vandenbogart, Myndert Vandenburgh, Henry Van Dyck, Frans Van Etten, Peter
Lossee, Cornelis Lossee, Lowrence
Low, Jacob Marshall, Nathaniel Mathews, Samuel
Van Etten, Jacobus, Jr.
Van Kleeck, Baltus J.
Mowl, Jacob
Van Tesell, Hendrick
Oosterhout, Lowrence
William, Jr.
Van Vreedingburgh, William
Tietsort, Isaac
Viele, Arnont
Willsie, Hendrick
52
THE COUNTY OF DUTCHESS.
From 1749 to 1756 the county increased rapidly in population, exceeding, in the latter year, that of any other county in the Prov- ince, except Albany, as shown by the following table:
Whites Blacks
Whites Blacks
New York
10,768
2,272
Westchester
11,919
1,338
Albany
14,805
2,619
Kings
1,862
845
Ulster
6,605
1,500
Queens
8,617
2,169
Dutchess
13,289
859
Suffolk
9,245
1,045
Orange
4,446
430
Richmond
1,667
465
It is interesting to note a description of the county in 1756, which then included Putnam, by Judge William Smith, the New York his- torian.
"The south part of the county is mountainous and fit only for iron works, but the rest contains a great quantity of good upland well watered. The only villages in it are Poughkeepsie and the Fish Kill, though they scarce deserve the name. The inhabitants on the banks of the river are Dutch, but those more easterly, Englishmen, and, for the most part, emigrants from Connecticut and Long Island. There is no episcopal church in it. The growth of this county has been very sudden, and commenced but a few years ago. Within the memory of persons now living, it did not contain above twelve fami- lies ; and, according to the late returns of the militia, it will furnish at present, above two thousand five hundred fighting men."
In what is now the town of Germantown, which was a part of Dutchess, until 1717, when it was annexed to Albany county (now Columbia), was planted in 1710 a colony of German refugees, from the Palatinate, on the Rhine, numbering 1194. Their villages, which were nothing more than a series of small lodges or temporary huts, were located on a tract of six thousand acres, covered with a growth of pine timber, especially adapted to the industry in which it was proposed to give them employment, that of raising hemp and making tar pitch and resin for the English Navy.1 A similar colony was located on the west side of the river, in the town of Saugerties, Ulster
1. At a council between the Governor and deputies representing the Palatines at the Manor of Livingston, the deputies "told his excellency that they would rather lose their lives than remain where they are, that they are cheated by the contract, it not being the same read to them in England. That seven years after they had had forty acres given to them, they were to repay the Queen by hemp, mast-trees, tar and pitch or anything else so that it may be no damage to any man or his family
See letters of Hunter to Lords of Trade. Col. Hist., Vol. V.
53
PIONEER SETTLEMENTS AND EARLY INHABITANTS.
county, and the two settlements were designated respectively East Camp and West Camp. Their affairs were managed by a board of commissioners, composed of Robert Livingston, Richard Sackett, John Cast, Godfrey Walsen, Andrew Bagger and Henry Schureman. These Palatines, however, soon became restive under the restraints imposed on them, and many removed to the Mohawk and Schoharie valleys. Others located at Rhinebeck about 1715, where they were known as the "High Dutchers." They occupied the land of Henry Beekman north of the Hog Ridge and about the old German Re- formed Church at Pink's Corner, and the name of Ryn Beek was con- fined to these lands until the organization of the Precinct in 1734.
The sheriff's list of landowners in the county in 1740, does not contain the names of the Quakers who formed a little community at Quaker Hill in the present town of Pawling, begun in 1730. Ben- jamin Ferris and Nathan Birdsall were here as early as 1728, coming from the town of Rye, Westchester county. Between the years 1730 and 1740, the tide of emigration was brisk to this fertile section of the county. Among those who arrived at that period are found the names of Aiken, Irish, Wing, Taber, Osborn, Briggs, Hoag, Dakin, Toffey, Merritt, Russell. Many of these settlers came from Massa- chusetts and Rhode Island, although John Cox, Jr., Librarian of the Yearly Meeting of the Society of Friends, says "the records do not show in any direct way where the members came from." Follow- ing a Colonial act passed February 19, 1755, relative to regulating the militia, an enrollment was made of the Friends or Quakers in the county who claimed exemption from military duty. They are thus recorded with their locations and occupations.
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