USA > New York > Dutchess County > Poughkeepsie > The records of Christ church, Poughkeepsie, New York, Vol I > Part 26
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1st, That a solemn Compact of reciprocal union be entered into between the two Churches, the instruments to be signed and sealed by those empowered to act in behalf of the respec- tive Corporations.
2nd, The original Contract between the Churches to be the basis of this Union, viz; that neither congregation shall be at liberty to separate from the other without the mutual con- sent of Both.
3rd, Whenever the two Corporations shall jointly agree to a Sepa- ration, the old Glebe shall be sold to the best advantage, and the money be equally Divided.
4th, Should the Gentelmen of Fishkill rest unsatisfied at our titles covering it, let the Farm and Improvements mentioned
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in the 3d Article be put into the hands of the Rector and Corporation of Trinity Church in New York by deeds of trust, so as to put it out of the power of either Vestry to dis- pose of it till, by the joint application of both, it became re- conveyed to us again.
5th, The twenty-three acres of land belonging to the Church of Poughkeepsie, lying upon the westermost boundary of the Old Glebe, Fishkill Church to pay us half rent for, if occupied by our Clergyman.
6th, All our accompts to be submitted to Arbitrators indifferently chosen,-each Vestry to be at intire liberty to Chuse their own man, provided they belong to neither of the two Church- es. The two refferees to chuse a third if necessary. Refferees to appoint some convenient place of meeting, whenever the time shall be affixed.
7th, It is the wish of this Vestry that the Church of Fishkill consent to have a Reconsideration before the present Arbitrators of the two hundred acres of land known by the Appellation of New Glebe.
17. Vestry Minutes, Vol. 1, p. 85.
1786, June 13, 14, 15, The deputies met at Poole's tavern at Poughkeepsie; present for Poughkeepsie, Richard Davis, William Emott, Melancthon L. Woolsey, Henry Mott and Ebenezer Badger; present for Fishkill, John Cooke, John Halstead, Dr. Jeremiah Cooper. The Poughkeepsie delegates laid upon the table a plan of Union comprehended in Eight articles, and were Urgent for Signing of them. The Fishkill Gentelmen waved executing them for the present. The unsettled accounts, subsisting between the Con- gregations were next investigated, but, the parties not agreeing in opinion, Myndert Van Kleeck, Edmund Ferris, & Robert Hoofman were Chosen Arbitrators, who decided by their award the Con- troversy; which submission and award is lodged. with the church papers. The account being Ballanced in Church Ledger A.
18. Parish Mss., Glebe papers, Section C, No. 7.
1786, June 14. Original paper. On one side, the appointment of the arbitrators, named above; on the other side, the award of the said arbitrators. Original signatures. Christ Church, Poughkeepsie, awarded one-quarter part of the whole rents of the glebe, in considera- tion of their separate title to the twenty-three acres, the said twenty- three acres not subject to any expense for repairs.
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19. Parish Mss., Glebe papers, Section C, No. 8.
1787, Oct. 17. Original paper. By William B. Alger, secretary pro tem of the vestry of Trinity Church, Fishkill; copy of a resolution of that body in favor of selling their share of the new glebe.
20. Vestry Minutes, Vol. 1, p. 93.
1787, Nov. 28, Richard Davis, William Emott, Ebenezer Badger and Henry Mott, representing Christ Church, met at Poole's tavern, Poughkeepsie, John Cooke, Jeremiah Cooper & Elbert Willett, repre- senting Trinity Church. It was unanimously agreed to that the respective committees will use their influence to get the Articles of Union executed which have been under consideration since the 13th June 1786, as the only probable means of restoring perpetual harmony between the Churches we Represent. For which purpose a General Meeting of both Vestrys was ordered to be held at Myer's earn Hackensack on Saturday after New Years day.
21. Vestry Minutes, Vol. 1, p. 94.
Assembled Jan. 5th, 1788 at Myers tavern near New Hackensack a General meeting of the Episcopal churches of Poughkeepsie and Fish- kill to establish a Union between them.
Present on the part of Poughkeepsie, William Emott, church warden, Robert Noxon, Daniel Smith, James Pritchard, Daniel Lefferts, Isaac Balding Jr., Charles Crooke, Henry Mott, Ebenezer Badger, Vestry- men; Present on the part of Fishkill, Jeremiah Cooper, Wm. B. Alger, Egbert Willett, Peter Mesier, James Cooper, Trustees.
Nine articles of Union and agreement was read by Mr. Emott.
[Editor's note: A copy of these articles of union proposed by Poughkeepsie is filed with Christ Church Parish Mss., Glebe papers, Section C, No. 9.
Abstract of above paper:
Preamble,
Whereas the Protestant Episcopal Congregations of Pough- keepsie and Fishkill were erected into a mission by the Society for Propogating the Gospel in foreign parts in the year of our Lord 1767 the infancy of these Churches at that period and the demands of the Society made it necessary for them to en- ter into a union and to purchase a Glebe at Poughkeepsie for the mutual benefit of the two Congregations, which union and purchase were compleated; And Whereas, at the late Revo- lution the said Society, from national motives, have with- drawn their countenance and support from the united con- gregations of Poughkeepsie and Fishkill, and they, being
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desirous to retrieve the deranged State of their respective Churches, do by these presents respectively covenant and ratify in their legal corporate capacity for themselves and successors for ever the underwritten Articles of Compact and agreement.
Article 1
The Protestant Episcopal Churches of Poughkeepsie and Fishkill do by these presents confirm the antient union sub- sisting between them as sister Churches, and agree not to sell or divide the old glebe without the consent of both.
Article 2
When a clergyman is settled, he to have use of parsonage house and part of glebe-land; remainder of land to be let.
Article 3
During a vacancy in the Rectorship a committee from Pough- keepsie vestry to rent glebe-house and lands; Fishkill to be represented on said committee if they desire.
Article 4
In case of a separation of the congregations, glebe to be ap- praised by outsiders for benefit of the two Churches; or to be sold at auction and proceeds divided equally.
Article 5
A clergyman cannot be settled by one congregation without the consent of the other.
Article 6
If one congregation refuse for two years to settle a clergy- man, the other is free to unite with some parish elsewhere to procure a minister.
Article 7
Disagreements over unsettled accounts to be decided by refer- ees.
Article 8
The award of March 9, 1785, concerning glebe-lands hereby ratified.
Article 9
Fishkill may at any time ask a deed of conveyance for one half the new glebe, they giving Poughkeepsie security for half of expense of the law suits relative to said land prior to said deed. Fishkill to compensate Richard Davis for half his loss in taking Jack the Negro from Andrew Bostwick.]
It was proposed by Mr. Willett to take up these Articles by para- graphs. Doct'r Cooper objected to them generally, observing that nothing of the kind would be acceeded to on their part previous to their
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receiving Conveyances for the Old and New Glebe lands at Poughkeep- sie. The other Fishkill gentelmen came into his opinion. Mr. Lefferts and Dr. Noxon asserted that it was not in the power of the Poughkeepsie Vestry to Convey the lands in Question, from the tenor of the Charter. They were, however, willing to secure to the Fishkill Vestry one moiety of the avails of the Old Glebe whilst in its present scituation, and one half the monies arising from the sale whenever it shall be sold. All which they conceived would be secured to them by executing the pro- posed articles. The Poughkeepsie gentelmen unanimously agreed with them in Sentiment, and offered to join Fishkill in a petition to the Legislature for a law to enable us to dispose of the New Glebe, provided they will proceed to examine and acceed to these articles of union now before us, during the meeting of the present Vestry. Fishkill Vestry refused these offers and the meeting broke up at five o'clock.
22. Parish Mss., Glebe papers, Section C, No. 10.
Undated. Articles of union proposed by Trinity Church, Fishkill. Abstract of said paper:
Gentlemen
We received your Letter enclosing certain Articles as the Basis of a Union between your Church and ours. We confess we know of no impediment to our Union as sister Churches, nor have we the least desire or wish of breaking off from you so long as it shall be for the mutual benefit of both our Churches to continue in our present state. But, as many reasons may, possibly, arise that may make a separation advantageous and convenient to both we are unwilling to enter into any solemn covenants or Obligations binding upon our successors, who may perhaps think differently from us, by which we may be charged with an abuse of the Trust reposed in us by our Con- stituents, to the prejudice of the Church in this town. We therefore, so far as we are authorized, to avoid all future alter- cations, in our turn have agreed to make the following propos- als to your Church, as the only ones we conceive that will be agreeable to our Constituents, or that can possibly tend to the present and future Interest of our Churches.
Propo: 1st. The Protestant Episcopal Churches of Fishkill and Pough- keepsie, having always been inclined as one, do hereby agree to unite as Sister Churches, upon one equal Footing in all joint interests, for as long as is to mutual advantage.
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2d.
The basis of union to be a conveyance by Poughkeepsie to Fishkill of one moiety of both old and new glebe.
3rd.
In case of a separation of the congregations, glebe to be ap- praised by outsiders for benefit of the two Churches; or to be sold at auction and proceeds divided equally.
4th.
If either congregation refuse to settle a clergyman in con- junction with the other, then, after three months, the other may join with a congregation elsewhere to procure a minister. In which event Propo. 3rd has full effect.
5th.
Any unsettled accounts to be settled, if necessary, by referees.
23. Vestry Minutes, Vol. 1, p. 97.
1788, March 25, Resolved, that in our opinion the Fishkill proposals are Improper.
24. Vestry Minutes, Vol. 1, p. 101.
1789, Jan'y 14, Voted that the Secretary write the Fishkill Vestry to meet us on the 22d Instant at 1 o'clock at Van Kleeck's Tavern in Poughkeepsie, requesting the Gentlemen who attend to bring with them Written Credentials.
25. Vestry Minutes, Vol. 1, p. 102.
1789, Jan'y 22, At a Conference held at the House of Baltus Van Kleeck, between the Standing Committee of Christ Church and a Committee from Trinity Church;
Present, on the part of Poughkeepsie, William Emott, John Davis, Henry Mott, James Pritchard, Ebenezer Badger;
Present, on the part of Fishkill, Daniel TerBush, Peter Mesier;
Resolved, that a joint Conference take place between the respective Vestrys, or Committees from the Bodys vested with full Powers, to adopt some Plan respecting the sale of the Glebe Lands, or some other mode which may then be agreed on respecting said lands. The meeting to be held at the House of Mr. Myers near New Hackensack, on the first Tuesday of February next at 12 o'clock.
- 26. Vestry Minutes, Vol. 1, p. 103.
1789, Feb'y 3, At a Conference between the two Vestrys of Christ and Trinity Church, held at Mr. Myers in New Hackensack;
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Present, Rev'd Henry Van Dyck, Rector;
on the part of Poughkeepsie, Richard Davis & William Emott, Church Wardens, Isaac Balding, Jno. Davis, Daniel Smith, Daniel Lefferts, Ebenezer Badger, Vestrymen;
on the part of Fishkill, Mess. Jno. Cook, Peter Mesier, Will'm Alger, Doct'r Cooper, Jacobus Cooper, Jno. Halstead;
Resolved that two Gentlemen be Appointed, one from each Vestry, who shall be Authorized to make and receive proposals from any Person or Persons for the Sale of the Old and New Glebe, or any part thereof, belonging to and in the Possession of boath the Episcopal Congrega- tions of Poughkeepsie and Fishkill; To advertise the same in the Publick papers, and whenever any Person or Persons apply to them respecting the same, to make report thereof to the Church Wardens and Vestrymen or Trustees of boath Congregations as soon as possible, in order to receive their joint approbation and further direction in the Premises, before any Act of theirs shall be Valid or binding.
Resolved that William Emott, on the part of Poughkeepsie, and John Cooke on the part of Fishkill, be a Committee for the above purpose.
27. Vestry Minutes, Vol. 1, p. 107.
1789, Sept'r 1, [meeting of Vestry held at the Church] the following Gentlemen from the Vestry of Trinity Church at Fishkill also attended, viz; John Cooke, Peter Mesier, Elbert Willett & Jacob Van Voorhis; in order to determine upon Myndert Van Kleeck's offer respecting the purchase of the Glebe.
Mr. Van Kleeck proposed taking the Glebe at Twelve Hundred Pounds, provided the Churches would take off that part of the New Glebe laying on the East of the road, occupied principally by Leonard Lewis, and one other piece improved by Francis Kip, supposed to contain about Sixty Acres at three Pounds the Acre; which sums, when the number of Acres should be ascertained, to be deducted from the Twelve Hundred Pounds.
He then proposed, in payment for the net sum remaining, one House and Lot now in possession of Theodorus Bailey, at four Hundred Pounds; Four Hundred Pounds in Bonds, upon Interest, from Robert Hoffman, and the residue in Cash immediately.
The Fishkill Vestry then withdrew to Mr. Poole's, and after about an hour's absence, returned again to the Church, Mr. Van Kleeck and the Poughkeepsie Vestry being present.
Mr. Cooke declared, in behalf of the Fishkill Vestry, that it was their unanimous Voice not to accept Mr. Van Kleeck's offer. He then in- formed Mr. Van Kleeck that they had no objection to his taking the
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Place for Nine Hundred Pounds and Mr. Bailey's house. Mr. Van Kleeck replied he would reflect upon it.
28. Vestry Minutes, Vol. 1, p. 137.
1790, April 12, At a meeting of the Churchwardens and Vestrymen of Christ Church in Poughkeepsie, and Trustees of Trinity Church of Fishkill, held at Poughkeepsie,-Resolved that Peter Mesier is hereby empowered by the respective corporations to Negotiate a Loan for them of Two Hundred pounds for which they will give good landed Security, namely the parsonage house and old glebe lands.
29. Vestry Minutes, Vol. 1, p. 166.
1792, Oct. 12, Mr. Dunn attended the meeting to know upon what Terms we would sell the Glebe; after being informed, he said he would write us his determination from New York in a few days. Resolved, that Richard Davis and William Emott is hereby fully Authorized by this Corporation to dispose of and Sell unto the Said John and Andrew Dunn, or any other person, all the Glebe Lands belonging to this Cor- poration, excepting the twenty-three-acre lot, for the sum of One Thousand pounds, current money of the State of New York, in such payments as to them shall appear reasonable.
30. Vestry Minutes, Vol. 1, p. 172.
1792, Nov. 13, Messrs. Davis and Emott reported that, according to the agency Intrusted to them, they had bargained with Messrs. John and Andrew Dunn for the Glebe Farm for One Thousand pounds; the one half of which to be paid first July next, the other moiety first July ensuing; Interest to be allowed on the last payment only. Ordered that the Secretary write a Letter to the Fish Kill Trustees, Informing them of the Sale of the Glebe Farm, & desireing they will appoint a Committee from their Body to meet us at this House on the first Tues- day in December next at Two o'clock in the afternoon.
31. Vestry Minutes, Vol. 1, p. 177.
1793, Sep. 3, Mr. Davis has Informed Vestry that in Consequence of John and Andrew Dunn Absenting themselves from the Glebe Farm, That he has taken an Inventory of what Effects they Left behind them, and has put John Dusenburry in Possession of the House in the Name of Vestry, to take care of the Same.
32. Vestry Minutes, Vol. 1, p. 182.
1794, June 3, Voted that Anthony Hoffman and Cadw'r D. Colden be a Committee to pursue the Legal Measures for Foreclosing the Mort- gage given this Corporation by John and Andrew Dunn.
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33. Parish Mss., Glebe papers, Section C, No. 12.
Original paper; in hand-writing of William Emott. Poughkeepsie, 17th July, 1795.
For the information of the present Vestry and their Counsel it is pre- sumed that the following statement may be of use in the intended sale of Certain of the Church lands, and the security and payments re- specting the Church at Fishkill, should any farther suits be commenced by the persons pretending a title under Harmense and Sanders.
The episcopal church dates its existence in Poughkeepsie in the year 1767, at which time the Rev'd John Beardsely was settled as a Mission- ary. The Society in England previously stipulated that a Glebe should be purchased; which was accordingly done from Ostrander, by the Congregations of Poughkeepsie, Fishkill, Nine Partners, and Beekman town. The conveyance was executed in trust to Certain gentelmen for the Society. The two last mentioned congregations, being few in number, shortly after Relinquished their claim to the lands and ser- vices of Mr. Beardsley, and, ever after during his continuance here he resided on the place and divided his time equally between the two Churches of Poughkeepsie and Fishkill.
On the application of Robert Lake and others, Gov'r Moore, in March 1768, determined Hermanses and Saunders patent was intended to grant only 1200 acres instead of 12,000 acres. The Church, justly alarmed at the insufficiency of the title they had purchased under, applied, by their agent, Mr. Beardsley, for a Confirmation, which they obtained together with a Grant of 200 acres adjoining, and Charter of incorporation.
The Fishkill church were dissatisfied that two Charters were not ob- tained and two Grants; whereas it seems to have been the intention of Government that the Church of Fishkill, or any other adjacent of like Communion, might be considered as Chapels of Christ Church at Poughkeepsie; which they thought proper to refuse. Thus the title became vested in us solely. The revolution interfereing, the churches were destitute of a pastor. Conferences took place, as may be seen in our Book of Minutes, in which it was admitted that Fishkill Church is entitled to one moiety of the money which may arise from the Sale of the old lands, whenever sold, except a Certain lot said to Contain 23 acres.
Thus circumstanced, about the year 1784 the Rev'd Mr. Henry Van- dyck paid us repeated Visits; overtures were made unto the Fishkill Vestry to settel him; they declared their readiness, provided we would submitt their pretentions to the old and New Glebe to three men
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(which had been formerly rejected), which was finally agreed to in Confidence that they had no kind of Right to the 200 acres. When the parties mett at New Hackensack it was discovered we did not stand on equal ground, they not being incorporated.
The Articles of Submission were therefore executed by individuals, in which they pledged themselves to each other on their honour and good faith.
In the award, which was drawn by Judge Benson1, the lands were to be holden in trust by the Poughkeepsie Vestry for the benefit of the two churches &c, except the 23 acres which was determined to be the sole property of the Poughkeepsie Church. Rev'd Vandyck occupied the parsonage untill his removal to Jersey.
Fishkill were now urgent for a partition of the lands and a title, which was not complied with. Finally it was judged expedient to advertise and sell. Some time after, Myndert Van Kleeck was anxious to pur- chase it; terms were agreed to; the Fishkill Gentelmen were wrote to, and attended, when they disapproved of our Bargain with Mr. Van Kleeck, to our great mortifycation, which prevented the sale at that time.
Next, John and Andrew Dunn applied, and became purchasers, and executed a mortgage and Bonds to the amount of £1000; they were unable to make the payments stipulated; left the County. In this last Sale the Fishkill Gentelmen were not consulted.
Next, Nathaniel Bosworth came forward as a purchaser. Richard Davis and William Emott, the Committee authorized by Vestry, treated with him, the result of which was reduced to two written memorandums, which were given 30 Sept'r 1794. Mr. Bosworth came on the place in the spring of 1795, and the Vendue, which was to have been in Feb'r last, takes place 22 July 1795, at 10 o'clock in the fore- noon.
34. Vestry Minutes, Vol. 1, p. 191.
1795, Aug. 11, Mr. Davis and Mr. Emott, who were a Committee to Sell the Glebe under the Mortgage from John & Andrew Dunn, having report-that the same has been sold at auction agreeable to law, to Nathaniel Bosworth, who hath bad therefore £1000,-on motion of Mr. Emott Resolved that the Secretary be, and he hereby is, Authorized to execute to the said Nath'l Bosworth such Instruments as may be requisite for Conveying the Estate to him; the Treasurer is to receive from the said Nath'l Bosworth Three Hundred pounds with Interest therefore from the first of April last, and the Secretary will receive in
( 1 Judge Smith ? )
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behalf of this Corporation, on Executing the Conveyance above men- tioned, a Mortgage from the said Nath'l Bosworth, on the premises aforesaid, for securing to this Corporation the sum of Seven Hundred pounds with Interest from the first of April last,-To be paid as follows, viz; £350 to be paid 1st April 1796, and the other £350 on the first day of April, 1797.
35. Vestry Minutes, Vol. 1, p. 204.
1797, Jan'y 2, a meeting of Vestry held at House of Stephen Hendrick- son.
Present, William Emott, Warden, Robert Noxon, Ebenezer Badger, Thomas Mitchell, Archibald Stewart, James Bramble.
Present, the following Committee from Trinity Church, Fishkill,- Daniel C. Verplanck, James Cooper, Peter Mesier.
On Investigation of the sale of the Glebe, of the Rents, profits and expenditures relating to this, and all other accounts remaining at this Date unsettled; which being Audited and Settled, there appeared a Ballance due the Church at Fishkill of Four Hundred and Sixteen Pounds.
Which sum the Vestry ordered William Emott, their Treasurer, to pay to Peter Mesier on Demand, agreeable to the Order Drawn this Day,- The Fishkill Committee being present.
The Gentlemen of the Committee from Fishkill unanimously agreed that they will cause to be Executed a General Release and an Indem- nification bond, which is to be drawn by Jacob Radclift Esqr. without delay, who personally attended the Vestry.
The whole of the foregoing business was conducted with the most per- fect unanimity, not a dissenting vote appeared on any question agitated by the representatives of either of the Churches in the above settle- ment.
36. Parish Mss., Glebe papers, Section C, No. 14.
1797, Jan'y 2, Original release from Trinity Church, Fishkill, to Christ Church, Poughkeepsie, of all of Trinity's rights, title, etc., in the two hundred and fifty acres at Poughkeepsie conveyed to Nathaniel Bosworth; in consideration of £416. Signed by James Cooper, secretary.
37. Parish Mss., Glebe papers, Section C, No. 15.
1797, Jan'y 2, Bond for £1000 from Trinity Church, Fishkill, to Christ Church, Poughkeepsie, signed by James Cooper, secretary. Condition: -In case of future difficulty over the title to the land conveyed to
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Nathaniel Bosworth, Fishkill to pay one half of all charges and ex- penses in the same.
38. Vestry Minutes, Vol. 1, p. 205.
1797, Jan. 3, William Emott Paid Peter Mesier four Hundred Sixteen pounds, Pursuant to Order, for the Use of Trinity Church in Fishkill, in full of all Demands.
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, ETC., OF CHRIST CHURCH, POUGHKEEPSIE, AND THE REV. JOHN BEARDSLEY, REGARDING THE TWENTY-THREE ACRE LOT
1. Parish Mss., Glebe papers, Section F, No. 1.
1769, July 3, original bond for £300, given by John Beardsley and Peter Harris of Poughkeepsie, to Maritie Ostrom of Poughkeepsie; interest £8 per annum, payable May 13th.
On the second page of this paper, Jacobus Ostrom signed his mark in receipt for interest payments made by Peter Harris from May, 1770, to May, 1774, and by John Beardsley from May, 1770, to May, 1783. On the third page is. the record of the sale of this bond, on April 19, 1797, by Jacobus Ostrom of Poughkeepsie, administrator of the estate of Maritie Ostrom, deceased, to the Corporation of Christ Church, Poughkeepsie.
2. Vestry Minutes, Vol. 1, p. 26.
1773, Dec. 18, Ordered that Samuel Smith, Richard Davis and John Child be a Committee to view the lands of Mr. Beardsley Contained within the grant for the Glebe, that they take the Courses and dis- tances of the lands which Mr. Beardsley desires to have included in his grant, and report to this board at their next siting how and in what Manner they shall think it most advisable to run the said lines.
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