-m t%' *^***^2«.% ®^^^^ ^i-iix ¦ '""^*tV'^k!^'H "^^ ¦*ni * .-•%3«a| ¦feTf- c*fw- ••-It •.';C"5! SSrjt^i-^T : . \ #^ YALE UNIVERSITY LIBRARY >• DR. EPHRAIM CLARK. MORRIS'S MEMORIAL HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND NEW YORK VOLUME II IRA K. MORRIS PUBLISHED BY THE AUTHOR West New Brighton Staten Island Copyright 1900 The Winthbop Press 3?-34 Lafayette Place New York TABLE OF CONTENTS CHAPTER I PAGE Undee the Eepublic. ......... 1 The Dawn of Peace — Prominent Citizens — Great Changes — Dutch, French and English Descendants — Sectional Strife — Life Among Our People — Hamlets — Agricultural Pursuits — Gay Scenes Among Old Staten Island Families — County Abstract — New Era — Panics — Imprisonment for Debt — Flax Raising — Southerners Attracted Here — Celebrating the Fourth of July — Old-fashioned Programs — Patriotism at a Discount — Editorial Lecture — Rev. Peter I. Van Pelt's Address — The Last Celebration. CHAPTBE II Staten Island Militia. . .13 The First Militia — Dutch Company — English Militia — Origin of Militia — The Duke's Laws — Equipments — Training Days — The Code — Queen Anne's Order — Billopp's Commission — A " Petison " — Batteries at the Narrows — Henry Holland — Augustin Graham — Thomas Arrowsmith — Officers for 1735 — Militia in 1775 — Drafts — Loyal Staten Islanders — Prisoners — Billopp's Staten Island Militia — The Gunboat — Staten Island Regiment — Tompkins Guards — Richmond County Guards — Southfield Guards — Castleton Guards — Northfield Guards — Cavalry Troop — Review at New Dorp — The Old-time May Muster. CHAPTER III The War of Eighteen Hundred and Twelve 28 Cause of the War— Bight of Expatriation — Naturalization Laws — General Scott's Bravery — General Hull — General Brook — The Indians — Line of Battle — Governor Tompkins' Services — Forts Tompkins and Richmond — Prominent Officers — Colonel Richard Conner — Arrest of Suspects — Battle of New Orleans — Captain Benjamin Wood — Governor Tompkins' Financial Troubles — Inspection of Forts in 1835 — Beautiful Residence. CHAPTER IV In the Old Slavery Days. 36 African Slavery on Staten Island Under the Dutch and French — Slavery in The Revolution — Abolition in the States — Public Sentiment — Quaker Opposition — Royal African Company — Slave Barracks — The" Rising" — Local Slave Records — Westfield the Wealthiest Town — "Gate," its First Free-born Negress — Slave Owners — Andrew Decker's Application — " Man," a Free-born Negro — Indenturing Colored Children — Slave Sale — Emancipation Celebration — Benjamin Perine, the Last Staten Island Slave. CONTENTS. CHAPTER V PAGE The Whipping-post at Richmond. 49 Originally Located at Stony Brook — Established at Cucklestown in 1710 — First Victims — Worthless " Sam '' — Power of the Devil — Holland's Hook Witch —Hessian Whipped— Marauding Band— Petty Criminals— Public Whippers— First Legal Execution. CHAP'ri]R VI Old Staten Island Families. ....... 53 Negligence of By-gone Generations — Broken Links in Family Records — Impor tant Biographies — Old Citizens and Old Records — Alston — Androvette — Arrow- smith — Barnes — Beatty — Bedell — Billopp — Blake — Bodine — Bogart — Braisted — Britton — Broileau — Burbanck — Burger — Bush — Butler — Cannon — Christopher — Cole — Colon — Conner^ — Corsen — Cortelyou — Crips — Crocheron — Cropsey — Cruzer ( Kruzer, Krosen, etc.) — Cubberly — Decker — DeGroot — DeHart — Denyse. CHAPTER VII Old Staten Island Families (^Continued). ..... 79 Depuy — Disosway — Dooland — DuBois — Dunn — Dustan — Eddy — Egbert — Ellis — Enyard — Fountain — Frost — (iarrison — Gifford — (i uyon — Hatfield — Holmes — Houghwout — Hillyer — Housman — Jaoobson — Jacques — Johnson — Jones — Jour- neay — La Forge — Lake — Larzelere — Latourette — Lawrence — Lisk — Lockman. CHAPTER VIII Old Staten Island Families (^Concluded'). . • . . . 103 Manee — Martling — Martiiio — Merrell — Mersereau — Metcalfe — Miolieau — Mor gan — Perine — Poillon — Post — Prall — Pryer — Ryerss - -Seguine — Sharixtt — Simon- son — Stillwell — Sprague — Taylor — Totten — Towusend — Tysen — VanDuzer Van- Clief — Van Name — Van Pelt — Wandel — Winant — Wogium — Wood. CHAPTER IX The Vanderbilt Family. . . . . . . . .129 Jan Avertsen Van der Bilt — "Commodore" Cornelius Vanderbilt — Real Estate Owners — Making Money Early in Life— Married His Cousin — Builds A'essels Staten Island Ferry — Many Business Enterprises — ^Vill^anl II. Vauderbilt Life on Staten Island — A Business Career — Jacob H. Vanderbilt — The Present Genera tion. ' CHAPTER X Aaron Burr — Soldier, Lawyer, Politician, . 141 Burr's Interest in Staten Island— His Boyhood— Enters the Continental Armv— Goes to Quebec— His Mission— Montgomery's Aide-de-camp— Carries His Gen eral's Body-On Washington's Staft-Commaiuls a Regnnent-Plans Against British on Staten Island— Commands a Brigade at Monmouth— Westchester I ines —Leaves the Army and Studies Law— Marries Mrs. Pre vost— Little Theodosia— Removes to New York-Alexander Hamilton-Richmond Hill_I„ the Legislature -Enters Politics-Appointed Attorney General-United States Senator-l0r<.an- izes the Democratic Party-First Duel-Becomes Vice-President-Def,.ated''for Governor-Duel with Hamilton-Resigns the Vice-Presidency-Tried for Tr.'ason and Acqmtted Goes to Europe Theodosia L<,st at Sea-Burr Marr es Mm Cemeter '"" ' " Island-His Death-The Funeral-Witherspoon CONTENTS. CHAPTER XI PAGE Old Staten Island Structures 160 Austin House, on the Narrows — Disosway-Cole Mill, at Tottenville — Old Place Mill — Old Dutch Reformed Churches — Bedell Homestead, at Green Ridge — Perine Homestead, at Garretsons — Guyon Homestead, at New Dorp — Vanderbilt Homestead — Van Duzer Homestead, at Tompkins ville — Britton Homestead, at Oakwood — Lake House, at Port Richmond — Housman House, at Port Richmond — Tyler Mansion, at West New Brighton — Ward Mansion, at New Brighton — Brit- ton's Mill, at Clove Lake — Benham Mansion, at Green Ridge — Old Woolen Mill, at Richmond — Seaman Homestead, at Green Ridge — Scott House, at West New Brighton — Dutch Reformed Parsonage, at Port Richmond — Kruzer or Pelton House, at West New Brighton — Winant Homestead, at Woodrow — Fountain Home stead, at New Dorp — Latourette Homestead, on Richmond Hill — Old Red Jail, at Richmond — Van Pelt House, at Woodrow — Lake-Tysen Homestead, at New Dorp. CHAPTER XII Old Hotels op Staten Island. . . ¦ . . . .179 Governor Kieft's House — The "Rose and Crown" Farm-house, at New Dorp — Black Horse Tavern, at New Dorp — Cucklestowne Inn — Old House by the Mill, at Green Ridge — Purdy's Hotel, at Prince's Bay — Ferry Tavern, at Tottenville — Bull's Head Tavern — Union Hotel, at Tottenville — Bed Horse Tavern, at Stony Brook — Old Oakley House, at Rossville — Swan Hotel, at West New Brighton — Port Richmond (St. James) Hotel — -Fountain House, at West New Brighton — Bennett's Tavern, at Graniteville — Nautilus Hall, at Tompkinsville — Cliff House, at Clifton — ^Bodine's Inn, at Castleton Corners — Rossville Hotel — Richmond County Hall, at Richmond — Patten House, at New Dorp — Old Track House — Club House, at Oakwood — Planters' Hotel, at Tompkinsville — Belmont Hall, at New Brighton — Washington Hotel, at Richmond — Dock Hotel, at New Brighton — Windsor Hotel, at New Brighton — St. Mark's Hotel, New Brighton — Castleton House, at West New Brighton, etc. CHAPTER XIII Distinguished Residents and Guests. . . . . . .197 James W. Auten — Commander Timothy Greene Benham — Rear- Admiral Andrew EUicott Kennedy Benham — Rev. William H. Boole — Hon. James A. Bradley — Hon. Erastus Brooks — Captain Richard Christopher — Dr. Ephraim Clark — General Jacob Dolsen Cox — Colonel Ichabod B. Crane — Hon. George William Curtis — Alexander Del Mar — Captain Clement Disosway — General Richard A. Donnelly — Dr. William Draper — General Alfred Napoleon Duffig — Thomas Robert Eagleson — Judge William Emerson. CHAPTER XIV Distinguished Residents and Guests (Concluded^. . . . 216 General Jolm Charles Frgmont — General Joseph Garibaldi — General Joseph Karge — Louis Kossuth — General Lafayette — Jenny Lind — John Lusk — Max Maretzek — "Middy" and Jane Morgan — Antonio Meucci — William Page — General Ely S. Parker — ^Delia Tudor Stewart-Parnell — Peter Pero — Lieutenant Sidney S. Simons — Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat — General Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna — Gustav Struve — Henry D. Thoreau — Hon. Daniel D. Tompkins — Rev. Stephen Moffiatt Vail — Erastus Wiman — General John M. Palmer — Governor Caleb Lyon — General Crittenden — General James Jourdau — William Winter — Rear-Admiral W. S. Schley, and others. CONTENTS. CHAPTER XV PAGE Three Centuries of Politics. ....... 240 Kieft as a Politician — The Dutch and French Combine against the English — Independent Period — The Federal Party — The New Era — Richard Conner, Leader — Three-day Elections — Free Fights — Candidates in 1804 — First Democratic Vic tory on Staten Island — Change of Sentiment — Factories — Influx of Citizens — Gun Faetorjr — Corktown — Jackson Campaigns — John Quincy Adams — Celebrating a Victory — A Third-party Convention — The Whigs — Campaigns of 1835 and 1837 — Newspaper Fight — Celebration at Richmond — Tribvdations of 1848 — Fight be tween the "Hardshells" and " Sof tshells "— The Know-Nothing Party— The Fre mont Campaign — Slavery Question — Jolm Brown — Political Changes — The Cleve land Campaign — Hon. Nicholas MuUer. CHAPTER XVI Old Post Routes and Ferries 260 The First Ferry — Captain Ducket — Popular Route — Stage-boats — Joseph Rich ards — Blazing Star — John Burrowhill — The Watering Place — William Leake — John Stillwell — Brigadier-General Leslie — Frederick Simonson — Bergen Point — James Johnson — Adonia Schuyler — The " Boliver " — The Huguenot Line — The "Mouse of the Mountain." CHAPTER XVII Freemasonry on Staten Island. . . . . . . .266 A Provisional Lodge — ^British Officers at Nautilus Hall — King George's Reward — Major Guyon's Hospitality — Governor Tompkins' Efforts — Organization of Rich mond Lodge — Anti-Masonic Crusade — The Old Lodge Room — St. John's Day — Masonic Hall — Removal to Port Richmond — The New Building — Corner-stone — Dedication — Huguenot Lodge — Tompkins Lodge — Beacon Light Lodge — Other Masonic Organizations. CHAPTER XVIII The Dutch Reformed Churches. 275 The First Staten Island Churches — Rev. Samuel Drisius — The Waldenses — The Huguenots — Dominie Selyns — Governor Hunter — Rev. Dr. McKenzie — Port Rich mond Dutch Reformed Church — Rev. Mr. Jackson — Jacob Rezeau— Rev. Peter Stryker — Rev. Peter I. Van Pelt — Rev. James Brownlee — Judge Mersereau Judge Tysen — Paul Latourette — The Anniversary — Old liecords Rev. A. H. Demarest. CHAPTER XIX The Presbyterian Churches 283 The Presbyterians at Stony Brook— Worshiped with the Waldenses— The Jacques Cortelyou Deed— Presbyterian Society — Presented with Ground for a Meeting House— Nathaniel Britton — James Carman — Edward Jones— Edgewater Presby terian Church— Rev. Wilbur Fiske Wood— Calvary Presbyterian Church— Rev. Thomas A. Leggett. CHAPTER XX The Moravian Churches 290 The Old Church at New Dorp— Captain Nicholas Garrison— David Bruce- Early Laborers— Jacobus Vanderbilt— Old Church Vacated— Many Changes- Captain Christian Jacobson— New Edifice in 1846— First Church Organ— An Old Sunday-school— Mr. Vanderbilt's Gift— Moravian Chapels. CONTENTS. CHAPTER XXI PAGE The Methodist Churches 294 Introduction of Methodism on Staten Island — Francis Asbury — Peter Van Pelt — Thomas Morrell — Robert Cloud — Methodist Society — An Appeal — Subscriptions —New Church in 1842— Father Boehm— The Tabernacle— St. Paul's, at Totten ville — Asbury, at New Springville — Bloomfield Church — Graniteville Church — Trinity, at West New Brighton — Kingsley, at Stapleton — Bethel, at Tottenville — Summerfleld, at Mariners' Harbor — Grace, at Port Richmond — St. Mark's, at Pleasant Plains — St. John's, at Rossville. CHAPTER XXII The Episcopal Churches 302 Richmond a Religious Centre — Rev. William Vesey — A Gospel Society — Rev. John Talbot — Dutch Reformed Hospitality — Land Donated in 1813 — St. Andrew's — -Rich Bequest — Chaplain Charlton — ^Bishop Richard Channing Moore — Rev. David Moore — Rev. Thomas S. Yocom — Church of the Ascension — St. John's, at Clifton — ^St. Paul's, at Tompkinsville — St. Luke's, at Rossville — Christ's, at New Brighton — Holy Comforter, at Ettingville, etc. CHAPTER XXIII The Baptist Churches. ........ 310 The Old Clove Church — Services in Barns — Rev. Elkanah Holmes — Rev. Daniel Stears — Rossville Church — Graniteville Church — President Arthur's Father — Park Baptist Church — Mariners' Harbor Church — Kreischerville Church — South Baptist Church, at Tottenville — New Brighton Baptist Church. CHAPTER XXIV Lutheran and Congregational Churches, Etc. . . . 317 St. John's, at Port Richmond — St. Peter's, at Kreisclierville — Church of the Evangelists, at New Brighton — Church of the Redeemer — German Evangelical Church of Stapleton — Jewish Synagogue, at Tompkinsville. CHAPTER XXV The Roman Catholic Churches 321 Early Catholics of Staten Island — Probably a Church at Cucklestown — Wor shiping in the Dongan House — Services on Gifford's Lane — St. Peter's, at New Brighton — Rev. Patrick Murphy — Rev. John Barry — Rev. John Lewis — St. Mary's, at Clifton — Rev. James C. Campbell — Rev. J. C. Rigney — St. Joseph's, at Rossville St. Patrick's, at Richmond — St. Rose of Lima, at West New Brighton — Rev. William C. Poole — Other Churches. CHAPTER XXVI The Bench and Bar 326 County Records Burned in 1698 — Richard Stillwell, "Justes" — Chief Judge Augustin Graham — Judge Ellis Duxbury — Officials in 1739 — Benjamin Seaman — Hon. Ogden Edwards — Hon. Joseph Barnard — Hon. Henry B. Metcalfe — Hon. Tompkins Westervelt — Hon. John J. Kenney — Hon. Nathaniel Marsh — Hon. Stephen D. Stephens — Hon. Thomas W. Fitzgerald — Hon. John Croak — Hon. Augustus Acker — John and William H. Anthon — Hon. Alvin C. Bradley — Hon. Lot C. Clark — Hon. George Cromwell — Charles L. Hubbell — Hon. Edward Sidney Rawson — Hon. Calvin D. Van Name, and others. CONTENTS. CHAPTER XXVII page The Medical Fraternity 342 Stony Brook Physicians — Doctors Bigell, Mersous, and Seamans — Dr. Baker, " Tyrant " — Marines Swain — First Medical Society — Dr. Benjamin Parker — Re organization of Medical Society in 1855 — List of Physicians in Richmond County — Dr. Melvin L. Adams — Dr. John L. Feeny — Dr. George C. Hubbard — Dr. Samuel Adams Robinson — Dr. Samuel R. Smith — Dr. John Swinburne — Dr. Charles Wil- mot Townsend — Dr. J. Walter Wood — Other Physicians. CHAPTER XXVIII Staten Island Journalism 361 The Early Press — The Richmond Republican — Charles N. Baldwin — Description of the First Island Paper — William Hagadorn — The Chronicle — Free Press — Staten Islander — Plaindealer — Richmond County Mirror — Francis L. Hagadorn — The Little Corporal — The Sepoy — Richmond County Gazette — North Shore Advo cate — Staten Island Leader — North Shore Union — The Sentinel — Staten Island Star — Richmond County Democrat — Richmond County Herald — Richmond County Standard — Westfield Times — Richmond County Advance — The News-Letter, and several others. CHAPTER XXIX The Schools of Staten Island 361 The First School — Teachers' Obligations — Perth Amboy Academy — New Spring ville School — The English Society — Richmond School — Regents of the University — Governor Tompkins' Aid — Gideon Hawley — Woodrow School — Castleton Cor ners School — Girls' Admission to Public Schools — Rights of Women — District Trustees — Better School Houses — Borough Schools — " Mr. French's School " — Spanish Academy — Dr. Pardon's School — Father Boehm's School — Dr. Van Pelt's Academy — Richmond College — Richmond Seminary — Staten Island Academy — Brighton Heights Seminary — St. Austin's — Trinity School — Westerleigh Collegiate Institute — Roman Catholic Parochial Schools. CHAPTER XXX The Quarantine Hospitals. 375 The First Movement, in 1758 — Yellow Fever — Plans for Removal — Imposing Buildings — Board of Health — Dr. Mundy — Dr. Thompson — Discord — Disease Spreading — Meeting of Citizens — The Conflagration — Emigrant Ships — The Crowd — Marines — John C. Thompson — Ray Tompkins — Judge Metcalfe's Opinion — Seguine's Point — People of Westfield Aroused — Hospitals Burned — Eugene B. Halle — Abram Latourette — Sheriff Isaac M. Marsh — Legislative Action. CHAPTER XXXI Staten Island During the Rebellion. 387 April, 1861 — Condition of the Country— Our First Interest— Mass Meetings- Call for Troops— Citizens Enlisting— Hon. George William Curtis Speaks— En campments on the Island— Erastus Brooks' Address— War Committee— Recruiting Stations -Richmond County Regiment— Colonel Minthorne Tompkins — To wn Quotas— Supervisors Busy— Repeated Calls for Troops— Violent Mobs— Issuing Bonds— Preparing for the Draft— Indignation Meetings— The Debt— Military Organizations— The Camps— Review by General McClellan— List of Recruits— The Drafted— Their Substitutes. CONTENTS. CHAPTER XXXII page The Bi-Centennial Celebration. 408 County Organization — The Committee — Celebration a Great Success — Grand Procession — Large Meeting at Stapleton — Addresses by Dr. Ephraim Clark, Hon. Erastus Brooks, Hon. Algernon S. Sullivan, Hon. Henry J. Scudder, Hon. George William Curtis, and Hon. L. Bradford Prince. CHAPTER XXXIII The Sailors' Snug Harbor. . • . . . . .412 Honorable History — -Captain Thomas Randall — Father of the Founder — Captain Robert Richard Randall — The Will — A Bit of Randall History — Alexander Hamilton — Daniel D. Tompkins — Why the Harbor Was Located on Staten Island — The Randall Monument — Large Tract of Land — The Buildings — Statue of Robert Richard Randall — Rules of the Institution. CHAPTER XXXIV Charitable Organizations 423 Seamen's Retreat — Dr. Moffatt's Report — S. R. Smith Infirmary — Ladies' Auxiliary — Mariners' Family Asylum — Home for Destitute Children of Seamen — Miss Anna M. Drew — Staten Island Diet Kitchen — Women's Christian Temper ance Union. CHAPTER XXXV The Island's Poor and Their Home 431 Petition in 1692 — Public Lot — Children Paid for Boarding Parents — First Alms House — Records Destroyed — Excise Moneys — Tax Quota in 1784 — Poor Expenses in 1800 — New County House in 1803 — Political Issue — Public Meeting — Martino Farm Purchased in 1830 — Old Place Sold — Old Records — Children at the Alms House — Political Hot-bed — Newspaper Warfare — Assaults — " Combine " De feated—The Potter's Field. CHAPTER XXXVI Staten Island Villages 439 Oude Dorp (Old Town) — Stony Brook — New Dorp — Cucklestown (Richmond) — Long Neck (New Springsville) — Fresh Kills (Green Ridge) — Rossville — Lin- oleumville — Tompkinsville — Stapleton — Clifton - — Concord — Castleton Corners — Garretsons — Grant City — Giffords — Eltingville — Annadale — Huguenot — Prince's Bay — Pleasant Plains — Richmond Valley — Kreischerville — Woodrow — Bogardus' Corner — Graniteville — Bull's Head — Willow Brook — Old Place — Chelsea — Travis- ville — Egbertville — Prohibition Park — Edgewater — New Brighton — Port Rich mond, etc. CHAPTER XXXVII The Public Highways — Past and Present. . . . .447 Indian Trails — Old Town Road — Richmond Terrace — Old Road Records — Rich mond Road — To Dongan's Mill — Amboy Road — Old-time Road-making — Editorial Comment — The New Era — Citizens' Movement — Hon. Henry P. Morrison — Many Miles of Macadamized Road — Maintenance. CONTENTS. CHAPTER XXXVIII page Staten Island Banks 456 A Memorable Business Period — The Banking Era — The First Staten Island Bank — Opposition — Other Schemes — Staten Island Savings Bank — Bank of Staten Island — First National Bank — Richmond County Savings Bank. CHAPTER XXXIX Staten Island Railroads 461 The Staten Island Railway — Many Difficulties — North and South Shore Rail road — Rapid Transit Railroad — Belt Line Horse Railroad — Midland Electric Railroad — Staten Island Electric Railroad — Achter Kill Bridge, etc. CHAPTER XL Staten Island Industries. 468 Old-fashioned Farmers — Old Staten Island Dyeing and Printing Establishment — Silk Factory — Wall Paper Factory — Ship Building — Coast Wrecking Company — Kreischerville Brick Factory — Jewett White-lead Factory — Linseed Oil Factory — Linoleum Factory — Windsor Plaster Mill — Dental Works — Breweries — Water Supply — Telephone — Oyster Industry — Brick Making. CHAPTER XLI The Fire Departments. 476 Factoryville Firemen in 1828 — Richmond Bucket Company — Tompkinsville Fire Department — Edgewater Fire Department — North Shore Fire Department — Tot tenville Fire Department — New Dorp Fire Department. CHAPTER XLII The Police Department 479 The First Staten Island Police Department, 1760 — Tompkinsville Police Force, 1815 — The Metropolitan Police System — Richmond County Police Force The Greater City Force. CHAPTER XLIII Social and Beneficial Organizations. 482 The First Club— The Neptune Club— Staten Island Athletic Club— Kill van KuU Rowing Association— Clifton Boat Club— Cricket Club— German Association Erheiterung— Grand Army Posts— American Legion of Honor— Foresters— United Workmen—Catholic Benevolent Legion— Red Men— Odd Fellows— Knights and Ladies of Honor— Knights of Pythias— American Firemen— American Mechanics —Royal Arcanum— Sons of Veterans— Templars of Liberty— Buildmg and Loan Associations— Silver Lake Commission— Chamber of Commerce— Natural Science Association — Staten Island Historical Society. CONTENTS. CHAPTER XLIV page The Borough of Richmond. 488 Restlessness of the People — Separate City — Greater New York Scheme — Tidal Wave — Filling Offices — The First Step — The Commission — Its Work — Territory — Legislative Authority — Provisions of the Charter — Tlie Borough Officials — ^'arious Departments — The Future. CHAPTER XLV Local Biography. 495 Christopher Archer — Owen Howard Barnard — Major Clarence T. Barrett — Hon. Gustav Barth — George Bechtel — Read Benedict — Benjamin J. Bodine — William Bowen — Guy Stephens Brantingham — Benjamin Brown — Abram Cole — John Lin- derman Dailey — Hon. Edward P. Doyle — George T. Egbert — John H. Elsworth — Frank Foggin — Thomas H. Harper — Cornelius A. Hart — Thomas Humphrey — James Kerr — William H. McCabe. CHAPTER XLVI Local Biography (^Concluded') 515 David Neilson Melvin — Hon. Henry Prentice Morrison — James E. Mulligan — John B. Newhall — Theodor S. Oxholm — Cornelius F. Timpson — Captain G. D. S. Trask — William H. B. Totten — Alhin Warth — Henry Warth — John Westbrook — James Wheeler — James Wilkinson — Hon. Hubbard R. Yetnian. FULL-PAGE ILLUSTRATIONS. Dr. Ephraim Clark Frontispiece face page David J. Tysen, Esq 119 Captain Richard Christopher 202 Hon. George Cromwell 338 Lewis Henry Meyer 513 ILLUSTRATIONS IN TEXT. PAGE De Vries-Benedict House 3 Silver Lake in 1S20— Seat of Robert H. Rose, Esq 6 Mersereau Homestead, Butcherville 15 A^reeland Plomestead, South Beach 24 Pero Homestead, Butcherville 30 Benjamin Perine, the last Staten Island Slave 38 Fountain Homestead, Clifton 43 Cole Homestead, Gifeords 50 Egbert House, near Manor Road 56 Lockwood Homestead, Giffords 77 Daniel Corsen Homestead, Watchogue Road 81 Birthplace of Hon. James A. Bradley, Rossville 97 Old Woolen Mill, near Richmond 107 Purdy's Hotel, Prince's Bay 125 Cornelius Vanderbilt 131 Vanderbilt Mausoleum 136 St. James Hotel, Port Richmond 143 Aaron Burr 153 Theodosia Burr 156 Old Fountain Homestead, New Dorp (Remodeled) 162 Benham Mansion, Green Ridge 173 Nautilus Hall, Tompkinsville 181 Commodore Vanderbilt's Residence, Stapleton 213 Dr. Richard Henderson Homestead, near New Dorp 218 De Groot Residence, West New Brighton 235 Disosway-Cole Mill, near Tottenville 242 Hon. Nicholas Muller 258 Cubberly House, near Elm Tree Light 262 Masonic Hall, Tompkinsville 268 LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS. PAGE Dutch Reformed Church, Richmond 276 Dutch Reformed Church, Tompkinsville 278 Port Richmond Dutch Reformed Church 281 Post Homestead, Holland's Hook 285 Moravian Church, New Dorp 293 Woodrow Methodist Episcopal Church 296 The Van Pelt House, at Woodrow 299 Daniel Jones Homestead, Old Place 304 St. John's Protestant Episcopal Church, Clifton 307 Residence of General Van Buren, Tompkinsville 312 Clinch Homestead, Richmond Road, near the Clove 319 Old Bedell Mill, Green Ridge 322 Planters' Hotel, Tompkinsville 324 Judge Henry B. Metcalfe 327 Hon. Stephen D. Stephens 329 Hon. John J. Kenney 331 Hon. Nathaniel Marsh 333 Hon. Augustus Acker 335 Hon. Thomas W. Fitzgerald 337 Charles Livingston Hubbell 339 Hon. Calvin D. Van Name 340 John L. Feeny, M. D 343 Samuel Adams Robinson, M. D 345 Charles Wilmot Townsend, M. D 347 J. Walter Wood, M. D 349 Rev. Dr. Van Pelt's Academy, Port Richmond 353 Tyler Mansion, West New Brighton 357 Hon. Hubbard R. Yetman, Superintendent Public Schools 364 Ward Mansion, New Brighton 377 The Townsend Castle, Clifton 384 Jacques Mansion, Port Richmond 389 Cortelyou Homestead, Green Ridge 393 Vanderbilt Dock, New Dorp 397 Old Housman House, Port Richmond 409 The Sailors' Snug Harbor, New Brighton 417 S. R. Smith Infirmary, New Brighton 425 Old Seamen's Retreat, Stapleton . . . .' 427 Mrs. Sarah Roberts Morris, County President, W. C. T. U 428 Richmond County Alms House 483 Patten House, New Dorp 441 The Old Van Name Cottage, at Old Place 444 Hon. Henry P. Morrison, Deputy Commissioner and Chief Engineer 450 Staten Island Bank Building, Port Richmond 457 Richmond County Hall, Richmond 459 Power House of The Staten Island Electric Railway 464 LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS. PAGE Linoleum Works at Linoleumville 470 Decker Homestead, Graniteville 473 Swan Hotel, West New Brighton 477 De Hart Homestead, at Holland's Hook 480 Lake House, at Port Richmond 484 County Clerk's, and Surrogate's Offices, Richmond 486 " The Richmond," Municipal Building, Borough of Richmond. . . 490 Residence of Ernest Flagg, Esq., Dongan Hills 492 Old House by the Mill, Green Ridge 494 John C. Thompson 495 Owen Howard Barnard 496 Major Clarence T. Barrett 497 Hon. Gustav A. Barth 498 George Bechtel 499 William H. McCabe 500 Old Post Road, Richmond 500 Read Benedict 501 Benjamin J. Bodine 502 William Bowen 503 Guy Stephens Brantingham 504 Benjamin Brown 504 Abram Cole 505 John Linderman Dailey 506 Hon. Ed ward P. Doyle 507 George T. Egbert 508 Thomas H. Harper 508 Hon. John H. Elsworth 509 Frank Foggin 510 Cornelius A. Hart 511 Thomas Humphrey 512 James Kerr 513 Thomas R. Eagleson (Thomas AV. Keene) 514 David Neilson Melvin 515 James Wheeler 51(3 James E. Mulligan 517 John B. Newhall 51 g Theodor S. Oxholm 519 Cornelius F. Timpson 520 Captain G. D. S. Trask '/.. ^ ^ ' ^ '...'" 521 William H. B. Totten ^ ' . ' ^ ' ' ' ^ 522 Albin Warth 523 Henry Warth g24 John Westbrook g25 PREFACE TO THE SECOND VOLUME. IIILE it is not customary to publish a " Preface " after the appearance of the first volume of a work, in this instance there are circumstances which render such an act abso lutely necessary. In accordance Tilth the contract with the publishers, the luanu- script for the second volume was ready for delivery in jMay 1S99; but as the publishers were unable to meet their obligations with the author, the manuscript was withheld, b}^ advice of counsel. This delay, however, has been a great benefit to the book. The entire rolume has been re-written in the meantime. Superfluous matter has been omitted, many valuable additions made to the vari ous chapters, and several photographs of historic houses added to the collection. The publishers still being unable to fulfil their obligations, the author has purchased the right, title and interest of the work, and brings out the second volume himself. The venture is one of considerable risk; yet the authcn', appreciat ing his moral obligation to the people of Staten Island, assumes the responsibility unhesitatingly, regardless of cost and labor. Hoping that the book will meet with the desires and expectations of the subscribers, aaIio have waited so ]iatienily for its coming, the author is pleased to announce the completion of the work, so far as the contracts are concerned. 1. K. M. CHAPTER I. UNDER THE REPUBLIC. HE dawn of peace — the tAventy-fifth of November, 17S3 — now remembered as Evacuation Day — came under such pecul iar circumstances to the j)eople of Staten Island that they were, for the time being, dazed and bewildered. For almost seven years Staten Island had been in the possession of the British, and it had been the haven of safety for all the various elements which opposed the independence of the Colonies, and which for very conceivable reason had failed to take part in favor of the Revolution. All had suffered alike. Under the Republic, the public interests to be considered demanded leaders far more liberal and unselfish than those who had given a directing hand in Colonial times. Men were called to the front who were capable of developing new ideas, making ne^v experiments for the public weal, and of advancing such practical measures as the necessities of the hour demanded. Remarkable as it may seem now, comparatively few were of the opinion that any change from the long-established laws and customs practiced by the English authori ties would prove a success. It was indeed many years before this theory, so firmly imbedded in the public mind, could be thoroughly removed. Immediately prior to the Revolution we find prominently men tioned in the affairs of the Island, the names of Thomas Seamans, Peter Winant, LeAvis Dubois, Richard Harris, David Tison, George Barnes, Adam Olendenney, Johannas Houseman, Jacob Mersereau, Coi-nelius Mersereau, Joseph Rolph, James Lisk, John Giffords, Hen- drick Garretson, Dower Wogolum, Abraham Moore, Joshua Merse reau, Bornt Simonson, Jacob Rezeau, Peter Perine, Richard Cole, John Burbanck, Francis Johnson, John Cannon, James Egbert, James Latourette, John Simonson, Henry Holland, Jacob Belue, Lambert Jinner, Roger Barnes, Richard Crips, Peter Housman, Daniel Lake, Richard Conner, John Van Pelt, Samuel Broome, Jacob Javerough, William Duglass, John Hillier. Aaron Cortelyou, Nicholas Dupuy, John Poillon, IMatthias Enyard, John Androvett, Hesekiah Right, Donald Drummond, William Sprag, Peter Egbert, Nicholas Larzelere, Samuel Holmes, Samuel Brooms, Benjamin Packer, Samuel Merrill, Silas Bedell, Anthony Fountain, John Beagle, William Reckhow, 2 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. Isaac Johnson, Moses Egbert, Benjamin Brittain, and Abraham Jones. Notwithstanding some of these took part in the struggle against the fortunate victors, almost all adapted themselves to cir cumstances and remained on the Island. But perhaps no locality in the whole country witnessed more ma terial changes among its people at that period than Staten Island. There were the old families — ^the direct descendants of the early Dutch, the French, and the English. Generally speaking, those ol Dutch and French extraction favored the American cause, and as far as possible openly sympathized with and aided it; while the English element naturally and almost exclusively stood by the Brit ish. It was no easy matter to remove this " national " line, even after the establishment of peace. The strife had been too bitter and long. Alany Hessians and British soldiers settled here and became in dustrious and prosperous citizens. They were chiefly deserters from the army, encamped here at the close of the war. Truly the first days under the Republic were dark. A feeling of absolute unrest pervaded every home on the Island. At every turn there were the keenest reminders of the war. Desolation marked every locality. The charred remnants of old homes, Avhich the British liad destroyed; fenceless farms, uncultivated fields, dangerous public highways, storm-beaten breastworks, tumble-down huts that had been used by the military, mutilated trees, bridgeless creeks, and general devastation — all conspired to add gloom and disquietude to the scene. Added to all this was a greater cause still for the unrest and dis satisfaction of the people. The bitter feelings engendered by the war found no abatement here when peace spread her Avhite wings over the land. No war on earth, perhaps, ever found families so divided upon the issues of the day. Friends had become enemies during the conflict, never to be reunited nnder any circumstances. From every hearthstone someone had gone— gone to strange scenes and untried customs — gone among strangers who were jealous of their coming. " Tory " and " Rebel " were ready epithets to be applied in the road side smithy, the village store — aye, at the very church door, or wherever, perchance, the people might incidentally meet to discuss the questions of the Revolution. Persecution crept into the daily acts of both sides. Neither would forgive anything that the other had done, nor for the moment extend the right hand of fellowship. The successful " Americans," smarting under the wrongs which they had suffered, lent no sympathy, no aid, no friendship. This strife indeed continued unto the third and fourth generation. In many instances, however, families were reunited in a measure by the general sympathy of the people of the Island during the War of 1812. Some of the most ardent supporters of our country in that con flict came from the families that ^Yove intensely " British " in their proclivities during the Revolution. HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. Isolated from the mainland, with no organized system of ferry traffic, Staten Island was a little world by itself. No one came to it except for mercenary purposes, and no one living here ever thought of going to the city, or even across the Kills or Narrows, unless actu ated by the most pressing business. This had a tendency to make the people narrow in their opinions of affairs in general. Many of the people grew up to look upon the Island as the center of the universe — those living outside its borders having no rights here, they be lieved, in common with the natives. Its effects are keenly felt even at this day! The reconstruction of the local government in 1783, it is thus seen, was a task of no mean importance. To reconcile a mixed population of about three thousand souls, many of whom opposed everything that the successful element Avas about to undertake, built up a barrier to all forms of progress that for a time threatened to bring a most Ignominous failure to every forward movement. A political division was the reasonable outcome, and we can trace the an cestry of several families residing here to-day direct ly back to the Loyalist ele ment in those dark and uncertain times. We can go an important step fur ther: In the political di visions of the present day, we find the descendants of those same men adhering to the faith of the party which has, through the v^arious, changing scenes of political strife and triumph, kept intact the many-named organization Avhich stands as the legal heir of the old Federal party. So also, can we go back a century or more with the Democracy. The little village of Richmond, the county-seat, shoAved the effects of the war more than any other locality on the Island. The old Court House, Dutch Reformed Church, and many of the main dwell ings had been destroyed by the British torch, while old St. Andrew's Church, the central figure in two lively battles, was pretty well shat tered and disfigured. The County Jail was still standing (the old red structure recently destroyed by fire), as was also the main tavern, the " Cucklestowne Inn." In fact, there was so little left of the ham let that the people of the Island wanted to remove the county-seat back to Stony Brook. The people of Staten Island in 1788, while not progressive— the re- DE VRIES-BENEDICT HOUSE, NEAR ROSSVILLE, BUILT ABOUT 1640 ; DESTROYED BY FIRE, 1858. 4 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. suit of the untOAvard circumstances that had surrounded them for almost a decade— -Avere nevertheless hospitable to their friends. Once assured of their friendship, their homes indicated a cordial Avelcome, and heart and hand bent eveiy energy to make the guest happy and comfortable. But to the opponent — to those who had been " on the other side " in the sad confiict— there Avas no sympathy, no welcome, and no comfort. Many interesting traditions come down to us from the period that made up the first years under the Republic. The people generally employed themselves in agricultural pursuits, and every home of any importance Avas characterized by its immacu late sand-scrubbed fioors, whitewashed walls, and large, open fire places, Avhile the indispensable spinning-wheel occupied its ap pointed place in the corner, the flintlock musket and powder-horn rested over the high mantel, and the Colonial sideboard, laden with seasonable " goodies " and spirits, lent its part to the hospitality of the host. Gay scenes, in after years, were those which awakened the old Staten Island farmhouses. As the mind goes back to it now we see, amid the honest simplicity which then characterized our people, a refinement Avorthy of the society of this more enlightened period. The shining brass buttons on the dress coat, the scarlet waistcoat, the kneebreeches with their silver buckles, and the poAvdered heads of tlie rustic, though fashionable, gentlemen — so unlike the plain cos tumes of the women folk — made up scenes worthy to be recorded in the annals of our Island home. To have knoAvn and fully appre ciated all this, when sentenced by the misfortunes of war to exile and poAM^'i'ty, must have driven many a native Staten Island Loyalist with broken heart to the grave! We insert here a copy of the county abstract at the close of the eighteenth century : ABSTRACTS OF THE VALUATIONS AND ASSESSMENTS IN THE COUNTY OF RICHMOND IN THE YEAR 1800 SPECIES OF PROPERTY Real estate Oxen of four years and upwards Bulls of four years and upwards Cows of four years and upwards Neat cattle three years old Neat cattle two years old Horses or mares one year old Horses or mares two years old Horses or mares three years old Horses or mares four years old, not exceeding eight years Vaiitations and Assessments in Each Town SOUTHFIELD 144,470 1,110 60 3,240 720 608 200210460 2,880 NORTHFIELD ¦WESTFIELD CASTLETOWN 148,198 169,193 128,863 285 1,650 205 3,740 4,020 2,790 678 732 552 608 716 548 128 152 176 345 450 210 340 440 440 1,890 2,910 2,400 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. ABSTRACTS OF THE VALUATIONS AND ASSESSMENTS IN THE COUNTY OF RICHMOND IN THE YEAR 1800 — Continued. RPEOfFft OF PRO"PF,RTY Valuations and Assessments in Each Town SOUTHFIELD NORTHFIELD WESTFIELD CASTLETOWN Geldings or mares above eight, and not exceeding- twelve years G-eldings or mares above twelve, and not exceeding sixteen years 860224 900 1,300 240300 960 232300 1,008 160 Stallions of more than four years old Mules one year old Mules two years old Mules tliree years old Swine one year old Coaches Chariots Post-chaises 000 200700550240500 588 6,200 Phaetons or coaches on steel serines 900200 1,500 280768 10,50010,780 300 Other four-wheel phaeton carriages Two-wheel top-carriages Other two-wheel pleasure carriages Clocks with brass or steel wheels 200200 1,550 760 200200 760 560 Gold watches 50 Other watches 660 12,100 396 Slaves above twelve, and not exceeding fifty years old River sloops or vessels above thirty, and not exceed ing sixty tons River sloops or vessels above sixty tons 4,300 Residue of the taxable personal estate 14,405 10,451 3,855 185,817 178,081 206,683 14,796 It was fully thirty years before " outsiders " in any considerable number began to settle on Staten Island, and the place lay dormant, until the close of the second Avar with England. Gradually then, at odd intervals, men of wealth, some of whom had been attracted here during the war, began to turn their attention to the place. Occa sionally an old farm and homestead Avere sold and passed into stran gers' hands, a modern residence was erected on the site of the old Hol land cottage, the traditional stone-heap line-fence gave place to a more improved arrangement, and on every hand there were indica tions of the dawn of prosperity. From the period last mentioned for a full decade there was little to excite the people of Staten Island. The years came and went, and a new generation had grown up to take the place of those Avho had mingled in the exciting scenes of the Revolution. Every churchyard told the old, old story of mortality, and names that had figured prominently in public affairs were now read on the oddly carved brown gravestones, many of Avhich Avere destined ere long to crumble and be forgotten. 6 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. Some of our older citizens vividly recall the wrecking financial panics that began with the closing of the period known as. "the twenties," including the memorable banking troubles, and continu ing for many years. It proved a most serious barrier to the progress of Staten Island. One of the most serious questions of the period which agitated the minds of our people Avas imprisonment for debt. Some of the most respected residents of the Island became involved, through no fault of their own, and Avere thrown into jail, and not a few were kept within " jail limits " (it being the circle of a mile around the County Court House), until circumstances arose permitting their release. The uoavs- papers took up the subject, congressmen and legislators expressed themselves in emphatic terms, and everyAvhere it was the absorbing SILVER LAKE IN 1820. THE SEAT OF ROBERT H. ROSE, ESQ. (From an old print.) topic of conversation. And yet, it is remarkable to state, the law was not abolished until near the close of the century. It may be interesting to recall one of the chief industries of Staten Island about 1828. A clear idea is given in an advertisement in the Richmond Republican, of March 3, of that year : " Flax— To Farmers. — The citizens of this Island have formerly paid considerable attention to the cultivation of flax; but this branch of agriculture has been generally neglected of late years, because there has been no good market for the sale. This was a subject of regret to our farmers, peculiarly on account of the actual low prices' of most of the productions of our soil. " We are happy to state, that it is now in the power of our Farmers to engage anew in the cultivation of this important article. Fred erick Roumage is in possession of a secret for dressing Flax without HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 7 rotting, and who, since last spring, 1827, has had a very extensive establishment of that kind in full operation, at Elizabeth-toAvn (New Jersey), has bought last year from our neighbors of the Jersey more than 300 tons, after the seed had been threshed off', and Avithout other preparation, at |15 per ton, cash down. " Very judicious Farmers say, and that experiment has demon strated, that there is no branch of agriculture so favorable as this cultivation, Avhich may realize a nett profit of from |12 to $18 from one acre of land, and this Avith the double advantage, 1st, of being relieved from the troublesome and very unhealthy process of rotting and dressing; 2cl, of being sure of a ready market, AA^here they can instantly realize a roAvard for their industry. " Mr. Roumage has already made arrangements with several re spectable landholders on this Island, amongst whom are Mr. Joseph Bedell, Jessy Morgan, John Crocheron, &c., &c.; and, as the time for sowing is pretty near at hand, it is important that the attention of our agriculturists should be immediately directed to this subject. The subscription for this year being for 800 acres of land, Mr. Roumage binds himself to accept all and every engagement in this Island, and for any quantity, until the middle of April next. " The Blazing Star Ferry is conveniently situated, so is some other way of communication for crossing the Sound; and in order to en courage our Farmers, Mr. Roumage will allow |1 more per ton for this expense. " As a guarantee for the performance of his engagements, Mr. Roumage offers the large establishment, propelled by a steam engine, he erected last year at very great expense, and will giA^e references to Col. Kean, President of the Essex Agricultural Society, and Messrs. Meeker and Britton, Elizabeth Town; Major Edgar, Woodbridge; Jo seph Barron, Brighton, and all his last year's subscribers. " For further explanations, gentlemen are referred to the Hand bills and Printed subscriptions to be found at Mr. Bedell Johnson's Grist Mill; G. C. Hamilton's Tavern; W. M'Commic's Grocery, Merse- reau's Ferry; Joseph Bedell's store, at the Mill; Henry Fountain's Tavern, Xorthside; T. Butler's Tavern, on the Turnpike; John La- Forge's Tavern, on the Turnpike; H. Cropsey's Tayern, Richmond; Edward Edwin, Blackhorse; John Fountain's Tavern, Tompkins ville, and at this Office." From a period dating back to near the close of the War of 1812, Staten Island and its surroundings were quite attractive to wealthy Southerners. It continued to grow in this direction until the out break of the Rebellion, in 1861. Back in " the twenties " farms were purchased, and ma.ny of the old dwellings arranged for summer resi dences. The Pavilion Hotel, at NeAV Brighton, the Planters' Hotel, at Tompkinsville, the Fountain House, at Northside, and the La- 8 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. tourette House at Bergen Point, on the opposite side of the Kills, were patronized chiefly by Southerners for many years. While the Revolution was ever the popular theme for discussion with the people of Staten Island, those who rejoiced at its success did comparatively little, so far as any public record enlightens us, to honor the event by public demonstrations, until about the time of the semi-centennial anniversary. Then there appears to have been a great effort to honor " the heroes of '76." We attribute the chief cause of this patriotic movement to the establishment of a newspaper on the Island at that time. As a matter of history, important in this connection, Ave reproduce the proceedings of this celebration, from the columns of the Richmond Repiihlican: " Fourth of July. — At a meeting of the Committee of Arrange ments for the purpose of celebrating the approaching anniversary of our National Independence, held at Richmond County Hall on the 25th inst. (June, 1828), the following order was adopted : " The citizens of the County of Richmond to assemble at the Hall at eleven o'clock a.m., to join in procession with the uniformed, at tended Avith martial music, and march from thence to the Court House. " 1st. The exercises of the day will open with a petition to the Throne of Grace. " 2d. The Ueclaration of Independence will be read by Lewis R. Marsh, Esq. " 3d. An oration will be delivered by Thorn S. Kingsland, Esq. " A National Ode will be sung by a select choir. " After which the procession Avill again form and march back to the Hall to partake of the good things of our happy land. " Richard D. Littell, Harmanus Guyon, Jacob Crocheron, Walter Betts, Dr. Melancthon Freeman, Committee."" " Fourth of July, 1828.— The inhabitants of Staten Island are respectfully invited to join their fellow-citizens at Tompkinsville, in celebrating the fifty-second anniversary of American Independence. " Order of the Day.— The National Standard will be displayed at the Pavilion, Mount Tompkins (noAV known as Pavilion Hill), and at other public places at sunrise, Avhen the day will be ushered in by the ringing of bells and firing of cannon. A national salute will also be fired at noon, and at sundown. " The citizens, and all \\ho feel disposed to unite with them in cele brating the day, Avill assemble at Mr. Thomas Drumgold's, Nautilus Hall, at eleven o'clock a.m.; from thence they will repair to the (Dutch Reformed) Cliurcii at twelve o'clock precisely. The doors of the church will be opened at eleven o'clock, for the reception of ladies, and such as do not join in the procession. "The exercises in the church will be as follows: 1. Music by the band. 2. An address to the Throne of Grace by the Rev. John E. HISTORY OF .STATEN ISLAND. 9 Miller. 3. jMusic. 4. The Declaration of Independence will be read by Charles N. Baldwin. 5. ^Music. 6. An oration will be delivered by Dr. Charles H. HaA^ens. 7. Music. 8. A concluding prayer by Rev. A. R. Martin. 9. Music. " The ceremonies at the church being concluded, the citizens Avil] retire to the Pavilion, on Alount Tompkins, Avhev( dinner Avill be on the table precisely at three o'clock. " Caleb T. ^A'ard, Es(i., I>r. John S. Westervelt, Henry F. Heberton, Griffin Tompkins, Stephen Kettletas, f\)uimittee." " Celebration of the Fourth oi<^ July at Rici-iMONt). — The annual return of this eventful day Avas celebrated at Richmond in so zealous a manner as to evince that the spirit of '70 Avas not extinct," says the RcpiihJican. '' A National Salute Avas fired at sunrise. The citizens assembled at Richmond County Hall at 11 o'clock, and at tAvelve formed and marched to the Court House. A prayer to the Throne of Grace Avas oft'ered by the Rev. ^Iv. Hartman. The Declaration of Independence was then read by LeAvis R. Mnrsh, Esq., which Avas succeeded by appropriate music. After which an oration was delivered by Thorn S. Kingland, Esq., Avhich drew upon the orator the plaudits of all ijresent. Music concluded the exercises in the Court Flouse, and the citizens again fonned and returned to the Hall, where they sat down to a sumptuous dinner prepared by Mr. Cropsey. ^Major J. N. Tooker, the officer of the day, presided, and Richard D. Littell, Esq., officiated as Vice-President. The following toasts were oft'ered : " 1. The United States of America — On the Fourth of July, 1828, Free, Independent and Happy. One gun. ' Hail, Columbia.' " 2. ^lemory of Washington — the Father of his Country. One gun. ^Vashing¦ton's March. " 3. The Patriots of the Revolution. Their heroic deeds live in the memory of a grateful people. One gun. March. " 4. The Militia. Tlie standing army of the nation, and the Bul wark of Freedom and Liberty. One gun. Song — ' The Drum.' " 5. The Navy of the United States. The jiride of Freemen, and a terror to their foes. One gun. ' Star Spangled Banner.' " ('). The President of the United States. One gun. President's March. " 7. The State of New York. Rich in resources, and an enter prising population; she shines like a star of the first order in our l)()litical hemisphere. One gun. Quick step. " S. The Officers of the State of Noav York. Executive, Legislative and Judicial. One gun. March. " 9. The memory of DeWitt Clinton. Once the pride of our State; iiOAv a National loss. One gun. Dirge. " 10. The American Fair. The pride and honor of the country; ex- 10 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. amples of virtue and industry. One gun. Three cheers. Song— ' Bonnets of Blue.' " 11. The Constitution of the United States, more valued the older it grows, it has put to blush the maxims of Tyrants, that mankind can not govern themselves. One gun. March. " 12. Education, Agriculture, Commerce and Manufactures, each meriting the fostering care of our country. One gun. Song—' Home, Sweet Home.' " 13. Our Common Country. May the blessings we this day enjoy be perpetuated to all future generations. One gun. Liberty Tree. " Volunteers.— By Jacob Crocheron.— The Orator of the Day. One gun. Six cheers. " By T. S. Kingsland, Esq.— Gentlemen, for the honor you have this day conferred upon me, I return yon my sincere thanks, hoping that my conduct will ever be such as to merit your esteem and con fidence' Permit me. Sirs, to propose as a toast — The memory of our departed Statesman, Patrick Henry, Avho Avas the first by his elo quence to rouse his countrymen to arms — the first to point out the bright path to Glory. One gun. Three cheers. ' Auld Lang Syne.' " By Major J. N. Tooker. — Bolivar — the Washington of his country; the intrepid warrior; the friend of Man and of Liberty. One gun. ' March to the Battle-field.' " By Judge Daniel Crocheron. — Our late ministers at Ghent; may their services be ever kindly remembered by every sincere American. One gun. " By Walter Betts, Esq. — ^The National Barque, managed by a skil ful pilot; she will keep clear of all shoals and quicksands, and arrive safe in port on the fourth day of March, 1829. One gun. " By Daniel Mersereau. — Andrew Jackson, matchless hero, incom parable man; brave and skilful in war, generous in peace. The rec ords of chivalry, the pages of history, do not furnish a more exalted character than thine. One gun. Six cheers. ' Hail to the Chief.' " By Major James Guyon. — Chief Justice Marshall, and the xisso- ciate Supreme Judges of the United States; they form the first and highest conrt in the known Avorld, a pattern to all nations. One gun. " By Lieutenant Timothy Greene Benham, U. S. Navy. — The Mem ory of Olivec H. Perry — the hero of Lake Erie, who gave up his ship in exchange for a fleet. One gun. " By Jacob Crocheron, Esq. — The memory of Daniel D. Tompkins. It was his delight to celebrate and maintain the Independence of his country. One gun. " By L. R. Marsh, Esq. — Thomas Jefferson, the immortal author of the Declaration of Independence. One gun. " By Dr. M. Freeman. — ^The Spirit of '76. May it be disseminated throughout the earth, and be perpetuated to the latest ages. One gun. Six cheers. ' Hail, Columbia.' " By P. P. Van Zant, Esq. — The celebration of the anniversary of HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 11 the American Independence by the inhabitants of the County of Rich mond; their exertions merit the highest encomiums. " By Richard Crocheron, Esq. — The good old days of our Independ ent Daddies, when bean porridge Avas turtle soup, new cider spar kling champagne, and bread and molasses wedding cake. One gun. ' Yankee Doodle.' " As the sun sank beneath the horizon the company arose and re tired; the room was again soon filled with fashion and beauty, and the ^ festivities of the day Avere concluded Avith dancing and other amuse ments by a large assemblage of young persons." It Avas evidently the intention of the people of the Island to cele brate the Fourth of July in an enthusiastic manner whenever the day should come; and so, in June, 1829, the folloAving arrangements were made for the occasion : " At Richmond the American Standard will be raised at the dawn of day, and a National Salute Avill be fired by the company of Horse Artillery, under the command of Captain Daniel Clawson. The citi zens of the County are respectfully invited to assemble at the Rich mond County Hall at eleven o'clock, a.m., Avhen they Avill form and proceed to the Court House (accompanied Avith martial music), under the direction of R. D. Littell, Esq., who will act as officer of the day." The local noAvspaper was animated by the same patriotic fire, and appealed to the people of the Island to " cherish with increasing zeal the remembrance of that proud day. Let every returning anniA^ersary bind our country still nearer to our hearts, and add new honors to the brows of those who gave us a nanie and a place among the nations." The celebration Avas a failure on account of a storm and the effect Avas never fully removed. True, on the folloAving year the usual prep arations were made to " celebrate American Independence at Mount Tompkins, village of Tompkinsville." A procession was to have formed at ten o'clock at the house of Denyse & Simonson, and escorted by Captain Tompkins' company of Richmond County Guards, and march to the Dutch Reformed Church. Major-General B. M. Van Buren Avas announced as the marshal of the day, and Messrs. Hazard, Ward, Swan, Tompkins, and Wood were the committee of arrange ments. The citizens of Westfield assembled at the Blazing Star (Rossville). " A Stage Avas erected in front of the house of Jacob Winant, where the Declaration of Independence was read by Mr. F. Garrit, and an oration delivered by T. S. Kingsland, Esq. Mr. Harman Cropsey, Sr., a patriot of the Revolution, presided, assisted by Mr. Shea." It is quite evident that the " unbounded patriotism " of our people had someAvhat subsided in the immediate years that followed, as the Rwhniond County Mirror, under date of July, 1837 (issued a few days after the Fourth), after quoting from Shakespeare the words, " Blush, oh I ye men of Richmond! " had this to say on the subject : 12 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. " ForiLTH OF July on Staten Island. — The once Glorious Fourth has passed! and as far as we have been able to learn, there has been no oration delivered in any one of the many villages of this whole county! and the sacred, age-enduring Declaration of Independence was noAvhere publicly read! Ye patriotic shades of Washington and of Hancock, of Jeff'erson and of Adams, of Willett and of Tompkins! if yet ye hover o'er your once loved country, let the admiration with which ye have looked down upon the cheerful tribute jiaid to your brilliant deeds and halloAved memories, in every section of our land, from the lakes to the Gulf, blot out the iniquities of this degenerate people.'' As time wore on, each revolving year found a por'tion of our people in favor of celebrating the day that would jjerpetuate the memory of the founders of the Republic; but there Avas a lukoAvarmness that was at times very discouraging. Although throughout " the forties " there Avere celebrations in various parts of the Island, the first not able event in connection with it Avas that in Avhich the venerable Key. Peter 1. Van Pelt delivered a patriotic discourse in the old Dutch Reformed Church at Port Richmond, in 1858, and citizens generally did the rest. The committee of arrangements were Dr. Eadie, Capt. S. Squires, Dr. Gale, Abram Wood, John F. H. King, Mr. Usher, and Dr. Harrison. The next and, we might say, final celebration of the Fourth of July occurred at Port Richmond on the Centennial anniversary, in 1876. Clute's " Annals of Staten Island " gives the folloA\ing account of the event : " It was the only celebration on the Island. It took place under the shade of the beautiful trees which overreach that splendid thorough fare knoAvn as Heberton avenue. The services cojisisted of an open ing address by Hon. Sidney F. RaAASon, who presided. The Rev. Dr. Brownlee offered the opening prayer. The Rev. J. T. Bush read i;he Declaration of Independence. John J. Thite, Esq., then read an his- t(jrical address relating to the village of Port Richmond and the town of Northfield. He was succeeded by the Hon. George ^Villiam Curtis, Avlio delivered an eloquent, patriotic address, which Avas universally admired and applauded. The closing prayei- and benediction was pronounced by the Rev. S. G. Smith, of the Park Baptist f Miurcli. The services were interspersed with vocal and instrumental music. It Avas, on the whole, the most creditable and patriotic c(debration that ever took place on the Island." And now history must record the lamentable fact, a quarter of a century later, that the c(debration of 1876 was practically the last one in Avhich the people of Staten Island have deemed it Avorthy to revert their attention to the scenes that Avere enacted in the Revolu tion, and to revere the halloAved memf)ry of the men and Avomen who made it possible for the generations that followed to live under the Republic. CHAPTER II. staten island MILITIA. TATEN ISLAND Avas one of the first locations in what is iioAA' the United States to possess an organized military force. Its headquarters Avere in the little block fort that stood on the heights of Fort Wadsworth, on the Narrows. It Avas composed excdusively of Dutchmen. The English, soon after taking possession, organized militia every where they could find men to take up arms. The first English militia had a detachment on Staten Island. Becoming a separate county and judicial district, Staten Island, under English rule, was compelled to i^rovide protection for its own citizens and property. Civil authority, ho\\'eyer, Avas insufficient for the times, and the militia. AAas depended upon to a great degree. Every citizen of a certain age and abilitj'^ \\'as compelled to drill and become proficient in the manual of arms, so that Avhen war came and troops Avere needed, Staten Island could ahvays be counted upon to furnish its quota. The meaning of " Militia " is " the military force of a nation " ; and in this connection it may not be inappropriate to trace this branch of the public service from its inception down through Colonial times. The militia of this continent had its origin in a law promulgated in 1064, by James, Duke of York and Albany. " The Duke's LaAvs," as they are still called, covered numerous subjects. As to militia, they provided that, " all males above the age of six teen shall be enrolled and be subject to military duty. Each person must provide himself with a good serviceable gun, to be kept in con stant fitness, Avith a good sword, bandoleer and horn, a Avarmer, a scourer, a priming wire, a shot bag, a charger, one pound of good powder, four pounds of pistol bullets, and twenty-four bullets fitted for the gun, four fathoms of serviceable match for matchlock gun, and four good fiints for the firelock gun." Four local and one general training days per year Avere prescribed for each " Ryding," and once in tAvo years, a general day " for all the soldiers within the government." In case of failure of anyone to appear for duty, he was to be fined, and the fines Avere to be divided ; one-third going to the commanding general and the remaining tAvo- thirds to be divided among the other officers. 14 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. The code seems to have held, in most of its features, until 1702, when Queen Anne modified and amended it. She ordered that all males betAveen the ages of sixteen and fifty be liable for military duty and, in case of an invasion, all between fifteen and sixty. She generously allowed, even ordered, each captain to furnish drums, bugles, and colors for his company, and emphasized the order by a fine of £2 for each month he was in default. It was also provided that, " Every soldier belonging to a troop of horse shall appear twice a year for a drill and muster, provided with a good, serviceable horse, not less than fourteen hands high, covered with a good saddle, housings, breast-plate and crupper, a case of good pistols, a good swQrd or hanger, one-half a pound of good powder, and twelve sizable bullets, a pail" of boots, and suitable spurs, and a car bine well fixed with a belt, swivel, and blanket, under penalty of tAvelve shillings for the want of a sizable horse, and ten shillings for want of each or either of the other articles." The Staten Island Troop wore blue coats and breeches and scarlet waistcoats, and their hats Avere laced with gold. " Every foot soldier must provide himself, and appear and muster in a good, well-fixed musket or fuzee, a good SAvord, belt and cartridge- box, six cartridges of poAvder, a horn and six suitable bullets. At home, he must ahvays have on hand one pound of good gunpowder and three pounds of sizable bullets." For want of these arti cles a fine of twenty shillings, and prison charges until the fine Avas paid, was imposed. At his discretion, the captain was allowed and authorized to levy upon and sell the delinquent's goods. " In case the offender be unable or refuse to pay and he have no goods to distress, he shall ride the wooden horse, or be laid on the neck or heels in a public place for not to exceed an hour." For seventy-three years, or until 1775, nearly the same law was re-enacted each year, the title almost invariably being, " An act for settling the militia of the Province, and the making of it useful for the security and defense thereof." No mention of compensation for military service was ever made, and when the number of articles Avhich each soldier must furnish are taken into consideration, it will be seen that the tax Avas by no means an inconsiderable one. This Avag the condition of the militia Avhen the war cloud of the Revolution threw its shadow over the land. On January 10, 1687, according to the Colonial manuscripts in the State library, at Albany, there was an " order for a commission for Captain Rillopp." On December 18, 1689, commissions were issued to Jaques Poillon, as captain; Thomas Morgan, lieutenant, and Seger Garretson, ensign' of Staten Island militia. In December, 1690, Cornelis Corsens Avas commissioned captain; John Theunissen, lieutenant, and Cornelis Nevis, ensign. HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 15 On October 22, 1691, a " Peteison " Avas presented to the Colonial government, signed by John Gamacktlick, William George, Cornelis Naphew, Joseph Staes, and ITenry Jackson, of the County of Rich mond, " to have the priviledge of having a captain and other militai-j' officers over the North quarter of said Island restored to tliem." The Colonial manuscripts (English) the same year contain the "Roll of Major P. Scales' Company " and also that of " Captain Bradshold's Company." On February 5, 1703, a " message of the House of Representatives, requesting a committee of conference on the bill for building tAvo batteries at the Narrows," to be in charge of the Staten Island iiiilitia, was presented, and was evidently favorably considered. In 1703, Lieutenant Henry Holland and Lieutenant Charles Oliver, were on duty with a Staten Island comjiany up the Hudson Rivev. In several places the Colonial manuscripts speak of Henry Holland. It was he who owned the land in Northfield where the Holland's Hook ferry is located. That place is named in his or his father's honor. On March 26, 1705, or ders were issued to " Cap tain John Anderson and others, of the Staten Is land militia." The same year, a commission was issued to " Augustine Graham, to be captain of militia on the north side of Staten Island; vice Stillwell." In 1705, the Colonial government issued an order for the enrollment of all men for militia service, between the ages of sixteen and sixty-one. In 1710, a company of Staten Island militia accompanied the ex pedition to Canada, under the command of Captain Thomas Arrow- smith. June 20, 1729, Barrent Christopher Avas captain, and Thomas Borrobank was lieutenant of the " North Precinct Company of Rich mond County." The following are the names of the militia officers of Staten Island for the year 1739: Colonel, Jacob Corsen; Lieutenant-Colonel, Chris tian Corsen; Major, Thomas Farmar Billopp. North Division. — Captain, John Veghte; Lieutf-nant, Frederick Berge; Ensign, Jacob Corsen, Jr. South Division. — ^Captain, Cornelius Stoothoff; Lieutenant, Jacob Berge; Ensign, Aris Ryers.« MERSEREAU HOMESTEAD, BUTCHERVILLE : ABOUT 1680. 16 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. West Division. — Captain, Nathaniel Britton; Lieutenant, Mathias Johnson; Ensign, Abraham Manee. The Troop. — Captain, Peter Perine; Lieutenant, Garret Crosse; Cor net, AVynant Wynants; Quartermaster, Daniel Wynants. On April 26, 1756, a draft was ordered on Staten Island for men to serve in the militia, in the expedition against Crown Point, Avhich led to a disturbance. Captain James Guyon was commanded to ar rest the " disturbers of the peace." Captain Guyon commanded one of the Staten Island companies. On August 16, 1757, John Hillyer, Sheriff of Richmond County, ordered Archibald Kennedy to arrest and " confine in jail all neutral French, except women and children." The militia of the county were ordered to assist him, if necessary. Captain Thomas ArroAvsmith's company was in the Colonial service in 1757. A Avarrant Avas issued in favor of Captain Arrowsmith, April 26, 1759, for £784, " being the amount of bounty and enlisting money for forty-one volunteers from Richmond County." In April, 1760, Captain Anthony Waters commanded a company of Richmond County militia. It was attached to the Second NeAv York Regiment of Infantry. A warrant was issued to Captain Waters for a considerable amount. Myndert Roseboon, lieutenant-colonel of the regiment, was credited to Richmond County. The Staten Island militia were called out in full force in January, 1762, to aid the justices of the peace in stopping Indians, Avho Avere coming up from Philadelphia. A draft occurred the same year. It is interesting at this time to review the militia system of the Province of New York, of which Staten Island was then a part, at the commencement of the Revolution. The military forces of the colony were divided into three classes, viz. : The Line, Avhich regi ments were in the United States service under General Washington; the levies, which Avere drafts from the different militia regiments, and from the people direct as well, and which could be called upon to serve outside the State during their entire term; the militia, which then, as uoav, could only be called out of the State for three months at a time. Of the Line, there were nine organizations; of the levies, seven; and of militia, sixty-eight — eighty-four in all.^ Associated exempts were a unique class, and were authorized by act of April 3, 1778. They comprised : " All persons under the age of sixty who haA'^e held civil or military commissions and are not or shall not be reappointed to their respective proper ranks of office, and all persons betAveen the ages of fifty and sixty." They could only be called out " in time of invasion or incursion of the enemy.'' ¦ The statement is made in Chapter XXXIV of the first It has very naturally been copied by all histories treating volume of this work, that but 17,781 men served in the upon the subject. The statement, however is an error Continental Army from the Colony of New York during Hon. James A Roberts, late Comptroller of the State, has the Revolution. The statement was made on such authori'y discovered that New York furnishod 41,f33 men. He has as General Knox, in his official report as Secretary of War. positive proof in the records at the State Capitol HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 17 Nepotism, or family influence, was most marked, and some regiments contained as many as seven officers of the same family. Counties were divided into districts, and the colonel of the regiment in each district was given almost unlimited jurisdiction in military matters. He Avas required to see that every male betAveen the ages of sixteen and fifty was enrolled. Later, the age limit was extended to sixty. Quakers and Moravians were enrolled, but exempt from service upon payment of money, Avhich varied in amount as the war progressed until, in 1780, they Avere obliged to pay £160 a year. One miller to each grist mill, three powder-makers to each poAvder mill, flve men to each furnace, three journeymen to each printing office, and one ferryman to each public ferry, were also exempt. Rum, sugar, and tea were regular rations, and the amount was gauged by the rank. A major-general was deemed to require, and was alloAved each month, four gallons of rum, six pounds of sugar, and half a pound of tea. A brigadier-general three gallons of rum, four pounds of sugar, and six ounces of tea. A colonel, a lieutenant- colonel, and a major, two and one-half gallons of rum, and the same amount of sugar and tea. A chaplain the same quantity of sugar and tea, but only tAvo gallons of rum. The scale was continued until a non-commissioned officer and a private received one pound of sugar, two ounces of tea, and one pound of tobacco, but no rum. A colonel's pay -175 a month; a lieutenant-colonel's |60; a major's |50; a captain's, |40; an adjutant's, |40; a lieutenant's, .'ii!26.50; an ensign's, $20; a sergeant's, |8; a corporal's, |7.50; and a private's, -f 6.67. Nor was this, by any means, always in money. It Avas sometimes in State notes and sometimes in authority to " im press " articles or animals under supervision of some designated of ficer, who should give receipt, in the name of the State, to the im- pressee. As late as 1784, the large majority of the soldiers Avere still unpaid for their services from 1776 to 1782. On April 27, 1784, the Legisla ture passed " An act for the settlement of the pay of the LeAdes and Militia for their services in the late war." The following citizens of Staten Island served in the various or ganizations of the New York militia during the Revolution. The list has been collected from many sources : Colonel Goose Van Schaick's First Regiment.— John Bedle, Moses Bedle, Abel Buel, Ezra Buel, John Decker, Abraham Deforest, Jona than Eldridge, David Force, Thomas Gleeson, John Haycock, Thomas Hynes, Abraham Lambert, John Lambert, John Merrill, John Pearce, David Reany, Christian Rynders, John Rynders, and Samuel Totten. Colonel Philip Van Cortiandt's Second Regiment— Richard Barnes, William Biddle, George Boyd, Christopher Darrow, Christopher Decker, Edmund Frost, John Hanes, Obidah Holmes, Stephen Holmes, Simon Lambertson, Nathan Lewis, John Lusk, Peter Mayhew, Cor- 18 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. nelius Post, Henry Post, John Sprague, Abraham Weeks, and Har manus Wandall. Colonel James Clinton's Third Regiment. — Obadiah Ammerman, John Banker, Thomas Banker, Henry Barnes, Stephen Barnes, John Beedle, Thomas Beegle, George Brady, Richard Brady, Thomas Elt- ing, John Fountain, Henry Hopping, Joseph Hopping, Francis Lusk, Richard Post, Daniel Seaman, Michael Seaman, Edward Tobin, and John Turner. Colonel John Holmes's Fourth Regiment. — Jacob Banker, William Banker, William Bentley, Thomas Duncan, John Egberts, Peter Gar rison, Abraham Garrison, Joseph Merrill, Moses Seaman, and John Stephens. Colonel Lewis Dubois's Fifth Regiment. — Nathaniel Bancker, Chris topher Decker, Mathew Decker, Daniel Doty, Francis Drake, Ephraim Seaman, and John Willis. Captain Alexander Hamilton's Provincial Artillery. — Lawrence Farguson, Isaac Johnson, and John Wood. Colonel Levi PaAvling's Regiment of Ulster County Militia. — Jacob Coddington, Jaquin DepcAv, Jacob DepoAv, Moses Depew, Josiah Drake, and William Drake. Colonel James McGlaghry's Regiment of Ulster County Militia. — Elijah Barton, Francis Lusk, James Totten, Thomas Totten, and Ben jamin Woods. Colonel Johanness Hardenburgh's Regiment of Ulster County Mili tia. — Charles Cole, Abraham Decker, Abraham Decker, Jr., Elias Decker, William Drake, Abraham Johnson, John Lawrence, Daniel Masters, and Jacobus Miller. Captain Samuel Clark's Independent Company of Ulster County Militia. — Jacob Cropsey, Jacob DeGroot, and John StillAvell. Colonel Joseph Drake's Regiment of Westchester Militia.— Nich olas Bancker, Henry DePew, Samuel Drake, David Martling, Peter Martling, Hendrick Romer, Hendrick Romer, Jr., James Romer, Hen- drick Ryerss, John Ryerss, and Tunis Ryerss. Colonel Thomas Thomas's Second Regiment of Westchester County Militia. — Abraham Bancker, William Brown, James Campbell, Jo seph Clark, Abraham Egbert, Abijah Fountain, Jonathan Jessup, Sylvanus Merritt, John Merritt, and Daniel Merritt. Colonel Samuel Drake's Regiment of Westchester County Militia. —Samuel Bedel, William Brown, Jacob Clawson, Stephen Curry, Gar ret DeGroot, Abraham DePew, Henry DePew, John DePew, Jeremiah Drake, John Drake. John Farguson, Elijah Fuller, Daniel Hatfield, Joshua Hatfield, Obadiah Hunt, George Jones, Nathaniel Lane, James Morrel, Elijah Mundy, William Oakley, Ward Smith, John Stephens, James ToAvnsend, Stephen Ti-avis, and Moses Ward. Colonel Thaddeus Crane's Fourth Regiment of Westchester County Militia.— Ephraim Clark, Gilbert Drake, William Frost, John Holmes, HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 19 Luke Merritt, Reuben Smith, Jacob Travis, Abraham Wandel, and Jonathan Wood. Captain Jonathan Horton's Separate Company, Westchester Militia. — ^^^''illiam Dalton and Isaac Oakley. Staten Islanders who served in the war, but organizations un known. — Abraham Perdon, James Drake, Gerard Decker, Reuben Jones, William Merrill, John Stillwell, and Ephraim Taylor. Among the native prisoners known to have been kept on Staten Island for a time by the British were Abraham Winants, John Stew art, Daniel Wandel, and John Noe. The latter died at his home " near Factoryville," in February, 1829. A large number of Staten Islanders served in New Jersey regi ments, especially in those from Essex County (that part now known as Union), just across the Kills. They performed very efficient service in Colonel Heard's regiment, when that organization came to the Island, about the time that General Howe landed with his army. Among the Staten Islanders who were credited to New Jersey, we find the following : William Cole, served in General Forman's Monmouth Brigade; died March 15, 1778, while a prisoner in the British lines. Jacob Cole was in the Continental Army, probably the Third New Jersey Regiment. He was captured at Hackensack, and it is thought died in prison. Abram Cole served as a private in Captain Martin's company in the Fourth Battalion (second establishment), New Jersey troops. He afterward served in Captain Dayton's company in the Third NeAv Jer sey Regiment, and later still in the First Regiment. Josiah Cole was a captain in the Second Sussex Regiment of New Jersey. The following are all believed to have been from Staten Island, be ing driven away because of their sympathy for the Revolution : Aaron Cole, First Essex Regiment; Abraham Cole, First Essex Regiment; Daniel Cole, First Essex Regiment; Henry Cole, Captain Lyon's Com pany, Second Essex Regiment; James Cole, First Essex Regiment; John Cole, Joseph Cole, Samuel and Samuel Cole, Jr., served in Ber gen and Essex Regiments. John Wogium ser\'ed as a private in the Middlesex militia. Ac cording to General William S. Stryker, the New Jersey historian, " John belonged to the militia called out in case of sudden alarm," "tours of duty," etc., being assigned where most needed. His age accounts for this. He was doubtless in the First Regiment, New Jer sey Line, Colonel Nathaniel Heard commanding, it being stationed close to the Staten Island shore. The flintdock masket which he used in the service is still preserved by his descendants. Captain John Wogium, of the Second Regiment, was a nephew to 20 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. the John Wogium above-mentioned; but it is not known that he was a resident of Staten Island. Benjamin Wogium served as a sergeant in Captain Phillip's com pany in the Second New Jersey Regiment. Abraham Wogium served as flrst lieutenant in a New Jersey regi ment. Captain Benjamin Winants, John Winans, Moses Winans, Mathew Winans, and Lewis Winans, all members of the Essex County regi ments, are believed to have been from Staten Island. Colonel Elias Winans, commander of an Essex regiment, belonged to this family. An important soldier in the Revolution was Colonel Joshua Merse reau, who was born on Staten Island, September 26, 1728. He was a lawyer, and a member of the Provincial Assembly from this county, Avhi'ch met at Poughkeepsie and Kingston from 1777 to 1786. He was also Deputy Commissary of Prisoners, serving at Rutland, Massachu setts, and iit Elizabeth, New Jersey. His services were continuous in various capacities during the entire war, Avhich is proved by numerous manuscript records. One of these letters speaks of the British threat ening to hang him on Staten Island; also his brother Cornelius, who accompanied him here when he came to arrange an exchange of pris oners. He was on intimate terms with General Washington, Han cock, and Adams. His name appears in Staten Island records of transfer of land from 1762 to 1789; and then, as other soldiers, he se cured grants of land in the western part of the State. After the war he removed to Tioga County, where he became a, judge. John Mersereau, of Staten Island, served with his brother Joshua during the Revolution. He was once instrumental in saving the re treat of Washington's ai*my. In 1776, two full companies of infantry were organized on Staten Island, pledged to join General Washington's army, while other com panies were in contemplation. They would undoubtedly have reached their destination and performed patriotic service, had not the army of Sir William Howe landed on the Island, and by persuasion and threats secured many of the terror-stricken militia for its own ranks. There were many organizations of American Loyalists in the service of the king that had Staten Islanders in their ranks. The following are the organizations to which we have just alluded, having been organized and recommended by the Committee of Safety. Some of. the names will be recognized in the muster rolls of Colonel Billopp's Staten Island Militia : " Committee of Safety of Staten Island to the New York Committee of Safety. (Official Military Returns.) " Staten Island, March 29, 1776. " Gentlemen : Undemead you have the names of the persons ap pointed in each destrict, for the officers in the Militia Companies, in HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 21 Richmond County, whom we recommend to you for farther approba tion and commission, &c., &c. "For the West Devission. — Daniel VVinand, Captain; Abraham Wogium, First Lieutenant; James Randolph, Second do.; Joshua Wright, Ensign. " For the j\Ianor. — Peter Eousman, Captain; Lawrence Hillyer, First Lieutenant; William Blake, Second do.; John Wright, Ensign. "North Devission. — John Simonson, Captain; Abraham Rolph, First Lieutenant; Cornelius McKlean, Second do.; Richard Corsen, Ensign. "South Devission. — William Scobey, Captain; Samuel Holmes, Jun., First Lieutenant; John Garrison, Second do.; Richard Lucker- man. Ensign. •• AVe are, Genl your most Obidt Humbl Servt, &c. " By order of the Committee. "Christ Jacobson, Ghairman. " To Messrs. Adrain Bancker and Richard LaAvrence." On the back of the above return is the following : "Abraham Jones, Esq., 1st Coll.; Cornelius Van Wagoner 2d Do; Cornelius Corsen, 1st Major; Jacob Mersereau, 2d Major; Harminus Garrison, Quartermaster; Nicholas Stillwell, Adjutant." The following is the muster roll of Colonel Billopp's Staten Island Militia. Quite a number of these men came from Elizabeth and Perth Amboy, but were credited to Staten Island : Colonel Christopher Billopp's Battalion of Staten Island Militia. — Lieutenant-Colonel, Christopher Billopp; Major, Benjamin Seaman; Adjutant, John Bedell; Surgeon, Lawrence Barrows; Chaplain, Will iam Charlton; Quartermaster, Jacob Manee. First Company. — Captain, David Alston; Lieutenant, Richard Cole man: Ensign, Jacob Housman; Enoch Ackerman, Joseph S. Acker- man, Thomas Burbanck, John Bedell, Jr., Anson Bedell, Samuel BroAvn, Bornt G. Randall, Dewitt Conner, William Conner, Hampton Conner, Joel Conner, Horace Colter, Patrick Doyle, Thaddeus Edger- ton, Ichabod Elders, Tunis Egbert, Abraham Egbert, Sylvanus Gro- ver, Asher Grover, Garret Housman, George Housman, George Irons, Lambert Inman, Abraham Latourette, Richard Latourette, James La tourette, John Laforge, Stephen Martino, Abraham Manee, William Manee, David Moore, Hans Nanson, Ephraim Nicholson, Jaques Oli ver, Edward Perine, Jacob Rickhow, William RoAvland, Simon SAvain, Thomas Sprag, Nathaniel Stillwell, Isaac Simonson, Abraham Simon son, DeWitt Simonson, Bornt Simonson, Ephraim Totten, John Tot ten, and Cornelius Van Wagener. Second Company. — Captain, Abraham Jones; Lieutenant, Joseph Billopp; Ensign, Joseph Simonson; Stephen Anderson, Freeman Be dell, Joseph Bedell, Adrian Burbank, Samuel Brown, Isaac Blake, John Bodine, Lewis DuBois, Bolton Carroll, Patrick Curry, William 22 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. Curren, Isaac Cubberly, Daniel Corsen, Richard Christopher, Ralph Conner, Enoch Corsen, Richard Crips, Isaac Doughty, Nicholas Dupuy, Moses Egbert, Anthony Fountain, Nathaniel Grover, Peter Housman, John Housman, Milton Hatfield, Ichabod Horner, Jack Hatfield, Stephen Isaacs, Ferrel Jackson, John Journeay, John Lisk, Nicholas Latourette, Nathaniel Lockermann, Daniel Lake, David Laforge, Charles Laforge, Jaques Laforge, Lewis Mitchell, Lambert Merrell, Enoch Norton, Aaron Orlando, John Poillon, Oscar Poillon, Joseph Rolph, Lawrence Romer, Bornt Stact, Anthony Stoutenburgh, Will iam Storer, Jacob Sprag, Joseph Simonson, David Simonson, Levi Simonson, John Simonson, Thomas Taylor, Gilbert Totten, Lawrence Vroom, Zachariah Y'an Dyke, and Daniel Winants. Third Company. — Captain, Richard Conner 2; Lieutenant, Wil lett Billopp; Ensign, Samuel Wright; John Ackerman, Henry Butler, John Baker, James Burger, John Beatty, Cornelius Barcalo, Jerry Campbell, Freeman Campbell, Peter Dooland, Thomas Dorothy, Matthew Decker, Freeman Decker, John Erreckson, Samuel Forman, Harmon Garrison, Henry Haycock, John Hilliard, Samuel Holmes, Abraham Harris, Peter Inman, James Jackson, Sr., James Jackson, Jr., Peter Jackson, Ephraim Kettletas, James Kelley, Forman Lee, Stephen LaAvrence, Asher Manee, Jonathan Manee, William ]\Ianee, Jr., Obeiiy Manee, Ephraim Newgate, Patrick O'Grady, Enoch Lip- pincott, Theodore Poillon, Frederick Romer, Barent Simonson, LcAvis Simonson, William Scobey, Rufus Totten, Ephraim P. Totten, Charles Van Name, Freeman Van Name, and Abraham Wogium. The Staten Island Troop. — Captain, Isaac Decker; Lieutenant, Aris Ryersz; Ensign, Derby Doyle; Trumpeter, Alfred Poillon; John Androvette, Abner Burbanck, Benjamin Barton, Daniel Corsen, Ed mund Christopher, Benjamin Crips, Joseph McDonald, MatheAv Dec ker, Samuel DeHart, Isaac Johnson, Jonathan Lewis, Nicholas Lar zelere, Abraham Lake, Abram Moore, Edward Perine, Isaac Prall, Jr., Lawrence Romer, Bernard Spong, William Smith, John Still Avell, John Simonson, Samuel Van Pelt, and Edward Woods. The Gunboat. — Throughout the Revolution the British employed a small sailing vessel, upon the deck of which were mounted Iavo small cannons. Its mission was to perform patrol duty, principally along the Kills, sometimes running up the creek to Richmond Village. It prevented intercourse between neighbors on both sides of the Kills, and caused a great deal of annoyance. This boat was supported by the taxpayers of Staten Island, and its claims were paid out of the " contingencies " account, as the old records show. John Bedell Avas the County Treasurer. The following items of expense appear : ' "Last AVednesday night. Captain Randall, from gerously. The Militia pursued the Party, but they got Elizabeth Town, came over to Staten Island with a Party into their Boat in a great Hurry and made for the Jersey of about fourteen Men and fired upon some of the Militia shore with all expedition."— 0/y//*e5'5 il/dly ordered to go beloAV, and high Avords ensued. He called to the tAventy-three and explained to them their situation, assured them that the United States Avould not fail to aA^eiige their gallant and faithful soldiers, and pledged himself in the most solemn manner that retaliation, and, if necessary, a re fusal to give quarter in battle would follow if anyone of their number Avas hung. Scott was frequently interrupted by the officers, but they failed to silence him. Twenty-three were put in irons and sent to England. As soon as Scott AA-as exchanged he went to Washington and re ported this affair to the President and Secretary of War. Congrc^ss soon passed a retaliatory law, and in a little while Scott, at Fort George, captured a large lot of British soldiers. He immediately se lected twenty-three, being careful not to include a single Irishman, and sent them to be confined and held to abide the fate of the twenty- three sent to England. The same course was pursued by other of ficers, and these vigorous measures stopped the practice of the enemy in setting apart prisoners of war to be tried for treason. Earl Bathurst threatened to select double the number of Ameri cans to be held to await the fate of the twenty-three, and gave in structions to prosecute the war Avith unmitigated severity if any of those held as hostages were put to death. These threats were never executed. The men on both sides were finally released, and England retreated in practice, if not in theory, from the bold ground she had taken, and has never returned to it. When the war was over General Scott was in New York, and pass- iuix along the East River side of the city one day, he heard loud cheers on'one of the piers. It was the shouts of his old Irish friends Avho had just landed after their long confinement in England, and they nearly squeezed him to death. Twenty-one were present, Iavo having died natural deaths. At the time of the declaration of war. General Hull Avas at Dayton, Ohio, with a small American force, destined for Detroit. On the 12th of July he crossed into Canada, aud taking post at Sandwich, issued from that place a proclamation. On the 1st of August, intelligence was received by the American 30 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. general of the fall of the fortress at Mackinaw on the 17th of July. Until the moment of a demand for surrender, no intelligence had been received by the garrison of the declaration of war. On the 5th of August a council of war was held; on the afternoon of the 7th, his army returned to Detroit. An order to the officers and army so unexpected as this — at a moment when they were anticipat ing a victory and the honors due from it — was like a thunderbolt upon them. The murmurs of the volunteers and regular troops were loud. They upbraided their commander with pusillanimity, and even treachery. On the 14th, a British force, under command of General Brock, took a position opposite Detroit, where he proceeded to erect bat teries. On the 15th, he sent a flag, bearing a summons to the Ameri can general to surrender. On the morning of the 1 6th, the British crossed the river. A capitu lation was agreed to, without stipulating the terms. Words are want ing to express the feelings of the Americans, in be ing thus compelled to sur render to an inferior force, without firing a gun, Avhen they were firm ly convinced that that force was in their power. The British took im.me- diate possession of the fort, with all the property it contained.This act of General Hull caused great depression throughout the country. It was, in a measure, however, relieved by the great victory which the old frigate " Constitution " won over the British " Guerriere." These events were soon followed by other battles, and the people were wrought up to a feeling of intense excitement. New York, as a matter of course, was considered one of the objective points for British attack, and the defenses of the harbor were next to nothing. It was indeed a time for definite action. Thus the year 1812 was one of great importance to the people of Staten Island. W^hile they felt gratified over the naval victories, they were confronted by the humiliating fact that, on the land, not a single achievement had been made worthy the American Aalor. Every day the British fleet was expected here, and the terrible expe rience of Staten Islanders during the Revolution was recounted Avith a shudder. ^>^. ' '7 ^ ^^^ ^m: "- V 'M ^^^ w ^'- /, Y ^^^•S^yT^^^i ^ PERO HOMESTEAD, BUTCHERVILLE 1680. ERECTED ABOUT HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 31 Daniel D. Tompkins was the governor of New York State. He knew the demands of the hour. He felt the necessity of immediate protection for the metropolis. The forts in the harbor at that time were next to nothing considering the then modern implements of war. It was no time to meditate but to act. But how could fortifications be built? The gOA^ernor's only resources were from his own property and that of personal friends. And yet, determined, noble character that he was, he personally caused to be erected on the heights of the Narrows, on the Staten Island side, two stone forts, resemblintherAvise de stroyed Avithont fear of censure, impeachment, or prosecution for the same." In 1781, it Avas provided that any slave who should enlist and serve " for three years, or until discharged," should be declared a freeman of the State. Any master or mistress who should deliver an able-bodied slave to serve, Avas presented AAdth one Right (a tract of fiA'e hundred acres of State land). HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 37 Whether any slaves were actually brought to Staten Island under the concessions, is uncertain; but if so, they must have been few in number, and after the provinces passed into the hands of subse quent proprietors, it is very doubtful that any Avere introduced. The records throughout do not designate any of the " servants " brought over as " slaves," and in all documents referring to the distribution of land, the Avord is no longer made use of, which would not liave been the case had there been slaves to receive a less quantity per head than other servants. Barracks of considerable size once stood in Perth Amboy, just across the Raritau Bay from Staten Island, in Avhich the slaves were im mured as imported; and there, as in almost every place, the labor of families, Avith very few exceptions, was exclusively performed by blacks for many years prcAdons to the Revolution. In 1772, the people o£ Staten Island and East Jersey Avere greatly excited. An insurrection Avas anticipated, but was prevented by due precautionary measures. In connection Avith this " rising," a sort of colonization abolitionist made his appearance in the public prints, urging the passage of a layv by Parliament, obliging the owners of slaves to send them all back to Africa at their OAAm expense. The assertion Avas often made, in the complaint against the asses sors, that poor people had no "negers," yet the number of slavesoAvned by a single individual was not ahvays an indication of wealth. Many of the residents had many children of both sexes to help them in their agricultural labors, thus rendering the assistance of slaves unneces sary. The folloAving is a list of the owners of slaves in the " North Com pany " of Staten Island, as returned by Jacob Corssen, Jr., in 1755 : Thomas Dongan, Jacob Corssen, Sr., Jacob Corssen, Jr., John Veghte, Gerardus Beekman, Henry Cruse, Anthony Walters, Cornelius Cruse, Simon Simonson, Johannis de Groet, John Rolf, Christain Corssen, Joshua Merseral, John Deceer, Garret Cl-ussen, Garret Post, John Roll, Janor, Barnet Martling, Richard Merrel, Otto Vantuyl, Bastian Ellis, John Veltmon, Abraham Prall, Charles Macleen, Margaret Si monson, Joseph Lake, John Roll, Elenor Haughwout, Abraham Crocheron, Barent De Pue, John Crocheron, David Cannon, Aron Prall, Charyty Merrill, Joseph Begel, and Cornelius Korsan. In the list the names of the slaves are also given. A writer on this subject says : " As the life of a slave was doomed to be one of labor, intellectual cultivation was deemed unnecessary; some few, however, were taught sufficiently to enable them to read the Bible, and as they were admitted to be responsible hereafter for the deeds done in this life, religious instructions in pious families were not neglected. It was not unusual to see master and slave Avorking together in the fields, apparently on terms of perfect equality. In the kitchen, especially in the long winter evenings, the whites and blacks 38 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. indiscriminately surrounded the same huge fire, ate apples from the same dish, poured cider from the same pitcher, and cracked nuts and jokes with perfect freedom." Saved from the mutilated and charred records of the town of Castle ton, at the fire in the village hall, in the winter of 1896, was an old book of the most unique pattern. The title page bears this inscription : " Richmond County. This is a Tow Book Made for Castleton for Entering all the Black Children that are Born of Slaves after the first Day of July In One Thousand Seven hundred and Ninetynine 1799. R.S. Gary, T Clk." Some of the entries read as follows : " This is to certify that a male child Named Mink was born Janu ary the 16th 1800 of Said wench Named phoebe and is Given Up to town Clerk according To Law. " Castleton October the 14 : 1800. " John Barnes." " I do hereby certify that Male negro child named Nicho las the father of whom named Sam belongs to me, and the Mother named Belt belongs to Cornelius Cruser, was born in my House at Castle Town the eight day of may, in the year of our Lord one thousand Eight hundred, and I request that this return of the birth of the Said Child may be Entered agreeable to the directions Contained in a late act for the gradual Abol ition of Slavery. " Castletown January 15th, 1801. John Mercereau." " To the Clerk of Castle Town : " I hereby certify to you that a female negro Child Named Mary born of my slave Jane the fifth day of February last which was given up to be recorded I do hereby Manumit and give up all my right and title to the service thereof given under my hand at Castle Town the third day of Febru ary 1804. Jacob Lozier." Nathaniel Britton manumits two children, Henry Garretson one, Cornelius Cruser one, John Mersereau one, and John Tysen, Jun., one, in 1805; Benjamin Martino one, Richard S. Cary one, Cornelius Bus- kirk one and John Tysen one, in 1806; Richard C. Corsen one and John Barnes one, in 1807. This agreement is entered by John Housman, Town Clerk : " We BENJAMIN PERINE, THE LAST STATEN ISLAND SLAVE ; AGED ONE HUNDRED AND FOUR YEARS. HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 39 the overseers of the Poor of the Town of Castle Town, In the County of Richmond, Do certify that John Corsen, heretofore the slave of Hendrick Garrison, of the Town and County aforesaid, farmer, and whom he hath agreed to Manumit, appears and is known to us to be under the age of Fifty Years, and of sufficient ability to provide for himself. " Tunis Egbert ( overseers < Poor for " John Dorsett ( sd Town. " I do agree to the above Sighning by the overseers of Said Town. " Benjn. Parker Justice. " Dated 29 Jany 1808." " A True & Correct Copy of the Certificate Entered by me as Town Clk of Sd Town. John Housmajst." Births were recorded by Benjamin Martino and John Tysen in the same year, and by John Martling in 1809. The following certificates are of interest : " State of New York, Richmond County. " I do hereby certify that Henry Ryers a Black Person is free accord ing to the Laws of this State and That he is twenty two years of age & that he Avas Born in the Toavu of North field in said County and that he obtained his freedom on the tweiftty fourth day of April 1811. I do therefore allow this certificate to be Entered on the Records of the Clerk of the town of Castletown in said County Agreeable to an act of the Legislature of the State of Noav York in such case made and provided as Witness my hand at CastletoAvn the thirteenth day of April 1811. Daa^d Mersereax] Judge." " State of New York, Richmond County. " To whom it may concern Know ye that Joseph ryerss A Black man hath on the 24 day of April one Thousand Eight hundred and Eleven produced unto me David Mersereau one of the Judges of the .Court of Common pleas in and for Said County the Copy of the last will and testament of gozen ryerss Esquire deceast whearein it is fully Spesefyed that The Said Joseph Ryers Shall Be free after the death of the Said gozen Ryers Esq I do tharefore think the Said proof sufficient to Entitle him the Said Joseph Ryers to his freedom as Avitness my hand at Castletown The day and date above. " Davh) Mersereau, Judge." " Richmond County, Town of Northfield. " To whom it may concern Know ye that on the 24 day of April in the year of our Lord one thousand Eight hundred & Eleven I Joseph Ryers a free Black man do by thease presence Manumit and abandon all My Rite and title to the Service of my son Harry and he is hereby 40 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. pronounced By me to be a free man agreeable to the Laws of the State of New York as witness my hand his "Joseph X Ryerss" mark " John Garritson, " John Harrison." " This to Certify that Gozen Ryerss of the County of Richmond De- seast in his Last Avill and Testament as it is Recorded in this office order his two Black men Joe and James Thare freedom at his Deceas " Jonathan Leavis Surrogate. " April 29, 1811." John Mersereau, Abraham Egbert, John Tysen, Eder Vreeland, Richard Corson, W^ alter Dongan, John Hileker, Edward Beatty, Rich ard C. Corson, James Guyon, Rev. Peter I. Van Pelt, and John Barnes each filed certificates of birth Avith Vincent Bodine, Town clerk, be tAveen the years 181 1 and 1825. " Whereas Thomas Hazard of the Town of Castletown in the County of Richmond and State of New York Gentleman, by a certain Instru ment of writing did manumit make free set at liberty his male slave. Named Samuel Price and did thereby declare that the said Samuel Price, shall and may at all times hereafter exercise, hold and enjoy all and singular the liberties, rights, and priviledges and immunities of a freeman to all intents and purposes, as if he had been born free. And further the said Thomas Hazard on the ninth day of December in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and twenty five did appear before Richd. S. Cary, Commissioner, and acknowledged I hat he executed the above mentioned instrument, as his voluntary act and Deed for the uses and purposes therein mentioned. Now We John Barnes and Garret Martling, Overseers of the Poor, in and for the ToAvn of CastletoAvn abovesaid, for the time being, having ex amined the said negroman, and do hereby testify that he is about Forty years of age and strong and healthy and capable of maintain ing himself by his laboar, and that he is an inhabitant of the said Town of Castletown and is a proper subject to be manumitted, and Ave do hereby manumit him accordingly. " Given under our hands at Castletown aforesaid the fourth day of iAlarch in the .year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and TAventyfive (1825). " Garret ]Martltn(}, j Overseers " John Barnes, \ Poor. AiKitlier old book of considerable interest comes from Northfield. On the fly-leaf is Avritten this sentence: "John Dunn Bought this Book for the Poor of the Town of Northfield, In the year 1804." John Dunn and John Wood Avere the Poor Masters for that toAvn the year ending May 1, 1804. HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 41 The record then shoAVS that beginning with September 23, 1801, neAv-born negro slaves were abandoned by the following masters: Cornelius Bedell, Joseph Wood, Daniel Crocheron, Sarah Prall, Cap tain John Crocheron, Ann Ryerss, John Tysen, John Dunn, and Mat thew Decker. A century ago AVestfield was the Avealthicst town in the county, and consequently contained more slaves than either of the others. The first colored child born in freedom there was " Cate," belong ing to Captain Journeay, on October 7, 1799. The same year children Avere born to slaves belonging to Charles Morgan, Philip Laforge, and Winant "VMnants. As the years rolled along children were born to slaves of the follow ing owners : 1800 — Gilbert Totten, Lawrence Hillyer, Benjamin Lar- zalere, John ilarshall, Sr., John Journeay, Sr., John Androvette. Al bert Journeay, David Latourette, Charles Drake, William Journeay, Stephen Seguine, Patience Cole, Daniel Winant, John Seguine, and Jesse Morgan. 1801 — Peter Androvette, Cornelius DisosAvay, Nicholas Journeay, Charles Morgan, Philip Laforge, David Coddington, John Dubois, and John Journeay, Sr. 1802 — Paul Michea,u, Stephen Seguine, Winant Winants, John An- arovette, Benjamin Larzalere, Patience Journeay, Catherine Seguine, Benjamin Swaim, Alexander R. Cairns, and Jesse Oakley. 1803 — ^Sarah Latourette, Gilbert Totten, Cornelius Dissosway, es tate of Cornelius Cole, Daniel Winants, Paul I. Micheau, Albert Jour neay, Ephraim Johnson, Bornt Lake, Philip Laforge, Jesse Morgan, and William Journeay. 1804 — David Winants, Jr., D. Coddington, Charles Morgan, Anthony Butler, James Seguine, John Seguine, and Thomas Butler. 1805 — ^Gilbert Totten, Nicholas Journeay, James Butler, Jesse Be dell, Israel R. Dissosway, John Van Dyke, John Seaman, and Corne lius Dissosway. 1806 — Isaac Stuart, Daniel Winants, Jr., Henry Seguine, Jesse Oakley, Laird Codington, and David Codington. 1807 — ^William Cole, Cornelius Dissosway, Daniel Van Clief, and Philip Laforge. 1808 — John Van Dyke, Gilbert Totten, Edmund Kearney, Daniel Winants, William Micheau, Anthony Butler. 1809 — Mary Latourette, William Cole, and David Codington. 1810 — Edmund Kearney, William Seaman, Daniel Van Cleft, Jo seph Lockman, William Micheau, Mary Latourette, and Cornelius Dissosway. 1811 — ^Edmund Kearney, John Van Dyke, Jesse Oakley, and Stephen Seguine. 1812 — Estate of Paul Micheau, Jesse Oakley, and Isaac Butler. 1813 — Joseph Seguine and William Cole. 42 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND'. 1814 — Israel Oakley, Isaac Butler, and James Seguine. Prom this date the records are lost. There are, however, two other documents of interest in connection with slavery, viz. : " Whereas, andrew Drake of the town of Westfield hath made ap plication unto us the Subscribers being overseers of the poor of said town to manumit his Negro man James by way of Certificate now we do give it as our opinion that he is under the age of fifty years old and of sufficient Abilities to get his living given under our hands the Eleventh Day of February one thousand eight hundred and seven 1807. " Henry Parleb " John Latourette ^ PoorMasters " Henry Parlee, Town Clerk." " Town of Westfield, Richmond County, State of New York, ss. We the subscribers overseers of the poor of the town of Westfield county and state aforesaid have this day examined into the health situation & ability of a certain slave Named Jack late the property of Christain Winant deceasd of the same town county & state and do adjudge that he is of sufficient ability to provide for himself & that he is under the age of forty-five years given under our hands and Seals this Twenty-sixth day of August in the Year eighteen hundred and four teen 1814. " Henry Parlee, " James Totten. " Recorded the 26th Augt 1814. " Henry Parlee, Clerk." The town of Southfield also had its quota of slaves. The faded and mutilated records tell this " old, old story." For instance: " This Indenture made this Tenth day of January, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and four, witnesseth that Jo seph Perrine and Isaac Cubberly, Overseers of the Poor of the Town of Southfield, in the county of Richmond «& State of New York, by and with the consent of William Journeay and Gilbert Totten, two ofiihe Justices of the Peace of the said county, having put and placed, and by these presence do put and place Man, a free-born negro boy, of the said toAvn, by being abandoned, aged four years, two months and three days, unto William Lakerman, of the said County, with him to dwell and serve from the day of the date of these presents until the said negro boy (Man), shall accomplish the full age of twenty-one years, according to the statute for the gradual Abolition of slavery, during all Avhich term the said negi'o boy ( Man), his master faithfully shall serve on all lawful business, according to his power, wit and abil ity, and shall, honestly, orderly and obediently, in all things demean and behave himself towards his said master and all his executors, administrators or assigns during the said term, and the said William HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 43 Lakerman, for himself, his executors and administrators, doth cove nant and agree to and with the said overseers of the poor and each of them, their and each of their heirs, executors and administrators, and their and each of their successors for the time being by these presents and during all the term aforesaid, find, provide and allow unto the said negro boy, (Man), competent and sufficient meat, drink and ap parel, washing, lodging, mending and all other things necessary and fit for a servant, and also shall and will provide for the said negro boy (Man), that he be not any way a charge to the town of South - -r^m '''^/iM"- ' 'J^ FOUNTAIN HOMESTEAD, CLIFTON ; ERECTED ABOUT 1700. field nor county of Richmond or inhabitant thereof, but of or from all charges shall save the said toAvn of Southfield, county of Richmond, harmless and indemnified throughout the said term. " In witness whereof, the parties to these presents have hereunto set their hands and seals the day and year first above written. " Witnesses present : Joseph Perine, "John G. Wood. Isaac Cubberly, "John Simonson. William Lakerman." The form of indenture, in the case of a female, appears to have been different from that of a male, as the following will show : " This indenture, made this twenty-second day of March, in the year 4:4 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. of our Lord one thousand, eight hundred and six, witnesseth that John A. Van Pelt and Edward Perine, OA^erseers of the poor of the town of Southfield, in the county of Richmond and state of Noav York, by and with the consent of Jacob Garretson and Richard S. Cary, Iavo of the justices of the peace of the said county, have put and placed, and by these presents do put aud place a free-born . black, named Neat, of the toAvn of Southfield, aged five years, four months and twenty-tAvo days, an apprentice or servant to Anthony Fountain, to dAvell with, and serA^e from the day of the date of these presents, until the said api^rentice or servant shall accomplish the full age of eight een years, according to the statute in that case made and provided: during all Avhich term the said apprentice or servant her said master shall serve faithfully on all laAvful business, * * and the said An thony Fountain * * * shall teach the said apprentice or servant in the trade of housework which he now useth and shall and will in struct or cause to be taught and instructed. * * * At the end of the said term, he shall and will provide and deliver unto the said apprentice or servant, good common wearing apparel and a new Bible, " Sealed and delivered in the presence of " John A. Van Pelt, " Edward Perine, " Anthony Fountain." Other indentures of the town of Southfield were those of George Reynolds, aged thirteen, to John I. Poillon, signed by William Jour neay, Gilbert Totten, and Isaac Cubberly, 1802; Peter Howel, aged eighteen years, " to Abraham Egbert, son of Abraham of the same name,'' 1804; a black girl named Deyon, aged five years, to Dr. Jo seph Bailey, 1805; a black boy named Prince, aged four years, to Nicholas Crocheron, 1805; a black girl named Mary, aged four years, to Cornelius Fountain, 1806; a black boy named Tom, aged four years, to George Barnes, Jr., 1806; a black girl named Luce, aged six years, to John Morgan, 1806; a black boy named Nicholas, aged five years, to Jeremiah Simonson, 1806; a black girl named Bet, aged five years, to James Guyon, 1806; a black boy named Jack, aged six years, to Joseph Bedell, 1806; a black boy named Tom, aged five years, to Nicholas Burgher, 1806; a black girl named Mary Ann, aged five years, to John P. Poillon, 1806; a black girl named Dinah, aged six years, to Abraham Van Duzer, 1806; a black boy named Jack, aged five years, to Stephen Kettletas, 1806; a black girl named Mary, aged seven years, to John Dubart, 1808; a black girl named Sarah, aged seven years, to James Egbert, 1808; a l)lack boy named Dick, aged four years, to Jacob Barger, 1808; a black girl named Judeth, aged five years, to Jacob Crocheron, 1808; a black girl named Phebe, aged four years, to William B. Gifford, 1808; a HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 45 black girl named Jean, to Mary Barger, 1808; a black giri named Frances, to Abraham Egbert, 1808; a black girl named Sary, aged four years, to John Miller, 1809; a black boy named Man, to ¦Margaret Lake, 1814. " Richmond County, Town of Southfield. " This is to certify that on application being made to John A. Van Pelt and Edward Perine, by Cornelius McLean, an inhabitant of said town, that he, the said Cornelius McLean, intends and wishes to manumit and abandon, make free and set at liberty his female slave, Mary, * * GiA^en under our hands at said toAvn, the 30th day of March, 1 809. " J. A. VanPelt, \ Overseers of the " Edward Perine. ( Poor." " This is to certify that Abraham Cole has regularly and according to law, manumitted his two slaves Delia and Sarah, and Ave do hereby discharge him from all costs and expenses Avhatever that may occur for the support of the said slaves. " Dated at Southfield this eleventh day of September, in the year one thousand eight hundred and twelve. " Isaac Housman, | Overseers of the " Abraham Egbert. ) Poor." A colored woman, named Phebe, was also set free by her master, Samuel Lockman, of Southfield, in 1815. The following account of the " sale of an old slave," Avhich oc curred in 1817, is taken from the county records. " Know all men by these Presents that We, Sophia Crochercm, John Crocheron, and Abraham Crocheron of the Toavu of Northfield, County of Richmond and State of New York, For and in consideration of the sum of one hundred and vSixty tAVO dollars and fifty cents of laAv- full money of the United States to us in hand paid by Henry (!roclieron of the same Town, * * * a Colored man named Prince aged fifty- five years -or thereabouts. * * * Witness our hands and Seals this Third day of May in the Year of our Lord one thousand eight hun dred and seA^enteen. " Sophia Crocheron, " John Crocheron, " Abraham Crocheron. " Sealed and delivered in the presence of " John Saidler." The celebration in honor of the abolition of slavery on Staten Island, Avas one of the happiest events known to the residents of that period. The particular location in West New Brighton, betAveen Broadway and the postofflce Avas known as the " North Shore bend." On the Fourth of July, 1825, the scene was one of great animation. The 46 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. old shingle-sided dwelling, standing nearly opposite the postofflce, at that time stood on the corner now occupied by a large brick build ing. It was then known as the Swan Hotel. At the time of the emancipation of the slaves on Staten Island, there Avere, in Westfield, 230; Southfield, 154; Northfield, 182, and in Cas tleton, 132. A gentleman who resides in West New Brighton at the present time, informs us that he attended the celebration with boy ish curiosity, and has never witnessed anything since that compared with it for genuine happiness. Almost every colored man, woman, and child on the Island participated in the festivities of the occasion. They sang the old songs; they " praised de Lo'd; " they fired off fire crackers, and they scattered all along the shady embankment of the Kills far up and down the shore. They were joined by crowds of emancipated slaves from Long Island and New Jersey. Speeches were made by both Democrats and Whigs, and scores of prominent officials were present. The committee of arrangements, which consisted of the more prominent colored men, entertained, with all the respect and dignity that the occasion demanded, the officials and leading citizens of the county. The official reception took place in the parlor, and there were present: Ha.rmanus Garrisim, Member of Assembly; Judge Jacob Tysen, County Clerk Jonathan Lewis, Sur rogate Tunis Egbert, Sheriff Walter Betts, District Attorney Henry B. Metcalfe, Supervisors Isaac R. Housman, of Castleton; Nicholas Crocheron, of Northfield; Harmanus Guyon, of Southfield, and Gil bert Totten, of Westfield. The sky ncA'er seemed so bright to those simple-minded people as on that day; the world was never so big and important, and life never before seemed so real. Scores of old masters mingled in the crowds of happy negroes, shar ing the pleasures of the occasion and extending the hand of friend ship. It is a fact worthy of recording in this connection, that scarcely an emancipated slave sought a new home, but returned to their masters to serve them no longer as bondmen, but as freemen. Many of them remained throughout the years that followed in the old homes, and were placed at their death alongside of their old white friends in the family burial plots of the Island. The celebration consumed the better part of two days, for it was long before sunrise that the happy throngs began to gather at the scene, scores of them having walked all the way from the vicinity of Billopp's Point. And it was long past midnight when many of them attempted to retrace their steps across the wooded hills of the Island, reaching their homes only when broad daylight had come again. It is said that one reason why there was such a large attendance, was a rumor that had been circulated among the colored people to the ef fect that all those who did not attend the celebration might be taken into slavery at any time, without a moment's warning. Weeks had HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 47 been consumed in making preparations, and many old and decrepit negroes and their wives had given out through fatigue, on their Avay to the North Shore. The celebration had a double meaning. I'or some time previous to it there had been almost a panic among the superstitious people of the Island. Somebody had predicted that the Island Avas going to sink, and among the colored people especially the characteristic ap prehensions of such an event were intensely exciting. It was the subject of conversation in every house, and wherever the people, white or colored, chanced to meet. Many old residents became so excited over the matter that they sold their property at a discount and re moved from the Island. It is said that many crossed over to New Jersey, and stood along the shore almost breathless, momentarily ex pecting to see the Island sink down into the water and go out of sight forever. The slaves had reasoned among themselves that this " punishment by de Lo'd " A\'as caused by their bondage, and that it had been aban doned in consequence of the abolition of slavery. They sang over and over a song that had been Avritten for the occasion, and their praises in that form Avere heard for many miles. One verse was re peated to the writer by an old citizen who heard it : " De Lo'd am good to de culled folks. Shout, glory, hallelujah! tie makes us free wid de mighty strokes. Shout, glory, hallelujah! He bresses all dat He t'inks deserves Freedom from marsa what he serves ; So, brudder, exercise yo' nerves — Shout, glory, hallelujah! " Benjamin Perine, of Elm street. Port Richmond, had the honor of being the eldest resident of the Island. His mother was a shave, be longing to the Rev. Peter I. Van Pelt, who was for nearly half a cen tury pastor of the Port Richmond Dutch Reformed Church. Her grave is in the shadoAV of that old church. Benjamin was born at Dr. Van Pelt's house on Richmond terrace (where Mrs. Painter's residence is now located), then Mersereau's Ferry, on December 2, 1796, and was therefore in his one hundred and fourth year. His mother had been a faithful servant for a long time in Dr. Van Pelt's family. Benjamin was born a little more than a year before the Legislature of this State passed a law declaring that all children born of slaves after 1798, should be free, as has already been stated in this chapter. He had a brother, named Fortune, born No vember 11, 1804, and on July 11, 1805, Dr. Van Pelt issued a certificate announcing the fact and relinquishing all claim upon him. 48 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. When Benjamin was about eighteen years of age. Dr. Van Pelt sold him to Mr. Ridgeway, whose old homestead still stands in a field at Long Neck, on the south side of the Richmond turnpike, between Bull's Head and Travisville. Benjamin remained with Mr. Ridgeway until slavery Avas abol ished, in 1825, and on the Fourth of July of that year attended the celebration in honor of that event. In the old days when Commodore Vanderbilt ran a ferry between Staten Island and New York, Benjamin was a deckhand on one of the boats which the elder Captain Braisted commanded, and for which John W. Barnes was collector. He remembered leaving the old Com modore standing at the wharf once, because he did not get on the boat at the time it should start. Some thought Captain Braisted would lose his position, but instead he Avas complimented by the old Commodore for attending strictly to business. Benjamin next worked for Dr. John T. Harrison, whose residence Avas at Elm Park. For several years prior to its demolition the house Avas known as " Brown's Elm Park Hotel." The grove of elm trees so familiar to the people of the Island to-day, Benjamin helped to plant, back in the early thirties. The old man next worked for Captain Garret P. Wright, of Mariners' Harbor. For thirty-five years Benjamin was a trusted servant of the late Captain Christopher C. Jones, of Mariners' Harbor. The old man spoke of his kind employer with the utmost reverence. " De Lo'd neber did make such anuder man as dea' ol' Cap'n Chris'y! Wh'y, sah, dat man used to put t'ousands o' dolla's in dem ol' ban's. He trus' me wi' eb'rythin', he did. I los' a fr'en' w'en Cap'n Chris'y died, I did." Captain Jones made provision for the old man in his Avill. The old man did not give up work entirely until within about one year ago, when serious illness kept him in bis room for a long time. He was an interesting old man to chat with — was kind and respectful. He remembered many events of the passing generations with whom he has mingled, and had a kind word for all. He Avas the last person that lived under the ban of slavery on Staten Island — the last native citizen that knew not the blessings of libertA^ at his birth. He died on October 3, 1900. CHAPTER V. THE WI-IIPPTN(!-POST AT RICHMOND. ^^H5 he whipping-post is an institution unknown to the present j^Si^. generation of Staten Islanders; yet the fact remains that ^^IJ it existed near the county jail at Stony Brook, about 1694, " ~~ but was abolished in the early part of the following cen tury. The inference is that there Avere so few criminals to be pun ished, that it " did not pay ye public whipper to come all ye way from NioAV Amsterdam to Staaten Islandt " to perform that duty. About 1710, a whipping-post was established at Cucklestown, and Avas located on the elevation, betAveen St. AndroAv's Church and the roadway leading up the steep side of Richmond Hill, on or near the spot where the public school building now stands. It was eAddently erected to meet an emergency, for in the same year in which we learn of its existence there Avere two " public whippings." One was to punish a German Avho had " refused to aid a constable in conveying a drunken man to the County Gaol." His sentence was to " receive fifteen lashes on ye bare back, and to remain a criminal in ye County Gaol for a term of fifteen days." The other was " a slave belonging to Mr. Ryerss, who h'd malicious ly & stealthfully enter'd upon the premises of Mr. DuPuy, and ap propriated unto himself a number of choice and valuable fowl." His punishment was after this manner : " It is ye sentence of ye court of his majesty, ye king of Great Britain, Ireland, Scotland, etc., by ye grace, etc., that ye deft be ty'd to ye whip'g post at Cucklestown, and ithat ye public whip'r lay upon ye strip'd & bare back of ye s'd deft five and tAventy lashes; that ye s'd deft be imprisoned for a term of twelve days in ye County Gaol, & then return'd to ye s'd whip'g post to rec. ten additional lashes." A worthless sort of a fellow, known over the Island as " Sam," was repeatedly fiogged there, and he rather prided in being the only per son who could submit to the terrible ordeal without a murmur. He Avould wager with people who did not know him that he could accom plish the painful task, and it is said of him that he won a great deal of money by that means. In fact, it was his principal source of revenue. The story is handed down to us that the miserable fellow submitted to at least fifty floggings during a space of eighteen years. The secret of his strange conduct is revealed in the fact that he died in an insane asylum at the end of that period, 50 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. And would you believe it — right here on Staten Island witches Avere punished at the whipping-post. Men and women were charged Avith " bargaining with the dcAdl, and possessing power to torment Avhomsoever they pleased." Many believed that the devil was very much like a man in form, only that he had wings like a bat, a tail, cloven feet, and horns; that he was able to confer great power on Avitches, enabling them by infernal arts to raise storms, sink ships, afflict children with fits, kill cattle, and set chairs and tables to danc ing; that they had power to make themselves invisible, creep through keyholes, ride on broomsticks through the air, and that it was a special delight to hold their orgies in thunderstorms. With some, to doubt the existence of witches was to reject the teachings of the Bible. During the early existence of this post not a few who were adjudged of witchcraft were carried over to Stony Brook and summar ily punished. In the neighborhood of Hol land's Hook there was an old lady who gave the supersti tious people of that section a great deal of trouble; but the Avhipping-post cured her effectually. It was generally be lieved that she was in league with the devil. Many houses along the North Shore had horseshoes nailed over the front door, to prevent witches from entering. Let us return to the old whipping-post at Richmond. One of Knyp- hausen's Hessian soldiers received thirty lashes at that post, by order of Sir William Howe, for having assaulted the wife of a Tory farmer who was friendly to the royal invaders. That was a few days after the landing of the British forces on Staten Island. There is a story to the effect that an organized gang of desperadoes came to Staten Island about 1795, and made demands upon the peo ple for money. They generally operated Avhen the occupants of the houses were asleep and were unable to defend themselves, and if they refused to comply Avith their demands, they were subjected to all manner of insults, and sometimes were roughly assaulted. One night several of the neighbors, anticipating a visit from the ruffians, lay in ambush, and when they arrived succeeded in capturing the leader. COLE HOMESTEAD, GIFFORDS ; NEARLY TAVO HUNDRED YEARS OLD HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 51 whom they carried off to the whipping-post and flogged until he re vealed all the names of the gang, and the location of their head quarters. For many years petty criminals, generally, were punished at the whipping-post. Perpetrators of small thefts received from five to twelve lashes, and greater ones in proportion. Laziness was not tol erated among the people of the Island in the old days, and the whip ping-post AA'-as held up as a terror to the indolent and shiftless, not a few being sent there to pay the penalty. It is remarkable ihat so few allusions are made to the whipping post in the county records, while there is so much that is traditional surrounding it. The last flogging of which there is any mention was that of a negro who had attempted to secure the release of a prisoner from the Old Red Jail at Richmond. He was caught in the act, and it is said he received seventy lashes for his pains, besides serving a long time in jail. We have failed to discover any record of the date of the abolish ment of the whipping-post at Richmond; but we are sure that it was in existence as late as 1824. It was located on the border of the Town of Northfield. That town, at its April elections, made provisions for a whipper, but we have been unable to discover similar arrangements in any of the other towns. The first mention of a "whipper" was the election of Daniel Salter, in 1784. He held the double office of " Constable and whipper " until 1788. In the Northfield town record? we find this statement : " October 15th, 1788 then Elected Richard Merril In Keeper as con stable for the remainin part of the ensuing year in Lean of Daniel Salter who has removed to Hackensack. " Town Meeting being held at the house of Richard Merril for that purpose. Richard Merril, Collector." Lewis Dey held the offices of constable, collector, and whipper from 1789 to 1792; Richard Taylor in 1793; John Nicholas and William Upton in 1795; the same in 1796, and probably in the following year. In 1798 John Christopher and Samuel Parker held the office; in 1799, Samuel Parker and Peter Decker; and in 1800, the title of " whipper " seems to have been entirely discarded. Beside the spot Avhere the whipping-post stood, were erected the gallows on which the flrst legal execution on the Island took place. The only record of the event is found in the minutes of the Board of Supervisors, as follows : " Decemb'r 1, 1789. " To Richard Scarrett, for digging a Grave, £0. 10. 0. " To LeAvis Dey, for Boarding the Carpenters Avhen repairing the County House & Building the Gallows & Furnishing 100 shingles 1 Bushel of Lime a pair of hinges & For fetching Anthony Cornish from New York Gaol fees &c &q £6. 0. 0, 52 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. " To LoAvis Ryerss (then sheriff) for two locks for the Gaol, for going to New York for to Report Anthony Oornishs Escape from Gaol, for going to Ncav York when he Avas apprehended, for Fetching him from New York, Making the Gallows & Executing of Anthony Cornish, for Expenses of Ajiprehending of sd Coj'uish at New York, Gaol costs £16. 16. 0." Cornish was a negro, and had committed murder on a vessel at anchor in the Staten Island Sound. A farmer and his sons took the law in their own hands and executed a negro on their farm, near the Elm Tree lighthouse, below New Dorp, about the same period, for killing their cattle; and notwithstanding the many criminal acts that have been perpetrated on the Island since then, there was not another execution at Richmond until 1878, when Rheinhardt gave his own life for the brutal murder of his wife. The whipping-post seems to have vanished from Staten Island, as well as from other parts of the State, Avithout any apparent opposi tion, we believe, by an act of the Legislature. Many looked upon the institution as a relic of barbarism, and those who advocate it now are considered far behind the times. CHAPTER YI. OLD STATEN ISLAND FAMILIES. NE of the most difficult tasks that the historian undertakes is that of collecting and deciphering the entangled geneal ogy of old families. For centuries it did not seem to be Avorth the effort to the average person to keep in mind the story of ancestors. It was especially so on Staten Island. How ever, this ground has been gone over pretty thoroughly during the last quarter of a century. We are greatly indebted to the eff'orts of the late Raymond l^sen, the late Professor Charles Anthon, the late Rev. Peter I. Van Pelt, the late Judge John J. Clute, the compilers of Preston's " History of Richmond County," Mrs. Blocker Bangs, David J. Tj'sen, Esq., and others for the A'aluable material which we are enabled to place under the caption of this chapter. We have also inteiwiewed scores of old citizens, here and elsewhere, besides perus ing county and church records, and are thus enabled not only to add UOAV material, but to correct some popular errors. ALSTON. The Alston family was originally Scotch, but there is one in this country which came from England. One of its most noted members Avas Charles Alston, a celebrated Scotch physician and author. He died in 1760. Joseph Alston, the son-in-laAv of Aaron Burr and Gov ernor of South Carolina in 1812, Avas also of this family. The first of the name on Staten Island was Da Add Alston, Avho came from the Adcinity of Rahway, New Jersey, shortly after the commencement of the Revolution. He Avas a noted Loyalist. He owned the property recently belonging to the estate of Samuel Decker, deceased, in North- field. The large stone house in Avhich he lived and died Avas demol ished a few years ago. He died betAveen the 6th and 14th of May, 1805, for these are the dates of his will and its probate. He speaks in that document of his sons, Warren, Japhet, and David. His son Japhet, at the time of his death, Avhich occurred July 31, 1842, at Castleton Cor ners, was the father of the late Moses Alston, who was twice sheriff of Richmond County, and his brothers Avere David, Japhet, Adam, George, and William. Counselor Lot C. Alston is the representative on the Island to-day. 54 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. ANDROVETTE. This is one of the old French families of Staten Island, who appear to have confined themselves chiefly to Westfield. John is mentioned in the county records as having bought land of Tunis Egbert, on January 27, 1699, and as having sold land in 1705. Peter Androvette and Rebecca Cole had the following children : Daughter Rebecca, baptized March 27, 1720; daughter Elizabeth, baptized December 25, 1723, died in infancy; twins, Elizabeth and Anna, baptized January 1, 1726. John married Leah Swaim, and they had a son baptized April 7, 1729, and a daughter, Leah, baptized May 17, 1724; this John is mentioned as collector of the West Division, in 1767 and 1768. Peter and Caty, his wife, had a son Peter, born July 6, 1765; he made his will December 21, 1792, proved March 17, 1802, in which he speaks of his wife, Catherine, his daughter, Catherine, wife of Dow Storer; daughter Elizabeth, wife of Peter Latourette; daughter, Mary, wife of Joseph Totten; sons, Peter, Charles, and John. These three sons were married as follows : Peter and Elizabeth Slack, January 4, 1789; Charles and Margaret Slack, September 11, 1797, and John and Ann Cole, August 21, 1802. The family is at present represented by the brothers Cornelius C, John, and Benjamin; their grandfather was known as Major John, and their farther as Young Major John. The family is still quite numerous in the western part of the Island. ARROWSMITH. This family is of English descent. Thomas and Edward lived on the Island during the first half of the eighteenth century. There is every indication that they were aristocratic in their manner of living. Thomas commanded a company of militiamen in the Colonial service, and Avas also a judge in this county. The Arrowsmiths were related to the Christophers by marriage. The name is entirely extinct at this time on Staten Island. BARNES. George and Roger Barnes were brothers. They came from England many years before the Revolution. Roger bought land in Southfield, in February, 1762; George, about 1770, bought land in Castleton, and settled upon it. This was a large tract lying at the southwest comer of the turnpike and the Manor road. Constanz brewery and the Child's Nursery occupy a part of it. Roger's wife's name was Ann, and they had a son named Robert, born May, 1760, and a daughter, Margaret, born April 8, 1766. George's wife's name was Dorothy, and they had the following children : Elizabeth, born July 18, 1767; HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 55 John, born October 11, 1768; Roger, born January 7, 1771. They had also a son George. Roger married Sally Lake, a sister of Bornt Lake, and after the death of Roger, she married Richard Wood. John mar ried Margaret Perine, May 2, 1793, and they were the parents of the late Captain John W. Barnes, of Port Richmond, and grandparents of Barnes Brothers, of the same place. BEATTY. The founders of the family came here from England after the Revo lution. It is quite probable that they were among the British soldiers who left the service at the end of the war and settled here. The name is very seldom mentioned in the county records. John is the first of Avhich we have any knowledge. He had a son, named Edward, who died July 17, 1825, aged over eighty-one years. They owned the prop erty lying betAveen the Moravian Church and the Patten House, at New Dorp, and were prominent as supporters of that church. The name exists on Staten Island at this time; but the present family is not related to that which settled here long ago. BEDELL. Tlie name of Bedell we find at an early date in this country; but not in connection AAuth Staten Island. In 1673 we find Robert Bedell, Daniel Bedell, Matthew Bedell, and John Bedell enrolled among the in habitants of Hempstead, Long Island. It is nearly a century after that date that we find the name in any of the records of Richmond County. In 1767, Silas Bedell rendered a bill for "doctoring." In the same year mention is made of John Bedell, who was county treasurer, when he died, in the early part of 1781. There is a Joseph Bedell mentioned also in 1770; but he is not the Joseph alluded to elsewhere as hav ing been captured by the Americans when a boy; they were father and son. The father made his will October 28, 1793, proved November 19th of the same year, in which he speaiis of his sons, Jesse and Jo seph, and his daughters, Mary, Pattie, Peggie, Catherine, and Jane; his wife's name was Catherine; his son Joseph was born October 24, 1763; Jesse was born in 1773, and died August 28, 1852. Stephen married Catherine Latourette in May, 1766, and had a son David, born July 19, 1771. Silas (the doctor), and Mary, his Avife, had the following children: Phebe, born November 19, 1770; James, born April 9, 1773; John, born March 28, 1775. James married Hetty Parker, January 12, 1806. There was another John, whose wife was named Catherine, and who had a daughter Hillite, born April 7, 1771. 56 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. Stephen Bedell and Mary Donnelly were married March 9, 1808; Israel died at Elizabethtown, New Jersey, August 30, 1830; he was the father of the Rev. Gregory Townsend Bedell, who became a bishop in the Episcopalian Church, and Avho was born in the " Rose and Crown " farmhouse at New Dorp, October 28, 1793, and died August 30, 1834. Rev. Dr. Bedell Avas the father of Rev. G. Thurston Bedell. The Be dells are numerous on the Island to-day. BILLOPP. This was one of the oldest families on Staten Island of which we have any authentic information. It was first known here in 1668, when Captain Christopher Billopp came to Perth Amboy, opposite the present site of Tottenville, in the ship " Bentley," in which he sailed around the Island in accord ance with the re quirements of the Duke of York, and thus decided that Staten Island was in the Province of New York. His daughter, Eugenia, married Thomas Parmer, her cousin, and their son was the famous Colonel Christopher Bil- EGBERT HOUSE, NEAR MANOR ROAD. lOpp, Of thO ROA'^O- lution. A full ac count of this family is given in Chapters XVI. and XVII. of the first volume of this work. t^>ljp !v^ gif\j| ^i 7*:"'- 1 S«3 ^R^M m \m Us I f^>ie-^Eki4i-l^lB9ai U ^^ *J' ^^^H P:-'.; -fc;' '. ^^WW ^ ttC^i::. X-' BLAKE. One branch of this family is of English origin. The date of their arrival on Staten Island was, probably, just anterior to the middle of the last century. The first name of the family we find in the county records is William, who married Mary Wogiom; they had the follow ing children: John, born September 28, 1763, died September 30, 1852; William, born April 21, 1766, died January 16, 1852: and Ed ward, born 1773, and died December 14, 1845. John married Tibitha Merrill; William married Ann Corsen, and had the following chil dren: Daniel (deceased), William (deceased), Richard 0., Edward, HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 57 and George. Edward Avas the father of Mrs. Margaret ^Minutt, of West Noav Brighton. John W. OAvned and occupied the property at the corner of Mill and Manor roads. West Ncav Brighton, extending Avestward on both sides of Cherry lane, and embracing the site of the late dye works of Barrett, Nephews & Co. William OAvned and occupied the property on the Little Clove road, subsequently oAvued by D. Porter Lord. Daniel, son of AMlliam (deceased), had a son Daniel; he is the captain in command of the police force of the Bor ough of Richmond. The old family homestead is still standing at New Springville, and was built in the Seventeenth century. ( See p. 339, Vol. I.) BODINE. The Bodine family is of French origin. The first historical allusion to the name that Ave have found, is a brief biographical account of John Bodin, who was a native of Angers. The date of the emigration of the family to this country must have been in the latter part of the Seventeenth century, for we find the name of John Bodine mentioned in the county records as having purchased land in 1701, and he was still living in 1744, as we find his name and that of his wife, Hester, mentioned as haAdng sold land at that date. Mention is also made in the records at Albany of John Bodein, in 1707. It is probable that he was an emigrant, as we find him preserving the French orthography of his name, Jean, and of his son Avho came with him, Francois, a Avitness to a baptism in the Reformed Dutch Church, in April, 1720; he was, therefore, a Protestant, or Huguenot. Francois married Maria Dey, and they had a son, named Jean, baptized in the same church, November 29, 1719. Of this second Jean, or John, Ave find no account, except that his wife's name was Dorcas, and that they had several children baptized. They were the parents of John Bodine, who was born in February, 1753, and of James Bodine, born in Jan uary, 1759. John died in March, 1835, nearly eighty-two years of age, and James, in May, 1838, nearly eighty years of age. John mar ried Catherine Britton, sister of the late Nathaniel Britton. Their sons were John (usually recognized in local history as " Squire John "), Jacob (the father of the late William H. J. and Edmund Bodine), the late Captain John, James, Jacob, Albert, and Vincent. There Avere three daughters, who removed from the Island. James was the father of the late Abraham Bodine, of Mariners' Harbor, and of several sons and daughters now dead. There are several branches of the family on the Island at the pres ent time. In various parts of the country we also find the name, probably perpetuated by the descendants of the brother Avho orig inally settled here. 58 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. BOGART. The Bogart family is of Dutch extraction. The name was originally written Bogaert. The earliest mention of the name in the Province of Noav York occurs in an assessment roll of Breucklen (Brooklyn), dated 1673, where Theunes Gibertse Bogaert is credited with having the largest assessment on the roll. In 1715, the name of Simon Bo gaert was enrolled among the militia of Kings County. It was thought that this Simon had a brother Tunis, and that they were sons of Gysbert, for in the assessment mentioned above, he is rated for three polls (himself and two sons). Simon Bogaert. and Mar- gareitje Ten Byck had the following children : Elizabet, baptized October 38, 1719; Margareta, baptized December 3, 1722; Simon, baptized May 19, 1726; Gysbert, baptized January 19, 1729, and Sarah, baptized February 13, 1732. Tunis and Catherine Hageman had the following children: Isaak, baptized November 21, 1718; Adrian, baptized December 18, 1720; Abraham, baptized April 21, 1723; Maria, baptized March 28, 1725; Cornelius, baptized March 2, 1729; Simon (probably son of Simon), and Martha, his Avife, had the following children: Mary, born December 4, 1746; Simon, born June 19, 1754; Richard, born February 22, 1757. Isaac and Rachel had a son John, born October 14, 1770; also a son Simon, who was the father of Timothy C. Bogart, of near Castleton Corners. BRAISTED. The oldest notice of this name in the old church records is that of William and Christina Bauwman, his wife, who had a son, Jo hannes, baptized in 1715, and a son Andries, baptized August 18, 1719. In the county records he is mentioned as having purchased land in 1730. Johannes, or John, son of William, married Trintje Haugh wout, and had a son, J.an, or John, baptized August 18, 1741, and a son, Peter, baptized August 15, 1743. All trace of the family is then lost for thirty years; then it appears again in the name of Egbert, and Rachel, his wife, who had a son Egbert, born May 6, 1773. The next and only remaining notice we have of the family in the last century is the marriage of John and Nantchie (Anna) Martling, daughter of John Martling, Februaiy 14, 1790. They had a son, Abraham Braisted, who, in " the thirties," commanded one of the ferryboats, plying between Staten Island and the city. He resided in a little story- and-a-half house, still standing on Minthorne street, Tompkinsville. In this house his son, James W., was born; this son afterward became the superintendent of the Staten Island ferry. The family is still represented by four sons of Captain Braisted, who still reside on the Island. A daughter married Henry C. Britton. HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 59 BRITTON. The Brittons were of French descent, and their name Avas orig inally Avritten Breton. The earliest mention of the name in connec tion Avith Staten Island, is that of Captain, sometimes called Colonel Nicklas, and who Avas born in 1679, and died January 12, 1740. The following is a copy of the inscription upon the tombstones of Colonel Nicklas Britten and his wife : " Here lies ye Body of Col. Nicklas Britten, aged 61 years. Deceased January 12, 1740. " Here lies a man of tender heart Unto the poor in every part He never sent the poor away Which well is nown unto this Day." " Here Lyes ye Body of Prances, wife of Col. Nichlas Britten, aged 66 years deceased May ye 7, 1748. " This Woman who is buried here This county has nown for many a year A loving mistress, a faithful wife A Tender Mother all her life." These stones are still standing in the Moravian Cemetery at New Dorp, a short distance west of the church. We are informed that they have repeatedly been referred to in the settlement of legal matters. William Britton was defendant in a suit at law, October 3, 1680. Nathaniel Avas plaintiff in a suit in July, 1681, and again in a suit with Lewes Lakerman in the same year. These last two named were adults when " Colonel Nicklas " was an infant; but the consanguinity between them can not now be ascertained. There was another Will iam, a son of William, a son of Nicklas, probably. There Avas a Jo seph, perhaps a brother of William, who had a son James, baptized April 23, 1707, and a daughter in 1708. There was also a Richard, who purchased land in 1694. Nathaniel made his will in 1683, but was still living in 1695. He was probably the same individual who was a party to the lawsuit alluded to above. Nathaniel and Esther Belleville had a daughter baptized April 17, 1732. Nathaniel and Mary, his Avife, had the following children : Joseph, born November 15, 1760; Richard, born March 22, 1766; William, born September 19,1768. Samuel and Mary had the following daughters : Addra, born July 7, 1771; Mary, born July 31, 1773. Nathaniel and Catherine had a daughter Mary, born April 4, 1775; at her baptism the father was also baptized. Samuel and Polly Latourette were married May 24, 1797. The present representative of one branch of the family is J. 60 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. A. H. Britton, of NeAV Dorp; his father, Nathaniel, whose place of interment is marked by a marble monument at the southeast corner of the Church of the Ascension. Nathaniel Avas born in 1764 or 1765; he was tAvice married; his first wife was a Van Buskirk, of Bergen, and they Avere the parents of Deborah, wife of Joshua Mersereau, born August 4, 1782, died March 26, 1840; Cornelius, born July 1, 1785, died April 3, 1867; he resided at Fresh Kill for many years be fore his death. Abraham, born August 20, 1787, died August 26, 1866, resided on the Clove road in Castleton, and was the father of tienry and Abraham, both deceased, Avho resided on the paternal property. Nathaniel, Jr., born in 1792, died February 13, 1841, owned and re sided on the property on the east side of Broadway, West New Brigh ton, extending the whole length of that highway. He had also an other son, John. Nathaniel's second wife was Margaret Bedell, who was born January 5, 1768, and died September 21, 1849; she was the mother of J. A. H. Britton, as before mentioned. BROILEAU. Jacob Broileau, a French Huguenot, lived on Staten Island in 1722. He had a son, Isaac, born here that year. This fact is stated on Isaac Broileau's tombstone, at Arlington, Pennsylvania. When quite a young man, he left Staten Island and went to that State. He became a large landed proprietor. Both father and son Avere members of the Presbyterian Church at Stony Brook. Isaac had a son, Nathaniel B., Avho was Secretary of State of Pennsylvania, from 1808 to 1817; he was a graduate of Princeton College. Jacob Broileau's wife's name was Ann; her maiden name is unknown. BURBANCK. Abraham, John, and Peter Burbanck and two sisters, came from the Netherlands, Holland, in the shij) " Caledonia." The vessel was partly wrecked on the passage, and the sisters were lost. The broth ers landed in New York in the latter part of the Seventeenth century. and Abraham settled on Staten Island. They were of French and German stock. Abraham married a French lady; Abraham, son of Abraham the first, Avas born November 20, 1745, and died May 12, 1823; had children as follows: Jacob, born April 9, 1771, died Sep tember 14, 1854; Abraham, born 1780, died 1838. The descendants of Jacob Burbanck, son of Abraham the second, were as follows : Jacob Burbanck first married Ann Wandel, and later, Lucy Hennell in ] 830. There were children by the first wife as follows : Ann, bom May 3, 1794, died November 29, 1854; Abraham, HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 61 born August 13, 1797, died August 26, 1797; Jacob Lackman, born June 22, 1799, died April 6, 1885; John William, born April 4, ]806; Aletta Eliza, born December 6, 1809; Ann, daughter of Jacob and Ann Burbanck, married Abraham Egbert, born April 26, 1791, had children as-folloAvs: Jacob Burbanck Miles, born December 8, 1816, died August 14, 1879; Ann Eliza, born April 12, 1818; Margaret Jane, born January 25, 1820, died iMarch 21, 1873; Abraham EdAvard, born October 12, 1821 ; Stephen Henry, b(um December S, 1823, died Febru ary 11, 1865; Rebecca Maria, born March 30, 1826; Catherine Hannah, born January 29, 1828; James, born September 4, 1830. Jacob Burbanck Miles Egbert, first son of Abraham and Ann Eg bert, was tAvice married; his first Avife was Maria Simonson, his sec ond wife, Catherine Simonson, sisters. The first wife had children ae follows : Mary Elizabeth, born November 4, 1845; James and Lavinia, dates of births not known; they reside at Clifton. By the second wife he had sons, Cornelius and Chester. Mary Elizabeth Egbert married James J. Garretson, October t, 1868, and had children as follows : Mary Eliz.abeth, George Jacob, Margaret Corson, Alice May, Irene, Ella, Sarah Louise, Arthur, Susie Bird, Jessie, Henry. James Egbert, son of Jacob Burbanck Miles Egbert, married and had chil dren, and resides at Clifton, Staten Island. Lavinia Egbert, second daughter of Jacob Burbanck Miles Egbert, married William Race, and has the following children : Ann Eliza Egbert, first daughter of Abra ham and Ann Egbert, married Nathan Britton, and their children are : Anna and John. Margaret Jane, second daughter of Abraham and Ann Egbert, married Nathaniel SAvain, and has a son, George. Abra ham Edward, second son of Abraham and Ann Egbert, married Mary Jane Burger. They had one daughter, Marrianna, and they have one daughter, named Mabel. Abraham Edward resides at Stapleton. Rebecca Maria, third daughter of Abraham, married John Barnes. James, fourth son of Abraham and Ann Egbert, married Amelia Laforge, and had children as follows: Pauline, Alice, Her bert, Elizabeth, and Percy. Jam.es Egbert resides at Tompkinsville. Abraham Burbanck, second, married Catherine HaughAvout, and had children as follows: Margaret, married Nicholas Youngman; Catharine, Charlotte (by a second wife), married James Mink, of Albany; Richard C. married Catherine M. Douglass, and has children as follows : Margaret, Louise, Emma, Sarah, and Catherine. George married Catherine Relyea, and resides in Albany. Ann married George Holt. Isaac Burbanck, son of Abraham, second, married Sarah Egbert, and had children as follows: Mary Ann, married Vin cent Bodine, and had two sons, Jacob and Vincent. Her husband died; she then married Stephen Martling, and had two daughters. She died, and her second husband married her sister, Sarah Jane, and she had children, Elizabeth and Mary Ann. Isaac Bur banck had children : Mary Ann, Sarah Jane, and EdAvard. Edward, 62 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. son of Isaac and Sarah Burbanck, has a son Edward, married and living at New Dorp. Elizabeth Martling, first daughter of Stephen and Sarah Jane Martling, married James Vreeland, of New Dorp; resides at New Dorp. Mary Ann Martling, second daughter of Stephen and Sarah Jane Martling, married John Bogart. John Bur banck, son of Abraham the second, had children as follows: Ann, Mary, Daniel, Henry, John, and Catherine. John and Peter Bur banck, sons of Abraham, second, reside at New Brighton. Rebecca Burbanck, flrst daughter of Abraham, second, married Austin Barton, and had children, Sarah and another. Mary Ann Burbanck, sec ond daughter of Abraham, second, married John Decker. Jacob Lockman Burbanck, second son of Jacob and Ann, married Martha Washington Graham, and had children as follows : Elizabeth Ander son, George Edgar, Margaret Ann, Frances Louise. William Dudley was married. May 17, 1870, to Susan Jane Wood, and has children as follows : Jacobson Lockman, William Dudley, George Graham, Mary Eleanor Wood, and David Moore Ware. John William Burbanck, third son of Jacob and Ann, Avas twice married; his first wife was Gertrude Egbert, and his second, Ann Egbert, sisters. Ann had children as follows : Hiram A., Ferdinand, and Mary Adalaide; by second wife: Eveline, Anna, and John Alfred. John William resided at Castleton Comers. Hiram A. Burbanck, son of John William and Gertrude, married and had one son, John Will iam. Hiram resides at Castleton Comers. Evelina Burbanck, daugh ter of John William and Anna, married William Alston, and has one son, Theodore. Anna Burbanck, daughter of John William and Ann, married Sjdvester Cobb, and has children, Mabel and Edward. John Alfred Burbanck, son of John William and Ann, died March 28, 1873. Alletta Eliza Burbanck, second daughter of Jacob, first, and Ann, married Samuel Wood, and has children as follows : Caroline Ann, Ellen, Jane Louise, Benjamin, Jacob, Augustus B., and Beekman. Samuel Wood died; his widow resides at City Island, Westchestei County. Catherine Ann Wood, daughter of Samuel and Alletta Wood, married Joseph Brown. Ellen Wood, daughter of Samuel and Al letta Eliza Wood, married Benjamin Van Clief; had a son Charles. The old Burbanck homestead still stands on Richmond Terrace, at the foot of Taylor Street. A sister of Charles, Mrs. Catherine L. Rogers, still resides in the old house. Benjamin Wood, son of Samuel and Alletta Eliza Wood, married and has children. Augustus B. Wood, son of Samuel and Alletta Eliza Wood, married. John Bur banck, Jacob Lockman Burbanck's cousin, resides at New Dorp Beach, and his son, Samuel, resided at New Dorp for many years, Avhere he died. BURGER. There are two distinct families by this name. Johannes Burger, from Geisman, came over in the ship " Stettin," in September, 166^, HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 63 There was an Elias Burger and Susanna Whitman, his wife, who had a son, Nathan, baptized February 23, 1724, and this is the first record of the name on Staten Island. Colonel Nicholas Burgher, evidently belonging to another branch of the family, was born January 23, 1768, "and died May 23, 1839; he was the father of Matthias, John, James G., David, and others. John Avas the father of David Burgher, of Edgewater, the present representatives of the family spelling their name with an " h." The other family, who dispense with the " h " and adhere to the original orthography, are of comparatively recent ccmnection with the Island. David D. Burger was born in South Carolina in 1777, and settled on Staten Island in 1814, where he died in February, 1831. He left several sons, of whom Nicholas, of Castleton Corners, and Samuel, of Bull's Head, survive. The old Burger homestead stood, until within a few years, on the now vacant lot on Richmond terrace, between Burger avenue and Elm court. West Noav Brighton. Burger avenue was named in honor of the family that resided there. BUSH. This name, written Bosch in the Dutch records, was found on Staten Island early in the Eighteenth century. Joshua, or Josiah, had a son, Samuel, baptized 1706; Nicholas Bush and Elizabeth Drinkwater had the folloAving children: EdAvard, baptized November 24, 1728; Barent, baptized September, 1734; Nicholas, baptized July 13, 1740, Garrett had a daughter Mary, baptized September 30, 1787, and a daughter Elizabeth, baptized August 30, 1789. Joseph and Mary Johnson were married December 10, 1792. Lambert and Mary Still well were married January 27, 1795. Among the emigrants who came over in the ship " Fox,'' in August, 1662, we find the name of Jan Bossch, from Westphalia. There was another family of this name descended from John Bush, an English man, Avho fought at Bunker Hill, on the side of the Americans, and subsequently took up his residence on Staten Island, where he mar ried and had one son, whose name Avas William, Avho was the father of the late John Bush, of Watchogue, in Northfield, and of Mrs. S. D. Kennison, of West New Brighton. The name is still quite promineni in Northfield. Charles H. Bush, a representative of the family, holds a position under the Borough government. BUTLER. This was one of the royalist families which was here before and during the Revolution. The earliest mention of the name in the church records is in 1732, when James a.nd Sarah Corsen had a son. 64 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. John, baptized March 26. In St. Andrew's records we find the fol lowing: Henry and Balaesha (Baletta) had a son James, born May 8, 1759, and a son Nathaniel, born March 23, 1768. Thomas and Mary had a son James, born October 19, 1758, and a son Antony, born No vember 17, 1769. John and Rachel had a son Daniel, born October 29, 1758. John and Mary had a son Henry, baptized March 11, 1776. Thomas and Susan had a daughter Maria, baptized May 13, 1790. Thomas and Mary Herod married December 20, 1789. Daniel and Elizabeth Pray married December 29, 1807. The family until re cently Avas represented by Talbot Butler, of Port Richmond, whose father Avas Thomas, and mother was Eleanor Crocheron, daughter of Abraham. Thomas had brothers — James, John, Elias, and Henry, and they Avere the sons of John. Thomas was twice married, his second Avife being a WidoAv Blake, whose maiden name was Wood. There are still numerous representatives of the family on the Island, especially in Northfield and Westfield. CANNON. This family Avas here as early as 1680. Andreas (AndroAv) was plain tiff in a suit in 1680, and was probably the progenitor. John and Maria Egbert had sons Abraham and Jacobus. David and Aeltje ( Alida) Prall had the following children : Arent, David, and Andrias. AndreAv and Mary Wright were married in December, 1795. The name exists on the Island at present, but there seems to be no con nection between the families of that name of the past and present. CHRISTOPHER. The original of this name is Christoffel, Avhicli is the Dutch for Christopher (and means "Christ bearer"). The earliest mention of the family occurs in a church record as follows: Barent and Anna Catherina Stilhvell had the following children baptized: Nicholas, August, 4, 1703; Catharyna, April 23, 1706, died young; Rebecka, April 25, 1708; Maria, 1710; Susanna, January 11, 1719; they had tAvins, Catherine and Barent, baptized August 13, 1716. This Barent is mentioned in the county records as having sold land in 1704. Stof- fel also sold land the same year. Catherine Christopher, widow of Albert Ryckman, had a son Albert, baptized October 26, 1729. Hans (John) and Jane Arrowsmith had the folloAving children baptized: Johannes, April 16, 1732; Bornt, April 14, 1734; Joseph, August 8, 1736; Richard, September 30, 1739. Nicholas and Christina Bowman had a son Bornt baptized November 27, 1726, and a daughter, Septem ber 26, 1731. Richard (above) and Esther, his wife, had the following HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 65 children: John Garrison, born September 18, 1770; Jane Grover, born August 30, 1772; Joseph, born May 9, 1775. Joseph, son of Jolm, had a son Joseph, who was the father of Captain Richard Christopher, of West New Brighton. John, just referred to, built the old stone house Avhich he occupied for many years, and Avhich is still standing at WilloAV Brook. It was in this venerable structure that the Committee of Safety met in the early part of the Revolution, Joseph Christopher, Sr., being a member of that body. Joseph afterAA^ard inherited the property; but in the early part of the present century he removed to the farm opposite the Frederick White estate, on the Manor Road, where his son Rich ard was born in 1814. This son is familiarly known as Captain Chris topher, and still resides at West New Brighton. He celebrated his eighty-sixth birthday on July 18, 1900. The Christophers originally came from Holland. One day, several years ago, the Avriter called upon Captain Christopher, and among the relics Avhich he exhibited Avas one of particular interest. Pointing to an oblong box that rested in one corner of the storeroom of his residence, the captain said: "That was the cradle in Avhich I Avas rocked. My mother Avas rocked to sleep in it; so Avas my grandfather, my great-grandmother, and my great-great-grandfather when he was a babe in Holland." Captain Christopher had a son, William L., Avho died a few years since. He also has two daughters, Mrs. H. H. Bush, of "West Noav Brighton, and Mrs. Cadmus. There is another branch of the Christopher family on Staten Island, although it is almost extinct. The two families do not claim relation ship. The old homestead occupied by the latter family was located on the " Latourette Hill road." Joseph Christopher, Avho at one time kept the old Richmond County Hall, in Richmond, and his brother Richard, who lived in the old Billopp house, at Tottenville, were born in this house. Another brother settled in Tyrrell County, North Caro lina many years ago. This branch of the Christopher family Avere in sympathy Avith the British, while the other branch were very ardent patriots. COLE. The na,me originated in England, subjects fleeing from there to Holland during the Reformation period. They settled near Leyden, descendants later on emigrating to America. " Kool " is Dutch. In America it became Cool, then Cole, as in England to-day. Cornelius Lambert Cool, the first of his name in this country, emigrated about 1639, being one of the earliest pioneers. He married Allien Brackhonge, and died previous to 1664, as, on " Sept. 4, 1661, Altien widow of Cornelius Lambertse Cool, married, 66 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. second, William Brendenbent from Cologne." Their children were: Altie, who married, first, GeiTet OouvenhoA^en, and, second, Elbert Elbertson. Pieterje Cornalis married Claes J. Van Purmerent. Lambert Cornelisse (Lambert's Lane on Staten Island, leading to Watchogue, derives its name from the Lambert Cools, Lambert de scending among many Staten Island families). Lambert Cornelisse's wife is not known, but he had a son, Abraham Cool, who, in March, 1695, married Rebecca Britten (born 1668), daughter of Nathaniel Britten, of Breuckelen. (This Britten owned property at Platlands and New Utrecht; in 1664, he received a patent for one hundred and forty -four acres on Staten Island, where he is buried ; the Britton or French Breton family thus originates.) In 1695, Abraham Cole sold Staten Island land. The county records show that on " March ye 4th, 1712, Abraham Cool is appointed Court Juror." He was also a judge in 1739. His children were Rebecca, Cornelius, Abraham, and, probably, Stephen and Peter. Rebecca married Peter Androvette; issue, Rebecca, Ann, and Elizabeth. Cor nelius leaves no record. Abraham married and died about 1798. He donated the land occupied by the Woodrow Methodist Episcopal Church and cemetery. It is claimed that that church was organized in his house. He had two children: Elizabeth, baptized in 1754, and Martha, who married Joshua Wogiom, February 10, 1796. No record is left of the birth, marriage, or death of Isaac. But he had Iavo sons — Edward, born April 8, 1770, and died in 1848; Abraham, born De cember 25, 1736, married Abigail Johnson. He was a private in the Third Regiment, Noav Jersey line, commanded by Colonel David Chambers. This regiment Avas organized at Perth Amboy, and had a number of Staten Islanders in its ranks. Abraham died April 23, 1815. The children of Abraham and Abigail were William, Isaac, Abraham, Lydia, Ann, Esther, and Phebe. William, born September 22, 1769, married Elizabeth Ann Totten. Their children Avere Mary, Gilbert Asbury, and William Asbury. Isaac, born 1772-3, died June 9, 1839; lie married tAvice; his second wife was Martha SAAaim. Their children Avere Abraham, John Taylor, Ann, Lydia Wogiom, and Isaac Washington. Abraham, born No vember 19, 177S, married Ann Johnson. They had one soji, Winant Johnson Cole. He married Mary Journeay. Their children Avere Joseph Albert, James, Journeay, Isaac, Abraham Johnson, Eugene Rodolphe, and Clarence Augustus Cole. Winant Johnson Cole Avas l(;st at sea. Isaac, just mentioned, born Sejiteniber !.">, 1808, on Staten Island, married Sarah Jane Gibson. Abraham, born September 23, 1810, married Ann M. Dissosv.-ay. Their children Avere: Cornelius D., who married Harriet D. Robinson; Jacob W., Avho married Lizzie Yar- rance; Susan Ann, born March 7, 184(), married Paul Van Name; James T., born August 12, 1849, married Mina DeHart; Abram, born HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 67 April 8, 1856, mai'ried Blanche Martin. Their children, Ralph M. and Abram make the eighth generation of this family on Staten Island. Susan Ann Cole, sister to Abraham, father of the Abraham just mentioned, AA-as born July 4, 1813, and married Bornt Parlee Winant; Harriet, born November 29, 1815, married Peter Wogiom; Mary Johnson, born NoAember 26, 1818, married William H. Rutan; Jacob Winant, born in 1821, married iMary Wogiom; Abigail, born April 20, 1825, married Jacob Winant. Lydia Cole, sister to Rev. William, born in 1776, married Cornelius Wogiom; died in 1833. Ann married John Totten. Esther married Marshall SAvaiin, and Phebe married David Latourette. There are several branches of the family residing on the Island. We have confined our research almost exclusively to the branch to which ex-Supervisor Abram Cole, of Westfield, belongs. Another branch of the family, however, was represented on Staten Island. Colonel William Cole, colonial secretary of Virginia, emi grated from London about 1650, and his descendants settled early in 1700 in Maryland, from whence they later removed to Staten Island. In the direct line from this progenitor of the family was Abraham Cole, born in 1736. Among his children was John B. Cole, born in 1770, who was twice married. His two sons, by the first marriage, Henry and George Cole, each represented their district for Iavo terms in the State Legislature, and were active in promoting the interests of Richmond County. His second AAdfe was Mary A. Cole, a descend ant of the Cool family, who emigrated from England to Holland, and about the year 1680, came to America. Her father. Rev. William Cole, was well known as the pioneer of Methodism on Staten Island. William A., the only son of John B. and Mary A. Cole, was born October 15, 1836, at New Dorp. COLON. The Colons were among the Huguenot settlers. There used to be several gravestones in the old French graveyard at Fresh Kill (Green Ridge), that bore the name, as there were also in the Dutch Reformed graA-eyard, at Richmond. Once in awhile the name appears in the county records. James Colon, George Colon, and John (elsewhere Avritten Jones) Colon, were naturalized in May, 1770. There was also a Peter Colon in this county in 1774. The family is still represented on the Island by George A., Isaac A., and Thomas, residing on Amboy road, Gift'ords, and James, residing at Rossville. CONNER. Richard Conner came to Staten Island from Ireland about 1760, and purchased his landed estate at that time. He Avas almost im- 68 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. mediately placed in responsible offices, and continued to serve the public in various capacities until the time of his death. He Avas born in 1723, and died February 1, 1792. His wife, Catherine, died June 24, 1798, at the age of sixty-two. He made his Avill I'ebruary 6, 1792, in Avhich he speaks of his daughter, Ann, deceased, and of Catherine and Elizabeth, and his son Richard. Their graves are in the .Moravian ('emetery, at Noav Dorp. One of his daughters married into the Gar rison family, and Avas the mother of the late John Garrison, of Garri sons. Richard's only son, Richard, universally known as Colonel Con ner, Avas for many years a prominent surveyor in this countA', and held various offices of trust. He Avas born in 1763, and died April 5, 1853, leaving several sons, of Avhom the late A. V. Conner, a former sheriff' and county clerk, A^'as one. The family were ahvays attached to the iloravian Church. There was another family of the same name on the Island, in 1761, as appears by a record of a baptism of Adam, son of Jeremiah and Ann, in October of that year, but they Avere of a distinct family. The family is represented on the Island uoav by CroAvell ^M. Conner, deputy county clerk, residing at Richmond, and Clinton Conner, of New Dorp. CORSEN. This is one of the oldest families on Staten Island. The first men tion of th(? name in connection AAith Staten Island occurs December 30, 1680, in a patent bearing that date, coiiA^eyiug to Cornelius Corsen, Andries Juriamsen, Derrick Cornelisen, and John Peterson, one hun dred and eighty acres of land, sixty acres of Avhich belonged to Cor sen, and forty acres to each of the others. Tliis land is referred to in the patent of Governor Dongan to Palmer, and mentioned as land belonging to Cornelius Corsen and Company. Another patent to the same parties, of the same date, conveyed three hundred and twenty acres of land, lying westward of and bounded by the Mill Creek, besides thirty-tAvo acres of salt meadoAv, " Avhere most con venient." This Cornelius is designated as captain in a record in Al bany, dated December 21, 1680. He is mentioned again in the county records as being plaintiff in a suit in January, 1681. lie died De cember 7, 1693. He had at least three sons : Christian, second judge, and lieutenant-colonel in 1738; Cornelius, a justice, and Jacob, who made his Avill October 8, 1742, in Avhicli he makes the folloAAdng be quests : His homestead to the son Jacob; £70 to his daughter Snster, Avife of Johannes Simonson; £70 to his daughter Mary, wife of Joshua iMersereau; £70 to his son DouAve E., £70 to his son Benjamin; £70 to his daughter Rebecca, Avife of John Blom; to his sons DouA\e aud Benjamin, ;ill his lauds in Hunterdon County, NeAV Jersey; to his daughter Snster, all his lands on the Avest side of Staten Island; to his son Jacob, his silver-hilted SAVord and silk sash and HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 69 all his other goods to his children equally. Daniel Corsen, who Avas county clerk in 1739, was probably another son of Captain Cornelius. In the churchyard of the Reformed Church, at Port Richmond, there are still to be seen Iavo old headstones, in the Dutch (Holland) lan guage, bearing the names of Cornelius Corsen, Avho died March 26, 1755, and Jannetia Van Buskirk, Avho died in 1749. Cornelius and Jannetje Van Buskirk had the folloAving children : A daughter, baptized November 24, 1723; Peter, baptized August 13, 1725; Christian, baptized February 26, 1727; Cornelis, baj)tized Feb ruary 23, 1729, died an infant; Cornelis, baptized February 21, 1731; Jacobus (Jacob), baptized October 22, 1732; Daniel, baptized March 9, 1735, died May 22, 1801; a daughter, baptized September, 19, 1736; and a daughter, baptized September 23, 1738. The folloAving is collected chiefiy from church records : Cornelius, son of Benjamin, baptized May 4, 1714; Daniel, born 1714, died Janu ary 26, 1761; Captain Jacob, born 1707, died 1722; Benjamin and Blaudina Vile ( Viele) had a son Benjamin, baptized August 3, 1718; Jacob and Cornelia Cruser had the following children : Jacob, bap tized October 13, 1747, and three daughters, betAveen 1739 and 1754; DouAve (son of Jacob and Jannetje Corsin, had a child baptized Oc tober 5, 1755; Daniel and Maria StilAvell had sons Richard and Daniel, both baptized September 7, 1753; Cornelius, Jr., had a son Cornelius, baptized September 2, 1787, and a daughter Jannetje (Jane), baptized October 17, 1790; Richard had a daughter Catherine, baptized Augusi 30, 1789; Daniel and Elizabeth Bogart had a son Cornelius, bajDtized September 17, 1758, and a son William Howe, born November 24, 1776. Daniel and Elizabeth Bogart, his Avife, had also three other sons, John, Daniel, and Richard; Richard married Elizabeth Egbert, and they were the parents of Abraham E. Corsen, of Mariners' Harbor. Daniel built the stone house, still standing near the Richmond turn pike, at the southern terminus of Jewett avenue, and for a long time the property of the late A. C. Bradley, Esq.; subsequently Daniel owned a farm on the Clove road, recently the property of Haynes Lord, where he died, and the place came into the possession of his son Richard. William Howe Corsen lived to have a family of his own. A short time previous to the War of 1812, he was murdered, and his body concealed under a ,bridge on the public road. Jacob had a daughter, baptized March 25, 1701, a son Jacob, bap tized October 21, 1707 (see Captain Jacob, above), and a son Benja min, baptized April 1, 1710. The late Hiram J., of Noav Springville, was the son of Cornelius V. B. ; he was the son of Richard, and he was the son of Cornelius, who married a daughter of Captain Abraham Jones, who owned the estate on Avhich the representative of the family, Mr. John J. Corsen, uoav resides. The Corsen homestead is situated on Rockland avenue, Noav Springville. 70 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. CORTELYOU. This name in some of the old records is written Corteleau. It is of French origin, but was changed through a long residence in Holland, previous to emigration to America. The family Avas in this country at an early date. Jaques Cortelleau (so Avritten by himself), was the surveyor Avho, in 1657, laid out the town of Noav Utrecht, on Long Island, into twenty lots of fifty acres each, one of which was assigned, to him for his residence. He came to America in 1652. In 1687, Avhen the inhabitants of Kings County took the oath of allegi ance to James II., the name of Jaques Corteljau is found among them, with a note attached, that he had then been in the country thirty- five years. He had four sons, all of Avhom had been born on Long Island. Their names were Jaques, Jr., Cornelis, Peter, and William; still, in the assessment roll of New Utrecht for the year 1676, neither of their names appears. The family on Staten Island is descended from that on Long Island. A part of them remained on Long Island, as, in 1738, we find the names of " pyeter kartelijou," and " alite kurtelijou," still at New Utrecht. The first mention of the name in the church records of Staten Island is that of Jaques and his wife, Jaccmynytie (Jemima) Van Pelt, Avho had a daughter Deborah, baptized December 26, 1720. Aaron, who was born in 1726, and died August 22, 1787, was the son of Jaques and Jacomynytie, as they appear to have been the only family of the name on Staten Island. Aaron had a son Peter, born December 27, 1768, and died February 3, 18-57, and he was the father of the late Judge Lawrence H. Cortelyou. Aaron was one of the original members of the Moravian Church, at New Dorp. There was a Jacob, probably a brother of Peter, born August 26, 1760, and died February 7, 1817. There is a record of Peter, Avho married Sarah Van Pelt, December 31, 1801. The family is now represented on Staten Island by David H. Cor telyou, son of the late Lawrence H., who resides on the Manor road, West Noav Brighton. He owns the old family estate at Green Ridge. In 1861, before he had reached his majority, he enlisted in the Sixth New York Cavalry, which was then being organized on Staten Island. He Avas immediately appointed to a non-commissioned office. Before the war ended, he had reached the rank of captain. He was in in numerable battles, and Avhile in command of the brigade pickets at Cold Harbor, Avas shot in the left shoulder by a Confederate sharp shooter. He became paralyzed, and for a year Avas perfectly helpless. Upon his recovery, he was commissioned second lieutenant in the regular army, and served on the staffs of Generals Hancock and Sheri dan, after Avhich he was promoted and transferred to the Ninth Cav alry. He was again promoted to captain, and for a Avhile acted as major. After serving through some Indian campaigns, his old wounds HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 71 rendered it necessary for him to quit the service, and he Avas hon orably retired with nine years to his credit. After returning to his home on Staten Island, he was elected county clerk. He has also held the office of justice of the peace, and is now secretary of the Richmond County Mutual Insurance Company. CRIPS. In the early part of the century, there Avere many living here by that name. It is now extinct. The earliest notice of the name in this county, is the marriage of John Crips and Margaret Bety (Beatty) January 5, 1761. They had a son William, born April 28, 1764. Will iam and Sarah had a daughter Elizabeth, baptized June 23, 1771. Thomas Crii)S and Mary Perrine Avere married in November, 1791. James and Elizabeth Blake Avere married October 1, 1801. There Avas a Richard mentioned in the county records in 1766. OHOOHERON. The first representative of the Crocheron family of whom we have any definite knoAvledge, was John, a planter, Avhose will was dated December 13, 1695, and he appears to have died within a year from that time, for the will is recorded September 3, 1696. His wife's name was Mary, and they had tAvo sons, Nicholas and Anthony, the former being the elder. Henry Crocheron and Nannie, his wife, had the following sons: John, born April 13, 1770; Henry, bom Decem ber 26, 1772; Jacob, born August 23, 1774; he married Mary Oakley, February 22, 1779, and was sheriff of Richmond County and held other positions of trust, and Reuben, baptized September 24, 1789. Abraham Crocheron and Elizabeth, his wife, had a son Nicholas, born August 9, 1761, and died December 30, 1817. Henry was born March 22, 1766. There was another Abraham and Margaret, his wife, A\'ho had a son Daniel, born January 15, 1770. Daniel and Sarah had a daughter Mary, born April 8, 1775. John Crocheron and Jenny had a daughter Mary, born March 4, 1773. Abraham and Mary Prall had a son Abraham, born September 4, 1787, and a son Benjamin, baptized June 28, 1789. Benjamin died a few years ago on the Old Place road; his wife was Susannah Prall, his cousin. Abraham, the father, formerly owned the farm now a part of New Brighton. An other Daniel had a son Daniel, born June 9, 1788. John and Hannah Housman Avere married February 10, 1792. Daniel and Jane Jones Avere married November 29, 1798. Nicholas and Abigail Winant were manied May 28, 1801. Henry Crocheron was Member of Congress in 1829 and 1831; presidential elector in 1836; sheriff in 1802, 1811, and 1821. Nicholas was Member of Assembly in 1854. Richard was County Treasurer 72 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. and Surrogate in 1836, and for some time thereafter. The family is of French descent. There is a thrilling incident in the tradition of John Crocheron, the founder of the family on Staten Island, Avhose residence is standing at New Springville, in a mutilated condition. (See p. 69, Vol. I.) It is said that John was a prominent Huguenot, and had spoken so freely against the persecutions to Avhich his sect Avere subjected, that he had gained the envy of his opponents. He was marked for execution, and in order to make his escape, he Avas placed in a hogs head by friends, and carried on board the vessel that brought his neighbors across the Atlantic Ocean. He came directly to Staten Island, and, so far as. is knoAAm, ma.de his home at Stony Brook until he could secure title to land at Long Neck (Noav Springville). CROPSEY. This name is variously recorded in American history and legal documents, viz. : Kasparse, Casparse, Ca.si)erts, Casperseu, Crasper, Crepse, Crapsey, Cropsy, and Cropsey, which latter mode stands as final with all Eastern descendants. The first Cropseys in America were Joost Casparse, or Kas parse, his brother, Johannes, and their mother, Geertje. They emi grated from Gronigen, Holland, in 1652, but were not Hollanders. There is every proof that Germany was originally the parental coun try. Joost and Johannes Casparse were, by name and complexion, identified Avith Germany — Holland having no " Caspers " unless they be of German extraction. The name is foroA^er preserved in the United States, Avhere there exist three towns: Cropseyville, Ncav York; Cropsey, Nebraska; Cropsey, Illinois, and New Utrecht's beautiful driveAvay, Cropsey avenue. Beside this, many descendants have conspicuously distin guished themselves in American history, both East and "West. Joost and Johannes settled on Long Island, but not till 1661 does record appear of their land, or public services. In 1663, on the old Bushwick muster-roll appear the names of privates Joost and Jo hannes Casperseu, Melle Casperseu, and Jan Casperseu, ensign. In 1683, Johannes Kasparse was assessed for five morgans of land and some cattle, amount of tax being £77. In 1687, Joost and Johannes took the oath of allegiance in Breuckelen. Joost Casparse married, June 10, 1663, Catharine, daughter of Abraham Lothie, and Avidow of Peter Prae. His second marriage was to Magdalen Jans. His (iiildren Avere : Johannes Casperse, baptized March 16, 1697, at Flatbush. Gathren Casparse, baptized February 6, 1681, died an infant. Cathren (second), Casparse, married in 1700 to Johannes Taxsel. Jannetje Casparse, baptized April 6, 1 684. Joost Casparse, Jr., the first, died May 21, 1729. (In English the Dutch HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 73 AVord "' Joost " has become Jasi)er or Casper.) He married, first, Maria Storin; second, on August 9, 1693, Wyutje Jurex, and, third, on July 28, 1695, Jennetje Jacobs. His children Avere Derrick, Abraham, David, Gertrude, Melle, and Jasper. Casper Casparse purchased lands originally owned by Michael Hans Bergen, located by the present Sea Beach Perry, foot of Sixty-fifth street. Bay Ridge. The first Cropsey homestead Avas built there. Casper married. May 27, 1749, jMargretje (Maria) Barkaloo. The children of Casper and Maria AAere: Jact>bus or James, Andries or Andre AV, Valentine, Hendrick or Henry, Johannes or John, Harmanus or Harmon, Willhelmus or William, Maria, Sarah, and Catherine. Jacobus, just mentioned, lived until 1830. The (iiristian name of his wife, whom he married October 14, 1810, Avas ^Maria. Their chil dren were Jaques, AVilliam, and James EdAvard. Andries or Andrew Cropsey was born in 1750, and died about 1800. He married Eida Ryerson, of the Wallabout, Brooklyn. The children of AndrcAV and Ida Avere Jasper, married; Jacob, Avho died about 1718; Nancy, Avho married William H. DeNyse, and Je rome Ryerson Cropsey, who married Elizabeth Williams, of Staten Island. They had one child, AndroAV Jackson Cropsey, born 1816, and died in 1893. He married Louisa M. Hardy. Their children Avere Jerome H., AndroAV G., William H., Annie E., Ada H., Harry N., and Ella. In the direct line from Joost, or Jasper Casparse, Jr., comes An dries, or Andrew, whose children are mentioned above; Harmanus or Harmon, born September 2, 1753. (He Avas a deacon in the New Utrecht Dutch Reformed Church; served in the Revolution, in Col onel Covenhoven's Kings County Militia as a lieutenant.) He mar ried, first, Ann Co venhoven; second, Elizabeth Rezeau. Issue: Har mon B., Jasper, Maria., Sarah, Jacob R., and Elizabeth. Harmon B., just mentioned, became a prominent man on Staten Island. He was for a long time manager of old Richmond County Hall, in Richmond. He was sheriff of the county in 1828; State Senator from Staten Island in 1832-5. Jacob Rezeau Cropsey was born on January 16, 1801. He mar ried Elizabeth Cortelyou, and lived for many years near Rossville. Their children were Jasper Francis, Cornelius, who died unmarried; Peter, who died unmarried; Emma E., who married Nicholas C. Mil ler; Sarah Ann, who married William Charles Moore; Ella B., who married Arthur Gillander, and Harmon B., Avho still resides near Rossville. Jasper Francis Cropsey became celebrated as an artist, not only in his own country, but also in some of the leading countries of the Old World. He always loved his native Staten Island, and discovered many beautiful nooks upon it, the pictures of which he placed upon canvas. One of his most noted pictures, we are informed, was from 74 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. a scene very familiar to our people. It maj' be described as the beau tiful expanse of tree-studded landscape lying west of Egbert avenue, between the little hamlet of Morganville and the deep ravine at the approach to Meisner's Hill. This picture was greatly admired in France and Italy, as well as in America. Mr. Cropsey died in June, 1900, and AA'-as buried at New Dorp. CRUSER. The family is of Dutch descent. In the county and town records the name is spelled Cruser, Cruise, Croes, Kroesen, Kruzer, etc. Gar ret was probably the first of the name in America. In 1(576, Ave find him rated in Breucklyn. It is probable that he removed to Staten Island the following year, for then Sir Edmond Andros granted him a patent for one hundred and sixty acres of land on Staten Island. He had the following sons : Hendrick, Cornelius, Dirk or Derick, Gar ret, and Jan. Hendrick, who was perhaps the eldest, had several chil dren baptized on Staten Island, between 1698 and 1716. Cornelius married Helen Van Tuyl, a daughter of Otto Van Tuyl, and had the folloAving children baptized here: Hendrick, October 10, 1731; Abra ham, July 29, 1733, died March 11, 1770, and Cornelius, August 8, 1736. Derick had the following children baptized here : Nicklas, May 6, 1696 ; Derick, October 22, 1701 ; Hendrick, July 3, 1707. Garret had the following children baptized here: Cornelius, October 23, 1711; Der ick, October 18, 1713; Garret, April 1, 1717. Jan had a daughter Elizabeth, baptized July 14, 1713. Cornelius, son of Cornelius and grandson of Garret, married Beeltje de Groot, and had a son Corne- I ins, baptized August 26, 1759. Abraham, son of Cornelius and grand son of Garret, married Antge Simonson, and had a son Johannes, oi John, baptized June 4, 1760. (This John had a daughter Elizabeth, baptized May 10, 1789.) Garret, son of Garret and grandson of the original Garret, married Clareetje Blencraft, and had a daughter Cor nelia, baptized August 27, 1740; a daughter Clarissa, baptized Oc tober 11, 1748, and a son Hendrick, June 24, 1752, and probably others. Garret, son of Hendrick and grandson of the original Garret, married Gertrude Van Tuyl, and had the following children: Hen drick, baptized December 8, 1723; Pemitje (Euphemia), September 13, 1728; Abraham, August 6, 1732. The late Morris H. Cruser and brothers were the direct descendants of John, mentioned above. The family was once numerous and prom inent, but like many other of the old families has almost entirely disappeared. During the Revolution and for many years afterward, the Cruzers owned and lived in what is now known as the Pelton house, at the Cove, West New Brighton. HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 75 CUBBERLY. The Cubberly family is of English descent, but came to Staten Island from Noav Jersey. The name originally was Caverle. The first of the name on Staten Island was Isaac, who resided here in 1769. Probably he came here a young man, for he married here, in the Journeay family. His sons were Stephen, Joseph, James, Thomas, and Isaac. Isaac married an English woman named Broughton, and, had two sons — William, now living in Jersey City, and James, once clerk of Richmond County; Mrs. Charles E. Racy, of AVest New Brighton, is also his daughter. Isaac resided at the foot of New Dorp lane, at the locality known as " The Elm Tree," where, though a large part of his property is now submerged by the waters of the ocean, his dwelling-house still stands. There is another branch of the family. Adz. : Joseph and Ander (sic), his wife, had a son James, born October 18, 1776. This James married Eleanor Ralph, January 20, 1799. The late William Cubberly, of Port Richmond, Avas de scended from this branch. The old Cubberly residence, near the Elm Tree Light, is now the home of Dr. and Mrs. N. L. Britton. It was in this venerable build ing that Dr. Britton, assisted by his accomplished wife, prepared his popular botanical Avorks. DECKER. The Decker family is one of the oldest on Staten Island. Its pro genitor was Johannes de Decker, who arrived here in April, 1655. He was a prominent man in the Colony, filling various offices of re sponsibility, and after a public service of many years, finally settled down on his farm on Staten Island. His numerous descendants have so frequently intermarried, that at this day it would be difficult to trace their direct genealogy. Some of the elder members retained the prefix " de," but it has long ago fallen into disuse. Mattheus de Decker, probably the son of Johannes, had John, bap tized September 7, 1698; Abraham, October 21, 1707; Elizabeth, April 17, 1711; Mattheus, 1715; to this baptism Pieter de Decker Avas sponsor, who was also, probably, a son of Johannes. This Pieter and Susanna Hetfeel (Hatfield), his wife, had the following children baptized: Maria, September 21, 1718; Joha^nnes, July 24, 1720; Su sanna, May 24, 1724; Sara, October 20, 1726; Mattheus, June 10, 1728; Eva, March 20, 1732, and Abraham, April 17, 1735. John (i)robably a son of Mattheus) and Maria Swaim had a daugh ter baptized July 3, 3 726. John (son of Peter) and Nancy, or Anna, Merrill, had a son Johannes, baptized April 19, 1743, and a son Rich ard, April 26, 1748. Charles (above mentioned) and Lena Swaim had a son Matthys, baptized April 5, 1730; a son Mattheus, baptized March 16, 1733, and a daughter, January 8, 1738. Richard, known 76 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. as " Colonel," born May 15, 1747, died May 26, 1817; his mother was a Merrill. They had a son Richard, baptized October 26, 1788. Mat- theAV (son of Charles) and Merriam, his wife, had a son Israel, bap tized August 28, 1763, and Israel had a daughter baptized February, 1788. John ( son of John, above) and Elizabeth, his Avif e, had a son Reuben, born August 6, 1766, and Reuben and Mary SAvaim Avere married July 25, 1790. Abraham and Phebe, his Avife, had a son Noah, born March 26, 1773, and a son Charles, born April 10, 1775. Moses Decker and Elizabeth Wood Avere married in April, 1769. Matthias and Liddie (Lydia) were married in November, 1775. Isaac and Margaret Jones were married August 7, 1791. Jacob and Leah Depue Avere married June 5, 1796. Sylvanus and Sarah Parker were married October 24, 1800. Isaac and Elizabeth Christopher were married October 24, 1804. MattheAv made his Avill April 26, 1787, proved September 15, 1787, in which he mentions his Avife, Catherine, son ^Matthew, a minor, and daughters Mai-garet, Elsie, Elizabeth, Ann, and Catherine. The late Hon. John Decker, Avho Avas at one time chief of the A^olunteer Fire Department of New York City, and Avho represented Richmond County several terms in the State Assem bly, represented one branch of this family. He had brothers named Mathias, Benjamin, and David. Their father Avas David, and their mother Catherine Decker. David's brothers were John, Benjamin, and Abraham. They were the sons of Benjamin and Mary Egbert. The family is very numerous on Staten Island to-day. DE GROOT. Though originally French, and known as Le Grand, this family, for centuries past, has been regarded as Dutch, the name by Avhich it is UOAV known being simply a translation of the French name. The eminent scholar and advocate, Hugo de Groot, otherAvise knoAvn as Grotius, was a member of this family. There Avere Iavo emigrants of this name to America, viz. : Willem Pietersen de Groot, Avife and five children, came over in April, 1662, in the ship " Hope," and Staes de Groot, who came over in the " Spot ted Cow," the succeeding April. The name is not found in any of the old State documents, except on Staten Island and in Albany County. These emigrants settled in these places, the latter on Staten Island. The earliest notice in local records is as folloAvs: Johannes (a son of Staes) and Elizabeth Seck- kela had the folloAving children : Peter, baptized April 2, 1729; Rob ert, baptized October 10, 1731 ; Johannes, baptized February 1, 1735. Peter married Claartje (Clare) Post, and had the folloAving children : Garret, baptized August 25, 1751; John, baptized May 2, 1753; Ka- trina, baptized July 27, 1755; Gertrude, baptized July 17, 1758. John, son of Peter, married Mary Wood, and they were the parents HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 77 of Jacob de Groot, Avho Avas a prominent citizen of this county for nianj- years, and who died March 11, 1875, aged eighty-six years, and grandparents of Alfred de Groot, of NN'est New Brighton, the present representative of the family in this county. He is the senior member of the law firm of DeGroot, RaAvsun & Stafford, of Port Ri( hmond. He serA^ed one term as district-attorney of Richmond County. DE HART. But little is knoAvn of the ancestors of this family on Staten Island from the local records. It is knoAvn, hoAvever, that Daniel had a son Daniel, baptized October 22, 1707; a daughter, April 17, 1711; a son Alatthias, baptized in 1715; a son Samuel, baptized in 1717, died May 1 7, 1798. Baltus and Marj"- Philippse had a daughter Catalin, bap tized in 1746-7. Matthias, born August 21, 1749, died October 20, L840. EdAvard had a son Jacob, baptized October 24, 1790. Steplum married Margaret Ryers in September, 1792. The family is not so numerous as it was many years ago. In AN'est- field, Theodore DeHart is the present representative of the family, Avhile in Northfield Henry DeHart has that honor. DENYSE. refuge These French This name, originally Ih'euch, should be Avritten " de Nyse," the •• de " and " du " of France equaling the " van " of Holland. It be longs to that blue blood, who, fieeing from Prance during early persecuting re ligious Avars, sought in Holland. AA'alloons, or nuguenots, Avere early settlers in America, yet so im bued with Holland's faith and customs as to be almost Dutch. The name of DeNyse is variously recorded in America, viz. : Nyssen, Dionys, Denys, Denice, Denyse, and De Nyse, which Iavo latter are now used by descendants. Tennis Nyssen, the first DeNyse in America, emigTated from Bin- ninck, or Bunnik, Province of Utrecht, Holland, about 1638. He set tled at NeAV Amsterdam (New York City), marrying Pemmetje Jans, A\'idoAV of Hendrick the Boor and daughter of Jan Seales. LOCKWOOD HOMESTEAD, GIFFORDS 1700. ERECTED ABOUT 78 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. His children were as folloAvs : Jennetje Nyssen, baptized December 22, 1641, married Jan Hansen Bergen. Marritje Nyssen, baptized April 3, 1644, married Derick Jans Woertman. Annetje Nyssen, bap tized February 18, 1646, married Hieronemus Rapalye. Elsje Nyssen, baptized May 10, 1 648, married Gerret Snedeker. Pemmetje Nyssen, baptized April 3, 1650, married Michael Hannon Bergen. Jan Nys sen, baptized April 12, 1654, married Cataline Bogaert. Dionys Nyssen, or Denys, baptized April 12, 1654, is the Long Isl and ancestor. He married, October 22, 1682, Elizabeth, daughter of Rev. Theodorus Polhemus, of Flatbush. He was a master car penter. His second Avife was Helena, daughter of Jaques Cortelyou and widow of Nicholas Van Brunt. Removing to the Narrows (Fort Hamilton), he resided where his wife owned lands. He also owned some Staten Island land, where he signed a petition, in 1701, relating to it. His death occurred before Helena's, she marrying Hendrick Hendrickson soon after her second widowhood. The children of Denys and Helena (adopting the surname Denys), were Jaques Denys; Theunis Denys, baptized April 24, 1687, died young; Neeltje Denys, baptized September 22, 1689, married Jacob Vander Bilt, of Staten Island. Issue: Aris, Denys, Hilitje, Jacob, and seven others. Last named, Jacob, married Mary Sprague. Issue : Seven children, a son, Cornelius, marryintr Phebe Hand. Issue: A son, Cornelius, Jr., born 1794, died 1877, who was the famed " Commodore Vanderbilt." This originates the now wealthy family of this name. Tunis Denys, second, baptized April 2, 1692. Pemmetje Denys mar ried Pieter Garretson, of New Jersey. Cornelius Denys, baptized April 26, 1696. Helena Denys, born 1700, married, March 9, 1717, Frederick Van Leeuwen. The first-born, Jaques Denys, is the ancestor identified with New Utrecht history, his sons being patriots in 1776. Jaques married Reymeriga Simonson. They resided at the stone homestead by the Narrows, it being north of the present standing of the Cortelyou house. He died in 1739. His children were Denys Denys. born April 5, 1726; Isaac Denys, born October 2, 1728; Helena Denyse, born October 27, 1732; Antie Denys, baptized December 24, 1732; Jaques Denys. born November 28, 1735. The father signed his name to docu ments " Jaques Denys." We omit considerable of the genealogy of this family, because it is of no particular interest to Staten Islanders. We now come to Denyse Denyse, who was born at what is now Port Hamilton, on the Narrows, opposite Staten Island, September 12, 1766. He removed to Staten Island about the commencement of the present centur^^ His son, Denyse Denyse, Jr., carried on an extensive business at Tompkins- Anlle. He became a brigadier-general. Ex-Sheriff William C. Denyse, of Tompkinsville, is of this family. Mortimor Denyse, for many years connected with the county clerk's office, was a cousin to the ex-sheriff. CHAPTER Vn. OLD STATEN ISLAND FAMILIES — CONTINUED. DE PUY. N 1662, Nicholas Du Pui, Avith his wife and three children, came to this country in the ship " Pumerland Church." He probably settled on Staten Island, and was the pro genitor of the family here. John and Francis are men tioned in the Richmond County records as early as 1680. John Avas defendant in a suit in March of that year, and Francis as OAvning a tract of woodland near Preshkill, in December. The name of Francis does not appear again until after that date; but we find the name of John again in the church record, as having a daughter Elizabeth, baptized October 22, 1707, and a son jMoses, July 22, 1714. Nicholas (perhaps a grandson of the original) and Neeltje (Cornelia) Decker had the folloAving children: A da.ughter, baptized April 6, 1724; and sons, John, baptized June 27, 1725; MatthoAv, bap tized October 8, 1726; Nicholas, baptized June 4, 1730; Moses, bap tized October 27, 1732; Aaron, baptized August 26, 1739: Nicholas, last mentioned, was supervisor of Westfield in 1766. John, last men tioned, and his Avife, Sarah, had a son Nicholas, baptized in 1757. Moses, last mentioned, and his wife, Leah, had the following chil dren: John, born January 10, 1759; Nicholas, born June 3, 1766; Moses, born January 17, 1769; Barent, who probably was another son of Nicholas and Neeltje, and his wife, Ellen Poillon, had the fol lowing children: Martha, baptized May 20, 1750, and Elsie, baptized December 9, 1739. There was a Barent who made his will June 4, 1792, in which he speaks of his wife, Mary, and the following children : Nicholas, Bar ent, Daniel, Abraham, Mary, Elsie, Sallie, and Elizabeth. These two named Barent may be identical, but if so, he was twice married, and his daughter Martha was dead when he made his will. The family is quite extensive on Staten Island to-day; but the name is generally spelled Depew. It is said that Hon. Chauncey M. DepoAv is related to the families of that name residing here. DISOSWAY. Marc du Sauchay, the progenitor of the Disosw^ay family, Avas a native of Picardy, from the valley of the Somme. The lords du Sau- 80 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. (hay came from the House of Clermont in the Beauvaisis. One of them is knoAvn to have been with the Duke of Normandy at the con quest of Britain. Many Huguenots of Picardy were sentenced to banishment or impressment. Among this number was Marc du Sau chay. The nearness of the low countries offered facilities of escape, and thirty families made their home in Haiiem, and from Holland, subsequently crossing the ocean, founded the new Harlem, on Man hattan Island, then a Avilderness. In 1665, Marc made his first voyage to New Netherland. He re turned to Leyden, and married, March 11, 1657, Elizabeth, daughter of Guilliame Rossignil, and on April 2, again sailed from Amsterdam for Manhattan in the ship " Draetaat," taking with him his bride, tAVO laboring men, and two boys over tAvelve years of age. The names of the men Avere Johannes Swedes, of Gelderland, and Jean Guenon, of Leyden. In 1657, he bought a farm in Brooklyn, and on April 10, 1661, transferred his church connection from New Amsterdam to Staten Island. July 2, 1675, we find his name as purchaser of a " book of martyrs and others," from the estate of Jean le Comte for eighty gilders. In November, 1679, he bought lots on Haarn's Hook, but sold them " presently." June 7, 1683, he and his wife took letters from the Dutch to the French church, newly formed, under Rev. Pierre Daille. He moved to Staten Island April 5, 1684, and was still living October 1, 1706. His children were: Madeline, who mar ried Martin Hardewyn; Marcus, Jeanne, Avho married Conrad Hen dricks, of Haiiem; Jean and Marie. His son Marcus inherited his father's lands, and died in 1714, leaving each child a farm. Three sons were then living — Job, Israel, and Gabriel. His daughters were Elizabeth, Avife of Peter Barbarie; Susanne, wife of Daniel Hen dricks; Mary, Avife of Thomas E;yTes; Diana, wife of Hendrick Brees; and Sarah, unmarried. Part of the old stone house built by their ancestor is still owned by a descendant. In the county records, often copied by careless or illiterate clerks, the name has received many curious changes from the original. In the Dutch baptismal records it was always written Du Secoy or Du Secay. The late Gabriel P. Disosway was a descendant of Israel du Sauchay, the son of Marcus, Avho died in 1714. He died July 9, 1868, leaving five sons and seven daughters. He married Diana P. Rid- dick, of Suffolk, Virginia. His eldest son, AVilbur Fisk, is living, from whom this genealogy is traced. (He recently served as trustee of the Fourth Ward of the village of New Brighton.) Wilbur Fisk, son of Gabriel Poillon and Diana Riddick, son of Israel and Ann Doty, son of Israel and Judith Poillon, son of Israel and Gertrude Van Deventer, son of Marcus du Sauchay, son of Marcus du Sauchay, of Amiers, Picardy, France. Sons of Gabriel Poillon and Diana T. Riddick, born 1798: Wilbur HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 81 Fisk, Clement, Israel, Cornelius Doty, Mills Riddick. Richard Henly. Sons of Richard and Anne Doty, born in 1773 : Israel Doty, Alark, Ga briel Poillon, Cornelius Ryers, AVilliam Phoebus. Sons of Israel and Judith Poillon Avere Israel and Mark. Sons of Israel and Gertrude A^au de A^enter Avere : Israel (died 1738). Mark, Cornelius, Gabriel (died 1753); a daughter, Anniotie. Sons of Alarcus du Sauchay Avere : Job, Israel, Gabriel; the daughters Avere: Eliza beth, Susanne, Alarie, and Diana. Cornelius, the son of Israii and Gertrude Van de A'enter, left six daughters and two sons, a mansion on Staten Island, slaA^es, plate, gold Avattii, sleeve-buttons, a. riding- chair, with particular instructions regarding the education of his children. He died in 1786. Israel, his brother left four sons : Israel, Alark, Cornelius, and Gabriel, and one daughter. The late Gabriel Poillon Dis:rSAvay Avas his direct descendant. The graA'e of Judith Poillon is one of the oldest in the Aloravian Cemetery, the date being 1776. She Avas tAAice married, her first husband being Israel Dusocay, and her second Judge Ryerss, of Northfield. Tradition says that " she was frightened to death by the ar rival of the British troops on Staten Is land. The descendants of Cornelius Dusocay re mained in the stone mansion built by the ancestor, Marcus du Sauchay, for many years. It still stands, a substantial, com fortable home, the oak timbers bidding fair to outlast many modern structures. DANIEL CORSEN HOMESTE.AD, PROHIBITION PARK WETCHOUGE ROAD, ERECTED 1735. DOOLAND. Lambert Dooland must have been among the earliest settlers on Staten Island, as his name appears in the county records in the seven teenth century. He was a member of the Colonial Assembly in 1691. He frequently had accounts Avith the county. The name, so far as that family was concerned, became entirely extinct many years ago. It is now on the Island, but belongs to people who have come here, probably from Ireland, of recent date. 82 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. DUBOIS. Antoine DuBf)is and some of his relatives fled from Prance to Eng land as early as 1583. The earliest representative of the family men tioned in the church records, is that of Louis DuBois, Jr., Avhose wife's name was Catherine N'an Brunt. They had a son Samuel, Avho was baptized December 11, 1737. They also had sons, Benjamin and John. Benjamin became a minister of the Reformed Dutch Church in 17(34, and was immediately settled over the churches of Freehold and Mid- dletown, in New Jersey, Avliere he remained sixtj^-three years. John and Hester, his Avife, had a datig-hter Alary, born June 27, 1766; he made his will January 17, 1793, Avliich Avas proved February 1, 1794, in Avhich he speaks of his Avife, Hester; his daughters, Hester, wife of Lewis Prall; Alartha, Avife of Daniel AAinants; Elizabeth, wife of Charles Laforge, and Alary, Avife of James Laforge, a,nd his son Rich ard. There Avas another John, Avho had a. son Nathaniel R., and who died at the age of eighty-seven; his son Nathaniel died in Alay, 1874, aged eighty-five years; his wife was Frances Butler. LcAvis DuBois and Jane Alersereau Avere m_arried, January 12, 1894. '^The family is almost extinct on Staten Island. A family by the name, to Avhich the late Eugene DuBois belonged, purchased the old Walter Dongan farm at Castleton Corners in 1859, but sold it some time since. There is no connection betAveen this family and the first one mentioned. The ancestors of the latter came from Artois, Prance, in 1675, and settled in Ulster and Dutchess Counties. DUSTAN. AAalliam and Peter Dustan Avere natives of Scotland. The former, locally known as Major Dmstan, Avas born September 11, 1759, and died on Staten Island, Alay 23, 1841, nearly eighty-tAvo years of age. He left one son, Isaac Kip, Avhose melancholy death is recorded on his monument in the Aloravian Cemeterj'. He was lost at sea. DUNN. In the local records this name occurs only in connection with a single individual, who is designated as John Dunn, Esq. He was twice elected member of Assembly from this county, in 1804 and 1805. He died December 21, 1826, aged fifty-seven years. Airs. Abraham Housman, of Port Richmond, was his only surviAing child on Staten Island. The name is still here, but it belongs to another family. EDDA^ This family has been identified Avith Statc^n Island for many years. Among its present representatives are Cornelius C, of Stapleton, and HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 83 his cousin, James, of Huguenot. The former is a son of William, Avho was killed by his horse falling on him, on the Richmond road, near Avhere the Bechtel brewery uoav stands, in January, 1828. The latter is the son of John, also deceased. William, John, and AndrcAv, Avho are still living near the Woodrow Alethodist Episcopal Church, Avere brothers and the sons of William, the first of the name, Avho came here from New Jersey, during the Revolution. James and William R. Eddy, sons of Cornelius C, above mentioned, are prominent business men of Stapleton. EGBERT. Govert Egbert Avas probably the first emigrant of this name on Staten Island — perhaps the first avIio came to America. He came in the ship called the " Spotted Cow," in 1660. The first mention of the name in connection with the Island is that of Tunis, who bought land in 1698, and sold land to John Androvat in January, 1699. His AAill, dated July 6, 1721, mentions seven sons — Egbert, John, Abra ham, Jaque, Isaac, Lawrence, and Tunis. He also had four daughters. Tunis married Petronella Dupuy, and his son John was baptized De cember, 1745. John had sons in the order of their birth — Joseph, John, Tunis, Samuel, Edward, Thomas, Holmes, Cornelius, Henry, and AA^illiam. Of these there Avere still living, a few years ago : Ed Avard, near Castleton Corners; Cornelius, near Giffords, and William, at Graniteville. This Cornelius Egbert married the daughter of Bornt Lake, and resides in the same house AA'hich Lake occupied. His brother, Will iam, married another daughter of Lake. Tunis had another son, named Abraham, born September 21, 1747, and died October 2, 1816, who was the father of the following sons : Abraham, Joseph, Tunis, Cornelius, John, Stephen, James, and EdAvard; there were also two sons and seventeen grandsons, besides daughters and granddaughters. James is mentioned in the county records in 1724 and in 1766, Peter is also mentioned in 1767, Tunis, probably a son of the original Tunis, born in 1720, died May 19, 1805, Tunis, born January 11, 1759, died November 5, 1825, Moses and his wife, Caty, had a son Abraham, born November 8, 1768, Aloses, the above, was born Oc tober 21, 1742, and died November 13, 1831, Jacus (James?) and Trientje Backer (Baker) had a daughter baptized October 11, 1743, Abraham and Elizabeth Gerresen had a daughter baptized April 17, 1744, and a son Benjamin, born August 25, 1768, Abraham and Francyntje (Francina) Perine had a son Abraham, born May 22, 1715, a son John, baptized April 10, 1720; a daughter Elizabeth, baptized June 17, 1722, Jacobus and Catherine Deny had a son Johannes, bap tized eluly 14, 1723; a son Laurens, baptized Alarch 24, 1724, Jaques 84 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND, and Catherine Bakker had a daughter Susanna, baptized November 4, 1733, identical with the above Jacus, Anthony and his Avife Alary, had a son Reuben, born September 13, 1770; a daughter Martha, born April 25, 1772; a daughter Eleanor, born August 7, 1774, John and Catherine, his wife, had twins, Tunis and Eleanor, born November 11, 1771, Barney and Ann Taylor were married October 4, 1801, The family is largely represented on all parts of the Island at this time. The late Joseph H, Egbert, of Garretsons, was a representa tive in Congress from this district, and was also county clerk. George T. Egbert, of Mariners' Harbor, belongs to another branch of the family. ELIJS. There seem to have been three branches of the Ellis family, who emigrated to this country at an early date. Garret Ellis, of English ancestrj'-, one of Staten Island's pioneers, was born in 1720, and died in 1797. His son. Captain Garret Ellis, a wealthy farmer, was bom in Westfield, Staten Island, in 1756, and died at the age of seventy- one years. He was one of the heroes of the Revolution, During that struggle he was arrested at midnight, on Staten Island, and com- ]>e]led to Avalk, shoeless, over frozen ground for many miles, and was imprisoned in old Port Richmond. (captain Garrett Ellis married Alary Tappen, of New Jc isey, who was born in 1767, and died at the age of seventy-seven years. She Avas of Dutch descent, and both Avere members of the Dutch Reformed Church, They had ten children, five sons and five daughters. The three eldest died while young. Their eldest son, Captain Cornelius, married Bealy Butler; they had five children, tAvo of Avhom, Jacob Ellis and Cornelius, reside in Tottenville, Their second son, (Captain 'larret, married Susan Butler; they had thirteen children. Their third son, Abraham, once sheriff of Richmond County, married Alice Alurray; they had ten children. George W,, the eldest, represented AA''estfield in the board of supervisors, and also served as police com missioner, and later as clerk to that board. He married a daughter of the late Balthaser Kreischer, and died recently at his home near Iluguenot, tla])tain Garrett Ellis's eldest daughter, Fannie, born in 1785, died in her eighty-second year; she married (^^'aptain Peter AA'inant, Avho died at sea in 1823, Leah married .lacob Simonson; Lany married Henry Butler, and Polly married James Johnson, all deceased, ENA^ARD, The name of Jollis Inyard appears in connection Avith the purchase of land on Staten Island as early as 1687, and he also sold land here in 1692, The names of .lollis, A'ellis, and (iillis are the same, beinti; HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND, 85 Dutch corruptions of Giles, He had a son Alatthys (Alatthias), whose wife Avas Elizabeth Garretson, and they had the following children: Matthy, baptized January 7, 1730; Gillis, baptized December 17, 1732; Susanna, baptized Alay 4, 1735; Catherine, baptized April 23, 1739; Elisabet, baptized April 18, 1743; Nichlaes, baptized April 22, 1746, Nicholas married Jemima Wood, in July, 1768, They had a son, Elias, who Avas the father of John Enyard, of Richmond, and grand father of Rev, A\'illiam T. Enyard, formerly pastor of the Reformed Church, Brighton Heights, FOUNTAIN. James Pontain, or de la Fontaine, escaped from France after the Revocation. Fontaine, the French fabulist, Sir Anthony Fontaine, the antiquarian, and others, eminent in science and the arts, are of this family. The progenitor of those of the name in America was not driven from his native land by the Revocation of the Edict of Nantes, in 1685, for there is the notice of a " Charel Ponteyn, a Frenchman, and wife," Avho came to America in the ship " Golden Beaver," in 1658. There is also a record of Antone Fountain, aged thirty, who was a Avitness in a suit on Staten Island, in 1680. The late A'^incent Foun tain, of West New Brighton, was the son of Captain Henry Fountain, who was born in 1787, and died Alay 28, 1867. He lived for many years in the old hotel known as the Fountain House, at West Noav Brighton, Captain Henry Fountain and his brother John, of Tompkinsville, were sons of Vincent Fountain, who was born in 1748, and died December 11, 1819. Vincent Avas probably the son of Anthony Fountain, who was supervisor in 1767. Besides the above there is mention in the county, or church, records, of the following: Antone Fontayne, who purchased land in 1686; Vincent both bought and sold land in 1697; Richard also bought in 1702; Anthony and Belitze (Isabella) Byvank, his wife, had a daugh ter, baptized Alay 11, 1729; Anthony and Annatje Geretson, his Avife, had a son Antone, baptized November 3, 1754; a son John, November 20, 1757, and a son Cornelius, December 23, 1759; Anthony and Su sanna, his wife, had a son Charles, baptized September 25, 1756. John I'ountain and Catherine Fountain Avere married December 24, 1804. (3ornelius Fountain died Januarj^ 27, 1813, and his wife, Elizabeth, lived but four days later, having died January 31, 1813, They are buried, side by side, in a field a few rods south of the Old Town road, and east of the Staten Island Railroad. This man was the inventor of the centerboard in sailing vessels, A feAV years ago the field in Avhich the graves are located passed into the possession of a stranger. The little cluster of trees that had long stood guard over the graves Avas removed, and the weather-beaten stones were carrid aAvay. The ground was then leveled and cultiA^ated, 86 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND, There have been Iavo branches of the Fountain family on Staten Island for many years — one on the north side and one on the south. Although there is a strong resemblance, they disclaim all relation ship. The late William A, Fountain, who was for some time con nected with the West Noav Brighton postofflce, represented the south side family. George Fountain, son of the late Vincent Fountain, of AA^est Noav Brighton, represents the other. Counselor Harry W. Fountain, of the same place, and a nepheAV of the latter, represents the latest generation. FROST. The Staten Island Frosts ca.me from England, During the Revolu tionary period. Dr. Thomas Frost resided at Richmond, and from the fact that courts, supervisors' meetings, and other public bodies met at his house sometimes, we infer that he also kept an inn or tavern. He was a decided Loyalist, as is evident from the indictment found against him by the first grand jury which was impaneled after the evacuation of the Island by the British. The first court house built in the county after the formation of the new government was upon land purchased from him. The baptismal record of St. Andrew's Church says that Thomas and Tamar Frost had a son named William Errell, born February 17, 1774. They had at least three more sons, viz, : Samuel, Henry, and John, Samuel continued to reside on the Island. He was twice mar ried, the first time to a lady from New Jersey, and the second time to Catharine Bedell, by Avhom he had one son, the late Samuel H,, who married Louisa., daughter of Stephen Ketteltas, Their children were Henry and Stephen K. The late Samuel Frost, Avho resided at Green Ridge, belonged to another family. He represented this district in the State Senate, and the Town of Westfield in the board of supervisors. St. Alichael's Home is located on his estate. GARRISON. Garrit Garritson and Annetje Heermanse, his wife, and one child, Gerret, then Iavo years old, came from Wageningen in Gelderland. They arrived in the ship " Faith," December 23, 1660, He Avas the founder of the family noAV spread over Hudson, Bergen, Passaic, and Essex Counties in Noav Jersey and Staten Island, He brought a certificate of good character and Christian deportment from the burgomasters of his native city. He settled at Communipaw, and died October 4, 1696, his Avife having died September 7, of the same year. They had seven children: Gerrit, Jannetje, Pitze, Harmanus, Aeltze, Hendrick, and Johannes. Six of these were married. Some of them took the name of the place their father came from for their HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 87 family name, others did not, Gerrit, the eldest, married Neesje Pieters, Alay 11, 1681, and had children: Elizabeth, Peter, Gerrit, Annetze, Johannes, Abraham, and Jacob, The Staten Island Garret sons are descendants of Johannis, of this family, who married Mar garet Sip, May 22, 1713. Johannis had children : Gerrit, Johannis, Cornelius, Jacobus, Hen drick, Abraham, Hermanns, and Flannah. The last Avas born on Staten Island, as is supposed, the family moving hither in 1732. His home place Avas on the Old Town road, lately occupied by H, Meyer, This he gave to his second son, Johannis, Avho, following the custom already alluded to, adopted the name of A'an Wagenen, Cornelius, the third son, married Claasje Pieters, and settled in Aletuchen, New Jersey, Jacobus married a Simonson, and settled at Clifton, on his wife's farm. Hendrick married Catherine Paulerson, December 3, 1747, and lived on the John Britton place on the Richmond road. Garrison's Station is on property of his descendants, Abraham married and lived in Bergen. Harmanus married Autty Simonson, April 26, 1759, and lived on the Old Town road till 1790, after Avhich he moved to the farm recently oAvned by Erastus Wiman, on the south side. They had three chil dren, Th(?se were Alargaret, John, and Dinah. The first married Harry Guyon, and inherited the Guyon Place (beloAV Gifford's); the second married Alartha Cadmus, and had the Old Town farm, and the third married Joshua Mersereau and moved to Steuben County. John Garretson and his Avife, Alartha, had children: Jane, Har manus, Alida, Dinah, John, George, Richard, James, Garret, and Alartha, Jane married Henry Seguine and had children : Joseph and John, Harmanus married a Aliss Cadmus, had a son, Jasper, avIio lived in Bergen, the early home of his mother. Harmanus had three other Avives, but left no other children, Alida married George \'an Pelt; Dinah married John Tysen; John married Ann Crocheron and left two children, Jacob C, and John H,, uoav of Green Ridge; George mai'ried Susan de Groot and had a son, George, and a large family of girls; Richard and James died unmarried; Garret married Alarv Ann Clauesson and left children — John J,, William, and three daugh ters, and Alartha married tAvice — John SaAvyer and James Laforge, Jacob C. Garretson married Harriet N. Ketcham and had children ; John, Philip, Henry, Jacob C, Erskine White, Sarah (married John Eadie), Ella (married Craig Ketcham), and Harriet (married Albert Serrell). The last named, Jacob C, had sons, Henry and Jacob, Avho are married. GIFFORD, William Bernard Gifford, son of Arthur Gifford, Esq,, and Mary, his wife, was born December 27, 1750, at their country place in Ire- 88 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. land. He came to America shortly before the Revolution, and arrayed himself on the side of the Colonists. He joined the Third Regiment of the New Jersey line, was made captain, and, later, major, and served for a time on General AVashington's staff. He married Annatie Van A^oorhise, only child of Coert Van Voorhise, of Gravesend, Long Is land, in April, 1780. They had five children — Mary, Coert Van Voor hise, Sarah, Catherine, and John, Annatie, his wife, died at their home at Gravesend, May 23, 1791. Ala j or Gifford moved to Staten Island, with his children, and mar ried Prances NicoU, daughter of John and Hannah Nicoll, June 20, 1792, They had three children — Arthur Nicoll, Leonard, and Frances Hannah. He bought the farm at Noav Dorp, known as the " Rose and Crown," from the Rev. Richard Channing Aloore, in 1804, where he died February 7, 1814, He Avas buried in the Reformed Dutch Church yard at Port Richmond. His grave is uoav under the sidewalk, owing to the widening of the street. He manumitted his slaves. He left a considerable fortune. His vendue, the list of which is uoav in the pos session of one of his descendants, shows personal property amounting to £3,583 2s. 6d. Mary Gifford, his first child by Annettie Van Voorhise, was born at Gravesend, April 4, 1781. She married Daniel W. Lake, of New Dorp. They had a large family, the last of whom. Airs. David J. Tysen, died on JannarA^ 25, 1898. Coert A^oorhise was born April 12, 1783, and died July 17, 1820, Sarah Gifford was born December 26, 1785; married John Clark and moved to Rochester, They had a large family. Catherine Gifford was born January 26, 1788; married and moved in the neighborhood of Rochester. John Gifford was born Alay 8, 1790; married Alalia Blauvelt, December 8, 1814. He partici pated in the AVar of 1812, was a lieutenant in Colonel Jessup's regi ment, and Avas Avounded in the battle of Lundy-s Lane. He died August 4, 1851 . Arthur Nicoll Gifford, a child by the second marriage, Avas born at the " Rose and CToavu," May 11, 1793. He died a few years since in Noav York City, leaving a large fortune, Leonard Gifford was born August 23, 1794, and died June 26, 1796, Frances Hannah Gif ford Avas bom May 10, 1797, and died in June, 1819, The 'New Jersey Cazette (published at i'renton), of May 17, 1780, pub lishes the following : " Lately manied at Noav Utrech, on Long Island, William Bernard Gifford, Esq., Captain in the Third New Jersey Regiment, in the army of the United States of America, To Miss Nancy A'oorhies, A very amiable young lady, with a handsome fortune." Commenting upon this marriage, the Rochester Daily Democrat, of April 7, 1841, says : " This C'aptain AVilliam Bernard Giff'ord Avas the father of Lieu tenant John Gilford, of this city. The son, ' a chip off the old block,' joined the army as an ensign in 1812, Avas in General Scott's Brigade, HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND, 89 in the regiment commanded by Colonel (uoav General) Jessup, in the hard-fought battle of Lundy's Lane, in Avhich he aaus severely Avounded — was promoted to a lieutenant — had for a Avhile command at Buffalo while the army was in Canada, " During General Scott's first visit to this city, after taking the command of the Northern division. Air, Gifford called on him, and the recognition was full of the liveliest interest. After the intervieAv, as he took his seat in the coach to leave, extending his arm through the door and taking our fellow-citizen cordially by the hand, the Gen eral remarked with characteristic nobleness of spirit, ' Lieutenant, if you ever come near my quarters or hear of my coming near you, be sure to give me a call, for there are but few of us left,' It is undoubtedly remembered Avith what sacrifice of life to Scott's Brigade the open ing of that battle was attended." While the family name has become entirely extinct upon Staten Island (although the blood is not), it is perpetuated here to-day by the village of Giffords, on the south side. This settlement took its name from Gifford's lane, being located at the junction of that thoroughfare with the Amboy road. Gifford's lane Avas named in honor of Major Gifford. GUYON. The Gu3"ons were truly an ancient and honorable French Protestant family. AAilliam de Guyon de Geis fled to Holland, and took service under William of Orange. There Avere two of the family who came to. New York at an early date — Gregory and Jaques. The former lived at New Rochelle. The latter settled on Staten Island, and received a patent from Sir Ed mond Andros, dated March 27, 1675, for about one hundred and sev enty-five acres of land on the Island, at a quit rent of eight bushels of wheat. This patent is still in existence, and the old residence and a portion of the land are still owned and occupied by direct descend ants of the original purchaser — the family of the late Joseph H. Clark. In the county records there are notices of two laAVSuits — one, " Jacob Jeyoting against Isaac See, in 1678 " ; the other, " Jaques Jeyoung against ffrancis Martinoe, March 6, 1781." He had a son James, born January 5, 1746, whose Avife's name Avas Susannah, and they were the parents of Ala j or James Guyon, father of Airs. Dr. Ephraim Clark. Major James is known in our ciAil list as James, Jr.; he was born December 24, 1778, and died Alarch 9, 1846. He was Alember of Assembly in. 1812-13, and Representative in Congress in 1819-20. He married three times — first, to Ann Bedell, the mother of Airs. Clark; second, to Ann Perine, and third, to Alartha Seguine, Another Major James Guyon Avas the son of Harmanus and his wife, Elizabeth Holmes, manied Alay 2, 1802. Harmanus — usually 90 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND, > called Harry — was member of Assembly in 1819-20. He Avas the son of James by his second wife, Alargaret Garrison, and half-brother of James, Jr. In the old church records of St. AndrcAv's is the following : John Guyon and Elizabeth Butler, married January 12, 1800. Cor nelius Guyon and Getty Mersereau, married Alay 16, 1807. The name is still quite common on the Island, and those living here to-day belong to the old family avIio trace their ancestry back to Prance. HATFIELD. The tradition of this family is that James Hatfield and a brother came from England long before the Revolution; the brother settled in Noav Jersey, but James came to Staten Island. The career of the family during the struggle for independence is told on other pages of this Avork. During the Revolution, however, it is said that one of the family, James Hatfield, attempted to infiuence his relatives to give their aid and sympathy to the Colonists, but to no avail. It is said that he was really a AVhig, and was incarcerated by the British, his brothers being instrumental in his capture. He was released by the Ameri cans. His sons were James and John D,, the latter of Avhom Avas born April 5, 1777, and died December 3, 1856. He married Alary, daughter of Jacob A-^an Pelt, and they were the parents of the folloAv ing children : John, Moses (both of Avhom Avere lost at sea in De cember, 1839), Alaria, Avife of'Captain J. W. Barnes, of Port Rich mond; Jacob, died in infancy; Jacob, born Alarch 17, 1817, There is a record of a Benjamin Hatfield, Avho married Nanne Aler- rill, January 10, 1765, and of Susanna. Hatfield, who Avas the wife of Pieter Decker, and had a child baptized as early as 1718, (See the Decker family,) Whether these Avere members of the same family, it is impossibhi now to determine. The late Jacob Hatfield, of Northfield, was a descendant of the Hatfields Avho did such active service for the British. " Captain Jake," as he was familiarly called, was the largest real estate holder at one time on Staten Island. HAUGHWOUT. The earliest mention of this name in the church and county records is where Egbert Haughwout Avas sponsor at a baptism April 20, 1709, and where Peter HaughAvout sold land in 1714, and Peter and Neltje (Cornelia) Bakker, his wife, had eight children baptized, between 1710 and 1736. Jan and Elizabeth Hooglant had a daughter bap tized October 16, 1720. Peter and Aaltje (Alida) Bennett, of Long Island, had the folloAving children: Neltje (Cornelia), baptized July 28, 1751; Peter, June 24, 1752; Nicholas, March 12, 1758, and Wynant, April 20, 1760. He owned a large property at the locality now known as WilloAV Brook, in Northfield. He made his will December 15, HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND, 91 1787, probated September 6, 1792, in Avhich he speaks of his Avite, A lie (or Altje), his sons Peter, Nicholas, and Wynant, and his daugh ters Alle Webb and Nellie Cozine, and his grandchildren, the cliil- dren of his daughter Nelly, and Alettee, Garrett, Peter, and Jacobus, His son Peter was the father of the late Peter N,, of Port Rich mond, His son AVynant was the father of Simon, of Graniteville, and his son Nicholas was father of Nicholas, uoav deceased, Egbert HaughAvout and Elenor Garebrantz had a son Daniel, bap tized Alarch 8, 1782, Nicholas had a daughter baptized August 6, 1786. Wynant had a son Isaac, baptized October 28, 1787. Peter had a son Daniel, baptized June 7, 1788. The family is still quite numerous on Staten Island, especially in Northfield and Castleton, HILLYER, John Hillyer, sometimes Avritten Hilliard, lived on Staten Island in 1693, and married Elizabeth Dey in 1714; their children Avere: John, Elizabeth, Alary, James, AVilliam, Nathaniel, Simon, and LaAv rence. The present families of the name are descended from the youngest son, Lawrence. His son John was born in July, 1763, and died in July, 1848. His wife, Elsie Alerrill, Avas born in November, 1768, and died in August, 1858, Their children were LaAvrence and John B., the latter the father of James A,, Abraham C, and John B,, Jr,, of West NeAV Brighton; there Avere also several other children. Other Hillyers are mentioned in the records of St. AndroAv's Church as follows: John and Esther had a daughter, born September 19, 1756; a son, Nathaniel, bom October 2, 1765; a daughter, born No vember 14, 1768, John J. had a son Abraham, born January 20, 1759. \A' illiam and Dinah, his Avife, had a daughter, born December 24, 1748, and a daughter, born September 11, 1756. John and Alary, his wife, had a daughter, born Alarch 29, 1774; a son, John, born April 18, 1776. Lawrence and Ann Larzalere married, December 4, 1808; he repre sented Richmond County in the Legislature in 1837. John B. Hillier, Sr. (brother to Lawrence just mentioned), is still living, and resides on Rockland avenue. New Springville. He is ninety-three years old, and is a very remarkable man for one of his advanced age. He has held a number of important positions in the county, such as sheriff, clerk to the board of supervisors, etc. Will iam R. Hillier, a prominent civil engineer and surveyor, is the son of Abraham C, who is the son of John B., just mentioned. HOLAIES. This family was among the earliest settlers of Staten Island, The progenitor was Obadiah, or, as he sometimes AA^rote it, " o Badiah." He came from England in the latter half of the Seventeenth century, 92 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. and obtained a patent for a valuable tract of land in Southfield, which remained in the family for seA^eral generations. His name is found in the county records as early as 1678, There is no record of the names of his children. His grandson, Samuel, lived and died on the paternal estate, and had six daughters, and two sons. Baker and Samuel. The latter married Alargaret, daughter of Stephen Cole, and had the fol- loAAing children : Samuel, James, John, Cornelius, A^an Rensselaer, George W., Eliza, and Ann, wife of David Mersereau, The first appearance of the name on Staten Island is in the follow ing document : " Thes are to giue notes to whome It mayconcarn that Richard Path- full and Elisabeth Larans hath bin Publeshed A Cording to Law, " by DANiEii Stillwell, Oversear, " on this 15th day of Jenewery 1682. " The A Bone Alentioned Parsons Ar Mared By Me on the 25th day Jenewerj^ 1682 " Richard Stillwell Justes " By order obediah Hulmes Clarck." Obadiah Holmes must have been the clerk of the court, and not of the county, as his name does not appear in the records in connection Avith the latter. As a proof of this fact, the records show that in 1682 the office of county clerk was held by Francis Williamson, There was an Obadiah Holmes in the county in 1730, Avho may have been the son of the one mentioned aboA^e, He married Mary Cltinn, about 1752, According to tradition this Obadiah Holmes removed to Salem County, NeAV Jersey, and had a son or grandson named Isaac, born at Trenton, April 29, 1764, Pour older sons Avere bom prior to the re moval from Staten Island. They were named John, William, Obadiah, and Abraham. The same family was represented in Rockingham County, Virginia, in 1667, and folloAving generations scattered throughout the West. Colonel J. T. Holmes, who commanded an Ohio regiment during the Civil War, Avas a descendant of this family. He was an active Meth odist and built a church of that denomination in Harrison County, Ohio. Abraham Lincoln Avas a descendant on one side of the family of ihis Obadiah Holmes, of Staten Island. The family appears to be en tirely extinct on Staten Island to-day. HOUSMAN. The first of this name came to America from Holland in 1675 and 1676, The earliest mention of the name in a church record on Staten Island is as folloAvs: John and Wynje Symons (Simonson), had a daughter, baptized September 4, 1726; a son Aart (Aaron or Arthur), HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND, 93 Alay 24, 1730; a daughter, June 1, 1732; a son Dirk, February 29, 1736, died July 29, 1807; a son Abraham, December 9, 1739; a daughter Elizabeth, October 11, 1733, and a daughter Jemima, July 19, 1748, Isaac, born November 4, 1775, died December 2, 1857; he was mar ried to Hannah Perine April 9, 1807. Peter had a daughter baptized, August 6, 1785, and another, December 7, 1788, John was for manj years one of the inferior judges of the common pleas, Alember of As sembly in 1804, Surrogate in 1809, and Supervisor, repeatedly : Isaac R,, also one of the judges, Alember of Assembly in 1823, and Super visor, repeatedly. The Sailors' Snug Harbor property was purchased from him. Notices of the family are extremely meager in county records, James made his will November 1, 1801, which Avas proved September 22, 1803, in which he speaks only of his brothers Anthony and Jacob, There are several branches of the family living here. JACOBSON. Christian Jacobson was the first of this name on Staten Island, He Avas a seafaring man, and captain of a vessel belonging to and sailing for the Aloravian sect. His nationality has been A''ariously credited to Sweden, Denmark, and Holland, He bought a farm in New Dorp, where he lived. The house is still standing on the west side of NeAv Dorp lane, a short distance below the railroad station. During the Revolution a party of British soldiers entered his house and shot him, his wound proving fatal. Christian Jacobson had a son John Van De Venter, who was born at New Dorp in 1768, and died in 1826, He had sons, Peter, Cornelius, Bedell, Israel, and Abraham, and a daughter who became the Avife of Israel Bedell, Cornelius married a daughter of Isaac R, Housman, aud settlefl on Long Island, The will of Christian Jacobson bears date January 10, 1782, and is signed by his mark, attested to by sworn Avitnesses, from which circumstance it is thought probable that it was made after he had received the fatal shock. The will mentions his Avife, Ann, his son John V,, daughters Catherina and Elizabeth, and his brother-in-laAv, Cornelius A^andeA^enter, To the first of his daugh ters he gave £1,050, and to the second, £1,000, The will also contains the folloAving item : " I give to the Brethren's Church on Staten Is land (AIoraAian, at New Dorp), the sum of TAventy Pound, and to the Reverend Air, Gambold the sum of TAventy Pound for the use of Mis sionaries among the Indians," JACQUES, Count Jacques, a French Huguenot, came to this country during the latter part of the Seventeenth century, and settled in Noav Jersey, 94 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND, His grandson, David Jacques, was a resident of Staten Island prior to the Revolution, He built a cottage at the present Castleton Cor ners, which Avas afterward enlarged, and later became Bodine's Inn, and later still the residence of Thomas W. Keene, the actor. David Jacques's grandson, Isaac Jacques, a wealthy Noav York mer chant, built the large Gothic residence on Richmond avenue. Port Richmond, known as the Harrison house. The large willoAv trees in front of this house Avere brought from the isle of St, Helena, the box- Avood came from Mount A^ernon, Virginia, and the fence in front from the former residence of the oAvner on Whitehall street. New York City. David Jacques's sister, Elizabeth, married John Tysen, the grand father of David J. Tysen, of New Dorp. JOHNSON. The name is English; but some of the early settlers here who bore it Avere of Dut( h extraction, having Anglicized the Dutch name of Jansen, The earliest is Peter, Avho A\-as plaintiff in a suit in 1680, Thomas Johnson and Ann Bouwman had a son Casper, baptized June 30, 1728, Johannes and Jannetje (Jane) Glascow had a son Thomas, baptized February 29, 1736, Nathaniel and Sophia A"an Gelder's son Hendrick Avas baptized November 19, 1738. Niers and Sara Alorgen had daughters baptized in 1731, 1739, and 1740, Peter and Mary Taylor Avere married October 24, 1754, Isaac and Elender Bowman Avere married in 1764, Peter and Malli (Alolly) Lister had a son Joune- ton (Jonathan), baptized October 2, 175."). John and Cornelia Cello, S(m of Peter, Avas baptized November 7, 1753. DoAve and Margaret had a daughter born Alay 7, 1771, Do we made his Avill November 10, 1783, proved June 7, 1788, in Avhich he mentions his sons DoAve and James, AVinant and Alary had a daughter Sophia, born December 17, 1772, and a son David, born April 13, 1774, Winant, not the above, made his will June 18, 1803, proved June 30, 1803, in which he mentions his Avife, Alary, and her sons Winant and Jesse, These sons married : Winant, Catharine Guyon, Novem ber 27, 1797, and Jesse, Rachel Totten, January 11, 1804, Alattice (Alatthias) had a son AVilliam, born July 17, 1751, who was baptized in Alay, 1772, then an adult, George had a son Thomas, born August 17, 1771, Isaac and Ploney (Appolonia) Frome were married in Alarch, 1772, Nathaniel and Catharine Wogiom were married No- \'ember 9, 1791, Louis and Phebe A'an Pelt Avere married December 24, 1793. John (born in 1770, died June 2, 1832) and Patty (Martha) P.edell were married Alarch 23, 1794, He was a potter and carried on his business in the vicinity of Elm Park, They had the following sons : John, a merchant at Port Richmond, born January 3, 1795, died December 19, 1859; Joseph B,, merchant at Port Richmond, born in HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND, 95 November, 1786, died July 4, 1849; Israel D„ merchant at Port Rich mond, born April 15, 1803, died February 9, 1873, and James, Jacob, brother of the potter, married Eliza Haughwout, July 28, 1795; their .sons AA'ere Peter II,, -Tames, Isaac, Benjamin, and Jacob, AA''illiam, brother of the potter, married Catharine Martling, April 28, 1802; their sons were: John, James, William, Edward, and Chan ning; they had also a daughter Sarah, Avho married Hugh CHbson, and died August 25, 1826, in her sixty-ninth year; their son John, born February 13, 1803, died November 3, 1865, Edward, brother of the potter, born October 12, 1776, died September 4, 1856, Abraham and Jane Jennings were married September 24, 1794, David and Jane Winant Avere married June 23, 1796, Ephraim and Catharine Laforge Avere married October 10, 1797, James and Letitia Totten Avere mar ried February 20, 1805, Anthony and Fanny Oakley were married January 28, 1807, Esek. of Tottenville, was a grandson of James, and son of Abraham, who built one of the first houses on the Billopp estate, after the sale bv confiscation. JONES, There is no name, perhaps, connected Avith the history of Staten Island, having more disconnected branches than this, Jones is a AA^elch name. The ancestor of one branch purchased land on Staten Island under the Dongan patent. The village of New Springville stands upon a portion of it. The earliest settler of this name was EdA\'ard, He settled in New York before coming to Staten Island, His will bears date of 1650, Edward married Catharine Decker, and they had the following chil dren : Edward, baptized July 20, 1718, died young; Alattheus, baptized November 2, 1719; Abigail, baptized April 22, 1722; EdAvard, bap tized August 14, 1726; Alattheus, above named, married Margaritje ( Alargaret) Gowan, and they had a daughter Catharine, baptized June 7,1743, There was a John whose Avife AA^as Rachel A^an Engelen, and they had the following children: Elizabeth, baptized April 10, 1732; Jo hannes, baptized Alarch 9, 1735; a daughter, baptized in 1737; Lucre- tia, baptized Alarch 30, 1740; Isaac, baptized April 22, 1747, Abra ham and Janneije Persnet had a daughter Jane, baptized Alay 2, 1753. Edward and Alartha had a son Abraham, born March 31, 1772. Abraham lived on the ancestral homestead at NeAv Springville, The dwelling was a Ioav stone structure, and stood on the site of the square building erected by Dr, O'Neill, and afterward OAvned by the late Hugh Poster, south of the Aillage, NotAvithstanding the fact that Abraham .Jones was selected for colonel of the Staten Island militia at the commencement of the Revolution, he was, a foAv months later, appointed a captain in Billopp's Battalion of native Loyalists, 96 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND, Shortly after the close of the Revolution he went to Nova Scotia; but it is CAident that he made lawful provision for the retension of his Staten Island property, as a portion of it is still in the possession of a lineal descendant. Air, John J, Corsen. Captain Jones had evi dently groAvn tired of Nova Scotia, and took passage for home; but Avas drowned at sea and his remains were lost, Mr, Corsen retains the sword which Captain Jones carried during the Revolution. Captain Abraham Jones made his Avill while in Shelbourne, Nova Scotia, It Avas written on the 11th of August, 1791, and admitted to probate ou August 14, 1792, It names " his widow and Relict Jane Jones the Executrix, and Abraham Jones and Edward Jones, his sous, and Abraham Crocheron his Grand Son Executors," They Avere Avith him in Shelbourne, The document is a curiosity, many of the words being in Dutch and others in bad English, After providing for debts and burial, he gives his daughter Jane, the Avife of Peter Guyon, " six Pounds halifax Currency to be paid her yearly & Every year During hir nateral life by my two suns Abraham and EdAA^ard Bach to pay one-half the sum," Also, " I give and bequeath to my beloved Sun Abraham my farm in the Alanor purched from Thomas Donken «& Dan iel Simonson on Statenisland County of Richmond & state of New York & half the land purched from Beekman Joining the other & half the Salt medoAV and half the house in uoav york standing At wife hall slip." Also, " to my beloved Sun Edward my old farm at Carlesneck A\ith the ten Akers of Salt medow thereunto belonging during his nat eral Life & after his Deth the one quarter peart theareof to his Daugh ter Jane & Remainder of said farm my Avill & order Is that my Soun Ed Avard shall have it in his poAver to Give it to Such of his Children as he shall think best." Also, " to my beloved Sun Edward all the Remander of my Land in the manner purched from John Beekman & the half The Salt medoAv on the longneck after ten akers being furst Mesured of for my Sun Abraham & I furder Give and bequeath to my Sun Edward half the house in new york standing on the Avite hall slip," After directing that " the land in the manner be sold part as he shall think best for his oAAme benefit the half the house in new york," as his " sun " shall think best, " I furder order & Direct that his present wife Phebe the Daughter of Silus Bedell shall have no share nor part Thareof." Also, " I furder will & order the house & lots Given to my Daughter Jane after her mother Deth to be deAided among her Children — that is to Say Abraham Edward & Jane the wife of peter Guyon," The witnesses were NathI, Munro, Cornelius Rapelje, and Barnt Alartling, The Probate Judge signed his name Ri : Combauld, and the Registrar was Archd, Cunningham. Mr, John J, Corsen, the owner of the property to-day, represents at least the eighth generation that has possessed it, although it is not in tact as in former years. HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND, 97 There is another branch of th(> Jones family which has long been prominent on Staten Island. The late Captain Christopher C, Jones, of Alariners' Harbor, son of Daniel, son of Abraham, traced his an cestry bacic for several generations. His son, George T,, still re sides on a part of the family estate. The latter has two sons, Christo pher C, and La Grange. JOURNEAY. The first of this family of which Ave have any record was Aloillart Journeay, from Pays de A'aud, Avho came to America in April, 1663, in the ship " Spotted Coav." '' fM'^ff f. '*'¦'• „" BIRTHPLACE OF HON. JAMES A. BRADLEY, ROSSVILLE. John Journeay bought and sold land in 1700. St. AndroAA^'s Church records, about 1750, say : John and Alartha had the folloAving chil dren : John, born January 1, 1752; Albert, born Alarch 8, 1755; Nich olas, born August 22, 1756; AA^illiam, bom August 6, 1759, and Rich ard, born August 7, 1771. The above-named Nicholas is mentioned in the county records in 1791 as Nicholas, Jr. Niciiolas, son of John, had a son Nicholas, bap tized November 1, 1789. Joseph and Alary AA^'inant were married De cember 29, 1807. John and Patience Cole were married in July, 1802, 98 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND, John (not the last named, unless Patience Cole was his sec(jnd Avife) made his will March 2, 1803, proved April 21, 1803, in which he speaks of his Avife, Patience, his sons, Albert, Robert, Abraham, John, Will iam, James, and Richard, and his daughters, Martha Randolph, Cath arine Fountain, and Alaria, wife of Dr. Henderson. Maria Journeay was married to Dr. Henderson in 1792. LA FORGE. It is believed that this family came directly from Pranceto this coun try. The name of De la Forge a,ppears in the assessment roll of Bos- wyck (Bushwick) in 1676, and among those Avho took the oath of alle giance in Kings County in 1867 is the name of Adrian La fforge, Avho had then been in the county fifteen years. In 1738 there was an Adrian Laforge, who bought land on Staten Island, There appear to have been two branches of the family in Castleton and in AVestfield, who may or may not have had a common origin. The present repre sentative of the Castleton branch is G. M. Laforge, of Illinois. The late Peter D, Laforge, also of Illinois, and the late Captain John La forge, of West New Brighton, were his brothers. Their father was David, and their mother Gertrude, daughter of John Alaitling. Da vid's father was Peter, wli.o was the son of Benjamin. David's broth ers were Peter, John, Benjamin, Jacob, and Richard Channing Moore, Peter, David's father, was the father of Peter and David C, of Port Richmond. Of the Westfield branch, Ave have only the folloAAing notices : David and Catharine had a son Henry Seguine, baptized May 15, 1790, John and Phebe Bedell married September 15, 1804. James and Cath arine Winant married February 8, 1806. David and Ann Johnson married July 8, 1807. The family name is well represented on Staten Island to-day, the principal one in Westfield being James Laforge, of Pleasant Plains, The family to which he belongs was a large one, but it is gradually diminishing. LAKE. The Lake family settled on Staten Island about 1670, and is of English origin. The records show that Daniel Lake applied for a grant of land in 1679. He had two sons, Daniel and William. Daniel died in 1723, leaving a son Daniel, who was born January 2(5, 1719, and died July 10, 1762, leaving a son William, born January 7, 1750, who died Alarch 21, 1783, leaving a son Daniel W., born September 9, 1780, married Alaiw Gifford, daughter of AVilliam Barnard Gifford, March 31, 1803, died October 6, 1835. He left sons : John, still living at Buffalo, New York, and Arthur G., born October 14, 1811, died Ai-pril 22, 1887. Joseph, born July 8, 1753, and his Avife, Catharine, born HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 99 June 2, 1755, both died March 14, 1813, within one hour of each other. They had a daughter Patience, boim May 30, 1790. There was another Joseph, also born in 1753, and died Alay 24, 1843, in his ninetieth year. There Avas still another Joseph, born in 1773, and died Alarch 16, 1854. He lived on the Manor road, near Castleton Corners. AA'illiam Lake and Alary Tysen had the folloAving sons : AA^illiain, born November 16, 1769; Bornt, born March 25, 1771, killed October 27, 1815; Joseph, born Alay 12, 1777. Bornt had the following rions: William, Joseph, Daniel, and John. Daniel and Margaret, his wife, had a. son Daniel, born Alay 12, 1777. Cornelius and Susan Androvet Avere married April 6, 1794. Joseph and Eliza A^an Pelt were mar ried January 20, 1798. Daniel and Alargaret Jackson were married June 5, 1802, Daniel Lake made his Avill October 13, 1789, proved September 4, 1792, in which he mentions his wife, Sarah, his sons Daniel and Joseph, and his grandson Daniel, son of his son William, deceased. The Lake family is pretty well scattered throughout the country, especially in the South. It has married into scores of families of other names. There are, however, several families on the Island who keep up the family name, and are lineal descendants of those who flrst came here to live. The venerable mother of Mr. David J, Tysen, of New Dorp, who died recently, belonged to this family. She Avas born, lived all her life, and died on the old Huguenot estate at New Dorp. LARZELERE. Jacob Larzelere bought land on Staten Island in 1686, Nicholas bought land in 1693; he Avas at one time the sheriff of Richmond County. There was another Jacob, probably a son of Nicholas, whose Avife's name was Alice; they had a son Daniel, born June 16, 1757, and a son Benjamin, bom October 22, 1761, Nicholas, probably a brother of Jacob, whose wife's name was Sarah, had a daughter Johanna, born January 7, 1768. Jacob and Elsy had a son Richard, born June 18, 1771, Benjamin (not the one mentioned above) was born July 6, 1740, and died October 6, 1802; he made his will June 17, 1802, in Avhich he mentions his wife, Sarah, and his children, .Benjamin, Jacob, and Cathaiine. The Larzelere fa^mily was once one of great importance on Staten Island, but it is now almost extinct. LATOURETTE. The Latourette family was of French Huguenot origin. The first mention of the name here is as follows: Jean Latourette and Maria Alersereau had the following children : David, baptized April 24, 1726; 100 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND, David Latourette, sponsor; Anthony, January 24, 1730, and Henry, January 24, 1731. Pierre La Tourette and Alarianne Mersereaux had a son Daniel, baptized Alarch 3, 1728, and twin sons DaAid and Jaques, October 31, 1730, David and Catharine Poillon, had a son Jaques, baptized Alarch 19, 1732, James, probably one of the Jaques mentioned above, and Elizabeth, his wife, had sons, John, born December 11, 1764; Jonathan, born January 31, 1766, and Henry, bom April 22, 1775. David and Elizabeth, his Avife, had a daughter Catharine, born No- A^ember 9, 1766. John and Susannah, his v,ife, had a son John, born September 30, 1764, James and Alary, his a\ ife, had a son David, born July 7, 1786, David and Phebe Cole married NovembeT- 12, 1808. ITenry, of Fresh Kill, a weaver, made his AAill January 19, 1794, proved December 30, 1794, in Avhich he speaks of his Avife, Sarah, his brother, Henry, deceased, his sons, Henry. John, and Peter, and daughters Susan, Avife of Peter Cole, and Ann, Avife of AN''illiam de Groot, Peter's Avife AA^as Elizabeth aindrovette. There are several branches of the family still residing on the Island, Latourette Hill (back of the village of Richmond, and a part of Rich mond Hill), is named in honor of the family residing there. This particular family was at one time very large, but at present tht estate is OAviied exclusively hj Elizabeth, unmarried. There are sev eral families of Latourettes in Northfield and Westfield, LISK. The Lisk family Avas but meagerly re]«resented on Staten Island in the early history of the place. James, the earliest mentioned, had a son John, baptized Alarch 25, 1701. He is also mentioned as having bought land in 1706. He had a son Thomas, Avho married Catalyntje A^ an Pelt, and had daughters baptized in 1729, 1731, 1739, and 1745. John, son of James, married Rachel Haughwout, and had a son Jacob, baptized January 2, 1728. Alatthias and Anastasia had a son Aloses, born December 7, 1766. John and Alary had a son Thomas, born September 19, 1756. He made his will August 24, 1793, in Avhich he mentions his children: Thomas, Pranky, and Catharine. There is an Alexander Lisk mentioned in the court records in 1724. The Riclimond County Mirror, in 1838, published an account of John Lusk, which was copied from a Southern paper. John Lusk Avas a native of Staten Island, and related to the present Lisk family. He was born on the fifth day of November, 1734, at what is now West New Brighton, in an old stone house, Avhose last occupant Avas George Barrett. The exact spot Avhere it stood is uoav marked by the resi dence of Captain Richard Christopher. The lA/rror says : " H(^ was in the artillery service for fifty-eight years, and was the last survivor of the old French War in Canada. He was of Dutch HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 101 extraction, and an immediate descendant of the Huguenots. His name is pronounced ' Lisk ' in the Dutch language. He commenced his career in the army in the Avar Acadie, commonly called the French War, when about twenty years of age, and served through the whole (>f it. " He Avas a soldier at the siege of Quebec; fought in the memorable action of the Plains of Abraham, seventy-nine years before he closed his life; saAv the brave General AVolf fall, and participated in all the sufferings and hardships of that arduous and memorable campaign. He Avas also at the conquest of Acadie, now called NeAvfoundland, by Generals Amherst and Shirby, and assisted in the dispersion of the captured French through the colonies of New England by the Anglo-Americans. " Imsk early enlisted in the AVar of the Revolution, and he fought like a soldier and patriot till the close. He Avas attached to the ex pedition to Canada under General Benedict Arnold; was at the build ing of Fort Edward, and Avas there Avounded. He Avas in the battle of Saratoga, Avhere Burgoyne surrendered, and at Alonmouth, Prince ton, Trenton, and various other important battles, and was finally at the siege of Yorktown, and had the singular and remarkable fortune to see the surrender of Cornwallis to General Washington. " On the restoration of peace the old soldier laid down his musket and his knapsack for a Avhile, but he did not remain long in inactiAity. He enlisted in the armj' under General Wayne against the Indians, nothing daunted by the terrors of the Avilderness or the strategems of the poAverful and Avily foe, though he had already weathered the storms of sixty winters. " At the close of this brilliant and successful campaign, he joined the regular army under General Butler, and was stationed at West Point, New York State (now called Kingston). But at last the brave old man, being worn down AAith age and infirmities, Avas discharged as unfit for duty, when near eighty years of age. He left the army in entire destitution, and subsisted for several years upon the cold charities of the world, together with the little pittance he earned by his daily labor as a broommaker. On the passage of the Pension law, in 1818, he availed himself of its privileges, and from that time for ward was furnished with all the necessaries of life. He retained to the last all the faculties except that of sight, which for the last ten years of his life had been growing dim. " Lusk Avas a man of remarkable strength of constitution and elas ticity of frame, and never had a. spell of sickness in his life. He was in the habit of walking to the Town of McAIinAille, a distance of seven miles from his home (his death occurring at Warren County, Tennes see, at the advanced age of one hundred and four years), and back again on the same day, and this, too, after he had reached one hun- 102 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. dred years of age — ^retaining the perfect upright form and firm step and movements of a soldier to the last. " Thus lived and died one of the most remarkable men of the age. He was witness to more remarkable events, perhaps, than any other man living in his day. What revolutions rolled over the earth in the time that lapsed between his birth and death! He was almost coeval with the colonial history. He was an old man when the nation com menced its career, and during his life he saw empires rise and fall, thrones demolished, and new kingdoms spring to existence, and dur ing that same period twenty-five millions of the race lived and died." The name of Lisk still exists on Staten Island. The present repre sentative of the family is John AV., of Graniteville. LOCKAIAN. The records show that this is one of the oldest Dutch families in the Province of New York. The first mention of the name is that of Govert Lockermans (sometimes spelled Lookermans), who arrived in America in 1633, in the carvel " St. Martyn." He was a minor when he arrived, and came as an apprentice, but was immediately taken into the service of the company. He soon contrived to make himself conspicuous, especially by leading attacks on the Indians on Staten Island and elsewhere. According to the records, the earliest mention of the name was in 1680, Avhen Abraham Lakeman is said to have owned a parcel of woodland on the south side of the Fresh Kill. (This may uoav be recognized as the Benham property.) About 1680, there were several of the name on Staten Island — Abraham, mentioned above, Avhose name is found again in the records in 1684 and 1692; Lewis, who was a defendant in a suit July 6, 1681, and Peter, who sold land in 1684. There was an Isaac, perhaps a son of one of the above, whose Avife Avas Catha,rine Christopher, and they had a son LeAvis. baptized Alay 23, 1731. Abraham and Elizabeth had two daughters — Sarah, in 1762, and Alargaret, in 1767, and a son Abraham, born April 4, 1772. Isaac and his wife Martha, had the following sons: David, born January 26, 1768; Jacob, bom July 21, 1771, and Joseph, born October 7, 1772. William and Mary had a daughter Sarah, born October 4, 1772. Isaac and Alargaret had a son William, born November 24, 1772. There was another Isaac, born 1758, and died May 1, 1814. Samuel and Cath arine Crowal were married Alarch 16, 1790. Nathaniel made his will December 12, 1795, proved May 24, 1803, in which he mentions his wife Martha, his daughter Susanna, and his sons Isaac and John. CHAPTER YHI. OLD STATEN ISLAND FAMILIES — CONCLUDED. AIANEE. ^ HIS name Avas originally written Alanez. The family is espe cially identified Avith Westfield. Regarding it the records are very meager. Peter Manee and Mary Brooks had a daugliter baptized August 8, 1725. Abraham and Anna Jansen had a son Abraham, baptized Alay 20, 1723. Abraham and Sarah du Chesne had a daughter Sarah, baptized Alarch 30, 1740. Abraham had a son Isaac, baptized May 15, 1790. Peter and Mary Pryor were married January 4, 1804. AVilliam and Elizabeth Prier were married in April, 1808. Abraham and Alary Wogiom were mar ried October 8, 1808. Isaac made his will Alay 14, 1794, proved July 18, 1794, in Avhich he speaks of his brothers Abraliam and Peter, and his sister, Hannah Prior. His will is dated on the day of his death, at which time he was forty-six years old. The family is largely rep resented in the Toavu of Westfield at the present time. MARTLING. When the connection of this family with the Island began, is un- knoAvn. The earliest mention of it in the local records is in 1724, when Isaac Martling and Sarah Va.n Name had a daughter baptized January 10; a son John, January 21, 1731, a Barent Alartling being present as a sponsor. Although the family has been represented on the Island through succeeding generations, comparatively little is known of its history. The latest of the name who gained especial prominence, was Garret, who died a few years since. The Martling farm and Martling's ice pond will doubtless retain their names for many years to come. MARTINO. Gaston Alartineau, a surgeon of Dieppe, settled in England in 1685, and was a French refugee. He had several sons, whose descendants still reside in England, The family in America is a collateral branch, and were on Staten Island some time before Gaston left France. The name of Francis is found in the county records as defendant in a suit with Jaques Je- 104 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. young in 1681, and as selling land in 1691. Francisco Martino re ceived a patent from Governor Dongan for land in Richmond County in 1686. At one time the family was a very flourishing one in this county, but the name has almost entirely disappeared. Stephen Alartino was born in 1727, and died Alay 9, 1801. He oAvned and resided on the property knoAvn uoav as the Poor House Farm. He was one of the corporators of the Aloravian Church at New Dorp. Benjamin, brother to Stephen, was born in 1742, and died Alay 17, 1824. Benjamin, son of above, AAas born April 4, 1766, and died November 20, 1814. He Avas the father of Gabriel Martino, of Castleton Corners, and Stephen was the father of Gabriel Martino, of Bull's Head. MERRILL. The family by this name are descendants of Richard Merrill and Sarah, his Avife, who Avere natives of Warwickshire, England, who emigrated to America about the year 1675, and settled on Staten Island. They had the folloAving sons: William, Richard, Thomas, Philip, and perhaps John. In the Albany records appears the name of William as OAvning land on Staten Island in 1683. Philip bought land of Richard in 1781. The latter was either his father or brother. Richard married Elsie Dorlant and had the following children: Richard, baptized September 22, 1709; Elsie, baptized April 1, 1708; Richard, bajjtized 1715; Lambert, baptized January 1, 1721, and Susanna, baptized September 13, 1724. Philip and Elizabeth Bakker had the folloAving children : Catherine and Susanna, twins, baptized July 4, 1725; Philip, baptized February 24, 1727; Nicholas, baptized November 24, 1728; Elizabeth, baptized April 8, 1733, and Neeltje (Cornelia), baptized March 9, 1735. Thomas and Jenne Gewan had a son Richard. John and Gertrude Simonson had a daughter bap tized September 18, 1726. Richard, son of Thomas, had the folloAAing children: Alargaretta, baptized January 1, 1738, and Annatje (Anna), baptized April 19, 1743. Jan and Aeltje (Alida) Bennet had a son Simon, and a daugh ter baptized Alay 6, 1745. Thomas and Eva Jones had a daughter baptized October 31, 1756. This Thomas made his will December 31, 1791, proved April 30, 1803, in which he mentions his wife, Eva, and his sons, John, Thomas, and Matthew. John, son of Thomas and Eva, Avas born in 1742, and died December 19, 1826. His wife's name was Charity. Thomas, son of John and Eva, had a son John, baptized August 17, 1788. There Avas a John Alerrill, Jr., who had a daughter baptized No vember 7, 1790, and John Y., Avho was born in 1770, and died June 6, 1858, but they are probably distinct persons; John, Jr., more proba bly was the son of Joseph and Martha, and was born April 4, 1765. Joseph also had a daughter Alary, born January 16, 1763. John and HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 105 Ann, his wife, had a daughter baptized November 7, 1753. Lambert (son of Richard and Elsie), and Tabitha, had a son Richard, born July 9, 1765; a son Jonathan, born Alay 24, 1774; a daughter Tabitha, born February 18, 1770, A\ho married Captain John AV. Blake, and died January 12, 1861, aged nearly ninety-one years; also a daughter Elsie, born 1768, married John Hillyer in 1785, and was the mother (jf Lawrence and John B. Hillyer. AA^illiam and Ann Alerrill Avere married in August, 1776; Abraham and Ann Alerrill Avere married October 3, 1790; Alary, Avidow, made her Avill January 10, 1789, proved November 30, 1789, The family is still very numerous. MERSEREAU. John Mersereau Avas a native of France, and was a Protestant. He studied laAA^, but learned the trade of saddler. He left sons — Joshua, Paul, and Daniel — and daughters — Alary and Alartha, The mother, accompanied by these children, fled from Prance to England in 1685, immediately after the Revocation, and subsequently, all except Paul, came to America. It is said that they Avere driven to Noav York by stress of Aveather. They at once settled on Staten Island, Avhere the mother died, and Avas buried in the old French graveyard, at Green Ridge. Daniel Alersereau was a tailor, Joshua married a Latourette, and died Alay 23, 1756, aged over ninety-three years. They had a son Joshua, who was born Alay 18, 1696, and died July 9, 17(59; his wife Avas Alaria, daughter of Jacob Corsen; she Avas born October 24, 1704, and died July 3, 1763, Their children were : Joshua, born September 26, 1728, died June 10, 1804; Jacob, born April 23, 1730, died Septem ber 7, 1804; John, born Alarch 2, 1732; Elizabeth, born January 4, 1734; David, bom November 10, 1735, died July 19, 1763; Alary, born January 14, 1738; Cornelius, born July 27, 1739, died July 27, 1814; Paul, born February 23, 1741, died January 26, 1823; Elizabeth, born November 26, 1742; Rachel, born February 27, 1746, died July, 1769. Jacob made his will July 16, 1804, proved September 18, 1804, in which he speaks of his Avife, Charity, and her children, John and Alary, Avife of Thomas Cubberly; Elizabeth, wife of Daniel De Hart; Sophia, wife of John Crocheron; Jacob, David, and Peter. He was the Colonel Jacob Alersereau Avhose escape from the British during the Revolution is alluded to elsewhere in this Avork, His son was the father of John T, and Alfred Alersereau, of Graniteville. His son, Peter, born in 1788, was Member of Assembly in 1845, Colonel Jacob had also a son John by his first marriage, who married a Cruser, and Avas the fatherin-law of the late Judge Abraham Crocheron, Paul, son of Joshua Alersereau and Maria Corsen, married Eliza beth Barnes, born April 21, 1751, died Alay 26, 1833, Their children were: Joshua, born February 7, 1773, died March 7, 1847; Nancy, 106 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND, born April 4, 1775, died November 30, 1851; Mary, bom February 2, 1777, died June 6, 1858; Elizabeth, born June 20, 1779, died May 9, 1855; Rachel, born June 30, 1781, died February 23, 1863; Paul, bom Alarch 14, 1784, died July 21, 1856; Margaret, born March 27, 1787; Gertrude bom November 30, 1789. Joshua, son of Paul and Elizabeth, married Deborah Britton, Jan uary 7, 1801. She was born August 4, 1782, and died Alarch 26, 1840. Their children were: Nathaniel, born October 18, 1802; Paul, born September 20, 1804; Alary, born January 29, 1807; Cornelius, born May 12, 1811; Joshua, bom January 26, 1814; Elsey, bom August 30, 1817; Elizabeth, born Alay 5, 1820; Debora, born April 7, 1823 ; John, born Alay 28, 1826, and Margaret. John was mentioned in the county records in 1730; and he was probably the Jean whose wife's name was Craage; they had a son Joshua, baptized February, 1791, and subsequently a son Daniel. Daniel married Cornelia Vanderbilt, and had a son John, baptized March 4, 1859. Etienne (Stephen) AlersereaAi and Ann Alitchell had a son Daniel, baptized about 1832; a daughter, January 1, 1735, and a son named Richard, Alay 1740. There was a Joshua, who had a son Harmanus, baptized June 8, 1788, There was a Paul Alersereau on Staten Island as eaiiy as 1728, who Avas sponsor at a baptism, Peter Alersereau and Rebecca, his Avife, had the following children: Sarah, born March 23, 1769; Dan iel, born August 27, 1771, died July 16, 1855, and John, baptized No vember, 1775, Peter, born 1734, died June 16, 1803. There was a John bom December, 1737, who died July 30, 1811. John and Charity had a son John, born April 13, 1757; son Lawrence, March 28, 1761. l*aul and Frances had a son John, born Alay 2, 1759. Stephen and Lydia had the folloAving children: Sarah, born September 8, 1766; Daniel, born December 6, 1768, and Stephen, born February 14, 1774. Joshua and Alary had the folloAving children: Stephen, born Alay 5, 1770, and Joshua, baptized September 6, 1772. Daniel and. Susan had a daughter Ann, baptized July 6, 1789. Daniel and Ann had a daugh ter Cornelia, baptized June 26, 1791. Henry and Eliza Laforge were manied September 6, 1790. Jacob and Mary Crocheron were married September 5, 1798. Daniel and Alida Lake were married October 6, 1798. Daniel and Eliza Winant were married February 8, 1800. Stephen and Lanah AVinant were married November 21, 1802. John and Ann Parlee were married December 31, 1803. Joshua and Su sanna Storj' were married December 10, 1805. Peter Mersereau made his will May 6, 1800, and it was proved July 25, 1803, in which he mentions his children Eliza,beth, Rebecca, Catharine, Ann, Sarah, Daniel, and William. David Alersereau was born on Staten Island about 1769, and died in April, 1835. His remains are buried in the Dutch Reformed Church yard at Port Richmond. He married Cornelia, daughter of Abraham HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND, 107 Rolff. He removed to Virginia, where he managed a store and had other pursuits. He remained South for several years. On his return North he and his family embarked on a schooner, in Avhich they en countered a violent storm. The A^essel Avas capsized, and all except Mr. Alersereau AAOre drowned. For forty-eight hours he (iung to his precarious support on the keel of the capsized vessel, until a passing one, bound for Philadelphia, rescued him. He afterward became a judge in this county, and OAvned a great deal of property. AlETOALPE. Simon Aletcalfe, the progenitor of the family on Staten Island, came from England in 1765, and settled in New York City. Subsequently he was appointed deputy surveyor of the colony. He had a son George, Avliom he left in England to be educated, until he was seven teen years of age, Avhen he joined his father in this country. After studying law, George resided at Al bany for a time, then went to Johnstown, Pulton County, in this State. Governor John Jay appointed him as sistant attorney-gen eral, in 1796, Avhich of- flce he held until 1811. He then removed to New York, where he practiced law until 1816, when he removed to Staten Island, and in 1818 he became dis trict-attorney. He mar ried the daughter of Commodore Silas Talbot, and his death occurred in 1826. His chil dren were Alaria, who married AVilliam S. Root, of Tompkinsville; Silas Talbot, Simon, Catharine, AA^ho was the first wife of John B. Simonson; Henry Bleeker, Georgianna, Avho married Daniel Fenn, of Alassachusetts, and Louisa, tAvins, and George. Henry Bleeker Metcalfe left a widow, who died recently at an ad vanced age. His sons, Henry T, and Charles, both became prominent citizens. The former died in 1896, and the latter in May, 1900. Henry T. left two sons — ^Henry T,, Jr., present county assessor, and George, ex-AIember of Assembly from Richmond County. OLD AVOOLEN MILL, NEAR RICHMOND, 108 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND, MICHEAU. There were several families of this name on Staten Island during the last half of the Eighteenth century and the beginning of the fol- loAving one, Paul Alicheau, the first of the name, was sheriff' of Rich mond County in 1736, and member of the Colonial Assembly from 1748 to 1751. His son Paul was chosen to the Provincial Congress in 1775-76, county clerk for twenty years from 1761, county judge for eleven years from 1786, and State senator from 1789 to 1792. His son, Paul J,, Avas member of Assembly in 1798-99, 1802-03, and another son, Benjamin, Avas county treasurer in 1787, The family has disappeared. They were residents of Westfield, chiefly; but there were a foAv in Castleton and Northfield. MORGAN. Thomas Alorgan was a member of the Colonial Assembly from Richmond County in 1692. This is the first occurrence of the name in the county records. The records of the Dutch Reformed Church show that Thomas had a son Abraham, Avho was baptized Alay 5, 1696, and a daughter Martha, September 7, 1698. Thomas (probably a son of the former) and Magdalena Staats, had the folloAving children: Elizabet, baptized February 7, 1725; Mag dalena, baptized February 12, 1727; Peter, baptized March 9, 1729; Thomas, baptized October 10, 1731, and Sarah, baptized September 16,1739. The name does not appear again until December 16, 1754, when AVilliam Alorgan and Elizabet Winter were married. It is probable that AVilliam was the son of Peter, mentioned above, AN'illiam had a son John, who liA^ed all his lifetime and died in the vicinity of New Springville. He had a son Charles, Avho married a A^room, and they were the parents of Henry C. Morgan, of Travisville. The latter had a brother John A^,, Avho lived at Alariners' Harbor. There are several families by the name on Staten Island to-day; but t;hey do not seem to be in any Avay connected with early settlers. PERINE. This name was originally spelled Perrin. Count Perrin was a promi nent Huguenot refugee from Nouere. The original emigrant Avas akin to him. The Yerj first occurrence of the name on Staten Island was in 1687, when Daniel Perine sold land, and he was probably the progenitor of the Perines of the present day. The family record is very imper fect up to the last Iavo or three generations. The branch Avhich is here traced, lived for fully two centuries in the same house, which is HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND, 109 still standing, on Richmond road, a short distance north of Garret sons Station, The late Cornelius S, and Joseph E, Avere the sons of Simon S,, AAiio was the son of Joseph, bom June 4, 1759, and died April 16, 1 814. Jo seph's brothers Avere EdAvard, born July 6, 1766, and Honi-y, born November 29, 1768, and Alary Winant, June 21, 1795. Tliey were the parents of Elizabeth, relict of Richard l^ysen. Joseph's parents Avere EdAvard and Ann. EdAvard died during the Revolution. It is thought tliat EdAvard was the son, possibly the grandson, of Daniel, belioA^ed to have been the original. The folloAving, relative to this old family, are found in the county and church ri'cords, on tombstones, etc. : Henry and Susanna had a son Edward, born February 19, 1738; a son Peter, born Alay 22, 1764. Henry made his will April 10, 178S, which was proved June 7, 1788, in Avhich he mentions his Avife, Su sanna, and his children, David and Cornelius, then minors, and his other children : EdAvard, Alargaret, Susannah, Abraham, Henry, Nancy, and Alary, The younger Henry was a weaver, and made his will October 29, 1792. Avhich Avas proved April 2, 1793, in Avhich he sjieaks of his brothers, David, Cornelius, and Edward, Henry and Ann, his Avife, had a son Abraham, born February 1, 1766, HenrA' and Hannah, his wife, had a son Henry, born June 5, 1767, James and Nannie had a daughter Sophia, born July 17, 1767, William and Aliranda, his AAife, had a .son Peter, baptized June 27, 1790, EdAvard and Patience Mersereau were married Juno 7, 1790, and had a daughter Alary, born October 9, 1791. Abraham aud Sarah Rezeau AAere manied August 24, 1790, and had a son, Peter Rezeau, born September 20, 1791, Peter and Alary Bedell Avere married De cember 31. 1788, Edward and Adrian Guyon Avere married January 20, 1791, Henry and Alagdalena Simonson were married -June 19, 1800. Cornelius and Alary AIcLean were married Alarch 31, 1804. Edward, born in 174.5, died November 22, 1818. James G., born Au gust 29, 1796, died September 17, 1833. Peter was liAing in 1766, and a Henry in 1767, at Avliich time they Avere interested in the +ransfer of real estate on Staten Island. A picture of the Perine homestead is found on page 281 of A'ol- ume I. POILLON. The first mention of this name Avhich has been found in connection Avith Staten Island Avas Avhen Jaques Poullion was appointed a justice for Richmond County, December 14, 1689, by Governor Leisler. In after years the family became very numerous on Staten Island. Jaques Poillon is frequently mentioned as buying or selling real estate, prior to 1703. After him Ave have no notice of any member of the family for fully half a century. Then it is discovered that John 110 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. and Margaret, his wife, had the following sons: John, born June 6, 1753; Peter, born January 27, 1763, and James, baptized November 3, 1772. James and Prances, his Avife, had a son John, baptized Novem ber 14, 1762. Peter and Margaret, his wife, had a son John, bom October 28, 1770, and a son Peter, born March 6, 1772. The records shoAv that this Peter was a communicant in St. Andrew's Church at Richmond in 1792, after his father's death. Abraham and Susan Cole married June 17, 1790; he died young, but the date is not known. John and Elizabeth Seguine married July 5, 1792. Abraham made his will July 20, 1791, AA^hich was proved August 8, 1791; in it he mentions his wife, Susan, and his son, Peter, a minor. John, who is mentioned above, made his will March 16, 1802, and it was proved l'~'ebruary 18, 1803; he mentions his wife Alargaret, his daughters Alary, Alargaret, Ann, Sarah, and Catharine, and his sons Peter, John, and -Tames, deceased. Each generation had a number by the name of John. The family is still represented on the Island, but not exten sively. Albert Poillon has been repeatedly elected constable of the ToAvn of Westfield, and was for many years an official in the county court. POST. The Post family Avere among the early settlers of Staten Island. Adrian Post, Avho was believed to be the progenitor of the family here, was the commander of a ship which brought emigrants to the colony before 1650. Some time after that he Avas appointed the super intendent of Baron Van deCappelan's plantation on Staten Island. The Indian massacre of 1655, by which all the inhabitants of Oude Dorp (Old Town), were either murdered or driA'en away, and the village destroyed, compelled Adrian Post to leave the Island temporar ily; but he returned after a brief period. His family consisted of his Avife, five children, and two servants, John, AA'ho A^as probably a grandson of Adrian, married Anna Hous man, and they had the following sons baptized: Abraham, April 19, 1743, and Adrian, April 26, 1748, Garret and Sarah Ellis had the fol- loAving sons baptized: Garret, August 7, 17.54, and Abraham, March 12, 1758, Abraham had a daughter Miriam, born July 31, 1790, There was also another Garret, born in 1720, and died Alarch 31, 1797, The family is still represented in Northfield, The old Post estate is located by Post avenue, wiiich runs for a considerable distance through both the Towns of Northfield and Castleton. PRALL. This Huguenot family Avas on Staten Island during the closing years of the Seventeenth century. The late Hon. Benjamin P. Prall, of Westfi(id, and his brother. Cap- HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND, 111 tain Arthur Prall, of Noav Springville, Avere long the principal repre sentatives (if this family. Their father was Peter Prall, born in 1763, and died November 1, 1822, His father Avas Benjamin Prall, born in 1733, and died in 1796, His father was Abraham Prall, born in 1706, and died September 28, 1775, His father Avas Peter Prall, whose name is recorded as a AAitness or sponsor at a baptism in 1708, He had an older son than Abraham, viz, : Arent, born 1698, and a younger, Isaac, bom 1710. This brings us very near to the original of the Prall family. There Avas an Arent Prall, Avho was probably either father or broth er of the last-mentioned Peter, The name of Arent is on record as OAvning one hundred and twenty acres of land at Long Neck in 1694, There AAere other members of the family, not in the a.bove line. They were Peter, born April 9, 1735, and died February 28, 1822, and his brother Abraham, born 1740, and died May 6, 1820, He had Iavo sons: Daniel, droAvned October 10, 1817, and Ichabod, a merchant in New York; Daniel manied Ann Mersereau January 22, 1794, The following references to the family are found scattered through A^arions records, it being impossible to properly classify them : Aron, Jr,, and his wife, Antye Staats, had a daughter born May 21, 1715; a son Aron, in 1717; a daughter in 1719, and a son Peter in 1724, Aron, or Arent (not Jr,), and his wife, Maritje Bowman, had a son AVilliam Joris, born in 1730, and a son Hendrick, born in 1735, Isaac (proba bly the son of Abraham, above mentioned) and his wife, Alaria Debaa or Dubois, had a daughter born in 1746, and another in 1748; a son Peter in 1744, and a son LcAvis in 1751, Benjamin and his wife, Sarah Swaim, had a son Abraham, born in 1752, and a son John in 1766, ,Iohn had a daughter born in 1719, Abraham and Sarah Cannon were married in August, 1776, John and Alartha Latourette were married January 14, 1802, The family is still quite numerous on Staten Island. PRYER, Andries Pryer and Anna Stymets, his wife, came from Holland to this country some time prior to 1698, for in that year the death of Andries is recorded. They settled at Bergen, in New Jersey, Their children were : Jacob, Leah, Johannes, and Samuel, Representatives of the second generation of this family came to Staten Island early in the Eighteenth century. For generations the family has made its home in Westfield, The thoroughfare now knoAvn as Huguenot avenue, running from Huguenot station to LaPorge's corner, originally ran through the Pryer estate, the old homestead being located on it. Old maps and deeds describe the road as " Fryer's lane." The family is represented on the Island to-day by James E. Pryer, Avho resides in the old Stephens mansion, near the Court House, in 112 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND, Richmond, He is of the sixth generation of the family on Staten Island. He was born on Alarch 25, 1828, and married Ellen J. La forge in 1856, One of his sons, Andrew Eddy, born in 1859, married Elida Jessup in 1889, RYERSS, This name is found at an ea.rly date on Long Island. Arie Ryerse and Maerte Ryerse were assessed as owners of property at Middel- mout, UOAV Flatbush, in 1676, but Avhen their connection with Staten Island began is tinknov/n. Adrian Ryerss Avas born in 1715, and died December 12, 1779. His wife was tiester Debaa (Dubois). Their son Lewis was born December 7, 1754, and died April 13, 1806. Aris, another son of Adrian, had a daughter baptized July 27, 1786, and a son David, baptized October 17, 1790. Gozen, also a son of Adrian, made his will October 21, 1800, proved January 13, 1802, in Avhich he speaks of his son, John P., and his daughter, Alargaret, his brother Lewis, and his grandsons, Gozen Adrian Ryers and Ryers De Hart. He dAvelt for many years preced ing his death at Port Richmond, in the house now known as the St. James Hotel. The family, although at one time very numerous, has become nearly extinct on Staten Island. David Ryerss, a direct descendant, resides on Todt Hill, near New Dorp. SEGUINE. The earliest mention of this name in the local records is, that Jean Seguine and Elizabeth Hooper had a son Jonas, baptized December 12, 1725. Jaques and Lady Alambrut had a daughter Sara, avIio was baptized Afarch 3, 1728. A son Jean Avas baptized March 19, 1732. Jean and Jaques stood sponsors for each other's children. They Avere probably brothers. The folloAving are from the records of St. AndrcAv's, at Richmond: James and Elsie had a daughter Sara, born April, 1756; son James, born December 10, 1760. John and Sarah had the folloAving children : Elisha, born May 31, 1760; James, baptized July 18, 1762, and Henry, born February 4, 1764. Lawrence and Ann had a daughter Sara, born April 12, 1761. James and Caty had a son Stephen, born March 22, 1764, and a son James, born April 5, 1766. James made his will on June 13, 1795, and it Avas proved October 7, 1795; he luentions his wife, Catharine, and his children: Bornt, Joseph, Frederick, John, Henry, Stephen, and James. John Seguine and Rachel Alitchel were married in November, 1775. John and Alargaretta had a son John, baptized October 24, 1790, and Henry, October 27, 1793, James Seguine and Alary Guyon married, June 30, 1791, Stephen and Susanna Poillon married, NoA^ember 8 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND, 113 1792, Henry and Jane Garretson manied, August 13, 1800. Stephen and Alargaret Guyon married, Alarch 5, 1805. John G. Seguine was born June 14, 1805. On Pebniary 15, 1830, he m£irried Harriet, daughter of Andre Alille. Their children are: Louise AL, Avho married Henry SteAvart Seguine; Henry J,, who mar ried Phebe A. Vail; John J,, who married Cordelia Vail, and Andre, who married Catherine Jane Winant, The late Henry Stewart Seguine represented another branch of the family. The family is of Huguenot antecedents. James Seguine, the father of Henry S,, and the son of James Seguine, married Mary, daughter of Joseph Guyon, of Staten Island, who also descended from Huguenot stock. Their children were : Catherine, wife of John Guyon; Joseph G., James S,, and Henry S. The last named was bom near Annadale, in 1812, On January 7, 1857, he married Louise M., daughter of John G. and Harriet Seguine, Their children are Henry G. and Harriet AI, Henry Stewart Seguine died on July 2, 1884, SHARROTT. The first of this name on Staten Island was Richard Sliaret, who was a Frenchman, of Huguenot parentage, and for a short period after his emigration resided in New England, Richard came to Staten Island either just before or just after the Revolution. He married Mary Heger, Their children were William, Richard, John, James, Susan, and Alary. John married Mary Ann Burbank October 9, 1789, Their children were : Peter, who died in February, 1875, aged eighty-six years; John, Jeremiah, Richard, Abraham, William Henry, Alary, Susan, Cath arine, Eliza, and Louisa. There are two branches of the family still residing on the Island, The family is principally located in Westfield at this time, SIMONSON, The original name of this family was La Blant, It is of French origin. William, the founder of the family on Staten Island, was a son of Simon La Blant. He was sentenced to be executed because of his connection with the Huguenots. He managed to escape to Hol land, and from thence to America in the ship " Pox," in 1662. In order to prevent identification, even after he had reached Staten Island, he wrote his name " Simon's son," omitting entirely his own name. Finally he became bold enough to write it " AVilliam, Simon's son," and in time he became known only as William Simonson. His descendants have become so numerous on Staten Island that it is difficult to trace the various branches. The Simonsons of each generation have been large freeholders. 114 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. Aert (Arthur), in 1721, purchased an estate of one hundred and sixty acres at Carle's Neck, and a large part of this land up to Avithin a recent period remained in possession of the family, having passed from father to son from one generation to another, David Simonson, a direct descendant and the last owner and occupant, was one of the largest freeholders on the Island. He died about three years ago, having never been married. Isaac, a grandson of Aert, was an officer of the old Dutch Reformed Church, of Port Richmond in 1795, and John, a grandson of Isaac, served in the War of 1812, Jacob, a grandson of Isaac, purchased part of the original estate and erected a residence upon it. He lived there for the greater part of his life, and bequeathed the same to his children. He served as supeiwisor of the Town of Northfield, from 1833 to 1840, and in 1840 he was elected sheriff of Richmond County, and was again elected supervisor of his town in 1849. He died April 4, 1883, in the eighty-fifth year of his age. His children are : John, William, who died in 1882; Isaac J,, a florist, residing at New Spring ville; Jacob, a dentist, in Newark, and Eliza J, Waters, resid ing in New York, John W., son of Jacob and Ann E, Bedell, his flrst Avife, was born on the old estate December 23, 1826, and died at West New Brighton, December 28, 1882, He held various positions of trust. In 1851, he married Charlotte A,, daughter of the late Stephen D. Stephens, Two of their children, Stephen D, and Charles E.. are now living in West New Brighton, Mulford D. Simonson, of West New Brighton, a member of the flrm of Benedict Brothers, represents another branch of this large family. David F, Simonson, of Port Richmond, represents still another, STILLWELL. The Stillwell family was of English origin, and Avas among the earliest settlers of that nationality on Staten Island. The very flrst meuiion of the name, Avith reference to the Island, is in the Albany records, where a piece of woodland, on the south side of Fresh Kill, is recorded as belonging to Daniel StillAvell, in 1680, There is also mention made in the county records of Richard in 1689, of John in 1695-96 and 1708, and Thom.as in 1697 and 1704, At the close of the Seventeenth century there Avere at least four families of the name on Staten Island, We add the names of those found in church records : Elias and his Avife, Anne Burbank, had a son Thomas, baptized June 30, 1726, and a son Daniel, baptized Alarch 24, 1728. Thomas married Debora Alart ling, and had a son Elias, baptized June 10, 1747, Nicholas, born January, 1747, died April 26, 1819, Abraham, born Alarch, 1750, died September 12, 1824, The Still wells have filled many military and civic offices. There HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND, 115 are many of the name on the Island to-day, but what their connection is with the early settlers is not known. The late Captain Richard Stillwell, who for many years commanded boats connected with the Staten Island Perry, and who resided at Clifton, was a representative of the old family. SPRAGUE. Joseph, Edward, and John Sprague emigrated simultaneously from England; but the date is lost. It is thought that Jacob Spragg must have been a son of Joseph, and born in 1729. Joseph came to Staten Island, William, whose name is found in the county records in 1767, and Joseph in 1772, are believed to have been grandsons of the orig inal Joseph. The original Joseph had three sons, Jacob, John, and Edward. The name at present is chiefly confined to AVestfield, Notices of the name appear in the records of St. Andrew's Church as follows: Andrew Sprague and Catharine Pryor married June 28, 1800. Jacob Sprague and Margaret Wood manied, July 12, 1800. Daniel Sprague and Annatje (Anna) had a daughter Susannah, baptized July 18, 1762. Daniel Sprague married Maria Poillon, and had sons : Jaques, baptized March 26, 1738, and Daniel, baptized April 4, 1736, whose Avife was Ariantje; they had a son Jeremiah, bom December 1, 1763, Sarah Pareyn (Perine), wife of William Sprague, had twins, Will iam and Daniel, baptized September 6, 1719, Jan Sprague and Eliza beth Parein (Perine) had a son John, baptized November 15, 1719, Thomas Sprague and Sarah Van Name had a son Thomas, baptized December 22, 1723, Daniel Sprague and Catharine Larzelere had a son Richard, baptized November 25, 1739, Joachim Sprague and Anna Tenners had a son John, baptized July 28, 1751, and a son Rich ard, Alay 23, 1759, Thomas Sprague and Nancy Fountain had a son Antone, baptized February 1 6, 1755, John Sprague and Helena Van Name had a son Elias, baptized June 24, 1752, Richard Sprague and Jenneke (Jane) Van Name had a son Nicholas, baptized September 21, 1735, Nicholas (son of the last-mentioned Richard) and Effey had a daughter Catharine, born November 13, 1761, Jeremiah and Yetty had a son Peter, bom April 30, 1764, John and Oily Taylor were mar ried September 15, 1757, Samuel and Hannah Van Pelt were mar* ried June 9. 1755, Richard and Mary had a son Daniel, born February 7. 1770, There are two distinct families by this name on Staten Island to day. The one in Westfield represents the early settlers. The other has its chief representative in Dr. John T. Sprague, of Stapleton, TAYLOR. Abraham Taylor and Harmintje Haughwout are the first of this family of which we have any record on Staten Island, They had the 116 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. following children: Ephraim, baptized October 23, 1711, died young; Altje (Alida), baptized Alay 18, 1710, died young; Rachel, baptized August 21, 1720; Altje, baptized November 25, 1722; Peter, baptized July 4, 1725; Ephraim, baptized April 6, 1729, and Alargaret, baptized November 23, 1715, Ephraim married Elizabeth Morgan January 4, 1756 Another Ephraim, probably father of Abraham, had a son Jan, and a daughter Alarietta, both baptized in 1696. The following are found in the records of St. Andrew's Church, and belong to another family : Oliver, bom in 1687, died August 24, 1771. Henry and Judith had a son John, born September 20, 1770. Henry and Lydia had a son Abraham, baptized in 1775. John and Fanny had a son Oliver, bom September 24, 1791. John and Sarah Yates married January 7, 1804. Benjamin and Ann Decker married Septem ber 9, 1791. TOTTEN. This name, is found in the records of the county for considerably more than a century. It also occurs in the records of St, Andrew's Church, until the organization of the Methodist Episcopal Church at Woodrow, when it became identified with that denomination. The Tottens are of Welsh extraction. Gilbert Totten was one of the first and was connected with the Alethodist Society, The homes of the families bearing the name have been confined almost exclusively to Westfield, The notices of the name in church records, other than those of the Alethodist Church, are as follows: Silas and Charity, his wife, had two sons — Joseph, born August 10, 1765, and Ephraim, born Febru ary 24, 1.768, Joseph Totten and Mary Cubberly were married De cember 11, 1804. Going back a generation, we find that Gilbert and Joseph Totten settled on Staten Island in the latter part of the Eighteenth century. They were bom at Hempstead, Long Island. Gilbert became an ex tensive landowner on Staten Island, He married Mary Butler and had the following children: James, John, Joseph, Rachel, Mary, Le titia, and Elizabeth, John, of this number, was bom in 1771, and died in 1847, He married Nancy Cole, a native of the Island, and had tAvelve children, one of whom was the late Ephraim J., of Tottenville, who was born Alarch 30, 1806, became a sea captain at nineteen, was a merchant in San Francisco, and later in Tottenville, served as super visor for Westfield in 1846-47, Member of Assembly in 1848, and held several other positions. He was one of the projectors and an early director of the Staten Island Railroad, and for thirty-three years was recording steward and trustee of Bethel Methodist Episcopal Church. Ephraim was married on June 27, 1827, to Harriet, daughter of Jesse Oakley. Their children were Gilbert, John A., George O., William W., Frances E., John J., James B., and Ella G. HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 117 Rev. Joseph Totten, of Hempstead, was born on February 4, 1759. The inscriiition on his tombstone at Woodrow states that he was among the first members of the Methodist Episcopal Church on this Island. He was a farmer, and his associations with Bishop Asbury no doubt led him to enter the ministry, which occurred in 1792, when he was thirty- three years of age. In 1811 he was made a presiding elder of a New Jersey district. In 1818 he was pastor of St. John's Church, of Philadelphia. On Sunday, June 1, 1794, he preached the dedicatory sermon of the Sands Street Methodist Church, in Brooklyn, and in 1795 Avas appointed its first pastor. He received conference appointments for twenty-seven consecutive years. After receiving his last appointment at Philadelphia, in 1818, he returned to his family on Staten Island, and on Alay lOtli " preached in the meeting-house at Westfield " (Woodrow). On the following Sabbath he preached three times in Philadelphia, and " with great power again on Tuesday, and retired feeling perfectly well." In the morning he complained of feeling ill, but Avalked out in the yard. Presently the barking of dog attracted the attention of a lady, who discovered him lying on the ground. He was carried into the house and expired in a few minutes without uttering a word. This was on Alay 20, 1818, Avhen he had reached his fifty-ninth year. " A mound was made over him on the spot he had selected, and there, in the churchyard at Woodrow, he awaits the resurrection of the just," John C. Totten, the printer, whose name is on the title-page of many an old Methodist hymn-book, married Letitia, a daughter of Joseph Totten, and another daughter married John Pray. The Prays were members of the old Woodrow church many years ago. TOWNSEND. The family is of Norman and Saxon origin. The most noted mem ber in the direct line was Charles, chancellor of the exchequer, under George III,, whom Burke declared was the " official reproducer of this fatal scheme of ' American taxation.' " In, or prior to the year, 1645, three brothers Townsend emigrated to this country, and settled on Long Island. One of them, John, re ceived a patent from Governor Kieft for the Town of Flushing in that year. The other brothers were named Henry and Richard. George, son of the above-mentioned John, was born at Oyster Bay about 1661. George, son of the last mentioned, was recorder of the Town of Jericho, Long Island, at which place he died in 1763. His son William was born at Oyster Bay in 1715. His son James died in 1793, leaving Iavo sons, the immediate ancestors of two families of the Staten Island Townsends. These were John, born in 1765, and Walter W., born in 1762. Walter W. was, like his brother John, a flour mer chant in New York City. His wife was named Charlotte Coles. He 118 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. died in 1793. His son, Walter W., born after his father's death, in 1794, married Anne Helme. He died in 1860. His children were: Benjamin, Wisner H., Joseph, Dwight, Charles H., Walter W., Char lotte, Alaria, Annie, and Cornelia. Of this family there are now living : Wisner, who was for many years a citizen of Clifton, but who has recently lived in Alanhattan; Dwight, who was a member of Congress for this district in the seventies; Annie, who is the wife of Townsend (]!ox, of Alanhattan, and Cornelia, who is the wife of the Rev. Firth Jewett, of Skaneateles, New York. Benjamin, noAv deceased, lived at Bay Ridge, Long Island; Charles H. died at NeAv Brighton, on January 1, 1897. He had been for many years a resident of Clifton, where he OAvned and occupied the beautiful mansion and estate overlooking the lower bay known as the " Tow ers." This branch of the family is represented on Staten Island at present by Dr. Charles Wilmot Townsend, son of the above. There is another family of the name, that of William B. Townsend, formerly of Clifton, father of the late Mrs. Nathaniel Marsh, Mrs. George S. Scofield, Sr., and of Airs. George B. Ripley, Henry W., Kneeland S., and William B. Townsend. In 1835, that branch of the Townsend family represented by Walter Franklin, John I>anklin, James W., Charles E,, and William H,, took up their residence on Staten Island. They were the sons of John Townsend, of New York City. The brothers purchased the northerly half of the Charles McLean Simonson (or " AlcSimonson ") farm, a considerable tract of land, ex tending westwardly from the shores of the bay. Their purchase com prised the Avater front known as Vanderbilt's Landing, and included the rising ground as far back as the Fox Hills, On the highest part of this tract, a quarter of a mile from the old " hig'hway leading from Port Richmond to Quarantine," the brothers erected a spacious, but quaintly designed residence. Which, from its two flanking towers, became known as the " Townsend Castle," The accompanying view is from a sketch made at the time the house was built, by Charles E, Townsend, Sr. The " Castle " was destroyed by fire in 1885. An ap proach or avenue, one-quarter of a mile in length, Avas opened through their land by the brothers, from the site of their dwelling to the shore, intersecting the old " road leading from Port Richmond to Quarantine." This was dedicated as a public way in 1837 or 1838, and Avas designated "' Townsend avenue." The first residence erected on this avenue, and before the latter was dedicated, was upon the site of the present No. 45, and was built and occupied by William H. Townsend, one of the brothers mentioned above. William H. Townsend had ten children. The sixth, Charles Edward, born April 30, 1836, outlived all the others. Fie died on April 8, 1894, at .Clifton, Air. Townsend was a familiar figure in the community. His widoAV, Louisa S, Townsend, and sons Arthur O. and Ferdinand vuci A-.-m/, .)r HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND, 119 t"-, daughters Elizabeth and Alary, survive him, and all reside on the street that bears their family name, at Clifton, TYSEN. Barue Tysen, the founder of the Tysen family on Staten Island, came from Amsterdam, Holland, in 1660. He first settled in Noav Amsterdam, but Avhat year he came to Staten Island is not known. He made application for a grant of land on Staten Island in 1674, and received a patent for a tract on Kaiie's Neck, from Governor Edmond Andros, in 1677. He married Alalia Kroesen in 1672, The old stone house, still standing on the property granted to him by Andros, was built by him in 1680. He had three sons — Abraham, Cornelius, and David. Abraham married, and had a son Abraham de Decker Tysen, Avho Avas baptized October 21, 1707; Cornelius Avas married to Clymer Classen in 1703, and had a daughter Elizabeth, Avho Avas born Alay 28, 1705, and baiitized August 2, 1705. David married Alagdalena Alorgan in 1698, and died in 1710. They had tAVO children, Barent and Sarah, Barent was born on February 4, 1699, and married Elizabeth Swaim on October 20, 1723. They had three children: Elizabeth, David, and John. Elizabeth married John Staats; David died in infancy; John was born October 10, 1731, As the only surviving child he succeeded to his father's estate, and re sided on the property patented by Andros, He married Cordelia Bergen Alay 1, 1757. His name is at the head of a committee Avho addressed the ProAincial Congress on December 15, 1775, conclud ing with, " AVe aa ish and pray that if yet any hope of reconciliation is left, that measures might be adopted, if possible, to obtain that de sirable end," etc. When all hope of reconciliation Avas gone, he ear nestly espoused the cause of the Revolution. He Avas supervisor of Northfield in 1789-91-98. As supervisor he initiated measures to have a survey and map made of Staten Island, and the flrst official m-ap Avas largely the result of his eff'orts. It is filed in the office of the Secretary of State, at Albany. John Tysen Avas also trustee and elder of the Reformed Dutch Church on Staten Island. He died March 7, 1808, and is buried in the family burying-plot on the Tysen patent. Two sons survive him, John, his eldest child, was born March 17, 1758; he married Eliza beth Jaques on March 21, 1798, He resided on a farm near Prohibi tion Park (the park including part of the farm). He was supervisor of the ToAvn of Castleton from 1805 to 1809, He was elected deacon and treasurer of the " North Dutch Church," in 1802, and took a very active part in church matters, remaining treasurer until his death on February 6, 1827. He had a large family. His eldest son, David Jaques Tysen, was born on August 28, 1807. Though but nineteen years old, he took 120 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. charge and successfully managed his father's estate. He married Eliz abeth P. Lake December 29, 1831. He took great interest in public mat ters, though never holding office. Many lawsuits were avoided by his conciliatory advice. Though of great firmness of Character, he was most kindly and sympathetic in his nature. He looked with charity up on the failings and shortcomings of others, but despised cant and hy pocrisy. He was most hospitable. He died March 27, 1885. One near to him said to the writer : " His name is a priceless heritage, and his memory a precious legacy." His Avidow, Elizabeth P. Tysen, was a most amiable, generous Christian character. She died on January 25, 1898. She was a Daughter of the American Revolution. Of a large family, six children survive this venerable pair — ^Daniel W., David J., Margaret L., Josephine, Georgianna, and Lauretta S. Daniel W. Tysen resides with his sisters on the homestead at New Dorp. David Jaques Tysen married Frances W., daughter of Abra ham and Alice Ellis, January 7, 1891, and resides on Dongan Hills. He owns the tract patented to his ancestor in 1677, and is now the only descendant of the early settlers on Staten Island who owns the entire original patent. Isaac Freeman Tysen, son of John, was born February 14, 1814. He married Cordelia H. Jackson, of New York City, January 11, 1837. They resided on the homestead near Prohibition Park. He died on Alarch 26, 1886. His only surviving child, Robert P. Tysen, resides in the Borough of Manhattan. Charles Tysen, youngest son of John, married Adeline Moore, of Richfield Springs, on July 18, 1855. He resided at Port Richmond, and died on November 1, 1884. He had one daughter, Jennie L. Tysen, who married Hany W. Lobb. Jacob Tysen, son of John, Sr,, was bom October 8, 1773, and mar ried Alary Housman on February 6, 1794. They resided in the stone house on Richmond terrace, near Sailors' Snug Harbor, Jacob suc ceeded his brother John as treasurer of the " North Dutch Church." He was supervisor of the Town of Castletown from 1811 to 1821, and was county judge. State senator, and Member of Congress. He died on July 16, 1848. Judge Tysen left three sons — John, Richard, and Raymond M. John, the eldest, was born February 1, 1803, married Susan Antoi nette Bailey May 11, 1826, and died August 3, 1888, leaving four chil dren — William A., Mary, Antoinette, and Eugene Victor. Richard Tysen was bom Alay 13, 1805, and married Elizabeth AV. Perine Alay 19, 1830. He Avas many years an officer in the Reformed Dutch Church at Richmond, and died on February 2, 1866. His widow, Elizabeth W. Tysen, died on December 6, 1883. Four children survived them. Jacob Raymond Tysen, their eldest son, manied Alary Foster Totten, daugh ter of Abraham O. and Mary Totten. They reside at Jacksonville, Florida. Mary Louise Tysen married J. W. Stephens, son of Stephen HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND, 121 D. and Elizabeth Stephens, and resides in Brooklyn. Edward P, Tysen married Eliza L. Dill, daughter of Judge James and Eliza Dill, of New Dorp. They reside in Alanhattan. Amelia Tysen married A. Stew.art Rowley. They reside in Brooklyn. Raymond AI. Tysen, the youngest son of Judge Tysen, A\'as born on October 14, 1819. He graduated from Princeton College and was admitted to the bar, and Avas a most promising young laAvyer. He collected considerable material for a history of the Island, Avhich was never fully consummated, OAving to his early death, which occurred on May 8, 1851. VAN DUZER. The Van Duzers came from Long Island about the close of the Revolution. They were originally from Holland. The old Van Duzer homestead, which stood at Tompkinsville, was demolished a few years since. Airs. Van Duzer, mother-in-law of the late Judge Metcalfe, married a son of the original Cornelius Van Buskirk, and after his death married the late Daniel Van Duzer. Daniel Van Duzer left tAvo sons — John H. and Daniel C, both deceased. The name has be come almost extinct on the Island, it being alone perpetuated by a street in TompkinsAille. An illustration of the old homestead appears on page 316 of Vol. I. VAN CLIEF. Daniel Van Clief, of German extraction, settled on a farm near Garrisons Station, some time previous to the Revolution, and, taking the part of the Americans, Avas four times wounded during the strug gle for independence. The family enjoys a record for patriotism and loyalty, members of it having served in the various wars. Benjamin Van Clief died on Staten Island of a wound received in the war with Mexico. He was a son of Jesse Van Clief, a ship blacksmith, em ployed in the construction of many famous warships, among which was the " Constitution." While working upon this vessel he broke his leg, and in order that its completion might not be delayed, he al lowed himself to be transported from Staten Island to the Brooklyn Navy Yard on a couch, after which he superintended the rigging of the vessel in his invalid condition. AfterAvard he fought in the War of 1812, in which he had the misfortune to lose his hearing. Jesse Van Clief married Alargaret Aloore, and they had ten chil dren. The fourth son, John H., became one of the best-knoAvn citizens of the Island. His father died when he was but ten years old, and being thrown upon his own resources, worked in the daytime and at tended night school at Tompkinsville. He established the lumber business in Port Richmond. He repeatedly represented the Town of Northfield in the board of supervisors and held other positions of trust. His son John H., Jr., served as county clerk for one term. 122 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. Another son, William S., carries on the business which his father established, and is one of the Island's most successful citizens to-day. VAN NAME. This name had its origin centuries ago. " Namen " is the name of a town in Southern Netherlands; the prefix " Van " means " from " or " of." Hence, Van Namen — from Namen, or of Namen. Engelbert van Namen, a member of a family formerly of Namen, moved to Heusden, Brabant, Holland. He died in Holland, leaving a young son, Jachem Engelbert van Namen, born at Heusden, Brabant. This son ca,me to this country in the ship " Hope," which sailed from Amsterdam on April 8, 1662. He was under age. He landed at Man hattan Island, where he remained for a number of years, and from thence went to Esopus, near Kingston, on the Hudson lUver. At Kingston he married Elizabeth, daughter of Evert Pels, on No vember 3, 1678. They had several children, one of whom Avas Evert, born September 2, 1683, according to the baptismal register of the Dutch Church of Kingston. Evert married Wintje Benham, and among other children had a son Simon. He married Sarah Prall, and one of his children was a son, Aaron. He married Mary AIcLean, and one of their children was named Charles. Charles married Catharine Van Pelt, and among other children they had a son named Aaron. He married Mary Decker, and they had several children, one of whom was named Cornelius. He married Rebecca Corson, and had among their children William Henry, who married Elizabeth Ann Decker, and had one child, Calvin Decker Van Name, who now resides at Mariners' Harbor. Moses, son of Aaron, was born February 23, 1760, married June 9, 1782, and died October 16, 1811; Mary LaGrange, his wife, was born September 8, 1763, and died February 3, 1846. John (son) was born June 18, 1783, married Elizabeth AA^right, and died on April 1, 1853. Alary was born July 19, 1785, married, April 15, 1803, to Ed Avard DeHart, and died January 13, 1780. Aloses was born April 9, 1788, married, January 28, 1811, to Mary Pierson, and died July 28, 1871. Elizabeth was born June 30, 1790, married to Matthias DeHart, and died July 25, 1873. Catharine was born February 16, 1793, mar ried December 1, 1811, to Henry Simonson, and died July 27, 1869. Michael was born November 14, 1795, married, April 20, 1817, to Ger trude Cortelyou, and died June 5, 1883. Sophia was born August 29, 1789, married in October, 1816, to William Lake. Rachel was bom Alarch 10, 1801, married, September 4, 1821, to Peter Thatcher, and died in 1825. Aaron was born October 1, 1803, married, January 4, 1827, to Mary Alersereau, and died in July, 1 882. Charles Avas bom on August 25, 1806, married in November, 1832, to Elizabeth Mersereau ( cousin to Alary), and died July 15, 1883. HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 123 Charles (son of Aloses) and Elizabeth A'^an Name had the folloAV- ing children : Joseph H., born March 27, 1835, and married Caroline Gibson; Paul AL, born June 12, 1837, married Elizabeth Scott, of New Jersey. John ( son of Aloses), bom June 18, 1783, married Elizabeth Wright. Their children A\ere Alary LaGrange, born October 12, 1809; Caleb Halsey, born February 7, 1818; Judy Johnson, born September 2, 1815; Moses J., born March 9, 1818; Cathaiine, born October 27, 1820; Sophia Lake, born Alay 9, 1823; John Poiner, bom February 2, 1826; Andrew Wright, born July 11, 1831, and Charles Joseph, born January 28, 1834. David AI. (son of Charles) was born January 1, 1840, married Sarah AL Wyckoff'. Nancy M., born November 24, 1842, manied John Todd Crittenden; George W., born October 20, 1815, manied Kate A. Van Name. The children of David AI. are: Travilla, Lizzie Irene, Ada D., Florence Adelaide, and Sara Viola. Joseph Howard Van Name ( son of Aaron and Mary) married Cath arine Gibson, and had one son, George AV., who married Louisa Ricard. Paul AI. (brother to Joseph H.) manied and had the fol lowing children : Alice Jane, who married Thomas Simonson; Charles Winfield, Edward Everett, Frances Marion, Paul AI,, and Charlotte, Nancy AI. (sister) married Charles Crittenden. Their children Avere Pauline and J, HoAvard, George W. Van Name and A\ife had the following children : Edgar, Irving, and Pearly Louise. The dropping of the final " n " in the spelling of " Namen " occurred early in this country. The first absence of the letter apijearing in the records is on the baptismal register of the Dutch Church of Kings ton, It is in the record of the baptism of one of the children of Jochem Engelbert Van Namen, The name of the child was Johannes, born October 8, 1682; the name of the mother, Elizabeth Pels, and the name of the father, " Jochem Engelbert Van Name," The final " n " is not sounded by plain Dutch people. It Avas not sounded by the Noav Netheiianders. The " e " had the sound of "ar," and the pronunciation by plain people was " A^an Narmar " ; and this Avas the sound until the time of this generation. Now the English sound is given to each letter, and it is improperly called " A^an Name." The family is to-day a large one in Holland, and the educated people there sound the " n " and spell the name " Van Namen," and pro nounce it " Van Narmen." VAN PELT. There were people by this name residing in New Utrecht, Long Is land, several years before it appeared on Staten Island, VS''outer (AValter), Anthony, and Aert Van Pelt are mentioned in 1687, on Long Island, The first Van Pelt noticed in our records is Hendrick, who had 124 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. children born between 1696 and 1701. At or about the same time there was a Peter Van Pelt, who had a son Jan, baptized October 21, 1707, and a son Samuel, July 25, 1710. This John and Jannetje (Janet) Adams had a daughter, baptized March 28, 1736; a son William, April 13, 1742, and a daughter, April, 1744. Jacob and Aaltje (Alida) Haugh wout, his wife, had a son John, baptized October 15, 1727, and a daugh ter Catalyntje, September 27, 1724. John A^an Pelt and Susanna La tourette had tAvins, John and Susanna, baptized May 25, 1729. Tunis and Alaria Drageau had the folio Aving children: Anthony, baptized October 9, 1729; Johannes, baptized February 14, 1731; Alaria, bap tized June 3, 1734; Joost, baptized May 19, 1737, and Tunis, baptized November 19, 1738. Peter Van Pelt had a son AVilliam, baptized November 23, 1715; a son Samuel, April 16, 1717. Simon Van Pelt and Maria Adams had a son Peter, baptized Alay 23, 1749, and a daughter, April 18, 1743. John (Anthony's son) and Susanna Latourette, his wife, had Joost, baptized April 4, 1736, and Anthony, baptized April 30, 1733. This Anthony married Janneke Simonson, and had a daughter, bap tized June 11, 1760. Peter Van Pelt and Barbera Houlton had a daughter, baptized April 18, 1743, and a son David, baptized October 12, 1755. Jan and Maria Bouman had a daughter, baptized Septem ber 14, 1742. Jan, Jr., and Catrina Bouman had a daughter, baptized Alay 6, 1745. John had a daughter, baptized October 29, 1787. Sam uel, son of Peter, mentioned above, and Maria Falkenburg had a son Pieter, baptized July 19, 1748. Aart and Christian Immet had a daughter Maria, baptized December 10, 1721. John and Margaret had the following children: Tunis, born August 8, 1760; John, born February 10, 1765; James, born May 13, 1767, and Peter, born No vember 13, 1769. Peter and Phebe had a son Tunis, born June 6, 1768. Anthony and Susanna had a daughter Susanna, bom May 10, 1766, and a son George, born March 1, 1769. Joseph Van Pelt and Elizabeth, his Avife, had a son James, born August 5, 1767, and a son Ttinis, bom December 2, 1771. John Van Pelt and Catharine Lawrence had a daughter Mary, baptized Alarch 8, 1772. Jacob and Elizabeth had a daughter Marj^, born Alarch 11, 1768. Peter, son of John and Margaret, above, married Mary Colon, December 5, 1797. Da„vid Van Name and Hannah Wright married June 21, 1779, and died March 30, 1838. At the present time the fam ily is a large one on Staten Island. WANDEL. John Wandel's name appears in the county records with that of his wife, Letitia, who executed a mortgage to one Groom, May 1, 1767, and cancelled it by payment the next year. John Avas a cord- wainer by trade, and carried on the tanning business on Todt Hill. HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 125 Remnants of the old tannei'y are still visible at that place. John and Letitia had a son Peter, born January 10, 1776, Peter married Sarah Van Clief in March, 1789, and died Alay 17, 1857, over ninety- one years of age. His sons were: Alatthew, Daniel, John, Peter S., and Walter I, The family still exists on the Island, Peter S, was county treasurer for a number of years. He had a cousin Peter, who represented the Town of Middletown in the board of supervisors at a recent date. WINANT. This name is Dutch, In America it was recorded as follows : Wei- jants, Wynantse, Winantse, Wynants, Winants, Winans, and, lastly, Winant, which latter uoav stands, only a few descending branches retaining the name of Winans, which is rare on Staten Island. The first AVinant in America was Wynant Pieterse ( in English, Peter AA^'inant;), born in 1632, who emigrated from Betuwe, Guelder- land, Holland, about 1655-60, Tradition has it that he was (or de scended from) a famous Dutch musician and artist. Wynant Pieterse, the emigrant, settled in Breuckelen, marrying,! on December 4, 1661, Anneken Aukes (now A-^an Nyse), Wynant Pieterse's children were as follows : First, Pieter Winantse, born 1653-4, bap tized September 9, 1663; second, Ariaentje AVinantse, married, 1693, Teuriaen Van der berg; third, Altje Winantse, married Jan AVillemse Bennet, of Gowanus. Thus originate the Winant-Bennetts of Long Island. Altje manied, second, Peter Haughwout, of Staten Island. Said Pieter AVinantse, born 1653-4, is the Peter Winants who settled on Staten Island, having first resided in Breuckelen. He mar ried Anna Marie A^an Nyse, moving to Staten Island, where he is buried. His tombstone in Rossville reads : " Here lyes ye body of Peter Winants, born ye year 1654, who departed this life August 6, 1758, aged 104 years." A trial, believed to have been about 1734, related to a dispute of Gowanus fence boundaries, in which Peter Winans, of Staten Island, was a witness. PURDY S HOTEL, PRINCE S BAY; ERECTED IN THE SEVEN TEENTH CENTURY, 126 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND, His family Avas the only one of the name then in Richmond County. The following were his children : Peter, who had a son Peter, bap tized April 23, 1707. Winant (mentioned above), whose wife was Ann Cole, had the following sons baptized: Peter, Alarch 27, 1720; Abraham, Alarch 24, 1725; Jacob, October 9, 1726, and Daniel, April 22, 1728, John, whose Avlfe was Lena Bird, had a son Peter, baptized Alarch 19, 1732, and Cornelius, Avhose wife was Maria. Cole, had a son Cornelius, baptized February 28, 1728. The following are other members of the family whose names are found in the county and church records: Captain Peter, born De cember 4, 1784; he was the captain of the schooner " Thames," which AA^as wrecked on Absecom Beach, November 4, 1828, when he lost his life, Peter, born October 5, 1802, died February 8, 1867. Abraham and Alary had a daughter Ann, born September 30, 1758, and a daugh ter Elizabeth, born March 3, 1770. Daniel and Rachel had a son Daniel, born Alay 10, 1760, Daniel and Susannah had a daughter Ann, born June 27, 1762. Daniel and Elizabeth had a daughter Rachel, born October 4, 1765, Peter and Christiana had a son George, born September 6, 1770, This George married Eliza Winant, Novem ber 15, 1794, John and Hannah (or Johanna) had a daughter Eliza beth, born July 29, 1774, and a son Jacob, Alay 15, 1776, Peter and Charity had a son Isaac, born February 1, 1775; this Isaac married Patty Winant, January' 16, 1796, Peter and Ann had two children, Daniel and Ann, baptized November 20, 1785. Cornelius and Cath arine, his v/ife, had a daughter Cornelia, baptized November 21, 1790. Peter and Alary AVinant were married July 14, 1790. Moses and Catharine AA'^inant were married August 7, 1800. Daniel and Eliza Oakley were married December 19, 1801. Jacob Winant, of English ancestry, was born in Westfield, Staten Island, in 1749, and gave his life service to the Methodist Church as a traveling preacher, and died at the age of seventy-six years. He mar ried in the Lawrence family, who claim to be remotely connected with the wealthy ToAvnley family of England. Jacob Winant's Avife's fath er. Dr. James La.wrence, AA'as bom in Newtown, Long Island, in 1732, and afterAvard li\'ed on Staten Island. In 1753, he married .Ann, daugh ter of Charles Jandine, They left Iavo daughters, Sarah was born in 1759, married Joseph Ridgway, and died in 1823, leaAing five children : Anne, Joseph, Alary, James, and Elizabeth, The second daughter, Catharine, born in 1763, married Jacob Winants, and died in 1820. They left five children, four sons and one daughter. His eldest son, r'aptain Peter, Avas born in 1784, married Fannie Ellis, daughter of Garret Ellis; she Avas born in 1785, and died in her eighty-second year. Captain Peter was an officer in the army, and served through the War of 1812, He left six children: Mrs, Mary Cortelyou Mrs, Catharine Alills, Garret E,, Airs, Laney Appleby, Airs. Sarah Ann Gough, and Sebastian. Jacob Winant's second son, Daniel, married HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND, 127 Polly Laforge, and they had three children, Jacob AAinant's third son. Captain Winant Winants, married Mary Johnson, of AA^estfield; he died in 1872, aged eighty-three years. They left tliree sons: Cap tain James J, Winants, of Rossville; Captain Jacob, of Jersey City, and Cornelius, of Brooklyn. Jacob Winant's fourth son, Ja.cob, died in 1867, aged sixty-seven years. Garret Ellis AVinants (son of Captain Peter AA^'inants, Avho AA-as lost at sea) became a man of great wealth and prominence. He Avas born on Staten Island, and left an orphan Avhen he was but nine years of age. The family is still numerous on Staten Island. Prominent among its present representatives is ex-Sheriff' Abram Winant, of Ross ville. There are several branches, WOGLOAI. This name is Dutch, and has been A^arionsly recorded in America, being spelled over two hundred ways. It is generally spelled AA^)glom to-day. The prefix " Van " was dropped in 1776. The name is identi fied with Holland's history, descending from the Baron Van Woggel- um, of AVoggelum, Netherlands. Prom the market town of AA'oggelum, Jan A^'an Woggelum emi grated in 1 643. He came in a vessel called the " Spotted Coaa''," whicli, it is belioA^ed, landed at Perth Amboy. Alany of its passengers settled on Staten Island. Jan AA^oggelum's removal to Staten Island Avas about 1696, He sold land on Staten Island in 1696, and thereafter his family is iden tified with Staten Island history. His wife was Grytie or Gryssie, and she and Jan Pieterzen A" an Woggelum Avere Avitnesses at a bap tism in 1696-8. John AA^oggelum Avas a member of the Colonial Assemblj' from Rich mond in 1698-9, He had Iavo sons, Jan, Jr,, Ary, or Adrian, DouAve Van AVoggelum witnessed a baptism in 1718, residing on Staten Is land in 1742, and in September, 1751. The Wogiom family married and intermarried Avith the Coles, the Cropseys the Denyses, and the Winants, and to this day are quite numerous on Staten Island, especially in Westfield. A noted member of this family was Cornelius Wogiom, AA^ho was born August 20, 1800, He was employed by the United States GoA^ernment as paymaster during the building of Fort Hamilton, in 1831; Forth Wadsworth, on Staten Island, and Fort Schuyler, on the East River, AVith Col onel James Cropsey, he established the first hotel on Coney Island, a then fashionable resort. He was a captain in the Seventieth Regi ment, New York Alilitia. AfterAvard he was chosen for Guard of Honor, which body of soldiers acted as escort to General Lafayette Avhen he last visited this country. Congress granted total exemp- 128 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND, tion from land taxes and jury duties during his lifetime. He married, January 26, 1832, at Port Hamilton, Sarah Ann Cropsey, During the Revolution, the two John Wogloms (captain and pri vate), with Abram Wogium as first lieutenant, and Benjamin Wog iom as sergeant, place this family on the patriot side. After this period, the Wogloms do not appear as public officers on Staten Is land. WOOD. The name of Wood is not alone common in this country, but also in several countries of the Old AVorld. It is not known whether the Woods of Staten Island have descended from the one who came here from England. Samuel B, Wood, of Garrisons, is the son of the late John B,, who, A\ith his brother Samuel, are the sons of Samuel. Samuel's brothers Avere : Joseph, John, Stephen, and Jesse, and they were the sons of John, the great-grandfather of Samuel B. We subjoin the names of such as are to be found in the various church records of the Island, Stephen and Geertje Winter had twins, Stephen and Obadia, bap tized December 24, 1727, Stephen and Jemima Mott had a son Rich ard, baptized June 13, 1731. The following are from St. Andrew's Church: Stephen Wood and Alary had a daughter Mary, born September 18, 1772, and a son Stephen, baptized June 5, 1785. John and Margaret had a son Stephen, baptized August 1, 1773, who married Damy Housman Feb ruary 3, 1794, (This Stephen was one of the five brothers mentioned above as sons of John.) Stephen and Alice, or Elsy, had a son John, baptized June 15, 1783; he married Barbara Van Pelt December 23, 1804; and another son, Abraham, born September 22, 1788. Timothy and Sarah Rezeau were married in January, 1769, Isaac and Susan Lewis were married February 9, 1794. John and Sarah Lockman were married Alarch 23, 1794, Richard and Catharine Lockman were mar ried January 7, 1795, James and Esther Elston (probably Alston) were married June 1, 1799. Charles and Joanna Dongan were married December 11, 1806; she was the daughter of the late Walter Dongan, of Castleton Corners, and a mother of Walter D, Wood, of Mariners' Harbor, Jesse and Catharine Alarshall were married July 9, 1807, James, mentioned above, lived at Long Neck, or Travi.sville, and his sons were: Charles, mentioned above, John, Peter, and Abraham; Charles was well known in his day as a local preacher in the Metho dist Episcopal Church, John, brother to Charles, married Alary Jones, and was the father of James and Edward, The family is still a large one. CHAPTER IX. THE Ai'ANDERBILT FAMILY. HE common ancestor of this family, Jan (John) Aoertsen A"an der Bilt, arriAed in America from (A'an) der Bilt or Bylt, the hill, in Holland, about 1650, and took up his residence near Flatbush, Long Island, Jacob A^an der Bilt, a grandson of the latter, in 1718, purchased from his father, of the same name, a farm on Staten Island, to Avhich he remoA-ed with his AAife, Eleanor, and it was he who founded the Staten Island branch of the A^anderbilt family, Cornelius A'anderbilt Avas born at the hcime of his parents, near Avhat is UOAV Prohibition Park, the exact site of the house being marked by the residence of Air, Read Benedict, He was the son of Cornelius A"an Derbilt and Phoebe Hand, and the great-grandson of Jacob A"an der Bilt, His biographer says : " His boyhood and youth Avere spent very much after the manner of other farmers' sons, in the pursuit of amusements and the performance of minor tasks about the homestead, tie did not loA^e school, and early acquired a taste for a seafaring life. But his mother, a woman of sound common- sense, won him from his dreams with a practical proposal, the ac ceptance of which by him started her son on that Avonderful career which finally seated him, if not in the highest, then in the most use ful, position offered by modem civilization as a goal for ambition. The proposal Avas that, in case of his completing an almost impos sible piece of AVork upon the farm before a certain date he should have one hundred dollars, Avith which to purchase for himself a boat. He accepted the terms, and with the assistance of other boys, whom he interested in the project by offering them the privilege of sailing with him, he won the prize. This took place in his sixteenth year, and shortly after he began the transportation business by carrying pas sengers to and from Staten Island for an established toll of eighteen cents. Often when he first started in this business he would forego Ills meals to ferry excursion parties to the city, and secure the extra reAvard sure to follow. " At the end of the first year he gave the one hundred dollars to his mother for the boat, and one thousand dollars besides. At the end of the second he gave her another thousand dollars, and had se cured a fractional interest in two or three more boats. The War of 1812 also furnished him many opportunities to add to his regular business. 130 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. " In his nineteenth year Mr. Vanderbilt married his cousin, Sophia Johnson, the daughter of his father's sister Eleanor. The ceremony took place November 19, 1813 (in the home of the bride, the Johnson farmhouse, now familiarly known as the old Union House, in Totten ville). Immediately after it he redoubled his efforts to place him self on a solid business foundation. Prom the profits of a contract Avith the Commissary Department of the United States for deliver ing food to the six forts in New York Bay, together with other moneys which he had accumulated, he built a small schooner for the coasting trade, which he called the ' Dread.' The following year he built a much larger one, named after his sister ' Charlotte,' and placed it on the line between New York and Charleston. About this time, also, he began to study the modeling and planning of vessels, which finally ended in his abandoning sails for the then modern invention, the steamboat. " The end of 1817 found him twenty-three years of age, married, Avith nine thousand dollars in his possession, and out of business. He had heartily espoused the cause of Gibbons, proprietor of the steam line between New York Oity and New Brunswick, New Jersey, in the fight which that gentleman was conducting against the Pulton-Liv ingston New York steamboat monopoly (of which ex-Governor Daniel D. Tompkins was a prominent member). Mr, Gibbons offered Air, Vanderbilt the command of the small steamboat ' Mouse of the Moun tain,' which he accepted at a salary of one thousand dollars per annum," This was the first steamboat that ever passed through the Kills. For twelve years Air. A^'anderbilt remained in the employ of Gibbons. During this period he purchased a hotel, known as the Half -Way House, at New Brunswick, where he made his home and several of his children were born. In the course of time the law was repealed, and Pulton, Livingston & Co, lost the sole right to run steamboats in the waters of New York State, Mr. Vanderbilt wanted to engage in business for himself, even though Gibbons offered him an equal partnership in his line, then paying a profit of |40,000 a year. He turned his eyes in the direction of the Hudson River and Long Island Sound traffic. He sold his hotel and removed to New York City with his family, in 1829, He resided for a short time in Stone street, also in East Broadway, after which he removed to Stapleton, Staten Island, and resided in the old-fashioned residence on Bay street, nearly oppo site Police Headquarters, and later built the handsome residence now owned and occupied by George H, Daly, Mr, A^anderbilt commenced running a line of boats in the spring of 1830, which he had built for him, and which contained many improve ments of his own invention, on the Hudson River. He was at first opposed in this by the Stevenses, Daniel Drew, and Dean Richmond, all of whom, however, rapidly disappeared. He made |30,000 a year HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND, 131 for five years after leaving Gibbons, which he doubled after the ex piration of that period. At the age of forty he had more than a score of vessels running in all directions, and the number was so rapidly increasing that he began to be called " the Commodore." Between 1840 and 1850 his receipts were enormous. Commodore Vanderbilt commenced his famous battle Avith the Pacific Mail Steamship Company in 1849, by carrying passengers across Lake Nicaragua. In order to accomplish this, he was obliged to get a small side- wheel steamer (" The Director ") up the San Juan River, which is full of cascades and rapids, which he succeeded in jumping, by tying down the safety-valve, to the great consternation of the accompanying engineers. He made more than one million dollars a year in Nicaragua, beside the income from his other enterprises at the same time. He sold out the route to the Transit Line in 1853, and started on his voyage in the " North Star," then the largest steam-yacht ever constructed. His wife and eleven children accom panied him. On his return to America Com modore Vanderbilt became engaged in an altercation with the Nica ragua Transit Company, Avhich, in his absence, had grown rich by sys tematically robbing him. The course which he took on that occa sion was characteristic. He at first warned them of his intentions, and then put on an opposition line, and in one year the Transit Company was bankrupt. He continued nine years in the California business, ac cumulating not less than ten mil lion dollars; but the filibuster Walker put an end to operations by seizing the A^'anderbilt franchise and nearly capturing his steamers. The next important venture of Air. Vanderbilt was in the direction of the transatlantic traffic. It was divided at that time between the Cunard Line of English steamers and the Collins Weekly Line of American vessels. These furnished about half the service required. The Commodore offered to form a partnership with Collins, but he declined. The Commodore waged war for some time with his volun tary antagonist for the privilege of carrying the United States mails^ which had theretofore been canied at an enormous rate. Air. Collins had influence at AVashington for a time; but when the Commodore offered to carry the mails for nothing. President Pierce vetoed the CORNELIUS VANDERBILT, 132 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. ' Collins subsidy. Mr. Vanderbilt then placed the three steamers, " A^an- derbilt," "' Ariel," and " Harvest Queen," on the route, and Avith these he beat the Collins steamers nine times out of ten. The A'anderbilt line Avas soon made the favorite of travelers, and very soon succeeded in so monopolizing the trade that the Collins line disappeared from the ocean. For years Mr. Vanderbilt continued the transatlantic traffic, and abandoned it only when he found the rapidly increasing railroad in terests of the countrj^ provided a better investment for his money. He had built flfty-one steamboats and steamships, besides quite a number of schooners and other vessels, at the time he commenced to invest his money in railroad stocks. At that time he was the largest employer in the United States. He owned nearly a hundred vessels, and his powerful hand was felt in every commercial circle in the world. From the very commencement of the war he interested himself in sending troops to the fleld. President Lincoln noticed his activity in the matter, and sent for him immediately after the sinking of the " Cumberland " by the " Merrimac," and offered to reward him Avith a large sum of money to stop the progress of the Confederate ram, Mr, A^'anderbilt refused all compensation, but immediately returned to New York, received a sufficient number of Government seamen, Avhich he took on board his favorite ship, the " Vanderbilt," which Avas soon steaming up the James River, ready to give battle to the " Alerrimac," But the " Merrimac " did not put in an appearance, and Commodore Vanderbilt Avrote to President Lincoln, offering him the loan of his vessel till the close of the war. Soon after this. Congress ordered a medal struck in his honor and presented it to the donor, and the " Vanderbilt," then probably the handsomest and best- equipped steamer afloat, passed into the possession of the United States Government, It was valued at eight hundred thousand dollars. Commodore Vanderbilt made his flrst investment in railroad stock in the winter of 1862-63, It Avas thought that the intricate methods of Wall street would be too much for him at that time, " But the fact that in the next fourteen years," says his biographer, " he suc ceeded in AvithdraAving his immense fortune entirely from its mari time investment, and doubling it four times over, and obtaining for it the most solid of all security then known to the American financier, show^s the mental power which he possessed and the clearness of his judgment. His first investment Avas in Harlem, then selling at from seven to nine. Under the impetus of his name it soon rose to thirty, and shortly afterAvard at par, on his obtaining from the (^ommon Council of New York City a francliise for a street railroad to the Bat tery, The phenomenal rise thus given to stock excited the bears, who, after selling immense quantities of Haiiem short, attempted to injure the Commodore by influencing the withdraAval of the street franchise. HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND, 133 They succeeded, by forming a combination Avith the aldermen, in having the charter repealed; but found soon that he had outdone tliein by purchasing all the stock and holding it in his possession. Some of it sold as high as Iavo hundred and eighty-five, aud from the millions, Avliich he realized in this cornering of Haiiem, Air, A"ander« bilt began iuA^esting in Hudson River stock, then (in the fall of 1863) selling at twenty-flve. His idea Avas, if possible, to control the road and secure its consolidation AAith the Harlem. For this purpose he secured the promises of a majority of the legislators that tliey would giA^e their votes in favor of the measure. Again he found that du plicity was being practiced. Tlie members of the Assembly and their friends were selling Hudson River short, preparatory to breaking their pledges and defeating the bill. This caused Air, Vanderbilt to form a combination Avith John Tobin, afterAvard president of the road, and Leonard Jerome. They secured, as in the Harlem corner, nearly all the stock of the road. The legislators Avent on selling till they had disposed of tAventy-seven thousand more shares of stock than existed, and Avhen the time came to cover their shorts, there was a panic in V\"all street. Hundreds were ruined outright, and Air, Van derbilt's reputation as a railroad manipulator was firmly maintained," Commodore A'anderbilt's acquisition of the Hudson River Railroad gave him wonderful power over the transit of New A'ork State, Avhich Avas somewhat hampered by the arbitrary conduct of the New York Central, under the control of Dean Richmond and Peter Cagger, They refused to unite Avith him in any measure for the better accommoda tion of either passengers or freight, and caused him to retaliate by a bold movement, which flnally gained him possession of the New York Central road. Richmond and Ca^gger had been in the habit of using Drew's river boats as an outlet for their freight in New York City dur ing the summer months, but in the winter they were obliged to send it over the Hudson River road. The Commodore took advantage of the situation and refused to run any trains to Albany during the winter, thus reducing the stock of the Central more than fifteen ^ler cent,, after which he bought large amounts of it, and gained the manage ment. On November 1, 1869, just three years later. Commodore Vander bilt secured the consolidation of the Hudson River with the new possessions, and thus was established the Noav York Central and Hud son River Railroad Company. " New difficulties," according to his biographer, " presented themselves in the senseless and ruinous rate- cutting of the Erie road, against which all his remonstrances were in vain. He accordingly commenced a rapid absorption of Erie stock, while Drew, Fisk, and Gould sold short. No one suspected the trick which Drew and his companions were about to put in practice, which Avas the issue of bogus stock. One hundred thousand shares of this Avere suddenly thrown on the market, and Mr. Vanderbilt unknoAV- 134 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. ingly bought the whole issue. Immediately on discovering the fraud, he put the machinery of the law in motion. Drew, Fisk, and Gould fied to New Jersey, carrying nearly seven millions of dollars in green backs with them. But they were finally pressed to such an extent by Mr. Vanderbilt's lawyers that they agreed to a restitution of several millions. A charter was obtained for an immense union depot at Forty-second street, and the building was constructed, together with the splendid system of viaduct tracks, forming the entrance to the city of the northern, western, and eastern railroads. This was ac complished at a cost of |6,500,000, half of which was borne by the City of New York. In November, 1873, Mr. Vanderbilt found himself obliged, by the death of his son-iniaw, Horace P. Clark, to purchase the Lake Shore and Michigan Southern road. The advantage secured by rival railroad managers through the combination of the Grand Trunk and Great Western Railroads also obliged him later on to secure the Canada Southern and Michigan Central, which, when added to his former acquisitions, composed the finest and best-equipped railroad property in the world. The death of Mrs. Vanderbilt, on August 17, 1868, was a great blow. Her burial took place at New Dorp, in the presence of a large con course of friends. Among the pallbearers were A. T. StOAvart and Horace Greeley. Mr. Vanderbilt manied, a year later, another cousin, Frank A. Crawford, of London, Canada. She has the credit of influencing him in the establishment of the " Vanderbilt University," of Tennessee, at a cost of one million of dollars, and also that he purchased for the friend of his latter days, the Rev. Dr. Deems, " The Church of the Strangers," at a cost of |50,000. Commodore Vanderbilt died on January 4, 1877, aged eighty-three years. A large concourse of people assembled in the old Moravian Cemetery at New Dorp, to witness the ceremony, and the incidents of that day were flashed to all parts of the world. The Mausoleum, holding his remains, is in the old Moravian Cemetery, and the structure, together with its surroundings, co,st nearly a million of dollars. Besides the resting-places for the dead it contains a chapel. The view from in front of the structure is most inagniflcent, while the driveway, with the entrance through a very beautiful stone archway, adds greatly to the scene. The choicest of flowers and shrubbery adorn the grounds. Commodore Vanderbilt left a large family. William H., his eldest son, inherited the bulk of the fortune. According to the will, his share was about ninety millions of dollars. William H. was born at New Brunswick, New Jersey, on May 8, 1821. After a brief course in the public school at that place, the removal of his parents to New York Oity enabled him to enter Columbia Grammar School. At the age HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. ]35 of sixteen he began business as a ship chandler, and at the expiration of two years he entered the office of Drew, Robinson & Co., bankers, on Wall street. The biographer of William H. Vanderbilt wrote thus of him : " The young man had been for some time considering the adverse opinion Avhich his father seemed to have formed of him. He saw that it was an obstacle to his progress, and resolved if possible to remove it. With this end in vioAV, he devoted himself unreservedly to his work, and as a result, his advancement at the bank was a rapid one. On en tering it his salary was placed at |150 per annum. The second year it Avas |300, and the third it was |1,000. At the age of twenty he mar ried Alaria Louise Kissam, daughter of a Brooklyn clergyman of the Dutch Reformed Church, and with her he went to board in East Broad- Avay. His father was then worth in the neighborhood of one million dollars, but he had made up his mind that his son Avas reckless and that helping him would be but wasting money; so he allowed him to live on as he had started, without his aid. At last the young man's health gave way, and the physicians notified his father that he must be taken from the bank, or the result might prove fatal. " The Commodore looked about for some means of employing his son, which would at the same time enable him to recover his health. Finally he decided on purchasing him a farm at New Dorp, Staten Is land, between the old Moravian Church and the sea, and to it William and his wife removed (in 1842), with the determination that they Avould make the best of the situation. The house to which they went was a plain, two-story structure, facing the sea, with a lean-to for a kitchen. It probably did not contain more than five rooms. The farm also was very small, and was a part of the neglected barrens of Staten Island. It needed to be carefully tilled and abundantly fertilized to make it fruitful. " From the first Mr. Vanderbilt made a success of farming. As at the bank, he gave his undivided attention to the task before him, and got as much as possible out of his narroAV acres. When he left Staten Island, on his father's accession to the control of Harlem, he had by his own efforts enlarged his farm to three hundred and fifty acres, re built his house, now one of the finest farm-houses in Richmond County, and his produce was yielding him |1,000 a month, or |12,000 a year, " The construction of the Staten Island Railroad shortly before the war, was a scheme in which Mr. Vanderbilt had deeply interested himself. Owing to bad management it was soon overladen with debt, and it became necessary to place it in the hands of a receiver. Through his father's influence, who was then a principal stockholder, he was appointed to the place. He had no experience as a manager, but he began by applying rules of common-sense to the task before him, and at last succeeded, by reducing expenses, stopping leaks, discover ing new sources of patronage, and connecting the road with New York 136 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. City by an independent line of ferries, in placing the company on such a footing that its stock, from being valueless, rose to |175 a share. All this Avas accomplished in two years, and as a result Air, A'anderbilt was made president of the road," The antipathy of the old Commodore toAvard William H, Avas a fa miliar subject to the people of Staten Island in those days, and re peatedly certain residents pleaded Avith the father to be more friendly with the son. The late Dr, Ephraim Clark, of New Dorp, never missed VANDERBILT MAUSOLEUM, an opportunity to create a kindly feeling betAveen the two, and there is no doubt that the kind-hearted old doctor did much to bring about the substantial reconciliation AA'hich came at last. An amusing story is told about the real cause of the old Commo dore's sudden change in his regard for the son. One day, the story goes, William H, Avent up to the city, and stated to his father that he Avanted a load of manure, and asked him if he would sell it to him. " O, go and get it, and don't bother me," said the busy old man, thinking that an ordinary Avagon-load Avas the amount called for. But HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 137 it was a schooner-load that the junior A'anderbilt had in his mind, and Avhich was delivered later at the dock, the moldering remnant of which may be seen at the foot of New Dorp lane to-day. When the matter Avas reported to the old Commodore, a lively scene Avas expected; but all present were disappointed. He laid aside the paper which he Avas reading, placed his right hand on his head care fully, and after a few seconds in silent thought, quietly remarked, " AV-e-1-1, there is something in AAilliam, after all!" It was noticed that from that time on, there AAas a marked intimacy between the father and son, Mrs, William H, A^anderbilt Avas a woman of strength of character and reflneinent. She did much to help her husband, and gain for him the respect and confidence of his father. She ahvays claimed that he was misjudged, because the father did not understand him. When, hoAvever, they once became acquainted, they Avere indeed the firmest of friends. Commodore Vanderbilt sent AA'illiam II, to Europe to look after a brother. Captain George A'anderbilt, Avhose health had been Avrecked in the war of the Rebellion, and Avho had been spending a year in the RiAiera, This young man Avas his father's favorite; he died in Paris, shortly after his brother's arrival. When his father assumed con trol of the Haiiem Railroad, AA^illiam H, Avas made yice-i)resident, and the management of the Commodore's schemes for the improvement of the property AA'ere all intrusted to his care. He soon after became AMce-President of the Hudson River Railroad, and on the consolida tion of the latter Avith the New York Central, he Avas elected vice: president of the combined system. When the Commodore died, William H, was fifty-flve years of age. He at once became president of all the roads of which he had before been vice-president; but his relation to affairs remained substantially the same. An attempt Avas made by one or two of the Commodore's heirs to break the will. The interests which he had at stake compelled Mr. \''anderbilt to defend himself to the extent of convincing aspiring contestants that his position Avas entirely tenable. When he had gained this point, however, he broug'ht the suit to a peaceable ter mination by compromise. To his epileptic brother, Cornelius J., he gave one million dollars, and to each of his sisters half a million, in addition to the amounts already given them by the will of their father. After the Commodore's death, Mr. A^'anderbilt completed the i)ur- chase of the Canada Southern Railroad. This, together with other acquisitons which he made, added considerably to his already im mense income; and he soon began, at Fifth avenue and Fifty-first street, the construction of the elegant residence in which he died. The structure was completed in Iavo years. Six hundred workmen were employed upon it, and sixty sculptors, brought especially from 138 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. Europe, were kept busy during the same length of time. The cost of the double home was two millions of dollars, and the art gallery was furnished at an additional expense of a million and a half. The collection of paintings, two hundred in number, representing the best modern artists of France, is said to be the most complete in the world. Air. Vanderbilt gave much attention to its construction, as a result of which he probably secured for himself the finest private residence in America. The love of Mr. Vanderbilt for outdoor exercises, and especially fast driving, Avas a theme of conversation in sporting circles, not only throughout this country, but also in Europe. After the decease of his father he essayed to take his place upon the road. During the construction of the " Nickel Plate" railroad, Mr. Van derbilt's interests compelled him to make every effort to prevent its completion. Finally, when these failed, he purchased the road. His second son, AA^illiam K., carried on the negotiations, and was shortly afterAvard elected its president. After this transaction, on May 3, 1883, Air. Vanderbilt resigned the presidencies of the various rail roads of Avhich for more than six years he had been the head. He was overAvorked and his health fatally impaired. December 8, 1885, three years after his resignation, he died at his home in New York City, of paralysis, a second attack. At the time of the attack Mr. Vanderbilt was seated in his parlor. Robert Garrett, President of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, was sitting beside him, and the only other person present was the late James R. Robinson, of Staten Island, who had long been on the most intimate terms with the family. Mr. Ganett's mission was to ne gotiate with Mr. Vanderbilt, relative to the entrance of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad into New York City. Air. Vanderbilt was very much opposed to the scheme. Mr. Garrett became excited at Mr. Van derbilt's opposition, and at what he considered a threatening attitude, and the two became considerably agitated over the matter. Finally, Mr. Vanderbilt advanced a theory which he hoped would effect a compromise. But it did not meet with favor on the part of Mr. Gar rett. Mr. Vanderbilt became greatly excited, and rising from his chair, made a motion to an attendant who had just entered the room in response to a call, waved his hand and sat down suddenly. Pres ently his head rested on his breast and he made an unsuccessful effort to speak. Assistance was immediately summoned, but it was of no service; the busy life had reached its end. Mr. Vanderbilt more than doubled the fortune left him by his father, and was reputed at the time of his death to be worth about two hundred millions of dollars. The manner in which this was in vested admitted of a more equal distribution than his father had been able to make of his estate ten years before, and of the eight children surviving him, not one received less than ten millions of dollars. The HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 139 tAVO eldest sons, Cornelius and William K., however, inherited the bulk of the fortune, amounting to nearly one hundred and tAventy mil lions of dollars. The children of William H. Vanderbilt were born on the farm at New Dorp, and their first schooldays were spent in the little red schoolhouse on Alill road. The boys and girls Avho used to studj^ and play with them, remember them as friends only. The children of this family Avere: Cornelius, who married Miss GAvynn; William K., who married Aliss Alva Smith (their daughter being the Duchess of Marlborough); Frederick W., who married Miss Anthony; GeorgOj who married Miss Dresser; Emily, Avho married W. D. Sloane; Louise, who married Colonel Elliott P. Shepard; Florence, who married Hamilton McK. Twomhly, and Eliza, who married J. Seward Webb. Cornelius succeeded his father, William H., at the latter's death, as the head of the family and its gigantic interests. The world soon learned to look upon him as a noble man, in every way an honor to his day and generation. His career, however, Avas limited, as he died a victim of paralysis, at his home, at No. 1 West Fifty-seventh street, Manhattan, on the morning of Tuesday, September 12, 1899, in his fifty-sixth year. On the following Friday his remains were placed in the mausoleum at New Dorp. The names of the children of Commodore Vanderbilt are as follows : Phoebe Jane, Who married James M. Gross; they resided at New Dorp for several years, and then removed to Noav York City; both have been dead a number of years. Ethlinda manied Daniel B. Allen, and resided on the Little Clove road; both are dead. Eliza married George Osgood, and they resided on Osgood place, in Clifton; both are dead. Emily married William K. Thome; they resided in NeAV York City, AYhere they died. William H. married Louise Kissam; both died in New York City. Frances was unmanied ; she died at the age of forty, in consequence of an accident. Alaria Louise married Horace P. Clark, of New York City. Alitia married L, B. Labau, and they had a beautiful residence on the Clove road, which was destroyed by fire; her second husband was named Berger, a Frenchman. Sophia married Da.niel Torrance; she resides in New York. George died when a mere lad. George, second, died in Paris. Cornelius, Jr., was an invalid, and died a few years since. Catharine married Smith Barker, of New York City; later she married a man named LaPitte, in Paris. Captain Jacob Hand Vanderbilt, a brother to the Commodore, be came a prominent man. He was bom on the eastern shore of Staten Island, on September 2, 1807. Under the influences of a domestic life, he grew up, acquiring the common school education of the times, and at an early age began to " follow the water." At the age of eighteen he had risen to the command of a steamboat, and from that time on ward he rose steadily in the importance of his business engagements and adventures, which were chiefly connected with the conduct of 140 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. steamboat lines on Long Island Sound, the Connecticut and Hudson Rivers. In 1834, he married Euphemia Maria Banta, a descendant of Gen eral Israel Putnam. Her death occurred in 1877. Three of Captain A'^anderbilt's children are liAing: A son, bearing his own name; Ellen, widow, of Herman D. Caesar, and Clara, widow of James AIcNamoe. Shortly after the Southern war Captain Vanderbilt retired from ac tive business, but continued to hold the presidency of the Staten Is land Railroad. He had a beautiful residence on Clove Hill. He died in 1882. C^HAPTEK X. AARON BURR: SOLDIER, LAAA'YEli, POLITICIAN. HE story of Aaron Burr's evcmtfnl career, is one of direct interest to the people of Staten Island, for it was here that a considerable portion of his life Avas spent, and here that it ended. Aaron Burr was bom in Newark, New Jersey, on February 6, 17.'»6. He was the son of Rev. Aaron Burr, and grandson of Rev. Jonathan EdAvards, each of whom became President of Princeton College. Re moving from Newark to Elizabethtown, his early playdays Avere spent just across the Kills from Staten Island, although his parents removed to Princeton Avhen he Avas A^ery young. He w^as left an orphan AA'hen a child; but he and his sister returned to Elizabethtown, and became inmates of the family of the Hon. Timothy EdAvards, their mother's brother. Tappan Reeve, afterAvard judge of the supreme court of Connecticut, was their tutor, and married the sister when she Avas but seventeen years of age. At the age of eleven, Aaron Burr was prepared for college, and, applying for admission at Princeton, was rejected on account of his age. He set to work to learn out of college Avhat he was not per mitted to learn in it. At thirteen he applied for admission into the junior class, and more as a favor than a right, he was alloAved to enter the sophomore class. He should have been fifteen years old. This Avas in 1769, He was but sixteen when he graduated, in September, 1772, In the spring and summer of 1773, Burr was much at Elizabethtown, One of his favorite pleasures there was boating, and he frequently came over to Staten Island, becoming quite familiar with every part of the place. In the autumn of 1773, he went to live in the family of Dr, Jeremiah Bellamy, the eminent theologian. As the winter of 1774 drew on. Burr's young friends were drawn from the light pursuits proper to their age, by the portentous aspect now assumed bj'' the quarrel between the colonies and the mother country. He Avas a Avitness of the affair at Litchfield, and had only begun the study of law when the news of Lexington electrified the colonies, Aaron Burr felt that he w^as formed to excel as a soldier, and al though only nineteen years of age, his courage was perfect — he never 142 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. knew fear. He was a good horseman, a good helmsman, a tolerable fencer, and a fair shot. Moreover, he loved the military art; knew all of it that could be learned from books, and more highly prized the soldier's glory than that of any other pursuit. On hearing of the battles of Lexington and Bunker Hill, Burr could bear inactivity no longer. He mounted his horse, and rode in hot haste to Elizabethtown, where he aided his friend Matthias Ogden to prepare for the campaign, and the two friends made their way to the American camp at Boston. They arrived in July, 1775, only a few days after General Washington had assumed command. After passing a month of most wearisome idleness. Burr was strick en with intermittent fever, and was confined to his bed for several days. One day, as he was tossing about, he overhead Ogden and others talking in the next room concerning an expedition that was on foot. Colonel Benedict Arnold was about to march with a thousand volunteers through the forests of Maine to attack Quebec, and thus complete the conquest of Canada. Instantly Burr declared his determination to join the expedition; and, quietly disregarding Ogden's remonstrances, began, enfeebled as he was, to dress himself. No argument nor persuasion could move him Avhen his mind was made up. Go he would. In a very few days he was ready to proceed to the rendezvous at Newburyport, distant thirty miles from Boston. Accompanied by a squad of stout fellows, AA'hom he had equipped at his own expense, he shouldered his knap sack and marched the Avhole distance. On the 20th of September, the troops, eleven hundred in number, embarked at NoAvburyport, and, at the mouth of the Kennebec, found tAVO hundred light batteaux in waiting. Soon the little army had gone by the last outpost of ciAilization, and was working its way through the wilderness. For forty-two days they saw no trace of the presence of human beings. Thirty times or more, the boats, Avith all their contents, ammunition, provisions, and sick men, had to be ca,r- ried by main strength, around rapids and falls, over high and precipi tous hills, and across wide marshes — until, after toil, under which a tenth of the army sank, and from which another tenth ran away, the boats were launched into the Dead River, where a sudden flood dashed many of them to pieces, and destroyed one-half of the pro visions. Then all the horrors of starvation threatened the devoted band. In a few days more, they were reduced to live upon dogs and reptiles and, at length, to devour the leather of their shoes and car tridge-boxes, and anything, lioAveA^er loathsome, which contained the smallest nutriment. It was fifty days after leaving Newburyport, before Arnold, Avith the loss of exactly half his force, saw the heights of Quebec. He had brought the gallant army six hundred miles through a hideous Avilderness. The student, bred in comparative luxury, who had come from a sick- HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 143 bed, bore the fatigues and privations as well as anyone in the party. Although skilled in managing a boat, he met with a serious mishap. His boat Avas precipitated over a fall of twenty feet, and with the loss of one man. Burr and his companions got ashore with difficulty. As the force approached Quebec, it became a matter of the first im portance to communicate with General Montgomery at Alontreal. To Bun was confided the task of conveying, alone, one hundred and ST. JAMES HOTEL, PORT RICHMOND — HOUSE IN WHICH AARON BURR DIED, tAventy miles, through an enemy's country, a verbal message from Arnold, informing Montgomery of his arrival, and of his plans. Assuming the garb and bearing of a young priest, he went directly to a religious house near the camp, and sought an interview^ Avith its chief, who gave him aid. At Three Rivers the guide found the people excited by rumors of Arnold's arrival, and the authorities on the alert to prevent con nection betAveen the two American commanders. When they reached 144 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. Montreal, Burr repaired at once to Montgomery's headquarters, gave the information AAith Avhich he Avas charged, and narrated his ad ventures. That gallant soldier Avas so charmed with Burr's address and daring, that he requested him, on the spot, to accept a place on his staff. A feAV days after. Burr was formally announced as the general's aide-de-camp, with the rank of captain. Montgomery soon marched, in a blinding snowstorm, to meet Ar nold, Avliose troops were already shivering under the heights of Que bec, Arnold had already made an attack upon the city, and might have carried it with undying honors, and turned the course of Revo lutionary history, but for the treason of an Indian to Avhoin he had given letters for General Schuyler, but Avho conveyed them .ind news of the expedition to the British commandant! Soon after Alontgomery's arrival, a council of war was held, at Avhich Burr and Ogden were present, and it was determined to make an attempt to take the place by assault. To Captain Burr, at his own recjuest, Avas assigned the command of a forlorn hope of forty men, Avhom he forthwith selected, and began to drill. By the 20th of December, preparations were complete. The little army Avas Availing for a storm as the time of attack. The last night in the year of 1775, the early part of which was brilliantly lighted by the moon, at midnight, witnessed the commencement of a violent snow storm. The little army was soon under arms. About nine hundred men ansAvered to their names, Thej were divided into four parties. Tavo were to fight; the others to distract the garrison by feints. One of the fighting parties was led by Arnold, the other by Montgomery. At five o'clock the signal of attack was given, Tavo lines of pickets Avere driven in by Alontgomery, The troops in a blockhouse, seeing the Americans approaching, retreated. The failure of a hasty advance led one of the enemy's men to return to the blockhouse, and he touched off a grape-charged cannon. Forward fell Alontgomery, never to rise again. In fact, every man that marched in front ot the column, except Captain Burr and the guide, Avere struck doAvn to death by that shot. The column halted and Avavered, and fell into incompetent hands. Burr attempted to reorganize the command and push on, " When dismay and consterna tion prevailed," testified Captain Richard Piatt, wiio commanded a N(nv A'ork company, among the most advanced in the column of at tack, " Burr animated the troops, and made many efforts to lead them on, and stimulated them to enter thf loAver town; and might have succeeded, but for the positive order of the commanding officer for the troops to retreat," The enemy opened fire from the bloc khouse, and the retreat of the Americans became a. disorderly flight. It Avas then that Captain Burr made a noble display of courage and fidelity. There lay the body of his general in its snoAvy .shroud, Down the steep, over the blocks of ice and drifts of snow^ and along the HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND, 145 river's bank, his comrades were flying in disgraceful panic. Prom the blockhouse the enemy Avere beginning to issue in pursuit. The faithful aide, a boy in stature, exerting all his strength, lifted the general's body upon his shoulders, and carried it doAvn the gorge, up to his knees in suoav, the enemy only forty paces behind him. The country rang with the name of Aaron Burr and his gallant conduct. Arnold assumed command of the army, and appointed Burr brigade-major. Burr did not like Arnold. In the spring the army retreated to Alontreal, and Burr, against Arnold's Avill, gave up his position. He was warmly greeted at Albany, on his return, and soon heard that General AVashington Avas so greatly pleased with his con duct at Quebec, that he sent word for him to come to him immediately, and stay in his family. In Alay, 1776, Major Burr reported to General AVashington, who Avas residing at Richmond Hill, But inactive life did not suit him, and he thought of retiring from the service. John Hancock dissuaded him, and procured him an appointment as aide-de camp on the staff of General Putnam. During the retreat of the American army from Long Island, Major Burr saved a frightened brigade from capture. In July, 1777, while at Peekskill, with General Putnam, Burr was notified by General Washington of his promotion to the rank of lieu tenant-colonel. He AAas the youngest man who ever held that rank in the Revolutionary army. He Avas soon placed in command of a regi ment, which lay at Ramapo, in Orange County. Colonel Burr was soon the idol of his troops, for he knew hoAV to command them. Ex acting the most prompt and implicit obedience, he commanded only what was right and necessary, and was prompt to notice and applaud good conduct. In September, a rumor reached Colonel Burr that a strong force of British were on the way to Orange County, In the night, Burr, per sonally, at the head of seventeen men, captured their pickets and made them prisoners, and succeeded in driving the main force away. In November, 1777, Colonel Burr was ordered Avith his regiment to join the main army under General AA^ashington, near Philadelphia. At the same time Burr planned an expedition against the British posts on Staten Island. He proposed the scheme to General AVash ington, and asked for two hundred men of his own regiment as a nucleus, relying on his ability to raise the country in case he should appear here with a respectable bocb' of troops. General Washing;ton rejected the proposal; and when, afterAvard, he acted upon the idea, gave the command to Lord Stirling, and later, to General Sullivan, under both of whom it proved a failure. The Continental army went into winter quarters, near a powerful enemy, at Valley Forge. Some distance from the " town of hovels " there was a pass called the Gulf, where an attack was expected. The timid militia were constantly giving false alarms. General AIcDougall 146 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. recommended that Colonel Burr be given command at that point, which he accepted, and the most rigorous discipline prevailed. At the battle of Monmouth, June 28, 1778, Colonel Burr commanded one of the brigades of Lord Stirling's division. All through the sultry night that preceded the battle, he was on the alert, surveying the ground and preparing for the fight. From before the dawn of that eventful day until late in the evening, his men were under arms, either engaged or waiting orders, exposed to a sun so powerful as to be only less fatal than the enemy's fire. Toward noon, while Stirling Avas thundering away with his artillery at the enemy. Colonel Burr perceived a detachment of British issuing opposite him from the wood which hemmed in a small, marshy plain. Before him was a morass over which a bridge had been thrown to the solid ground beyond. He instantly gave the order for his brigade to cross the bridge, and march toward the approaching enemy. When about half his force had crossed, and were within the enemy's fire, one of General Washington's aides galloped up to Colonel Burr and ordered him to halt his men, and hold them where they Avere until further orders. Burr remonstrated vehemently. The aide replied that the order was peremptory and must be obeyed, then rode away. The cannon balls soon began to roar above the heads of his men, and to strike with threatening proximity. Colonel Burr saw his brave men begin to fall about him, in consequence, as he thought, of blun dering generalship. In a few minutes. Colonel Dummer, second in command to Burr, was killed; and, soon after, at a moment when Colonel Burr had by chance thrown his leg forAvard, a ball struck his horse on the saddle-girth, killed the animal instantly, and tumbled his rider headlong on the ground. Burr Avas up again in a moment, un injured. As no further order arrived, the men who had crossed the bridge rejoined their comrades. Immediately after the battle. Colonel Burr was dispatched by Gen eral Washington to move about in the vicinity of New York, and pro cure information " respecting the motions and intentions of the en emy," Accomplishing this task, he was ordered to march Avith his regiment to West Point. The regiment, hoAvever, marched without him, as he was selected to conduct " certain infiuential tories within the British lines." During the winter Colonel Burr commanded the post at West Point, He was now in his twenty-third year. In January, 1779, Colonel Burr was appointed to command the " Westchester lines," a region lying between the posts of the British at Kingsbridge, and those of the Americans, about twenty miles dis tant. An active campaign ensued. Innumerable skirmishes were fought. Colonel Bun destroyed a British fort and captured the en tire garrison force, without the loss of a man. On the 10th of Alarch, 1779, Colonel Burr Ayrote to General Wash ington, resigning his commission, givin.f as the reason, his physical HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 147 inability to perform the duties of his command. General Washing ton, in accepting his resignation, observed that " he not only regretted the loss of a good officer, but the cause which made his resignation necessary." And so, after four years of active service. Colonel Burr ceased to belong to the army. While visiting at NeAvburg, General AIcDougal requested Colonel Burr to cross the country and inform General Washington of the danger that section was in; and later, Avhile sick in bed at Noav Haven, Connecticut, he heard of the landing of Governor Tryon's troops. The people were in dreadful alarm. He went out into the street to find the militia panic-stricken and unable to face the British. Then going to the college green, where the students were drawn up in line, he addressed them, and he was accepted as their commander. They marched into the tOAvn and were joined by a small detachment of militia, and their presence held Governor Tryon's force in check for some time. In the autumn of 1780, his health having greatly improved, he be gan to study laAv in earnest, under Judge Patterson, of New Jersey. The following year he went with Thomas Smith, a city practitioner of note, at Haverstraw. In November of that year, the Legislature of New York passed an act disqualifying all the Tory lawyers from practicing in the courts of the State. Burr at once resolved to make an effort to realize jiart of the benefits himself, and, a few days after, he was in Albany for the purpose of applying for admission to the bar. But difficulties arose. The rule of the court was, that candidates must have spent three years in the study of the law before admission, and Colonel Burr could scarcely pretend to more than one year's study. Nor could he find a lawyer in the State willing to make a motion for the court to set aside the rule. In these circumstances, the candidate undertook the man agement of the case himself. Haying first conciliated the good-will of the judge in private, and made him acquainted with the grounds of his application, he appeared in court at the proper time, and made the requisite motion. He said that he had begun his studies before the Revolution, and should long since have been entitled to admission to the bar, but for the services he had rendered as a soldier. " No rule," he observed, " would be in tended to injure one whose only misfortune is having sacrificed his time, his constitution, and his fortune to his country." The court de cided that the rule with regard- to the period of study might, for the reasons given, be dispensed with, provided the candidate could show that he possessed the requisite knowledge. The examining counsel gave him no indulgence. They wished his failure. But after an ex amination, prolonged, critical and severe, which he passed triumph antly, he was licensed as an attorney. On the 17th of April following, 148 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND, he was admitted as counselor. He was then twenty-six years of age. He began the practice of law at Albany. On the 2d of July, 1782, Aaron Burr and Theodocia Pre vost (widow of Colonel Prevost, of the British ai-my) were married in the Re formed Dutch Church at Albany, by the Rev. David Bogart. They were forthAvith established in an ample residence in that city. At Albanj', in the first year of his marriage, was born Colonel Burr's daughter, lovely little Theodocia, She had a joyful welcome into the world, the beautiful child who was to have so terrible an exit from it. Colonel Burr practiced law in Albany for more than eighteen months, with great success. As soon as peace was declared, he made arrangements for removing to New York. A house was hired for him in Maiden lane, at two hundred pounds a year, the " rent to commence Avhen the troops leave the city," That event occurred on the 2.5th of November, 1783; soon after which date Colonel Burr removed his family to the city. The city contained at that time twenty-five thou sand people, and Avas the second city in importance in the United States. Philadelphia stood first, with fifty thousand. The State of New York had less than three hundred thousand. Colonel Burr had few competitors for the higher business of the pro fession. The disfranchisement of the Tory lawyers, and the compli cated suits growing out of the laws confiscating the estates of Tories, gave to an able and active lawyer, just after the Revolution, a most lucrative field of exertion. He came to Noav York, apparently, with no intention to take part in politics. From 1783 to 1791, the practice of the law absorbed the greater part of his time and attention. He made a great deal of money, and his style of living kept pace Avith his increasing income. In a few years we find him master of Richmond Hill, the mansion where Wash ington had lived in 1776, with grounds reaching to the Hudson, with ample gardens, and a cousiderable extent of grove and farm. Here he maintained a liberal establishment, and exercised the hospitality which was then in vogue. Tallyrand, Volney, Louis Phillippe, and other strangers of distinction, whom the French Revolution drove into exile, were entertained with princely profusion and elegance at Richmond Hill. His library excelled all others in the city. Colonel Burr's rise to eminence in the political world Avas more rapid than that of any other man who played a conspicuous part in the affairs of the United States, during the first half century of the Republic. In the spring of 1784, he was elected a member of the State Legislature, and re-elected on the following year. He stood alone, at first, in opposition to the land-grab bill, which was flnallj^ lost. At the same session a bill was introduced for the gradual abolition of slavery in the State. Burr iras in favor of a speedier extinction of it, and moved to amend the bill so as to totally abolish slavery after a HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 149 certain day. His amendment having been rejected, he voted for thQ original bill, Avhich was lost. As there were three parties, so there were three groups of leading partisans — the Clintons, the Livingstons, and the Schuylers. The Clintons had power, the Livingstons had numbers, and the Schuylers had Hamilton! Neither of the three was strong enough to overcome the other Iavo united, and any two united could triumph over the third. A thousand influences enter into politics, and in a State where only freeholders had a vote, and Avhere there were not more than twelve or fourteen thousand freeholders, thc> influence of great fam ilies, if wielded by men of force and talent, will be, in the long run, and in a great crisis, controlling. It was so in the State of New York for tAventy years after the Revolution. For some years after coming to New York, Colonel Burr held aloof from these factions. And when, at length, he entered the political field, it was not as an ally of either of the families, but as an independent power who profited by their dissensions, and wielded the infiuence of the two to crush the more obnoxious third. Colonel Burr had a party of his own, that served him, instead of family connections. These Burrites formed a fourth party in the State, and Avere a recognized power in it years after the leader had vanished from the scene. Consisting at first of half a dozen of Burr's personal friends, it grew in numbers Avith his advancement, until it became a formidable " Aving " of the great Democratic party. In 1788, Colonel Burr first appears in political history as the candi date of the anti-Federal party. In the following year. Governor George Clinton appointed him attorney-general of the State, although he had opposed that gentleman's election. This was a tribute to the lawyer merely. In January, 1791, Colonel Burr was elected to represent the State of New York in the United States Senate. General Schuyler (Hamil ton's father-in-law), was a candidate for re-election, and had the aid of Hamilton, then the confidential man of Washington's administra tion. NotAvithstanding the Federalists had a majority in the Legis lature, Schuyler was rejected and Burr elected on the first ballot. The commencement of Alexander Hamilton's hatred for Aaron Burr dates from this event. Soon after, Hamilton's letters began to teem with repugnance for his rival. From this time, in whatever direc tion Bun sought advancement, or advancement sought him, his secret, inveterate enemy was Alexander Hamilton; until at length the poli tics of the United States was resoh'^ed into a contest betAveen these two individuals. In the United States Senate Burr at once became a leading figure. It had for some time been his ambition to write a history of the Revo lution; but he was refused free access to the public documents Avhile 150 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. in Washington, lest some of the schemes of political leaders might be exposed. The work was laid aside for the time being, and cir cumstances, which every writer experiences, prevented him from tak ing it up again. Colonel Burr was appointed a judge of the Supreme Court, but re fused it, and it seemed at one time as if he would receive the nomina tion for Vice-President at the second term under Washington. Hamil ton again showed his hand — of hatred for Burr. He wrote very bitter letters. On the 21st of September he said " Burr was an embryo Caisar," but on the 15th of October, he said his " opinion of the indi vidual was yet to form." This may be accounted for in the fact that the first letter was private, while the latter was for the public! For six years. Colonel Burr played a distinguished part in the Senate of the United States. He acted with the Democratic party. He contended for an open Senate, session after session, till, in 1794, the measure was carried by a vote of nineteen to eight. He was recom mended for appointment as Minister to France; but President Wash ington, influenced by Hamilton, refused to nominate him. Neverthe less, Burr Avas all the time making surprising advances in popularity and importance. He was everywhere spoken of as the corning candi date for the Vice-Presidency. In the spring of 1794, twelve years after their marriage, Mrs. Burr died. No one familiar with the subject will doubt that that event infiuenced the rest of his life. Little Theodocia, then a girl of eleven, Avas all that now made his house a home. Prom her infancy his heart and mind had been interested in that most fascinating of employ ments, the culture of a being tenderly loved. In her tenth year Theo docia was reading Horace and Terence, in the original Latin, learning the Greek grammar, speaking French, studying Gibbon, practicing on the piano, taking lessons in dancing, and learning to skate. She was really a child of superior endoAvments, and rewarded her father's solicitude by becoming the best educated woman of her time and coun try, as well as one of the most estimable. It was the fortune of Aaron Burr to contribute, in a remarkable manner, to the triumph of his party. His tactics brought victory, through which many profited, and " rewarded " the man with in gratitude. It is no exaggeration to say that Jefferson himself was one of these. In 1795, Ctolonel Burr having left the Senate, seemed absorbed in law and speculation. He was no doubt planning for the coming Presidential campaign. He went back to the State Legisla ture. On the reorganization of the army. Burr was spoken of as a brigadier-general; but through Hamilton's influence he was defeated. In the election of 1800 Burr was the Democratic leader, and the re sult of his management placed Thomas Jeff'erson in the Presidential chair. He came within one vote of reaching that office himself; con sequently he became the Vice-President. Jefferson had, in fact, given HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND, 151 up all hope of success, saying that " he considered the contest more doubtful than that of 1796." Burr would not admit the idea of failure. Then it was that the party began to submit to that discipline which gave it twenty-five years of victory. Hamilton had planned to rob the new party of its victory in the city; but Burr was posted, and every movement of the Federal leader was Avatched so closely that the scheme failed. Hamilton's intrigue was a design to frustrate the people's will by putting General Pinck- ney into the Presidential chair, in place of John Adams, by means of a trick in which he hoped to capture votes in the electoral college. The 4th of Alarch, 1801, was a day of rejoicing throughout the Uni ted States. The inauguration was happily achieved at the usual hour. In the evening President Jeff'erson and Vice-President Burr received the congratulations of gentlemen of both parties at the Presidential mansion. The inauguration speech had lulled the apprehensions of the Federals, and the new order of things was accepted with good grace. At the same time the Democrats in Albany were holding a banquet, and the second toast offered was, " Aaron Burr, Vice-President of the United States; his uniform and patriotic exertions in favor of Re publicanism eclipsed only by his late disinterested conduct." Colonel Burr made a model Vice-President. He wore his honors with the dignity w"hich belonged to the man. And yet, Aaron Burr should never have touched politics. He was now in several people's AA'ay, and measures Avere to be adopted to get him out of the way. He was not the man that Thomas Jefferson and the Virginia politicians wanted to be the next President, and two of the three factions in Burr's home State Avere disposed to unite their forces for the purpose of destroying him and his followers. Burr's friends were slighted by Jefferson. NoAvspapers were owned and controlled to injure him, and contained the vilest of falsehoods, which, unfortunately, he let stand unnoticed. Bitter and deadly, beyond what the modern reader can imagine, were the political controversies at the commencement of the nine teenth century. Duels were fashionable at that time — apparently the only mode to which gentlemen were compelled to resort to settle an insult, a slight, or wrong. They were regarded as a matter of course. Many an " affair of honor " was settled on Staten Island. Three years of Colonel Burr's Vice-Presidency passed in these con tentions. His personal friends had resented the insults to him, and they told upon his popularity. As the time for selecting candidates for the Presidential campaign drew on, it became manifest that he could not secure the undivided support of his party for a second term. Calling upon the President, he informed him of his intention to resign. Jefferson's mind had been poisoned by Burr's enemies, and he acted 152 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. accordingly. His conduct in this instance has robbed Mr. Jefferson of not a little of the glitter that covered his name. Colonel Burr then became the candidate for Governor of New York. The Federalists nominated Alorgan Lewis. Hamilton came out with a catalogue of " Reasons " why Burr should be defeated. Viler abuse Avas never bestowed upon any man running for a political office. Bun was beaten. No one ever received provocation so oft repeated, so irritating, and so injurious as that Avhich Aaron Burr had received from Alexander Hamilton. Oheetham, of the American Citizen, whose abuse of Burr was only such as a coward could employ, after allow ing Hamilton to use his columns, asked : " Is the Vice-President sunk so low as to submit to be insulted by General Hamilton? " At everj' step in Burr's political career, Hamilton, by open efforts and secret intrigue, had utterly opposed his advancement. His let ters, for years,, had abounded in denunciations of him, as severe and unqualified as the language of a powerful declaimer could convey. From Burr's own table he had carried away the unguarded sallies of the host for use against the political opponent. Finally, he had just succeeded in frustrating Burr's keen desire for vindication at the people's hands; and, in doing so, had made it only too evident to all the influential politicians, that for the success of any plans of political advancement which Burr might in future form, it was, all things else essential, that Hamilton's injurious tongue should be either silenced or bridled. The two men had already been near collision. In 1802, Colonel Burr called Hamilton to account for his slanders. Hamilton apolo gized, and Burr believed that he would cease to speak of him in a disrespectful manner. From the hour that he learned that Hamilton was still slandering him with his former freedom, he ceased to re spect him; he held him in contempt, as a man insensible to considera tions of honor and good faith. Burr's religion was fldelity to comrades. Men Avho proudly looked upon him as more than their political chief had fought in his quanel, and fought with a reckless courage which he had flrst inspired, and then commanded. If the occasion should arise, could chief decline the encounter with chief, after the subalterns had so gallantly con tended? And this consideration had weight Avith Hamilton. Besides having sanctioned the practice of duelling, and seriing as second to Colonel Laurens in his duel Avith General Lee, his own son had fallen, three years before, in what the language of that day called " the vin dication of his father's honor." In short, never since the duello was invented, Avere Iavo men, if the requisite technical provocation should arise, so peculiarly and irresistibly bound to flght, as were Aaron Burr and Alexander Hamilton, in the summer of 1804. A paper containing Handlton's offensive remarks was taken to Col onel Burr, six weeks after the election, by William P. Van Ness. They HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND, 153 were in a letter written by Dr. Charles D. Cooper. At the request of Colonel Burr, Air. Van Ness conveyed the letter to General Hamilton, with the off'ensive passage marked, and a note from Colonel Burr, AAiiich called attention to the passage, and concluded with the follow ing words : " You must perceive, sir, the necessity of a prompt and unqualifled acknoAvledgment, or a denial of the use of any expressions which Avoiild warrant the assertions of Air. Cooper." Hamilton had not seen Cooper's letter. Having read it, and the note of Colonel Burr, he said they required consideration, and he Avould send an answer to Air. Van Ness's office in the course of the day. Late that evening he called at Mr. Van Ness's residence, and told him that a press of business had prevented his preparing a reply ; but on the 20th he would give him a communication for Colonel Burr. In that communication, Hamilton declined making the acknowl edgment or denial that Burr had demanded. Between gentlemen, he said, " despicable " and " more despicable " Avas not worth the pains of distinction. He could not consent to be interrogated as to the jus tice of the " inferences " which others might have drawn from Avhat he had said of an opponent during fif teen years' competition. But he stood ready to vow or disavow explicitly any " definite " opinion which he might be charged with having expressed respect ing any gentleman. He trusted that Colonel Burr, upon further refiection, would see the matter in the same light. If not, he could only regret the fact, and abide the consequences. Burr's reply was prompt and de cisive. He said he had considered the letter attentively and regretted to find nothing in it of that sincerity and deli cacy which Hamilton professed to value. " Political opposition can never absolve gentlemen from the necessity of a rigid adherence to the laws of honor and the rules of decorum," wrote Burr, " I neither claim such j)iivilege nor indulge it Avith others." He continues to review the letter, closing with the remark that, " Your letter has furnished me with new reasons for requiring a definite reply." Everything indicated that Hamilton read his doom in that letter. He claimed that it contained " offensiA^e expressions " which seemed to close the door to reply. He wanted Burr's letter withdrawn. Mr. Van Ness detailed these ideas to Colonel Burr, and received a pajjer of instructions to guide him in replying, verbally, to General Hamil ton. It read as follows : AARON BURR, 154 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. " A. Burr, far from conceiAing that rivalship authorizes a latitude not otherwise justifiable, always feels greater delicacy in such cases, and would think it meanness to speak of a rival but in terms of re spect; to do justice to his merits; to be silent of his foibles. Such has invariably been his conduct toward Jay, Adams, and Hamilton; the only three who can be supposed to have stood in that relation to him. " That he has too much reason to believe that, in regard to Air. Hamilton, there has been no reciprocity. For several years his name has been lent to the support of base slanders. He has never had the generosity, the magnanimity, or the candor to contradict or disavow. Burr forbears to particularize, as it could only tend to produce new irritations; but having made great sacrifices for the sake of harmony; having exercised forbearance until it approached to humiliation, he has seen no effect produced by such conduct but a repetition of injury. He is obliged to conclude that there is, on the part of Mr. Hamilton, a settled and implacable malevolence; that he will never cease, in his conduct toward Mr. Burr, to violate those courtesies of life; and that, hence, he has no alternative but to announce these things to the Avorld, which, consistent with Mr. Burr's ideas of propriety, can be done in no Avay but that which he has adopted. He is incapable of re venge, still less is he capable of imitating the conduct of Mr. Hamil ton, by committing secret depredations on his fame and character. But these things must have an end." Hamilton wrote a letter and placed it in the hands of his friend, Pendleton. He was not Avilling to make a definite avowal or dis- avowel, such as Colonel Burr desired. Hamilton gave Van Ness a paper, the purport of which was that if Colonel Bun should think it proper to inquire of General Hamilton the nature of the conversation Avith Dr. Cooper, he would be able to reply, with truth, that it turned Avholly on political topics, etc. Burr said it was a " mere evasion." Other correspondence followed. Throughout the whole of it we see, on the one hand, an exasperated man resolved to bring the affair to a decisive and final issue; on the other, a man striving desperately to escape the consequences of his own too unguarded words. Colonel Burr then wrote his " final recapitulation," and sent it to Hamilton. It concluded with the remark that the length and fruit- lessness of the correspondence proved it useless " to offer any propo sition, except the simple message which I shall now have the honor to deliver." The challenge was then given and accepted. Court was in session and Hamilton was busy. He required time to transact pri vate affairs; and, therefore, delay was unavoidable. The seconds met on the following day; they confened several times before arrange ments were completed. The time was set — July 11th, at seven in the morning; the place, Weehawken; the weapons, pistols; the distance, ten paces. HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 155 On the 4th of July, Hamilton and Burr met, for the last time, at the convivial board. It was the annual banquet of the Society of the Cincinnati, of which Hamilton Avas president and Burr a member. The letters, which the two men wrote on the night before the duel, are full of sympathy and tenderness, and, we doubt, have ever been read but to awaken pity and regret for both. The two chiefs met — each to be a chief no more ! In the strict law governing the practice of dueling, they proceeded. Burr, cool, delib erate, took the position assigned him, while Hamilton, agitated and nervous, assumed his. And yet, who that has familiarized himself with the circumstances, will question that both were equally deter mined? But, the simple secret that Burr was a better soldier than his antagonist, stood him well in hand at the instant. Burr hit his mark. Hamilton tried to, but failed! It would probably have been better for both, if both had fallen; for it is invariably so ordered in this world's aff'airs, that the successful one in a contest involving so much, becomes the real victim in the public mind. It Avas so with Burr. The injustice that Hamilton had done him was all forgotten in the awful tide of public opinion that turned against him. Hamilton lingered thirty-one hours. He Avas buried with all the honors the city could bestow upon his memory. His grave is in Trin ity Churchyard, and can be plainly seen by the thousands who trav erse Broadway every day. The feeling against Burr at once became most intense. The press was filled with letters from people from all over the country. " Those preliminary letters," says Parton, " read by a person ig norant of the former history of the two men, are entirely damning to the memory of the challenger. They present Burr in the lig-ht of a revengeful demon, burning for an innocent Aictim's blood. Read aright — read by one who knows intimately what had gone before — read by one who is able to perceive that the moral quality of a duel is not affected by its results — read, too, in the light of a century ago — and the challenge Avill be admitted to be as near an approach to a reasonable and inevitable action, as an action can be Avhich is in trinsically wrong and absurd. But not so, thought the half-informed public of 1804. They clamored for a victim, and they found it in Aaron Burr. He became the target from that time on for the vilest scandal that was ever implanted in the heait of man. Such vitality may there be in lies planted at the right moment, in the right place, and in the right manner, that these foolish tales have still a certain cunency in the world. This duel, however, had the good eft'ect of arousing the public mind against the practice. Since that day, no man in the United States has fought a duel without falling in the estimation of his countrymen." Eleven days after the duel, Colonel Burr left his home at Rich mond Hill, and passed by boat down the Staten Island Kills to Perth 156 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. Amboy. After a visit to Commodore Truxton, he proceeded South as far as Georgia, where the Society of St. Simon's bestowed every mark of consideration upon him. Later he went to his daughter Theodocia's home in South Carolina. In Petersburg, Virginia, he was given an ovation. He Avas received Avell in AVashington, and Jefferson was really more friendly to him than before. On the 2d of March, 1805, Colonel Burr resigned as Vice-President of the United States. After a farewell speech by him, the Senate adopted the following : " Resolved, unanimously. That the thanks of the Senate be presented to Aaron Bun, in testimony of the impartial ity, dignity, and ability with which he has presided over their delibera tions, and of the entire approbation of his conduct in the discharge of the arduous and important duties assigned him as President of the Senate." During Colonel Burr's absence, Richmond Hill was seized and sold to pay his debts, and he was in danger of going to the debtor's prison himself, should he return. He was a ruined man. Everybody was asking, "What will Burr do now?" He was the subject of un numbered rumors. The public mind was prepared to believe anything of him, provided only that it was suffi ciently incredible ! Colonel Burr was looking Westward. All oyer the valley of the Alississippi, there were men who were ready to go all lengths in showing respect to a man whom they regarded in the light of a martyr. It is not our mission to go into details as to Colonel Burr's West ern trip. He was anested and tried for treason. He was acquitted, repeatedly, after trials lasting many weeks, i n which everything that the politicians of the country could do to convict, to injure, and to damn him, was done. But his absolute vindication lies in the fact that, what was considered rank treason in Aaron Burr then, was, in after years, considered the very acme of patriotism and progress in others ! The real prosecutor of Aaron Bun, throughout the whole business, Avas Thomas Jefferson, President of the United States, who Avas made President of the United States by Burr's tact and vigilance, and who was able therefore to wield against Aaron Burr the power and re sources of the United States. So anxious was he to prosecute, if not ])ersecute, Burr, that he even denounced the Federal judges, of which John Marshall was the chief. The truth is, Jefferson and a great many others, were determined to get Burr out of their own way! THEODOCIA BURR (daughter). HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 157 As an instance of the public pulse, we recall a Fourth of July celebration in Cecil County, Maryland, where, in the toasts, the crudest epithets were hurled at Aaron Burr and his counsel, Luther Alartin. To these eff'usions, Alartin replied with a spirit and audacity seldom found in a public man. " Who is this gentleman," said he, " whose guilt you have pronounced, and for whose blood your parched throats so thirst? Was he not, a few years past, adored by you next to your god? I mean your earthly god; for whether you believe in a deity who has any government over your ' republic of dust and ashes,' I know not. Were you not, then, his warmest admirers? Did he not then possess OA^ery virtue? Had he then one sin — even a single Aveak- ness of human nature? He was then in power. He had then influ ence. You would have been proud of his notice. One smile from him would have brightened up all your faces. One froAvn from him would have lengthened all your visages ! " Go, ye holiday, ye sunshine friends — ye time-servers — ye criers of hosannah to-day and cruciflers to-morrow — go, hide your heads, if possible, from the contempt and detestation of every virtuous, every lionorable inhabitant of every clime! " After Colonel Burr's acquittal and liberation, he sailed for Eng land. While the ship on which he was to sail was in preparation, he spent almost all his time with friends on Staten Island. From Eng land he went to several of the Continental countries, had some terri ble experiences, and returned home in 1812, Landing at Boston, he soon made his way to New York. A friend in Nassau street let him have a suite of rooms, and he at once resumed the practice of law. The announcement in the newspaper that he had returned, electri- fled the city. Before Colonel Burr slept that night, flve hundred gen tlemen called upon him. The feeling for the moment seemed to be general throughout the citj^, that he had been treated Avith undue severity, and that the past should be buried in oblivion. He at once had a splendid practice, and the sky began to brighten again. But, alas! misery was impending over him. About six weeks after his return, in June, 1812, Theodocia lost her boy — what a calamity to Aaron Burr! And then, poor, gentle, brave-hearted Theodocia — how sad her fate! She boarded a vessel— the "Patriot" — at Charleston, but was never heard from again. It is thought that the vessel Avent down off Hatteras in a violent storm. The most important act of Colonel Burr's later life — aside from his splendid exhibition of gratitude to old friends — ^was his suggestion of a course of political action which resulted, flnally, in ending the supremacy of the Virginia politicians, and electing General Jackson to the Presidency. During the years left to him. Bun won some of the most important cases tried at that time. It is said that he never lost a case in his life that he had planned himself. He Avas never 158 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. heard to speak unkindly of anyone — not even of Jefferson, who had abused and persecuted him so roundly. When Colonel Burr had become an old man, he married the wealthy Aladame Jumel, her residence being the old Alonis homestead near Port Washington, still standing. A second attack of paralysis ren dered him helpless. A recent history of Greater New York says that Colonel Burr was divorced from his second wife, which is untrue. For about two years before his death Colonel Burr lived with a friend; but it chanced that the "old Jay house," in Avhich they re sided was to be torn doAvn. Judge Ogden Edwards, then residing in the old Dongan Manor House, at West New Brighton, had. him re moved to the Port Richmond Hotel (now the St. James). Rev. Dr. Peter I. Van Pelt, pastor of the Port Richmond Dutch Reformed Church, visited him daily, and they became warm friends. They talked freely upon religious questions, which Colonel Burr seemed to enjoy. During his sojourn at Port Richmond, Colonel Burr used to ride into the interior of the Island. His last trip was but a few days before his death. He went by way of New Springville, through Rockland avenue, to the residence of Colonel Richard Conner (now the site of the Dr. Rotten homestead), near the deep ravine back of Egbertville. Colonel Burr died on Wednesday, September 14, 1836, aged (ighty years, seven months, and eight days. On the Friday folloAving his funeral was celebrated. A large concourse of gentlemen, among whom were Air, Swartwout, Major Popham, Judge Ogden Edwards, Air. Davis, the historian. Dr. Ephraim Clark, Dr, John T. Harrison, Captain Richard Christopher, Colonel Nathan Barrett, Dr. Edgar, Cornelius A^'anderbilt, and many others prominent at that time. Rev. Dr. Van Pelt delivered an appropriate sermon (it being the second Vice-President at whose funeral he had officiated on Staten Island), and, at Colonel Burr's own request, his remains were taken to Prince ton for interment. At that place a charitable and impressive sermon was preached by the Rev. Dr. Carnahan, the President of the College. The Cliosophic Society, of which the youthful Burr had been one of the founders, voted to attend his funeral in a body, and to wear the usual badge of mourning for thirty days. A militia company of Princeton, the Mercer Guards, escorted the remains of the old soldier to the grave, and flred over them a military salute. Most of the stu dents of the College, and a large concourse of the people of the village Avitnessed the ceremony. The noAvs of the death of Aaron Burr called public attention once more to his character and exploits, the noAvspaper comment upon which was what might have been expected. Absurdly false accounts were given of his life and death. The strife seems to have been Avhieh should heap upon his grave the greatest obloquy. The more bitter and HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND, 159 severe the falsehoods, the happier the authors, A typical fabrication is the following, which has gone the rounds of the press : " We envy not the man who can, unmoved, gaze upon the grave of Colonel Burr, It is one of the most sad aud desolate places we have ever seen. There is no monumental pile or sculptured marble stand ing over it, to evince the respect or affliction of a single living soul. Not even a rough, unhewn stone marks the head or the foot of him Avho once held such sway over the minds and feelings of men. Wild grass and poisoned Avceds form the sod that partly covers him. The rest of the surface of the grave is a sterile clay yielding no verdant plant or shrub. The stranger treads upon the spot, and regards it not until he is told he stands over the remains of Burr," While a school-boy at Princeton, the writer of these pages visited old Witherspoon Cemetery many times, and we remember the scene of Colonel Burr's grave as one of the most beautiful spots in that historic home of the dead. In the cluster of graves with Colonel Burr's, are those of his grandfather, the Rev. Jonathan EdAvards; his father, the Rev. Aaron Burr, and his sainted mother. Further — shortly after Colonel Burr's burial. President John AIcLean, of Prince ton College, and his brother, purchased a neat marble headstone, and with their own hands helped to place it into position, A daughter of the latter, whom we met in 1886, at Colonel Burr's grave, was our informant. There is a tendency in human nature to heap obloquy upon a man Avho is down, and there never was a greater victim to this habit than Aaron Burr. He has had hard measure at the hands of his country men. By men far beneath him, in everything that goes to make the man, he has been most cruelly and basely belied. The closing year of the Nineteenth Century is the fltting time to correct its errors. It is the time to tell the truth about Aaron Burr, The fact is, we live in a different day than he did, and history yindicates him by proving that in intellect and purpose he lived many years ahead of his time. CHAPTER XI. OLD STATEN ISLAND STRTJCTDRES. HE Austin House. — A short distance north of the Quaran tine station, at Clifton, stands a very old house, which was a home when AVashington had scarcely reached the digmity of manhood, and which has outlasted revolution and the storms of Iavo centuries. The house is said to have been erected by a Dutch merchant in 1710, afterward coming into the possession of the Bartons, one of the oldest families of the Island. The interior of the cottage is as quaint as the exterior, the ceiling-beams being exposed to view, and the small-paned windoAvs adding to the scene. Numerous pictures, objects of antiquity and curios adorn the rooms. The ample flre-place that gapes in the cellar was surrounded in the evenings of many years by slaves in the old days. A. few shots that missed the compliment they Avere no doubt intended to pay dur ing the Revolution, have been unearthed at times from the grounds; but the building is in a sound condition, and is now knoAvn, after the family that has lived in it for about half a century, as the Austin house. (An illustration of this house appears in Vol. I., page 319.) It is close upon the water, and the luxuriant laAvn in front needs a strong sea-Avall to protect it from the tidal encroachments. The outer door is a diamond-paned glass, and just inside of this there is another one made of oak, not a bit less than three inches thick, with an old-fashioned latch still attached to it, by which we pass into the cheerful hall. On the front door there is a knocker, Avliose hammer is wrought into a griffin's head. It was brought from an old chateau near Rouen, Though the house itself is not especially historical, it contains num berless odds and ends that are reminiscent of momentous events in the country's progress. The stone walls are three feet thick, form ing charming Avindow-seats; the low ceilings are beamed with pon derous oaks, and the floors are of solid deal taken from the cabins of captured ships. The grand old fire-place, Avith logs ready for lighting, stretched over brass and -irons, is about ten feet wide, and is surrounded by ancient tiles brought from Amsterdam two hundred years ago, the subjects being Biblical, afid the treatment grotesque. Among a crowd of HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND, 161 objects upon the mantel-piece are Iavo small candle-sticks that be longed to the Van Tassel family; and who Avill venture to say that they are not the very ones that revealed Katrina's pretty face to the school-master of Sleepy Hollow? A centre-piece is formed of a small knocker taken from the house in Chester, Avhich AA'as occupied by AVashington, and visited by Rochambeau, Lafayette and other celebrities; and below this is a link of the chain that stretched across the Hudson at West Point. It was Airs. Austin's grandfather, Peter Townsend, avIio forged the metal. Dtsost^'AY-Cole AIill, — The date of the erection of this building is not exactly known; but it is safe to assert that it stood before the close of the former century. It Avas located on the DisosAvay estate, near Tottenville, A portion of the account-book, kept by Cornelius Disosway, is still preserved, being in possession of ex-Supervisor Abram Cole, of Westfield, These accounts begin with June 9, 1800, aud run to April 14, 1820, On one of the pages is the following : " Staten Island, January 10th, 1801. " This is to certify that Cornelius DissosAvay and James Britton has this day Settled all Accounts in their Copartnership about Build ing the Gristmill and Mill Dam and things belonging or Appurtain- ing to them, and also for the Said Mill Grinding for them to the Eighth Instant all even. " Witness our hands Jajmes Britton, " Jambs Totten. Cornelius Dtssosavat." The pages of this old book bear the names of such residents of Westfield as Abraham Aliller, (work on mill); Daniel Alersereau, Abraham Johnson, David Clark, Jacob AA'inant, (shingles): Bornt Slaight, (nails); Charles Cantin, (cedar r.ails); Abraham Ayers, (Avork); Henry Relye, (provisions); Daniel Winant, LeAvis Everson, (plank); James Totten, Daniel Miller, John Mersereau, (mason work); Isaac Stuart, (schooling); Joseph AVright, George Compton, (blacksmith); George Jones, R, Henderson, M,D,, (inoculation of the black children); Cornelius Johnson, (cedar rails); also, " the sum of three Dollars and a half for one half of fifty rods Bought In Partner ship for the AIill lot." 1802.—" September 29. Received this 30 D of this Month of Corne lius Dissosway the Some of twenty Shillings for hire of a Scow that we had when we Built the AIill Dam In full By Ale Abraham Wog iom." October 12th — " ReceiA^ed of me Ann Dissosway Some of 20 Dalers in full on a Cubberd in full by me Ann Bond." 1803. — Dr, R, Henderson, Thomas Acorn, Robert Varington and John N, Oliver settled accounts, John Laforge did carting that year. " febrnary 22 — Received of Cornelius Dissosway the Some of Six Dol lars for his part In Buildind the new fiood gates and one pound one Shilling fer putting In the Coggs a New Set My Half By Me William Wood." 162 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 1804. — Caleb Ward sold two cows for Cornelius Dissosway, for £8, and in the following year he received £3 in cash and gave credit for a coffin. 1806. — April 14. "Received of Cornelius Dissosway the Some of three pounds Nine Shillings In full for rum he had for Building the Mill By Ale Isaac Butler." Following these dates we find the names of Peter Manee, Morris Reed, (mason work); Richard DuBois, Daniel Manning, Charles Oavi- leer, John and Ephraim Hadden, (various payments on account for building a sloop). On July 19, 1815, Godfrey Sweeny gave a receipt for " Six dol lars in full for one quarter's tuition to Peter and Gabriel Dissosway." The old mill is still standing, but is in a condition that will soon necessitate its demolition. It noAV belongs to the Cole estate. Old Place MiIjL. — On the fly-leaf of an old book, worn with hand ling and stained with age, treasured beyond the value of gold or silver by Air. George T, -Tones, of Mariners' Harbor, is this inscription, as bold and plain as if Avritten only yester day : "Daniel Jonos. TTis cyphering book. July the 5th, 1791," Daniel Jones Avas the grandfather of George T. Jones, and Avas born in the neighborhood familiarly knoAvn as " Old Place," in Northfield, at a time when the Aquehonga Indians Avere a.mong his nearest neighbors. There is a tradition that the neighborhood Avas sacred above alfothers on Staten Island to the Indians, because in one of the numberless battles in Avhich the unreliable Aquehongas engaged Avilh the ccie- brated " Seven Tribes," the native tribe retreated and hid in safety among the thickets of that place. It was the last regular settlement, or Indian village, on Staten Island, Long Neck creek ran through the reservation. About what time the neighborhood assumed the name of Old Place is not definitely knowm. One writer claims that it Avas several years prior to the Revolution, which may be true. Historian (iute, in speaking of it, says : " In the first, and for many years, the only house built on the road known by the name of Old Place, religious services were held for a OLD FOUNTAIN HOMESTEAD, NEW DORP; REMODELED, 1900, See Vol. I, page 277. HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 163 long time, its situation being central for a Avidely scattered popula tion. After a while the house became so dilapidated as to be uncom fortable, and the place of holding these meetings Avas changed. This proved to be so inconvenient for many that the apartment in the old house was repaired, and notice was given that the meetings would be resumed in the ' Old Place,' and thus the vicinity became knoAvn by that name. Old Place road is uoav called AVashington avenue." The oldest landmark, hOAvever, at Old Place, Avas the grist mill, which was destroyed by fire about Iavo years ago. Through the in strumentality of Daniel Jones' old " cyphering book " we are able to give the exact date of its construction. The entry to it reads: "John hilleker Raised the Mill May 26 on thursday, 1803." Orig inally it was but one story in height; but during the AVar of 1812, its OAvner leased it to the State of New York, through Governor Daniel D. Tompkins, and a second storj' Avas added. Colonel Richard Con ner, who commanded the local troops during that period, Avas held responsible for its management, and a company of Staten Island militia was constantly on guard at the mill, lest the British, or those in sympathy with them, should capture it and either destroy it or utilize its service. According to old records several Indians and slaves helped to build the mill and worked in it for a number of years. " Red Indian Pete " and " Black Sam " were paid " £0. Os. 6d. a day f'r ye services as labor's." Shortly after its erection a dispute arose between those two dis tinct races, over some trivial matter, and several attempts were made to take each other's lives. The mill served as a fort for the negroes, and the Indians kept up a siege until driven aAvay by the militia. Several Indians and negro slaves were arrested, and made to tramp oA^er the hills to Richmond, where they Avere imprisoned in the Old Red Jail until their cases were disposed of. The Indians were made to Avork for the county, as their punishment, and OAvners of the slaves Avere held responsible for their future conduct. The leaders, however, w^ere sentenced to receive " Five and twenty lash's at ye whip'ing post," John Hilleker, who constructed the Old Place mill, was the leading builder of Staten Island for many years. Several years after the War of 1812, the third story and attic were added to the structure, probably by its original builder. The original owner of the mill was Judge David Mersereau. Old Place mill was managed for many years by Abram Decker, and later by Charles Wood, grandfather of Dr. J. Walter Wood, of Port Richmond. A New York firm by the name of Johnson subsequently managed it. Daniel and Thomas Mallett had it for a time. Andrew Pryor also managed it for several years. Shortly after 1870 the building was converted into a mineral paint 164 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. factory, a portion of the material used being taken out of Todt Hill. Cocoanut shells were also pulverized there. Then it became a feed mill, under the management of W. L. Stephens. '^Thomas Smith was its final manager, and about eight years ago " its old Avheel stopped, never to go again," and it remained idle to the day of its destruction. An illustration of the old mill appears on page 378, Vol. I. Dutch Reformed Church. — It seems nothing short of sacrilege that an edifice hallowed with the memory of such associations as those of the old Dutch Reformed Church at Richmond, should become a store-house for vehicles. It was erected in 1808, and closed its doors more than a decade ago. It took the place of the Dutch CTiarch, Avhicli was destroyed during the Revolution, Another old church that deserves preservation, but which, too, has been converted into a carriage shop, is the Dutch Reformed Church at Tompkinsville. That once pretty edifice was planned by Daniel D. Tompkins, Avhile A^ice-President of the United States. It Avas long ago deserted by its friends. Bedell Homestead. — The old Bedell homestead, at Green Ridge, has become a most dilapidated wreck. For a few years past it has been occupied by negroes, and whenever they needed firewood, they pulled down a portion of the venerable structure. The neighborhood noAV known as Green Ridge was a favorite resort with the Indians, and the very last of the native tribe Avere buried at that place. There is a tradition that a " peace convention " was held at this place by the famous Seven Tribes and their rivals, and that the old Bedell homestead sheltered the chiefs, while their less dis tinguished companions were quartered in wigwams upon the laAvn. So important was the result of this " convention," that as long as the tribe continued to exist in this part of the country, annual pilgrimages were made to this old house in honor of the treaty. Prior to the Revo lution it was one of the events of the year on Staten Island, and the white people residing hero looked forward to it Avith almost as much interest as did the Indians themselves. It is said that the settlers used to aid the Indians by contributing provisions and articles of comfort for the rude visitors, and that for miles around their doors were opened to all who would enter and enjoy civilized hospitality. The Bedell homestead is about two hundred years old, and was erected by one of the Huguenot settlers. In Colonial times it was one of the cosiest homesteads on Staten Island, and was occupied by the particular Bedell who is kuoAvn in local history as a member of the firm of Bedell & Alicheau, who kept a store in the building now known as the " Old House by the Mill." The old Bedell homestead is one of the most familiar landmarks on Staten Island, and its total disappearance in the near future will be greatly regretted by all who reverence the past and delight in pre serving the landmarks of our fathers. HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 165 During the retreat of the Continentals, after the first Battle of Richmond Court House, they Avere closely pursued by the British all the way to Smoking Point, (Rossville), where they crossed the Kill into New Jersey. Several times during the retreat the British were surprised by Continentals in ambush, and numbers were killed and wounded. Near the old Bedell homestead was a dense thicket, so large that the entire Continental force, when divided into three de tachments ready for attack, was safely concealed. The British Avere permitted to pass the first and second detach ments; but just as they Avere approaching the hiding place of the third, the latter came out suddenly and sent a volley of musket-balls into the ranks of the red coats. This Avas followed by a second volley from the other detachments in the rear. The British outnumbering the Continentals, three to one, soon recoA^ered from the shock and drove their foes some distance. In the skirmish several were wound ed, and three British officers, including the colonel in command, were killed. The wounded were carried into the old Bedell homestead. Alarshland, as Green Ridge was called in those days, Avas an im portant military post during the whole time of the occupancy of Staten Island by the British, and a fort was located near the Old House by the AIill. The commandant, with his staff, made his headquarters in the Bedell homestead, but permitted the family to remain " at home " and care for their special wants! That was a very convenient fashion adopted by the British throughout the war. The Bedells, who have occupied this house for generation after generation, have ahvays been noted for their hospitality, and old peo ple have related to the Avriter that they remember meeting there scores of men distinguished in their day. The last of the Bedell family who occupied it, is well remembered by the people of the Island at this time. " Uncle Henry," as almost everybody called him, was at one time a well-to-do farmer, and was noted for driving the hand somest and fastest team of horses in the county. He was noted, too, for his hospitality and kindheartedness. Adversity came to him, hoAV- ever, and blind and decrepit his last days were far from his happiest. The Colonial mantel in the old parlor of the Bedell homestead was still intact the last time we visited it; but the hunting scene, painted perhaps two centuries ago above it, had been obliterated by some van dal hand. Almost every trace of former greatness has long since de parted. Perine Homestead. — This picturesque old place is located at Gar retsons, on the Richmond road, and we doubt that a person ever passes it Avithout being especially attracted to it by its unique appearance. The place is remarkable as having been the home of one family for over two hundred years. The original owner was Edward Perine, his son Joseph Perine, grandson Simon S. Perine, and great-grandsons, Cornelius L. and Joseph E., succeeding each other in living in the 166 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. old house, which is still in a fair state of preservation. In front of the dwelling rises the high hill called in old colonial documents the Iron Hill, and from which at various times ore has been extracted. The rear of the house looks out upon a plain, stretching over a mile to the lower bay, and extending to the southwest as far as the eye can discern. A curious old document was shown us recently. It reads : " Com mission of Joseph Perine, Esq., as Clerk of the County of Richmond." To it is attached the Great Seal of the State of New York. It is com posed of wax, a third of an inch thick, and nearly four inches in di ameter. On one side is stamped a sun-rise scene, over the mountain tops. On the reverse side is a rock in mid-ocean. At the bottom it reads : " Passed the Secretary's office the 28th day of February, 1798. James Hopper, D. Secy." Guyon Homestead. — About the year 1664, Jaques Guyon, with two brothers, came to this country. They were Huguenots. Jaques Guyon purchased the farm at New Dorp, a brother purchasing an ad joining farm, and the third settled at New Rochelle. The Jaques Guyon property passed from one generation to another, and remained intact until within a recent period, when all but the old mansion and about thirteen acres of land were sold to Messrs. Hughes &: Ross, real estate brokers. The late Dr. Ephraim Clark, who married a daughter of Major James Guyon, inherited the property, and at his death it passed to his heirs. Surrounded by fine trees, the house stands at the end of the upland, looking out over the broad salt meadows and far out to the distant ocean. The original deed of the Guyon estate at New Dorp is well pre served, and reads as follows : " Edmond Andros, Esq., Governor general under his Royall High ness, James, Duke of York and Albany, of all his territories in Amer ica : To all whom it may concern, &c. : Whereas there is a certain part of Land on Staten Island the which for many years hath been possest, and by virtue of a warrant now laid out for Jaques Guyon, lying and being on the south side of said Island near the Great Kill. Bounded Avith the west side on the land of Peter Billican, with the east side on the noAv lots, the line running north-west and by north, being the breadth one hundred Rods, and containing sixty acres of land. As also the salt and fresh meadow, being on the west side of the Point near the plantation, being a certain creek and Bordwin's Point, being the quantity of about fourteen acres, with four acres of meadow on the east side of the point, containing in all one hundred and seventy- eight acres. As by the return of the survey under the hand of the Surveyor Gen'll doth and may appear. Now know ye that by virtue of the Commission and authority unto me granted by His Royal High ness I have given and granted, and by these presents do give and grant unto Jaques Guyon, his heirs and assigns, the afore described history OF STATEN ISLAND. 167 parcel of lands, meadow, ground and premises, with all and singular the appurtenances. To have and to hold the said parcel of land, meadow and ground premises unto the said Jaques Guyon, his assigns unto the proper use and behoof of him the said Jaques Guyon, his heirs and assigns forever, and making improvements on the said land according to law, and continuing in obedience and conforming him self according to the laws of the Government, and yielding and pay ing the aforesaid yearly, and every year unto his Royal Highness, use as a Quit Rent Eight Bushels of good winter wheat unto said officer or officers in authority there, as shall be Empowered to receive the same. Given under my hand, and seal'd with the seal of the Province in New York the 25th day of March, in the twenty-seventh year of the reign of his Ma'ties Reigne annoq Domini 1675. " Entered in the office of Records and examined by me. (Seal of England.) "Matthews Nichols, Seer." In connection with the Quit Rent there are a number of receipts, one of which reads as follows : " Seven bushels of wheat in full for three years quit rent of two parcels of land on Staten Island," one granted to Hans Lawrence, the 29th of September, 1677, and another to James Guyon the 30th of August, 1708. They are signed by Rich ard Holmes. The Vanderbilt Homesteads. — On a slight eminence and still preserving its acre of land Avith trees, shrubs and lawn, is the Van derbilt cottage, at Stapleton. This house is very old, but is in an ex cellent state of preservation, kept up by George W. Vanderbilt, its owner. Mrs. Vanderbilt purchased the cottage and lived in it a very long time, dying at an advanced age. She was a remarkable Avoman, of great executive ability, sterling integTity and sound sense, but kindly and courteous to all, reverenced and looked up to by her children, grandchildren and a large circle of friends. The Commodore OAved many of his characteristics to her. Her portrait represents her late in life, with the old-fashioned cap and frill and the folded shawl about her. The Vanderbilt homestead at New Dorp, also owned by George W. A'anderbilt, is kept up very neatly. It stood, until within a few years past, near the roadside on Noav Dorp lane; but it was moved back several hundred feet. The Vanderbilt farm is considered one of the very best on Staten Island. The third building knoAvn as the Vanderbilt homestead, is located at Stapleton, but is not a very old structure. An illustration of the old Vanderbilt homestead appears on page 327 of Vol. I. Van Duzer Homestead. — A short distance to the northward of the last Vanderbilt homestead, at Stapleton, stood until recently the old Van Duzer homestead, a great, rambling building, not at all pictur- 168 history OF staten island. esque, but it showed antiquity. It stood on a slight eminence, and the domains of the family once stretched three-quarters of a mile along the shore northward. The house was probably one hundred and fifty years old, and was opposite the structure wiiich was known as the A^'an Duzer dock. This ferry is mentioned in the laws passed by the Legislature of 1788, in the description of the town of Castleton. In a deed dated 1785 to Abraham Van Duzer, he was called the Admiral from the many boats and sailing vessels owned by him. The property is bounded by a brook on the south, a short distance from the house of Nathaniel Johnson, inn keeper. This house was evidently the old tavern, as the brook still runs near by. The communication with New York was by sailing vessels, and the Van Duzer ferry was Avell known. The A'^an Duzers were comfortable folks, showing their Dutch descent. The Vanderbilts and Van Duzers Avere rivals in boating, but intermarriage finally made them no longer so. An illustration of the Van Duzer homestead appears on page 316 of Vol. I. Britton Homestead. — On the Amboy road, a few hundred yards north of the Oakwood railroad station, may still be seen a few crum bling ruins of the old Britton homestead, one of the very oldest struc tures on the Island. It was probably built somewhere between the years 1650 and 1660. This old house played its part in the dramas and tragedies of the Island's early history. Its builder was, beyond a doubt, one of the brave Waldenses or Huguenots who settled there in the earliest days of Stony Brook. It was built in the old Dutch style of architecture, on the side of a small emfbankment, of stone gathered from the surrounding ground, and had a long, sloping roof. It was one story in height, with attic and basement. At the time of the building of the first County Court House and Jail, in 1683, the Britton homestead (as it was afterward called and has been familiarly styled for generations), Avas one of the few dwell ings in the vicinity, being but a few hundred yards distant. We have accounts of " publick tryalls " of " ye offenders against ye publick peace of his maj'sty's domayns," which were held in the old Britton homestead about two centuries ago. One states that " Isaac Von Plechton had fayl'd to sattisffie his majesty's clayme for rent of ye meddowe land adjoining ye Guyon grante." And " ye order of ye Court of his majistie " was that " ye sd. Isaac A^on Plechton be directed to paye unto ye sayd Co't two (2) Bushells of ffresh Avheate in additionall to the original clayme for rente of ye sayd meddowe land. And ye sayd Isaac Von Plechton Avill, by order of his majesty's Co't, be thrown into ye Richmond County gaol, at Stony Brook, by ye sher- iffe of ye sayd county, and there be held as a common prisoner of cryme ag'iist ye sayd laws of his magisty's domayns until ye sayd debt is pay'd." An Indian, who had become crazed with liquor, and having com mitted an assault upon a Dutch settler, named Hans Woolstonsen, history of staten island. 169 was also tried for his offense in the Britton homestead. Several mpmbers of his tribe awaited in ambush, a short distance from the house, and plotted to kill all the white men connected with the Court, provided they should attempt to punish the prisoner. According to tra,dition, one of the tribe, who was on friendly terms Avith the judge, managed to give him information, and a company of militia was called out for protection. The Indian was convicted, and imprisoned in the " gaol '' at Stony Brook. After serving out his sentence he, with others, repaired to the old house and attempted to destroy it with the torch. One of the number was shot, and the others became frightened and fied. There is a mystic tradition also that the old Britton homestead was the first Waldensian parsonage, aud was, consequently, connected Avith the first church erected on Staten Is land. Prom manuscripts, written during the French and Indian war, it Avould appear that this was the scene of the massacre, by Aquehonga Indians, of an English family, consisting of husband, wife and several children. No one was punished, because the murderers were de fended by the French, who at that time were in confiict AAith the English. During the Revolution, the family living in the old house were driven out by the British soldiers. A cavalry camp was established at that place and we are informed that the colonel of the only mounted Hessian regiment on the Island made it his headquarters. It was afterwards used as a British hospital for contagious diseases, the sm'all-pox raging among the soldiers at Richmond, about a mile away, during the winter of 1777-'78. It appears to have had occupants again before the close of the war, as a squad of Hessians attempted, by the aid of Tories, to lynch an old man, named Cornelius Varnum, residing there, " because they thought him to be in sympathy with George Washington." The old Britton homestead has its pretty romance, too. It is said that when the British evacuated Staten Island, there was a sad heart left within those great stone Avails. According to the story told us, a young girl living there, stood on the highest point of ground in the neighborhood, and watched the ships slowly move out from land, and then to return to her home in this old homestead to pray for her lover. Years, however, dragged their slow way along, and one day there was a happy reunion in the old house. The British grenadier had come back to the girl he loved. They were married in the old Britton homestead, and the adopted American afterward became one of the most prominent citizens of Richmond County. Their sons and daugh ters helped to make our local history. Their grandchildren are Avell known in the walks of life, and their great-grandchildren are on the Island to-day. One of these, a highly-esteemed lady, residing on the 170 history of staten island. North Shore, nanated this little romance of her ancestors to the writer a foAV years ago. The old homestead witnessed many changes and vicissitudes. Like many other structures of its class on Staten Island, there seems to have been little care taken to preserve it. The loose stone, the crumbling brick, and the mouldering window-frame, were, doubtless, never repaired or in any manner checked from going to decay. Each storm made its cruel inroad into the roof and walls. At last it was vacated by its owner, and then, with its walls propped, its moss-covered roof patched with boards and rusty tin, it became a hovel wherein clustered a crowd of otherwise homeless negroes. Finally the props gave way, the roof fell in, and the poor negroes were driven out, to seek shelter elsewhere. Then the walls began to tumble down — one great stone after another rolling to the ground — until a mass of ruins marked the spot where so many stir ring events transpired in the long ago. For illustration, see Vol. I., page 164. The Old Lake House, Port Richmond. — This venerable struc ture has for several years past been known as the Croak house, it be ing the property of Hon. John Croak, of Elm Park. The date of its erection is not known; but on Alay 22, 1732, the records shoAV that it was sold by Harman Bowman to Joshua Musshrow. The land connected Avith this building was a " part of a lot of land granted by Sir Edmond Andros to John Lee, December 16th, 1680." On Alarch 22, 1739, it was sold by Joshua Mersereau to Annanias Turner; prob ably that was only a part of the estate, for on August 6, 1768, Joshua Alersereau sold to Cornelius Mersereau this same property. On Au gust 28, 1794, Cornelius Mersereau sold it to Joseph Lake, who died in the old house in 1841, having lived there almost half a century. At his death the property was willed to his son Joseph. Many traditions of the Revolution are woven around the old house. The Housjian House. — ^The quaint little stone structure standing on the Terrace, near the linseed oil works, at Port Richmond, is one of the oldest buildings on the Island, although the date of its erection is not known. A century ago it was occupied by Abraham P, Hous man, In 1836, it belonged to the same estate as Sand's quarry, located further up shore. Some time prior to that it belonged to Vin cent Bodine. It was during that period that the great wealth of granite Avas discovered in Northfield. Fortunes have been taken out of the quarries nj) there. The little, old house has for some time been utilized as a grocery. It is so substantially built that it will probably stand for many years to come. lA'LER AlANSiON, — The Tyler property, situated at the junction of Broadway and Clove road. West New Brighton, was originally a part of the Nathaniel Britton farm, and in 1835, was sold at a master's sale to Eliza Racey, of New York City, who subsequently erected a history of staten island, 171 residence on the property; but before it was occupied, was destroyed by flre. In 1837, Mrs. Racey commenced the erection of another build ing, which is the one now standing and familiarly knoAvn as the T^ler mansion. Upon the death of Airs. Racey, the property was sold to Charles E. and William H. Racey, and subsequently became the estate of the latter, who sold it to Airs. Juliana Gardiner, mother of Airs. Julia Gardiner Tyler, the widoAv of President John Tyler, to whom she was married in the latter part of 1843, shortly after the death of her father, who had been killed by the bursting of a cannon on the gun boat " Princeton," when on a pleasure excursion down the Potomac, with the President and other officials. Mrs. Gardiner resided in the mansion until her death, and willed the property to her daughter. Airs, Tyler. Her brother, John L. Gardi ner, contested the will; but it was decided against him, and on the third day of October, 1868, he, with his wife, sold their interest in the property to Airs. Tyler for a nominal flgure. The cost of contesting the Avill had so depleted Airs. T'yler's resources, that after being in possession of the property for about ten years, on January 16, 1878, it was sold at referee's sale, and was purchased by the Hon, William M. Evarts. Airs. Tyler and her family soon moved away, and the mansion be came the residence of the Russian Consul-General, whose office was in the city. He lived there in. great style. His coach and four-in-hand are still remembered by our older residents. For a long time the property lay idle, and was flnally purchased by Mrs. M. A. Baldwin Douglas. It was recently purchased for real estate speculation, and the park has been seriously mutilated by be ing cut up into building lots. Ward Homestead. — This attractive structure is generally known as " The Cement House," and is located on the corner of Richmond terrace and Franklin avenue, New Brighton. George A. AVard, a wealthy gentleman, had it reared for his home near the early part of the century. He resided there for many years. The old house is very attractive, and commands admiration, if not veneration, for it bears every mark of age and dignity. The walls are of solid blocks of cement or composition. These blocks were cast in moulds, and on being exposed to the sun, soon became as hard as the ordinary red sandstone. Thus the ornaments, such as the old lions in front, etc., necessary in the Gothic style, were easily and economically obtained; and in a more uniform and correct style than if executed by the most skilful sculptor. The garden walls, and everything in the line of mason Avork about the premises, were modelled from this cement. We learn from the local paper of 1837, that " this building, of itself, is a sufficient curios ity to start half the world on a pilgrimage to Staten Island; it is 172 HISTORY OF staten ISLAND. furnished throughout in the most chaste and elegant manner, and gives quite a picturesque character to the neighborhood. It reflects great credit on the taste and enterprise of its proprietor." Mr. AVard has been described to us as " a typical gentleman of the old school." One may form a very correct idea of his appearance by looking at the popular picture of George AVashington. Indeed, so closely did he resemble our first President that, we are informed, " the portrait of one would have served very acceptably for that of the other." In manner, too, it is said, Mr. Ward resembled President AVashington. The old building has had many changes since its original owner left it. For a time it was the home of a private school, but it is now vacant. Britton's AIill. — The Island has a peculiar ridge of hills running nearly its entire length. A deep cleft in these forms the only gate way from the plains on the southeast to the valleys and sloping ground to the northwest. This passageway forms the Clove road. On each side of this road for some distance the hills rise to the height of one hundred feet above it. On the west are several lakes and glens, in one of which lay nestled, long ago, Britton's mill. It takes the name from a family, some of whose descendants still remain on the Island. The old mill, built many years ago, with its overhanging eaves and its slowly turning, overshot wheel, was the centre of many a gay pic nic. Many times the echoes rang with the laughter of men and maids, or the wild shouts of children. It was pleasant of an afternoon in summer to sit in the shadowy nooks of this romantic spot, and to listen to the drip of the Avater as it poured over the wheel and the dam, to hear the song of the wild birds, or the hum of the bees, or to feel the breeze filtered through the forest trees, or to watch the declining sun making golden lances through the branches. But, alas ! modern invention spurned the mill-wheel ; the old houses that bordered the lake have become storage for ice; the trees have mostly disappeared; the romance of the Old Time has departed. Only the picture remains, delineated years ago by one who used often to enjoy its beauty. For illustration, see page 331, Vol. I. Benham Mansion. — This picturesque structure was built in the thirties, and stood on the Fresh Kill road, about a mile west of Rich mond Village. It was almost hidden behind a thicket of choice trees and shrubbery, while great clusters of ivy crept up the rugged stone walls and concealed some of the windows. It was erected some years prior to the Mexican war, while its owner was a lieutenant in the United States Navy. It was built of stone gathered from the farm, and its massive walls seem to have been erected to battle with the storms of centuries. An air of comfort rested in the grand old hall way; the large, old-fashioned square rooms on either side of the hall HISTORY OF staten ISLAND. 173 recalled to one's mind the festive scenes that transpired there in days of yore, Avhen the genial old Commander, Timothy Greene Ben ham, retired from active service and resting upon his Avell-earned honors, was made happier by gathering around him his friends from all parts of the globe. Every nook and corner of the mansion was filled Avith relics made interesting by association, and prized by the family beyond the value of gold. Swords, paintings, shells, spears, knick-knacks, and curiosi ties of every conceivable shape and meaning were there, each bearing its own little history. In 1897, the Benham mansion caught fire from a defective chimney, and in less than three hours it was totally destroyed, together with a great deal of valuable property and relics. Two of Commander Ben- ham's daughters resided in the old mansion at the time of the con flagration. Old Red Woolen Mill. — ^The exact age of this odd structure is not deflnitely known. There are many strange traditions connected flail BENHAM MANSION, GREEN RIDGE. (From a sketch by Mrs. Sarah Roberts Morris.) with it. It is said that during the Revolution it was occupied by a Hessian officer, the huts of his men being near by along the foot of Richmond Hill. The mill w^as located about half a mile Avcst of Richmond A-^illage, on the side of the steep embankment overlooking the head of Fresh Kill creek. Back of the mill used to be a large, artiflcial pond, which Avas fed by springs near by. Portions of the stone embankments that formed the pond still remain, as do also the flood-gates which used to regulate the flow^ of water which turned the wheel by the mill. The following advertisement appears in the Richmond County Repub lican, in Alay, 1828 : " Carding Wool, — ^The subscriber respectfully informs his friends and the public that he has taken Judge Bedell's mill at Richmond, 174 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. which has been repaired with new bolts, &c., and engages to manu facture as good Avheat or rye flour as can be made on the Island. " He has also got a complete carding machine with new cards, &c., and will card wool in the best manner, and at the shortest notice. " Ben.tamin C. Yarrington." A portion of the old building had long been occupied by farmers who have had charge of the grounds on which it stood. The building Avas destroyed by fire on the night of May 24, 1900. Seajtan Homestead, — The old Seaman homestead, at Green Ridge, stood, until within a few years, on the Fresh Kill road, just east of the road leading to Eltingville, It was originally of Dutch style of archi tecture and at some time had been partially changed to that of Gothic, How many generations of the Seaman family had occupied it, we are unable to say. We know, hoAvever, that it was the home of Judge Benjamin Seaman, the last Colonial Judge of Staten Island, and that after his departure Avith the Loyalists in 1783, it passed to other members of the family, probably by purchase, for it Avas seized by the Government and sold. Judge Seaman Avas the father of the second wife of Colonel Chris topher Billopp, Several years ago the writer conversed Avith an old colored woman, whose mother, a slave in the Seaman family, had witnessed in this old house the marriage of Colonel Billopp and Ann Seaman. The Seaman estate was purchased by George W. White, in 1880, and, when a new residence was erected, the old Seaman homestead was demolished. It stood on historic ground, and adjoined the church and grave-yard of the " French congregation." The Scott Housic, — At the Clove, (Brooks avenue). Prospect and Columbia streets. West New Brighton, is a picturesque old home stead that was aged when the British soldiers found much comfort within its walls. About 1844, Judge Ogden Edwards, who had re sided for several years in the old Dongan Manor House, near the Ter race, lost his property, and being compelled to leave it, removed to the old stone building uoav known as the " Scott house." Judge Ed wards occupied it but a short time, and then removed to Long Is land. An illustration of this house appears on page 402, A^ol, I. Old Dtttch Parsonage. — dose to the Port Richmond depot of the Rapid Transit Railroad, on the north side of the track, is an old brick building which the Rev. Peter I, A^an Pelt occupied in the thirties; and after Dr, A^an Pelt ceased to be the pastor, continued to be his home. Soon after his death it passed into other hands, and finally became a saloon. That this old building should have changed so greatly in its mission, Avill be regretted exceedingly by everyone who can remember its once pious owner. HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND, 175 The house standing on the opposite side of the tracks, similar in architectural appearance, Avas originally the residence of Judge David Mersereau, and is a fallen rival to the old parsonage. Kruzer Homestead. — Of all the old residences on Staten Island, none is kept in better repair than this. It is familiarly knoAvn to-day as the Pelton house, and is located at "The Cove," West Noav Brighton, It was built in 1722, by Joseph Rolph, the head of that once influential family, and some time prior to the Revolution passed into the hands of the Kruzers, " The Widow Kruzer " occupied it during the war, at the time in which it was the headquarters of General Cortlandt Skin ner, commander of Skinner's Brigade of American Loyalists, Will iam IV,, at that time the youngest admiral in the British Navy, stopped there. The premises became the property of the late Daniel Pelton, Sr,, in 1839, and the house shortly afterward underwent some changes. On the east end was originally a low part corresponding with the one on the west. This was removed and a two-story brick apartment erected in its place. It still belongs to the heirs of Mr, Pelton, and is occu pied by his daughter, the Avidow of General Duffid A few yards south of the old house is the Kruzer vault, which has repeatedly been the subject of romance and history. An illustration of the Kruzer homestead appears on page 265, Vol, I, Winant Homestead, — ^This house still stands at Woodrow, al though somewhat changed in appearance since the handsome pen- sketch was made by Mr, Frederick W. Kost, the artist, which ap pears on page 288 of Volume I. This house was built not later than 1690. Many of the early Winants were buried on the premises. Some of the family tombstones are yet standing, the plot being in a sad state of neglect. Here, in 1762, Peter Winant, who manied Polly Winant, was bom. So Avas his father, and doubtless the members of a generation or so back beyond that. During the Revolution the house was occupied by Tory spies. There were many in the vicinity. Their operations were generally in the night time, when they foraged and otherAvise assisted the British, At that time Woodrow was a very secluded spot, the main road through it being an Indian trail. Several years ago a German workman discovered over |1,400 in Spanish coins, which had been buried in the cellar of this old house. He succeeded in getting away with his treasure. The Fountain Homeste.ad, — ^Tradition tells us that the old Foun tain homestead, at New Dorp, was one of the first houses built by the Waldenses or French Huguenots in the vicinity of Stony Brook, the first permanent settlement on Staten Island, It was originally a very small structure, but was repeatedly added to. We take it for granted that this house was standing in 1670 — probably earlier — ^and have sufficient proof to warrant the belief that 176 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. within its Avails religious services, the county court, conferences with the Indians, and similar events were held in the Seventeenth and Eighteen centuries. During the Revolution, the old Fountain homestead became quite a social centre. Adjoining the " Rose and Crown " Farm House, the headquarters of Sir William Howe, Sir Henry Clinton, General Knyp- hausen, General Percy, Sir Guy Caiieton, and others, as they in turn commanded the British forces on Staten Island, they, together with other distinguished officers attended the receptions given there. During a portion of the war the Fountain homestead was occupied by Major Alontresor, of Sir William Howe's staff, the wife of whom had been on most intimate terms with Alajor Aloncrieffe's family for many years. After Margaret Moncrieffe had attended a reception tendered by Sir William, in the " Rose and CroAvn," Airs. Montrejor obtained permission from the General to share her home with the motherless girl; and so, she remained for several months in the old Fountain homestead. It Avas in that old house that Margaret first met with Captain John Coughlan, of the British Army, whom she married. The Fountain homestead has changed owners a number of times since the Revolution. Lieutenant Sidney Simons, of the United States Navy, the gallant young officer who, while attempting to save the lives of his men, on the stranded war ship " Huron," off Hatteras, lost his OAvn, spent his school days in this old house. For many years past the Fountain homestead has been occupied by an eccentric German, who lived as a recluse, and the building was rapidly going to decay. In the summer of 1899, the premises were purchased by Air. Justus J. Smith, a noted New England architect, who remodelled it for his OAvn use, and made it one of the most attractive residences on the Island. On the evening of Thursday, August 16tli, 1900, the cozy parlor of this old homestead was the scene of the re-organization of the Staten Island Historical Society. Latourette Homestead. — The crumbling remnant of this old building is called " the Latourette house," because it is located on the Latourette farm, at Richmond. It is one of the oldest structures on the Island, and in its day must have been a pretty and comfortable home. We believe it no exaggeration to say that this relic of the Huguenot period is considerably over tAvo hundred years old. During the Revolution it was the headquarters of Lieutenant-Colonel John Graves Simcoe, of the Queen's Rangers, and the officers who in turn commanded the redoubts on Richmond Hill. The location is most beautiful. Prom the broAV of the hill the scenery is picturesque in HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND, 177 the extreme. But the old house is nearly gone. An illustration of it appears on page 241, A"ol I. The following is a description of it Avrit ten a few years ago : With ivy clinging to its side, A mirror with a broken frame, Silent and diirk the old house stands. Dust-covered stands against the wall; Its vacant windows staring wide Here some fair cheek in girlish shame Toward the meadow's yellow sands. Has matched the roses in the hall; The wild vines clamber up the doors, As, watched by dark and loving eyes, And blossom on the mouldering floors. Warm flushes to her pale cheeks rise. With storm-wrecked roof and chimneys gone, A broken statue — Niobe, It stands, regardless of the years ; Whose tears might well have overflow, Frowning upon the ruined lawn. An unstrung harp, whose melody Whose tangled depth is wet with tears ; Quickened some pulses long ago ; For, through the rank grass scarce a ray These are the sad memorials left Of sunshine pierces, day by day. In this old room, of life bereft, A flre-place hi a lonely room, The oaken stairway, long and wide. Yawns wide, the hearth with ashes strewn ; Worm-eaten, shakes beneath the tread. Round which some hearts, in hours of gloom Resentful at the careless stride Beguiled the time with tender tune. Of heedless strangers, idly led Some bride, perchance, with gentle face. To spy around in mute surprise. Found here her life's sweet resting place. To rooms once dear to fading eyes. Touch lovingly the roses' bloom! From out the rubbish and decay They glide, and touch the funeral gloom With sunshine of a by-gone day — A day that made, through song and mirth, A Mecca of that household hearth, " Old Red Jail." — ^The Old Red Jail, which was built at the pres ent County Seat Avhen Richmond was known as Cucklestowne, was burned to the ground in 1895. The building adjoining, Avhich was erected as a " fire-proof Clerk's and Surrogate's offices" in 1827, was also destroyed. The Old Red Jail was built in 1710, after a long agitation in the county in favor of " a stronger gaol wherein to secure and retain ye criminals," the old Court House and Jail at Stony Brook being too small and insecure to meet emergencies. The following is the original order for the erection of this building, as taken from the minutes of the Board of Supervisors : "Ordered that Mr. Lambart Garisone and Mr. Wm, Tillyer, (the late and the present Sheriff). See the prison House built at Cuckols Towne — ye Dimensions Twelve foot in breadth, fourteen foot Long, Two Story high, six foot ye Loar Room from beam to plank, and the upper Story Six foot, all to be built with Stone, and for building of ye sd. prison the Said Undertakers have hereby power To take the Aloneys out of the Collectors hands for carrying on ye sd, Avork & ye order of ye sd. Undertakers & Receipts shall be a Sufficient discharge to ye sd. Collectors." When the British entered the village of Richmond, on the Fourth 178 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND, day of July, 1776, the Old Red Jail contained a solitary prisoner — a colored slave who had escaped from his master, and Avas serving out his sentence of alternate solitude and i)unishment at the Avhipping- post. Upon the re-establishment of the County government, at the close of the Revolution, the Old Red Jail was again used for its original purpose. The old jail, however, Avas in constant use from 1710 to 1837, Avhen the present Court House was built and the County Jail was located in that part of the uoav building now occupied as the Sheriff's kitchen. The A^a.\ Pelt Homestead. — The A'an Pelt homestead, at AA'ood- roAA', was built by John Van Pelt, in 1717. At his death it became the property of Peter, his son, avIio was born there several years prior to the Revolution, At Peter A^an Pelt's death, it became the property of his daughter, who was born there on April 12th, 1809, and married Peter Nolan. Their son, Peter V. Nolan, of Richmond, was born there in 1838. It was in this house that Bishop Asbury preached his first sermon in America, and for a century past has been the Alecca of Alethodists from all parts of the world. It was vacated in 1857, and is noAV almost demolished. It still belongs to the Nolan estate. The L.ake Homestead, — On the broad level plain below Now Dorp stands the old Lake homestead, one of the oldest homes on the Island, and it remains in the possession of the descendants of the original oAvner, It is the third, in point of date, of the buildings knoAvn as the " Lake houses," in that vicinity. The first is near Brandon railroad station, and the second is just south of OakAvood, The third Lake homestead was erected about 1690, by Daniel Lake, Avho came to this country from England a foAV years prior to that date. He was the great- great-grandfather of Air, David J, Tysen, Daniel Lake's son, William, was born there about 1700, and in time inherited the property. His son, Daniel AA",, Avas also born there and inherited the estate. Daniel AV. Lake's daughter, Elizabeth P., mar ried David Jaques Tysen, and in time the estate passed to her. Airs, Tysen lived to be eighty-four years of age, and Avas born, married and died in this old house. The old house contains many interesting relics. The clock a\ hieh Alajor Gifford had made to order in Scotland, just after the Revo lution, and Avhich stood in one of the rooms of the " Rose and Crown " farm house, for many years, is ticking aAvay in the old dining-room. After Alajor Gifford's death it passed to Airs, Tysen, Avho Avas his grand-daughter, A pitcher, Avhich once belonged to the dinner set of Count Jacques, is carefully treasured by the Tysen family. It is over two hundred years old. CHAPTER XII. OLD HOTELS OF STATEN ISLAND. T is generally believed that the first hotel on Staten Island, stood near the site of the Pavilion, at New Brightcm. There is a tradition that it Avas built and managed by Kieft, the Director of the Province of Noav Netherlands, Avho also erected a distillery on vStaten Island, in 1640, generally believed to have been located in the vicinity of Brighton aA'enue and Jersey street. New Brighton. It was the first distillery, for the man ufacture of spirituous liquors, in North America, " Rose and Croavn " and " Black Horse," — AVith scarcely an ex ception historians and other writers have claimed that the old " Rose and Crown " farm-house, at New Dori), was a tavern. Colonel Ben son J. Lossing, the historian, in his " Field-Book of the Revfdution," says: " The main body of Hoaa'o's troops landed near the present (late) quarantine ground, and encamped upon the hills in the vicinity. The fleet had anchored off A'anderventer's point, (the telegraph station at the Narrows), and three ships-of-war and some transports brought the English troops within the Narrows to the landing-place. Howe made his headquarters in the Rose and CroAvn Tavern, upon the road leading from Stapleton to Richmond, near New Dorp. The house is near the forks of the Richmond and Amboy roads, and overlooks the beautiful level country betAveen it and the sea, two miles distant. It is now, (1852), the property of Air, Leonard Parkinson, of Old Town, Staten Island, The house was built by a Huguenot, one of the first settlers upon that part of the Island," For illustration of the " Rose and Crown," see A^ol, I,, p. 212, Historian Clute, in his " Annals of Staten Island," speaks as fol- loAvs of this venerable house: " We regret to add that since the above was written, the house has been demolished. It stood on the westerly side of the road, almost directly opposite the entrance to New Dorp lane. It AA'as built of stone, and Avas but one story in height, having several dormer win- doAvs in the roof. It had a hall through the middle, with rooms on either side of it; a low stone kitchen was attached to its southerly end, and the whole shaded by an immense tree in front. Howe, him- 180 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND, self, and a part of his staff, were quartered in this house, the re mainder taking up their residence in the house, still standing, and known then, as now, as the ' Black Horse ' Tavern, After the battle of Long Island [the council of war which planned that terrible con flict, being held in the Rose and Crown], and the capture of New York, Howe removed his headquarters to that city, and Dalrymple, Avho was left temporarily in charge of Staten Island, occupied the apartments vacated by his Commander-in-chief, The venerable Isaac Housman, who for many years owned and occupied the Black Horse property, and where he died, informed the writer that on several occasions, aged British officers from. Canada, AA'ho had served on the Island during the Revolution, accompanied by their sons, or some other young companions, revisited these scenes of their early life, and so little change had taken place in the vicinity of the two taA^erns, that they readily recognized the particular localities Avhere the events which were still fresh in their memories, had taken place." We have it upon the authority of the late Rev, Dr. David Aloore, of Richmond, that the " Rose and Crown " was noA^er a " tavern," but that it was alAvays a farm-house; and that the tavern belonging to the " Rose and Crown " estate, was the building now known as the Black Horse TaA^ern. Prom another source Ave learn that among the members of Sir William Howe's personal staff, stopping at this house, Avas a Lieutenant-Colonel Benton, ("my very dear friend, Benton," as Sir William called him), who OAvned a handsome black charger. It was generally believed to be the fastest running horse in the British Army at New Dorp, and won scores of races on old Noav Dorp lane. One day there was to be a general revieAV of the army at NeAV Dorp, on the occasion of a visit of Lord Howe, Sir William's brother and superior officer. Colonel Benton mounted his handsome horse preparatory to escorting Sir William. Immediately the horse took fright and ran away, A high rock stood a short distance from the hotel, against which the horse dashed and instantly killed both rider and itself. Fellow staff-offtcers avIio witnessed the accident, decided at that instant to change the name of the house to the " Black Horse Tavern." A sign, bearing the picture of a. black horse, was i^ainted by a British soldier and Avas placed in front of the house. The old sign disappeared very mysteriously one night about 1850, and for very many years nothing could be learned of its whereabouts. But one day, Avhile a neighboring resident was repairing his barn, and it became necessary to clear away some rubbish that had col lected underneath, the old sign was discovered. It Avas presented to the proprietor of the old tavern, who immediately had it placed in its former position, and so proud was he of his possession, that he had placed underneath it the word "Original," It was recently taken down, hoAvever, because of its decay, and placed in a case. For illus tration of the " Black Horse Tavern " and sign, see Vol, I,, pp, 216, 220, HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND, 181 It was at this house that Hatfleld, the Tory leader, used to report his depredations, and receive his instructions and rewards. It re mained a public house, bearing the name of "Black Horse," until about 1870, when its doors were closed to the public, and lor several years it Avas unoccupied. About 1885, a gentleman from New York purchased the property and remodeled the structure for a private resi dence. A year or so later it Avas purchased by Mr, Patrick Ourry, Avho enlarged it and opened its doors once more to the public. Cucklestowne Inn. — The " Cucklestowne Inn " stood on the spot now occupied by the residence of Air, AA^illis Barton, in Richmond Vil lage, The Inn w^as erected in 1670. Other than being one of the flrst buildings erected on Staten Island, no particular importance is at tached to its history up to the comencement of the Revolution. Dur ing the Aveek or so following the Declaration of Independence, the British army rested on Staten Island, It was within a few days after ihis event that General Cleveland, the Chief Engineer of the British Army, selected various points on the Island, on which to build the re doubts or forts. He was the first British officer to occupy the old CucklestoAAne Inn, and he remained there while superintending the construction of the fortifications around Richmond, one of which is still standing on the hill back of the village. Several other officers of high rank occupied this house at times; but the one most notorious of all was Lieutenant-Colo nel Simcoe, of the Queen's Rangers, Colonel Simcoe and Alajor Andre were very intimate, and while the latter was serving as a captain in the Twenty-second Regiment of Foot, and stationed at Richmond, both occupied rooms in this old house. Captain Andre (afterwards major), wrote his Avill in the Cucklestowne Inn, and he had the document recorded in the County Clerk's office, in New York City. Colonel Simcoe, as Avas the custom of the day with educated people, kept a " journal," and some of his comments upon the action of General Washington, written in the Cucklestowne Inn, are very ludicrous to the impartial reader of history. Cucklestowne Inn temporarily became the County Court House, immediately after the close of the Revolution. In proof of this we copy two items from the original minutes of the Board of Supervisors : NAUTILUS HALL, TOMPKINSVILLE, 182 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND, " July 21, 1788, — Agreed with Lawrence Hilyard this Day A^z : That the Large room Call'd the Grand Jury room, is to be filed at his L Hilyard's Expense fit for a Cort Room, and that the County Shall at all times During his Continuance in said House Occupy said house for holding Courts and Doing all Public business for which The Said Hilyard Shall receive the amount of his Excise as Compensation, N. B, L, Hilyard is to Given at Least three months notice should he want s. house. Adjourned to the 4 Day of august next to meet at Deckers.'' " Jan. 20, 1789, — Lawrence Hilyard for the use of his house, for 1 A'ear from the 4th of August last pass, £2," The CucklestoAvne Inn was demolished in 1819, The Old House by the Mill, — The Old House by the Mill, at (ireen Ridge, was erected by one of the early Waldensian settlers. The exact date is not known; but from an old document describing the early homes of this vicinity, it is safe to assume that it was built about 168.5 — ^probably earlier. It was originally partially surrounded by a high embankment, or fort, as a protection from Indians and pirates, as both, in those days, used to make incursions up the Fresh Kill Creek, At the time of the erection of this building, the neighbor hood was generally known as Kleine Kill (meaning Little River), The house became a hotel at a comparatively recent date. During the Revolution, this old structure was a " country store," and its pro prietors Avere Bedell & Alicheau. Purdy's Hotel. — Purdy's Hotel, at Seguine's Point, Prince's Bay, is one of the oldest buildings on Staten Island, There is reason to be lieve that it was erected as far back as 1690, and was the home of a Huguenot that settled on Staten Island, It belonged to the Seguine estate, and by many residing here to-day is confounded with the orig inal Seguine homestead. We find indisjmtable proof of this error in the Richmond County Free Press of 1835, Avhich gives an account of the burning of the old Seguine homestead, and adds that " the build ing was totally destroyed," There was a military post at Seguine's Point during the Revolution, and Air. Purdy's house Avas occupied as headquarters for a time by General Vaughan, the British com mander. There was a spirited skirmish between the Americans and the British near this house, and an officer on Sir William Howe's staff, who Avas bearing a message from the Commander-in-chief to General Vaughan, was fatall}^ wounded and died in this old house. The quaint old place has been the property of Air. Purdy for several years, and is in a good state of preservation. Old Ferry Tavern. — The Ferry Tavern Avas located on the bluff, near the terminus of the Ainboy road, Alanor of Bentley, (noAv Totten ville). A ferry Avas established at that point as far back as 3650, by the Raritau Indians, who were on friendly terms with the Dutch. Shortly after that period it Avas found necessary to have " a place HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND, 183 for protection of ye passengers in Avaiting," and a small log cabin Avas built. During the outbreaks of the Indians the building was repeat edly destroyed. The four generations of Billopps which lived in the Alanor of Bentley, maintained this ferry. Thomas I'arniac Billopp, Avho stood at the head of the second generation, caused to be built the little building, (Avhich is still remembered by many of our older peo ple as the Ferry Tavern), about 1740, ^it one time it A\'as the only public house within seA^eral miles of Billopp's Point, Captain De- lotz, a Hessian soldier, kept it for a time after peace was declared, and it Avas a rendezvous for many years for his former companions in arms. Nothing more is knoAvn of the house until 1825, Avhen John Fountain became its manager. He continued Avith it until late in the thirties. AVilliam Coddington, of Woodbridge, Avas its next pro prietor. He Avas the largest man in this part of the country, and it was only Avith a great effort that he could move about. Its last pro prietor as a public house Avas Henry Biddle, It Avas for several years the club house of the " Clever Fellows," of New A'ork City, an appen dage of Tammany Hall, and in a very mysterious manner, after a night's skylark, in 1866, the old house Avas burned to the ground. Bull's Head Tavern. — The Bull's Head Tavern, a long, shingle- sided building, stood near the spot on Avhich the blacksmith shop of the little hamlet now stands. It was built in 1741, and Avas enlarged tAA'ice before the Revolution, when it became famous as the head quarters of the Tories for this part of the country, Clute, in his " An nals," speaks of it thus : " The sign which SAAung between tAvo high posts in front of the small, loAV tavern Avhich stood on the north-east corner, gave name to the locality. Some rustic artist had evidently exhausted all his talents and resources in transmitting to posterity the picture of a very fierce looking bull's head, with very short horns and very round eyes, which looked very like a pair of spectacles. Long be fore, and during the Revolution, the locality AA^as known by the name of ' London Bridge,' After the Avar, and the erection of the new sign, the tavern became somewhat noted as a place of rendezvous for such young men, and probably old ones, too, as had a propensity for gam bling, * * •» AAithin a foAv years the locality has been visited by conflagrations, Avliich consumed the houses on three of the corners, the fourth corner being vacant, and uoav the people who reside there, or some of them, endeavor to call it Phoenixville, because these houses, perhaps, will some day arise from their ashes," It is said that in one of the celebrations of the anti-royal element of the Island, there Avas an attempt to burn the Bull's Head Tavern; but the flames were extinguished. Its charred timbers were replaced by fresh ones cut from the Avoods near by, and it was re-opened by one Lynch, who kept it for a time. During the days of coaching it became very popular with people traveling between New York and 184 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. Philadelphia. People from all over the country made special trips to the old house, just to see the famous " Tory headquarters," and to listen to the stories that made up its eventful history. It was later on neatly fltted up as the residence of Judge Ganetson, and some years later still it was re-opened as a hotel, and remained so until its destruction by fire. An illustration of the Bull's Head Tavern appears on page 285, Vol. I. Union Hotel. — The Union Hotel, at TotteuAille, Avas for many years a farm-house on the Johnson estate, and was but a story and a- half high. It was erected in 1784. Abraham Johnson was its last occupant before it became a public house. The former parlor of the house is now the large, low-ceiled bar-room, and it Avas in this room that Commodore Cornelius Vanderbilt married his cousin, Sophia Johnson, in December, 1813. It was her home. Captain L,atourette purchased the property from Mr. Johnson in 1865, and added two or three stories to a part of it, and then opened its doors to the public. It has changed managers several times since, but has ceased to be a public house. " The Red Horse." — The Red Horse Tavern Avas the name of a small public house that stood near Stony Brook, about a quarter of a mile from the Black Horse, during and for many years after the Revolution. Like almost all of its Colonial companions it was per mitted to crumble to the ground. The Oakley House. — The long, low building standing near the foot of Rossville avenue, (originally Ferry road, and for many years known as Shea's lane), in the village of Rossville, was standing long before this century was ushered in. In fact, it was built before the Revolution. In the early part of this century, it was the only tavern in the vicinity, and was kept by the father of the late Jesse Oakley. The house has been changed a number of times from hotel to private residence. Alany incidents of an interesting nature have occurred in it, principally of a political form. It was the birth-place of James A. Bradley, the founder of Asbury Park. It is now a private resi dence, and is fast going into decay. Swan Hotel. — ^The Swan Hotel is the venerable building on Rich mond tenace. West New Brighton, for many years the residence of the late C. AI. Pine. It originally stood on the adjoining ground now occupied by a large brick building. It was erected about 1792. An interesting event occurred in this old house on July 4, 1825, when the colored people of the Island held a grand celebration in honor of the abolition of slavery. Michael Tynan, the father of the late Mrs. John T. Barrett, was the last manager of the Swan Hotel as a public resort. The Federalists, Americans, Whigs, and all other political organizations working in opposition to the Democracy, used to hold their caucuses in this old house. HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 185 Port Richmond Hotel. — The Port Richmond Hotel Avas built shortly after the Revolution, and was the private residence of Judge David Mersereau. It stands on the site of the residence of Captain Decker, who held a roving commission and commanded a troop of mounted Loyalists. Decker's house Avas destroyed by fire during a raid by General Stirling. A small British fort was erected on its site. At the time the Mersereau house Avas built, it Avas considered the handsomest residence on Staten Island. A great deal of hand-carved woodwork ornaments the interior. The old-fashioned hall and large, square rooms remind one of the many gay scenes that have occuned there in days of yore. There was a lawn in front of the building Avhich extended to within a few feet of the (present) opposite side- Avalk, and many people residing in Port Richmond to-day, can recall to mind two large willow trees that stood in front, about Avhere the middle of the street is noAV located. About 1820, the house was sold and converted into the Port Rich mond Hotel, and a few years later its name was changed to the Continental Hotel. Recently it was changed again to the St. James. It was in this house that Colonel Aaron Burr spent nearly the whole of the closing year of his life, and many distinguished people called there to see the old soldier. On June 17, 1836, the anniversar}' of the Battle of Bunker Hill, which the Tompkins Guards always cele brated, the company, under command of Captain John Laforge parad ed along the North Shore, and had their annual dinner at the Port Richmond Hotel. On behalf of the company. Captain Laforge in vited Colonel Burr to dine with it; but, as the Colonel Avas too feeble to attend, he declined, and invited the officers up to see him. They accepted the invitation and had a very enjoyable time. The visitors were Capiain John Laforge, Lieutenant D. V. N, Mersereau, Ensign Smith B, Freeman, and Sergeant Richard Christopher, It was in this house, in the room on the north-east corner of the second floor, that Aaron Burr died, on the 14th of September, 1836, Fountain House. — About the year 1750, AYhen what was orig inally a foot-path or Indian trail along the North Shore of Staten Island, was partially concealed from the Kills by a dense thicket of cedars and vines, a small, story-and-a-half dwelling was erected at the summit of the sloping bank. It was the original structure of Avhat is familiarly known as the old Fountain House. It is believed that the founder of the once flourishing family of Macgregors on Staten Island was the flrst occupant, and it is possible that it re mained the property of that family for at least three generations. A small fort, or redoubt, was erected on the neighboring embank ment now occupied by the Church of the Ascension, and the cottage ( which afterward became the Fountain House), was utilized by the officers at the post. It was set on fire by order of General Sullivan, at 186 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND, the time of his raid on Staten Island; but was saved from destruction by the British troops. At the close of the Revolution the cottage was enlarged and con verted into a hotel. Its situation gave a view across the Kills into NeAV Jersey, In the early part of the present century Ave find the house referred to as " Macgregor's Inn," " Macgregor's North Shore Tavern " and " Alacgregor's House." The proprietor was probably of the second or third generation of the family of that name. This is surely the same Macgregor that owned the old grist-mill which stood where the Rapid Transit freight depot at West Noav Brighton w-as recently located. Years ago it was purchased by the Staten Island Dyeing and Printing Company, and utilized for cutting up logwood for the factory. The artificial canal, by Avhich the old factory pond was supplied with water, was built by this Alacgregor. Colonel Nathan Barrett rented the Macgregor House in 1821, and was its manager until 1828. It was then called the Shore House and sometimes " Barrett's." Colonel Barrett was the Democratic leader in the County, and his house became the political headquarters. Cap tain Benjamin Wood, connected with the Quarantine as boarding officer at the time, was Colonel Barrett's closest friend, and the two held many a council in the old house, which shaped the political fu ture of Richmond County. Captain Henry Fountain, w^ho had rented and managed the Swan Hotel, for a number of years, then (1828), purchased the house which soon bore his name. The name was shortly afterward changed to the " Shakespeare Hotel; " but, in the course of a few years it was changed again to the Fountain House. Captain Fountain continued to manage the Fountain House until 1856. He died in 1863. Vincent Fountain, a son of the old Captain, was his successor as manager of the Fountain House, and he kept it about one year. In the political campaign of 1844, the adherents of Henry Clay had a grand demonstration in New York City, and the Whigs of Staten Island participated in the parade. They mounted a large oyster-boat on wheels, and Captain Henry Fountain held the reins over the tAvelve handsome horses that pulled it. It Avas manned by about thirty men in uniform. There was a troop of cavalry on Staten Island in those days, Avhich AA'as commanded by General Benjamin Bedell, who resided on Rockland avenue, in Northfield, He had seen service in the War of 1812, and was noted for his daring deeds and fine horsemanship. The procession had been dismissed up town, and the Staten Island contingent was on its way down BroadAvay, enroute for home. In those days a street parade of any kind was not considered a success Avithout a free fight. The party not parading ahvays made the at tack. When at Canal street, General Bedell discovered the Demo crats piling up boxes and all manner of debris in the middle of the HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND, 187 street, a few blocks ahead. Riding back to Captain Fountain, to notify him of what was going on, he discovered that the rear also Avas being barricaded. It Avas impossible to turn into any of the side streets. Instantly the old General stood up in his stirrups, aud sli(mt- ed, " Fountain, will you folloAV me? " " I will. Sir! " replied Fountain, and watching the old General carefully, heard his command, "Draw swords! Charge!" and away went the troopers, right over the temporary breastworks. Captain Fountain acted under the impulse of the instant, and SAvinging his long lash-Avhip over the backs of his horses, made it crack like a rifie; at the same time he shouted to them in a manner that they well understood. They instantly broke into a wild run, and Avhen they reached the barricade, every team leaped oyer it Avithout a misstep. When the front wheels under the boat struck it, boxes, barrels, and everything else in the Avay floAV in all directions. The attacking crowd closed in on the rear, hurling all sorts of missiles; but the boat was going at too great a speed to endanger any of its occupants. That in cident was the topic of conversation of the city, as Avell as of Staten Island, for a long time. A reception and supper were given the troopers and the inmates of the boat at the old Fountain House on their return. The commencement of the war in 1861, found a great many South erners in this part of the country. A number of them, desiring to be a little exclusive, formed a colony and settled doAvn in the old Foun tain House. The building was fltted up in flue style. Bat as the war continued, the personal interests of the inmates demanded tiieir presence in the South, and one by one they dropped out until all were gone. The old Fountain House ceased to be a hotel in 1859; but from that time on was a public boarding house. It experienced many changes in its management. In 1885, it Avas sold at a partition sale by County Judge Stephens, and was purchased by Frank W. Tomp kins from the Fountain estate, and in 1896 it Avas demolished to make room for the large department store belonging to Air. Tompkins. AVhile Avorkmen Avere demolishing the flre-place in the sitting room, an original painting by the famous artist, Alilburn, Avas discovered. He was at the Fountain House in 1840, about the time that he deco rated the handsome residence of EdAvin Forrest, the actor, on the Hudson. One day Alilburn Avas the recipient of a kindness at the hands of Captain Fdtiutaiu, and he painted the picture to shoAv bis appreciation. It Avas a nautical scene, and worthy of preservation, but being iiainted on the wall, rendered such an act impossible, Alil burn and Captain Fountain became very warm friends. Alilburn Fountain, a grandson, was named for the artist. On the second floor, on the west side of the hall, were three rooms. In the old days these were all in one, and was the ball-room. It AA'-as 188 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. considered the ball-room of Staten Island. Professor Sky, a noted dancing master, of New York, in the flrst quarter of the century had classes there. The favorite dances in those days were the Virginia reel and the French cotillion. Many a ball of note was given in the old Fountain House ball room. In fact, the flrst invitation ball ever given on Staten Island was there, and it led to a great deal of trouble. A deep-rooted belief had prevailed on Staten Island that anybody had a right to go where- ever and whenever he pleased in a public house, especially when a ball was in progress; and so, to close the ball-room door against any resident of the Island was an act next to treason itself! The ball in question was held in the winter of 1843, by the Tomp kins Guards, the local military. Several attempts were made by un invited parties to force an entrance into the ball-room, and the in truders were driven away. Finally they repaired to the back yard, and hurled stones through the ball-room windoAvs. The company was then speedily formed, and with flxed-bayonets charged on the intruders and drove them into the street. The back room was occupied in the thirties and forties by the Franklin Library — a circulating library that was supported by many bright men, and contained a large number of valuable books. De bates were held by the members, in which outsiders sometimes par ticipated, and attracted the attention of some of the leading peojile of this section of the country, and on some of these occasions the old ball-room was unable to hold all the people who assembled to listen to the speakers. Among the members were Colonel Nathan Barrett, John T. Barrett, Rev. Dr. Peter I. Van Pelt, George Barber, Inman Hall, Dr. Ainsley, Smith B. Freeman, George W. Matsell, John Crab- tree, James Wilkinson, Dr. Ephraim Clark, Dr. John T. Harrison, l]dward Jones and Principal Gunnette, of the Factoryville public school. There have been some interesting election scenes in and around the old Fountain House. In the old days, when the voters of " Castle town " took three days to deposit their ballots, the polls Avere located first at Nautilus Hall, Tompkinsville; then at Alacgregor's or the Fountain House, on the North Shore, and finally at Bodine's Tavern, (now the Keene residence), at Castleton Corners. The same ballot- box did service at all three places and the one used from 1782 to 1810, is still preserved. An old resident informed us that when he was a boy he remembered over five hundred dollars being paid for dinners for voters at an elec tion in the Fountain House, when the selection of Collector and Con stable (one office) of the town was made. The office was Avorth four hundred dollars. The Whigs dined in the dining-room, and the Dem ocrats up stairs in the ball-room. The Democrats and Whigs were HISTORY OF .STATEN ISLAND. 189 both defeated, and Captain Edwin J. Flatt, the Know-nothing can didate, was elected by a small plurality. One of the pleasant characteristics of old Staten Island was its tin- AA'ritten social laws. Every man or woman who had a good, moral character and dressed carefully, no matter how humble a position he or she held, was admitted into the social events of the Avealthiest people. There Avere no cliques in society here, and no attempt was made to set up a puny aristocratic circle. All respectable people Avere upon a common level of sociability. It Avas an uncommon thing for our people to go off of the Island, even to the city; with some a trip to New York was the event of the year. Consequently, social enter tainments Avere frequently held, and the old Fountain House was the centre of attraction. The local " fiddlers " were always in demand, and the good dinners served personally by the host and hostess lent their part to make public events a success. It was in the old Fountain House that Allen Dodworth, the famous band leader, began his career. With his father and step-brother, he used to furnish dancing music with the cornet, violin and bass-Aiol. Dancing would begin in the early after noon and continue until late on the following morning. At the end of each dance DodAvorth would strike his bow on the back of the violin, Avhich was the signal to the dancers to walk up and pay the musicians. It was in that old ball-room that the by-word " fiddler's change " had its origin. Many an old-fashioned Fourth of July celebration \A'as held in the Fountain House. It was on the veranda of the old Fountain House that General Marcy made one of his campaign speeches, when a candidate for Governor of New York, in 1832, and a grand dinner was given in his honor on that occasion. The Factoryville Brass Band covered it self with glory! It played "Hail! to the Chief," as the old hero came out on the veranda and was introduced to the people by Colonel Barrett. On this same veranda Wendell Phillips, after being introduced by George William Curtis, made one of his famous sensational abolition speeches, back in the fifties. Air. Phillips Avas mistaken in his audi ence, and the speech came to a rude termination, and he departed without any special apology for haste. Garibaldi, the Italian patriot, several times dined in the old Foun tain House with friends. Santa Anna, the dethroned Alexican Em peror, visited it a score of times. Governor Tompkins often called there. General Scott repeatedly enjoyed its hospitality. Governor Ogden stopped there. Jenny Lind was its guest. Fred Douglass attended an abolition conference in the old parlor. And scores of others, Avhose names help to make the history of our country, have from time to time crossed the threshold of that old house. Its latch- 190 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. string was always hanging on the outside, and its welcome was known to the world. For illustration, see A-^ol. I., p. 374. Butler's Tavern, — Butler's Tavern, at Graniteville, was one of the oldest public buildings on Staten Island. It was built many years before the Revolution; but the exact date is unknown. For a long time it Avas the headquarters of one faction of the sporting fraternity, Avhile the other was at New Dorp, Old Place road, (uoav known as Washington avenue), which begins a short distance from the site of this old house, runs for a number of miles on an almost straight line. This was the favorite race course in the old days. Air. Butler owned the celebrated running horse " Duke of Richmond," Avhich made a fortune for its owner, here and elsewhere. Butler's Tavern was occupied by British officers during the Revo lution, and was not far from the scene of the battle, in 1777, when Lieutenant-Colonel Edward Vaughan Dongan, of the Third Battalion of Skinner's Brigade, was killed. It was on the Alorning Star road. About 1805, it Avas known as Hotisman's Tavern, and Avas oAAmed and managed by the grandfather of Captain Jacob I, Housman, of Marin ers' Harbor, Shortly afterward it was purchased by Thomas Butler, and for many years it Avas known far and near as Butler's Tavern, The late venerable Talbot Butler, of Port Richmond, was born in this old house. In 1835, the property was purchased by Alfred Alersereau, and an important addition was built in the following year. Mr. Alersereau died about tw^enty years ago, and his family occupied it at the time of its destruction by fire in 1892. Nautilus Hall, — Nautilus Hall, at Tompkinsville, Avas built by Alajor James tluyon, father-in-law of the late Dr, Ephraim Clark, of New Dorp, in 1808, It very soon became a political resort. New York politicians held private meetings there. A grand reception was given to LaPayette in this house, on the occasion of his last visit to America. Kossuth was also entertained there. Garibaldi visited it frequently, Avhile residing on Staten Island, For the better part of a century its beautiful lawn and fine old well Avere great attractions for people from near and far. Both were destroyed by the building of the Rapid Transit Railroad. The house was enlarged by Francis P. Jones, in 1855, It was the first home of Richmond Lodge, No, 66, P. and A, AI., which was organized in July, 1825. Like scores of other old Staten Island landmarks, it has been totally destroyed. The Cliff House, — ^The Cliff House, a foAv hundred yards east of Fort Wadsworth, was standing in 1794; but the time of its erection is unknown, Richard Silva kept it at the commencement of this century, and continued Avith it for about twenty-five years. The wife of the late venerable Captain James Stillwell, of the Staten Island Perry, was born in this house in 1807. She was the daughter of Mr, HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND, 191 Silva, The house Avas then knoAvn as Silva's Cliff Inn, The soldiers at Fort Richmond during the AVar of 1812, guarded the house for several weeks, to prevent its destruction. The Cliff Hon^e was for many years of late occupied by a German club, under the management of Joseph Kost, a Avell-knoAvn caterer, Bodine's Inn, — Bodine's Inn, at Castleton Corners, Avas originally built by David Jacques about 1770, In the days of stage coaches it did its share of entertaining the traveling public, A famous well, AA'^hich stood in the street nearly in front of the house, made this a popular stopping place. For generations man and beast were re freshed from its " old oaken bucket." In the old training days this house Avas the headquarters of the Castleton contingent. It was pur chased several years since by the late Thomas R. Eagleson. (Thomas Keene, the actor), and there his family now resides. Air, Keene de lighted to spend his time there Avhen off the stage. He made many improvements in the property, and aside from its historic interest, it is a place of considerable value. An illustration appears on page 407 of Vol, I. The Pavilion. — ^The Pavilion, on Mount Tompkins, (Pavilion Hill), at Tompkinsville, Avas a popular resort as far back as 1815. It Avas a delightful place in Summer. Staten Islanders used to hold entertain ments up there for the benefit of churches, etc, and it was the mecca of New York excursionists. In the early part of its existence it was a favorite place at which to celebrate the Fourth of July, Alany years ago, the Pavilion, a long, wooden structure, caught fire in the night and burned to the ground. It was re-built, but in the course of time lost its popularity Avith the better class of ].>eople, A second time it caught fire and burned to the ground. Time has almost obliterated even the foundation of the old house. The folloAving ad vertisement, taken from the Richmond Republican, of February 2S, 1 829, gives an idea of the structure : " To Let. — The Pavilion, at Alotint Tompkins, Staten Island, It is situated on a commanding eminence, in the rear of the village of Tomp kinsville, about five minutes' walk from the steamboat landing. The house is 72x22 feet; two stories high, with a double piazza around the whole, forming a promenade on each piazza of nearly three hundred feet. The upper story is finished in one entire room, and forms a ball-room seventy feet in length. A cupola has been erected on the top of the building, with a staircase leading to the same, which ren ders it p'erfectly safe and easy of access. Prom this may be had a commanding view of Sandy Hook Light House, the Atlantic ocean. Prince's Bay, the Highlands of Neversink, Long Island, Long Island Sound, the North River for thirty miles, many of the principal towns and villages in New Jersey, and the Bay, Harbor and City of New Afork. For beauty of scenery and commanding prospect, this situation 192 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND, is equalled by few, if any, and excelled by none in the vicinity of New York." Rossville Hotel. — The Rossville Hotel was built in 1825, by John Eddy and Robert Seguine. It was the property of Joseph Seguine, uncle of the late Henry Stewart Seguine. Its first manager Avas Israel Oakley. For many years before the hotel was built the location was known as " The Blazing Star Landing," and the house took its name from the place. It was one of the " voting places " for Westfield when the ballot-box was kept open for three days. A story is told of a general fight taking place there between the adherents of Andrew Jackson and John Quincy Adams, on the day of the first election of " Old Hickory." A portion of the building is still occupied as a hotel, and the post-office and village store are also in it. It belongs to the estate of the late Henry Stewart Seguine. RiCHMOiSD County Hall. — ^Richmond County Hall, at Richmond, Avas erected in 1819, by a stock company consisting of Lawrence Cor telyou, Richard D. Littell, Daniel L. Clawson, Harmon Crox)sey, Sam uel Frost and a feiv other prominent residents of the Island. At that time a good hotel in " Richmond town " was deemed an absolute ne cessity. There were three other public houses in the village — ^the Cucklestown Inn, which stood directly in the rear of the present County Clerk's office; the King's Tavern, which stood on the corner lot opposite the old Dutch Reformed Church, and the Washington Hotel, which was recently demolished. The house, soon after its establishment, became the political head quarters of the Island, and in the hall on the second floor Democrats and Whigs for many years held their caucuses and conventions, and indeed did much that aided to form the history of Richmond County. A remarkable suicide occurred in Richmond County Hall, several years ago, by a man who had at one time been one of the most promi nent and popular citizens of the Island. Obadiah Bowne, who was a close friend of Mr. Lincoln, while in Congress, resided at one time in the handsome Banker homestead at Green Ridge. The day on which Air. Bowne died, he went up to the city, made a friendly call on the editor of one of the newspapers, and in the course of coiwersation incidentally remarked that an important event would transpire in Richmond that night, and he would very much like to have a representative of that paper present. The request was granted, and " Ben " Williams' old mail coach from Quarantine landed Air. Bowne and the reporter at Richmond in time for supper. The doomed man seemed to be exceptionally happy. He directed Landlord Hodge to prepare a room with two beds, and then went up, requesting the reporter to follow soon. As he arose to go, one of the company ad dressed Air. BoAvne and invited him to attend some local event on the morrow. " 0, I don't know about that," he replied; " possibly I'll be dead in the morning." And then he left the room. HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND, 193 The reporter went up to the room shortly, and discovered that Mr, Bowne had swallowed a dose of poison. He ran down stairs to give the alarm, Aledical aid was immediately summoned; but before the physician arrived death had finished its work. The reporter soon dis appeared, and somehoAV or other, worked his AA^ay back to the city and told his sensational story in truly Aletropolitan style. " lYaining day " used to be a great event on Staten Island, and notAvithstanding the " training " Avas on New^ Dorp lane, and the military ball was held at the Patten House, Richmond County Hall was as sureljr expected to have its training ball and supper as the sun Avas to shine. Although these unique performances Avere di rected by law, and there was a statutory fine of seventy-five cents for non-compliance, the fun which " the boys," old and young, used to have, Avas the real incentive for doing " military duty." A-^ery few had uniforms, and foAver had muskets. For a century or more — a period which terminated shortly after the establishment of a railroad on Staten Island — sleighing parties all hailed for Richmond, and they dined and wined and danced in Rich mond County Hall, Stables and hotel yards were filled, and the streets of the village were lined on either side with blanketed horses. Richmond County Hall had a strange career. Among its proprie tors were Harmanus Cropsey, Joseph Christopher, Joseph Kost, Alax Alaretzek, the famous opera manager; Kipp, the celebrated tally-ho manager;. David Ryers and 0. P. Hodge. Its doors closed to the l)ublic about 1879, and after being vacated by Air. Hodge, it became a free tenement for colored people. Tlie premises were presented to the King's Daughters, and the Parish House of St. Andrew's Church now marks the spot. Patten House. — The Patten House, at New Dorp, was for many years one of the main hotels of Staten Island. It was the military lieadquarters of the division in wiiich Richmond County Avas located, and also of the One Hundred and Forty-sixth Regiment, New York State Militia, Avhich was composed exclusively of Staten Islanders. Colonel Patten, a Southern planter, who had managed the old Aler- chants' Hotel, on Cortlandt street. New York City, was its first owner. It was built by Law^rence Hillyer, of New Springville, in 1837. Scarcely an issue of the County papers appeared in those days without some reference to the Patten House. Public meetings, balls, courts martial, officers' councils, and kindred events were constantly going on. Sporting men sought it, too. It witnessed many changes in time. The last manager of the Patten House was Colonel Lux, com mander of the Eleventh Regiment, of the National Guard, and its doors were closed to the public in a few weeks after his death in 1882. Shortly after that it was purchased by Father McGlynn, and fitted up for a home-school for waifs of the city. It continued to be used as 194 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. such until Father AIcGlynn had trouble Avith the Pope, aud it was again made vacant. For a foAV years past it has been a hovel for Italian rag-pickers and tramps. The bar-room and the dining-room — the scene where in days of yore the A^anderbilts and their friends used to participate in royal feasts — are now utilized as stables for horses belonging to con tractors at work on the roads. New Brighton Pavilion. — The Pavilion Hotel, at New Brighton, has long been one of the most fashionable summer resorts in the coun try, and is knoAvn the land over. The central part of the original building was first projected as the private residence of Thomas E. Davis, President of the Noav Brighton Association, about 1828, but on being converted into a hotel, about 1832, " an immense saloon was erected in the rear and two Avings were added, each of which," says a noAvspaper of the time, " is considerably larger than the original building," The main part was originally Iavo stories in height. In 1837, Ave read that "the colonnade in front of the building affords a promenade more than Iavo hundred feet in length." Air. Alii ford was the proprietor of the Pavilion at that time, Alany changes have marked its career. In 1884, the original centre building Avas demol ished and the present (centre) edifice erected. For many years "before the war " the Pavilion w^as liberally patronized by wealthy Southern ers, It is still open to the public as a Summer resort. For illustra tions, see Vol, 1,, pages 351, 355, Old Track House, — The Old Track House Avas originally a farm house, and stood on the fair grounds, when the Agricultural SocietA' Avas organized, near the beach, at the foot of New Dorp lane, in 1826. It Avas a favorite resort for horsemen for several years, and some of the best horses in the country were speeded on the track at that place. Its popularity did not Avane when the Agricultural Society moved to its ncAv quarters between the railroad station and the Patten House, The Old Track House burned dowm many years ago. The land on Avhich it stood is part of the homestead farm of AA^illiam H, N'anderbilt, and is now owned by his youngest son, George W, Old Club House. — The Old Club House, on Clark avenue, near OakAvood station, Avas the first independent club house established on Staten Island, The club was organized in 1828, and the house was erected shortly afterAvard, Among the members of the club Avere Dr, Doane, Dr, John T, Harrison, Commodore A^anderbilt, Dr, Ephraim Clark, Colonel Conner, Alinthorne Tompkins, and many others Avhose names have passed into history. When the club Avas disbanded many years ago, the house became a hotel; shortly afterward it was occu pied as a private dAvelling, It is uoav a public house. Planters' Hotel, — The Planters' Hotel, on Bay street, Tompkins- Aille, a portion of Avhich is noAv occupied by Air, Loeffler, the photog rapher, was for many years one of the most aristocratic resorts in this history of staten island, 195 part of the country. It was built by a Southerner, about J 820, and patronized almost exclusively by wealthy Southerners fur many years, Alany of the distinguished people of the South have been en tertained there. After it ceased to be a hotel it was converted into a boys' academy. Belmont Hall, — Belmont Hall, at Noav Brighton, Avas erected in 1832, and was the private residence of a Mr. LaAvrence, who con ducted a distillery nearly opposite on the bank of the riA^er. After a few years it was sold and enlarged, and soon became a success ful military academy. Alajor Duff, who was its principal, was a grad uate of the West Point Military Academy, and had gained his title in the regular anny. He Avas appointed Colonel of a Noav York regi ment at the commencement of the Mexican Avar. Belmont Hall, shortly after being vacated by Colonel Duff, became a hotel. For several years it was a temperance house. Three churches have been organized in its parlor. It has been closed to the public for two years. An illustration appears on page 359, Vol, I, Washiington Hotel, — The Washington Hotel, in Richmond, for nearly fifty years under the management of the late Patrick Curry, Avas originally a small private dwelling. It was enlarged from time to time, and was finally converted into a hotel, with a public hall and ball-room. A portion of the building was erected as far back as 1790, No event of any particular importance transpired here; but it w^as the scene of many a happy gathering of the young men and women of the Island for generations. The old building Avas demolished a year or so ago, and a small structure erected in its place. Dock Hotel. — The Dock Hotel was built at Noav Brighton in 1834, and was managed by Thomas Carey, A portion of the building is still standing, and is now used by Mr. Herbert Crabtree, coal dealer. The ferry-boats " Sylph " and " Staten Islander " made two trips a day to and from New York City, and landed at the door of this house. It was the rendezAfous of the Castleton politicians for a number of years. When the steamboat landing Avas transfened to the foot of Jersey street, the Dock Hotel ceased to be a public house, Windsor Hotel, — ^The Windsor Hotel, at New Brighton, was orig inally the residence of an English capitalist, who sold it to James Wilkinson, of the firm of Crabtree & Wilkinson, who owned the silk factory at Noav Brighton. The house became the property of the New Brighton Association. It was built about 1826. It was converted into a hotel about 1835. The house was once knoAvn as The Alansion. It Avas for a number of years quite a popular resort. It ceased to be a public house a few years since, and is now the private residence of Dr. William B, Wilkinson, a grandson of the former owner. St. Mark's Hotel. — ^St. Alark's Hotel stood where the Hotel Castle ton UOAV stands, on the heights of New Brighton. The " Marble House," which formed a part of the structure, was built by Gilbert 196 history of staten island. L, Thompson, a son-in-law of Governor Tompkins, in 1825. The " Mar ble House " was purchased by August Belmont, and the noted banker and his family resided there for a, number of years. When it was converted into a hotel a large addition was built to it. It Avas a very popular summer resort for many years. St. Mark's Hotel was de molished in 1889, and the Hotel Castleton was erected in its place. For illustration, see page 363, Vol. I. Castleton House, — The Castleton House is the large, square, frame building standing on Broadway, West New Brighton, opposite the public school building. It was built by Captain John Laforge, in 1837. Captain Laforge commanded the Tompkins Guards, and the house was more or less a military centre for the North Shore. It has long been occupied as a tenement. The Stone Jug.—" The Stone Jug," as the old Neville mansion near Sailors' Snug Harbor, is facetiously called, was, until 1882, a private residence, and was one of the most homelike places on the N'orth Shore. This house was erected about 1770, It was originally a farm-house. Early in the century it belonged to County Judge Jacob Tysen, The farm attached to this old house once extended al most to " Brighton Corner," The house and the beautiful lawn used to be the pride of the venerable Captain John Neville, a retired officer of the United States Navy, The house has been the scene of many a gay reception, given in honor of representatives of the navies of our own and other countries, Alore than a score of other old hotels we have learned about, while gathering material for these chapters, which have long ago faded from the sight and mind of the busy public; but as we could learn nothing of special interest in their history, have deemed it best to pass them by. CHAPTER XIII. distinguished residents and guests. T has long been a source of wonderment to those Avho are unacquainted with the place, that so many distinguished people have become residents of Staten Island, and that so many others have here been entertained. The close proximity to the Metropolis — the social, commercial and financial centre of the continent — may account for this in part. But we think that a stronger attraction still was the beauty and healthfulness of the Island. From among the many who have either resided or been entertained here were the following : James W. Auten, — Air, Auten was born in Richmond, Staten Is land, about 1815, and while attending the public school in his native village in 3831, made arrangements with the proprietors of The Ship ping and Commercial List, of New York City, to enter their service. In time he became one of the proprietors of the paper, and from 1848 to 1877, Auten & Bourne w"as the firm name. In 1882, Mr, Auten re visited his birth-place, and under the caption of " What Fifty Years Have Done," wrote an interesting article, from which we quote : " I took a melancholy pleasure in viewing the old, familiar scenes of my youthful days. The house in Avhich I was born, that in Avhich 1 was brought up, the old play-grounds, the trees and running streams, the village churches and the old church-yard where " ' Each in his narrow cell forever laid. The rude forefathers of the hamlet sleep,' " But the point of greatest interest was the dear old District School House! There it stands now, just as it stood fifty years ago, when I first learned to spell and read. " I took my stand where I had stood half a century previous, and tried to talk to the children there assembled. But it was a difficult task. The old scenes and associations rushed before my vision and choked my utterance. The whole scene seemed like reading a book of history, and as though the world was slipping from beneath my feet! "The friends of my early days are nearly all gone; parents and children, old and young, having been swept away by the hand of death, and of the whole population living there fifty years ago, I 198 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. found less than a dozen surviving; young and old having gone to their long home. " I bade a final farewell to the few surviving friends of my child hood, turned my back on the old church-yard and said good-bye to the boys and girls who are fast growing up to take their places on the stage of this Avorld's activities. I turned away sadly, knowing that I should see their faces no more! " Commander Timothy Greene Benhajnl — Commander Timothy Greene Benham was born near New Haven, Connecticut, in 1796, and entered the Naval Academy at the age of twelve years. He gradu ated in 1810, and entered the service as a midshipman. Air. Benham's first commission was issued on November 30, 1814. His voyages after that were numerous and important, and many of them were exceedingly dangerous. He was with Commodore Porter's squadron for the suppression of piracy in the West Indies, and in one of the battles he received a bullet in his leg, which he carried ever after-ward. He also came near being the victim of a pirate's knife, Avhich, in a hand-to-hand struggle, he succeeded in capturing. He married Aliss Julia, daughter of Samuel Lockman, who belonged to one of the oldest families on the Island. AA^hen the Alexican war broke out. Lieutenant Benham was se lected to superintend the landing of American troops on Alexican soil. The work was accomplished under the most dangerous and trAing circumstances. He was always successful, however, and on several occasions he was complimented by superior officers and his services acknowledged by the Government. During that war he was given the command of the United States war schooner " Bonita," Avith which he gained the credit of the Navy Department for his gallant conduct at the bombardment of Vera Cruz and the Castle, Alvarado, Tampico and various other battles. Shortly after the close of the Mexican Avar, Lieutenant Benham paid a visit to his home. A reception was given him which is still pronounced to have been one of the greatest social events in the history of Staten Island. In the forenoon of the day in question, the little village of Richmond was the scene of a large concourse of people from all over the country. Distinguished naval and army officers, statesmen and citizens were present. The Court room of the " new Court House," as the present structure Avas then called, was densely packed, and hundreds were unable to gain an entrance. The occasion was the presentation to Lieutenant Benham of two massive silver pitchers and goblets, as a testimonial of the Avorth and esteem in Avhich his neighbors held him. The family still retains these hand some relics, Avith much pride and satisfaction. Prom them we copy the folloAving inscription : "Presented to Lt.-Comm ander Timothy Greene Benham, U. S. N., by his fellow-citizens of Richmond County, in token of their esteem HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND, 199 for the disting-uished services and nautical skill on board the war schooner 'Bonita,' during and subsequent to the attack on Vera Cruz, on Alarch 24 and 25, 1847, and of the admiration of his de portment in private life. John S. Westervelt, John C. Thompson, Nathan T. Barrett, Alinthorne Tompkins, James AI, Cross, Charles E, Leveredge, LaAvrence Cortelyou, I'ornt P. Winant, Henry Cole, Richard D, Smyth, John T, Harrison, Committee." The presentation speech was made by Alinthorne Tompkins, the manuscript of which is among the treasured relics of the Benham family. After the presentation ceremonies, hundreds of the assemblage re paired to the Benham mansion, where a royal banquet was lield. In the course of time Lieutenant Benham AA^as promoted to the rank of Commander, and continued, under every circumstance, to serve his country well. From long and arduous duties and exposures his health became impaired, and he rested in his splendid mansion at Green Ridge; but after a lapse of time his health was restored, and he was again ordered to duty as commandant of the Navy Rendezvous, in New York City. In 1855, the active officers comprising the memorable " Board of Fifteen," retired Commander Benham from the ser\ice Avhich for a period of forty-one years had been his pride aud devotion. Com mander Benham died on June 17, 1860, and was buried beside old St. Andrew's Church, in Richmond. Rear Admiral Andrew Ellicott Kennedy Benham, — Admiral Benham is the son of the late Commander Timothy Greene Benham, He was born on the Lake estate, below New Dorp, on April 10, 1832, He attended school at Richmond when a lad, and later, Avhen his family had removed to Green Ridge, he had Air, Boehm for his in structor. He was the first naval appointee from Staten Island, and entered the Naval Academy at Annapolis, in 1847, and graduated in 1851. When a midshipman he assisted in the capture of a piratical junk, re ceiving a Avound on the hand in the engagement. Having reached the rank of lieutenant, he was in active service during the Southern Re bellion. He participated in the battle of Port Royal, and Avas on blockade duty on a number of points along the Atlantic coast. With the rank of captain, he commanded the man-of-Avar " Rich mond," which conveyed General Grant from China to his home in America, after retiring from the Presidency, While he was serving with the rank of commodore, he commanded the Light House De partment on Staten Island for three years. Admiral Benham reached the rank of rear-admiral in 1890. His 200 history OF STATEN ISLAND, last active service was at Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, during the Brazilian rebellion. It was his splendid courage and fine executive ability that put a stop to the insults and dangers that constantly faced the Ameri can merchantmen in that harbor. After all friendly endeavors had failed to accomplish this end, Admiral Benham ordered the decks cleared for action, and the Brazilian rebels quickly came to terms. Having reached the age limit in 1894, Admiral Benham retired from the service that year. During the war with Spain he was in the serv ice of the GoA'ernment at Washington, where he now resides. Admiral Benham married Miss Seaman, of Green Ridge. He has a son, Harry S. Benham, in active service in the Navy, who has reached the rank of lieutenant. Rev. William H. Boole, D. D. — ^Dr, Boole was a native of New York City. He studied law when a young man, immediately after leaving college, but its practice was distasteful to him. He soon gave it up and entered the ministry, and in 1856 was ordained a min ister in the Alethodist Episcopal Church. He always belonged to the New York Conference. He was pastor of a number of churches in New York, Brooklyn and Connecticut. During the war of the Re bellion he served as Chaplain of the Fortieth New York Volunteers, and always entered the battles with his men. His care for the wound ed and the dying on the field and in the hospital, won for him the ad miration and esteem of the rank and file of the old Army of the Potomac. Dr. Boole was always an enthusiastic temperance advocate, and Avas one of the founders of the Prohibition party. For years during the latter part of his life, his entire time was devoted to lecturing and evangelistic work. He was a business man of fine qualities. He Avas one of the found ers of the camp meeting grounds at Ocean Grove, Old Orchard Beach, Sea Cliff' and Prohibition Park. He Avas for two years Superintendent of the latter, and built the first residence there after it was decided to construct a park. Dr. Boole and his famih^ resided for some time in the old Colonial building on the edge of the park, on the Watchogue road, and it was in this same old house that the kind persuasions of the Boole family led to the redemption of America's famous temper ance orator, John G. Woolley. (For illustration, see Vol. I., p. 188.) Hon. James A, Bradley. — James A, Bradley was born at Ross ville, Staten Island, on February 14, 1830, in the quaint old Colonial dwelling still standing on New York avenue, near the Shore road. His first school days were spent at Woodrow, under the supervision of the venerable Father Boehm. He then entered the Madison Street public school in New York City. At the age of twelve he went to Avork on the farm of William Davies, at Bloomfield, New Jersey. He remained there for a time, and then went to New York City to learn the trade of brush-maker. HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND, 201 At the age of twenty-one, Mr. Bradley was foreman in the brush factory of Francis P. Fernald, in Pearl street, and in 1857, he went into business on his oavu account. He has been in business in the same building, at 251 Pearl street, forty years. Air, Bradley, in 1871, purchased five hundred acres of land on the Atlantic shore, in Monmouth County, New Jersey. The tract con sisted of pine woods, briars and sand dunes. It was laid out Avith broad streets and many open spaces, and through the publicity given to the place by noAvspaper writers, it has become Avhat is now known as Asbury Park, perhaps the best known and most popular seaside summer resort in the United States. Air. Bradley was elected to the New Jersey State Senate, on the Republican ticket, in 1893, and served on several important commit tees. Asbury Park is his home. Hon. Erastus Brooks. — Mr. Brooks was born in Portland, Alaine, January 31, 1815. Shortly before his birth his father. Captain James Brooks, Avho commanded a privateer during the War of 1812, had gone down Avith his vessel, leaving his wife and three children dependent for their support upon a Government pension. As a result of these straightened circumstances, Erastus, at the age of eight years, left his home for Boston with the object of earning his own living. He found a place in a grocery, and worked for his board and clothes, studying diligently the while, at a night school. Soon he entered a printing office and became a compositor, and Avith the money which he earned obtained enough education to enter Brown University. Here he pursued a partial course, at the same time sup porting himself by working as a compositor. When he was eighteen, he started a paper, called The Yankee, after his father's brig, in Wis- casset, Maine, soon after which he purchased the Haverhill Gazette. In 1835, Mr. Brooks went to Washington and became a ncAVspaper correspondent, which he continued for sixteen years. In 1840, he be came associate editor of the New York Express, with his brother, James, and remained in this connection for forty-one years. In 1843, he traveled through Europe and was Avrecked off Sandy H(jolv on his return. He jiublished his paper almost alone during the cholera epi demic. He was for years a member of the executive committee of the Associated Press, and for a considerable time its general manager. Air. Brooks was elected to the State Senate in 1853. Two years afterward he rendered his position prominent by a controversy with Archbishop Hughes, relative to the limits to be set to the acquisition of church property by the Roman Catholic church and the exemption of property from taxation, he holding that, as its title was vested in the priest, it should be taxed when it reached beyond a certain value. The controversy, first carried on through the columns of the Courier and Gazette, finally went into the State Senate, of which Air. Brooks 202 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. was elected a member on the Know-nothing or American party ticket in 1853. The position which Mr. Brooks took led to his being nominated by the Know-nothings for Governor, in 1856. An interesting incident in connection with this nomination was, that the messenger boy who handed Mr. Brooks the telegram announcing his nomination, was Chester A. Arthur, afterwards President of the United States. Prom that time onward, he was frequently in public office, taking part in political conventions and serving the State in Constitutional Con ventions. He served four terms in the State Assembly from Rich mond County. Mr. Brooks was a benevolent man. He spent freely of his time, even in the busiest period of his life, and gave careful and regular attention to the management of such charities as the Noav York In stitution for the Instruction of the Deaf and Dumb, the Nursery aud ("hild's Hospital and the Smith Infirmary. In the National Charities A ssociation, in the State Board of Health, in the national convention of Deaf Mute Instructors, as a trustee of Cornell University, in the Indian conferences and in the Constitutional conventions, he was rec ognized as a man of wisdom and power, of profound convictions, uniting industry and excellent judgment. Air. Brooks' life was long, honored and useful, his name will be cherished by many whom he befriended, and will be recorded among the editors, the statesmen, and the benefactors of this country. His last public service was in connection with the Indian conference at Lake Mohonk, in October, 1886, from which he returned seriously ill, and his last literary work was a review of that conference, which he wrote for the Neio York Observer. Mr. Brooks died at his home on Staten Island, on November 25, 1886. He went to his grave hon ored by all who knew him. Captain Richard Christopher. — Captain Christopher Avas born in 1814. The house in which he Avas born stood at the junction of Alanor road and Egbert avenue, opposite the Frederick White estate. His father was Joseph Christopher, born 1775, and his grandfather Avas Nicholas Christopher, born 1723, and whose residence still stands at Willow Brook, and was the place of meeting of the Committee of Safety during the Revolution. His great-grandfather was Barent Christopher, (or Christoffel, as the name was then written in the records of the Port Richmond Dutch Reformed Church.) He was bom about 1678. Captain Christopher's mother was Elizabeth Wood. Captain Christopher first attended school at " The Corners," (now known as Castleton Comers.) The school-house stood a few yards in the rear of the present edifice, on the Dawson estate, and Avas a lit tle, low, one-story stone structure, and is supposed to have been the third school-house erected on Staten Island. Richard's father was a farmer, and the lad attended school in autumn, winter and spring. captain RICHARD CHRISTOPHER. HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 203 working on the farm in summer, until he Avas fifteen years of age. He Avas ambitious, aud for his industry he was one day rewarded by being allowed to accompany his aunt to Noav York City. It was his first visit to that place, and occurred in 3 825. The boats in those days made two trips a day between Staten Island and New York. HaAing returned to the " Whitehall wharf," they had the better part of an hour to wait for the boat to start for Staten Island. Stand ing on the deck near the railing, Richard watched the people coming on the boat, when suddenly a coach, draAvn by four cream-colored horses, came up to the wharf. Cannon near by began to boom, and there was much excitement. A plain, Avhite-haired man, accom panied by others, entered a private barge that was in waiting. It was General LaPayette, and he was coming to Staten Island, as the guest of Governor Tompkins. Richard entered the Dyeing and Printing Establishment, at Fac toryville, in 1830, to learn the trade of silk printer, and remained there until 1848. He built a dock at Factoryville, and carried on the coal business for thirty-five years in the building now known as the Athletic House. He was Postmaster at one time, and the office was also located in that building. Captain Christopher was married in 1843, to Mary L., daughter of Captain Henry B'ountain, proprietor of the old Fountain House. He was fond of the military, and in 1831, joined the Tompkins Gua,rds as a private. He was from time to time promoted, until, in 1848, he be came captain. He was considered the best-drilled officer in the Staten Island regiment. The Tompkins Guards, while under his command, entered into competitive drills with the " crack " military companies of the country. This company Avas once the guard of honor to Martin A"an Buren. In 1835, it paid especial honors to Colonel Aaron Burr, while the old soldier was stopping at the Continental Hotel, in Port Richmond. Captain Christopher took an active part in politics long before he was a voter; but he did not hold office until 1841, when he Avas ap pointed collector of the ToAvn of Castleton. They did not extend the time for collecting taxes then, as they have done since. The Collector had to go from house to house. Castleton then included the greater part of the Town of Middletown, yet the Town, County and State taxes amounted to only |2,750. The Collector's fees were |137.50. (.^aptain Christopher was elected to succeed himself as Collector in 1842, and served for four years. In 1846, he was elected Supervisor. He accepted the office " with fear and trembling, for the taxes were high, because the new Court House had not been paid for as yet, and the murder trials of Polly Bodine had cost the county so much." It was while Captain Christopher was serving his first term as Supervisor that the project to build the present County Clerk's and Surrogate's offices came up, and he drew the plans for the building. 204 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. It was not until 1848, however, that the building was erected. It was originally one story, and contained two rooms. The second story was added in 1856, and was occupied by the County Treasurer, District Attorney and Sheriff". The Supervisors occupied the room in the Court House now utilized as a parlor by the Under Sheriff. In 1849, Captain Christopher was returned to the Board of Super visors, and was re-elected in 1857-8-9— '68-9— '74-5-6. The first Board of Health in Richmond County was organized in the Town of Castleton in 1856, through Captain Christopher's eff'orts. It consisted of the Supervisor and Justices of the Peace. It Avas the first effective step taken against the Quarantine hospitals. After the greatest legal battle known in the annals of Staten Island, the Quarantine quarrel drifted into politics, and a local faction known as " The Taxpayers' Party " was organized. Like all " new parties " it went to extremes in everything. At the election, held in Nautilus Hall, in 1859, the ballot-box was stolen in a fracas and taken out of the town. It was found on the following morning a considerable dis tance away. No Supervisor was elected, as the ballots Avere not found. The Town Board met and appointed Captain Christopher to that office. Ray Tompkins was a rival candida^te for the Supervisor- ship, and contested in the Courts for the possession of the office. Captain Christopher was repeatedly tendered the nomination for the Assembly, but refused it. Once, however, he Avas nominated, but told his friends that he did not wish to serve, and so was not elected. He was appointed postmaster of Factoryville (now West New Brigh ton), in 1857, at a. salary of flOO a year. He resigned before the end of his term. For some time prior to 1853, the Town Boards granted hotel and saloon licenses; but in that year the Legislature passed a laAv provid ing for a Board of County Excise Commissioners. Judge Aletcalfe appointed Richard Christopher, of Castleton; Daniel L. ClaAvson, of Southfield; and Lawrence Hillyer, of Northfield. Captain Christo pher was made Chairman, and Richard Channing Moore, of Rich mond, was appointed clerk. Captain Christopher witnessed, in 1825, the grand jubilee of the slaves of Staten Island, on the occasion of their emancipation, at the old Swan Hotel. The first year of the war of the Rebellion Captain Christopher met with heavy financial reverses. Beside other losses, his large dock at AVest New Brighton broke down, and a vessel be longing to him was lost at sea. Captain Christopher planned and advocated a scheme which, had it been successful, would have brought much wealth to Staten Island, and practically relieved the taxpayers of the burdens that have long and unjustly rested upon them. He was in favor of the county assum ing absolute control of the ferries running between the Island and the City, and placing the proceeds in the County treasury. He actually HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND, 205 labored in its favor for years; but was unable to get the other of ficials of the County to see the matter in the same light as he, and the result was that private corporations Avere permitted to absorb the Avhole business. For more than half a century many a heart had its burdens light ened by the kind impulses of Captain Christopher. One thing in which he prides himself, perhaps more than some others, is that of stand ing by his friends, especially if they are struggling against adversity. A notable case in point was that of Airs. Tyler, widow of ex-Presi dent Tyler, who at one time graced the AVhite House at AA'ashington. Airs. Tyler then occupied the old mansion at the junction of Clove road and Broadway, West New Brighton. There was a family dis agreement, and the property was in the Courts. There was no pros pect of a settlement. LaAvyers alone profited by the lav/'s delay, Avhile the proud woman and her children daily grew poorer. Captain Christopher at that time conducted a general provision store, and through pity and respect for the noble woman, i)erinitted her to purchase whatever she desired at his establishment, and trust ed to whatever turn the future might bring in her affairs for his pay. The writer Avas informed on good authority that Captain Christopher's claim against Mrs, Tyler at one time amounted to considerably over •|2,000. Later on. Airs, T'yler came into possession of property, and the debt, Avith the exception of " an interest of deep gratitude," was paid in full. They were always warm friends, and when the news of the death of Airs, Tyler reached the venerable man, he received it with heart-felt sorrow. One of his enterprises was the establishment of Richmond Park, containing a large tract of land lying on the North side of Richmond road, between Egbertville and St, Andrew's rectory. At the time of the establishment of this park, Richmond Avas one of the most flour ishing villages on the Island. The building of the railroad at such a distance from the village, ruined the enterprise. Captain Christo pher once owned the wall-paper factory lately the property of Mrs. AI. A. Baldwin Douglas, in West New Brighton. Captain Christopher, although in his eighty-seventh yea.r, is a most interesting man in conversation. His mind goes back clearly to the OA^ents of the long ago, and w^hen in a reminiscent mood makes a most charming companion. It is to him, more than to any other citizen of Staten Island, that the writer of this Avork is indebted for informa tion and guidance in scores of incidents that would otherwise have been lost to the Avorld, Dr, Ephraim Clark. — ^Dr. Clark was born at AVheatsheaf, near Rahway, New Jersey, in 1795. His father, Captain Ephraim Clark, Avas in the United States Army, during the War of 1812, and his grave is in the Dutch Reformed Church yard, in Port Richmond. Dr. Clark studied medicine with Dr. Valentine Alott, of New York, 206 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. and afterward graduated from the College of the State Aledical So ciety at New Brunswick. He came to Staten Island in 1820, and mar ried Aliss Ann Guyon, daughter of Major James Guyon, of New Dorp, Ho erected the mansion now occupied by his son. Dr. James G. Clark, of AA^est New Brighton, and resided there for many years. He also kcqit a drug-store at the corner of Richmond terrace and Taylor street, near his residence. On the arrival of General LaPayette, on his last Aisit to tiiis coun try, in 1825, Dr. Clark was a member of the committee that received the distinguished soldier at Nautilus Hall, in Tompkinsville. At the reception given to Kossuth, the committee was composed of Dr, Ephraim Clark, Dr, Westervelt, Samuel French and Richard Adam Locke. The latter delivered the address of Avelcome. General Garibaldi Avas also present and made an address. When General Andrew Jackson made his famous visit to New York City, in 1832, Dr. Clark was a member of the Reception Com mittee that met the old soldier at Mersereau's Perry (Port Richmond). The other members of the committee Avere Colonel Nathan Banett, Rev, Dr, Peter I, A^an Pelt, Dr, J. T, Harrison and Colonel Barton, The committee escorted General Jackson to New York City, and lauded at Castle Garden, Dr. Clark was physician to Colonel Aaron Burr, while at Port Rich mond. He was also a member of the Committee Avhich selected the Rev, Dr, Brownlee as pastor of the Port Richmond Dutch Reformed Church. During Dr. Clark's long life he held a number of important posi tions. He was appointed Surgeon of the One Hundred and Forty- sixth Regiment of Infantry, composed of Staten Islanders, by Gov ernor Yates, in 1823, and, having resigned, Avas, in 1837, appointed Surgeon of the Sixty-fifth Regiment Noav York State Alilitia, by Gov ernor Marcy, Afterward he was appointed aide-de-camp, with the rank of Colonel, on the staff of Major-General A^an Buren, by Governor SoAvard, He was Post Surgeon at Camp Sprague, New Dorp, during the Southern Rebellion, and examined over four thousand men. Dr. Clark Avas a delegate to the Charleston Convention, which nominated Breckenridge and Lane. He was one of the early members of Richmond Lodge, No, 66, P, and A, M,, and a charter member of Tompkins Lodge, No, 401. He was one of the organizers of the Rich- mcmd County Agricultural Society, and Avas its first President. For many years prior to and at the time of his death, he was the physician to the County Jail, He served as Supervisor for Southfield, and Super intendent of the Poor for several years. One day, in conversation with the writer. Dr. Clark said : " A man living to my age naturally sees a great deal. Some have very happy lives. What has given me good health and prolonged my life, is that 1 have always been of a happy disposition. I do not fret, but like to HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND, 207 be social. Always happy to see my friends. There is no man in the w(uid I would step over my threshold to injure." One morning, in the autumn of 1885, the noble old man arose from his bed and prepared for the usual duties of the day, in a Avorld that Avas constantly growing smaller to him. Suddenly he sat down upon his bed, then rested his head upon the pillow of peace, and his gentle, loving soul went home. Jacob Dolsen Cox. — Mr. Cox was one of the most honored of American citizens. He was a resident of Port Richmond for a long time, and was well known throughout Staten Island. In his youth he Avas a clerk in the office of Anthony Lane, in Wall street, New York City. He became a Major-General of volunteers in the Union Army, dur ing the Southern Rebellion, Governor of Ohio, Secretary of the In terior in President Grant's first cabinet. Representative in Congress, President of the Toledo, Wabash and Western Railroad, and Dean of the Cincinnati Law School. He came very near being United States Senator, in place of John Sherman. Charles P. Cox, a brother, who was Secretary of the Canada South ern Railroad, also resided in Port Richmond, Colonel Ichabod B, Crane. — Colonel Crane was born in Eliza beth, New Jersey, on July 18, 1787, and after graduating from the West Point Military Academy, entered the United States Army as a second lieutenant when a very young man. He served in all the wars in which this country participated during the first half of the present centnrA^ and followed the line of promotion until he became Colonel of the First United States Artillery. Shortly after the close of the Mexican War, Colonel Crane came to Staten Island and purchased a farm. It was located on the Rich mond turnpike, a mile or so Avest of Bull's Head, and is now owned by Robert Ferguson. Colonel Crane built himself a fine residence on his farm, and during his sojourn it was the scene of much genuine " army hospitality." In fact, it was a social headquarters for army officers who found it possible to visit Staten Island. Scores of noted soldiers were there entertained by the venerable Colonel and his family. Colonel Crane, however, did not live long to enjoy his Staten Island home. Five or six years at most of quietude with those he loved closed his brilliant and honorable career. He died in 1857, and was buried with military honors in the grave-yard of the Asbury Aletho dist Episcopal Church, at New Springville, General Winfield Scott, at that time Commander-in-chief of the United States Army; Captain Alay, the famous cavalry officer of the Mexican war; Commander Timothy Greene Benham, of the United States Navy, and a number of other distinguished officers were present. A plain marble shaft was erected over Colonel Crane's graA'^e, bear- 208 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND, ing the insignia of the regiment which he commanded — cross-ean- nons, surmounted by a figure 1 — and the following inscription : " Sacred to the memory of Colonel Ichabod B, Crane, of the U, S. Army, who was born in Elizabeth, N. J., July 18, 1787; died on Staten Island October 5, 1857. " He served his country faithfully forty-eight years, and Avas much beloved and respected by all who knew him." On another side of the shaft is the following inscription : " Char lotte, widow of Colonel Crane, U. S. A,; born May 25, 1798; died September 25, 1874." AA''ithin the enclosure, near the Colonel's grave, is a plain marble slab, which tells a pathetic story: " Juan, an Indian boy, of the Umpga tribe, Oregon. Brave, honest and faithful. Died on Staten Island Dec. 27, 1856." Colonel Crane left three children. One afterward became the Sur geon-General of the United States Army, and, it will be remembered, claimed the body of Guiteau, the murderer of President Garfield, He died a few years ago, and was buried on Shelter Island. The daugh ter married General Brennan, of the United States Army. The other son, William, was well known on Staten Island, and died at a recent d ate, and Avas buried in the family plot at NeAV Springville. Hon, George William Curtis, — Mr, Curtis was born in Provi dence, Rhode Island, on February 24, 1824, but he was partly of Alassachusetts descent, his father having been born in Worcester, in that State, of which an ancestor was one of the first settlers. His mother Avas the daughter of James Burrill, Jr., at one time Chief Justice of Rhode Island, and afterward United States Senator. In 1830, Mr. Curtis went to boarding school at Jamaica Plain, near Boston, Avhere he remained for four years. AleauAvhile he lost his mother; and, in 1839, his father, who had married again, removed Avitli his family to New York, and, desirous that his son should pursue a mercantile career, placed him, after a year's study with a private tutor, as a clerk in a German importing house in Exchange place. His talents were decidedly literary, and in the course of his reading he became deeply interested in the transcendental movement in which so many of the best minds of Noav England were at that time engaged. Accordingly, after about a year of uncongenial drudgery in the im porting house, he went to " Brook Farm," in company with his eldest brother, who shared in his tastes and aspirations, Mr. Curtis and his brother remained at " Brook Farm " until 1844, and then passed two years in Concord, Alassachusetts, studying and farming. At that time Air. Curtis became very intimate Avith Emer son, Hawthorn and Thoreau, forming warm friendships Avith them which were broken only by death. In 1846, Mr. Curtis determined on making an extended tour of the Old World. In August of that year he sailed from New York for HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND, 209 Alarseilles in the passenger packet. He traveled through many coun tries, reaching Alexandria before he attempted to retrace his steps, lie was fortunate in reaciiing the land of the Pharaohs Avhen the spirit of modern progress had scarcely begun its devastating Avork Avithin the shadow of the pyramids. There he gained the inspiration for his " Nile Notes," which are full of the tlavor and perfume of the East, A journey across the desert by way of Gaza to Jerusalem, ended Mr, Curtis's eastern travels. He spent the early summer in England, and returned home in August, During Air, Curtis's travcis he Avrote for the Courier and Enquirer, of which Henrj' J. Raymond was the editor, and for the N(/w York Tribune, which Avas edited by Charles A. Dana, On his return he be came connected with the latter, and his writings were one of the special features of that paper. He became one of the editors of Putnam^s Monthly, in 1853. Later he wrote for Harper's Magazine and Harper's Weekly, of which he finally became the editor. He also became one of the most popular lecturers in the country. He took an active interest in the abolition of slavery, and spoke and wrote in favor of it Avhen he had the opportunity. Air. Curtis entered politics on Staten Island in 1856, laboring very earnestly for the success of General Fremont, He was a delegate to the National Republican Convention in 1860, and was one of the men Avho formed its " platform," He was a most eloquent and forci ble speaker, and it was his eff'ort in the Chicago Convention of 1860 that turned the very large majority to favor the resolution adding the " life, liberty and pursuit of happiness " clause of the Declara tion of Independence into the platform. Mr, Curtis labored very hard to create and maintain a healthy popular sentiment on the subject of Civil Service Reform, and as editor of Harper's Weekly lost no opportunity to advance the theory. He Avas Chairman of the Civil Service Commission in 1871, and re signed in 1873. Air. Curtis cared very little for political office. By Air, SoAvard he was offered the Consul-Generalship to Egypt, President Hayes urged him to accept the post of Minister to England, and afterward that of Alinister to Germany; but he could not be tempted away from his editorial position. Once he accepted the nomination for Representa tive in Congress, knowing that his district was hopelessly democratic and that there was no prospect of his election. He frequently took part in debates, and favored the extension of the franchise to women. Air. Curtis was married in 1857, to a daughter of Francis George Shaw, the eminent philanthropist. For many years he resided in AVest New Brighton, at the corner of Bard and Henderson avenues, where have assembled at times some of the brightest minds of the world. Mr. Curtis died in 1892. Aljsxander Del Mar. — Mr. Del Mar, the author of " A History of 210 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND, the Precious Metals," " A History of Aloney in Ancient Times," " The Science of Aloney," and other works of a similar nature, probably the greatest ever written on political economy, and containing the ablest and most laborious, ever written by an American, lived both at New Brighton and Stapleton. At one time he was financial editor of eight different journals, and founded also the fiourishing " Commercial and Financial Chronicle and New York Daily Bulletin." As director of the Bureau of Sta tistics he reorganized the United States Commerce and Navigation returns so as to make them reliable, which was a herculean task: and by one sharp exposure he prevented, in 1868-9, the blunder of the United States Treasury to the extent of one hundred millions of dollars. As originator and officer of the United States Monetary Commis sion of 1876, he brought the country back to the use of both silver and gold as currency. Clement Disosw^ay, — Clement Disosway was a son of the late Gabriel P. Disosway, and a brother to ex-Trustee AVilbur P. Disos Avay, of West New Brighton. Mis mother Avas Aliss Riddick, of A'ir- ginia. When the war broke out in 1861, Clement DisosAvay was living at West New Brighton, and enlisted in the Ninth New York A'olunteers, in which he won a lieutenant's con)mission, and spent a season in Libby Prison, after wiiich he was exchanged. Resigning from the Ninth Regiment, he entered the Fifth New York Heavy Artillery, and soon rose to the rank of Captain, One day in 1864, Captain Disosway Avas in command of a detach ment of troops en route for Harper's Perry, and all Avere captured by Colonel Mosby. General Sheridan had been hanging .Mosby's men Avhenever they were captured, and Alosby notified him that he would retaliate, and would hang man for man. The capture of Captain DisosAvay and his men caused Alosby to issue an order for the execution of seven — that number of guerrillas having been hanged a day or so before. They were directed to " draAv lots" — that is, pull straws; the short straws meant death and the long ones prison — worse than death, (~!aptain Disosway droAv a long straw, A\'hile his drummer boy, a mere lad, drew a short one. The boy cried and begged for mercy, claiming that he had not taken up arms against the South, and Avas not entitled to be executed. Captain Disosway pleaded on behalf of the boy, that he might be given another oyjportnnity, to which Mosby consented. The result was that Captain DisosAvay drew the short straw, and the drummer boy a long one. The officer who was about to conduct the execution, placed the ropes around the necks of the seven victims and the party started for the scene where their lives were to be sacrificed — upon a hill a quar- HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND, 211 ter of a mile or so distant, and in full vioAV of the Union line. Cap tain DisosAA^ay made up his mind that he AVOuld try to escape in the ravine through which they Avere to pass, because he Avotild rather be shot than hanged. Just before the ravine Avas reached, however, a Confederate cavalry officer — ^Captain Alontgomery — approached Col onel Alosby and enquired, " What are you going to do Avith these men ? " " Hang them, to be sure! " replied Alosby. " AVell," added the Confederate Captain, " I'll be responsible for this man," Then, turning to Captain DisosAvay said, " Captain, folloAV me," Captain Disosway did as he was ordered, w^ondering what turn his fate had taken. He regretted being compelled to leave his com panions; but there was no time to ask questions or express regrets. (Japtain DisosAvay w^as escorted to Captain Montgomery's tent, still in awful suspense; but was treated Avith such kindness as to increase his curiosity. Still he asked no questions. He dined Avith the Con federate officer, and then the two sat doAvn together in a tent. Con versation immediately took up the subject of the capture, the execu tion, and the peculiar escape of one of the number, " When you were captured," said Captain Alontgomery, " your overcoat and boots fell to my lot. In your pocket was your Alasonic certificate." And then he handed Captain Disosway the parchment document Avhich proved him to be a member of Manhattan Lodge, No, 62, of New York City, Captain Disosway continued to be Cap tain Montgomery's " guest " for several weeks, and the visit ter minated only when a sudden flank moA'ement of Sheridan drove Alosby from his quarters. Captain DisosAvay was sent again to Libby Prison, and so on to Andersonville and Salisbury. Captain Alont gomery was killed in one of Custer's cavalry battles in the Shenan doah Valley. One day a heavily-laden transport came up the Narrows, anchored a little while at Quarantine, and then proceeded on its sIoav way up to the city. On it were several hundred human wrecks — poor fellows who had, some hoAV or other, managed to exist through the horrors of Southern prisons, and were on their way home. Among the groups that staggered and hobbled doAvn the gang-plank, was one that had long been given up for dead. It w^as Clement Disosway. Black and filthy, beyond the recognition of friends, with scarcely rags enough upon him to conceal his nakedness; hungry, emaciated and weak. To this sad plight had the " fortunes of Avar " brought one of the proud est officers in the Union Army, Captain Disosway came to West New Brighton, where, after rest and care in his home, his health partially returned, and in time he took up his abode in Pendleton, Oregon, wiiere he became a success ful newspaper publisher, and was also connected Avith other remu nerative enterprises. He died in that city about thirteen years ago. 212 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND, leaving a wife and daughter. Besides holding a number of public offices, he was a Presidential Elector in 1870. General Richard A, Donnelly, — General Donnelly Avas born near Green Ridge, Staten Island, in 1843, in the house familiarly knoAAm as " the Father Boehm residence," cm the Fresh Kill road, near Giffords lane. His father served under General Jackson at NeAV Orleans. Richard first attended school in the little building that used to stand near St. Andre av's Church, in Richmond, and among his play-mates were Judge Stephen D, Stejihens, Alajor David H, Cor telyou, and a number of other prominent citizens of the Island to-day. At the age of fifteen. Air, Donnelly entered a law office in Noav Jersey, where he remained until the commencement of the tivil War, in 1861, A^'hen, at the age of eighteen years, he enlisted in the First Regiment, New Jersey \"olunteers. He became a first lieutenant before leaAing the service. He was twice severely wounded, taken prisoner at Gaines' Alills, A-^irginia, and confined in Libby Prison, General Donnelly is a Past Commander of Aaron Wilkes Post, G, A, R,, of Trenton, New Jersey, He has been twice elected to the NeAV Jersey Assembly, and twice to the Alayoralty of the City of Trenton. In politics he is a Democrat. He rose to the rank of Colonel of the Seventh Regiment of the Noav Jersey National Guard, He is a trustee of the State Reformed School and a Commissioner of the uoav Home for Disabled Soldiers, For several years past he has served the State of Noav Jersey as Quartermaster-General, and he has been prominently mentioned in connection with the nomination for Governor. 'Dr. AVilliaji Draper, — Dr, Draper, one of the most majestic minds the Avorld has knoAvn, Avhose researches revolutionized many depart ments of knowledge; Avho gave to mankind the art of photography; Avho, during a half century's laborious investigation freely gave the public, without seeking any patent or monopoly, the fruits of his toils and study; who set forth in books of Avide circulation, facts ccmimonly deemed dry Avith knowledge that fascinated the reader; Avho handled the history of Europe Avith skill that from an adA^erse critic, (the " AVestminster RevieAV "), extorted the confession that " Avhat Buckle attempted for England, Draper has done for Euroi^e; " Avho for more than fifty years daily instructed large classes in chemistry, physiol ogy, botany, genealogj' and kindred sciences; who helped to found the NeAV York University Aledical College, and as its secretary and president built it up to a great institution, Dr, Draper, while making the discoy;. '{llf m\ ' 1 1 hi r"^^m'_ jp ill4 ll '", 1. ^^^^ ~**r' - . .- - *^ "- COMMODORE VANDERBILT S HESIDENCE, STAPLETON. 214 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. General Duffi4 married, in 1860, Miss Mary A. Pelton, of West New Brighton, and for some time resided in the old Colonial home stead at the Cove, familiarly known as the Pelton house. Airs. Duffie still occupies the premises, and has many pleasant reminiscences of her distinguished husband. A life-size painting of the General adorns the walls of her parlor. Daniel Pelton Duffi6, of AA'est New Brighton, is their only son. Thomas Robert Eagleson. — Mr. Eagleson was better known as " Thomas AA''. Keene," the noted actor, and Avas born in New A'ork City in 1840. He appeared first as an amateur and was seen for the first time professionally in a performance of " The Gunmaker of Mos cow," given at the Old Bowery, under the management of John Brougham. He afterward was seen in " Julius Caesar " and " Henry 1\^," with J. H. Hackett as Falstaff. Subsequently he traveled in Canada with Kate Fisher, one of the best knoAvn Mazeppas of the period in which that character Avas pop ular. When she became the manager of a theatre in Newark, in 1858, he Avas the leading actor of her company, although he played in bur lesque as Avell as serious drama. He Avas seen at the BroadAvay Theatre, and Avas also a popular actor during the early sixties in Cin cinnati and other Western cities. Air. Eagleson played Avith Annie Sefton until 1869, Avhen he Avent to England. He returned to Noav York and acted at AA^ood's Aluseum until 1874, Avhen the late John AlcCuUough took him to San Francisco for a season's engagement. He became popular there, and remained on the coast five years. He subsequently played in the South, and in 1879 reappeared here as Coupeau in Zola's " Drink " at the Olympic l^heatre. He became well liked throughout the country for his robust per formance of classical roles, and his large repertoire included most of the characters acted by Edwin Booth. He Avas the last of the ro bust school of tragedians. His daughter, Agnes Arden, AAas for some time a member of his company. The genial actor made his home on Staten Island for several years past. He OAvned and occupied the old Bodine Inn, (Avhich had been remodeled,) at the junction of Alanor road and Richmond turnpike, ('astleton Corners. He died in the Smith Infirmary in June, 1898, and Avas buried with Masonic honors. He was a member of Naval Lodge, No. 69, of Noav York. Judge William Emerson. — Judge Emerson was a brother to Ralph Waldo Emerson, the most celebrated of American philoso phers, and was born in Boston about the commencement of the Nine teenth century, and graduated from Harvard College when quite a young man. Prom about 1837 to 1856 he resided on Staten Island, in a low, brown house, located on the Richmond road on the sloping laAvn now belonging to the Unger place. The spot may be more properly HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND, 215 described as being nearly in front of the late EdAvard A, Aloore resi dence. William Emerson was County Judge of Richmond in 1841-3. The Emerson residence was known as " The Snuggery," and Avas burned down several years ago. The end of the house faced the road, Avhile a long grape-arbor stretched to the gate, and the old-fashioned box-bushes bordered the garden paths. Ralph AA'aldo Emerson spent a great deal of his time at " The Snug gery," and there is no doubt that he wrote many of his poems and prepared his lectures on " Representative Alen," which he delivered in England just after his stay, on Staten Island. He was of clerical lineage, being the eighth in succession of a consecutive line of Puritan ministers. Old residents of the Island remember the Emersons as very genial and friendly. They mingled with the people in a manner that made their final departure a sincere regret to all. There is nothing left of " The Snuggery " to tell the present generation that it once existed, and few indeed who pass the spot daily know that it was once the home of such distinguished Americans. CHAPTER Xiy. distinguished residents and guests — concluded. iENERAL JOHN CHARLES FREMONT.- General Fremont was born at Savannah, Georgia, on January 21, 1813. His father was a native of France, and his mother of A^irginia. When the boy Avas but four years old his father died, and with his mother he removed to Charleston, South Carolina. At the age of fifteen he entered Charleston College. For two years he taught mathematics in the navy. In 1840, he received from President Van Buren a commission as second lieutenant in the corps of topographical engineers, and was ordered to malfe an examination of the river Des Moines, upon the western frontier. In 1841, he married a daughter of United States Senator Benton, of Missouri. He proposed to penetrate the Rocky Alountains, and his plans being approved, he reached and explored the South pass in 1842. He planned a second expedition, in 1843, which Avas also successful. In 1845, he was brevetted captain, and in the Spring of the same year set out on a third expedition to explore the great basin and the mountain region of California. In less than a month he freed Cali fornia from Alexican rule, and on the 4th of July Avas elected Gover nor by the Americans. A week later he learned that Commodore Sloat, who commanded the United States squadron in the Pacific, had seized Monterey. On the 19th, Fr6mont joined him with one hundred and sixty mounted men. At the same time Commodore Stockton arrived in the fiigate " Con gress," Avith authority from the United States Government to con quer California, At his desire, Fremont organized the mounted men knoAvn as the "California Battalion," of Avhich he was made Major. Stockton also appointed him Civil Governor of the Territory, and on January 13, 1847, a capitulation was concluded which ended the war, and made California a possession of the United States. About this time General Kearney, Avith a force of dragoons, arrived, and a long quarrel ensued, owing to jealousy between him and Ih-dmont, which resulted in the arrest of the latter, his trial by court martial, and sentence to be dismissed from the army. The President remitted the penalty, but Fremont was so indignant that he at once resigned. In October, 1848, he started on his fourth trip across the continent, at his own expense. He sought to find a practical route to California, passing along the upper waters of the Rio Grande del Norte. In the HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND, 217 spring of 1849, after a prolonged effort, he found his way over various mountain ranges to the Sacramento. Pr6mont settled in California, and was sent by the Legislature as senator to represent the new State in Congress, He remained but a few months in office. In 1851, he failed of re-election, in 1852, he made a tour in Europe, returned the next year, and organized another exjiedition across the continent to complete the surveys undertaken upon his fourth trip. He discovered passes through the inountains, and finally reached California. In 1856, Fremont was the candidate of the newly formed Repub lican party for President; but Avas defeated. In the war of the Re bellion, he was appointed a Major-General, and obtained command in the western district. On the last day of August, 1861, he ordered the emancipation of the slaves of those Avho, in his district, Avere in arms against the United States; but the President revoked it as un authorized and premature. In this General Fremont anticipated by only thirteen months the President's own proclamation, but in con sequence of it he was relieved of command. A few months later he Avas reinstated, and intrusted with the command of the mountain region of Virginia, Tennessee and Kentucky. After the battle at Cross Keys, June 8, 1862, he declined to serve, June 1, 1878, he was appointed Governor of Arizona Territory. After serAing his term as GoA^ernor, General Fremont came East again, and for a long time resided at New Brighton, on Staten Island, He and Airs, Fremont were familiar figures in our community. Lieutenant John C, Fr6mont, of the United States Navy, who figured so conspicuously in the Spamish- American war, is a son of General Fremont, and his residence is also on Staten Island, GENER.:i.L Joseph Garibaldi. — General Garibaldi was born at Nice, then in Northern Italy, on July 4, 1807. In time he entered the Sardinian Navy, and remained in the service until he had at tained his twenty-seventh year. During the years which immediately succeeded 1834, Italy was undergoing one of her periodical revolu tionary movements, and with this young Garibaldi got mixed up. Driven from his own country and from his appointed career, he first endeavored to obtain service Avith the Dey of Tunis. He became disgusted and took service with the Republic of Uruguay, and there formed that famous Italian Legion A\'hich infiicted such frequent and teiTible losses upon the troops of Buenos Ayres. Garibaldi had the command of not only his Legion, but of the squadron, and thus fought Avell, both by land and by sea. Throughout the whole of this event ful contest, how^ever, one thought was ever present to him; in his own mind, his Italian Legionaries were destined for service in Italy as soon as opportunity should offer of crossing swords with the Aus- trians Avith possibility of success. Opportunity came in 1848, but, as it turned out, his battle was to 218 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. be not only with Austria, but with Prance. He quitted South Amer ica, and took a good portion of his Legion back with him to Europe. AAath these he attacked the Atistrians on the Southern Tyrol, whilst Charles Albert was acting against them in the plains of Lombardy. After Avinning several battles he returned to Rome to continue the defence, Avhich he did until resistance became hopeless. Prom Rome, when the surrender had been resolved upon. Garibaldi made good his retreat Avith his own adherents, Avhom he disbanded at St, Marino, and then proceeded with his Avife and a foAV of his im mediate folloAvers towards Venice by way of Ravenna, It Avas then that the sad tragedy of his wife's death occurred, and Garibaldi was compelled to leave her dead, who had never abandoned his side whilst living, nor in the day of battle. This blow came also from the Aus trian enemy. General Garibaldi came to this country after his misfortunes, and made his home for a considerable time on Staten Island, selecting Clifton as a place of residence. He mingled freely with our people and became very popu lar. He took the first three decrees in Pree- DK, RICHARD HENDERSON HOMESTEAD, NEAR NEW DORP ERECTED 1790, masonry in Tompkins Lodge, No. 401, then lo cated at Tompkinsville, and he entered into bus iness enterprises per sonally and lent his name to others for that purpose. Garibaldi Avas in private intercourse the most gentle and unassuming of men. Children would run to play with him. If in a crowded room you would have looked around for some one to whom you would have given a wife or sister in charge, you would have singled out General Garibaldi amongst hundreds, there Avas such a stamp and impress of one of nature's gentlemen about the man. General Joseph Karge. — General Kargd was a native of Poland, and for his energetic measures in seeking his country's liberty, was condemned by the Russian Government to death. He managed to escape from the military prison, and after suffering privations and dangers that sound more like fiction than truth, he succeeded in reaching America. He had served as an officer of rank, being a noble man, in the Polish cavalry. HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND, 219 General Karg^ came to this country shortly after the commence ment of the Soulhern Rebellion, He oft'ered his services to the Gov ernment. The First New Jersey Cavalry was at that time in the field. Its Colonel, W. W. Halstead, one of the leading laAvyers of that State, Avas a good organizer but a poor commander. The regi ment became demoralized, and through some blunders at headquar ters it had two lieutenant-colonels, both of whom, in the absence of the colonel, claimed the right to command. One of these was Joseph Karg6. He Avas recognized by his superior officers and assumed com mand until the arrival of the new colonel. Sir Percy Wyndham. Later Colonel Karg^ was promoted to the colonelcy of the Second New Jersey Cavalry, and participated in the campaign with General Sherman through Georgia. After the war he Avas brevetted a briga dier-general, and became professor of languages in Princeton College. For a while General Karg6 resided near Avhat is now known as Liv ingston, on the North Shore, and became well known to our people. He died suddenly in the street in New York City, in 1894. Louis Kossuth. — In the autumn of 1851, the Hungarian exile, Louis Kossuth, visited the United States. He arrived at (.Quarantine, (noAV Tompkinsville), on board the steamer " Humboldt," on Friday, December 5th. He was saved from the wrath of the Austrian Em peror, who contemplated his execution as a rebel, by the Sultan, who, under British inspiration, gave him asylum in Constantinople. Presi dent Fillmore's Administration felt deep sympathy with Kossuth, and sent the frigate " Mississippi " to the Dardanelles for the i)urpose of bringing him to the United States. In anticipation of the arrival of Kossuth, the Richmond County Militia and Iavo companies from the city, were ready to receive him at Quarantine. There were also present many Hungarian residents and members of the New York Common Council, Avhich had made him a guest of that municipality. On the next day the Staten Islanders must needs have a ijrocession to escort Kossuth around the East and North Shores. A reception was given him in Nautilus Hall, at Tompkinsville, and on the ferry boat. On the march appeared Farmer AVilliam H. Vanderbilt, Dr. Ephraim Clark, Captain Richard Christopher, Griffin Tompkins and General Van Buren, as aides to Grand Marshal Minthorne Tompkins. Everybody in Noav York " who was anybody," had come over to the Tompkinsville ferry landing in the special boat furnished by Isaac Newton. Kossuth was taken on a trip around the bay and up and down both rivers, while Port LaPayette and Castle William furnished salutes, and the frigates " North Carolina " and " Ohio " fired thirty- one guns. On the Battery fully fifty thousand people gathered around the whole First Division of the National Guard, Avho in their then diversified uniforms were awaiting orders to escort the Hungarian hero under a floral arch between Battery gate and Bowling Green, 220 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. and thence up Broadway to Bond street into the Bowery and down to the City Hall Park — the then huge iron gates of which were also arched with flowers. After landing, Kossuth was ushered into a barouche with Mayor Kingsland and Alorgan Morgans, the Welsh President of the Board of Aldermen. Then came the formation of New York's time-honored pro cession, composed of three divisions, comprising the military, some five thousand strong, carriages for officials, and pedestrians in the rear. Grand receptions were given to the distinguished visitor by the Common Council, the Press, the Bar, and others during his brief stay. In fact, immediately previous to the Christmas of 1851 Ncav York City underwent a period of Kossuth mania, and it affected the holiday presents. Every holiday gift associated itself in some desig nation with Kossuth and Hungary. Soon Boston and Philadelphia yearned for him, and to those Iavo cities he journeyed, to find new hero worship. But by degrees, as Kossuth journeyed westward, his popularity waned; for he was now practically a solicitor for subscriptions, and in after years it became a question of popular discussion Avhat was the result of the Kossuth loan fund and what was done with it. And Avhen he re-embarked for his homeward journey, there were foAV New Yorkers at the steamer to speed him — the Kossuth mania had become a thing of the past. AIarie Jean Paul Roch Yves Gilbert AIortier LaPayette. — The Marquis de LaPayette was born on September 6, 1757, in the Castle of Chavagnac, now in the Department of Upper Loire. He be came a soldier at an early age, and in 1777, came to America and took part with the Colonists in their Avar of Independence. The declara tion of war between Prance and Britain gave him an opportunity of aiding the new Republic effectually, by returning to France, where he Avas received with honor by the Court and with enthusiasm by the people. He again repaired to America, in 1780, and was intrusted by Congress with the defence of A^irginia, where he rendered im portant services. On a third visit to America, in 1784, after the con clusion of peace, he was received in such a manner that his tour was a continual triumph. LaPayette held the destinies of his country in his hands. He served in the Assembly, and was the Commander-in-chief of the French Army. He became unpopular with the excited republicans after the Revolu tion. After a checkered career he was accused of treason, and, leav ing the country, was imprisoned in Austria; but was liberated by Napoleon in 1797. He took part in the Revolution of 1830, and a third time became a commander of the French troops. In 1825, he revisited America, by invitation of Congress, who voted him a grant of |200,000 and a township of land. One of the most delightful receptions he had accorded to him in America., was on HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND, 221 Staten Island. A procession of soldiers and citizens generally escort ed the distinguished guest while he Avas here. The Marquis remained here for some time, seeking rest and com fort after his long and fatiguing tour. Several Staten Islanders still living remember the events of the reception very Aividly. The Mar quis Avas conveyed back to his native country in the battle-ship " Brandywine," and there recently died in the Sailors' Snug Harbor an old sailor who was a member of the crew of that vessel at the time. Jenny Lind. — ^This famous woman is most familiarly known by her maiden name. Her real name was Goldsmidt. She was the most celebrated singer of her day. She was born at Stockholm, of humble Swedish iiarentage, October 6, 1821. Her musical gifts were first noticed by an actress, by whose influence she Avas admitted, at the age of nine, into the Conservatory at Stockholm. She soon sang Avith great success. Her career included all the leading countries of the Avorld. In 1850, she made an engagement with P. T. Barnum for concert tour in America, While here she married M. Otto Goldsmidt, a native of Hamburg, who accompanied her as pianist, AVhile in America she made her home on Staten Island whenever circumstances would permit, and became quite intimate Avith many of our people. She was very fond of riding over the Island, Todt Hill being one of her favorite routes. She sang in several concerts at the Pavilion Hotel. Her voice was a contralto of moderate range, but much power and expression. No public singer ever won the love of the world more than she. AIax AI-Aretzek, Sr, — Air, Alaretzek, the famous impresario, was born in Brunn, on June 28, 1821, and received his musical education in Paris and London, He came to New York City in 1848, In 1850, he was installed as manager of the Astor Place Theatre, The same year he manied Allle. Bertticca, one of the singers brought to New York by him from Europe, and they took up their residence in what was then known as the " VanHoevenberg mansion," at Pleasant Plains. In 1854, Mr, Maretzek introduced Italian opera at the Academy of Arusic. The following season " Semiramide " and " II Trovatore " were sung for the first time in this country. In 1856, he brought out at the Academy " La Traviata " and " William Tell," In 1858, he took Piccolomini to Havana and Mexico. In the Autumn of that year, be fore undertaking this trip, he introduced Adelina Patti in " Lucia," In 1864, he assumed control of the Academy of Music, and remained there until 1866, Among the singers in his company at that time, were Clara Louise Kellogg, Ronconi, Adelaide Phillips, and others celebrated the world over. On the 23d of November, 1863, Air. Alaret zek conducted the first performance of Gounod's " Faust " ever given 222 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND, in this country. He produced an opera of his oavu, entitled " Sleepy Hollow," based on Washington IrAing's story. Mr. Maretzek had many warm friends among the residents of Staten Island, and the cozy residence on the heights, overlooking Pleasant Plains, contains many tokens of esteem in which the late occupant Avas held by the patrons of the opera in the Aletropolis. Mr, Alaretzek died in the Summer of 1898, and was buried in the Moravian Cemeterj^', at New Dorp, " Middy " and Jane Morgan. — These sisters were knowm in sev eral countries, Aliss " Aliddy " was for many years connected with tlie NeiD York Times, and in her special line was a writer of great ability. So thoroughly was she the judge of blooded horses that she was commissioned by Victor Emanuel, King of Italy, to purchase his stable for him. He rewarded her Avell for her services. She died in 1897. Miss Jane, who died in March, 1899, was an artist of ability. She studied in Paris, Rome, Germany and Denmark. Her pictures have been admired by the world. The sisters owned a unique residence on DeKay street. West Ncav Brighton, which probably has nothing exactly like it in the world. It was planned by the sisters, and was to have filled their declining years with all the poetry, romance and art for which their souls yearned. Both died before their plans were completed. The wonderful part of this odd structure is that all the art Avithin that has made it famous was executed by the hands of those brilliant women. Truly these two women did a great deal for the world. Their am bition was to serve and help humanity. Foav knew them beyond their eccentricities. To intimate friends they revealed their hearts. Their lives were shorn of all luxuries and extravagances, that they might have more to give away. They were fond of young people, and many were helped along to satisfy some ambition, in their own quiet Avay. After the death of " Middy," the sister lived almost alone, until she, too, died. Antonio Meucci. — Mr. Aleucci was the original inventor of the telephone system, and a native of Italy. AA^iile living in Havana, Cuba, in 1849, he discovered that words could be transmitted over an electrical wire for a considerable distance. He at once began ex perimenting, but Avith indifferent success, A tew years later, Mr, Aleucci came to the United States, and set tled at Clifton, Staten Island, where he became an intimate associate of General Garibaldi. Continuing his experiments, he became so thoroughly infatuated with his newly discovered force, and attained such satisfactory results, that he sent a friend to Italy to try and in terest capitalists there in the invention. In the meantime he spent nearly all the money he could earn, borrow and beg on his experi ments. HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND, 223 In 1871, while crossing the bay from New York to St:iten Island, on the ill-fated ferryboat "Westfield," he was so terribly injured in the explosion as to be confined to his bed for months. On partially re gaining his health, he found his money almost entirely exhausted and debts pressing heavily upon him from many quarters. The great value of his invention was, however, uppermost in his mind, and defy ing the jeers of his friends, on December 28, 1871, he took almost the last cent he had in the world to a Noav York patent lav/yer, and through him filed a caveat in the Patent Office at Washington, for transmitting sound over an electric wire by means of an instrument he called a " telletrofone," and in his sjiecifications outlined the im mense business that would surely be done by a " telletrofone " com pany. This caveat was kept alive for a number of years, during which time the inventor was reduced by poverty to the very verge of starva tion, and for a time received temporary relief from the Superinten dent of the Poor for the Town of Southfield. When Alessrs. Bell and Gray filed their applications for patents on the telephone, almost simultaneously, Antonio Aleucci's caveat Avas not unearthed and arrayed against them. He was too poor and broken doAvn by misfortune to knoAV Avhat was going on in the world of invention, and it was not until some years later he learned that the weary labor of the best part of his life had been lost to him, prob ably forever, by his lack of funds and impracticability in the manage ment of the great thing he had produced. Air. Aleucci then made some feeble efforts to interest capitalists in his invention, and after a time, becoming known as a sort of " crank " in the telephone business, was heard of by the then organized and prosperous Bell Company. He entered into negotiations Avith the latter for the sale of his supposed rights; but from one cause and another they failed. The Globe Company, of Philadelphia, heard of Alcmcci's caveat about 1884, investigated his claims most thoroughly, and finally se cured from him all rights that might be developed to the in vention of the telephone. It Avas Avith Aleucci's invention, with transmitters and receiA^ers used by him, and very similar to those used by the Bells, and with the records of the Patent Office, that the Globe Company proposed to meet any claim to " priority of inven tion " the Bell Company might interpose to prevent their entry into the telephone business. The venerable iuA^entor lived in retirement in the old dAvelling of General Garibaldi, and it was there he died in 1889, Tlie place is sacred to Italians, and is Aisited by thousands during the year. It is a plain, wooden building, located on a little street, running along side of the Clifton Brewery, In the centre of the front is a memorial slab, placed there by the lovers of Garibaldi. 224 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND, AViiiLiAiM Page. — Air, Page, the artist, was born at Albany, New York, on January 23, 1811, and received the rudiments of his educa tion in that city. At the age of nine years he removed with his par ents to NeAV York, where he was placed as a pupil with Joseph Hovie, w^ho kept a school in the Bowery. About a year later he Avas trans ferred to one of the public schools. Almost as soon as he could handle a pencil, he had shown a marked talent for art, which developed so rapidly that, at the age of eleven, he made a drawing in India-ink of a portrait of Louis XIV., of France, which the principal of his school carried for exhibition to the American Institute, by which a prize Avas awarded to the draughtsman. In those days, hoAvever, art was little appreciated in this country, and was hardly regarded as a regu lar profession — certainly not as one by which a living could be made. Young Page's parents determined to make him a laAA-yer, and at the age of fourteen he was entered at the office of Frederick De Peyster, a genial a.nd accomplished gentleman Avho was not Avithout the taste of art, and was then the Secretary of the American Academy of Pine Arts. Mr. De Peyster soon discovered that his pupil was oc cupying himself in the more congenial task of copying the prints and pictures which adorned the lawyer's office. He took some of his pupil's draAvings to Colonel Trumbull, the painter of the " Signing of the Declaration of Independence," Avho was then the President of the Academy, and asked his opinion of their merits. He declared that the boy had unquestionable talent; but asked Mr. De Peyster if he c(nild not make a lawyer of him. Air. De Peyster replied that he thought he could; he " had brains enough for any profession." " Tell him, then," said Trumbull, " to stick to the law^, for in that he may attain wealth and fame. As an artist in this country, he can have little expectation of either." Page, however, was determined to be an artist, and the praise of Trumbull far outweighed, in his youthful and ardent mind, the pru dent discouragement of the disappointed and somewhat morbid old man. He quitted forever the lawyer's office, and engaged himself as an apprentice to a portrait painter, named Herring, who turned the talents of his pupil to pecuniary profit by making him paint banners, transparencies and similar rubbish. Prom this drudgery, however, the boy learned something, and, at the end of a year or so, obtained admission to the studio of Morse, since famous as the inventor of the electric telegraph. The American Academy being destroyed by fire, was reorganized in 1828, as the National Academy of Design, and Morse was elected President, Page entered himself as a student of the Academy, where the excellence of his draAvings from the antique was reAvarded by a large silver medal, the first premium given by the Academy. He Avas then in his seventeenth year. At this period he joined the Presbyterian church, and resolved to HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 225 abandon his cherished avocation and become a minister of the Gospel, He accordingly went to Andover, Massachusetts, to study theology, and from thence to Amherst College, Avhere he engaged in prepara tory studies, supporting himself meanwhile by painting miniatures. At the end of Iavo years he found himself in a state of mental doubt on religious matters, and he renounced all idea of entering the min istry. At Florence, Italy, he became acquainted Avith the writings of SAvedenborg, and adopted the doctrines of the New Church, which ever after had a controlling influence, not only on his life and opinions, but on the style and method of his art. From Amherst, Page went to Albany, Avhere he opened a studio and painted portraits Avith ardor and success. He next Avent to NeAV York and opened a studio on Broadway, and at once took a high ])osition in portraiture and as a colorist. He was selected by the city government to paint a full-length likeness of Govern(>r Alarcy, for the gallery of the City Hall, and Boston sent for him to paint the portrait of John Quincy Adams for Faneuil Hall, In 1840, he resided on Staten Island for a time, and then removed to Boston, Avhere he became an associate of Loaa'cII, Story and Nathan Hale, In 1847, Page returned to New York, where he remained two years, and then Avent to Europe. He resided abroad about eleven years, chiefly in Florence and Rome. After his return he resided at Englewood, near Perth Amboy, New Jersey, and shortly afterward returned to Staten Island. In a quiet, secluded spot, overlooking the Bay, and far out upon the blue Atlantic, close beside the wood land that covers many acres of the historic Billopp plantation, stands an oddly shaped house, Avherein, after a busy, eventful life, AVilliam Page rested. The working days of the great artist were over and he had grown feeble, when the writer called to see him; but his intellect was as bright and his wonderful memory as strong as ever. Every day he spent hours in communion with his pictures. Among these were the Grant and Farragnt of history, the Grand Duke Alexis, and others almost without number. Page's " Head of Christ " aroused a furious controversy among the artists, the connoisseurs and the critiques. Some insisted that it was the most wonderful head painted in modern times. Page not only painted his ideal of Christ; but he inaugurated a revolution in the popular conception of Christ. William Page died in October, 1885, and was buried in the Mora vian Cemetery, at New Dorp. General Ely S. Parker. — General Parker was born on an In dian reservation at Tonawanda, Ncav York, in 1828, He was a full- blood Iroquois of the Seneca or Wolfe tribe of the famous Six Na tions of Indians. He became High Chief Sachem of the Confederation 226 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND, of tribes Avhich is now scattered on reservations in several parts of this State, at Green Bay, Wisconsin, and in the Indian Territory, General Parker received a good education and then read law; but Avas refused admittance to the bar on the ground that the Six Nations, being wards of the State of New York, were ineligible to citizenship, and none except citizens could be admitted to the bar. Refused a license to practice law, he entered the Polytechnic Institute at Troy, and took up the study of civil engineering, graduating in due time Avith high honors. After leaving the technical school at Troy, he settled in Galena, Illinois, where he became the personal friend of General Ulysses S. Grant, Later he was apj)ointed to a position in the Engineering Corps of the United States Army, under General Baldy Smith, When the Civil AA'ar broke out he entered the Union Army, and received a commission as Colonel of Engineers, Later he became attached to General Grant's staff, with the commission of Colonel. He was ap pointed military secretary by General Grant, and Avent with him through all his campaigns. When the final struggle came, and Lee decided that his cause was lost, it fell to the lot of General Parker, the representative of the original oAvners of American soil, to prepare the conditions of sur render at Appomattox, This he did, and with a few minor changes, suggested by General Grant, the terms of surrender Avere presented to and accepted by General Lee, On Alarch 22, 1866, he was appointed Second Lieutenant of the Second United States Cavalry; on June 1, 1867, he Avas made First Lieutenant, and then was promoted to Brevet Captain, Brevet Alajor, Brevet Lieutenant-Colonel, Brevet Colonel and Brevet Briga dier-General of the United States Army on Alarch 2, 1867, for faith ful and meritorious service during the Avar, His portrait is among those painted in the historic picture representing the surrender of General Lee, After the war, General Parker returned to civil engineering. He Avas then a citizen in spite of his being an Indian, under the law which gave all Avho had served in the Union armies the right of citizenship. After General Grant Avas elected President of the United States, he attested his old friendship for General Parker by making him a mem- b(^r of the Indian Commission, It was General Parker who negotiat ed the removal of his tribe from this State to the fertile and pleasant lands on Green Bay, AVisconsin, General Parker became an attache of the Noav A'ork Police Depart ment in 1876, which he retained till the day of his death. General Parker's family consisted of a wife and daughter. His AvidoAV is a white AA'onian, a native of Washington, to whom he Avas. married in 1873, His daughter Avas born in 1883. Villiani Emerson, in 1841; Albert Ward, in 1811; Henry B, Aletcalfe, in 1847; Tompkins Westervelt, in 1876, and Stephen D, Stephens, in 1882, Hon, Samuel SrEXCER, — The memory of this Supreme Couit Judge would no doubt have passed away, but for his forcible coniments upon the verdict Avhich a Staten Island jury rendered in 1815, In October of that year, Bornt Lake, resid ing on the Amboy road, a few rods South of the Black Horse T a v e r n, wiiile returning from his father's house, ou the same road, was shot and killed on the public road in front of his oavu preiu- ises, by his next door neighbor. Christian Smith, Immediately after the commission of the deed. Smith went to another neighbor, John Jackson, and informed him of what he had done, and asked his advice as to what he should do, AAliat advice his neighbor gave him is not known. Smith w^andered about the woods, Avhere he Avas found later in the day, and taken to prison. He did not deny having com mitted the murder, but justified himself by the plea that " Lake was committing a trespass upon his property; that he had fre\'eiity-first year of his age. llo.\'. Lot C. Cl.vi;k. — Air. Clark Avas born in (Mienango County, this State, in 1818. His father. Lot Clark, was a distinguished hiAvyer, and at one time a Alember of Congress. Air, Clark AA'as a gradu ate of Yale, studied law in thc^ office of Xichcdas Hill, at Saratoga, and began his practice in Riciimond County, He Avas elei te I District- Attorney in 1S41. and filled the office foi eight years, during Avhich time he prosecuted se\ eral noted cases, ann)m: them that of Polly Bodiuc Avho was indicted for ihe murder csf her sister-in- laAV and her infant niece, at Graniteville, She had three trials, and was fi nally acquitted in another countA- in Avhich the trial Avas held. Opposed to Air, Clark in this case were Clinton DeWitt and David Graham, the latter of Avhoni especially became afterward recctgnized as one of ^he leading criminal laAvyers, In 1870, Air, Clark removed to Nev/ York City, His death occurred on February 11, 1880, He Avas at one time at the head of the ]aA\- firm UOAV knoAvn as DeGroot, Rawson & Staff'ord, of Port Richmond, HON, THOMAS W. FITZGERALD. 338 history OF staten island. Hon. George Cromwell, — Mr. Cromwell was born in Brooklyn, on July 3, 1860, In honor of the event, his father, at the time, pre sented to his mother the magnificent property on Dongan Hills, Staten Island, known as Pair View Farm. His father, the late Henry B. Cromwell, Avas a well-known merchant and founder of the Crom well Steamship lines, before the Rebellion, which did a large carry ing trade with the West Indies, South America and nearly all the Southern ports. He was the first to adopt the screw as a means of propulsion for ocean-going steamships, in place of the old side-wheels. Air. CroniAvell's step-father is the Hon. Charles L. Benedict, Avho has served on the bench as Judge of the United States District Conrt for nearly thirty-five years. Air, Cromwell is a descendant of the family of that name famous in English history. On his mother's side, he is descended in a direct line from Elias Hicks, the famous Quaker preacher. Mr. CroniAvell received his education in the Polytechnic Institute, of Brooklyn, and Yale University. After graduating, he travelled as far East as Egypt and the Holy Land. After graduating from Colum bia Law School, he Avas admitted to the bar in 1886, and entered the of fice of Elihu Root. He was elected to the State Assembly in 1887, on the Republican ticket, representing Richmond County. Mr. Cromwell ran for Congress in 1888, against the Hon. .James W. Covert, but was defeated. He became a member of the laAv firm of Butler, Stillman & Hubbard, In 1879, he Avas appointed a Park Com missioner for Richmond County. He Avas elected President of the Borough of Richmond, in 1897, but did not enter upon the duties of his office for some time, in consequence of a protracted contest which followed. Charles Livingston Hubbell, — Mr, Hubbell Avas born in Brook lyn, on July 14, 1861. His parents were Charles Wolcott Hubbell and Serena Hempsted, His great-grandfather, Philip Livingston, was a signer of the Declaration of Independence, and was a descendant of the Livingston family of Livingston Manor, New York, prominent in the early history of this State, Mr, Hubbell, on his father's side, is descended from Richard Hubbell, Avho came from Wales, in 1645, and settled in Connecticut, and whose descendants Avere prominent participants in the wars of the Revolution, that of 1812, and the Southern Rebellion. When but six years of age. Air, Hubbell came to Staten Island, and after completing an academic education, engaged in mercantile bus iness for a foAv years, after which he entered the law office of Hon, Prank Warner Angel, assistant United States District Attorney, and commenced the study of law. After attending the law school of the New York University, he graduated in the class of '86, and Avas ad mitted to the bar on May 12, 1887. He then commenced the prac- HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND, 339 tice of his profession, with offices in New York City and on Staten Island. Mr. Hubbell has passed through the chairs in Staten Island Coun cil, No. 1145, Royal Arcanum; was a charter member of Starin Hose Company, No. 5, of West New Brighton; charter member of the Re publican Spellbinder Club of New York City; one of the founders of the New York LTniversity Law Department Alumni Association; a member of the Irving Literary Society; of Beacon Light Lodge, No. 701, P. and A. AL; Beacon Light Chapter, No. 75, O. E^S. Air. Hubbell is a staunch Republican, and an active worker in the interests of his party, being one of its representative speakers. He resides on Taylor street, West New Brighton, enjoying a lucrative practice. Hon. Edward Sidney Rawson. — Mr. Rawson was born at Port Richmond, in 1873. He is the son of Hon. Sidney P. Rawson, a former District Attorney of this county. He graduatetl from the Staten Island Academy and Columbia College Law School, after which he devoted several years to the study of the law in the offices of De Groot, Rawson & Stafford, at Port Richmond, a firm of which his father is a member. In the election of No vember, 1898, Air. Rawson was elected District At torney by a majority of about twenty-seven hun dred. He has the distinc tion of being the youngest man that ever held the of fice in this county. He is an earnest student, gentle manly and friendly in his bearing, and has a rare opportunity to malie his mark in his chosen pro fession. - - Hon. Calvin Decker Van Name. — Mr. Van Name was born at Mariners' Harbor, Staten Island, in the locality known as ''Old Place," on January 3, 1857. He is the son of the late William Henry Van Name, a successful oyster planter, who was also a native of the same place. CHARLES LIVINGSTON HUBBELL, 340 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND, Mr. Van Name has always been an earnest student, and received the degree of L. L. B. from the University of the City of New York before arriving at age, and was admitted to practice law- immediately on reaching tw^enty-one. Air. Van Name became prominent through out this part of the country even while a young man. In his profession Mr. A^an Name has always ranked among the most trustworthy and painstaking of men. As an attorney he was success ful from the beginning. He was intrusted with important matters, and acquired a large prac tice almost as soon as he was admitted to the bar. Mr. Van Name had a long and thorough train ing in the practice of law with the Hon. Bradford Prince, since Chief Justice and Governor of New Alexico, but then State Senator from this district. This gave him complete knowledge of the depart ments at Albany. That he made a favorable impres sion there, is evinced by the fact that he has ob tained more grants of land under water than any other lawyer in the State. Mr. A^an Name's suc cessful conduct of the Foley South Beach case, and the eviction of the Burkes and Lancaster Syms claimants from the Ganetson beach, made all holders of old farm titles his lasting friends, and demonstrated the security of Staten Island titles. His real estate practice is very large, and he has in his safes complete abstracts of the titles to the farms as they once existed, in continuous line, in Northfield, from Bodine's mill to Holland's Hook. Mr. Van Name is related to two of the oldest and largest families on Staten Island — ^the Van Names and the Deckers. He is a member of the Holland Society, Richmond Lodge, No. 66, F. and A. AI., and various other organizations. He is a large property owner in the Third AVard (Northfield), and has been identified with all public movements on the Island for many years, He was formerly a promi- HON. CALVIN D, VAN NAME, HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND, 341 nent Republican, serving for four years in the County and State Com mittees and in the County and State conventions. He declined several county nominations from his party. He joined the Democratic party in 1873. He was elected Member of Assembly in 1900. Lawyers residing on the Island at the present time are as follows : Augustus Acker, Charles T. Adams, Courtlandt B. Anable, Lot C, Alston. James L. Barger, Howard R. Bayne, Charles L. Benedict, Harcourt Bull, James Burke, Jr., Herman S. Butler. William Campbell, Sidney L. Carrere, John G. Clark, Lester W. Clark, John Croak, William T. Croak, George Cromwell, Nathan Cutler. John S, Davenport, Melvin L, Decker, Alfred de Groot, E. C. Dele- van. Walter T. Elliott. Richard L'H. Finch, Thomas W. Fitzgerald, Harry V. Fountain. Arthur D. Greenfield, George J. Greenfield. Albert E. Hadlock, AIax C, Heubner, William T, Holt, AValter H, Holt, Charles L, Hubbell, Thomas B, Jones, Sixt Carl Kapf, Joseph Al, Keatinge, John J. Kenney, B. Dorian Killian, J. Travis King. W. P. Langdon, Wallace AI, Loos, A. S, Lyman, Francis F, Leman, AVilliam W, MacParlaud, Nathaniel Alarsh, .James AlcCabe, Charles AlcNamee, Arthur A, Alitchell, Frederick S, Alullen, William Al, Alullen, Edw^ard Openshaw. George AI. Pinney, Jr., AVilliam J, Powers, Robert J. H. Powell, Augustus Prentice, Henry AA^. Rainhard, Henry A, Rawcliffe, Edward Sidney RaAVSon, Sidney F, Rawson, Albert Reynaud, Robert E, Robinson, George AV, Robinson, AI, L, Ryan. William Allaire Shortt, Edward M. Stothers, Frank I, Smith, De- W^itt C, Stafford, George AA^, Stake, Stephen D, Stephens, A, A^, ToAvnsend. Percival G. Ullman. Calvin D. Van Name. John Widdecombe, David Willcox, P, L'G. Wright, Nathaniel J, Wyeth. Arthur Yetman. CHAPTER XXVII. THE MEDICAL FRATERNITY. UT little is known about the early physicians of Staten Is land, We know that far back in the little village of Stony Brook, the Doctor Avas an " all-round man "—expected to knoAV almost everything that was to be known in those comparatiA'-ely unenlightened days. There was a Dr, Bigell on Staten Island about 1714, and about 1 750 Dr, Alersous " attended to ye sick poor," A foAV years later, Dr, Sea man's name is mentioned in the County records in connection Avith re ceiving pay for public service. Just at the close of the ReAoltition, Dr, Richard Henderson settled near Ncav Dorp, He built the Ioav stone house, still standing near the ravine back of Egbertville, and at present occupied by Airs. Nolan. He married Aliss Alaria Journeay, a native of the Island, He had served as a surgeon in the British Navy. At the commencement of the present century. Dr. Baker resided here — probably in Northfield, ^^'e find his name in the toAvn records. In several places the Avord " tyrant " folloAVS the name. For instance : " January 17, 1805, Cash Rec'd of Doctor Baker Tyrant, As a fine from D, Guyon, £0, 6, 0," Also, recorded later: "Alarch 15, Cash Rec'd of Doctor Baker, Tyrant, As fines upon Airs, Johnson Bucknian and .John Crocheron, £2, 12, 0," Dr. Travers also practiced on the Island in the first years of this cen- lury, Northfield paid him £2 " for Doctering D. Lisk." The following unique entry is copied from the Northfield town records : " 1810 April 28 Received of Alartines Swain one of the Overseers of the poor the Sum of three Cents as a tax due from Doctor Harrison, £0. 0. 3, O the Doctor; that's all." On the 10th of July, 1806, five physicians met at the Court House, in the ^'illage of Richmond, for the purpose of organizing the first Aledical Society in this county. Their names Avere Benjamin Parker, Isaac StoAvart, Richard Henderson, I. B, Halsey, and John R, B, Rod gers, This organization was the consequence of the enacting of cer tain laAvs of the State (April 8, preceding), which were deemed necessary to regulate the practice of physic and surgery. Aleetings of the Societjr Avere regularly held down to 1832, since which time there are no records of the meetinsrs until a reorganization Avas HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND, 343 effected. The records do not state who the first President was; but at a meeting held on July 17, Benjamin Parker was chosen President. January 17, 1855, in the eyening, a meeting was held at the Tomp kins Lyceum, at Tompkinsville, for the purpose of taking preliminary measures to organize the " Medical Society of Richmond County." The meeting was composed of the folloAving physicians : John S. Wes tervelt, James Harcourt, Isaac Lea, John AV. Sterling, William C. Anderson, James R. Boardman, P. Campbell Stewart, Joseph Feeny, E. W. Pendergast, Y. Hestizka, C. G. Rotha, H. R. Baldwin, Theodore Walser, J. C. Cavelti and Edward C. Mundy. A committee was ap pointed to revise the Con stitution and By-laws, and report at a subse quent meeting. The chair man of this meeting was Dr, Westervelt. At the next meeting, on Febru ary 2, 1855, the Constitu tion and By-laws were adopted. Dr. John AV. Sterling was chosen Pres ident of the Society. The officers at the pres ent time ( 1900) are ; Pres ident, Dr. Jefferson Scales; A^ice-President, Dr. C. Wilmot Townsend; Censors, Drs. James O'Dea, W. C. Walser, and Walker Washington; Sec retary and Treasurer, Dr. Henry C. Johnstone, and Delegate to the annual State meeting. Dr. Ed ward D. Wiseley. The folloAving physicians have registered in the county since 1880 ; Melvin L. Adams, J. A. Andrews, John K. Ambrose, Robert AI. P. Ames, P. S. Armstrong, E. J. Arnold, L. S. Ayres. George A. P. Baldwin, Russell Bayley, George Beers, Herman Beyer, Horace B. Blan, S. R. Bogart, William B. Bostwick, William F. Braisted, Susan R. Bray, William Bryan. Alfred C. Carroll, T. R, Carter, Ephraim Clark, James G. Clark, Frederick E. Clark, Henry A. Cohrs, David Coleman, Edward D. Coon- ley, LaWilla M. Cornelius, Hugh S. Cumming, E. J. Callahan. JOHN L, FEENY, M,D, 344 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. William B, D. Davenport, Alva D. Decker, Clara M. DeHart, George P. DeA^'al, James D. Dickson, Prances C. Donovan, Thomas W. Dono van, William Donovan, L. L. Doolittle, Edward P. Duffy. John L. Feeny, William Young Pinch. Henry I, Goodwin, T. S. GoodAAin. Howard R. Harrison, Chester T. Havens, Mary L. Herrick, E. H. Higbie, D. Emery Holman, George C. Hubbard, Carrol P. Humphrey. George D. Jessup, P. U. Johnston, Henry D. Joy. E. AI. Karrman, Samuel J. Kennedy, George L, Kessler, C. Henry King, H. AI, Keyes, H, M. S, King, Charles W. Kinsey, Julia G. Koch- anowsky. James AI. Lake, G. M. LaRue, Isaac Lea, Merritt L. Lee, Richard Lee, Alontagne R, Leverson, J, B, L'Hommedieu, George F. Little, Anna Lukens, Mina S, Lutz, Brandreth Lymond, Caleb Lyon, Thomas D. Lyons. Arthur L. Alacken, Michael J. Madigan, G. H. Mallett, P. E. Alar- tingdale, Edward 1. Alason, Rudolph Mautner, Alexander S. McDou- gall, James H. McDougall, H. V, McCormick, Sinione Aledics, Fred erick Merhtold, Theodore L. Aleyer, Isaac L, Alillspaugh, Alexander 1, Alitchell, A, C, Alontgomery, George Mord, Edward C, Alundy, J. Nathan, ,Ir,, George W. Nelson, Caleva Nicola, C. Chester Nicola, Alary B. Nicola, Thomas B. Newby. James D, O'Dea, Alary R, Owen, P. H. O'Sullivan. Frederick S, Parsons, Horace W, Patterson, A. D. J. Pentz, H. J. Pierson. Frank D. Revere, Sa,inuel A. Robinson, Robert Rogerson, Clement Roig, William Rose. Eugene B, Sanborn, Dominico Salvadino, Henry AV. Sawtelle, Jef ferson Scales, John J. Shea, SamuelH. Simon, Effie A. Sleight, John A. Smith, AVilliam AI. Smith, John C. H. Spencer, Edward H, Sparks, John T. Sprague, Gotleib Stein, W. E. Stevens, E. Constance Stone, David J. SAvayne. Elizabeth B, Thalberg, T. J, Thompson, Charles Wilmot ToAvnsend, Thomas E, Townsend, Harriet AI. Turner. John A'an Derpool, James O, VanHoevenburg, John J, A^an Rensse laer, Jos^ E, A^idal, Howard M, A^ere, Rosa Wackernagel, Horace E. Walker, Theodore Walser, AVilliam C. Walser, Walker Washington, Robert M. Weed, E. J. Westfall, Charles A. White, Stephen D. Whitman, W. B, Wilkinson, Howard C, Willis, Frank E. Wilson, John S, Wilson, Anthony L. Wilsey, Ed ward D. A^iseley, Laura M. AVright, C. S. Wood, Jr., J. Walter Wood. Dr. AIelvin L, Adams, — Dr. Adams was bom in Erie County, Penn sylvania, November 9, 1862. After attending the public schools and receiving private instructions, he entered the Cleveland Homoeopathic Hospital (College, from which he graduated Avith honors in 1888. He HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND, 345 took a post-graduate course in New York City, in 1896, and practiced at Mayville, in this State, eight years. Dr. Adams came to Staten Island about two years ago, and located at West New Brighton. He has met with remarkable success. Dr. Adams is a very earnest student, and a most conscientious physician. Dr. John L. Feeny. — Dr. Feeny was born in September, 1845, and is the second son of Dr. Joseph Feeny, who, in 1849, conducted a drug store at Stapleton. He was also one of the leading physicians of the Island during the sixties. John L., the subject. of this sketch, was educated by his father, who, before he commenced the practice of his profession, was principal of a classical institute. He re moved to Jersey City and died there in 1866. Dr. Feeny intended that his son should be his succes sor in the medical profes sion. At the age of fifteen he had acquired a clas sical education, and com menced the study of medi cine under the late Dr. Thomas C. Moffatt, at the same time acquiring a practical experience at the Seaman's Retreat Hospital, Avhere he re mained until he entered the Medical Department of the University of NeAV York, from wiiich be graduated in 1866. Dr. Feeny studied un der such noted physicians as Valentine Mott, Alfred C. Post, William H. Van Buren, Afred Loomis and John T. Aletcalfe, and also Professors Budd, Payne and Drapers. On leaving the University he took a special course under Professor Ayelette. W^hen his course of study was completed, he was appointed house physician to the Seaman's Retreat, which he continued to hold until 1869, Avhen he resigned to enter on private practice in Stapleton. In 1870, Dr. Feeny was appointed surgeon to the Aletropolitan po lice, and served for several years. He was appointed surgeon of the Richmond County police in 1886. He was also Health Officer of the SAMUEL ADAMS KOBINSON, M.D, 346 history of staten island, A'illage of EdgOAvater for several years, and is a member of the Rich mond County Aledical Society. Dr. Feeny took rank as a physician and surgeon, and for many years was sought for in consultation in intricate cases. He had a very large practice. In the spring of 1893, Dr. Feeny w as elected to the Board of Super visors in the Town of Aliddletown, and served until the office Avas abolished in 1898. On the death of Dr. George C. Hubbard, in Au gust, 1898, he was appointed to fill the office of Deputy Sanitary Superintendent, for the Borough of Richmond, which office he still holds. Dr. Feeny w^as married on June 9, 1870, to Miss Emma Bateman, daughter of the famous engineer, John P, Bateman, of Maine. Dr. George C. Hubbard. — Dr, Hubbard was bom in Ohio, in 1831. He was graduated from the New York Medical University in 1859, and began the practice of medicine at Tottenville, Staten Island, with his father, the late Dr. E. AV. Hubbard. In September, 1862, he entered the Union Army as Assistant Sur geon of the One Hundred and Sixty-fifth Regiment, New A.^ork Vol unteers. He Avas promoted to full surgeon, with the rank of major, in 1864, and was the medical director of the army under General Banks, in the Red RiA'er expedition. After the close of the w^ar, he returned to Tottenville and resumed the practice of his profession. AA'hen the Catholic Alission Avas opened at Aloiint Loretto, Dr. Hub bard was appointed physician of the institution, and held the posi tion up to the time of his death. Dr. Hubbard held a number of positions in the county. He Avas Police Commissioner, Excise Commissioner, HighAvay Commissioner of Westfield, etc. He was a Past Alaster of Huguenot Lodge, No, 381, F, and A, Al,, of Tottenville, and served tAvo terms as District Deputy Grand Master. On January 1, 1898, Dr. Hubbard entered upon his duties as As sistant Sanitary Superintendent for the Borough of Richmond, which position he continued to hold until his death, in August, of the same year. Dr. Samuel Adams Robinson. — Dr. Robinson was born in Frank lin, Pennsylvania, He is a son of the Rev, John Robinson, D. D,, a native of Frederick County, A'irginia, who was a direct descendant of the Scotch-Irish family Robinson, settled in Ulster, Ireland, by James I,, in 1603. The parents of Rev, Dr, Robinson, John and Rosana Robinson, were the first representatives of the family in America, Their son, on finishing his collegiate course at the age of tw'enty-one, immediately entered the ministry of the Alethodist Episcopal Church, He became widely knoAvn in several States, and filled every position in the gift of his church except that of bishop. He died at an ad vanced age at his son's residence in West Noav Brighton, in 1889. Dr. Robinson's mother, Hannah AValker Adams Plumer, Avas born history of st.vten lsl.xnd. :'>r at Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and died at Ihe residence of her son in 1886, ill tlu> seventy-sixth year of hei' age. Her iiiolher, l';iity .Vclains, Avas born near Boston, Alassaciinscits, and was ciosciy i'elated to Samuel and -Tohn Aclanis, tlu^ .slatc-snien and oralors of the- llcncdn- tion. Patty Adams Avas the wife cd' Alajor Saniini Pliinier. ol' New- bury]icut, Alassatiuisetts, a member of one of the cddcst families of that State. Dr, Robinson was chiefly ediicaied by his father, lie shctwed an early predileciiciii for medicine, and began studying foi- his ]iro- fession A\'ith Dr. l^dward LaAA'reiice Lakin \\-lien about si.\i''eii Acars of age, finishing a four-years" course and rec'ci\ing the dcL^ree of Al. 1). at (ievciand, Ohio, before he was twenty. He has since spent six years in professional study, principally in New York, London, Paris, A'eii- ice and llerlin. lie is a member of (' r e s c e n t Lodge, No. 204, F. and A. Al. ; I'alesiine Com mandery, No. IS. K. T., and of the tour regular A. A. Sc-ottish rile builies of NeAV York <.ity; and also of Tyrian t'liapter, No. 219, R. A. Al., of Sraten Is land. Dr. Robinson took an active part in fou-nling St. ^Vustin's School, and ite- canie a trustee. He alscj aided to organize the Kill van Kull Workingnuirs Club and became its Presi dent. He is also a directcu' in one of the largest life insurance coinpanic^s of NeAV York City, and is chairman of its invest ment committee. He re tired from active service a few yc:'ars since; but prior to that enjoyed a large and select general practice Avhich extended into New York and Brooklyn. He had ])atients from various parts of the TJiiion. Dr. Robinson's Avife died in 1874, since whicli time he has been a widoAver. Airs. Robinson Avas the ehlest daughter of the Hon. Hiram Greeley Butler, of Pennsylvania, Avho was a cousin to Horace Gree ley. Their onlj- ciiild is Rush Robinson. CH.\RI.KS WILMCIT TCIWXSKNJi, M.I). 348 history of staten island. Dr. Robinson, recently disposed of his Staten Island property, and purchased a handsome residence in AVashington, D, C, where he uoav resides. Dr. Sareuel Russell Sjshth. — Dr. Smith was born at Waterbury, Connecticut, on April 10, 1801, At the age of fourteen he became a clerk in a bookstore, in the city of New York, and later entered the drug business, and at the same time commenced the study of medi cine, in due time graduating at the University of the State of Noav York, in the class of 1828, In Alay of that year he came to Tompkins ville, and began the practice of his profession, which he pursued suc cessfully until his death, which occurred on December 24, 1851. Dr. Smith devoted himself assiduously to his profession, in which he was remarkably successful. He was no respecter of persons, for all ranks and conditions of life equally received his attentions when required. The S, R, Smith Infirmary w^as named in honor of this noble man. Dr. John Savinburne, — Dr, SAvinbtirne was for a time a resident of Tompkinsville, during and for a period after he was Health Officer of the Port. He was very popular on Staten Island, and after the establishment of an artificial island in the lower bay, for quaran tine purposes, it was called " Swinburne Island," in his honor. Dr. Swinburne made wonderful discoveries in the art of healing broken bones and dislocated joints, and made successful application of these discoveries to thousands of sufferers in civil life and in the Avar of the Rebellion. In the siege of Paris, in 1870, he earned for himself unnumbered blessings and amazed the skilled surgeons of France. As Health Officer he saved New York from a plague, to the great joy of the people. He was elected Alayor of Albany, and afterAvard Avent to Congress from that district. Dr, Charles Wilmot Toavnsend, — Dr, ToAvnsend was bom at tiifton, in 1867, He is the son of the late Charles H, Townsend, a Avell-known commission merchant. He attended school in Professor Hawkins' Academy, at Ncav Brighton, and later at St. Paul's Acad emy, Concord, Ncav Hampshire. He then entered Columbia College, graduated from the School of Alines and advanced to the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Noav York City, where in an examination, continuing for Iavo Aveeks, in Avhich several hundred students took part, he stood third in the class and won the prize, consisting of $200. Dr. ToAvnsend married Aliss Walser, of New Brighton, who is also a physician, and went to Europe, spending a year or so in Prague and Vienna, pursuing his studies under the great physicians and surgeons of those centres of education. Returning to his home he settled at New Brighton, Avhere he commenced the practice of his profession, and has met with marked success. Dr. Townsend is the A^'ice President of the Richmond County Medi- history of staten island. 340 cal Society; a charter nienilier of the Creater New A'ork Aledical As sociation; member of the New \'ork State .Medical Society; iiienii'cr of the Staten Island Natural Science Association; a directoi- of the local Society for the l're\'eiition of < i'ucity to (iiilclren, and attcMiclin;.'; surgeon at the Smith Infirmary. He h;is also ser\'ed as Coroner aud Police Surgeon. J. Walter AA'oou, A. AL, Al. I). — Dr. ^^'clod was bom at .Mariners' Harbor, on .Vinil 2."!, lS.->((, and is a descendant cd' the family cd' (ic^A- einor Th.oinas Dongan — Waller, one of his ne]iliews, being t lie rounder of this family on Staten Island. I»r. AA'ood received a thcu-ougli c-clncation in both the acideiiiic aud medical schools, and soon after entering upon the jiractice of his ])rofession liecanie a vei-y successful }ihysi(iaii and surgeon. Ite served as Healtii of ficer of the toAA'ii of Xcirth- ficid a.nd of the \'illage cif Port Richmond, and Cor oner of the county. Dr. AA'ood is a Thii'iy- se'cond clei^i-c c Alason, ami is a Past Alaster of Kic h- niond Lodge, No. (Ul; Past District Deputy Grand Alaster of the TAventA-sev- enth District; Past High Priest of Tyrian Chaii- ter, No. 219, R. A. Al.; Eminent (^'oininandcu- of Empire Commanderv, a Noble of Alecca Shrine, and for several years Avas President of the Staten Is land Alasonic Alutual Ben efit Association; is exam ining surgeon for the North Western Alasonic Insurance ('onrpauy. He is also I'ast Chancellov of Staten Island Lodge, Knights of Pythias, and examin ing physician for the Odd FelloAvs, AVorklngmen, Fcu'csters, American Legion of Honor, Templars of Liberty, and the NeAV York Life In surance ('cuujnuiy, and visiting surgeon of theiSmitli Infirmary. On the organization of the Health Department, under the Greater NeAV A'ork charter. Dr. AA'ood Avas appointed Assistant Registrar of Records for the Borough of Richmond, Avhich position he still holds. .1. WALTKK WOdli. M.D. 350 history of staten island. The medical fraternity of Staten Island has been honored by other bright men than those mentioned. Dr. Alfred Ludlow Carroll, who, after graduating from the New York University, in 1855, removed to Staten Island in 1870. He was appointed Secretary of the State Board of Health in 1884, and held the office for a number of years. He was a writer of considerable merit. Dr. John T, Harrison was for many years mate of the Marine Hos pital, and subsequently Health Officer, Dr, John S, Westervelt served five years as mate in the Alarine Hospital, from 1823 to 1827 inclusive, under Dr, Harrison, Dr, Westervelt Avas appointed Health Officer in 1829, in Avhich capacity he serA^ed until 1836. Dr. Daniel M. Hitch cock at that time was mate and deputy. Dr. William Rockwell, (successor to Dr. Westervelt), served as Health Officer four years. During the first Iavo years of office Dr, Charles A, Van Sandt was deputy, aud the last two Dr, Henry A'^an Hoevenberg, Dr, James Harcourt Avas at that time mate of the Alarine Hospital, Dr, A, J, Doane succeeded Dr, Rockwell, and held the office three years. Dr, Henry Van Hoevenberg, Dr, Doane's suc cessor, commenced his office duties in 1843, He appointed Dr. James Harcourt Deputy Health Officer. Dr. William AI. Smith held the office of Health Officer of the Port for many years. He was succeeded by Dr. Henry T. Jenkins, Avho held the office for one term, and he was succeeded by Dr. Alvah H. Doty, who holds the office at the present time. CHAPTER XXYIII. staten island journalism. INCE the first establishment of noAvspapers in New A'ork City, we are indebted to the press of the Aletropolis for a great deal that Avould otherwise have been lost to the world. FeAV events occurred here of special importance that escaped the attention of the primitive reporter. AA'e find local news in the files of Rivington's Gazette, Gainc.'i's Nac York Gazette, the Evening Post, the Americaii Citizen, as well as in the New Jer-'sey Gaiclte and the Pennsylvania Journal. Staten Island did not have a newspaper of its own until 1827. On the 17th of October, of that year, the Richmond Republican made its appearance. Its editor and publisher was Charles N, Baldwin, and the paper Avas intensely democratic. It Avas published at No, 4 Cham bers street. New York City, although the editorial and business office was on Griffin street, next door to Swan, Tompkinsville, Editor BaldAvin Avas a A^ery enterprising man. Beside running Iavo newspapers, he kept the Quarantine Hotel, at Tompkinsville, was a lottery agent, and "turned an honest penny" as best he could. As a journalist, it may be said Air, Baldwin was " up to the times." We copy his address to his patrons, as he begins his w^ork on Staten Is- la.nd : " Encouraged by a distant prospect of success, Ave have become'- a voluntary exile from our native city. We have cast our lot among strangers, and we rely Avith confidence on their support. From the slender pojmlation of the Island Ave have not much to expect — we throw otirself on the liberality of our enlightened and generous peo ple. Richmond is, Ave believe, the only county in this fiourishing and prosperous State that does not support a press. A noAvspaper is a stranger among you, and, therefore, as a stranger, bid it welcome. " Let not the present attempt to sustain the character and dignity of this goodly portion of the commouAvealth become abortive. AVe ask not — we expect not a rich reward for our services, but Ave do ex pect some trifiing remuneration for our labor. There are feAA' situa tions so arduous as, and more unpleasant than that of an editor of a public journal. He must cater for the tastes of his patrons, which are frequently as changeable as the color of the chameleon. Every eye is fixed upon him, and everybody takes the liberty to censure 352 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND, him and dictate the course he should pursue. His political oppo nents load him with bitter invectives, and those whom he had con sidered his political friends too frequently desert him when their ends are answered and his ' gray goose quill ' can be of no further service to them. " In our former efforts we have incessantly, and as the world goes, universally labored to expose corruption in the administration of justice, and most villainous swindling in legalized gambling, but ' poverty, the reward of honest fools.' o'ertook us for it. AVe uoav stand indicted for exposing the corrupt practices of the New York Police, and for innocently complimenting a. certain Judge, whose temper sometimes gets the better of his understanding, and whose decisions have more than once been set aside by a higher tribunal, " Plain and unsophisticated in our manners, we do not seek to be come a member of ' good society ' — the great Republican Family — the friends and supporters of General Jackson, are the men with whom we Avish to associate, and in Avhose patriotism Ave can confide. The General has done so much for his country, and such a man the people delight to honor. We feel bound in gratitude to lend our feeble aid in his behalf, and to use every honorable effort to promote his election." Several columns of political noAvs appeared in this paper, all seem ing to emanate from Richmond County Hall, at Richmond. Among the advertisements in the first numbers, were those of J. B, Simonson, who had fruit trees for sale; AA^illiain Eddy Avanted to sell a house he owned, on Sarah .Vnn street, Tompkinsville; T, Pardon " tendered his grateful acknoAvledgments to his friends for their support of his Union School," local ed at Tompkinsville; Cornelius A^anderbilt ad vertised a boat which he had found; P, Byrne sold quills and wafers, "¦ Shaving, hair-cutting, bleeding and tooth-drawing, by Francis Al, Spong, adjoining the Alasonic Hall, Tompkinsville," Avas announced, D, Denyse kept a livery stable at the Quarantine ground, Alasonic Hall. Samuel Dameron was the village tailor, John Deforest sold lumber, lime, brick, etc, J, F, Fcmntain ran the Commercial Hotel, in front of the steamboat wharf, A^'illialn S, Root kept a general provision store, at Tompkinsville. A. G. Dixon, the postmaster, ad vertised a list of unclaimed letters. Jonathan Merrill and John Goodhart, of Northfield, dissolved co-partnership. The Steamboat "Bolivar" made two trips a day to New York; fare, each way, tAventy-five cents; all baggage at the risk of the owner. The folloAving important announcement Avas given prominence : "Ferry to Blazing Star, (Linoleumville). — Francis B. Fitch re spectfully informs the public that he has once more started the above ferry, for Avhich purpose he has built a first-rate Scow, and as soon as the travelling will warrant, he intends adding a Horse Boat, and no exertion or expense on his part, shall be Avanting to secure public HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND, 353 patronage. The Turnpike to Quarantine, ( it being only seven miles), is now in ccmiplete order, as also the Turnpike to New Brunswick, twelve miles. The road to Rahway, Alilton, AA^estfield, &c,, is in good repair," Accounts Avere given of the races AA'hich took place at Butler's Tavern, at Graniteville, and on Noav Dorp lane, there being rival fac tions among the sporting men of the time. There was great excitement in the country about Freemasonry at the time, Avhich caused the folloAving to be printed : '- Hill is still traveling through the Western parts of this State, pestering various grand juries to find a bill against him for the murder of William Morgan, Avell known as the author of a certain pamphlet purporting to be an exposition of the secrets of Alasonry. A^erily this Hill was not bom to be drowned, for he pertinaciously insists upon being hung; but, poor fellow, he cannot find a court to convict him; and Avhy should they convict him? Since Alorgan has published four books, subsequent to his reported death, ex plaining the mysteries of the higher degrees, as he says, but they are as far from the mark as the first, and so glowingly improba ble that Gulliver's Travels into the Brob- dignag and Liliput or the celebrated Adven tures of Baron Alun- chausen will appear like truth when compared with his nonsense. His first book is but a single improvement on a publication that appeared in London about thirty years ago (1798), and can now be purchased in New A'ork for about nine cents, Staten Island currency! * * * We saw Mr. Alorgan at the store of Henry Alead, at the corner of Harman and Catherine streets. New York, on Christmas morning, alive and well." A large book could be filled Mith the choice bits of news Ave find in the Republican — the first four volumes of which lie before us. Suffice it to say. Editor Baldwin published a lively newspaper, and one that will compare favorably with those of to-day. On January 1, 1831, the Republican contained this announcement: " The Patrons of the Republican are respectfully informed that I have transferred the establishment to Air. William Hagadorn, Editor of KEV. DR. VAN PELT'S ACADEMY, PORT RICHMOND, 354 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. the New York DemocraPic-Repuhlican, whom I take the liberty to rec ommend to my friends as a democrat of the old school, and I think nothing will be wanting on his part to make the paper highly interest ing to its patrons. In surrendering this journal, I beg leave to return my sincere thanks to my late patrons for past favors, with an assur ance of my good wishes and lasting esteem. "Charles N. Baldavin." William Hagadorn assumed charge of the Republican, and settled on Staten Island. Peter Hagadorn, the flrst of the family in this country, came from Frankfort, in 1716, and settled at Rheinbeck, where he, his son, John; his grandson, Francis, and great-grandson, William, are buried side by side. William, the junior, saw many stirring events of the Revolution, and, although a mere lad, often took part in the hardships and services of the " Minute men." He was a lieutenant in the Brooklyn regiment, during the War of 1812, doing duty in that city, on Staten Island and''at Sandy Hook. After that war, he settled in Newark, New Jersey, and published the Intelli gencer, and also became a Universalist minister. Before Editor .Baldwin sold the Republican, however, he had oppo sition in The Chronicle, Si Whig paper, edited and published by Dr. Thompson, the Health Officer Of the Port. The Republican ran for a foAV years'^Under Mr. Hagadorn's manage ment, a,nd was jfinally consolidated with another paper and lost its i identity. ;The Staten Islander Avas the next paper to make its appear ance here. John J. Adams was its editor and publisher. The Miyror speaks bf him on May 12, 1838, as follows : " This gentleman, since he brought his publication of the Staten Islander to a close, (about ten months ago), has connected himself with the New-Yorker, and ab solved that connection; played and taken a benefit on the boards of the National Theatre; made a voyage to Europe and returned, and is now lecturing at Philadelphia! ' Business is business.' '' The New York and Richmond County Free Press was started about 1832, by William Hagadorn, formerly of the Republican. It was a twelve-page paper, and its title page bore the following announce ment ; " Devoted to the advancement of the liberal arts and sciences, and to the promulgation of useful knowledge, general literature, etc. In its columns may be found interesting selections in natural history, geology, mineralogy, and botany, original and selected tales, poetry, strictures, essays, biographical sketches, traits of distinguished char acters, etc." The publication office was at 174 Broadway, New York City. The Free Press, on Saturday, June 13, 1835, under the editorial head had the folloAving ticket : " For President, Alartin Van Buren, of New York; for Vice-President, Richard M. Johnson, of Kentucky." The leading editorial reads thus : " The first number of a new series of the Free Press is uoav laid be- HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 355 fore the public. Our readers will perceive that the interval, betAAeen the date of our last and our present number, has been employed in making considerable improvement in the form and appearance of the paper. Subscribers, almost without an exception, desired us to make this improvement; and, while we state that its accomplishment has incurred a heavy expenditure of time and money, (we mean, of course, an expenditure heavy in proportion to our light resources), we will take leave to express our assurance of being amply reimbursed, by the ac cessions that will be made to our subscription list, and the prompti tude and pleasure with which the old subscribers will now call and settle their dues, knowing that we have spared no pains or expense in placing this publication On a footing commensurate Avith the liberal ity with which it has been sustained during the past five years." Following the above is an editorial comment concerning the order of President Jackson, to the effect that " public officers must pay their debts, or suffer immediate removal," A great deal is said about the tariff. In the following number this paragraph is printed : " Our Richmond County Paper, (the income of which has not for the past six or eight months paid the extra expense which it has been to us) will be continued throughout the present volume. Our paper has lately been ' got up ' with considerable expense to us, and we are determined that it shall be punctually and regularly delivered to our subscribers. If at the end of this volume, our circulation in Rich mond County has not enlarged sufficiently to w^arrant the continuance of that branch of our paper, we will then be compelled to discontinue it." On August 15, the publisher offered to sell the " copyright and patronage " of the paper. He claimed that it was one of the best es tablished papers in the city. On October 3, this item appeared : " A farmer on Staten Island, whose fertile grounds we were admiring at the time, informed us that when he first came into possession of his farm, there was but one blade of grass within its precincts, and that a famished grasshopper was perched upon that, making his dying prayer." The Free Press was superseded by the Plaindealer. Its first number was issued on December 3, 1836. It was a very ably conducted paper. The great bank question, which at that time was the absorbing topic of the whole country, consumed a very large portion of its space. It was printed for the proprietor by William Van Norden, at 96 Nassau street; the publication office was at the corner of Pine street and Broadway. There was a revival at that day of a prominent feature which char acterized the press of America immediately after the Revolution — namely, a regard for matters of a literary nature. Local news — ^the little details of every-day life in village and country — was a secondary 356 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND, matter. The Plaindcalcr's chief mission seemed to be to attack slav ery, and it canied on the Avork in a very vigorous manner. The first noAvspaper printed on Staten Island was the Riclimond Con.nty Mirror, which made its appearance in July, 1837. Francis L. Hagadorn Avas its editor and proprietor, and the publication office Avas located on Richmond terrace. New Brighton, somewhere between York avenue and Belmont Hall. It contained eight pages of three columns each, Avas ably edited, and neatly printed. The editor was the son of the publisher of the Free Press, and he, too, had been con nected with that paper. In the same issue is a " History of Staten Island, chapter 1, by the Rev. Dr. Van Pelt," who also contributed an outline history of the Huguenots. We quote from the editorial address: " In commencing the arduous duties of a public journalist, we rev erently boAV to the ' usages ' and time-honored customs so religiously observed in such matters, and herewith essay to make known our rules of guidance. Those who will expect this paper to support and close up the deformities of any political party, must, at the outset, be undeceived. Those, also, who will image us as either the radical enemy of all social distinctions, or the court journalist of our Anglo- American aristocrats, must also be apprised of their error." Editor Hagadorn, of the Mirror, was a genuine patriot, and we find him censuring the people of Staten Island for not celebrating the " Glorious Fourth." He boldly calls them " a generation of vipers and hypocrites," because they had refused to honor the memory of Washington and his compeers. The editor also lectures the Supervisors relative to the condition of old Richmond road. His comments will be appreciated : " This is a matter of some importance, gentlemen, and should be so treated. The old road has become warped into its present state by neglect of ages; like an old, untutored mind, it has followed the in clinations of passion and lawless folly — it has left the sterling paths of probity and truth, and rambled through the mazes of romance and adventure, prompted, it would seem, by nothing but the bent of idle curiosity. So we find it — and all the mild persuasions and even the examples of the brave old fences, will affect nothing against the prejudices of age; forcible means must be called into action." The chief agitation among the Islanders, at that time, was an at tempt to secure the erection of a light-house on Robyn's Reef, and the survey being made for the establishment of a navy yard and fort at " the cove " at Constable's Hook, opposite New Brighton. In the light of modern military events, the Mirror's editorial comments are quite unique : " This undertaking, like everything else new, excites our wonder why its object has lain so long unnoticed. The advantages of bold HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 357 Avater and proximity to the ocean, this location adds the important consideration of cheap and ea.sy defence. It is oiily approachable by large vessels from one passage. Nature, too, shut it off in every other direction by shoals and fiats. It is also further proposed to establish a fort, siiuilar to that at the Rip Raps, on the reef of rocks, at the mouth of the Sound, knoAvn as Robyn's Reef; and this, in ad dition to the defence of the navy yard, would from its position be able to eff'ect more — in case of an attack upon New York by sea — than all the other forts Avithin the harbor, A strong fort upon Robyn's Reef, Avith a short chain to the shore of Staten Island, Avcmld effectually defend the navy yard; aud any other flotilla, on attempt ing to force its Avay into the harbor, would inevitably be exposed to a raking fire of four or five miles," On September 2 (1837), the editor speaks of his prospects as fol lows: "Bad, badder, baddest! AA^e will continue, hOAvever, to pub lish semi-monthly, until we have obtained a sufficient patronage to Avarrant our driving the Mirror weW. Perseverance is our motto. Everything is attain able by industry and aiiplication; and AA^hen Ave have established a business on Staten Is land, we shall take to onrself the credit of some fortitude." Editor Hagadorn is sued annual addresses to his readers, in one of which he stated tliat " gratitude is a keen sense of favor to come." He continued to publish the Mirror for a number of years, and at last it was merged into the Staten Islander, and the publication office was in the little, wedge-shaped building, still standing, nearly opposite Police Headquarters at Stapleton. When scarcely ten years old. Air, Hagadorn entered his father's printing office in Newark and learned to set type. At twelve years of age he began literary work. He wrote poetry and little stories be fore he was sixteen. In later years he wrote a romance of Staten Is land, calling it the " Story of a Spoon," locating the scenes on Rich mond Hill, and in and around the little village at the County Seat. Air. Hagadorn took a great interest in military matters. He Avas TYLER MANSION, WEST NEAV BRIGHTON, 358 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. first lieutenant of the Richmond County Guards, of Tompkinsville, commanded at first by Captain Minthorne Tompkins. He rose rap idly until, in a few years, he was commissioned Colonel of the Seventy- third Regiment, New York State Militia. Later he was appointed Quarter-AIaster General on the staff of Governor Horatio Seymour. He was Postmaster of Stapleton for three terms. In the old " train ing days " he commanded a Staten Island " division." When the war broke out, in 1861, he was appointed Alajor of the Seventy-ninth New York Volunteers, with which he served but a short period. He resigned to accept the appointment of Inspector- General of the army of the Republic of Venezuela, under General Paza, which position he held for some time. General Hagadorn died at Georgetown, South Carolina, on Friday, July 1, 1897, and was buried with the honors of war at Troy, New York. The Little Corporal commenced publication in Stapleton, in 1854. Its editor was William P. Hagadorn, son of the latter. He became a lieutenant in the One Hundred and Twenty-fifth New York Volun teers, and was for some time in Libby Prison. One of his hands was badly shattered in battle. His paper had a short existence. The Staten Islander — the second paper by that name in the county — Avas practically a continuation of the Mirror, and was published in the fifties, and early sixties. Colonel Hagadorn was its editor and publisher. The Sepoy was started by Dr. William C. Anderson, in 1858, at Stapleton. Its particular object was to defend the people of Staten Island from the unjust attacks of the New York press, in consequence of the burning of the Quarantine Hospitals. In a short time it changed its name to the Richmond County Gazette. Charles Vogt be came its editor. Later it was owned by a stock company, and John Bale was its manager, with Thoma,s J, Folan as editor, Ernest P. Birmingham managed it for some time, and finally sold it, in 1882, to Erastus AA^iman, when Colon K. Urquhart became its editor. After a year or so, it passed into the hands of William A. Suydam, who still oAvns it. It is Republican in politics. This paper is the oldest published on the Island to-day. The Staten Island Leader, Democratic, was started in 1866, by Sam uel Alarsh, John G. A^aughn and others as a stock company, Avith Air. Alarsh as editor. The paper was sold to P. H. Gill, who controlled it for several years. At Mr, Gill's death it was leased by AA^illiam A. Suydam, who ran it for a brief period, when it Avas purchased by Nicholas and John Macklin, who are still its publishers. The Leader is the oldest Democratic paper on the Island. The North Shore Advocate was started at West New Brighton, in 1869, by John J, Clute, with Thomas J. Folan as assistant editor. It suspended in 1877. HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 359 Shortly after the war, the North Shore Union was published at West New Brighton, by A. G. Gatter. It ran for a short time. The Richmond County Sentinel was started at New Brighton by Thomas Humphrey in 1876. Hans S. Beatty, afterward Surveyor of the Port, was a reporter for it. It was purchased by Erastus Wiman, in 1881, and consolidated Avith the Richmond County Gazette. The Staten Island Star was established at West New Brighton in 1877, by Oscar A. Douglas. In 1889, it was purchased by a company, knoAvn as the Star Publishing Company, with EdAvard I. Miller as manager, in which form it continues. It is noAV an official paper of the Borough of Richmond. The Richmond County Democrat commenced publication at Tomp kinsville in 1880, with AVilliam J. and Henry Browne as publishers. Thomas J. Folan was its editor at the time of his death, in 1888. I^eo C. Evans has also been its editor. The paper is still published by AVilliam J. Browne. The Richmond County Herald was started at Stapleton, in 1880, as a campaign paper, by the Hon. Gilbert C. Deane, with Thomas J. Folan as editor. Meeting with considerable success, it was continued as a permanent enterprise. It is now OAvned and edited by Cornelius A. Hart, The Staten Island Advertiser was published at West New Brighton during the eighties, by Frederick Porter. The Richmond County Standard was started in 1880, at New Brigh ton, by Robert Humphrey and Colon K. Urquhart. The latter with drew in 1884, when Ira K, Morris became the editor, and held the position for several years. The paper has suspended publication. The Westfield Times commenced publication at Tottenville in 1881. Its proprietor was Arthur Y. Hubbell. The name was changed to the Staten, Island Times, and it passed into the hands of Hart Momsen. The paper is discontinued. The Richmond County Advance commenced publication in 1885, by John CraAvford, Jr., at West New Brighton. This paper occupied a different field from all others on the Island. It was established upon a commercial basis, and did not rely upon political support. The effort has proved a success. The Staten Islander — the third paper by that name in the county — Avas started by Ernest P. Birmingham, in 1889. Leo C. Evans was the editor. It has changed hands several times, but is now pub lished by J. Judson Worrell and M. J. Kane. Mayberry Plemming is the editor. It is Republican in politics and is an official paper of the Borough. The office is at St. George. The Independent was started at Port Richmond in 1895, as a cam paign paper, being the organ of the Independents. It was owned by a stock company, with Frank M. Harrington as editor. A daily was 360 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND, issued from the same office in 1897, called The News, of which Hart Alomsen Avas editor. It Avas published for a foAV weeks only. A Aveekly is published from the office now, with the title of News-Inde pendent. Hart Alomsen is the editor, and Charles Wood business manager. The Citizen, published at Port Richmond by Ira D. Bamber and George D, SAvartAvout, had a brief career in the eighties. The Deutsche Staten Islander, a German paper, Avas started in 1867, by John Schiefer, Avho ran it for many years. It is noAv managed by Adolph Schenk. The Staten Island Deutsche Zeitung, a German paper, was started in 1876, by Carl Herborn, and ran for a year or so. The Post is the name of a German paper published at Stapleton by Hugo Kessler, The Xeu-s-Lettrr Avas started at St, George in 1897, by Ernest P. Birmingham, and is issued weekly at that place. The Ventilator, a temperance paper, was started by Rev. AA'. H. Vogler, in 1892. After the removal of that gentleman from Staten Island, the pajier passed into other hands, and in a short time pub lication Avas suspended. The Argns is a little paper published in the interest of a faction of the Republican party. It appears once a month, and is published by Leon Bossue dit Lyonnais. The Staten Island Transcript is the latest noAvspaper enterprise. It is published at TotteuAille by Cornelius Shea, and is democratic in politics. The Real Estate Record, established in 1890, by Daniel T, Cornell, at Clifton, is published monthly. Many attempts have been made to run newspapers on the Island, which we have omitted to mention. A notable one was in Rossville, several years ago. The paper was needlessly personal, and one day everything movable in the office Avas dumped into the Kills, and the editor sought a more congenial field of labor. CHAPTER XXIX. THE SCHOOLS OF STATEN ISLAND. E must depend almost entirely upon tradition for the loca- tion and establishment of the first public school on Staten Island. AA-'e have sufficient proof, however, to Avarrant the statement that it was located at or near Stony Brook, and was probably in the same little structure that stood near the AIoraAian Church — that location being considered in the Stony Brcjok neighborhood at that time. It is perfectly natural that it should have been located near the Court House and Church, The V\''aldenses and the Huguenots must have the crc^dit of estab lishing the first school on Staten Island, It is estimated that the Avhite settlers numbered not more than three hundred at that time. Let us to-day call back the long centuries that have rolled into the dim Aista of time since our adventurous forefathers established the first school on Staten Island — the centuries that have even obliterated the old grave-yard where they sleep — and, in recognition of their Avorth, their example, and their fortitude, thank the Father in heaven that they once lived here, and opened for us the channels of Chris tianity and Civilization, which have ripened, in time, into the car dinal principles of the grandest government under the providence of God, It is appropriate on this page to show the contrast betAveen the seiwices and obligations of public school teachers in the early days of Colonial civilization and those of to-day. The following " agree ment " is taken from the official school records at AA'ashington : " Article 1. The school shall begin at 8 o'clock and go out at 11; shall begin again at 1 o'clock and end at 4. The bell shall be rung' before the school commences. " Article 2. When school begins, one of the children shall read the morning prayer as it stands in the catechism, and close Avith the prayer for dinner; and in the afternoon, the same; the evening^ school shall begin with the Lord's Prayer and close by singing a song. " Article 3. He shall instruct the children in the common prayers and the questions and answers of the catechism on Wednesdays and Saturdays, to enable them to say them better on Sunday in the Church. 362 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. " Article 4. He shall be required to keep his school nine months in succession, from September to June, one year with another, and shall always be present himself. " Article 5. He shall be chorister of the Church, keep the church clean, ring the bell three times before the people assemble, read a chapter of the bible in the church between the second and third ring ing of the bell; after the third ringing he shall read the ten command ments and the twelve articles of our faith and then sing a psalm. In the afternoon, after the third ringing of the bell, he .shall read a short chapter, or one of the psalms of David, as the congregation is assem bling; afterwards he shall again sing a psalm or hymn. " Article 6. When the Minister shall preach in an outside parish, he shall be bound to read twice before the congregation, from the book used for the purpose. He shall hear the children recite the questions and answers out of the catechism on Sunday and instruct them therein. " Article 7. He shall provide a basin of water for the administra tion of holy baptism, and furnish the Minister with the name of the child to be baptized, for which he shall receive tAvelve stivers, (a Dutch coin of the value of two cents, or about one penny sterling), in Wampum for every baptism from the parents or sponsors. He shall furnish bread and wine for the communion at the charge of the church. He shall also serve as a messenger for the consistory. " Article 8. He shall give the funeral invitations, dig the grave, and toll the bell, for which he shall receive, for persons of fifteen years of age and upwards, twelve guilders, (a Dutch coin of the value of thirty-eight cents, or |4.56 in our money.) For persons under fifteen years of age he shall receive eight guilders, (|3.44); he shall receive for a spelling book or reader, three guilders, (|1.14) per quarter, and for a writer, four guilders, (|1.52) for the day school. " In the OA^ening school he shall receive four guilders (|1.52) for a speller or reader, and five guilders (|1.90) for a writer per quarter. The residue of his salarj^ shall be four hundred guilders (|142.00) in Avheat delivered, with the dwelling, pasturage and meadoAV pertaining to the school. " Done and agreed upon the consistory this 8th day of October, 1642." At a period of about a century and a-half ago, those families on our Island Avho could afford it, sent their children over to the Perth Amboy Academy. That was, so far as we have been able to ascertain, one of the first educational institutions of note established in what are now the United States. It is the history of every community, in the early settlement of our country, that progress was very slow, and every effort at advance ment was met with disadvantages and discouragements. The HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND, 363 treachery of the Indians was a great impediment to those who at tempted to educate the people of Staten Island. In those days, age Avas no barrier against attending school. A number of teachers were killed, and others driven from the Island, and it Avas not until David Brainard interceded, that the atrocities of the Indians in this direc tion were checked. The first public school on Staten Island, of which we have any authentic history, was located at Avhat is now called New Springville, It was established some time between 1690 and 1700. The original school building, wiiich was enlarged in the early part of the present century, Avas demolished about 1888.. • It was in the old Springville school-house that the ancestors of the Corsons, the VanNames, the Housmans, the Hatfields, the Cro- cherons, the Hillyers, the Alerrills, the Simonsons, the Egberts, the DepoAvs, the Deckers, and various other old Staten Island families spent their school days. The Avriter attended the meeting Avhen it was decided to demolish the old building. There Avere the great, thick stone walls, crum bling and damp and mouldy. There were the rude desks, where time and the boys had evidently carried on a spirited competition in their efforts at destruction. Great holes were in the floor; the plaster had fallen from the ceiling; the little, old-fashioned stoA^e was almost devoured by rust; the well-worn black-board resembled a mutilated target, and in every nook and comer there was devastation and ruin. And yet, there were those present who declared that the old school- house Avas good enough! It was not until after the Commissioner told his audience Avliat power he had in the premises, that the fate of the oldest school-house on the Island was sealed, AR that remains to-day of the venerable structure is the foundation of a modem build ing, which is composed of the material taken from the time-honored walls. In 1710, " Air, Alackenzy, the English Society's Alissionary in Staten Island, having informed them how much they wanted School- Alasters to instruct the Children of the English, Dutch and French, in said Island, and having recommended Mr, Adam Brown and Air. Benja min DreAvit for that Purpose, the Society made choice of them both." The two seem to have been continued during the two following years; but in 1712, the masters appear to have been exchanged. Francis Williamson and John DuPuy were that year employed under the patronage of the Society. Their salary was ten pounds a year, and their Avork was eminently satisfactory, as the testimony of the missionary. Rev. Mr. Mackenzy, together with the approval of the justices of the county abundantly proved. So beneficial to the people did the work of these early schoolmasters appear to be, that the So ciety determined, in 1713, to employ three more. 364 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. The report of Air. Brown, of Richmond, one of these teaciiers, is ])reserved. It is dated April 10, 1713, aud it states that he had con tinued to kee]i sciiool in the South precinct of the County; that he had taught, during the year preceding, thirty-five ciiildren to " read, Avrite and cypher," and the c'atechism of the church, Avith the explana tions thereof, to such as Avere capable; that he had tAventy-four of his sciiolars i)ubliciy cateciiised in the ciiurcii, and the readiness with Avhicii thc:-}' answered all cpiestions Avas admired by all Avho heard them; that hc^ taught them the use of the- " ccmimon prayer," so that Ihe children conlcl join Avitli the congregation in the divine servic-e. This repent AA'as certified to by the minister and the Board of .lusticc^s of the ( 'ouiity, Charles Taylor, in 1717, appears as the school master of the Siii-ieiy, AA'ith a salai-y of fifteen pounds a A'ear. lie also appears to luiA-e occiqiied the position for si-xc-ral years. In 1722 and 1723, he Axas leaching rc-sjjec- tively fortA'-three a n d forty - two scholars, at Richmond, Besides the sciiolars in regular daily attendance, he also at that time ke])t a night sciuxd for teaciiing negroes and those ciiildren aa'Iio had to work during the daytime. He continued to exerc ise the funciions of a sciiool- inaster fcu" many years, and finally died in the serA'ice in 1742, as the fol lowing abstract from the Society's minutes sIioav : "And Air, Taylor, the Society's Schoolmaster at Staten Island be ing dead, the Soc iety upon a Petition and Reccmiinendation from the lucwerend Air, Arncdd, their Alissionary, and from the timrch AA'aiclens and A'<\stry of the (iiurcii of Staten Island, of Air, Andrew AA^right, as a Person of (iood Alorals, and a constant ('onimunicant, and Avell qualified to teacii, hath appointed him School-Alaster there to instruct the poor Avhite, and Black (iiildren also, if any sucii are brought to HDN. HUHBAKI) R. YETM.4N, SI TKRIMTENDENT OF PUBLIC SCHOOLS. HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 365 him, gratis, in the Principles of Christianity, and to read the Bible and the Common-prayer Book." The following certificate is among the County records : " We AAiiose names are under Avritten Do Certify that the Bearer hereof, James Forest, has lived in the AA'est end of Staten Island two years and six months. During Avhich time Ave knoAv nothing of him but what is Just and honest. Teaching and Instructing of Pupils in such parts of Literature as their Capacity Could Contain; Avith great Fidelity and Justice, Giving due and Regular Attendance in said school to our Alutual & Intire Satisfaction and likoAvise Instructed them in their Parts and Honours to our great Fidelity, and now to part at his own Request. As Witness our hands 6th of August Seven teen hundred and Sixtynine 1769. Isaac Doty, AVilliam Bennett, Abraham AA'inant, Peter Androvette, David Laforge, John Garrison, Zacheus Vandyke, George Garrison, Cornelius Dusosway, John Dubois, Daniel Winant, John Gould, Isaac Prall, Jacob Reckhow, John Story, Aloses Doty, Daniel Still w^ell, Thomas Butler, Jacob Sprague, John Totten, Henry Butler, Isaac Manee, Daniel Winant, Jtin'r, Christopher Billopp." Immediately after the establishment of the State Government, under the Republic, the subject of popular education began to re ceive notice by the Legislature. The first step in that direction was the incorporation of the Regents of the University, which was done by the first Legishature after the adoption of the Constitution. In 1789, the State set apart certain public lands for gospel and school purposes. In 1795, an act was passed for encouraging and maintain ing schools, appropriating fifty thousand dollars annually for five years for that purpose. In 1798, an act was passed authorizing and providing for raising the sum of one hundred thousand dollars by means of four successive lotteries, the money to be appropriated to the encouragement of schools. In 1805, an act was passed by which five hundred thousand acres of the public lands of the State were to be sold, and the proceeds devoted to the establishment of a perma nent fund, the income of which was to be annually distributed among the school districts of the State for the support of common schools. No system for carrying out the beneficence of the State had been devised when Governor Tompkins, at the opening of the session, in 1810, addressed the Legislature, urging attention to this matter. The income of the fund at that time amounted to about twenty-six thou sand dollars annually, the fund itself having reached the sum of one hundred and fifty-one thousand dollars and sixty-nine cents. In 1811, Governor Tompkins again urged the matter upon the LegiSlatur<>, 366 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND, and the result was the passage of an act organizing the common school system as it existed until 1838. The first distribution of money under this system was made in 1813, the law establishing it having been passed June 19, 1812. This .system divided the several toAvns into school districts, and placed the affairs of each district in the hands of three trustees. The school money was appropriated to the towns on the basis of their population, and again divided to each school district on the basis of the number of children in each, be tAveen the ages of five and fifteen years. Each town was required to raise for school purposes a sum equal to that which it received from the State. The first Superintendent of Common Schools was Gideon Hawley, whose term extended from 1813 to 1821. We have authority for stating that there was a schoolhouse near the one noAV in service at Castleton Corners as far back as 1784. It was located on what was known as the Dawson estate — a name once found in the old records. It was the traditional " old, red school- house," and was located several yards in the rear of the present structure. Tompkinsville had a flourishing public school in 1815. It stood near where Niagara Engine Company's house is now located, and had a warm friend in the founder of the village. It is said that Gov ernor Tomi)kins used to visit the school at least once a week, and not only gave prizes to the bright scholars, but paid a part of the teacher's salary out of his own pocket. The laAV providing for the office of County School Commissioner took effect in 1856, and the Board of Supervisors made the first selec tion in the appointment of Dr. David A. Edgar, of Westfield. After serving for a year and a half, he was elected in 1858 for three years. It is an interesting fact, although a sad commentary upon our forefathers, that not only on Staten Island but throughout America the public schools were not open to girls until 1790, and then for only two or three hours a day during the summer months, when there Avere not enough boys in attendance to keep the school going. They were regularly admitted by law in New York State in 1822. The first laAV enacted in this State in the interest of women's education was in 1818, on the recommendation of Governor De Witt Clinton, who was induced by Mrs. Emma Willard to urge the passage of a bill for an appropriation for her female seminary at Troy. The reason for the delay in admitting girls to the public schools was, that it was considered unimportant for poor girls to be educated, and the rich could have private tutors, or send to private schools when a daughter showed that she had a " capacity " to learn! One can scarcely imagine how deep-seated was the prejudice against the education of women, and their admission into business circles, in the old days. To show what a, hold the theory had upon HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 367 the people well along in the present century, we quote from an edi torial in the Richmond Republican, of April 10, 1830 ; " Aliss Fanny AVright, Owen, Jennings and Co. have lately de claimed much in defence of the rights of the female sex, who, they insist, ought to take an equal share in government, legislation, etc. In that they would unsex the fairest part of the human family, and turn topsy-turvy the laws of Fleaven and Nature. Instead of quar relling with these sapient reformers, however, we promise to espouse their side of the argument, as soon as they will prove that our rougher sex can ' change works ' with them. " When woman aspires to ambitious situations, she steps out of the sphere allotted to her by nature, and assumes a character which is an outrage upon her delicacy and feminine loveliness. No female does so unless she be an infidel; none but atheists and libertines sanction the aberration." The world moves. The onward march of progressive principles will never halt until equal rights are not only given to the boys and girls in the school-room; but are also extended to men and Avomen alike in business, social and political channels. Let the girls be educated equally with the boys, and then, the world being big enough for all, let them have a fair chance to earn their own living, and be perfectly independent when support becomes to them a serious ques tion. The law which created separate districts and elected three trustees — one of whom was elected each year — ^vesting them with almost ab solute power, worked to the serious detriment of the public schools. While in some of the districts fair-minded and intelligent men were selected, it often happened that illiterate and narrow-minded individ uals were given the power to rule, and often to ruin. We have Avit nessed the engagement of teachers solely because they would accept meagre salaries — ^the question of ability not being taken into con sideration. A miserly policy, too, was manifested in the shabby structures that served as school-houses. Some of them were unfit for bams or cattle-sheds, much less for the day homes of the boys and girls who were seeking an. education. About twenty years ago one of the local newspapers took the matter in hand. The disgrace to the Island which such school-houses caused, was plainly portrayed, and finally public opinion was moulded in favor of better buildings. One by one the districts began to wake up to the necessities of the hour, and soon modern structures stood where the antiquated barracks had formerly disgraced the ground. It is no exaggeration to say that Staten Island has more modern school buildings than any other county of equal size and wealth in the State. Handsome new structures mark the progress of the day at New Brighton, West New Brighton, Port Richmond, Mariners' 368 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. Harbor, Tompkinsville, Stapleton, Pleasant Plains, Huguenot, Krei scherville and Tottenville, while a score of other localities can boast of school-buildings which stand to their credit. This is the picture of to-day; let us contrast it Avith the past, by quoting from the Richmond County Mirror, of June 23, 1838 : " School-houses. — The town of Dayton, Ohio, has resolved to raise by tax the sum of eighteen thousand dollars to build six school-houses. We wish that the public spirit of our people was not at such an ebb as to make it seem almost madness to propose that a certain county in New York should contribute as much towards public education as a single township in Ohio! Why, eighteen thousand dollars would buy up all the public schools on this Island — teachers, old slates and penny-whistles in the bargain." A few of the old land-marks are still standing. The one at New Brighton is located on York avenue, and for many years has been called " The Lyceum." It has been utilized as a public hall. The one at Richmond A' alley stands as a relic of the past. The public school building at Rossville has long been a refiection upon the community; but the rude structure is soon to pass away. Land has been purchased on Rossville avenue and Grant street, and a contract has been given for the construction of a brick and stone building, to cost about |31,000. The organization of the Rossville school district, although much larger originally than now, dates back more than a century, as the following, copied from the original document, will prove : " We the Inhabitants of the Toavu of AA'estfield Richmond County Staten Island and State of New York, Do for ourselves Executors and Administrators CoA^enant Grant and agree that We AAill Build a School House in the Year of our Lord one thousand Seven hundred and Ninety Six, in the Town aforesaid — for the Purpose of educating and instructing the Children in Religion and Morality — And We Do therefore recommend it as a. Duty incumbent on everv^ Person in the Town aforesaid to aid assist and Contribute cheerfully and honorably in the laudable Proposition aforesaid. And that We do hereby in order to shew our Public Approbation of the necessary Measure pro posed, subscribe and Bind ourselves and each of us to the following sums underwritten : "John Alarkay, £0. 16. 0; Jesse Alorgan, £1. 0. 0; Nicholas Jour neay, £2. 0. 0; Peter Mersereau, £0. 2. 0; Cornelos Cole, £0. 2. 0; John Seguine, £2. 0. 0; Cap Cams, £0. 8. 0; Henry Parlee, £0. 2. 0; Jacob Winant, £1. 0. 0; Harman Cropsj^, £1. 4. 0; Albert Journeay, £0. 18. 0; Abraham Alanee, £0. 2. 0; Benjamin Larzelere, £0. 4. 0; James John son, £0. 12. 0; Jonathan Lewis, £0. 2. 0; John Latourette, £0. 2. 0; Peter Wogiom, £0. 4. 0; Winant Johnson, £0. 2. 0; Isaac Gray, £0. 4. 0; Isaac Parlee, £0. 2. 0; Paul T. Alicheau, £0. 4. 0; Charles Alorgan, HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 369 £2. 0. 0; John Slack, £1. 4. 0; John Bedell, £3. 0. 0; Jacob Winant, £0. 16. 0; Bornt Seguine, £0. 2. 9; John Baty, £0. 2. 0; Abraham Wogiom, £0. 4. 0; John Johnson, £0. 8. 0; Joshua AVright, £2. 10. 0; Abraham Marshall, £0. 16. 0; Isaac Cubberly, £0. 4. 0; Bornt Parlee, £2. 0. 0; Nicholas Stilhvell, £0. 8. 0; John Cole, £0. 2. 0; Paul Alicheau, £0. 16. 0; John Journeay, £0. 16. 0; Abraham Cole, Sen., £0. 8. 0; Henry Slaght, £0. 16. 0; Jacob Slaght, £0. 12. 0. " Received this 1st day of October 1790 of Bornt Parlee the sum of ten Shillings in full for one Days work by me at School house. " Joseph Rale." The Greater City charter changed entirely the system of school government, and substituted for the district management a central department for the Borough. The department is presided over by a Superintendent in the person of Hon. Hubbard R. Yetman, who has for assistants. Air. AI, J. Hogan and Airs. Anna Gordon. They have offices at Stajileton. To this is added a local Board of Education, consisting of William J. Cole, President; Frank Perlet, George T. Egbert, Thomas A-^aughan, Samuel T. Anderson, Emil Bottger, John T. Burke, Thomas J. Plannagan, and AA'illard Barton. Franklin C. A'itt, Secretary; P. J. Kiernan and William S. West, assistants. The public schocds of the Borough of Richmond, together with the principals, are as follows : 1. Academy place, Tottenville, N. J. Lowe. 2. AA^'einer place, Richmond Valley, Sue S. Field. 3. School street. Pleasant Plains, Gould J. Jennings, 4. Fresh Kill road, Kreischerville, Henry P. Albro. 5. Amboy road. Huguenot, Annie E. Cole. 6. New York avenue, Rossville, O. E. Northrop. 7. Fresh Kill road. Green Ridge, Laura J. Cropsey. 8. Linwood avenue, Giffords, Else F. Randolph. 9. Knight avenue. New Dorp, A. A. Yates. 10. Richmond road, Egbertville, Lillie C. Frary. 11. Pour Comers road, Garretsons, B. J. Stanton, 12, Steuben street. Concord, Thomas C. Harty. 13. Pennsylvania avenue, Rosebank, Sheldon J. Pardee. 14. Broad street, Stapleton, A. Hall Btirdick. 15. Grant .street, Tompkinsville, John W. Barris. 16. Aladison avenue. New Brighton, John J. Driscoll. 17. Prospect avenue. New Brighton, Mason J. Macdonald. IS. BroadAvay, West New Brighton, Timothy J. Donovan. 19. Greenleaf avenue. West New Brighton, Charles P. Simons. 20. Heberton avenue. Port Richmond, Eugene G. Putnam. 21. Sherman avenue. Port Richmond, William B. Rafferty. 370 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 22. Richmond avenue, Graniteville, Edward W. Merritt. 23. Andros avenue, Alariners' Harbor, D. J. Keater. 24. Washington avenue, Summerville, Sarah E. Eldridge. 25. Chelsea road, Bloomfield, William P. Hastings. 26. Melvin avenue, Linoleumville, Lewis H, Denton. 27. Richmond avenue. New Springville, E. C. Wheeler. 28. Fresh Kill road, Richmond, Ella F. Sheehan. 29. Manor road, Castleton Corners, Charles W. Sutherland. During the year 1899, there were nearly ten thousand children car ried on the school rolls of the Borough. There are six high schools in the Borough, from which there were eight graduates last year. These schools are registered with the University of the State of New York. The value of school sites in the Borough is .$75,000.00, and the value of buildings is |607,506.00; eleven are brick, and nineteen frame. Property, consisting of furniture, etc., to the amount of |9,000, also belongs to the Department. Total amount of public school property belonging to the Borough, .|682,506.00. Private schools have always been popular institutions on Staten Island, and some of them have been conducted by noted instructors. The first of these of which we have any authentic knowledge, was French's Parochial School. Until within about five years ago there stood, on the Little Clove road, opposite the northern terminus of Ocean tenace, a portion of an old building that was once celebrated as the home of an important educational institution, -wliile beside it there was a small church edifice. These buildings were known as " Mr. French's Church " and " Mr. French's School." They were Epis copalian institutions. The Rev. William G. French came to Staten Island about 1815, and he not only raised the money with which to build his sehool-church and residence, but he helped to rear the structure with his own hands. His school was established in 1821. This little church and school were the educational and religious centre of the Vanderbilts for a long time. A short distance to the North stood the handsome residence of Mr. D. B. Allen; and his children — the grandchildren of Commodore A^anderbilt — there re ceived a part of their education. General Swift afterward resided in the Allen mansion, during which time it was burned to the ground. Mrs. La Ban, another daughter of Commodore Vanderbilt, lived in a handsome mansion, still standing on the Little Clove, a few hundred yards West of the old church. Captain Jacob Vanderbilt, the Com modore's brother, resided on the hillside, and his children spent their early school-days there. The school was disbanded in 1864, and the last service in the old church was held in May of that year. Among other families repre- HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 371 sented in the school and church, were the Vreelands, Vredenburghs, Darrahs, Butchers, Van Duzers, Cunards, Barkers and Lords. About 1867 Mr. French was appointed chaplain on Blackwell's Is land, which position he held until his death, in June, 1895. Next to the above was the Spanish Academy, which began its career at Tompkinsville, in 1827. Its manager was Joseph Q. Warnes. The Academy was in a large, handsome building, close to the river and a short distance from the Planters' Hotel. Two or three years later. Dr. Pardon established a flourishing pri vate school at Tompkinsville. If there is one name more than another, that will long be linked Avith the educational annals of Staten Island, it is that of the vener able Father Boehm. He was a natural educator, and for more than two generations moulded the thoughts and lives of many of the boys and girls of Staten Island. He taught for many years at Woodrow. The Richmond College was incorporated by an act of the Legisla ture, passed April 21, 1838. Its flrst Board of Directors were Ogden Edwards, Walter Patterson, Charles T. Catlin, Jacob Tysen, Thomas McAuley, Charles A. Porter, John S. Westervelt, William Wilson, George Howard, Caleb T. Ward, William W. Phillips, Thomas AVil- son, Alinthorne Tompkins, William A. Seeley, John N. AIcLeod, Thomas Cumming, Billop B. Seaman, William C. BroAvnlee, Robert Pattison, David Moore, Alexander Martin, Thomas E. Davis, James O. Smith, William Scott, Louis AIcLane, John E. Miller, James Pol- lick, James B. Murray, Duncan Dunbar, Samuel Barton, William Agrew, Thomas J. Oakley, John R. Satterlee and William Soul. Section 5 of the act read : " In case satisfactory evidence shall not be furnished to the Regents of the University that said corporation OAvns and possesses property and funds to the amount of eighty thou sand dollars, Avithin two years after the passage of this act, then this act shall be void and to no effect." On June 23, 1838, the Richmond County Mirror says : " At a meet ing of the Board of the Richmond College, under the act of the Legis lature, at the New Brighton Pavilion, on the 26th day of May, the Rev. D. Dunbar was called to the chair, and Dr. Charles A. Porter appointed secretary. They proceeded to ballot for officers, when the following persons Avere elected : Walter Patterson, of New Brighton, President; the Rev. John McLeod, of New Y''ork, Secretary, and John R. Satterlee, of New York, Treasurer." On December 15, of the same year, the Mirror said : " On Friday last the trustees of this institution elected the Rev. William Wilson President. The policy of this step has long been contested by a num ber of the trustees, but it is believed that the peculiar situation of the institution has rendered it necessary, although at a seemingly unripe stage of its affairs." 372 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. We find no other allusion to the Richmond College, but learn that the eighty thousand dollars called for in the act was not forthcoming, and therefore the project was abandoned. One of the noted schools of its day — say sixty-five or seventy years ago — was Rev. Dr. Van Pelt's Academy, at Mersereau's Feny. The building he occupied for his academy is still standing, two doors above the Port Richmond post-office, and is known as " Knoah's Ark." High on Richmond Hill, or that part of it familiarly known as Aleisner's, is a large, frame building, overlooking Egbertville and Ncav Dorp. Alore than half a century ago this building was one of the most popular educational institutions in this section, and was known as the Richmond Seminary. The following advertisement appeared in a local paper of November 25, 1848 : " The connection that has heretofore existed between J. AA^. Prazer and J. P. Killett, as conductors of the Richmond Seminary for Young Ladies, situate near to Richmond, Staten Island, is from this date dissolved, by mutual consent. All claims and liabilities will be set tled by the manager, J. P. Killett. " J. W, Prazer, A, AI,, " J. P. Killett." The Staten Island Academy was opened on September 15, 3 884, and early in 1885, it was chartered under the Regents of the Uni versity of the State of New York. Its first manager was Professor A. G, Alethfessel. It offers systematic courses of study in all primary and academic grades, with the strictest features of a thoroughly classified school maintained in every department. The school is ex clusively for day scholars, and receives pupils of both sexes from the primary grade upward. The building first occupied by the Staten Island Academy, stands opposite the German Club Rooms, in Stapleton. In 1896, the school Avas removed to a beautiful site near the St. George ferry, and now occupies one of the most complete school buildings in the country. The course adopted by this Academy, covers a period of eleven school years, seven of which are devoted to the elementary, and four to the secondary or high-grade studies. A pupil who enters the low est class at the normal age of six years, should, therefore, be prepared to enter college at seventeen. The Academy is strictly graded, and all pupils are required to pursue one of the prescribed courses of study. The Arthur Winter Alemorial Library of general literature, which is connected with the Academy, was founded in 1886, by William and Elizabeth Campbell Winter, of New Brighton, to commemorate their son, Arthur. In 1886, the late Mrs. Catherine Fish Winslow, of St. Paul's parish. HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 373 Stapleton, established in the school an excellent reference library, A number of free scholarships have been established. The cmtire organization of the school propertA', its course of study, etc, has devolved upon the present principal, Frederick E, Parting ton, A, AI,. of Brown University, who was the first to take charge at the opening in September, 1884, Under Professor Partington the Academy has so rapidly and thoroughly advanced, that it may uoav be rated v^-ith the best educational institutions in the State, The Brighton Heights Seminary for Girls, located on St, Alark's place, neaiiy opposite the Brighton Heights Dutch Reformed Church, Avas established in 1883, after the large property belonging to Horace R. Kelly had been purchased for it. Its first principal was Airs.. Hartt, the widow of Professor Charles F, Hartt, of Cornell University, The Brighton Heights Association was formed in the spring of 1883, by a number of gentlemen, residents of Staten Island, w^ho pur chased the property at a cost of |20,000, which was formerly the residence of George Wotherspoon, The interior Avas remodeled and fitted to the new purpose at a cost of |3,500, The school was well patronized by all parts of the Island, and the building w^as found too small; so an addition w^as made at a cost of -16,000, built in 1884, on the South side of the grounds fronting on St, Alark's place, Dr, George W, Cook was appointed its principal, St. Austin's School for Boys, at West Noav Brighton, was estab lished in 1883, through the efforts of Rev. Alfred G. Alortimer. In 1885, the property of the late W. T. Garner, on Bard avenue, con sisting of fifteen acres of ground, with the costly buildings thereon, Avas purchased for the school by an association. Classrooms and gymnasium, with a front of one hundred and fifty feet, Avere erected near the main building. Trinity School, at Noaa^ Brighton, of which Professor Hawkins is principal, has educated many young men since its establishment a score of years since. It is a great credit to Staten Island, In 1891, Alessrs, Spade and Van Orden opened a private school in " The Villa," at Prohibition Park, Air. Van Orden withdrew a year later, and Air. Hastings took his place. This little school was prac tically the commencement of the Westerleigh Collegiate Institute, which was established in 1893. The following gentlemen were the directors: Otto Altman, Edward P. Doyle, I. K, Punk, W. J, Quin- lan, W. H. Perry, W. S. Van Clief, A. D. Alden, G. S. Brantingham, Prank Burt, John Snyder, William Bryan, Edward D. Clark, B. F. Funk, C. L. Haskell, George M. Purdy, D. S. Gregory, William Bar ber, W. H. Achilles, J. S. Warde, Sr., E. J. Wheeler, and Bernard Alullen. D. S. Gregory was elected President and the Rev. Charles R. Kingsley took charge of the Institute. In 1895, Professor Wilbur Strong was secured as an assistant, and 374 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. the same year he succeeded Dr. Kingsley as principal. In 1896, they had a corps of seven teachers, and about seventy-five scholars. In 1898 and 1899 the number of teachers was increased to fourteen and the students to two hundred and fifteen. The building now occupied was erected in 1895. William S. Van Clief is President of the Board of Trustees, and has the following associates: Edward D. Clark, Prank W. Tompkins, I^ouis H. Achilles, B. P. Funk, I. K. Punk, David H. Cortelyou, W^illiam T. Holt, Edward I. Miller, Herman C. Hage- dorn, AValter H. Holt, John S. Warde, Sr., Charles W. Leng, Henry P. Morrison, and William C. Walser. There are three Roman Catholic parochial schools on the Island — St. Mary's, at Clifton; St. Rose of Lima, at West New Brighton, and St. Peter's at New Brighton. At Mount Lorretto, in Westfield, there is a large school conducted by the officials connected with the Mis sion of the Immaculate Virgin, of Manhattan. St. Stephen's Home at Green Ridge is a very successful Roman Catholic institution, and is classed with that of Mount Lorretto. CHAPTER XXX. THE QUARANTINE HOSPITALS. HE Colonial Legislature, in 1758, enacted a law creating a quarantine establishment, and located it upon Bedloe's Island, where it remained thirty-eight years, and from which it was removed to Nutten, or Governor's Island. In 1799, the yellow foA^er was brought to New York, and it was decided that the establishment was too near the Metropolis to be of any service in protecting the people. The Legislature then passed an act, providing for the appointment of commissioners to procure a site on Staten Island. They selected a parcel of land containing thirty acres, belonging to St. Andrew's Church, at what is now Tompkinsville. Strong opposition was made not only by the owners of the land, but by the people of the Island generally, to its location here; but it was taken, notwithstanding, by what in law is termed " the right of eminent domain." Hospitals and other necessary buildings were erected, and during the flrst year of its existence on the Island, twenty-flve cases of yel low fever occurred among the people residing outside of its bounda ries, all but one of which proved fatal. Almost every year thereafter contagious diseases, in some form, found victims among the people of Staten Island. In 1848, the number of persons sick from infectious diseases, outside of the Quarantine, amounted to one hundred and eighty. In that year an earnest petition for relief was presented to the Legislature by the people of the Island, and a committee was ap pointed by the Legislature to examine into the matter, and report at the following session. The committee, in 1849, " unhesitatingly recommended the imme diate removal of the quarantine." While the committee was en gaged in performing its duty, the yellow fever again broke out, and extended itself to various other places. In April, an act was passed for the removal of the quarantine establishment from Staten Island to Sandy Hook. The measure had its opponents among the shipping merchants and others in New York, who were not idle; the State of New Jersey also interposed its objections, and the persons appointed by the Ncav York Legislature to carry out its intentions took no ac tion whatever; so that the removal act remained a dead letter upon the statute books. In 1856, the fearful visitations of yellow fever once more aroused the people of Staten Island, and another application for relief was 376 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. made. In March, 1857, another act was passed for the removal of the quarantine from Staten Island, but the opposition of the Commis sioners of Emigration, the Board of Underwriters of New- York, and the shipping interests of the city, again thwarted the beneficent de signs of the Legislature. The precautions adopted by the local au thorities, to protect the citizens and their families from infection, Avere opposed by the Health Officer, and every possible obstacle was throAvn in the way of the local officers, to embaiTass them in the performance of their duties. The quarantine buildings were quite imposing. The largest one in the enclosure w^as three stories high, twenty-eight .by one hundred and thirty-six feet, and had wings twenty-eight by thirty-seven feet at each end. A hospital building near the Avater was three stories high, fifty by fifty-five feet, with wings at each end twenty-six by sixty-six feet. These two buildings were designed to accommodate four hundred patients. The small-pox hospitals were Iavo stories high, twenty-eight by eighty feet, with a piazza running along the front and rear. They were designed to accommodate fifty patients. There were twelve other buildings on the ground, viz. : Flealth Of ficer's residence (still standing), deputy health officer's residence, as sistant physician's house, workhouse, house for bargemen, boat- house, office, carpenters' shop, ice and coal house, Avagon-house and barn. The Board of Health of the Towm of Castleton Avas organized on August 2, 1856, with Richard Christopher as Chairman, and Dr. Isaac Lea as Health Officer. The Health Board was very active, and no doubt had a great deal to do Avith bringing matters up to the cul minating point. Dr. E. C. Alundy was, latcir, appointed Health Officer of the ToAvn, and at times a guard A^'as employed to keep suiweillance over the enclosure, to prevent as far as possible the commerce of its employees Avith the people outside. At a meeting on July 15, 1858, Dr. Alundy, the Health Officer, stated that a persistent determination was manifest to thwart the action of the Board by misrepresentation and ridicule. In order to counteract in some measure the influence of such efforts he made a very earnest statement to the public. Notwithstanding all this, he reports on July 23, that " stevedores and lightermen, and passengers and baggage from infected vessels continue as previously to pass from the quarantine enclosure to other parts of the town and on board our public ferryboats," The spirit of discord between our quarantine authorities and the local Board of Health increased until Dr, Mundy declared his conclusion " that the health authorities of the Port of New York look upon the health and lives of the people of Richmond County as matters of secondary im portance, and hardly worthy their consideration," HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND, 377 Several cases of yellow fever occurred, all of which were directly traceable to violations of the Board of Health rules. It was also evident that great laxity existed in the administration of the quaran tine rules, men being allowed to pass to and from infected vessels whenever they pleased. At a meeting of the Board of Health, on August 19, it was reported that seventeen cases more of yellow fever had occurred outside of the quarantine walls. A district at Tompkinsville Avas then infected Avith yellow fever. Power AAas giv^en to Dr, Alundy, as Health Officer of the Board, to make and attend to the enforcement of such rules and regulations as he thought proper, and the penalty affixed for the violation of such rules in the name of the Board Avas limited at one thousand dollars' fine or two years' imprisonment. On August 27, the Board met again. The infection of yellow fever which was spreading into the town, was clearly caused by the pres ence of a fieet of infected vessels lying at Quarantine, Another cause of the transmission of disease Avas by infected articles being conveyed to the home of one of the employes whose duty it was to bum them. He did not do so, but carried the clothing to his resi dence and there washed it. The whole district lying in the triangle surrounded by the bay, the hospital buildings and Griffin street was infected. Dr. Alundy recommended prompt, decisive action, to pre vent a recurrence of the offense. At a meeting of the Board, on Sep tember 1, the folloAAing resolutions were unan imously passed, and or dered to be published: " Resolved, That the whole Quarantine Es tablishment, located as it is in the midst of a dense population, has become a pest and a nuisance of the most odious character, bring- ^^«" mansion, new Brighton, ing death and desola tion to the very doors of the people of the Towns of Castleton and Southfield, " Resolved, That it is a nuisance too intolerable to be borne by the citizens of these towns any longer. " Resolved, That this Board recommend the citizens of this Toavu 378 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. and County to protect themselves by abating this abominable nui sance without delay." The Quarantine grounds occupied the whole space now bounded by Arietta street, Hyatt street, and Tompkins avenue, down to the Avater. The w^hole place looked very beautiful from the water, hav ing some fine trees, well-kept lawns and gardens and fairly good- looking buildings. A high stone wall extended all the way around the premises, and included the lighthouse grounds. There was but one public place of entry and exit, the same that stands now near the foot of Arietta street. A gate-keeper was on duty there night and day, but people were going in and out all the time. The ferry to New York was but a few yards away, " and people from out of Quarantine came on board the boats and mixed with the other passengers all the time. In fact, the establishment was only a part of the village of Tompkins ville. A number of men were employed inside, especially when there were many ships coming in, and as the pay was extra, and the living good, there were always plenty trying to get it. It was easy to scale the wall from the inside and go into the village at night, and it was done all the time." Quarantined ships anchored in front of the hospitals, opposite where the cotton docks are now located, and the ferryboats passed through them going to and returning from the city. Prom these ships, which were all sailers then, there was constantly thrown over board all the refuse of every kind, and the shore was constantly strewn with old beds, on which perhaps sick people had lain; foul clothes, dirty vessels, and filth of every kind. " Those who see steerage passengers only in steamers, as we now have them," wrote Dr. Frederick Hollick, " can form no idea of what they were Avhen packed by hundreds in tiers of bunks, down in the holds of sailing ships. Each party broug'ht its own provisions, which they cooked as best they could, at a galley on deck, and tin bottles of water were given out each day, a gallon to serve so many people, for all purposes. It can be imagined, perhaps, what this led to when the hatches had to be shut down, in bad weather, and this seething mass of humanity and decaying provisions left for days and nights together in almost totally unventilated darkness, for lights were too dangerous to be allowed under such conditions. Some of these voy ages lasted six weeks and even longer, and the state, both of the people and of the ships, was simply horrible. On many of them a disease broke out called ship fever, of which hundreds died, both on board, in the quarantine hospitals, and in the village. Even yellow fever ships were often among the rest, or close by, and one of these caused an outbreak of the disease. The vessel was anchored opposite Stapleton, and one afternoon there suddenly arose a most dreadful HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 379 stench, which was smelt all over the village, and made everyone feel sick. They were pumping out the bilge water, which seemed to be the very essence of everything abominable and pestiferous. An old sea captain who lived by me remarked at once, ' That's a yellow fever stink.' And so it turned out, for many sickened at once, and two of my immediate neighbors died from it." On the night of the 31st of July, 1858, about thirty men met on Port Hill, for the express purpose of taking the law in their own hands. They were some of the leading citizens of the Island. There was no disorder, and in all that they said and did, proved themselves not only gentlemen, but citizens of a free country, understanding their common rights, and determined to maintain them at all hazards. Port Hill was then covered with trees, on one of Avhich hung a red lantern, and around which the men gathered. A chairman was se lected, and a communication was read from the Board of Health, ¦declaring the nuisance no longer bearable, and directing its removal. This was sufficient, and the work was immediately begun. The place where the red lantern was hung, and the final meeting held, was on the very spot where the reservoir uoav is. There were then no houses thereabouts, except the foAv in Third avenue, and no streets in either direction, between Westervelt and Monroe avenues, all that space being Dr. Westervelt's farm. The old Westervelt man sion stood where the Benzinger residence now is. Two days before a cart drove up to Dr. Hollick's house on Fort Hill, and dumped down by the side fence a load of bundles of straw and some boxes, filled with bottles of camphine, and boxes of matches. When the meeting dispersed, a number of the best-known citizens took each a bundle of straw, a box of matches and a bottle of cam phine, and wended their way down the hill. At that time there was no way to reach the upper end of the Quarantine ground, at the top of Hyatt street, but by going around by Tompkinsville or New Brigh ton, as there was no public thoroughfare across the Westervelt farm, which lay between, and this upper corner was the only unguardecl point. " To go around, either way," writes Dr, Hollick, " would have made .all known, and resistance would have been prepared. Dr. Wester velt had a private road across his land, beginning at the top of the present Horton's row, and ending in the present Fort place, with a gate at each end, and that night both gates were left open, so that the procession of men with their bundles of straw went straight across unseen by anyone, and. came out just where they wished, at the corner opposite the church. The whole Quarantine ground was sur rounded by a high brick wall, of which a portion is still left at the bottom of Hyatt street on one side of the Lighthouse grounds. This wall would have been a great impediment, for it was too high to get 380 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. over. But the day before someone had dumped at that corner a load of wooden beams with handles to them, so that half a dozen men on each side could take, one and use it as a battering-ram, which in fact they did, and soon had enough of the wall demolished to let in all who chose to enter. The place was soon well filled, and the work begun, but the officials and employes were at once on the alert, and not a few shots were heard, but the resistance was soon seen to be hopeless and given up. " There were numerous buildings about the place, many unoc cupied, and these were soon on fire. The large hospital for the men, with the wooden statue of a sailor on top, was the next, after it had been cleared of everything, even to a cat and a canary bird. There were only three yellow fever patients, and these were carefully car ried out and placed on beds under an open shed, for it was a very warm night, and they laid enjoying the scene, and being well at tended to. I believe they all recovered, and no one Avas taken sick from being in contact with them." As soon as the flre was well under way, the old bell which hung in the grounds was violently rung, and people came there in force, even from as far as Richmond. It also brought out the fire companies, and the firemen insisted on being admitted to the grounds, to help put out the fire, but the gate-keeper refused to open the gate, and they could not get in in any other way. Finally the hook-and-ladder was hooked on to the gate, the crowd took hold, and with a rush down came the gate, and in rushed the crowd. It was then found that the hose was cut, and the engines remained idle, but the crowd was not. In tearing down the gate part of the cap-stone of one of the pillars w^as broken, as may be seen to-day. The gate-keeper's house burnt down along with the others, as was also a row at the top of Arietta street. These fronted on the street, but their back-doors opened into the Quarantine grounds, and in them lived many of the em ployes. We quote further from Dr. Hollick : " This was all that was done the first night, and it was thought this would be sufficient warning to the State officials to set about removing the establishment, but the next day it Avas rumored that they were going to send down a guard and re-erect the hospitals. Ou the next night another meeting Avas held, in the Quarantine grounds, and the other buildings, one after another, were also set on fire, after seeing that no one Avas in them. One of these was used as a hotel, where the doctor boarded patients. So thoroughly was the work done, on this second night, that but little remained for another, and when all was over police and soldiers were sent down to guard the ruins. There was no con cealment about the act, and all Avas done orderly and under sanction of law." HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 381 After all was destroyed the wall Avas rebuilt, and' a number of temporary buildings were erected in Aviiich the Quarantine Avas car ried on. A broad platform Avas built on top of this Avail, on Avhich sentinels paced night and day. A number of regiments of the State Alilitia Avere called out, and took turns at guarding the place. Alar- tial laAV was established. These summary proceedings of the people of Staten Island pro duced great excitement everywhere in this part of the country. The people engaged in them Avere termed in the public prints barbarians, savages, incarnate fiends, sejioys, and, in fact, no epithets w^ere con sidered too vile to be applied to them. But they were all borne with equanimity, sustained by the consciousness that sooner or later there Avould be a revolution in public opinion. A public meeting of the inhabitants of Staten Island Avas called for the 20th of September, " to interchange views in relation to the then recent events connected Avith the Quarantine, to lay before the public a correct and reliable statement of the facts of the case, and to take such steps as their duty in the emergency might require." The call Avas numerously signed by the most respectable citizens of the Island, and was responded to by the largest concourse of people that had ever assembled in the county up to that time. Dr. John T. Harrison Avas called to preside, and Colonel Nathan Barrett, George W. Jewett, James Guyon, Daniel B. Allen, Dr. E. AA''. Hubbard and Garrett P. Wright acted as A^'ice-Presidents. A committee was appointed for the purpose of preparing a report, consisting of the folloAving gentlemen : Lot C. Clark, William Emer son, George Wotherspoon, Nathan Barrett, Francis George ShaAv, Daniel Low and N. Dane Ellingwood. We quote from the report : " In the opinion of your committee, the recent destruction of the < Quarantine buildings on this Island, the studied efforts of interested parties to pervert the facts and bias the public mind in relation to such destruction, and, above all, the strange proclamation of His Ex cellency the Governor of the State, indiscriminately censuring the entire county, and declaring it to be in a state of insurrection, require - that a calm and reliable statement of facts should be presented by the citizens of this Island to their fellow-citizens of the State, by AAiiich their conduct may be understood. " The institution was managed quite as much with a view to the increase of the princely revenue of the Health Officer as to the pres ervation of the public health. Coasting vessels coming from South of Cape Henlopen, as well as all vessels from foreign ports, some times numbering between one and two hundred a day, were sub jected to visitation at enormous expense. The exclttsiA^e privilege of lightering was given to a monopoly. Shiploads of passengers from foreign and domestic ports were unnecessarily quarantined for days, 382 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. and compelled to pay large sums for board and the most trifling ac commodations. In many instances, it is alleged, persons and vessels so quarantined were, for a pecuniary consideration, permitted to leave their anchorage, and proceed to the City of New York. The Quarantine grounds were frequently overcrowded, the sick and well Avere placed in dangerous proximity to each other, and promiscuous intercourse was permitted between those inside and outside the walls. All this time there were published in the daily papers, and in the reports of the Health Officer to the Board of Health of Ncav York, the most exaggerated statements of the rigid enforcement of the Quarantine regulations. " Your committee unhesitatingly recommend that the citizens of Richmond County steadily insist upon the enforcement of the law of 1857, passed for the Quarantine removal, and present a firm, united and determined resistance to the permanent re-establishment of the burnt hospitals." A series of resolutions were presented by Judge Emerson which, together with the report of the committee, Avere unanimously adopt ed, and addresses were made by Messrs. AlvJn C. Bradley, N. Dane Ellingwood, George William Curtis, and Dr. William C. Anderson. On the 14th of September, 1858, the Attorney-General, at the re quest of Governor King, came to Staten Island, and co-operating with the District-Attorney of Richmond County, instituted criminal pro ceedings against Ra.y Tompkins and John C. Thompson, before County Judge Henry B. Aletcalfe, for arson, in the destruction of the Quarantine buildings on the nights of the 1st and 2d of Septem ber. The complaint was made by Dr. Bissell, physician of the Marine Hospital, and the parties were arrested on warrants. A protracted and thorough examination of the whole matter was gone into, the people being represented by Hon. Lyman Termaine, Attorney-Gen eral; Hon. R. W. Peckham, associate; and Hon. Alfred de Groot, District- Attorney of Richmond County. The prisoners were defended by Hon Gilbert Dean and William H. Anthon, Esq. The investigation was continued, with occasional adjournments, until the 7th of October, Avhen the testimony was summed up and the cause submitted. Judge Metcalfe rendered a lengthy opinion, from which we quote : " On the nights of the first and second of September last, the Quarantine buildings of the Port of New Y^ork, situate at Tompkins ville, were consumed by fire, which human agency intentionally com municated. " The prisoners are charged with the act, and are arraigned for arson. Without actually confessing, but, certainly, without very strenuously denying any agency, they allege, that the Quarantine, as it was, and had for a long time been conducted, was a public nuisance, dangerous to the health, and, in many cases, fatal to the HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 383 lives of the community where it stood; and that, therefore, the acts complained of were done in obedience to a great public necessity, oy which the actors are exonerated from all blame. " The statute under which this examination is conducted makes it the duty of the magistrate, if he shall be of opinion that a crime had been perpetrated, and that there is probable cause to believe the prisoners guilty of it, to commit them. On this testimony, there can be no difficulty in believing that the prisoners AAere probably either principals or accessories; and the only question remaining is, whether those transactions constitute a crime. " The arson is charged to have been committed on buildings. But it could not be arson in the first degree, because, though some of them were inhabited dwelling-houses, and although they were burned in the night-time, yet the proof fails to show that there was in them at the time any human being. Nor do I see any reason for supposing the property to be that which is made the subject of arson in the second degree. The statute which seems to cover the present case is that Avhich enacts ' that every person who shall willfully set fire to or burn in the night-time the house of another not the subject of arson in the first or second degree; * * * any public buildings belonging to the people of this State, or to any county, city, town or village, * * * shall, upon conviction, be adjudged guilty of arson in the third de gree.' " After revioAving the management of the hospitals, Judge Metcalfe adds: " Senator Sherman says, truly, ' The best elementary w^iiters lay down the principle, and adjudications upon adjudications have for centuries sustained, sanctioned, and upheld it, that in a case of actual necessity, to prevent the actual spreading of a flre, the ravages of a pestilence, or any other great public calamity, the private property of any individual may be lawfully destroyed for the relief, protection, or safety of the many, without subjecting the actors to personal re sponsibility for the damages which the owner may have sustained.' " I am of opinion no crime has been committed; that the act, the necessity of which all must deplore, was yet a necessity not caused by any act or omission of those upon whom it was imposed; and that this summary deed of self-protection justified by that necessity, and therefore by law, was resorted to only after every other proper re source was exhausted. * * * There is yet another ground on which the prisoners should be discharged. On the testimony, there is, I think, no doubt that the Quarantine establishment situated where it was, must always be a nuisance of the most aggravated character." " Undoubtedly the City of New York is entitled to all the protection in the matter that the State can give consistently with the health of 384 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. others; she has no right to more," says Judge Aletcalfe, in conclusion. " Her great advantages are attended by correspondent inconven iences; her great public works by great expenditures; her great for eign commerce by the infection it brings. But the Legislature can no more apportion upon the surrounding communities her dangers than her expenses; no more compel them to do her dying than to pay her taxes; neither can be done. I think the prisoners should be discharged." On the 14th of September, the Castleton Board of Health passed resolutions that immediate steps should be taken to prevent the re- establishment of the Quarantine buildings, and appointed a com mittee to legally restrain the Board of Health of the City of New York and the Health Commissioners and Commissioners of Emigration " from re-enacting the said hospitals, buildings and shanties — or in doing any act by Avhich the said nuisance may be established, con tinued or maintained " in the Town of Castle ton." The Quarantine es- tablishm e n t was never rebuilt at Tompkinsville. Some time previous, how ever, the farm and handsome residence of Joel Wolfe, at Se guine's Point, Prince's Bay, had been pur chased, and the old residence and various buildings on the premises were fitted up for hospitals. The once-handsome law^n, too, was made the receptacle of the dead. The same unwarranted carelessness that had characterized the manage ment of the hospitals at Tompkinsville, prevailed at Seguine's Point. Disease soon found its victims among the citizens of AA'estfield, and consternation prevailed. The people of Westfield exercised less leniency and patience than did their neighbors at the upper end of the Island. They held a num ber of quiet meetings at Pleasant Plains, and at other points near by, and resolved to face the fiercest punishment the law could in flict to banish the scourge and protect their homes. The late Eugene B. Halle, be it said to the honor of his memory, was one of the lead ing spirits in the removal of the hospitals from Seguine's Point. THE TOWNSEND CASTLE, CLIFTON. HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 385 Captain Abraham Latourette was also one of the leaders. When the Westfleld people were ready to act, they Avere given the signal by a trusted scout, and several citizens repaired to the scene. All the officials of the hospital were absent but a French nurse and some assistants. Smoke was soon seen issuing from one of the buildings, and it was thought that the others would ignite and be destroyed. After ar ranging so that no life would be endangered, the crowd departed. James Alorrison, the farmer, seeing the smoke from a distance, has tened to the burning building, and with the aid of the Frenchman, succeeded in extinguishing the flames. This made the attacking party all the more determined. In a day or so they returned and re newed the attack. The main building, a beautiful structure, was set on flre, and in a short time was a heap of smouldering ruins. The excitement Avas intense. The " scout " reported that two or three buildings were still standing, and the " vigilantes " again set to work, and the stable and wagon-house also disappeared. About all that remained now was the cook-house and wash-house, and on the folloAving day, they, too, melted into ashes. The actors in this tragedy moved with the utmost precaution. In the daylight they scarcely recognized each other as they met. Detectives infested the community. One day it was rumored that the reward offered for the " vigi lantes " was too great a temptation for one of the number, and it was thought that he gave the secrets to the detectives. It was im possible at the time to guard against the traitor, because he was not known; in fact, it was years before it was positively known who it was that had been so untrue to his neighbors. A detective was set to work, during the excitement, by the " vigilantes," to learn the se crets of the other detectives, and it became known one day that Cap tain Latourette was to be arrested, but too late to permit him to escape. A writ of habeas corpus was procured, however, and placed in the hands of Sheriff Isaac M. Marsh, who was to " produce the body of Abraham Latourette." The detectives had Captain Latourette in their possession, and were on their way to the city with him., in the old stage coach. The Captain owned a very fast and valuable horse, and this, attached to a light carriage, was turned over to the Sheriff, who drove the noble animal up to Vanderbilt's landing, where he arrived just as the stage reached that point, and thus prevented the detectives from getting off the Island with their prisoner. Judge Aletcalfe at once liberated Captain Latourette. The Quarantine authorities built several shanties on the Wolfe estate, which they intended should serve the purpose of hospitals until suitable buildings could be erected. But these were no sooner 386 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND, in readiness than the torch was applied, and all were destroyed. The unmistakable determination of the people of Westfield settled the question forever. Then a floating hospital was arranged and anchored in the Lower Bay, in 1860, and later hospitals were erected on two artificial is lands — known respectively as Hoffman and Swinburne Islands — in the Lower Bay, nearly opposite New Dorp, but far enough from Staten Island to give freedom from apprehensions of infectious communica tions. In April, 1860, the Legislature enacted a law, authorizing a com mission to investigate the damage sustained by the State in the de struction of the Quarantine hospitals. The commission met in June, and after an extended inquiry, made their award, fixing the whole amount at |121,598.39. The Supervisors of Richmond County, in De cember, accepted the award, and soon after issued bonds of the county to meet this demand. These v/ere given to the Commissioners of Emigration, who sold them as occasion required, and appropriated the proceeds to the expenses of their work. By an act of the Legisla ture, passed in 1870, the bonds then remaining, to the amount of |10,725, were ordered to be surrendered and cancelled by the Comp troller. The site at Tompkinsville, to-day, of the pest-houses, retains noth ing of the period of which we have written, save the old residence of the Health Officer. Central avenue runs directly through where the lake and burying-ground were once located, while Baltimore Block ex tends along the front from that point down to the railroad. The bodies buried within these grounds were taken up several years ago, and re-interred in Cooper's Cemetery. For a long time the burying-ground at Seguine's Point remained a very dangerous nuisance. The victims of infectious diseases were buried there in the most careless manner imaginable. After a de termined flght on the part of some of the newspapers, aided by cer tain citizens, a law was passed by the Legislature, a few years ago, compelling the removal of all the bodies from that place, and their consumption in the crematory on Swinburne Island. The Quarantine of to-day is far different from that of the olden time. The Department is, beyond doubt, one of the best equipped and most vigilant in the whole world. It is next to an impossibility for contagious diseases to creep in, and a feeling of perfect security is one of the blessings of this favored land. The boarding station is located in the Nanows, a short distance above Fort Wadsworth. The present officials of the Quarantine are : Dr. Alvah H. Doty, Health Officer of the Port; Dr. Eugene B. Sanborn, and Dr. John B. L'Hommedieu, assistants; Alexander G. Hall, private secretary; Ed ward AI. Skinner, fumigating expert; Daniel Deane, superintendent; Richard Lee, Marine representative of the Associated Press. CHAPTER XXXI. STATEN ISLAND DURING THE REBELLION. EING SO near to the great Metropolis, it was natural that Staten Island should have keenly felt the public pulsation of the first hours of the Avar. We vividly recall those ex citing scenes in April, 1861, when all places of public resort overflowed with eager, inquiring multitudes; when startling bulletins met the eye at every turn, and the telegraph flashed the detail to every hamlet, until at last every vestige of doubt was re moved, the last feeling of hope thrust aside, and the nation aAvoke from its long dream of peace to the terrible realities of intestine war. One of the flrst acts of hostility in which Staten Island was directly concerned, was the seizure of the schooner " S. W. Lutrell," of this lilace, at Norfolk, Virginia, for violation of the inspection laAvs of that State, for preventing the escape of fugitive slaves. A large Union meeting was held at Tottenville on Saturday, the 26th of January. A banner was raised, bearing upon it the motto, " The Constitution and the Union," and the most enthusiastic ex pressions of devotion to country were given. Cannons were fired in honor of the Union, of General Scott and of Major Anderson. Preparations were made to meet the expected call for troops in April. Staten Island began thus early to assume a martial air. Uni formed men were common on our streets, and from every hamlet re cruits Avere rallying in response to the call. On the 20th of the month, a number of Staten Islanders who had enlisted in the Seventy-first regiment, had gone South. A number enlisted in the Sixty-ninth, Seventy-third and other regiments then organizing. It is generally believed that the first volunteer from Staten Island was " Jerry " Reardon, who, notwithstanding his advanced age, is still in the serAice of the Rapid Transit Perry Company, in the capacity of policeman. Throughout the month of April the work of organizing the Seventy- third Regiment was carried on on the Island, It was commanded by Colonel Minthorne Tompkins, An independent company was organ ized at Stapleton, known as the Middletown Guard, which was com manded by Captain Stahl. A mass meeting was held on the old Quarantine grounds at Tomp kinsville, on Saturday, April 27, to take prompt action in raising 388 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. volunteers. Addresses were delivered by Lot C. Clark and Henry J. Raymond. Wilson's Zouaves and other organizations were encamped on the Quarantine grounds at Tompkinsville at the time. " They were marched out and drawn up in line at this meeting," said a former writer, " and much of the speaking was addressed to them." Staten Island soon became a rendezvous for imperfect regiments, which remained here until their quotas were filled and they were ready to be mustered into the Federal service. The novelty caused at first by this state of aft'airs had now worn away, and everybody was looking the stern realities of war squarely in the face. The subscriptions, in the Town of Castleton alone, up to the end of November, 1861, for the families of soldiers at the front, amounted to |3,250. The number of men who had enlisted from the tow^n was one hundred and twentj^-eight. Sixty-four families were cared for. The County Court House, at Richmond, was the scene of a memor able event on the 13th day of November. Citizens assembled to ar range for their neighbors who were on the tented field. A committee Avas appointed to obtain blankets, mittens, stockings, and various other useful articles. A meeting was held in Dempsy's Hall, Factoryville, on September 2, with a view to organizing a company, at Avhich fifty young men signed the roll. Forty-two recruits belonging to Colonel Tompkins' regiment left Port Richmond on the 23d of the month, to join the command at Poolsville, Maryland. The folloAving is the list: Peter Pero, Lewis D. Johnson, John E. Johnson, Joseph B. John son, John J. Simonson, James H. Munson, Daniel Mallett, Eugene Daly, Henry D. Spong, Alexander Pitzsimons, EdAvard AI. Sharrott, Jeremiah Leary, Charles Steers, Thomas J. Gushing, George P. Bur bank, James H. Simonson, Jacob T. Seizor, Cornelius Degraff, Will iam D. Maskell, Charles H. King, W'illiam Eccles, Joseph K. Plant, Henry Sharp, Joseph B. Barnes, Joseph L. Thompson, James Post, Isaac Lockman, James B. Burbank, Simon Y. N, Decker, C. P. B. Slaight, Jr., Henry Mersereau, Cornelius Martineau, Jacob Lockman, Albert Mason, Mathius B, Stewart, James B, Halliday, Albion Noble, John Reynolds, Abraham Turner, Francis AI, Tarsney, William H, Fullagar, Arthur Haughian, George Conner, Thomas Conner, Joseph Simonson, Henry T. Paulson, Henry Decker, Samuel Warrender, John AV, Tynan, James Simonson, Thomas Flannelly, Prigero Gassq, and John .R, Green, The Governor issued an order relative to raising another quota of men and the Supervisors met in July to take action. The recruiting sections were made up of Senatorial districts. The following mem bers of the committee were appointed for Richmond County : Colonel Nathan Barrett, Captain Richard Christopher, William H, A^'ander- FIISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 389 bilt, John Bechtel, William Corry, Henry N. Norris and EdAvard Banker. During July, a number of Staten Islanders enlisted in the Seventy- ninth Regiment, familiarly known as the " Highlanders." A mass meeting was held at Port Richmond on August 11. Seven hundred and eighty-four men were required of Staten Island, An eloquent address was delivered by the Hon, Erastus Brooks, after Avhich a bounty of fifty dollars each was offered to volunteers. Enlistments and subscriptions floAved in. Other meetings Avere held throughout the Island. Alass meetings were also held in the various toAvus in August, for JACQUES MANSION, POKT RICHMOND, the purpose of encouraging enlistment and raising subscriptions to pay a bounty of fifty dollars to volunteers and to furnish aid for their families. There was one at Elm Park on the 16th, at which two thou sand persons were present. The Supervisors were called upon to raise by taxation ten thousand dollars. In New Brighton a similar meeting was held on the 18th, at Avhich over three thousand dollars was subscribed. Another meeting of the people of Castleton was held on the 21st, at Factoryville, The relief fund had already dispensed above five thousand dollars, and at this time had more than one hundred families dependent upon it. The citizens of Middletown held a meeting on the 20th, at which 390 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND, the Supervisors were called upon to appropriate twenty thousand dollars. The people of AVestfield adopted a resolution to raise a company of seventy-five men. The Supervisors met on the 27th, and decided to issue bonds to the amount of twenty thousand dollars, the pro ceeds of wiiich should be used for the payment of extra bounties and relief for the families of volunteers, A new company, mostly from Castleton, was formed, with Louis Schaffner as captain; Orsille D, Jewett, first lieutenant, and Clar ence T, Barrett, second lieutenant. Recruiting stations were estab lished at Dempsey's hotel, Factoryville, and at John JoAvett & Sons' white lead works in Port Richmond, An extra bounty of fifty dollars each was paid to volunteers. The company's barracks w^ere erected at the corner of Broadway and Church street, in Port Richmond, On August 30, a county mass meeting Avas held at Clifton Park. Addresses were delivered by Judge Henry B, Metcalfe, who presided, George William Curtis, General Busteed, Hon, Erastus Brooks, and others. The war committee of this senatorial district met at Jamaica, on Thursday the 4th of September, 1862, to aid in the organization of a regiment of volunteers, and to equalize the quotas of the several counties of the district and apportion any deficiencies in the counties among the towns that composed them. In this committee Richmond County was represented by Hon, Smith Ely, William Corry, Nathan Barrett, William H- Vanderbilt, and Henry Lee Norris, It was re solved to recognize Colonel Tompkins' regiment. Recruiting stations were established in various parts of the Island. Spinola's Brigade was being organized at East Noav York, and, in September, a number of Staten Islanders enlisted in it. By the mid dle of the month fears of the draft subsided, as the quotas were nearly full. The material of the Island had become greatly exhausted by the latter part of October, and Colonel Tompkins' regiment filled up very slowiy. It was then that Inspector-General A^an Vechten gave the order for three of its companies to be transferred to the One Hundred and Fifty-sixth Regiment, from Ulster County, then encamped in New York. Accordingly, on the 13th and 14th of November, the com panies commanded by Captains Schaffner, Shelton and Vaughn were transferred. This gave rise to great dissatisfaction, and much excitement pre vailed, amounting almost to a riot. In the midst of the tumult one man was stabbed in the back with a bayonet. The remaining Island companies of Colonel Tompkins' regiment became disordered and took to the woods and hills, leaving the camp at Factoryville almost deserted, being occupied by only about forty officers and men. While HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 391 in this condition, on Monday morning, the 17th, the banacks took fire and Avere nearly destroyed. I'he Richmond County regiment, containing six hundred and fifty men, Avas broken up. The remain ing companies were transferred to the One Hundred and Fifty- seventh. Of these, two companies, under command of Captains Mark Cox and William Hildebraiidt, were mainly composed of Staten Is land men. Coloiui Tompkins w'as offered a position as lieutenant- colonel in the One Hundred and Fifty-eighth, but declined. The pro.spect of a draft again began to agitate the people. Finally the day Avas appointed for the draAving to take place, and Judge Henry B. Aletcalfe Avas appointed commissioner for superintending it, and Dr. William G. Eadie, of Port Richmond, examining surgeon. These officials sat daily at the Surrogate's office, in Richmond, from October 22 until the day before the draft Avas to take place, to hear any claims of persons liable to military duty for exemption. Especial efforts prevented the necessity of a draft. The following report was shown at the meeting of the Senatorial district committee, held at Jamaica, on the 6th of November : ToAAms. Quota, Enlisted. Aliddletown 193 211 Castleton ' 209 241 Southfield 113 123 Northfield 150 127 Westfield 123 94 County 788 796 The following is the list of men recruited by First Lieutenant Charles G, Smith, of Company B, One Hundred and Thirty-second Regiment: Prom Southfield: William Church, Edw^ard Henkle, Bryan Carney, EdAvard Jaspart, Peter Schmidt, MicldletoAAm : Casper Elmer, William Elmer, James Foley, Patrick Gorman, Smith W. Higgins, Kobert Houston, AA^'illiam L, Ludlum, George Lambert, Con rad Lieba^cher, Edward B. Alurray, Thomas McKee, Charles Ockhert, Bernard Schmidt, Theodore Simonson, Frederick W. Taxter, Addison White, John AVilliams. The folloAving Avere recruited at Port Richmond, by First Lieu tenant David Stothers, afterward captain of Company K, of the same regiment: Northfield: Charles H. Jones, Jacob V, P, Long, Corne lius Jones, sergeants; Charles J, Elms, Freeman AV, -Jones, corporals; Charles Applebee, William G. E, Decker, John R, Patterson, Joseph Emery, William Durrua, George W. Smith, James AV. Housman, John H. Leonard. Castleton: James Mahoney, David AlcConnell, George Turner. Southfield : Gilbert H, Randolph, 392 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND, The above were discharged at the disbandment of the regiment. The following Avere discharged previously : Hiram 0. Decker, John A. Taylor, Hyacinth Burke, Michael Val- liere, Andrew P. Van Pelt, John B. Corson, and Garrett E. Van Pelt, of Northfield; William C. Dunn, of Southfield, and Joseph H. Caine, of Castleton, for disability; Richard C. Johnson, Nicholas Cubberly, A''reeland Johnson, Bedell Jones, John Brinley, and Peter S. Brinley, of Northfield, transferred to the navy; Henry Valliere, of Northfield, to be hospital steward; Henry B. Tibbetts, of Northfield, to United States Signal Corps; Charles E. Smith, of Castleton, to the Ninety- ninth Regiment, New York Volunteers; Jacob Bowman, of North- field, killed at Bachelor's Creek, North Carolina; Edward V. Ford, sergeant, of Northfield; Benjamin B. Kinsey, sergeant, of Northfield; Abram B, Housman, of Castleton; George Davis, of Northfield; James Wilson, of Castleton, and Aaron Beatty, died in Anderson ville prison; Jacob R. Decker and William W. Stillwell, of North- field; Isaac B. Lewis and James G. Wogiom, of Westfield, died of disease contracted in service, and James Shaunessy, deserted. Company B, of Colonel Tompkins' regiment, became Company K of the One Hundred and Fifty-sixth, Captain Shelton resigned at Long Island. After that the officers were. Captain James J. Hoyt, of Castleton; First Lieutenant Alagnus Bouscher, and Second Lieu tenant Edward Openshaw, of New Brighton. The Iavo fonner served through the war, but the latter resigned in June, 1864. First Ser geant Charles Webster, of Middletown, was promoted to captain, and remained, being later a captain in the regular army. William Seaton, sergeant, of Castleton, was promoted to the rank of captain. John J. Farrell, of Castleton, sergeant, returned from a Confederate prison at the close of the Avar, having been captured at Cedar Creek. John Peterson, private, became first sergeant; Isaac Pullager, corporal, and Evan Riley, of Castleton, served through the war; Michael Cotter, of Castleton, Avas discharged; William Gill, of Castleton, and Cor nelius Sullivan, drummer, served through the war. The Supervisors authorized an additional loan of twenty thousand dollars, in January, 1863, for the payment of bounties and relief. One hundred and twenty-two recruits had enlisted. Eighty-eight recruits in Northfield had received fifty dollars each, and ten dollars each Avas paid for recruiting them. Westfield spent five thousand one hundred and forty dollars for the same purpose. Richmond County's quota in the call of 1863 was for four hundred men. Those appointed to make the enrollment under the conscrip tion act of that year were: For Castleton, EdAvard Jones; Aliddle town, John J. Clute; Northfield, Simon Haughwout, and Southfield, John Jacobson, A writer of the time said : " The celebrated draft riots of July, HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND, 393 1863, filled the Island with horrors. The public mind was in a state of high fermentation. Riot was in the air, and it would seem that men hardly knew what they did. For two years the public mind here had been almost constantly wrought up to fever heat, and now the prospect of a draft being made to fill the quota of four hundred men in this county, under the recent call, but few of whom were already enlisted, made a strain upon the public nerve which it was in a poor condition to bear with tranquillity. For a moment the steady arm of patriotism seemed to falter, weakened as it had been by the drain upon it, caused by the Avithdrawal of hundreds from the community to the field of Avar. " Sober counsels wavered, and the infiuence of men of means wa.i weak, because of the obnoxious clause in the conscription act, which promised exemption to all drafted men who should pay three hundred dollars. In this weak moment the baser elements of society gathered strength, and disor- attempted to the AV h e e 1 s organized der block of ment." In this critical mo ment the innocent colored population were among the first to receive the demo niacal thrusts of un chained hatred, and from day to day there were serious depreda tions committed on both the North and East shores. A mass meeting was held at Clifton on Wednesday, July 15, 1863, and was in charge of Messrs. William Shaw, Dwight Townsend and Air. Fellows. It was largely attended by laboring men from the fortifications. The public mind was great ly excited. The Rev. Father Lewis, of St. Alary's Roman Catholic Church, addressed the meeting with conciliatory language, earnestly pleading with his audience to respect the law, while he assured them that no unjust demands would be made. DAvight Towusend, Robert Christie, Jr., and Mr. Hull also made addresses, after which resolu tions were adopted, calling upon the Governor to, without delay, have the constitutionality of this Conscription Act tested before our State Courts. CORTELYOU HOMESTEAD, GREEN RIDGE, 394 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. Handbills were immediately issued by the officials of the town of Southfield, announcing that " the draft had been stopped," and this timely and thoughtful action probably averted another riot. A serious affray occurred at Vanderbilt landing on the 20th. In the early eA''ening, two or three soldiers were in a saloon, when one of them fired his m.usket at a boy. This encouraged some others who were present to such an extent, that they set upon the soldiers and beat them so badly as to leave them for dead, A train of cars came up just then, having on board a company of soldiers, who came out and commenced firing upon the crowd. They no doubt took the crowd to be a mob gathering, aud determined to scatter it. In doing so, their shot took effect in the body of Charles Alurphy, with such force that he died shortly after. About ten men were arrested by the soldiers and taken to camp. One or both of the soldiers who began the disturbance, died within a few days. The Courts were subsequently kept busy settling the various suits for damages sustained by the rioters. Total amount of damages aAvarded, $17,207.99. Added to this was an outlay of about ten thousand dollars incurred in contesting these claims. The Supervisors authorized the County Treasurer to raise fifty thousand dollars, by the issue of county bonds, " to be appropriated as might be necessary in proAiding for those who might be drafted and were not able to pay the exemption fee of three hundred dollars, under the Conscription Act which, it AA''as expected, would be en forced in the First Senatorial district." On the 30th of August the draft took place at Jamaica. Richmond County's enrollment numbered 2,205, and was distributed among the towns thus: Castleton, 559; Southfield, 463; Northfield, 444; West- field, 438; Middletown, 301. From this number five hundred and ninety-four were to be drawn, which included fifty per cent,, to make up for deficiency which might result from exemption. This draft, so far as gaining men for the service was concerned, amounted to very little, A majority took advantage of the three hundred dollar clause. The five hundred and ninety-four men, called for in the quota, were accounted for as follows : Seventy-four were aliens; ten furnished substitutes; ninety-four were exempt for phys ical disability; one hundred and three were exempt for other causes; one hundred and sixty-two commuted, and one hundred and fifty failed to report. President Lincoln issued another call for troops in October, 1863, which Avas to be filled by January 5, 1864, The quota for Richmond County was as follows: Castleton, seventy-seven; Southfield, sixty- five; Northfield, sixty-two; Westfield, sixty-two; Aliddletown, forty- two. The Supervisors called a mass meeting at the County Court House on December 19, " to give popular expression to the means FIISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND, 395 to be adojited to meet the call," Resolutions were adopted, appeal ing to the Supervisors to " raise one hundred and tAventy thousand dollars, or as much of that sum as might be necessarj^, and to pay each volunteer, drafted man or substitute, counting in the quota, four hundred dollars, and to open a recruiting office in each town, and to appoint suitable persons to attend to the same," The quota Avas filled early in March. In Alarch, 1864, came another call for troops. The Supervisors met on the 18th, and decided to " contract with some responsible party to fill the quota of one hundred men which belonged to this county to furnish," The Board published, on the following day, an adver tisement, inviting parties wishing to contract for filling the (luota, to present themselAes Avith their sureties at a meeting appointed for the 22d instant. The authorities ordered a draft on April 15, un less the quota Avas filled by that time. The Supervisors had already offered a bounty of three hundred and fifty dollars each for recruits — " two hundred dollars of which was to be paid to the recruit and one hundred and fifty dollars to the party who should procure him." The month of April witnessed the completion of this task. In May, a new enrollment of persons liable to do military duty was ordered, and the work w-as commenced on the first of June, The President called for five hundred thousand men in July, Another mass meet ing was held in Clifton Park on the 26th, w-lien resolutions were adopted " placing the entire business of raising money and filling the quota in the hands of the Supervisors, and calling upon them to exercise those duties." The committee, w-hich had been appointed to solicit subscriptions to a loan, reported to the Supervisors on August 8, that they had secured seventy-five thousand dollars. The quota for the county, under this call, was: Middletown, 123; Southfield, 70; Westfield, 77; Castleton, 154; Northfield, 119; total, 543, On the 22d of August, the Supervisors established a recruiting office at Nautilus Hall, Tompkinsville, and offered " |200 for each recruit, and |200 addi tional to the agent or broker procuring him, or -1400 to every man liable to draft who should secure a substitute to be credited to the county. For |600 deposited Avith the Supervisors, by any citizen liable to draft, before September 5, they would undertake to pro cure a substitute for him, such substitutes to be supplied in the order in which applications and deposits were made," One great drawback was that the prices mentioned were insuf ficient to procure the needed recruits, and so an advance was made until seven hundred dollars a man was paid. Later in September the quota was still one hundred and eighty short, and there Avas no ready money in the county treasury to meet the emergency. In this extremity the Supervisors exchanged county bonds for recruits, and 396 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND, the quota Avas fllled, though a form of drafting was commenced on the 3d of October. A memorable scene was witnessed at the County Court House on January 6, 1865, when a mass meeting was called " to provide for raising the quota under the call of December 19." The people had assembled so often under like circumstances, that the strain had be come almost unbearable. The Supervisors, however, were instructed to flII the quota, and raise the money necessary to the credit of the county, also to raise two hundred men. A draft flnally took place on February 25, at which four hundred and forty-six names were drawn. The Super visors had previously offered bounties of three hundred dollars for one year's men, four hundred dollars for two years' men, six hun dred dollars for three years' men, and one hundred dollars additional " hand money " to the person presenting the recruit. The war was a costly incident to Staten Island. The various sums authorized to be raised on bonds of the county for the purposes of the war were as follows : August 22, 1862, for relief of volunteer families | 20,000.00 December 16, 1862 " " " 20,000.00 August 25, 1863, " drafted men 50,000.00 September 9, 1863, " " " 25,000.00 December 29, 1863, to obtain volunteers 125,000.00 February 3, 1864, " " " 180,000.00 July 28, 1864, bounties for volunteers 250,000.00 January 28, 1865, for fllling the quota 75,000,00 February 16, 1865, " " " " 75,000,00 February 25, 1865, " " " " 75,000,00 .1895,000,00 Forty-fiA'e regiments of infantry and two of cavalry, besides not able contingents of other organizations were located here during the war. In the Empire Brigade there were two whole companies of Staten Islanders; Sickles' Excelsior Brigade had quite a number; Corcoran's Irish Legion had a good representation; so also with the Eighty-second, the One Hundred and Thirty-third, the One Hundred and Fifty-sixth, the One Hundred and Seventy-flfth, Serrell's En gineers, the Seventy-ninth, the First Alounted Rifles, the Fourth Heavy Artillery, the Fifth, Sixth, Ninth and Fifty-third Zouaves, the Fifth and Sixth Cavalry and a score of other organizations. Fully a thousand, men volunteered from Staten Island. It is estimated that of this number about one hundred and eighty were killed in battle or died of disease in hospital or prison. HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 397 Besides Colonel Elliott and Major Hagadorn, the Seventy-ninth Regiment had in one company the following Staten Islanders : John VV. Alorse, Herman C. Buecke, AValter N. Bpoavu, Theodore Hall, George H. AlcCready, AVilliam V^^hite, J. J. Thaxter, A. Miranda, Rheinhart Snyder, Richard Wall, James Banker, Edward Banker, John Cowhig, David Wilton, Benjamin Wilton, Daniel Beatty, AVill iam B. Lush, William Simonson, Edward Barker, James Breen, Ed ward Brice, Michael Kirkman, Robert Kelly, Patrick Carlin, Bernard Scanlon, Thomas AIcAdams, George Howarth, David Howarth, Eu gene Burke, John Johnson, James Colgan, William Ross, John Racy, John Breen, David Sands, Peter Tushingham, William Smith, J. Smith, Richard Barrett, Charles Wilhelm, Charles Piratyki and Philip Daly. The old Quarantine grounds were among the flrst scenes of en campment of the vol- unteers. Camp Washington occupied these and a consider able portion outside. Barracks were erect ed, the flrst occupants of which were Wil son's Zouaves, they being there in Alay and June, 1861; Ser rell's Engineers, Au gust and September; Gates' Rifles, August; The Empire Zouaves, August; the German Rangers, September; Siegel Rifles, Septem ber, all in 1861 ; Swain's Cavalry, March; Colonel Tomp kins' regiment, Sep tember ( whence it was moved to barracks erected for it on land of Colonel Nathan Barrett, at Factoryville); Second Duryea's Zouaves, October, J 862. Inside the grounds w^ere Allen's Volunteers, Alay; Colonel Bartlett's Naval Brigade, Alay; Third Irish A'olunteers, Au gust; Union Rifles, September, all 1861; Scott's Nine Hundred (Elev enth Cavalry), March; Eighty-first, Alarch; First National (Alonitors), August and September, all 1862. Near the Quarantine grounds was also located Camp Arthur, having been established in June, 1861, and occupied by the British Volunteers and McClellan Rifies in August, and the Lancers in September of the same year. VANDERBILT DOCK, NEAV DORP. From a painting by Fred. W. Kost. 398 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. Camp Scott was located at Old Town, on the Dr. Smith farm, and was occupied by the Corcoran Legion. Camp Vanderbilt was at New Dorp, and was the home of the Washington Zouaves in Septem ber, 1861. Camp Yates w^as also at New Dorp. It was occupied by the Seventh Regiment and Thirty-second Cavalry in Alay, 1861. Camp Lafayette Avas also at New Dorp, and Avas occupied by the Garde Lafayette (Fifty-fifth), in August and September, 1861, and by the Warren Rifles in March, 1862. Camp Leslie was at Clifton Park, and the Clinton Guard, com manded by Colonel Cone, was stationed there in August, 1861, and the D'Epeneuil Zouaves (Fifty-third) in September of the same year. Camp McClellan was at Factoryville, on the Burger estate, between Richmond terrace .and Castleton avenue. The McClellan Rifles were here from September to November, 1861. Camp Herndon was at Stapleton fiats, and was occupied by the Ira Ha.rris Ca,valry in Au gust and September, 1861. Camp Low was at Elm Park. The Meu'- gan Artillery remained there for several weeks, leaving in November, 1861. Camp Alorrison was on the Ward estate at the base of Pavilion Hill, and w^as occupid by the Cameron Light Infantry, in August, 1861. Camp Ward was located at Port Richmond, and was the abiding place of Colonel Doubleday's E^ourth New York Heavy Artillery. The Fourth remained in Port Richmond from November, 1861, to Febru ary 10, 1862. Camp Decker, also near Port Richmond, Avas occupied by the Second Fire Zouaves in August, 1861. The Second Artillery encamped at Tompkinsville in December, 1861, and the Seventy-first in Alarch, 1862. Camp Sprague, at New Dorp, was occupied by the Thirteenth Brooklyn, in September, 1861 ; the Stanton Legion, July to Sep tember, 1862; the One Hundred and Sixty-ninth in October, 1863; and the One Hundred and Fifty-ninth in Nov^ember, 1862. A num ber of skeleton organizations were brought together at this camp and consolidated, in June, 1863. Among these were remnants of Colonel Tompkins' regiment, the Horatio Seymour Light Infantry, the De fenders, Davis' Cavalry, the Blair Rifles, the Burnside Rifles, the Pratt Guard, and the Westchester Light Infantry. General George B. McClellan attended a review of the troops at Camp Sprague, on September 8, 1863. The post contained about three thousand men at the time. About eight thousand spectators were present. General McClellan having taken his position as re viewing officer, the troops marched before him, the following regi ments being in line : Eleventh New York, the Thirty-first Duryea's Zouaves, Thirty-fourth, Ninth, Twelfth Cavalry, Coning's Eighteenth Light Cavalry, Twenty-first Cavalry, (dismounted). Seventeenth, HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 399 Thirteenth, and a few other organizations. After the column had passed, the General delivered an address. A riot occurred among the soldiers at Camp Sprague on the night of the 4th of November, 1863, when the barracks Avere set on fire. Notwithstanding the vigilance displayed, on the following night fiames again appeared at about the same hour, and before assistance could reach the scene everything was destroyed. A plot was discov ered, a few days later, to also burn the hospital, notwithstanding it contained a number of sick soldiers. The following list of Staten Islanders served in Company I, One Hundred and Fifty-sixth New York Volunteers : Orville D. Jewett, of Castleton, first lieutenant; captain; resigned 1863. Clarence T. Banett, second lieutenant; first lieutenant; adjutant; captain and aide-de-camp. United States Army; brevetted major. Charles W. Kennedy, first sergeant; second lieutenant; first lieutenant; cap tain; brigade commissary, and acting assistant adjutant-general. Edward Steers, sergeant; first lieutenant; served until the end of war. William Cortelyou, Southfield, sergeant; second lieutenant; wounded at Cedar Creek ; served until the end of war. Bennett H. Buel, Castleton, sergeant, served until end of war. George G. Cadmus, Northfield, discharged for disability. Charles T. Pine, Castleton, corporal, discharged to accept commission as first lieu tenant on Corps d' Afrique. George Mersereau, Castleton, corporal, served to end of war. Edward Haggerty, Northfield, killed before Port Hudson. Nathan M. Barrett, Castleton, corporal color-guard, served to end of war. William C. Simonson, Southfield, corporal, sergeant, served to end of war. Oscar Guyon, Southfield, corporal, sergeant, served to end of war. Albert P. Heal, Castleton, corporal, served to end of Avar. John Vanderbilt, Castleton, corporal, discharged to ac cept appointment as master-of-arms. United States Navy. Thomas Steers, Castleton, corporal, discharged to accept commission as as sistant engineer. United States Navy. John G. Bott, Castleton, pri vate, served to the end of war. Robert Bell, Southtield, private, died in service. William Bamber, Castleton, private, corporal, served to end of war. Henry V. Buel, Northfield, private, died in service. Edmund Blake, Castleton, private, Avounded at Winchester, served to end of war and died. James Brogan, Castleton, private, served to end of war. Nathan T, Barrett, Castleton, private, sergeant-major, second lieutenant, served to end of war, Abiel H. Burbank, Southfield, private, died in service. Ebenezer Chichester, Castleton, private, served to end of war. Daniel Collins, Castleton, private, served to end of war. DeWitt C. Conner, South- field, private, killed at Port Bisland. Edward Clary, Castleton, pri vate, wounded at Cedar Creek, served to end of war. Patrick Col bert, Castleton, private, served to end of war. Thomas P. Donnelly, 400 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. Castleton, private, sergeant, served to end of war. Ricuard Dawlin, Castleton, private, wounded at Fisher's Hill, discharged. Albert G. Dunton, Oistleton, private, discharged for disability. Daniel Elms, Northfield, priva,te, served to end of war. Jacob G. Guyon, South- field, private, corporal, discharged for disability. Nelson Gilby, Southfield, private, served to end of war. Joseph Jacobs, Castleton, private, served to end of war. Bernard Jacobs, Castleton, private, drum-major, served to end of war. Albert Jones, Castleton, private, died in service. James H. Hood, Castleton, private, served to end of war. Ira AlcVeigh, Castleton, private, Avounded at Cedar Creek, discharged. Reuben S. Aliller, Castleton, private, served to end of war. Philip J. Miller, Southfield, private, corporal, served to the end of war. Mark Mallett, Castleton, private, taken prisoner at Cedar Creek, discharged. John Prosi, Castleton, private, served to end of war. Edward N. Pomeroy, Castleton, pri vate, discharged to receive commission. Augustus W. Sexton, Jr., Castleton, private, discharged to receive commission. William B. Smith, Castleton, private, served to end of war. James Watson, Castleton, private, taken prisoner at Cedar Creek, died from exposure. Robert Stewart, Castleton, private, served to end of war. (.leorge Wackerhagen, Castleton, private, discharged to receive ap pointment as hospital steward. United States Army. Thomas Wright, Castleton, private, wounded at Montesino Bayou, served to end of war. The following is a list of names of recruits credited to Richmond County, under the call of February 1, 1864 : John McMahon, Richard Scott, John Smith, John Campbell, John R. Biskert, John O'Rourke, William Wall, William H. Johnson, Prank Wilson, George R. Ranson, John W. Webb, Hugh Daly, James Gogle, Hiram Watkins, Charles Prazer, Michael Evans, William A. Gordon, Martin Roberts, William Taylor, Joseph Snedeker, Robert Jones, Briclon Gtiielon, John W, Idell, William H, Walter, James Pagan, Charles Loveless, Charles Hedges, George Thomson, William H. Craney, Isaac Lake, John Aiken, Jacob Ensler, John Robinson, Emil Specker, James McGill, Alichael Farrell, George Jos^, William Or chard, John Howard, Henry Brister, James Logan, Andrew Allen, Frederick Collins, Isaac Leonard, John Campbell, James Conroy, John Finnigan, John Lynch, John Malony, Joseph Baker, Bernard Bayley, William A. Seeley, George H, Holbrook, Hugh McNunghton, Ralfe Wolfe, Nicholas Ryall, James Cleveland, Napoleon B. Seeley, Nicholas Gregier, James McNally, Thomas Burrows. Frank L, Noyes, Albert C, Cla.rk, Rodman C. Ridont, Osborn C. Afcmtgomery, John Wilson, Benjamin Branon, Peter Brady, John O'Connor, Robert Kennedy, Peter Kelrave, John Crawford,' James Gavin, James Dillon, John E, Nywan, Mark Blake, Frederick Buland, James T, Smith, William A^an Zandt, Patrick Keenan, John H. Price HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 401 John AVilliams, Joseph Montel, Lawrence Develin, John Hill, Patrick Hannon, George Brown, Charles Moore, Henry Clement, Arten Tap- pen, Daniel Daly, John Fox, AA'illiam H. Crane, James AVind, John O'Brien, David King, Edward Keegen, Albert Johns, Thomas Jen kins, Edward Lockett, John McGears, William Hoegele, Oliver H. Daniel, Joseph Parley, Leonard Delgar, William Smith, George H. Jones, John Pately, Charles Dixon, William Hammond, Patrick Con way, Michael Malony, Michael AIcGlynn, Lewis J. Jenks, Michael Ring, Denis C. Shulz, John Lynch, Stephen Wiley, Robert Arnold, James Perry, Augustus Haas, Joseph Pingleir, Frank Kessner, Jo seph Mason. Moses Strauss, Charles Steincanss, Lewis Ijamgert, John P. Butler, Christopher Armstrong, William Cramer, Charles A^eime, Alichael Joyce, William H. Wilson, John Smith, James Stewart, James Ford, Charles Gebhard, Octave Adams, Thomas Butler, EdAvard Treadwell, John Geary, John Healey, Henry Ernille, John A. Smith, James Will iams, Otto Brockenhaussen, Robert Tail, Pa,trick Curren, John Will- olan, Francis Baine, John Kigorn, James Ferguson, Aaron Stein berg, N. W Kenyon, Simon Thornton, William A^. AIcGrath, Albert H. Brown, Walter H. Hyde, Simon J. Glass, Sebastian Glamb, John Dohorty, August Mier, Jans AIcGregan, William Neabel, James M. Smith, Peter Smith, William Gund, Nelson Bancroft, John Brown, Thomas Little, Patrick J. Bojie, Charles Wailer, James Mullen, Thomas Plynn, George Thomas, William Leonard, Edmund Gam- mtiny, Thomas Meacham. John Thomas, -lohn Gregory, Bernard Brady, Henry Custanco, Emanuel Aliller, John Donovan, John Francis, Chris. Fitzgerald, Charles Butler, John B. Grant, Belford Thomson. James AlcCollok, John Winn, Justus Brooks, Allanson B. Fuller, Lysander Hammond, Fidelo Biddle, Samuel C. Williams, Daniel Blanchard, Franklin Pea, William H, Jennings, Arthur Bebee, Simon Shaffer, Adam Courtwright, Ezra Press, Alilford E, AlattheAvs, Ali chael Carey, Charles Davis, Henry E, Cha^mberlain, James W. Put nam, Oscar Gurtin, Lawrence W. Graters, Isaac B. Varian, Henry V. Leach, Alichael Corcoran, ^Alfred Hammond, Patrick Hogan, George E. Bush, Lewis J. Utter, Robert Kolinska, Francis Fogan, John Ganch, Stephen D. Lawrence, Enoch R, Streeber, George Smally, James Cornelison, Jacob Brown, Daniel P. Weller, John W. Lewis, Samuel E. Blanchard, Fred. Newark, John R. Sage, Benjamin F, Road, DeWitt C, Streeter, George Wallis, John Smith, William W, Ladon, Charles Johnston, Russell Sisson, Oliver E, Wilcox, and Daniel Leonard. The following are the names of the recruits credited to Richmond County, under the call of March 14, 1864 : James Horton, John Powers, AndroAV Wengel, John H. Newall, Oscar P. Bradley, Lewis Kellogg, Abel Palmer, John Squires, Emery 402 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND, Schenck, Zaren AI, Carey, John Dempsey, John O'Brien, Ensan Bryan, Edwin Lambertson, Charles AI. Hill, Justus A. Cooke, Alex ander Alurray, Silas P, Cables, George Allen, Thomas Gillan, George W^heeler, AVed'r Messino, Patrick Furman, Michael Kelly, Isaac Corby, Thomas Duffy, John A, Bergen, Joseph McGinness, John Williams, AA'ashington L, Bell, Dennis Fitzgerald, Thomas Buckley, Peter Will iams, Patrick Jennings, John Poster, Thomas Brady, Charles Brown, Peter C. Harris, William Plummer, Martin Mead, Joseph Prank, James H. Johnson, Demetia Cowles, William L. Walker, John Van Duzer, Charles L. McBiide, Louis Williams, John Wilson, Michael Sullivan, Eli Smith, Michael O'Keefe, Richard Golden. John Hammen, John McGreary, John Quigley, Thomas Wild, David Johnson, Thomas Cooper, William AIcKay, George Lander, William Harris, John Welsh, George H. DuBurgh, Jacob Brackson, John Smith, Owen Harris, Joseph Ferdinand, Lewis P. Worth, Law rence Fling, Charles Smith, George W. Mills, Alichael Corcoran, Peter Wager, Martin tlamley, Alexander Koat, Patrick Cain, John Hanlon, James Finley, Alfred Sammothe, Edward Listen, Frederick Pillerick, Oliver H. King, Joseph Clark, Alfred Denickson, James Bane, William Smith (colored), Lawrence Seawell, Joseph Young, Daniel Callihan, Louis Ilarrick, Charles Smith, George Poster, Henry Wilson, John Mallory, Henry Sifke, William H. Entzmenger, Alichael Kelley, Clarence Worden, Arthur Carson, George ^Y. Perkins, John Donnelly, Carl Herman, Jacob Truck, James AlcCormack, James Gondy, P. P. Collins, Charles Cornell (colored), Alexander Ringler, Thomas Tobin, Robert Tappan (colored), Alexander A'illoroy, John Dorton, James Campon, William Miller, AV. H. Shipman, George Winton. William Wills, Dennis Eagan, John Alerrill, George C. March, James Alatherson, John Watson, Delevan Lee, James Winn, Gustav Hart, William J. Sprall, James Howard, George W. Joyner, Isaac Hildreth, William Parish, S. G. H. Alusgrave, Adelbert Shan, Thomas O'Brien, Alartin Reynolds, A. B. Sharrott, James Alullen, A^incent Decker, Henry Rathgen, Thomas DePew, David Quinn, Thomas Shar rett, John T, Brown, Henry E, Decker, Louis McVickers, Joseph Thompson, Reuben P, Harris, W, H. Holcomb, George Brucher, Jo seph Beule, Alichael Plynn, Michael Dolphin, Henry Smith, John Hathway, Timothy Hanley, Joseph AA^agner, Sidney Blatsch, John Schmallinger, Charles Anderson, Alichael Riley, Arniide Clarville, Charles Hunter, Timothy O'Donohue, Peter Richmyer, James Jack son (colored), Henry Nole, James O'Donnell, Henry Ostello. Nathan King, Orville D. AA'^ilson, Frederick Touschill, Moses Stein, Post J. Higgans, Louis Alyers, Edward Murray, John Reisser, AI. L. Templeman, Thomas Christy, Fritz Reimer, Edward Davidson, Benja min Christie, John Pitzpatrick, William Wright, Samuel Johnson, William Halle, Herbert Nansse, Henry Sanders, W. J. Mc Williams, HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND, 403 Aaron P, Fischer, Lewis Heist, Leon Gardner, W, S. Sanbourn, John Jackson, James Smith, Edward Mtinroe, John Williams, Robert Hat- tens, George Kaleisch, James Gallagher, John Brick, Charles Huss, John Burke, John Hastings, Charles Crocker, Stephen Whearty, Joseph Underbill, Thomas Doran, The following recruits w^ere credited to Richmond County, under the call Of July 18, 1864 : John Kennedy, John Cronan, E, H, Jimmerson, Sullivan LockAvood, Wolfgang Heintz, John Thorlnay, James H, Anderson, Walter Gam ble, Lawrence Kennedy, George Smith, Frederick Aliller, James Wil kinson, Robert Clinton, Julius A'anBraner, Levi Hoag, William Duffy, George Birch, Richard Williams, James Robinson, Charles Robb, John Roll, Richard Franey, Benjamin AVeness, August AVittengel, Henry P, Nunnemaker, Frederick Goodyear, David Collins, George Hart, John Croake, James Aliller, Olaf Carlson, Patrick Kane, Olaf Errickson, Peter Nodine, John Anderson, Henry Woods, John Pox, William Griffin, Frank Tellyson, Antonio Dears, Peter Brady, AVill iam D, Haley, AVilliam AIcGilvey, Charles Smith, Jacob Geisser, John AA^alsh, Thomas Callahan, AVilliam A. Dull, Louis Baptiste, Levi Smith, Robert Smith, George Wood, Frederick Rutty, John Aleagher, Frederick Drick, John Williamson, Franz Einzel, William Howes, AVilliam Quinn, Ernest Herbert, John Donnelly, John Sulli van, John Campbell, Thomas Bowers, Ernest Cramer, Edward Gardst, Robert Rutherford, Alatthew^ Baker, Daniel Geary, Peter Wall, Alex ander Hill, William Hanley, Richard Potter, Owen King, Henry Smith, John Atkins, James Collins, Daniel Quinn, James Smith, Charles S. Schantz, James McGourdon, Thomas Carr, Samuel Price, Adam Herman, Henry Balling, Allen Williams, John Love. Thomas Sharkey, Prank AIcKenna, Samuel McAdams, Joseph Hook, Joshua M. Mansfield, William Wilson, Charles Washburn, John Gardener, Daniel Hook, Michael Leonard, Philip Hickey, Frank Lerden, LoAvis H. Avery, William S, Shimmers, Charles E, Ball, James Dolan, Isaac Ritter, Joseph Morse. Thomas Branan, Daniel Britton, Abner S. Adkins, Ebenezer Piago, Charles Britton, John B. Bolton, Thomas Poole, William Pool, Charles Somers, James Curran, Luther Wright, William H, Orser, Charles Chambers, William Beardsill, James H, Smith, Richard R. McMenn, William AA'right, Prank G. AIcGrath, AA^illiam H, Wood, Reuben Hen derson, Judson Ecker, Jefferson Harlon, E, Talbridge, Thomas Plan nagan, Robert Carlton, Patrick Gtiyman, Allies S, Outwraters, James McCarley, Edward B, Pierce, Thomas Plunkett, Michael Aladden, John C, Daley, Henry H, Hind, Garret Aliller, John W, Rice, Owen Bullard, John R, Castor, Danford Bronell, Stephen Bull, Frederick Clemens, AA^illiam H. Dull, Charles R. Raven, Charles Williams, Charles Donaldson, Gardener Filkins, George AI, Milieu, Ocsher Shel- 404 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. don, Adelbert Cornell, Francis D. Greene, Daniel A. Jones, William Alorrison, Philander Matheson, Edwin Potts. Mitchel Putnam, George Y. Pomeroy, Elias Spicer, S. R. Seamans, Castilo Spicer, John J. Sheppard, Robert AVaters, Henry C. Water man, Richard Woodward, Ira G. Tonsley, George D. Davis, Joseph Eagan. William J. Smith, John Roach, Henry Housing, John Kelley, Cyrus Bradford, Eli H. Davis, John Nagle, Samuel Barker, George P. Patterson, John P. Brown, John Brennan, Christopher T. Moss, John Doherty, Charles Campbell, Thomas O'Donnell, August Bolte, Joseph Diamond, Patrick Dunn, George Read, William Brown, Pat rick Crowley, Jacob Skedgee, Edward Kane, Eugene Schmith, John C. Anderson, Robert Howe, Frank Prosper, Henry Northenson, Louis Wildman, AA''illiam Elliott, Francis Groppy, John Mills, William Dibb- lee, William Braison, Benjamin P. Headley, Patrick Hickey, Frank Willis, John AlcCoy, Thomas Plynn, Thomas Holmes, George Harris, Alfred AA'. Cook, Thomas Williams, Thomas Scom field, Luke Japson, Alexander Vandergrift, John M. Smith, Charles Beauford, Chris tian Bender, Stephen Lovejoy, Charles Arnold, Jeremiah O'Brien, John Tydville. Henry Tydville, John MoUilson, Joseph Romstock, William McGill, Andrew Alaloney, Rudolph Ranner, Peter Palky, Charles W. Alickles, William Shetzakoff, Alichael Kelly, Charles Cummings, Thomas Moore, George Smith, John Potter, AndroAV Smith, John H. Linden, George McCloud, Charles Risch, John Quinn, William Rolle, Charles H. James, William Fanning, Albert Scott, Patrick Farley, Joseph Hull, Francis Fitch, John Spurrier, John Lee, Thomas Brussin, Frank Reiniff, Robert G. Wagener, Michael Foley, AA^illiam Quiggs, AVolfe Alarpe, Albert Skinner, Michael Devine, Charles Williams, Thomas Smith, Henry Alexander, Alexander M, Reid, William Bennett, Alich ael Barnes, Emil Rossearo, Charles Burns, Thomas McGuire, Robert Smith, James Clark, William H, Gildersleeve, Henry Gray, Francis Stintz, Charles Smith, John B. Stow, Francis McLaughlin, Henry Dorn, James King, John H, Geary, Jacob Alyers, James H, Ross, James Mcintosh, Robert Mitchell, John Clark, Michael Plunkett, John Lenz, John Breaston, Daniel Sweeny, Stephen A, Babcock, John Lee, Charles Beckham, John T, Oliver, Patrick Dailey, Charles Elville, John Kelly, Patrick Rigney, James McCarson, Albert Pennington, Thomas West, John Kaven, Jacob Van Clief, Brazzilla Beattie, Thomas Dally, John Hogan, Henry Brown, Louis Douelson, Henry C, Nichols, John Welsh, Carl Schmidt, George Bohn, John Roth, John Riley, Patrick Brady, John H. Angel, John Bodesild, Jeremiah Crovley, Ludwig Bohn, Frederick Liabler, John Burville, John Kaver, George Somers, James McMahon, Will iam Morgan, John Tague, Reuben Spencer, William Janes, Henry Voston, Patrick Pitzpatrick, John Hayes, Christian Seng, Peter Hooper, John McDonald, Patrick Loughley, Michael English, John HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 405 Brown, Charles Johnson, William Field, William Letzible, John Zer, Albert Hopkins, Albert De Groot, John Dougherty, Patrick Dolan, Symes G. Parker, John Maloney, John Riley, Andrew Copp, William Kelly, Thomas Braman, Gerard Harson, John Maher, Mark Habig, William Hubbard, Theodore Fortianatry, John Sleight, Henry Ger- tins, Michael Lear. Patrick Alurphy, Francis Houston, Edwin Davis, Michael McHugh, AA'esley Alcott, Patrick O'Neal, Frederick Everts, John H. Smith, John White, Philip Pox, William Newman, Thomas Watkins, Julius A. Maddon, Joseph Stanett, Charles Huy, Joseph Cussick, Patrick Sullivan, Robert Smith, John Fitzgerald, John McLancey, Michael Keegan, Charles Creaton, Frederick Myers, Horace Lockman, Ernest Riester, John Heffarin, William Atkins, Henry Thomas, (colored), John AVoodward, Samuel Harris, John AIcDavis, John McKay, New ton Loper, James Alurphy, Alichael Nelson, John Henderhahn, Jo seph Osborn, Thomas Gosden, Jacob C. Frederick, Charles P. Lutz, Owen McMahon, Edward Carroll, Jacob Miller, Joseph Cox, Henry Jackson, William H. Hall, Emanuel Roberts, William Ryan, Henry C. Noble, Jeremiah Lionne, Patrick Rogers, Charles Nash, Albert Miller, Hiram E. Hubbard, John Ward, Henry Gardener, William Wall, John King, George Duncan, Charles J. Melville, Jacob Kines, Richard Pennefeather, James Lyons, John Hopkins, Joseph Parren, John F. Keenan, Frederick Tenor, John Martin, Malcombe Sinclair, George Anderson, and William Reed. The following are the naval recruits credited to Richmond County, under the call of July 18, 1864 : Joseph Lockman, "Wabash;" Alexander Hamilton, "Montgom ery;" John Houghwout, "Alabama;" John Goggin, "Daylight;" John AIcAuley and Alichael Farrell, " San tee; " Francis P. Donnelly, " Savannah; " B. Pinnerty and William H. Mayne, " Roanoke; " John E. Barnes, Alexander Lockman, Benjamin Decker, Frank S. Ellis, and Prank Stoddard, " Mississippi; " Alichael Langton, " Potomac; " John Powers, "Stars and Stripes;'' Michael McCormack, "James Adger; " John Dunn, (first), "New London;" John Dunn, (second), "Unandilla;" Louis McCormack, "Amanda;" P. De Plangue, "Brandywine;" James Patterson (colored), "Morning Light;" Howard Prior, Thomas Mayne, William J. Decker, and George Stew art, "Tectimseh;" Aenos R. Parker, " Huntsville; " John Goggin, " Philadelphia; " Charles E. Burbank, and Cornelius Houghwout. The following is a list of those drafted on Staten Island, and their substitutes, under the call of July 18, 1864 : PRINCIPAL. SUBSTITUTE. PRINCIPAL. SUBSTITUTE. Eugene B. Dubois, P. Sweeney, Orville D. Jewett, William Brown, William H. Cross, K. Coleman, C. S. Jewett, Benjamin West, Frederick A, Lane, James Conway, John W, Simonson, W Fitzgibbons Joseph A, Deane, John Ward, F, C, Moffatt, A, Johnson, James B, Pollick, D, McCarthy, David B. Williamson, James Clavin, 406 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND, PRINCIPAL. L. D. Washburn, William R. Irving, John W. Russell, David Joliue, Elias F. Manee, Henry Levinsoii, George Merrill, Seth C, Joline, David Van Name, John E, Merrell, David E, Egbert, William W. Decker, F. Marckham, F. A. Baker, John Merrell, George C. Ward, John T. Shepler, W. C. Blintnall, William Schall, Moses Van Name, Charles D. Washburn, Martin L. Joline, Henry Seawood, John E. Armstrong, Michael Conklin, Stephen Kettletas, Benjamin F Errington, Paul M. Drake, Malcolm M. Gregier, Obadiah Bowne, M. B. Bryant, C. D. Williams, Charles Van Name, Hiram W. Decker, Rev. E. W. Hitchcock, SUBSTITUTE. John Paterson, August Clint, Charles Birch, Thomas Lynch, E. Morgan, O. McDonnell, W. Thurston, James Havens, James P. Reese, John Carroll, George Herschell, William McArdell, Joseph D. Bayley, John McCarty, Josiah Hazard, James P. Murphy, James McFarlan, Thomas Mackenhath, Emil Myer, Jacob Roth, Jeaiie Brade, A. Rink, James McCullough, James Rogers, A. Osborn, William W. Rolfe, John Beatty, H. Loomis, C. Roller, Thomas Sexton, Carl Kuntz, Jean Brade, Charles Fredericks, Tredwell Wood, Agustus Adansou, PRINCIPAL, Albin C, Stryker, L, E, Means, Alonzo P, Mayling, John E, Smith, Richard B, Vroom, Joseph H, Bennett, Ancil Vroom, Garrett B, Vroom, William Corry, C, C. Ellis, M, P. O'Brien, H. H. Lamport, Robert Christie, Jr., Frederick C, Johnson, Samuel F, Barger, George Smack, Augustus Dejonge, D, Bauer, Max Rachgaber, E, J. Donnell, John H, Clark, John Maxwell, Jacob G, Winant, Louis Dejonge, Daniel Wandel, Jr,, Peter H, Wandel, Gilbert Warden, George B, Mersereau, Gilbert Worder, Garrett Post, Charles F, Meisner, O. W, Bird, Garret P, Wright, George T, Jones, SUBSTITUTE, Edward Murphy, William Healey, Michael Manell, John Donelson, Louis Brogle, William Thomas, George Kolatch, John Raoose, Charles Pregizere, Henry Brown, Antonio Flesch, Joseph Knapp, John Eoth, Haans Delly Koll, William Beach, Peter Olinson, James Farrell, Francis Cois, John Mann, W, Caldwell, James Freeman, B, Fox, William Bennett, Thomas O'Brien, John Panipson, Henry Wilson, F, Brandetski, L, Weitel, B, Miller, Nicholas Levy, James O'Eeilly, M, Madden, William Maher, Edward Bowman, The average cost per man, including all expenses, interest, premi um, etc, was 1767.30. The following is a list of the men drafted, and their substitutes, under the call of December 19, 1864 : PRINCIPAL, George Mosle, Lewis E. Amswick, Patrick Kenney, John H. Garretson, John C. Cavelti, Edward M. Cameron, William H. Barrett, Thomas Fitzaohery, Edward Van Name, John 11. Burbank, Alfred H. Taylor, Thomas Mulgrave, William M. Crane, Barnett D. Wood, Silas N. Havens, Sanford W. Havens, Nicholas J. Wood, SUBSTITUTE. William Hunter, John Moore, Hugh Callahan, Dennis Slattery, William H. Housman (colored), Patrick McGuire, Ferdinand St. Leger, John Murphy, Charles Strong, James Bronson, Andrew M. Cann, Michael Lane, Matthew Carr, George Harrison, Timothy Daley, Herman Buchner, John Eobinson, PRINCIPAL. William Totten, Jeremiah Baker, Edwin Banker, Jr., Charles H. Van Name, William E. Bradley, John Hornby, Jeane B. Weir, Eaymond Decker, Elijah Kingston, Jolin W. Tilbout, Isaac Winant, John P. Van Name, Joseph Vroom, James Jacklin, Hubert Dickersou, Abraham De Hart, Charles E. Taber, James W. Stephens, SUBSTITUTE. Henry Ford, Andrew Brennan, James Shiefele, Soloman Keller, Patrick Kelley, Martin Condin, John Wilson, John Wood, William Eioe, Patrick Sheehan, Gustav Goosche, William Stempf, Max Goldsmith, John Carey, George Taylor, John McFarland, Philip Miller, Patrick Connolly, FIISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 407 PRINCIPAL, Winant S, Androvette, John W, Mimdy, Edward P, Chase, C, C, Androvette, Washington Hawes, Isaac Reed, George W. Randolph, Eev, G, T. Bugbee, James McGuire, James Dillon, Giles Anderson, A J. Methfessel, H. J. Munn, Richard E. Kruser, John Bonner, James J. Totten, Sebastian Ellis, John J. Seguine, William J. Vredeuburgh John H. Decker, Abraham Decker, Alfred Storer, George W. Chambers, George W. Vreeland, Amos B, Heal, John W, Snedeker, Robert Lee, Stephen W, Johnson, Eugene Androvette, Paul Latourette, Jiryou D, Herrick, George F. 'Victor, Charles Whelp, Elias Braisted, Cornelius E. Merrill, Charles A, Grimes, Beverly Robinson, Thomas E. Davis, Jr., John Ingram, Martin Zeloff, Asel Brainard, SUBSTITUTE. Edward W. Ferrilla, Antonio Gorrisala, Michael Denney, P. B, Wilmarth, John T, Blackwell, James M, Matthews, Charles Riley, Mathias Siefert, William E, Korts, Patrick Murphy, George Robertson, Charles E. Francis, David Kenney, Michael O'Neal, Samuel Kinge, Michael Hageus, Oscar F, Stanton, Thomas Quirk, Timothy Maher, John McDermot, Thomas Williams (colored), Michael Quinn, Michael Baker, Thomas Grant, Alfred Moreland, Francis Croan, Philip Perrill, John McCullough, William Fielding, John Daly, William Mortimore, James Boner, George Williamson, Samuel Lester, Francis Manning, John Riley, Charles Mars, John Snedeker, James Whelehan, Rufus Price, Peter Duffy, PRINCIPAL, William Houghwout, Janius M. Ellis, John Campbell, Charles H, Stebbens, John V, Carroll, John B, Seguine, A, Seely Van Pelt, James Boyd, Jr,, John Wogiom, Michael Harding, J, Billings Farnsworth, John Castine, Benjamin Buckworth, Reuben D, Stillwell, Cornelius M, Braisted, William H, J, Bodine, Carl Shafer, James Turney, .lohn H, Hedley, John Blatch, Joseph Burnes, Tyler M, Parker, John M, Egbert, Jacob H, Van Pelt, Matthias Egboff, Henry Voght, George W, Anderson, Samuel A. Merrill, Edward Housman, Aug, C, Achilles, Isaac G, Boyce, Elbert Poillon, Jesse Twaddle, Jacob Sleight, Alexander Grant, Peter A. AVoglom, William Redmond, William Haxton, Anton Mosle, Henry Widmyer, Thomas M, Rainhard, Lionel Jacobs, SUBSTITUTE, William Keiitzy, Edward Mitchell, William Felton, John Hecker, John Williams, John Davis, Alexander Reese, Franz Daliin, William Davis, Charles Miller, Henry Greeiion, John Buck, Joseph Powers, Patrick Sullivan, , lames Donnelly, Samuel Clark, Patrick Welsh, Martin Sorden, William Schmidt, James McClea, William Fay, William Biggs, John Taylor, W. J Crooke, John B, Smith, James Fischer, Henry Whenin, Patrick Cunan, Michael Coughlan, James Dailey, James O'Brien, Charles Wade, Thomas M, Beane, Thomas Hyland, James Murphy, Patrick Brady, Thomas Capener, Peter Gavazzi, Emil Mitchelson, Matthew Skinner, Seymour Canvin, Charles Elgie, The average cost per man, including all charges and interest on loan, 1760.72. CHAPTER XXXII. THE BI-CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION. N the early summer of 1883, Supervisor Robert Moore, of Castleton, called the attention of his colleagues to the fact that Richmond County would close its second century, as a county organization, in the following November, and the Boa,rd decided to take proper steps to secure a suitable recognition of the event. Accordingly, on Wednesday, September 26, the Super visors held a meeting at Richmond, in connection with a number of citizens, to commence arrangements for the Bi-Centennial Celebra tion. Professor A. G. Methfessel v/as appointed Chairman, and Counsellor Theodore Vermilye Secretary. The Supervisors having been instructed to appoint four citizens from each town, to be added to the committee, they made the following report : Castleton — Erastus Wiman, Duncan R. Norvell, T. M. Rainhard and Read Benedict. Southfield — Cornelius A. Hart, David J. Tysen, Frederick Bachmann and George S. Scofield, Jr. Middletown— Philip AA^olft', Professor A. G. Methfessel, Frederick White and George H. Daley. Northfield— William L. Ricard, Melville E. Wygant, Cal vin D. Van Name and Henry Smith Kneip, Westfield — Charles C. Kreischer, Dr. R. H. Golder, Benjamin H. Warford and Ira K. Alonis, Fifty citizens were added to the committee at the following meet ing, held at Nautilus Hall, and a permanent organization was effect ed, with the following executive committee: Middletown — George Bechtel, Frederick White, Philip Wolff and Edward King. North- field— Abram Crocheron, John H. Van Clief, Sr., De Witt Stafford and C. C. Jones. Castleton — ^Robert Aloore, Read Benedict, D. C. Norvell aud R. B. Whittemore. Southfield — Nathaniel Marsh, Ben jamin Brown, Cornelius A. Hart and David J. Tysen. Westfleld — Jesse Oakley, Benjamin H. Warford, Michael Conklin and Percival G. Ullman. Frederick White w^as appointed Chairman, and D. R. Norvell Secretary. Many meetings were held, and the people of the county generally manifested an interest in the event. The celebration occurred on Thursday, November 1, 1883, and was a great success. The day was generally observed as a holiday, many of the schools and business places being closed. The organizations which participated in the parade assembled at Elm Park, on the North Shore. Houses and pub lic buildings generally along the route were gayly dressed. HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 409 The United States Sloop-of-war " Vandalia," Captain R. R. Wallace commanding, lay off Stapleton, and at noon fired a national salute of twenty-one guns. The procession was made up as follows : Squad of mounted police, under command of Captain Daniel Blake; group of Kickapo Indians; Fort Hamilton Band; Grand Marshal Benjamin Brown and aides — Clarence M. Johnson and Captain J. J. Garretson; Staten Island Schuetzen Corps, Captain Frederick Baciimann commanding; chariot containing a representation of the Goddess of Liberty; a section of the Fifth United States Artillery, under command of Lieutenant Brown. Westfleld Division — Benjamin H. Warford, marshal; Reuben W. Wood and Abram Cole, aides. Tottenville Cornet Band, Edward C. Alurphy, Jr., leader; Tottenville Drum Corps, David J. Peppers, drum-major; Battalion of the Grand Army of the Republic, Colonel W. AI, Wermerscirch commanding — Shaw Post, No, 112, of Stapleton, Vice Com mander James Burke; Len- hart Post, No, 163, of Totten ville. Com mander David Reck how; Sons of Vet erans, Shaw Post, No, 112, Captain Archie Eadie. Truck carry ing disabled veterans of Shaw^ Post; Citizens' Association; coaches containing Hon. Eras- t u s Brooks, Hon. George William Cur tis, and Dr. Ephraim Clark; carriage con taining Sunervisors ^^^ housman house, port Richmond, Nathaniel Mars h, Robert Moore, Abram Crocheron, and Jesse Oakley and Counselor A^ermilye; carriage containing County Judge Stephen D, Stephens, County Clerk Cornelius A, Hart, County Treasurer James Tully, and School Commissioner Theodore Frean; carriage containing Super visor George Bechtel and ex-County Treasurer James Robinson; car riage with Police Commissioners Philip Wolff', Edward Barton and Richard B. Whittemore and Chief Clerk George W. Ellis; carriage with Superintendents of the Poor John J. Vaughan, Jr., and Samuel Lewis and Counselor William S. Hornfager; carriage with members of the Staten Island Quartette; invited guests in carriages; Citizens' Comet Band, of South Amboy; Red Cross Division, No. 6, Uniform 410 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. Rank, Knights of Pythias, of South Amboy; Protection Hook and Ladder Company, of Perth Amboy; Lincoln Hose Company, of Perth Amboy; Tottenville Hook and Ladder Company, No. 1; Kreischer ville Drum Corps, employes of Messrs. B. Kreischer vS: Sons; New Dorp Pioneer Corps; Mulligan's Band, of New York; New Dorp A^olun- teers. Aliddletown Division — August Herrmann, marshal ; John P. Smith and Harry C. Britton, aides, Washington Band; Enterprise Hook and Ladder Company, No, 1, of Stapleton; Neptune Engine Company, No. 6, of Edgewater; Protection Engine Company, No. 7, of Stapleton; Sixty-ninth Regiment Drum Corps; Excelsior Bucket Company, No. 1, of Stapleton; Relief Bucket Company, of Edgewater; Engine Com pany, No. 8, of Clifton; Columbia Cornet Band, of Pleasant Plains; Clifton Flose Company, No. 6; Excelsior Dmm Corps, of Tompkins ville; Ben, Brown Ho«e Company, No, 3, of Stapleton; Eterick's Band, of Brooklyn; Engine Company, No. 9, of Edgewater: Robinson Hose, No. 9, of Stapleton; Forty-seventh Regiment Drum Corps; Nep tune Engine Company, No. 1, of West Hoboken; Lincoln Club Band, of New Brighton; Niagara Engine Company, No. 5; Clifton Hose Company, No. 1; Olvany's Band; Columbia Hook and Ladder Com pany, of Stapleton; South Amboy Band; Continental Council, No. 27, O. U. A. M.; the Z. Z. Z. Z. Social Club; Newark Cornet Band; Col ored Citizens' Association of Newark. Northfield Division — William L. Ricard, marshal; George A^an Name and Alelville E. Wygant, aides. Twelfth Regiment Band ; Wash ington Engine Company, No. 1, of Port Richmond; Oceola Comet Band, of Mariners' Harbor; Aquehonga Hook and .Ladder Company, No. 1, of Alariners' Harbor, The remainder of this division was com posed of carriages and business wagons, Castleton Division — R, Penn Smith, marshal; John L, Dobson and Frank AViinan, aides. West New Brighton Band, J, Egloff, leader; Cataract Engine Company, No. 2, of West New Brighton; Union Baseball Club of the A''oung Men's Catholic Union, of AVest New Brighton; Elizabeth Comet Band; Granite Hook and Ladder Com pany, No. 2, of Graniteville; Port Richmond Engine Company, No. 3; Medora Hook and Ladder Company, No. 3, of West New Brighton; Joyce's Band, of New York; New Brighton Engine Company, No. 4; lYiendship Hook and Ladder Company, No. 4, of New Brighton; Oceanic Hook and Ladder Company, No. 1, of Travisville; Linoleum ville Social Club. The business men of the Island were represented in a separate di vision. Among them were vehicles representing the establishments of Messrs. Louis DeJonge & Co., D. T. Cornell, Monroe Eckstein, Clark & Alorton, Joseph Schell, George Ross, C. L. Aleinekheim, Hillyer & Egbert, J. K. Vreeland, David Solomon, Jacob I. Housman, N. Boy- Ian, Henry Williams, George Bechtel, MeMlle E, AA^ygant, Felix HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND, 411 O'Hanlou, John H. Price, P. M'. Hulsebus, C. M. Pine &- Sons, C, AV. Alexander, C. S. A''reeland, D. W. AIelvin, Van Name Brothers, D. P. Simonson, Chris. Bardes, E. A. Bourne, C. C, Jones, George Prake and very many others. After the parade, an anniversary meeting AAas held on the Staple- ton " flats." The venerable Dr. Ephraim Clark, of New Dorp, was chosen chairman, and Theodore C, A^ermilye secretary. Rev. Dr. James BroAvnlee off'ered prayer. Dr. Clark made a short address, and the Hon, Erastus Brooks was then introduced and spoke for nearly an hour on the history of Staten Island, followed by Hon, Algernon S, Sullivan, Hon, Henry J, Scud der and Hon, George William Curtis, who in conclusion said : " Here lies our Isla,nd, fair as when Hudson first beheld it, still as the Duke called it, the ' Pleasantest and most commodiousest ' site in all the lajid, and to-day our beating and answering hearts are tbe promises that the genius of that spirit is opening its eyes and about to put forth its hand, which shall bring the Island still nearer to the great city, shall reclaim all its waste and watery spaces, shall fill its air with the hum of cheerful industry, and shall justify to every Staten Islander the promises that the beauty of our Island holds to every passer by, and to every stranger who lauds upon our shores, and then shall it happen when we are gone, when our names are forgot ten, and one hundred and two hundred years hereafter our children's children in the remotest generations come here to celebrate the fourth centennial anniversary of the Island and to pay their tribute of hom age to us, long vanished old fogies of to-day, the spirit which this day, please God, shall stimulate this county, shall make the county what long ago it should have been, in Shakespeare's verse, " ' This precious stone set in the silver sea. The most resplendent jewel of th' imperial crown,' of the most imperial Commonwealth of New York," After a short address by Hon, L. Bradford Prince, the people were dismissed with a benediction by the Rev. A. M. Palmer, of Totten ville. During the day, thousands of people from the cities and surround ing country visited the Island, The celebration ended with a grand display of fireworks in the evening, on the Stapleton " fiats," CHAPTER XXXIII. THE SAILORS' SNUG HARBOR. T is doubtful that any similar institution in the world has been written and talked so much about as the Sailors' Snug Harbor, which is located at New Brighton; nor has the history of any organization ever been more mutilated and distorted. Therefore, we go to the official records for our in formation. Captain Thomas Randall, the father of Robert Richard Randall, whom historians have so unjustly ignored, was one of the most noted sea captains of his day, and took a prominent part in public affairs. In 1748, he commanded the privateer brigantine " The Pox," which brought in the French ship " L'Amazone." In 1757, he took out the brigantine " De Lancey " of fourteen guns. The next year he seems to have withdrawn from active service, and to have sent out priva teers under the command of others. In 1757, he was joint owner of the ship " General Ambercrombie," sixteen guns, and the ship " Mary," ten guns. In 1760, the " De Lancey " in her turn was cap tured by the Dutch, and her commander and crew imprisoned. In 1762, Captain Thomas Randall was the owner of the " Charming Sally " of six guns. On the breaking out of the war of the Revolution, he took an active part with the Americans, He was a member ol the Committee of Fifty-one, and took part with the radical members of the New York Chamber of Commerce on the division caused by a meeting called by McDougall. When the British entered the City of New York, Captain Thomas Randall withdrew to Elizabethtown, and aided the Provincial Con gress in the care of the privateers commissioned by it. On the return of the exiles to New York, a meeting was held at Cape's tavern, No vember 18, 1783, which appointed a committee to prepare an address to General Washington. The name of Captain Thomas Randall leads the signatures to this paper. He was also one of the Committee of Thirteen, to conduct the procession to meet Governor Clinton on his entrance into the city on the 26th of November. He was one of the gentlemen who presented General Washington with the Presi dent's barge, used by him during his stay in New York. On President Washington's return to Virginia, in 1789, he returned the barge to the owners with a warm letter to Captain Thomas Randall. HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND, 413 The residence of Captain Thomas Randall was at No. 8 AA^hitehall street. He was one of the two hundred and three shareholders, in 1792, of the famous Tontine Coffee-House. One of the city papers of that date publishes this advertisement : " Randall, Son & Stewart, merchants, 10 Hanover Square. General assortment of dry goods, iron mongery. Removed to 211 Water street, where they have for sale a large assortment of European and East India goods." Captain Thomas Randall was Vice-Consul to China, and captain of the ship '' Jay," belonging to John Pintard, alderman, in 1783. He had also served on the Committee of One Hundred, chosen to control all the general affairs of the City of New York, in 1775. He belonged to the Sons of Liberty. He built the barge whicli carried General Washington from Elizabethtown to New York, at the time of the inauguration, and was coxswain with a crew of shipmasters. He was practically the founder of the Marine Society, and there is every reason to believe that he originated the call for that memorable meet ing " for the relief of indigent ship-masters, their widows and or phans," for he was appointed chairman of the committee to formu late a plan to carry out the design, and the articles submitted by him were adopted. He was one of the incorporators named in the charter gi'anted by George III. This action of Captain Thomas Randall indicated his philanthropic nature. Undoubtedly it was his acquaintance with the needy work of the Alarine Society that led his son, Robert Richard Randall, to be queath his property for the establishment of a home for aged, decrepit and worn-out sailors. To this same infiuence we may trace the work and sympathy of other members of the Alarine Society in other such well-known charities as the Mariners' Family Asylum aud the Home for the Destitute Children of Seamen. Captain Thomas Randall was one of the original twelve members of the New York Chamber of Commerce, also of the New York Bank ing Company, of which he was a director. It is interesting to know that, in 1784, the " Empress of China," the first American ship that went to China, cleared from New York with a miscellaneous cargo, with Alajor Shaw, of Boston, and Captain Thomas Randall, of New York, on board as commercial agents, and the Hon. John Jay, Min ister of Foreign Affairs. It was in 1774 that Stephen Girard first arrived in this country, as chief officer on board the ship " Le Julia,'' in the cargo of which he had a large venture. He met with Captain Thomas Randall, who was so much impressed with his business methods, that their acquaintance quickly rijiened into intimacy, Girard was given the command of one of Captain Randall's boats, as a trial, and then the two became joint owners of the vessel. This co-partnership lasted for about two years. Thus, it will be seen. Captain Thomas Randall helped to lay the foundation of the great fortune with which Stephen Girard in later 414 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND, years blessed the world. Captain Thomas Randall dierl r>Tn Friday, October 27, 1 797, aged seventy- four years. His remains were interred in the family plot in Trinity Church-yard on Broadway. After reviewing the life of the father — filled with so many acts of practical kindness — we need not wonder that Captain Robert Richard Randall should have endowed such an institution as the Sailors' Snug Harbor. It is clearly evident that he first inherited from his father a desire to protect and help his unfortunate fellow seamen. These men — the father and son — moved in the very same channels in life; their desires, ambitions, and aims were practically the same. Therefore, it is reas(mable to believe that the two planned, in a measure, the Sailors' Snug Harbor during their busy lives, little knowing how great was the structure they were building. Captain G. D. S. Trask, late Governor of the Sailors' Snug Harbor, and now President of the Alarine Society, gave years of patient and earnest toil to the work of compiling a history of the institution, and from his writings we quote : " By deed bearing date June 5th, 1790, Frederick Charles Hans Bruno Paelintz — commonly called Baron Paelintz — conveyed for five thousand pounds to Robert Richard Randall the property known as the ' Minto farm,' consisting of twenty-one acres and more of land lying in the (now) Fifteenth Ward of New York City, (Borough of Manhattan), the Southern boundary of which was then the upper end of Broadway. Fourteen acres of this land wa.s under the Stouten burgh patent, from Governor Petrus Stuyvesant to Petrus Stouten burgh, April 7th, 1661, and about seven acres from the Perro family; both tracts having been in the years 1766 and 1768 conveyed to An drew Elliot, and in 1785, conveyed to John Jay, Isaac Rosevelt and Alexander Hamilton, and by them July stji, 1787, to Baron Paelintz. " The mansion on this estate was built of brick, and was one of the mo.st reliable residences in the city. It was erected by Lieutenant- Governor Elliot, who was a son of Sir Gilbert Elliot, lord chief jus tice, clerk of Scotland. In 1764, he received the appointment of col lector and receiver-general of the Province of New York, where he established his residence. " In 1780, he was appointed Lieutenant-Governor of the Province, performing the duties of Governor until the city was evacuated by the British. His daughter was married here to Lord, after Earl Cath- cart, then a major in the British Army, on duty in this city. In this house Captain Robert Richard Randall resided from 1790 till the time of his death, which occurred June 5th, 1801, and near it he was buried. " In the early corporation manuals of the city, Captain Randall is spoken of as a merchant and a ship-master, and was uniformly by his contemporaries styled ' Captain,' both historically and in the recorded proceedings of the trustees by him appointed. HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 415 " In 1771, Captain Randall, then a young man, became a member of the Alarine Society of New York, an organization for the relief of indigent and distressed masters of vessels, their widows and orphan children. The leaven of his inspiration to provide an asylum for the needy sailor may be traceable to his long connection and intimate acquaintance with the work of this Society, and to his knowledge of the fact that provision such as he devised would so far relieve the Society as to enable it the better to provide for the wants of widows and orphans; which result his action did in fact accomplish. Further evidence of this design, as well as of his confidence in the Society, is shown by his naming as trustees under the will, its President and Vice-President. In 1778, he became a member of the Chamber of Commerce of New York. The President of this body he also named as a trustee. " The property left by Captain Randall for the Sailors' Snug Har bor, consisted of the ' Alinto farm,' and four lots in the First Ward of the city, together with stocks valued at about ten thousand dollars. The farm lots in the First Ward he inherited from his father, Thomas Randall, a merchant of New York, who died in 1797, leaving two other children — Paul R, and Catharine, wife of George Brewertcm, and appointing Catharine his executrix. Both the other children survived Robert Richard, * * * " It was Captain Randall's intention, as expressed in the will, that the Sailors' Snug Harbor should be located on the estate conveyed; but with the delay incident to a sufficient increase of income properly to conform with his stipulation — that the proceeds of the said estate should be sufficient to ' support fifty of the said sailors and upwards ' — the changes attending the growth of the city and other ' impervious circumstances,' rendered it advisable in the judgment of the trustees to address a memorial to the Legislature in Febrnary, 1817, for au thority to locate the institution elsewhere; suggesting a site at the entrance of the harbor or on the margin of the bay, and representing that they were tendered gratuitously for such purpose a lot of land — not less than ten acres — situate on the bay between Fort Diamond, (now Lafayette), and the Quarantine ground, (Tompkinsville), This generous offer was made by his excellency Governor Daniel D, Tomp kins, who aided General Hamilton in the drawing of the will of Cap tain Randall, Notwithstanding repeated applications to the same effect, amendment to the act of incorporation enabling the accom plishment of this design was not obtained until April 19th, 1828. The death of Governor Tompkins in the meantime rendered his proffer unavailable. " In Alarch, 1830, the last of the many suits which had been pressed by alleged heirs of Captain Randall was finally settled by the Supreme Court of the United States. The harass and anxiety to which the trustees had for a quarter of a century been subjected was forever 416 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. ended, and the legal acumen of the great lawyers who drew the will was demonstrated. " After visiting many proposed sites on Long Island and on Staten Island, Captain John Whetten and William Whitlock, President and Vice-President of the Marine Society, selected the present location, and in May, 1831, concluded the purchase. Proposals for the erection of buildings thereon were at once advertised for, and the work of construction began." Captain Randall's will, dated July 1, 1801, which is recorded in the Surrogate's office of New York County, reads as follows : " In the name of God, Amen. I, Robert Richard Randall, of the Seventh Ward of the City of New York, being weak in body, but of sound and disposing mind and memory, do make and ordain this, my last will and testament, as follows : " First — I direct all my just debts to be paid. " Secondly — I give unto the legitimate children of my brother, Paul R, Randall, each an annuity or yearly sum of Forty Pounds until they respectively attain the age of fifteen years: and in addition thereto I give to each of the sons of my said brother the sum of one thousand pounds, to be paid to them as they may respectively attain the age of tAventy-one years; and also to each daughter which my said brother may have, the like sum of one thousand pounds each, to be paid to them as they may respectively be married. " Thirdly — I give and bequeath unto Betsy Hart, my housekeeper, my gold sleeve-buttons and an annuity or yearly payment of forty pounds, to be paid her on quarterly payments during her natural life. " Fourthly — I give and bequeath unto Adam Shields, my faithful overseer, my gold watch and the sum of forty pounds, to be paid to him as soon after my decease as conveniently may be. " Fifthly — I also give and bequeath unto Guwn Irwin, who noAV lives with me, my shoe-buckles and knee-buckles, and also the sum of twenty pounds, to be paid immediately after my decease. " Sixthly — As to and concerning all the rest, residue and remainder of my estate, both real and personal, I give, devise and bequeath the same unto the Chancellor of the State of New York, the Mayor and Recorder of the City of New York, the President of the Chamber of Commerce in the City of New York, the President and Vice-President of the Marine Society of the City of New York, the Senior Alinister of the Episcopal Church in the said city, and the Senior Minister of the Presbyterian Church in the said city, to have and to hold all and singular the said rest, residue a..nd remainder of my said real and personal estate unto them, the said Chancellor of the State of New A'ork, Alayor of the City of New York, the Recorder of the City of New York, the President of the Chamber of Commerce, President and Vice-President of the Marine Society, Senior Minister of the Episco pal Church and Senior Minister of the Presbyterian Church in the HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 417 said city, for the time being and their respective successors in the said offices forever, to, for and upon the uses, trusts, interests and purposes, and subject to the directions and appointments hereinafter mentioned and declared concerning the same — that is to say: Out of the rents, issues, and profits of the said rest, residue and remainder of my said real and personal estate to erect and build upon some eligible part of the land upon which I now reside an Asylum or Ala rine Hospital, to be called the • Sailors' Snug Harbor,' for the purpose of maintaining and supporting aged, decrepit and worn-out sailors, as soon as they, my said Charity Trustees, or a majority of them, shal I judge the proceeds of the said estate Avill support fifty of the said sailors and upwards; and I do hereby direct that the income of the said real and personal estate given as aforesaid to my said Charity Trustees shall forever hereafter be used and applied for supportint THE sailors' snug HARBOR, NEW BRIGHTON. the Asylum or Alarine Hospital hereby directed to be built, and for maintaining sailors of the above description there in such manner as the Trustees, or a majority of them may from time (to time) or their successors in oflice may from time to time direct. And it is my intention hereby Directed and Created should be perpetual, and that the above-mentioned officers for the time being, and their suc cessors should forever continue and be the Governors thereof, and have the superintendence of the same, " And it is my will and desire that, if it cannot legally be done ac cording to my above intention, by them, without an act of the Legis lature, it is my will and desire that they will, as soon as possible, ap ply for an act of the Legislature to incorporate them for the purpose above specified. And I do further declare it to be (mj) will and in- 418 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. tention that the said rest, residue and remainder of my real and per sonal estate, should be at all events applied for the uses and pur poses above set forth, and that it is my desire (that) all courts of law and equity will so construe this, my said will, as to have the said estate appropriated to the above uses, and that the same should in no case for want of legal form or otherwise be so construed as that my relatives, or any other persons, should heir, possess or enjoy my prop erty, except in the manner and for the uses herein above specified. And lastly I do nominate and appoint the Chancellor of the State of New York for the time being, at the time of my decease, the Alayor of the City of New York for the time being, the Recorder of the City of New York for the time being, the President of the Chamber of Commerce for the time being, the President and Vice-President of the Alarine Society in the City of New York for the time being, the Senior Minister of the Episcopal Church in the City of New York and the Senior Presbyterian Minister in the said city for the time being, and their successors in office after them, to be the executors of this my last will and testament — hereby revoking all former and other wills, and declaring this to be my last vfill and testament, " In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal the first day of June, in the year of our Lord one thousand, eight hundred and one. " Robert Richard Randaij. (L. S.) " The first meeting of the corporation of the Sailors' Snug Harbor was held on April 21, 1806. Messrs. Farquhar and Farmar were appointed a committee to report on a monument to be erected to Captain Robert Richard Randall. On Alay 28, 1806, the first election was held, resulting in the choice of Mayor DeWitt Clinton as President, and Thomas Farmar Treas urer. July 7, 1806 — Dr. Benjamin Moore and Dr. John Rogers, a com mittee, reported the device of a seal representing a secure and tran quil harbor, formed by two points of land projecting into the ocean. In this harbor a ship, which appears to have been injured by tem pestuous weather, is seen riding safely at anchor. On the shore is represented a view of the building erected for the accommodation of infirm and decayed seamen. The motto, Portum petimus fessi, (signi fying that those who were disabled by the toils and dangers of the sea have at last found a place of rest and safety). Also, ordered that the Treasurer and Clerk adjust the terms of the lease with Air. Far quhar, at |750 per year. [This was the Randall property in the city, of which Air. Farquhar became tenant, not proprietor, as is generally believed.] October 6, 1806 — The Treasurer reported a statement of the present annual income of the Sailors' Shtig Harbor, amounting to |4,243.07. HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND, 419 Alay 9, 1808— De Witt Clinton, (Mayor), ordered tliat the Recorder take measures to defend the suits in ejectment lately commenced against the Trustees. The next meeting was held on November 21, 1809, and the next, February 19, 1814, when a petition to the Legislature was adoi)ted, asking that the pastor of the Wall Street Presbyterian Church, and Rector of Trinity Church be recognized as Trustees; that illness of the senior minister of Trinity Church, discontinuance of meetings and elections of the Chamber of Commerce, and separation of the Presbyterian Churches had prevented the calling of a legal meeting since November 21, 1809, and asking for a reduction in the quorum to three trustees. It was also stated at this meeting that the income amounted to about |6,000 per annum , Suits were brought against the Trustees to recover the Randall property, in the Circuit Court of the Southern District of Noav York, September 1, 1823, by Stephen R, Brown, of New Jersey, March 4, 1825, a committee was appointed consisting of William Bayard, President of the Chamber of Commerce; Captain John AA^hetton, President, and Captain William AA'hetlock, Vice-President of the Marine Society, to attend to the removal of the remains of Captain Robert Richard Randall from the city property to one of the vaults of St, Mark's Church; and it was recommended that whenever the hospital be erected, his remains be deposited in the chapel of the hospital, and a suitable monument erected to his memory. This re moval of the remains was rendered necessary by the opening of Eighth street, which would run through the grave of Captain Randall, The remains were removed on June 21, 1825, March 10, 1826 — Process served on the President of the Board, Alayor Philip Hone, by the heirs of the late Bishop Charles Ingles, of Nova Scotia. Referred to the Recorder to direct the reference. April 17, 1826 — The following was reported to have been adopted by the State Senate : " Resolved, By the Senate, ( if the Assembly concur), that the Attorney-General be and is hereby directed to as sist in the defence in any suit or suits which have been or may here after be commenced to recover possession devised by Captain Ran dall to the use of the Sailors' Snug Harbor, whenever requested to do so by the Trustees thereof, and that a reasonable allowance for such services will be provided by law," On October 4, 1828, nine suits were reported by J, L, Riker, attor ney, as terminated. The Richmond Republican states that the presid ing justice directed the jury to render a verdict for the defendants, the Trustees of Sailors' Snug Harbor, and that they did so without leaving their seats. There were several lawyers employed on each side in these noted cases, the chief of whom being Daniel Webster for the plaintiffs, and Robert Emmett for the defendants, the Trus tees. 420 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. October 21, 1831 — The corner-stone of the building at New Brigh ton was laid. All the Trustees Were present, and also the Lieutenant- Governor of the State and the Chancellor and Vice-Chancellor. An address was delivered by Chancellor Walworth, who also laid the corner-stone. The ceremonies were opened with prayer by the Rev. William Berian, D. D., and the concluding prayer was offered by Rev. AV. ^Y. Phillips. August 1, 1833 — Captain Whetton reported that thirty inmates liad been received, applications having been made on July 4. The building was formally opened with fitting exercises. Prayer was offered by Rev. Dr. Peter I. A^an Pelt, of Port Richmond, and an ad dress was delivered by Rev. W. AY. Phillips, of New York. The clos ing prayer was offered by Rev. George E. Miller, of Tompkinsville. The main building was erected at a cost of $35,000. December 30, 1833 — The first physician's bill was presented. It was for medicines and services of Dr. Samuel R. Smith, for five months, |66.42. Januaiy, 1834 — Plan submitted by Air. Thompson for a monument to the memory of Captain Iiandall, the erection of Avhich would cost |1,200, without inscription. August 31, 1834 — The committee (Captains Whetton and Whet- lock), caused the remains to be placed in a new case. They were conveyed to the steamboat in a private carriage, and received at the Snug Harbor dock by the inmates, who were dressed in blue jackets and white trousers, and they followed the remains in silent proces sion and deposited them beneath the monument in front of the main building. The following is a copy of the inscriptions on this memorial stone, which was added in the following year : North side. "The Trustees of the Sailors' Snug Harbor erected this monument to the memory of Robert Richard Randall, by whose munificence this institution was founded." East side. '' The humane institution of the Sailors' Snug Harbor, conceived in a spirit of enlarged benevolence with an endowment which time has proved fully adequate to the objects of the donor, and organized in a manner which shows wisdom and foresight. The founder of this noble charity will ever be held in grateful remem brance by the partakers of his bounty." Son Hi side. " Charity never faileth; its memory is immortal." Wrsi side. "The Trustees of the Sailors' Snug Harbor have caused the remains of Robert Richard Randall to be removed from the orig inal place of interment and deposited beneath this monument on the 21st of August, 1834." There were one hundred and thirty acres in the original tract of land connected with this institution. Additional tracts have been purchased, until now there are one hundred and eighty acres. Thirty HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND, 421 acres on the front are enclosed by a substantial fence with granite coping, within which are erected the buildings, about forty in all. There are eight large dormitory buildings, capable of accommodat ing one thousand men, a hospital with beds for two hundred patients, (while another hospital structure, one of the finest in the world, is now in course of construction); a magnificent church edifice, enter tainment ball, dwellings for oflicers and employes, laundry aud clothes rooms, machine shops, with engine room attached; black smith shop, carpenter shop, with steam sawing and planing machines, paint shop, boiler houses, ice house of six hundred and fifty tons capacity, constructed with refrigerating and meat rooms, kitchen buildings, morgue, hot-houses, lodges, barns, electric plant, etc. The central building contains the main entrance. In it, on the ground fioor, are the Governor's suite of offices, the reception rooms, library and reading rooms, all opening out of the grand entrance'hall. The hall and the principal rooms are handsomely embellished in fresco and stained glass, the designs being principally of a nautical and astronomical character. Among the portraits in the reception hall are those of former Covernors, The five main buildings are connected by two wide corridors, aud a covered way Avitli three main buildings; all are tastefully furnished and serve as sitting-rooms. The large dining-rooms are in a central rear building, and connect Avith the stoAvard's office and store-rooms, nhich also connect AAith the main kitchen below, as Avell as Avith the matron's office. The face of the five front buildings is of marble with massive columns, and the hospitals are of granite of similar style. The unveiling of an heroic statue in bronze of Robert Richard Ran dall, designed by Agustus St, Gaudens, occurred on Alay 30, 1884, Addresses were delivered on the occasion by the Hon, Algernon S, Sullivan and the Hon, Erastus Brooks, It Avas erected upon a pedes tal of polished granite, and located upon the lawn betAveen the main buildings and the Governor's residence, fronting the Kills, Rules and regulations, tending to the good order and the comfort and Avelfare of all the inmates, are assented to by each upon entering the institution. The By-laAvs specifically state tJiat " The Sailors' Snug Harbor " Avas erected and established for the maintenance of " aged, decrepit and worn-out sailors," and that none other is eligible to admission. That no person shall be admitted to the institution Avho is afflicted with a contagious disease; Avho is possessed of ade quate means of self-support, either by his OAvn labor or from other sources; AA^ho cannot furnish satisfactory evidence of his having sailed at least for five years under the flag of the United States, either in the merchant or naval service; and Avho does not sign the following agreement : " Having been received as an inmate of the Sailors' Snug Harbor, / do hereby agree to abstain from all intoxicating liquors, and to readilv 422 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. and cheerfully perform such labor and service in and about the in stitution and farm as may be required of me by the Governor, Avith out expecting or claiming any reward or remuneration therefor; also, to attend church at least once every Sunday in the Sailors' Snug Harbor Chapel, unless excused by the Governor; also, to conduct my self in a quiet, orderly manner, and to strictly obey all the rules and regulations of the institution." The Governors of the Sailors' Snug Harbor, since its establishment, have been. Captain John AVhetten, from August, 1833, to September, 1844; Dr. S. V, R. Bogert, (acting) from September, 1844, to Septem ber, 1845; Captain A. P. Depeyster, from September, 1845, to No vember, 1867; Captain Thomas Melville, from November, 1867, to Alarch, 1884; Captain G. D. S. Trask, from March, 1884, to January, 1898; Captain Daniel Delehanty, from January 20, 1898. He still holds the po,sition. The Board of Directors of the Sailors' Snug Harbor is at present composed of the folio Aving gentlemen : Robert A. Van Wyck, Alayor; John W. Goff, Recorder; Morris K. Jessup, President Chamber of Commerce; G. D. S. Trask, President of the Marine Society; W. J, Woodbury, A^'ice-President Alarine Society; Rev. Morgan Dix, Pastor of Trinity P. E. Church; Rev. Howard Duffield, Pastor First Pres byterian Church; Alorris K. Jessup is President of the Board. On the day the " Harbor " opened its doors — August 1, 1833 — twenty inmates were received, and during that year there Avere flf ty, about one-third of whom left on their own account, or were dismissed, while the remainder wore finally laid to rest in the old cemetery, which is located about a quarter of a mile back of the Harbor build ings by a pretty ravine. The first inmate of the Sailors' Snug Harbor was Samuel Newman, a native of Falmouth, England, and he left the institution on his own account on Alarch 8, 1838. The first inmate Avho died was Solomon Cumming, a native of this country. He was admitted on August 1, 1833, and died on Alarch 25, 1834, aged fifty-one years. That same year there Avere two deaths; three in 1835; one in 1836; four in 1837; four in 1838; one in 1840; thirty-five in 1853; forty-five in 1861; one hundred and eight in 1885; three hundred and thirty-one in 1897; three hundred and forty in 1898, and ninety in 1899. The total num ber of deaths between 1833 and 1900, is somoAvhat above two thou sand. Among the native Staten Islanders, Avho have been inmates of the Sailors' Snug Harbor, were Stephen Wood, Benjamin Butler, Abram Alanee, .Tames Alurray, Aloses H. Stewart, James L, Simonson, John A^an Pelt, William Cozine, and Isaac AA^oglom. The annual income of the Sailors' Snug Harbor is constantly in creasing. In 1899, it was a fraction short of |400,000, while its ex- jienses, exclusive of improvements, were about |200,000, CHAPTER XXXIV. CHARITABLE ORGANIZATIONS. N 1784, an act Avas passed which levied a tax upon all in coming vessels, to be applied by the Health Officer, and " directed the Health Commissioners, after paying the ex penses of the Quarantine Hospitals out of the tax collected, together with such expenses as Avere part of the contingent charges of the City of Ne« Vork, to appropriate annually eight thousand dollars of the surplus of the Society for the reformation of juvenile delinquents, or, as it is more generally called, the House of Refuge. The remainder of such surplus, if any there were, Avas to be paid to the Comptroller, to be invested by him, and called the Alarine fund." During the Avhole of this period, the only hospital for the accom modation of sick and disabled seamen and passengers, was that erected at the Quarantine, and known as the Alarine Hospital, aud the tax upon sailors and passengers was collected by the State of ficers, knoAvn as Health Commissioners. The apparent injustice of appropriating any part of the tax im posed, upon the hard earnings of the seamen, to objects having no connection with their interest or support, a memorial was presented to the Legislature, asking that the money thereafter jiaid as a State tax by the mariner, might be appropriated to his exclusive benefit. The result of this application was the passage of an act in 1831, to which the Seaman's Retreat, at Stapleton, OAves its origin. This act authorized the Commissioners of Health to collect the State tax from masters, mariners, or seamen, and credited or substituted in their place the Board of Trustees of the Seamen's Fund and Re treat, who were empowered to receive from the Comptroller so much of the Alariner's Fund in the treasury as was then unappropriated, and thereafter to receive the tax imposed upon masters, mariners, and seamen. This tax was to be used for the purchase of land, the erection of hospital buildings for sick and disabled seamen, and for providing nurses and medical attendance. The Trustees held their first meeting on the 9th of Alay, 1831, and forthwith proceeded to make arrangements for the temporary ac commodations, HaAing received from the Comptroller the unappro priated balance of the Mariner's Fund, amounting to |12,197.68, they 424 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. purchased a piece of land at Stapleton, (at Bay street and A^'anderbilt avenue), containing forty acres, for |10,000 — prepared a temporary hospital, engaged medical attendance, nurses aud assistants, and on the 1st of October, 1831, received forty-seven patients. It became necessary to commence the erection of an additional building in the following year. This, after being partly completed, was entirely destroyed, but was finally completed in 1832. The Avant of additional accommodation, and the absence of any separate hospital for infectious diseases and insane persons, being still severely felt, the Trustees were obliged to make suitable arrangements to meet the necessity, and the build ing was completed in 1837. The old hospital, standing in the rear of the noAV one, was converted into an insane asylum. The years passed rapidly in the history of the Retreat. Thousands of jjoor sailors have been cared for within its walls. It went out of existence, so far as its old form of management Avas concerned, in the early eighties, when it was leased by the United States Govern ment, and converted into a Marine Hospital. Staten Island has always felt the need of a public hospital. It be came an absolute necessitj^ during the Civil War. At a meeting of the Richmond County Medical Society, in April, 1861, it was suggested that some step be taken in the matter. The Society had already maintained a dispensary for the relief of the out-door poOr, but were convinced " that the charity should be placed upon a broader basis in order to meet the increasing demands upon it." A proposition was then placed before the public to establish an infirmary " for the reception of the indigent sick, to be called the Samuel R, Smith Infirmary, making the name an appropriate tribute to the memory of a Avell-knoAvn and highly esteemed citizen and dis tinguished physician, Avhose reputation for activity in the line ot benevolence which the proposed institution should folloAV, suggested his name for this honor. The constitution provided that the payment of five dollars should make any one a member, and twenty-five dol lars a life member. The affairs of the Infirmary were to be managed by seven trustees, four of Avhom to be members of the Aledical Society. who should be elected at the annual meetings of the members. The attendance at the Infirmary was to be under the charge of the Aledical Society." On the 28th of April, 1864, a meeting was held in the old Tompkins ville Lyceum, to perfect the organization, and the following directors Avere elected : Alessrs. ShaAv, Marsh and Despard, and Drs. Anderson, I^ea, Aloffatt and Eady. The Commissioners of Quarantine granted the use oi: two of the hospitals on the late Quarantine grounds to the Infirmary, until such times as the grounds should be sold. A formal opening of the Infirmary building was held on Alondaj' afternoon, June 20, 1864, William Shaw presided. A dwelling, HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 425 standing on Sarah Ann street, Tompkinsville, was secured and fitted up for the purposes of tlie hospital. Tbis Avas occupied until the present handsome building on ('astleton avtuiue Avas completed. A "Ladies' Auxiliary Soeiety of the S. R. Sniitb Infirmary," was organized on November 20, 1863, and lias always dcme good AVork. Its officers are. Airs. George V. Hicks, li-esident; Airs, (ieorge W. Dix, A''ice-President; Aliss II. Evelina Bogart, Secretary; and Airs. C, W Hunt, Treasurer, The Infirmary is now upon a safe and comfortable foundation, hav ing been the subject of several liberal donations. The officials of tbe Infirmary to-day are: Orrin S, AA'ood, President; DeWitt Staf ford, Vice-President; E, C. Bridgman, Secretary; F, C, Townsend, Treasurer; Clarence T, Barrett, DeFrees Critten, James Al, Davis, J, Eberhard Paber, Stephen D, Stephens, Ferdinand C. Townsend, J, J, O'Dea, DeAAltt Stafford, Theodore AValser, Lewis F AAiiitin, Orrin S, Wood, Charles P. Zent- graf, Hugh A. Bain, Ed- w a r d C, Bridgman, Louis F, Benziger, Nich olas Aluller, Joseph Tate and Louis L. Tri- bus. Trustees. In 1843, the managers of the Female Bethel Society, of New V^ork City, decided to under take the " Charity of Wages," changing their name to the " Alariners' Family Industrial So ciety." Its object was to provide work at a fair remuneration for the female members of the families of seamen. For this ptirpos'.^ application Avas made to tlie Sailors' Snug Harbor and the Seamen'-^. Retreat, for the manufacture of a portion of the clothing annually required at those institutions, Avhich was granted. A store was opened, and was in operation for eighteen years. Application was made and an order obtained from the Government at Washington, for the manufacture of a portion of the clothing an nually re(][uired for the navy. Of those who aided in this work of charity we can only here mention the names of Jlev. R, C, Parker and the A^enerable Airs. Alexander Hamilton, then in her ninety- second year, who made personal efforts for this object. The managers saAV the necessitj^ of a Home for the aged women wiio were unable to earn their own support, A tax was first imposed upon S. R. SMITH INFIR.MAKY, NEW JiRIGHTO.V. 426 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. seamen and passengers arriving in this port, while the State was yet a Colony in 1754, and in 17S4 it became a State ta,x. The Retreat surplus fund Avas rapidly accruing, and it seemed but just that a por tion of the hard-earned wages of the sailor should be appropriated to the erection of an Asylum for his aged Avife and mother. From the time of this State tax, 1784 to 1831, the amount paid by the sailor, above that expended for his benefit, Avas $341,000. Consulting with friends upon the subject, among whom were mas ters of vessels, officers and sailors, they assured the managers that such an object would be hailed Avith joy by the seamen. A petition was presented to the Legislature by Mrs. R. H. Lambert, Avho obtained an interview v,ith the Governor, and the members who gave their approval and infiuence in its faAor. The petition was pre sented by the Hon. Daniel E. Sickles. A foAv days later it was re ported favorably and passed the Assembly. In 1851, the Legislature appropriated flO,000 for the erection of an Asylum for aged and infirm relatives of seamen, and subsequently $6,000 more for this purpose, and ten per cent, of seamen's tax, col- lecred each month by law upon masters, mates, mariners and sailors, for the maintenance of said Asylum. Aleanwhile opposition arose from the Board of Trustees of the Sea men's Retreat, Avhich was contested in the Legislature for years. An act, however, settling the matter, Avas finally passed in 1854. On the 9th of May following, the building committee, by invitation of the Board of Trustees, visited the farm of the Seamen's Retreat for the purpose of choosing the site for the Asylum. The site chosen Avas on the " southerly side of the farm," in the rear of the Retreat. The building uoav fronts on Centre street, which was laid out but a foAv years since through the Retreat property. On the 9th of the fol lowing June, the building Avas dedicated with appropriate ceremo nies, and the first group of old ladies who enjoyed its hospitality made the first Stars and Stripes that fioated above it. The following are the officials of the Alariners' Family Asylum : Airs. H. B. Jackson, Honorary President; Airs. Prances Alac Donald, President; Mrs. Captain G. A. Carver, A^ice-President; Airs. Captain Stephen AA^hitman, Corresponding Secretary; Airs. G. D. Pine, Re cording Secretary; Mrs. G. AA^ Johnson, Treasurer; Alessrs. James W. Elwell, Prank H. Moffatt, Richard Luce, John Aliller, Albert T. Ropes, J. Winchester, G. D. S. Trask and G. A. Carver, Board of Council. The attention of several benevolent ladies in the city of New York and vicinity, having been called to the destitute condition of the families of our seamen, it Avas determined by them that an effort should be made to relieve those necessities, by providing an asylum where such children might be sheltered and instructed. A meeting of ladies of different denominations was accordingly HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 427 held in the lecture-room of the Brick Church, Beekman street, on Thursday, April 2, 1846. The meeting Avas organized for business by the appointment of Airs. Tomlinson as President, and Airs. Bement Secretaiy. A constitution was adopted, one of the articles of which being that " at the asylum the children shall have religious instruc tion, and habits of industry shall be inculcated. No child shall be admitted into the asylum under tbree years of age. The entire charge of the clothing, board and instruction, of each child shall be fifty cents per week. AVhen the children shall have attained a suitable age, and proper qualifications, they shall severally be placed with some respectable person or family." The officers for the first year, 1846, were as follows: Airs. Peter Stuyvesant, First Directress; Airs. Vredeuburgh, Second Directress; Airs. W. H. AspiuAvall, Treasurer; Airs. Edward Bement, Secretary, There was also a large board of managers and ad\isers. From the first annual report Ave quote : " AA^hen the Board was first organized, the question as to the loca tion of the Home for Seamen's Children was discussed, and the unan imous opinion was, that Staten Island presented advantages over every situation in the neigh borhood of the city, A house was accordingly hired in Port Richmond, Avhich, however, was soon found too small, and too remote from the steamboat landing, and it was concluded, in concurrence with the opinion of the Board of Advisers, to remove to the present situation, which for beauty, health and convenience, is unsurpassed," In 1852, a suitable building was erected on the grounds belonging to the Sailors' Snug Harbor, which was leased. The building was partly paid for by the donations of the managers at the time, and the balance, advanced by the Snug Harbor Trustees, was secured to them by a mortgage on the premises. The Home was so greatly in debt by 1857, that its managers concluded to sell it to the owners of the ground, and thus dispense with the mortgage. This was accomplished in 1858, The privilege was reserved to the Home, however, of occupy ing it, rent free, for a term of fourteen years. The Home was incorporated in 1 851, An annual payment of two OLD seamen's RETREAT, STAPLETON, 428 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND, dollars constitutes a member, and a single payment of twenty-flve dollars makes one a life member. This institution is chiefly managed by ladies, and the yearly expenditure is about |7,000. The inmates now are seldom less than one hundred in number. Aliss Anna M. Drew, the present Alatron, came to the Home in 1863, as an assistant, and was very soon promoted to the chief offlce. Prom that year on Aliss DroAV has been the only mother that hundreds of otherwise homeless, children have knoAvu. She is a woman of Avonderftil executive ability, with a keen j>erception for right and justice, and a heart full of love and sympathy for those upon whom the shadows of life have fallen. Little " tots," whom circumstances place under her gentle care, grow up to be men and women; but, no matter where they go, when they leave the Home roof, they carry with them hearts full of the tenderest love for the noble woman who has given her whole life to their interests, and they come back in the fleeting years to crown her with their blessings. The Woman's Christian Tem perance Union is the largest or ganization, composed of women, on Staten Island. It numbers be tween three hundred and four hundred members. Its work was begun here in 1875, the year fol lowing the great temperance crusade in Ohio. Mrs. Alice Bar rett was the flrst County Presi dent, and held the position for many years. She and her helpers started several local Unions on the Island, the flrst of which was at West New Brighton, in 1875. The county organization was per manently effected in 1885. In 1887, the work went down, until there was only one working Union in the county. In 1889 and 1890, Mrs. Sarah Roberts Alorris, who had been made County Corresponding Secretary, helped to re-organize several of the old Unions, and in 1891, Mrs. Ella A. Boole, then the State Corresponding Secretary, and now the President of the State organ ization, w^as elected County Vice-President. In 1892, Mrs. Barrett was made President emeritus, and Mrs. Boole was elected active President, and re-elected in 1893, OAving to pressure of outside work, however, Mrs, Boole resigned the Presidency that year, and Mrs. Morris, who had been elected County Vice-President, fllled the Pres- MRS. SARAH ROBERTS MORRIS, COUNTY PRESIDENT AVI, C, T, U, HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND, 429 idency for the unexpired term. Airs. Morris Avas elected President in 1894, and hy re-election has held the office ever since. In the flrst year of Airs, Aloriis's administration flve new Unions Avere added to the county, and since then others have been g.;vined, Tlie good that has been done by this faithful band of consecrated Chris tian women is incalculable. They help to feed the hungry and clothe the naked; they gather the street (iiildren and tea(ii them to avoid intoxicants and other evils; they go to the jails and the alms houses, the hospitals, and the tenements, Avith Avords of kindness on their lips, carrAing fragrant flowers, to bring a ray of love into darkened lives. The county officers are as follows : Airs, Sarah Roberts Morris, Prei^ident; Aliss Anna AI, DroAV, A^ice-President; Airs, B, F. Funk, Corresponding Secretary; Aliss Adelaide B, Alorgan, Recording Sec retary; Airs, Ella AI, Horton, Treasurer, The folioAving are the Local Unions of tlie Islaud: AVe^t N(av Brighton, Airs, Sarah Roberts Alorris, President; Alariners' Ilaii:)(n', Airs, Ella Kinsey, President; Port Richmond, Airs, Harriet E. AA'eed, President; Stapleton, Aliss Anna AI, DroAA", President; Linoleumville, Airs, William Simmonds, President; Prohibition Park, Airs, B, F, Funk, President; Pleasant Plains, Airs, Arthur AA', BroAvne, Presi dent; A, Al, E, Church Union, Airs E, Wells, President; Tottenville, Airs. E, P, Alanee, President, The organization has Iavo junior branches — the A'oung Woman's Christian Temperance Union, Avhich organizes the young women, with the young men as honorary members, and the Loyal Tempcn^ance Legion, into which the children are gathered. There are hundreds of young people and children in these societies in the ('Oiinty. Mount Loretto, situated on the South side of the Island, near Rich mond Valley, is under the charge of the Alission of the Immaculate* 'SHrgin, and is conducted according to the Roman Catholic faith, Tlie land occupied by it was knoAA'u for many years as the Seguine and Bennett farms. Beside containing some of the finest buildings on the Island, it has the handsomest church, also large machine, cloth ing and shoe shops and an extensive printing office. The institution Avas founded by Rev, John Drumgoole, about fifteen years ago; but death remoA'ed the grand old man from the busy scene of action, in the prime of his usefulness. Rev, James J, Dough erty is at the head of the institution to-day, having for his assist ants, the Rev, Fathers Pitzpatrick, Harold, Pellietix and A\ilson, Mother Catharine, of the Franciscan Sisters, is in ciiarge of both the boys and girls. Of the former there are twelve hundred and fifty, and of the latter, one hundred and seventy-five, St, Michael's Home, at Green Ridge, a similar institution, is doing its own good work, but not on so large a scale as the Home at Alount Loretto. It is located on what is familiarly known as the Frost estate. 430 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND, The Staten Island Diet Kitchen has for its object the supplying of wholesome and nutritious food for the sick poor, and was organized at a iiarlor meeting in the German Club Rooms, in Stapleton, on De cember 8, 1881. The institution is located in a pretty building, on the corner of Van Duzer and Grant streets, Stapleton. It was opened on January 9, 1882, and incorporated on June 21, of the same year. The first officers were. Airs. W. AV. MacParlaud, President; Mrs. Lowery, Vice-President; Mrs. P. U. Johnson, Secretary; and Mrs. L. H. Meyer, Treasurer. The charter members were, S. B. MacParlaud, Eliza Macdonald, Alargaret A. Johnston, Caroline L. Peniston, A. C. H. Aleyer, Eliza beth VV, Clark, Clara K, Osborne, Alary T. Ripley, Rev. J. C. Eccleston, and L. H. Aleyer. The institution is maintained by subscriptions, donations in money, and contributions of various articles of food, delicacies, flowers, etc. The flrst year |1,084,77 in cash was received, and |803.77 expended; In response to the requisitions of the physicians during the year, nearly three thousand orders were fllled to over flve hundred patients. The work of this noble institution goes grandly on, to the joy of hundreds of poor people in the vicinity, as Avell as to the kind-hearted people who are at its head. CHAPTER XXXV. THE island's POOR AND THEIR HOME. E find among the English Colonial manuscripts, preserved in the State Department, tinder date of November 23, 1692, " a petition from John Teunissen van Pelt and thoinas Alorgan, Alembers of Assembly for Richmond County, praying that the estate there of the late Peter Testemaker, hereto fore minister of the Gospel on Staten Island, may be bestowed to the use of the poor of said Island in accordance Avitli the expressed wishes of the deceased," Also, a petition from the same gentlemen, " praying that the lot on Staten Island, set apart for the church, be construed to the said use, notAvithstanding a grant thereof through misinformation, to one AVilliam Butler," Again, a petition from the same parties, " for a restitution of the middle part of Staten Island, as commons for the inhabitants, notwithstanding the late Governor Dongan craftily en grossed said commons to himself." In those early days a^nnual appropriations were made for the sup port of the poor, and they were " boarded out " throughout the Is land. It sometimes happened that the children of aged parents were paid by the county for the support of those Avhom, by every tie of kindred and honor, they were in duty bound to care for. The first public institution erected and maintained as an alms house, on Staten Island, was built some time prior to 1700, and was located on the spot where the little brick building knoAvn as the County Clerk's and Surrogate's offices stood, recently destroyed by fire, in Richmond. This is proven by the fact that when the Super visors and others decided to " build a public gaol at Cucklestowne," the location of that structure was designated as " adjoining ye site of ye County poor-house." Old people have described it to the writer as a Ioav, Dutch-style of a house, built of stone, and containing a story and a-half. It had evidently been a dwelling. It Avas demolished Avhen the alleged fire-proof County Clerk's and Surrogate's offices Avere built, in 1827. There are no records relative to the poor of the Island, prior to 1766; and, indeed, after that date for many years the story of that branch of the public service is very meagre. The first record which Ave have found reads as follows : 432 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND, " Alartha Garret, for Keep'g one of the at £6 pr, annum. " Peter Perine, for Keepg Ann A^anamah £4 (and) pr Annum from ye 15th of Octor, £4. " WidoAv Johnson, for Keepg Ann A^anamah £2. 9. 4, " Dearkes for Keepg her Father Jacob A''anpelt, at £8 pr An'm from Octo' ye 7th, £8, " Jn°, Burbanck for Keep'' his Father at £8 pr An, from Octo'. ye 7th, £8. " Francis Jonson for Keep^ a Poor Child at £6 pr An, from Octo' ye 7th, £6. " Mary PoAvel for Keep= her Mother at £10 pr An, Octo'. ye 7th, £10. " John Conon, for Keep^ Paggv^ Baty at £8 pr An. from Octo'. ye 7th, £8. " Jal Egbert for Keep'' Airs. Frairai, £10. " Ja". Latourette for Keep" the Widow Audris, for the time she is sick, £4." The total amount of money raised by the Supervisors, during the year 1766, for the support of the poor and other expenses, Avas £187. (|935.) The Supervisors that year were: Richard Conner, Castleton; John Poillon, Southfield; Nicholas Dupuy, AA^estfield, and John Hill yer, Northfield. The Revolution made many poor people on Staten Island. The homeless were everyAvhere. AA^hile some cast their lot in what prom ised to be more congenial places, there were many who could not get aAvay. In the reorganization of the County government the poor, of course, Avere remembered. This was in 1784. The original records read as folloAvs : " At a Aleeting of the Supervisors held at Richmond Alay ye 31, 1784 Ave Examined the Excise List, And found we h.ad Rais"^ by Ex cise the Sum of Sixty five pounds Seventeen Shillings for the Benefit of the poor, £65. 17. 0, " Henry Garrison, Cornelius Corsen, " John Totten, Anthony Fountain, " P. B. Spong, Clerk, Supervisors." " Richmond Toavn, Aug" 21st, 1784. " A Tax agreed to be raised for the Gaol, Poor and Contingencies for the A^'ar 1784, vizt, for the gaol £120, for the Poor £169, 9. 0., and for Contingencies £125. 11. 0. — amount £415. 0, 0, " Quota for each (Quarter or Precinct as follows : " West Quarter £143, 06. 1, £3, 17, 6, £1-46, 19, 7, " North q' 102. 16, 10, 2 12, 9, 105, 9, 7, "South q' 92. 14, 6, 2. 1 , 7, 95. 2, 1, " Alanor 65. 14, 11, 1, 13, 10, 67, s, 9. £10. 7. 8. £415. 9. 0. HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 433 " Collector's fees deducted, £10. 7. 8. " Paid to the poor masters : Charles Dubois, £62. 10. 0. ; John Tysen & Peter prall £55. 00. 0.; Harman^ Garrison & Isaac Lak'^ £14. 17. 0.; Daniel Corson £36. 11. 0.— £179. 5. 8. " Neat Balance paid to the Treasurer : By Collectors — AVest Quar ter £80. 16. 1.; North q' £47. 16. 10.; South q' £77. 17. 6.; Alanor £33. 14. 11. " Accounts of Orders drawn on the Treasurer of the County for the use of the Poor for the year 1784. " July 30 To Daniel Corson poor master for the Manor £5, 0, 0. " August 14th To John Tysen poor master for the North Q' £6. 0. 0. " To Joseph McDonald on Charles Du Bois poor Master £1. 4. 0." In the year 1800, the expenses for the maintenance of the poor had RICHMOND COUNTY ALMS HOUSE. materially increased, and the " quota," as adopted by the Board of Supervisors, was as follows : Northfield, flSO.OO; Southfield, |107.50; Castleton, |77.55; and Westfield, |197.00-. Total, |532.00. On the 2d of May, 1803, Joseph Barton, Sr., carpenter, and Mary, his wife, sold to George Barnes and others, justices; Gilbert Totten, Henry Crocheron, John Garretson and John V. D. Jacobson, Super visors, and Daniel Corsen and others, poor masters, for the sum of ^262.50, tAVO acres of land, on the road leading from Richmond to 434 I-IISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. New Dorp, on which Avas a small frame house, containing two or three rooms. This property was purchased for the purpose of pro viding a County poor-house, though it was not able to accommodate one-fourth of the poor of the county. The remainder were disposed of as above stated. Prom the records it appears that the public charity continued to be dispensed in this manner for more than a quarter of a century after the purchase of the property. The number of poor was constantly on the increase, and became a leading topic of conversation everywhere on the Island. The of ficials were puzzled very greatly as to the proper step to take to meet the emergency. It became the issue, in part, at the elections, and any candidate sealed his official doom if he did not possess the " foxy duplicity " to be able to steer betAveen the two factions thus divided upon this question. One faction was composed of the taxpayers, and the other the element which, either through a desire or necessity, wanted to live upon public charity. Finally, in January, 1829, the Supervisors called a public meeting of the taxpayers of the county, to devise some cheaper method of supporting the poor, " as the taxes were becoming burdensome." Whatever methods may have been proposed at that meeting, the proposition " to purchase a farm large enough to enable the poor to earn their subsistence by their own labor," was adopted, and John Guyon aud Richard D. Littell were appointed a committee " to ascer tain what farms could be purchased, and at what prices, and to re port at an adjourned meeting." In the meantime, an application was made to the Legislature for authority to make a purchase for the purpose proposed, and to levy a tax to pay for it. On the 8th day of April, 1829, the following act was passed : " An Act to provide for a County Poor-house, in the County of Richmond. " Section 1, The Act entitled, ' An Act to provide for the estab lishment of County Poor-houses,' passed November 27th, 1824, shall apply to and include the County of Richmond, the exception in the said act notwithstanding; but the sum to be raised by a tax, as speci- fled in the flrst section, shall not exceed four thousand dollars," etc. The farm of Stephen Martino, containing between ninety and one hundred acres, on the old Manor road, in the Town of Northfleld, was purchased for about three thousand dollars. It still belongs to the county, and continues to be used as a poor-house farm. On the 13th day of April, 1830, the Supervisors sold the old poor- house property to AAllliam D, Maltbie, for the sum of one thousand and flfty dollars. This is the property now occupied by Dr. Isaac L. Millspaugh, near Richmond. Isaac Britton was appointed the keeper.. In those days Dr. Crowell Munday was the County physician, and, in accordance with a contract with the Board of Supervisors, " at- HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 435 tended the paupers and furnished the medicines for the same, for |19.50 per annum." The " annual requisition " for maintenance of the institution, in 1832, amounted to |800. The number supported during the year was thirty-eight. The total amount received in salaries by the keeper and other officials was |499.33. The report states that " the paupers has Avith the keeper done all the Labour on the Farm; but we have no means at present of ascer taining the actual value of the Labour of the paupers or the amount saved by this Labour." The number of poor on December 1, was twenty-six — females, ten, and males, sixteen. In February, 1832, it was decided to advertise for a keeper, " be lieving it to be the duty to give others an offer of the house." The following is a verbatim copy of the advertisement : " Notice. — wanted a man and his wife to take charge of the county house proposals to be in writeing for one year, to commence the flrst of April next for further information apply to either of the sub scribers on or before the 10th of Alarch." On March 10 proposals were received, and the minutes say : " After examining proposals from Mr. Estel Wood, Peter Miller, Japhet Als ton, Cornelius Egbert, and Isaac Britton, concluded to employ Air. Isaac Britton for another year, and to pay him two hundred Dollars and to furnish him whith a house for him and his family and flrewood for the same for further particulars see articles of agreement." In consequence of the terrible ravages caused by the careless man agement of the Quarantine hospitals, a cholera hospital was estab lished at the County-house in 1 832. Garret Martling, D, L. Clawson and Henry Crocheron were Superintendents. Randolph Drake was appointed keeper in 1833. The new County-house was built of stone, much of which was gathered on the premises. David Moore was the builder. The keep er's residence in those days was the little building that stood nearly in front of the main structure, and which for many years afterward was utilized as a store-house for farm-tools. Japhet Alston became keeper in 1834, and was reappointed in 1835. In 1837, the low part of the main building, containing cells, etc., was built for the better accommodation of the sick and insane. A story was also added to the main building. John B. Wood was appointed keeper in 1837, and continued in office until 1844. An announcement in 1837 was that " we do also further report that the expense for clothing and provisions during the year has been paid for out of the proceeds of the farm." On February 14, 1844, the Board of Superintendents, consisting of Garret Martling, chairman; Richard Tysen, secretary; William Shea and A. B. Decker, met in the old Black Horse Tavern, at New Dorp, and appointed Joseph Sharrett keeper of the County-house. 436 FIISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND, The cells, Avhich in late years had created so much discussion, and provided such a convenient theme for the city press, were built this year. The expenses were gradually increasing. They had, in 1845, reached |J,60L08. The question of high taxes again shook the Island. The result was that, when the Board organized, in 1846, every member was a neAV man. They were Abraham Crocheron, John C. Garretson, Benjamin P. Prall and Israel A''reeland. Mr. Crocheron was chairman, and Mr. Vreeland secretary. The average cost of paupers that year was flfty- flve cents a week each; the number cared for was eighty, and the aggregate expense was |1,305.93. In anticipation of a " hard Win ter," however, in 1847, the Board asked for -f 2,000. Stephen Crocheron was appointed keeper in 1848. Dr. Mundy ceased to be the physician in 1849. The salary had crawled up to fifty dollars. Dr. Eadie was appointed to fill vacancy. He was " al lowed a dollar a head for each pauper treated." Throughout the flf ties and sixties the County-house continued to grow in importance, and it flnally became a part of the political ma chinery of the county. We do not charge that, in those years, dis honest men controlled the business matters of the institution; but affairs so shaped themselves, that, eventually, the place became a hot-bed of politics of the most corrupt type. The place flnally fell into the hands of men whose acts made the County-house a stench in the nostrils of every decent citizen of the County. It sank to a by-word and a mockery of the term charity. Frequent attempts were made to bring about a reform, but to no avail. Rumors, that seemed like the wildest exaggeration, fioated everywhere. Spasmodic efforts on the part of the Supervisors, to arrive at the truth, that the guilty might be brought to justice, were made. First a little excitement, then a long silence. In the mean time the taxpayers were being delightfully entertained, and the elastic abilities of the county treasury were put to their test. Pub lic opinion, now and then, would drive the Supervisors to " take some action; " but the investigations were too mild to amount to anything. Finally, when the glaring evUs, constantly being perpetrated at the County-house, were making Staten Island notorious, one paper alone — the Richmond County Standard — took up the matter in the in terest of the people. The deep-rooted system of granting thousands of dollars annually to chronic alms-seekers, under the mask of " tem porary relief," was battled with with an earnestness certainly worthy of the cause. The effect was, that the practice was somewhat changed. The editor of the paper in question then secured the services of Superintendent Bowen, of Southfield, who was the oldest member of the Board, in point of years of service, and the two set to work with earnestness to expose the condition of the institution. Some times it happened that, when these gentlemen were present, the " ma- HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 437 jority " Avoiild not hold the regular meetings. Mr. Bowen's thorough knowledge of County-house affairs, and he being a man with the courage of his convictions, the reader can readily believe that there Avere some animated scenes at the meetings of the Board. The ver batim reports of those meetings kept the public posted, and in a, great degree moulded and prepared public opinion for the flnal crisis. Enormous heaps of beef bones in secluded parts of the premises, told the story of the quality of meat given to the unfortunate inmates. Bills for fancy groceries, which never reached the paupers, came be fore the Board for audit. Expensive machinery and farming imple ments, neglected and ruined by exposure to weather, revealed the carelessness with which the farm was managed. Big manure con tracts came up like annual reminders that somebody was lying in wait for a share in the appropriations. The annual letting of the " con tract " for furnishing provisions was simply to a quiet on-looker a political weather-vane, showing plainly the direction of the signifl- cant " pull." Each aud every week, for more than four years, the public was kept informed of what was going on " over the hills to the poor-house." Towards the close of the battle, Edward D. Clark, of Castleton, was elected to the Board, and joined forces with Mr. Bowen. The Board stood two to three on almost every question that came before it. Yet the majority, which was known by the appropriate title of " Aims- House Combine," had an assistant right at the County-house capable of maneuvering the jobs that usually came up. The exposure each week, hoAvever, was a great annoyance to the " Combine," and flnally some very pointed threats were made against the editor of the Stand ard, and an effort was made to prohibit his attendance at the meet ings; but, understanding what his rights were, he kept at his post and did his duty. Public opinion had reached the limit of endurance, and patience had ceased to be a virtue. The members of the " Combine " knew this, and were smarting under the censure that greeted them from every side. Enraged, in fact, by the prospects of their impending doom, they resorted to extremes. A bill was before the Legislature, which provided for the total abolition of the nefarious system by which the institution was mismanaged. Emissaries, almost without number were sent to Albany to thwart the measure, and it looked, for a time, as if the " Combine " would be successful. But it was ordered otherwise. Evidently emboldened by the pros pects of success, one of the number — whose name shall not blot this page — generally believed to have been acting upon the instructions of his colleagues, assaulted the editor of the Standard. And still the editor remained at his post. He went there for a purpose, and he was there to stay. Mr. Clark offered a resolution, censuring the fellow who had brought disgrace upon the Board, as well as upon the people 438 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. of Staten Island; but the " Combine," as a matter of course, defeated it. It was this assault that hastened the downfall of the unsavory clique. The story was told to the Governor, v^'ho had been inclined to be friendly to it, so cutely had the matter been misrepresented to him. But when he learned what desperate means were being re sorted to, he unhesitatingly signed the bill. Thus, in the spring of 1890, the men who had made a political fester of the County Alms House were driven out by the law. Thomas McCormack had been the keeper for more than a score of years; he, too, took his departure. Several lawyers were consulted, by the mem bers of the " Combine," with the hope of " upsetting the law," as they expressed it, but to no avail. Benjamin J. Bodine was appointed to flll the vacancy as Super intendent, and an entire new system was inaugurated at the County- house. He found the premises in a most demoralized form, aud it took much time, labor and money to place the institution and its sur roundings in a condition consistent with decency and safety. The paupers' graveyard on the county farm received its first oc cupants more than half a century ago, but the oldest marked grave bears the date of June 8, 1862. It is located on the bank of a little brook that ripples among the shade trees, and seeks its level in the meadow beyond. Throughout the older portion of the Field are hun dreds of graves, not more than half a dozen or so of which are marked, or are in a condition to admit of identification. A few years ago — ^just after Mr. Benjamin J. Bodine became the Superintendent of the County Alms House — the Potter's Field be came an object for consideration. The poor wretch, whose spirit Avent out under the clouds of adversity, would be remembered and respected by leaving a name above his grave. On the advent of the Borough of Richmond, Superintendent Bo dine was elected a member of the Board of Councilmen for the City of New York, and resigned his position in this institution. Joseph B. Pearce, Jr., was appointed his successor, and is still in charge. Dr. Isaac L. Millspaugh is the County physician. CHAPTER XXXVI. STATEN ISLAND VILLAGES. UDE Dorp (the Dutch words for Old Town), the first settle ment on Staten Island, is often spoken of as a village. The settlement is known to have had seven Holland cot tages — perhaps more. After its third destruction by the Indians, however, the place was abandoaed and for very many years it was unused for dwelling purposes. Oude Dorp was on the present site of Arrochar Park, a short distance south- Avest of Fort Wadsworth. Stony Brook must have been quite a village. Old people, living in our time, have told us that they could remember more than a score of dwellings in the vicinity of the Court House and Waldensian Church, which had completely passed away before the arrival of the present generation. Nieuwe Dorp (New Town) was practically a con tinuation of Stony Brook, and in the early part of the present century contained about one hundred dwellings. Quite a number of founda tions of the old buildings may be found in the neighborhood. Cucklestown was one of the very earliest settlements on the Island. The main reason for selecting it for the County Seat was its central location. The name was changed to Richmond about 1710, when the County Jail, (which had been partially destroyed by fire at Stony Brook, a few years previous), was rebuilt at Richmond. The Court House was built very shortly afterward. A charter was granted by the Legislature, in 1823, for the incorporation of Richmond Village, but it was never put into effect. Fifty years ago, Richmond was a bustling little village, and was the centre of all the social and bus iness affairs of the Island. Long Neck, (of which New Springville is a part), became quite a village in the early part of the Eighteenth century, although it had been an important settlement many years prior to that time. It had one of the first public school-buildings on the Island. One of the original buildings erected in this settlement Avas destroyed by fire at a recent date. It was the old Simonson homestead. In the conflagra tion were destroyed many very valuable relics and documents, among which were the original deed for the property, bearing the eccentric marks which the law recognized as the signatures of Indian land- OAvners; old guns of the pattern of three hundred years ago, and scores of trinkets and heirlooms of generations long gone. Close by is the companion of morethan two centuries — the old Blake homestead — 440 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND, well preserved. The original Crocheron homestead also stands a short distance from those we have mentioned, in a North-westerly direction, but in a shattered condition. There are a number of other old build ings still standing in the locality; but the Long Neck which our fath ers knew, has almost completely passed away. Fresh Kill, (afterwards called Marshland, but now known as Green Ridge), is a very old settlement. It was originally a French hamlet, and contained forty or fifty houses very early in the history of the county. Near by, the shattered wreck of its former self, stands the old Bedell homestead, in and around which there has been so much done to help make the history of the American nation. Smoking Point, called Blazing Star just before the Revolution, but changed to Rossville in the early thirties, is a very old settlement. It has two or three houses considerably over a hundred years old. For many years prior to the establishment of the Staten Island Rail road, Rossville was a thriving village. It was one of the main landing Iilaces for the boats that ran between New York and South Amboy, in connection Avith the Ca,mden and Amboy Railroad, and was a bus iness centre for a large territory. Repeated prospects of railroad communication have had the effect of aiding Rossville to retain its commercial and residential importance. New Blazing Star, (now known as Linoleumville), in the old days of mail-coaches used to be one of the most important points of travel in this part of the country. There used to be a post-road running from Richmond Village to it, which started from a point near St. Andrew's Church and ran along the foot of the hill in a Westerly direction. This road is still used as far West as the site of the Old Woolen Mill. It ran in a North-westerly course across the meadows of the Simonson estate to the New Blazing Star Landing. One of the rudest ferries imaginable was maintained at that point, and it was in the direct line of the mail-coach route from New York to Philadelphia. The old ferry house is still standing on the premises of the Linoleum works. Tompkinsville, situated on the East Shore, became a village through the personal efforts of Governor Daniel D. Tompkins. He acquired a tract of land of seven hundred acres, and in laying out the streets of the village named one after each of his children. These streets re tain their original names. The village was laid out during the years 1814 and 1815. In the following year, Governor Tompkins, at the head of a company, built a post road, leading from Tompkinsville through Castleton Corners, and Bull's Head to New Blazing Star ferry. This road is still known as the Richmond Turnpike. Tompkinsville Avas incorporated by act of the Legislature; but shortly after Governor Tompkins' death, in 1825, the charter was revoked. Stapleton lies on the upper part of the Narrows, on the East Shore. HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND, 441 It was an independent village prior to 1868, but had no charter. To day it is one of the main harbors of Staten Island, and was a part of the incorporated village of Edgewater, Stapleton was named in honor of William J. Staples, who resided there many years ago, and owned a great deal of the land upon which the village now stands, Clifton, situated on the Narrows, was founded in 1835. Thomas Scott came to this country that year, and the laying out of this village was his first professional work in this country. The location is now called Rosebank, on account of the post-office by that name. Clifton is eminently a residential place, and contains the great fortifications known as Fort AA^ads- wortli. The Quaran tine station, since its re-establishment, has been located at Clif ton. Vanderbilt Landing, where for many years the old Staten Island Rail road connected with the ferry to New York, is also in Clif ton. Tottenville, at the extreme Southerly end of the Island, Avas formerly known as the Alanor of Bent ley, named after the old Alanor of the Billopps, and the peninsula at the extreme point of the land was for more than a century known as Billopp's, afterwards Ward's Point. For many years it was called " West Quarter." Later the village was knoAvn as Bentley, and finally as Tottenville, At one time a spirit of rivalry existed between the upper and lower sections of the village, and a most animated warfare Avas carried on. It all came from a factional feeling relative to the name. The upper section insisted upon the name of " Bentley," while those in the lower part demanded that it should be called " Totten ville." Great banners were stretched across the main street, bearing the favorite names of the sections, with corresponding devices, and some time was spent in the warfare. Now and then the most enthusi astic residents would come to blows, but it Avas generally a wordy conflict. The name of Tottenville was flnally adopted. It was incorporated in 1869; but, the charter being imperfectly drawn, its provisions were not put in force. It was incorporated again in 1894, and the charter remained in force until Staten Island became a part of the Greater City. PATTEN HOUSE, NEW DORP, 442 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND, Concord used to be called " Dutch Farms," and has become quite a prominent place on account of the junction of the two main lines of the Midland Railroad. This location was once the home of Judge William Emerson, while there lived with him his distinguished brother, lialph AValdo Emerson, and Charles Thoreau. We are in formed that they called the place " Concord," in honor of the city of that name in Alassachusetts. Castleton Corners is at the crossing of Richmond turnpike and Manor road. It is also the junction of two lines of the Midland Rail road. It was the home of Walter Dongan, an heir of the Governor. His portrait appears on page 168, of Volume I. Castleton Comers has been commonly called " Pour Comers." Garretsons has grown up around a station on the old Staten Island Railroad, and is called by the Post-office Department " Dongan Hills." It was named in honor of John C. Garretson, who was a prominent citizen and office-holder of Southfield for many years, and whose Colonial dwelling used to stand near the railroad station. The new home of the Richmond County Country Club is located on the moun tain overlooking the village. Grant City, lying close to New Dorp, used to be called " Red Lane." It is the main avenue leading from Richmond road to Midland Beach, and contains the tracks of the branch of the Midland Electric Rail road running to that resort. Lincoln avenue is the name of the main thoroughfare. Oakwood superseded Court House Station, and the old Guyon or Clark estate, on which it is located, has been laid out into streets. Here still stands, although greatly altered, the first clubhouse on the Island. It was the scene of the encampment of thousands of the King's soldiers during the Revolution. Giffords is located ou the Amboy road and the old Staten Island Railroad. It is named in honor of Major Gifford, who once owned the property where it stands. Gifford's lane begins at this point. Eltingville was formerly styled Sea-side, by which name the post- office of that locality is still called. The name was finally changed in honor of a resident named Elting. In the days of plank roads this place was quite a popular resort. The plank-road upon which this village was located, Avas built from Bergen Point ferry in Port Rich mond, and ran through Graniteville, Bull's Head, New Springville, Green Ridge, and Sea-side to the shore. The first Fresh Kill bridge was erected by the Plank Road Company, and the road leading from Green Ridge to the Amboy road at Eltingville, was built through private property, Annadale was so named in honor of Airs. Anna Seguine, a lady who resided there years ago. The Sea-side post-office is located at this place. It is on the railroad. Huguenot, another station on the old Staten Island Railroad, used HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND, 443 to be called Bloom ing-vieAV, but changed its name at the time of the erection of the Huguenot or Dutch Reformed Church at that place. It is a travel-centre for Woodrow, Rossville and Richmond Beach. Prince's Bay consists of two neighborhoods — one along the shore, kuoAvn as Seguine's Point, and the other along the railroad and the Ainboy road. Prince's Bay was named in honor of an English prince, and is often erroneously Avritten " Princess." The Post-office Depart ment has attempted to mutilate the name by spelling it " Princebay." The leading dental manufactory of the country is located at this place. The Prince's Bay post-office is located at Pleasant Plains. To a stranger the two villages appear as one. They are divided by a small stream called Lemon Creek, Pleasant Plains was for many years the home of the world-famed opera managers, the Maretzeks and the Strackosches. Richmond Valley was an important location before Tottenville be gan to assume importance as a village. In 1828, a post-office was established at Richmond Valley, and President Andrew Jackson ap pointed Jacob Cole postmaster. Kreischerville sprang into existence as a village as the result of the discovery of valuable kaolin beds at that place. The late Bal thaser Kreischer, the discoverer, established his fire brick factories there. Woodrow is between Huguenot aud Rossville. It possessed the second Methodist Episcopal Church erected in America, and the old A^an Pelt house is still standing there in which Bishop Asbury preached his first sermon this side of the Atlantic. Almost opposite the church still stands the old Winant homestead, one of the very oldest structures on the Island, and which Avas occupied during the Revolution as a. rendezvous for the marauding Tories. Bogardus's Corner, lying midway between Pleasant Plains and Rossville, is named in honor of Mr. Charles Bogardus, Sr., who has resided there for many years. Sandy Ground is the name of a col ored settlement a short distance away. Its people are principally from the South, and are engaged in the oyster business. A 'alley Forge Avas known for many years as Laforge's Corners, so called because Mr. Stephen Laforge carried on business there. Alariners' Harbor is that portion of the North Shore settlement farthest west. It still contains some of the oldest dwellings on the Island, Holland's Hook, the terminus of the Staten Island Electric Railroad, Avas for many years prior to, during and after the Revolu tion, the principal outlet to Staten Island on the North Side. In 1828 it was called Jacksonville. Elm Park lies just East of Mariners' Harbor, and in the days of North Shore steamboats had its own landing. The location took its name from a park in which stood for many years the handsome resi- 444 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND, deuce of Dr, John T, Harrison. The old mansion was finally converted into a hotel, and a few years ago was burned to the ground. Graniteville, near the North Shore, was so named because of the granite quarries in that section. It used to be called, sometimes, " Bennett's Corner," in honor of the proprietor of the Colonial tavern at that place. Bull's Flead, at the crossing of the Richmond turnpike and the Old Stone road, was a hamlet long before the Revolution, and became notorious during that period in consequence of being the headquarters of the Tories. Willow Brook is a romantic spot, a dis tance in land North of Richmond. It was the scene of many an anx ious hour during the Revolution, for it was here that the Commit tee of Safety met in secret sessions. In those days it was one of the largest settle ments on the Island. No location in the county has a more thrilling history than this. Chelsea is a settle ment on the shore in Northfield and has quite a number of residences. Quarry Hill is be tween Port Richmond proper and Elm Park, and it grew up around the stone quarries of Northfield. Egbertville used to be called " Tip- perary Corners," and is located at the junction of Richmond road and Egbert avenue, just back of New Dorp. About a mile North is Mor ganville, a hamlet containing several houses. Elliottville is now called Livingston, after the former oAvner and occupant of the old residence now utilized as a railroad station. Prohibition Park was established in 1889, the late Rev. Dr. Will iam H, Boole being at the head of the movement. Dr. Isaac K. Punk and a number of other capitalists being in the corporation. A tract of land containing twenty-eight acres was the first purchase; but several large additions have since been made. The Park contains a large number of streets and some of the neatest residences in the Borough. It also has an auditorium seating about five thousand people, Westerleigh Collegiate Institute is located in Prohibition THE OLD VAN NAME COTTAGE, AT OLD PLACE. HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND, 445 Park. The location is also called Westerleigh. The Park is managed by a Board of Directors, of which B. P. Punk is President. Edgev/ater, comprising part of Tompkinsville, and all of Stapleton and Clifton, A\as originally incorporated in 1866, being then divided into nine wards; but some legal defect having been detected, a, new charter was obtained in the following year. The names of the first trustees, under the new charter, and the wards they represented were as follows: William C. Denyse, First; David Burgher, Second; George Bechtel, Third; Theodore Frean, Fourth; Dr. Thomas C. Mof fatt, Fifth; James R. Robinson, Sixth; Alfred Wandell, Seventh; Dennis Keeley, Eighth; John Duigan, Ninth. Theodore Frean was President, Henry P. Standerwick Clerk, and Thomas Garrett Police Justice. So unsuccessful was the village government that many of the peo ple of the place were in favor of returning to the former status under the tov/n. Amendments were made to the charter by acts of the Legislature in 1870, and almost each and every year thereafter, while it existed. The village was divided into two wards, under the charter of 1875, with one trustee in each, and a third trustee at large, who was President of the village. Under this charter Benjamin Brown and AVilliam Fellowes were the trustees, with AVilliam Corry President, and Henry P. Standerwick Clerk. The village was again divided into five wards by the charter of 1884, with one trustee from each ward. The officials of the Village of Edgewater, at the time that the Greater City charter went into effect, were, Louis A. Johnston, Presi dent; August Herrmann, James Lestrange, David Marsh, Joseph Curren, Trustees; M, J, Collins, Clerk; Michael Cahill, Treasurer; and Nathaniel Alarsh, Police Magistrate, New Brighton was incorporated on April 26, 1866, and embraced the Northerly half of the Town of Castleton, being about two and a-half miles long, and about one mile in width. At that time the village embraced four wards, and the Trustees appointed were Augus tus Prentice, First ward; James W. Simonson, Second ward; Francis G. Shaw, Third ward; and William H. J. Bodine, Fourth ward. The portion of the town outside of the corporation was very sparse ly populated; but was obliged to have a full corps of town officers, some of whom resided within the village limits, and exercised the office without, as Avell as within, and the duties of some, within the village, could be performed only in the unincorporated remnant of the town. The taxes outside the village Avere greater than those within, in consequence of the large bills which the town officers ren dered for their services. This caused the people outside to seek ad mission into the corporation, which they succeeded in doing in 1872. The new territory was divided into two wards, and were called the Fifth and Sixth. The village of New Brighton then included tbe 446 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. whole town of Castleton, and was about four miles long and two wide. A large village hall was built on Lafayette avenue, in 1871, at a cost of thirty-six thousand dollars, including the land. Presidents of the village were as follows : Augustus Prentice, John Laforge, Anson Livingston, George M. Usher, M. J, Fowler, D, A. Pell, William Chorlton, R. B. Whittemore, William H. J. Bodine, Harry L. Horton, David J. H. Willcox, John J. Fetherston, Thomas Farrelly, Daniel Dempsey, P. J. Connelly, Joseph H. Maloy, John L. Dobson, James Kerr, and Guy S. Brantingham. The following were village clerks; Mark Cox, George Bowman, C. T, McCarthy, James C. Hill, John J. Kenney and Joseph P. O'Grady. Port Richmond was incorporated on April 24, 1866, but by reason of the unconstitutionality of the act no government was attempted until the Legislature amended the charter on April 25, 1867. An election was held on May 11, 1867, and Nicholas Van Pelt, George W. Jewett, William A. Ross, Garret P, Wright, James B. Pollick and Henry Miller, Jr., were elected trustees. The position of President was held by Captain Nicholas Van Pelt from the flrst till his death in December, 1881, when Captain Garret P. Wright succeeded him, and held the office till 1885. George T. Egbert, and Frank Foggin held the office throughout the remainder of the time that the village government continued. DeWitt C. Staf ford was clerk for many years; he was succeeded by Frederick W. Hulsebus, and he by George H. Tredwell. The charter was eventu ally amended so as to enlai'ge the limits very materially. It took in Elm Park and Mariners' Harbor. South Beach, located near the site of historic Oude Dorp, was made a summer resort about flf teen years since. It is the terminus of branches of the Rapid Transit and Staten Island Electric Railroads. The place has a large number of summer hotels. Midland Beach is located West of South Beach, and is a summer re sort. It was opened in 1897, by the Midland Electric Railroad Com pany. It is the terminus of a branch of that road. Richmond Beach is the new title given to Arbutus Lake. It lies near the shore of Prince's Bay, below Huguenot. A large hotel and other buildings have been erected there. CHAPTER XXXYII. THE PUBLIC HIGHWAYS — PAST AND PRESENT. HE first mention of the public highways of Staten Island is that of the old Indian trails which led here and there from the little hamlets and wigwams. The oldest thoroughfare of which there is any authentic record, is now knoAvn as the " Old Town Road," which winds its way from South Beach to the Richmond road, a short distance East of Garretsons. The next is the old trail along the North Shore, noAv called Richmond terrace; while another is the Richmond road, running from Tompkinsville to Richmond Village. Among the old records we find the following : " This following Instrument was Recorded for the Inhabitants of the west divishone by the order of the Avorshipefull bench sitting in Ooarte of seshones the Aveek In September 1694 for the Regelating & Laying out all the highways with in said quarter & Entered upon Record the :9th day of Sep*'' 1694, Richmond County this first day of September annoque dom: 1694, By vertue of Awarend dy- reckted to the Constabell of the west dyvishone with In the fore said County to sommonse the free holders of said quarter to Assemble & meete to Gather to Ereckte Apoainte & Lay out such hyghwaies Avith in said quarter As the Inhabitants shall thinke futt aud most Con- veainent for the youse & behoofe of his magistie and his subjeckts & for the Inhabitants That lives back in the AA'^oods to transport them- selvfes & Goods to the water sid. The freeholders having tistt to Gather on the day & yeare Above written And ordred and apoainted & Laid out the highwayes as heare after are spresified " :1 : ordered one highway of six Rod to be betwene Anthoney deshon and lofa fonoay Cut by Consent Alltred and Laid out be twene Anthoney deshon and Jerome -deshon beginning att the Could spring " :2 : To one highway betwene Clays Lazeleare & John Conealisone of six Rood " :3: To one highway betwene Williame Elstones Land deceased & abraham Coole by six Rod. " :4 : To one highAvay betwene mr Leflore & peter Jonsea of six Rod " :5 : To one highway betwene Adame hud & mr Emet next to adem hud of six Rod 448 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND, " :6 : To one high way betwene fransis barber & the Copper Planes of six Rod " :7 : To one highway betwene John Ray & markes disosway of six Rods " :8 : To one highway betwene mr. John Lecont & Capten bilope of six Rod " :9 : To one highway from the west side beeinina" att mr Lecounts fronnt & Runes Cleare over throw the wods by the line of Capten bilope to the widow bealies house " :10 : To one highway betwene Cornell dongones Land and an thoney Tyse throw the wods To the west side betwene the Guset and Richard wods Land but Left out of the Guset & soe downe betwene Abraham Cooles & the Land that was william Elstones " :11 : To one highway betwene mr Cathentone & the widow haule of six Rod " :12 : To one highway betwene domeney tarsmaker & John bodine of six rood. " :13: To one highway by the water side from John bodines to Capten bilopes Land at eight Rod " :14: To one highway by the water side begining att mr John Lecounts & soe to the pipe makers and from thence throw the woods to the water side by Jonseames his house and from thence by the water side to the Land of John hendricksone. " :15 : To one highway from peter Jonseanieses alongst the water side in the fronnt of mr Stimroles Land & adaham huds & Elishea parbers and soe alongst the water side to the Coper planers " -16 : To one highway from the koirb of John hendrickson alongst the water side To Clais Laselaire " This is atrew Record by the order of the Coarte of seshones " Entred and Recorded by mee Jacob Corbett : Cla : " On Alarch 4, 1700, in compliance with a similar order of the Court of Sessions, relating to the inhabitants of the North Division, the following roads were laid out in that quarter, and recorded on the 17th day of Alarch following : " :1 : To one highway along the front of Kai-els neck Six Rods in breadth & so along royl land where Oswald ford liveth " :2 : To one highway between the land of Christian Corson & Segir gerritse running to Coecles Town Six rodd breadth." Former historians claim that Richmond road was the course of an Indian trail — that's all. It is said that it was originally laid out eight rods in width. The object of this was to prevent as much as possible the danger caused by Indians lying in ambush and attack ing travelers by surprise. A road from Betty Morgan's house to Dongan's lower mill was closed, and another opened in its stead, on April 8, 1758. The latter is said to be the one that connected Karle's Neck and Richmond. HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND, 449 " Beginning on that road at a point on John Betty's land, thence past Betty Alorgan's house, taking on its Avay the course of the * gully running to Mr, Totten's Bridge,' and other lines and paths till it reached Colonel Dongan's mill,'' A road from Darby Doyle's ferry to Billopp's ferry, and another from the Narrows or Simonson's ferry, (to meet the other at the school-house at Garrisons), were laid out Alarch 14, 1774, A road from the " Soldiers' Lots, (the level tract Avest of Prohibition Park), to John Bodine's, Avas laid out at the same time. The folloAving account of the Richmond and Amboy roads, running from Tompkinsville to Tottenville, was found among the papers of Rev. Joseph Totten, and Avas written some time prior to 1774 : " The road from New York Ferry to Amboy Ferry to be opened two and a-half rods Avide all the way through, beginning at Darbe dials (Darbe Dial's) dock, near the Avatering place; from thence as the road is now used along by the south-east corner of his barn, re move the incumbrances on the north side, from thence as the road is now used, through Corson's land, remoA^e the encumbrances on both sides so as to straighten the road on proper grounds, to John A^ander- bilt's well ; from thence to a bridge opposite the little clove along as the road is uoav used, remove the encumbrance there is on the north side; from thence along Perrine's land to Garrison's land, remove the encumbrances on the north side so as to straighten the road along as it is noAv used, from thence to Jacob Baragoe's smith's shop, remove the encumbrances on both sides so as to straighten the road along as it is now used; thence to the north- av est corner of Cornelius Alartin- now's land, remove the encumbrance that is on the north side; from thence through Henry Garrison's land, remove the encumbrances on both sides so as to straighten the road along as it is uoav used, to the south division; thence to Mawness Garrison's house, remove the en cumbrance on the north side; thence to the north-west corner of Founten's land, remove the encumbrance that is on the south side; thence through Perrine's land, remove the encumbrances on" both sides so as to straighten the road along as it is now used ; thence to Cortelyeloe's well, remove the encumbrance that is on the south side; from thence to John Bate's land, remove the encumbrance that is on the north side; thence to John Vanderbilt's smith's shop, remove the encumbrances that is on both sides, so as to straighten the road along as it is now used; from thence to Stony Brook, remove the en cumbrance that is on the south side; thence to Cortelyoe's south- Avest corner, remove the encumbrance that is on the north side; thence through Valentine's land, so along De Young's to Justice Lake's land, remove the encumbrance that is on both sides, so as to straighten the road along as it is now used, so along Lake's land to a walnut saplin' marked, remove the encumbrance that is on the south side, so as to straighten the road on proper ground; from 450 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. thence the road altered along by a chestnut tree and a black oak tree, botli marked, to be to the soutliAvard of said trees along to his barn, if he makes it good and passable at his own cost; tbence through the A\oods, as the road is uoav used to Silas Bedle's house, remove the encumbrance that is on the south side; thence to La- Forge's hill, remove the encumbrance that is on the north side; thence to Indian Hill, remove the encumbrances that is on both sides, so as to straighten the road, as it is uoaa^ used; thence to Richard Cole's house, remove the encumbrances that is on the north side; thence to Captain LaForge's house, remove the encumbrance that is on the south side; thence to Aloore's hill, remove the encum brance that is on the north side; thence to Sandy brook, remove tlie ¦~™" " encumbrances that is on both sides so as to straight en the road as it is now used; from thence to Du Bois land, remove the en cumbrances that is on both sides, so as to straighten the road as it is now used; so along DuBois land to his south-Avest corner, remove the encumbrance that is on the north side, so as to straighten the road along as it is UOAV used; from thence to John Winninent's house, remove the encum brance that is on the north side; from thence to a white oak tree standing in the road, remove the en cumbrances that is on both sides along as the road is UOAV used; thence ten feet from the north-west corner of Gilbert Totten's house, remove the encumbrance that is on the north side, along as the road is uoav used ; from thence to an apple-tree opposite to Jacob Rin the sides, and an arch of brick two feet in thickness over-head. The cost of building it was $190,000. ^ The greatest transformation scene occurred at the north-east point of the Island, which at that time was called St, George. An area of several acres of ground was made, out from the shore, to afford room for terminal facilities. Piers were erected, extending about six hun dred feet into the water, and terminating in several large ferry slips. Temporary arrangements were made for sheltering passengers going to and from the boats, and about three years ago a large and hand some ferry-house was erected at considerable expense. On February 23, 1886, the Rapid Transit Railroad was opened for passenger traffic. The people along the North Shore in particular celebrated the event. Trains on that day ran as far as Elm Park. The South Beach branch of the road was completed so that trains Avere running upon it on the 8th of March. For a time the Rapid Transit Company had a monopoly of the passenger traffic of the Isl and; but in 1895, the trolley roads were built, and at once became very popular with the people. 464 I-IISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND, The Rapid Transit Railroad and all of its real and personal prop erty held in the name of the company, was sold at auction, at the First National Bank at St. George, on Thursday,. April 20, 1899. The sale was in foreclosure proceedings in the name of Charles E, Lewis, as trustee for the holders of the secured mortgage bonds, and the property was purchased by representatives of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad Company, at the " upset " price of $2,000,000. Shortly after the opening of the old Staten Island Railroad, another enterprise of a similar nature was started on the Island, with Fred erick White, the banker, at its head. The road was surveyed and graded over a considerable portion of the route, and there was a PO\\'ER HOUSE OF THE STATEN ISLAND ELECTRIC RAILAVAY, bright prospect of its completion. It started from a point near the " Causeway," at West New Brighton, running thence through the meadoAv along Palmer's run, branching off so as to run directly through what is now Prohibition Park; thence on to a point near Richmond, and so on along the West Shore, through Green Ridge, A^alley Forge, Rossville, Kreischerville and terminating at Totten ville, Through the failure to secure capital, the enterprise was aban doned. Here and there portions of the road-bed may still be seen — notably, through the meadow south of the CausoAvay, at Prohibition Park, and in the woods on the Latourette estate. In November, 1863, it Avas proposed to build a horse railroad from the Avest gate of Fort W^adsworth, on the Narrows, around through Stapleton, Tompkinsville, New Brighton, West Noav Brighton, Port Richmond, Elm Park, Mariners' Harbor and Holland's Hook. A HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND, 465 company was formed and a charter obtained, under the title of the Staten Island Shore Railroad Company, Avitli a capital of $350,000, The first directors were Minthorne Tompkins, S, B, Coles, Henry A, Alorrison, George Catlin, Thomas Colgan, John C. Burling, Cornelius AIcArdell, Alfred Hornby, Joseph G, Ward, Earl K, Cooly, John El lard, P. IT. Ward, and George Sexton. The first officers of the road were Joseph G, Ward, President; George Catlin, Vice-President; and Cornelius AIcArdell, Secretary and Treasurer, The company met with a great deal of opposition, all along the route, and portions of the track had to be laid at mid night, to prevent the impediments Avliich the courts Avere called upon to furnish, AVhile the track was laid for a considerable distance Through Port Richmond, the cars never ran above Columbia street, AA^est Noav Brighton, Hourly trips Avere made from each end of the road. The road practically suspended operations when the Rapid Transit system went into effect. It Avas in the hands of a receiver for a long time, and E, J, Cunningham was its manager for a number of years. The entire property was purchased by the Staten Island Electric Railroad Company. The North and South Shore Railroad was designed to run from Elm Park, on the North Shore, to a spot just east of Seguine's Point, at Prince's Bay, where a summer resort was to be established to be called Algernon. The company organized in 1882, Avitli William K, Souter as President, The work of grading commenced on the 28tli of November, 1882, This was completed, and all the bridges were built, after which the iron and woodwork were strewn along the entire route, preparatory to being placed in their jiroper position. According to the plan of this road, it Avas to run from a point near the steamboat landing at Elm Park, thence to Graniteville; thence to Boll's Head, and thence to Noav Springville, The course then lay through the farms until it reached Richmond, Here the course of the road described a horseshoe, and ran close to the village from the vicinity of the old fort on the hill, and turned suddenly AA'hen near the Court House. Prom this point the road ran in the direction of Green Ridge, crossed the Staten Island Railroad, and made a direct line for the shore. The discontinuance of the enterprise was caused by the financial failure of William K, Souter, Avbo Avas furnishing the capital. The next enterprise in this line was the Richmond County Railroad, a horse road, running from the foot of Broadway, West New Brigh ton, through that street to Castleton aA^enue, to Columbia street, to Prospect avenue, to Alanor road, and from thence to Eckstein's brew ery. The charter was granted in March, 1885, and the formal open ing of the road took place on July 18, 1885, The first directors were John McDonald, Monroe Eckstein, Hiram Dixon, Robert Aloore, CI ar- ence Delafield, Henry D, Leslie and Edward A, Moore, The first 466 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. officers were Hiram Dixon, President; Monroe Eckstein, Treasurer, and Henry D. Leslie, Secretary. The road ran for a time with com paratively fair prospects; but through mismanagement it suspended operations. The name was changed to the " Midland Railroad," but it proved a failure a second time, and again suspended. It was sold to the Alidland Electric Railroad Company, which rebuilt the road and changed its motive power. Shortly after the opening of Prohibition Park, the managers of that enterprise built a trolley road from the Port Richmond railroad sta tion to the Park, and placed in service a number of small cars. The service was so imperfect, however, that hundreds of people walked in preference to riding. After running a year or so, this road was sold to the Midland Company. The question of a bridge across the Kills, connecting Staten Island with the main land, had long been under consideration. In fact, as long ago as June 10, 1812, the State of New York, by an act of the Legislature, incorporated a company for the object of building a bridge across the Sound from Ncav Jersey to Staten Island, at some point to be decided on by commissioners appointed for the purpose. The act named John Perine, David Alersereau, Jacob Crocheron, John A". D. Jacobson, Jesse Oakley, James Guyon, Sr., Tunis Egbert, John Garrison, and John Hilliker as commissioners. The capital .stock was to consist of two thousand shares of fifty dollars each, and the commissioners appointed to designate the site of the bridge Avere John C. Vanderveer, William Furman and John Lefferts, of the County of Kings, and Gabriel Furman and John Van derbilt, Jr., of the City of New York, who were to act with an equal number to be named and authorized for the j)urpose by or on the part of New Jersey. In 1883, through the unceasing efforts of Erastus Wiman, the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad Company became interested in railroad affairs on Staten Island. It was soon arranged to begin work on the great iron bridge which now spans the Achter Kill, just above Hol land's Hook. The structure was completed in 1884, at a cost of $480,000. In the spring of 1897, a charter was granted to the New York and Staten Island Electric Railroad Company. Edward P. Doyle was the President of the company, and J. E, Comins Secretary and Treasurer. The company, with Colonel G. B. M. Harvey at its head, purchased the plant Avhich was abandoned by Erastus Wiman, and soon had in full operation one of the largest power-houses in the country. At the same time the company purchased from the receiver the plant and franchises of the Electric Power Company, the Port Richmond Elec tric Light Company, and the franchises, etc., of the old Belt Line Railroad. A double-track was built from South Beach, via St. George, to HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND, 467 Holland's Hook, and through Jersey street, at New Brighton, Single- track roads Avere built from Jersey street up through Castleton ave nue, and also up Richmond turnpike to the Clove road. The re-open ing of the old ferry at Holland's Hook, in connection with this road, Avas a popular outlet for the people. There are practically two companies in the organization to-day. The New York and Staten Island Electric Company's officials are as follows: Samuel Thomas, President; J, H, Swiutirton, Vice-President and Treasurer; William E, Finley, Secretary; P. LoAvis, Superin tendent; A, B, Proal, Chief Engineer, The folloAving are the officials of the New York and Staten Island Electric Railroad Company: J, H, Swinarton, President; William E, Finley, Secretary and Treasurer; H, S, Kemp, Superintendent; Arthur B. Proal, Chief Engineer, The Midland Electric Railroad Company, having purchased the road to Castleton Corners and to Prohibition Park, entered into the regulation contest with its natural rival — the " Syndicate " road. Both branches of the old roads, recently purchased, were rebuilt. The company then continued the Jewett avenue route to Richmond turnpike, thence to the Clove road, and thence to Concord, where it intersected with another branch running from Stapleton, on the Richmond road, to Richmond, Another branch was soon built from the junction at Grant City to Alidland Beach, Later on, the road was continued from Stapleton to St, George, Many changes have taken place in the management of the road since the commencement, but few of the original managers remain ing with it to-day. The following are the officials of the Midland Company: Robert Wetherell, President; H, T, Walter, Secretary; AV. H, Hantsch, Superintendent; Robert Wetherell, Richard AVeth- erell, W, B. Rockwell, Al. J, AVightman, A, G. Paine, AI,AI, Armstrong and H. T, AValter, Directors, CHAPTER XL. STATEN ISLAND INDUSTRIES. HE chief industries of Staten Island, about three-quarters of a century ago, were farming and oyster-planting. Farm ing, however, became unpopular for A^arious reasons, al though truck-farming, encouraged by the city markets, has been carried on of late to a considerable extent. The New York Dyeing and Printing Establishment was located at Factoryville (West New Brighton), in 1819. Its work was that of dyeing, printing and refinishing dress goods and other textile fabrics. The factory, which is still in operation, is located on Broadway, about one hundred yards from Richmond terrace. For many years after the erection of the buildings, vessels used to pass in from the Kills to the office door of the factory, there being a. bridge on Shore road about at the southeast corner of Odd FelloAvs' Hall. The old factory was started by the firm of Barrett, Tileston & Company, About six years later it was incorporated. The late Samuel Alarsh Avas elected Presi dent, which office he held for forty-nine years, Avhen he died. Colonel Nathan Barrett became its head. He was a man of great push and energy, while some of the company Avere conservative. The opportunity presented itself to procure some land at a Ioav flgure, Avhich he knew would be very valuable some day, and he purchased it in the name of the company. It lead to a disagreement, and Colonel Barrett withdrew from the company. It is but just to Colonel Bar rett's memory to state that the land in question not only became very valuable, but the money which the sale of it, many years afterward, brought to the company, prevented the " Old Dye AVorks " from going done in a financial panic. The Old Staten Island Dyeing Establishment is known all over the civilized Avorld, It employs about five hundred hands, and has a vast amount of machinery. Some of the original buildings are still standing, although many years ago a great conflagration swept a number away. In 1850, Colonel Barrett, having severed his connection with the Old Dyeing Establishment, sought to establish a new firm " in which he would be able to carry into effect, with greater freedom from the restraints of conservative routine, his ideas as to the proper method of conducting the business." HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND, 469 Colonel Barrett then organized a new firm known as Barrett, Nephews & Company, associating with him his three nephews, Messrs, Nathan AL, J. H. and E. B. Heal, and Abraham C. AA'ood, all of whom had served at the head of similar institutions. Colonel Barrett pur chased eight acres of land on Cherry lane, in Castleton, Avhere suit able buildings were erected, and they were fitted up to carry on the work of dyeing and printing. The business proved a great success. In 1865, the establishment was incorporated with Colonel Nathan Barrett as President; Nathan AI, Heal Vice-President, and Abraham C, Wood Treasurer. Colonel Barrett was succeeded by Nathan M. Eeal, who held the position until 1879, when he resigned. In 1867, a large tract of land adjoining AIill creek, known as the " Post farm," on which Avere lo cated many valuable springs of water, exactly adapted to the re- (]uirements of their establishment, Avas purchased. A portion of this land was laid out in streets, along which trees Avere planted, and the place was called " Barrett Park," A fev^' years since the park was purchased by EdAvard D, Clark, and several houses have been erected thereon. i Major Clarence T. Barrett, a nephoAv of the founder, in 1880, Avas elected President of the company. Barrett, Nephews & Company purchased the establishment, in 1895, The Cherry lane property Avas vacated, and the company that had occupied it from the first removed to the Old Dye Works on Broad way. The business is uoav prospering, with Captain C, AV. Kennedy as general manager. The old silk factory at Hessian Springs, New Brighton, established by Messrs. Crabtree & Wilkinson, about 1820, Avas an important bus iness enterprise for several years. The financial panics Avhich came some years later destroyed the usefulness of the establishment. The buildings have been used for various kinds of business since that time, and but little of the original structures remains. They are now owned by John Irving & Company, manufacturers of dress linings. The wall-paper factory of West New Brighton, for several years past oAvned and managed by Airs. AL A. BaldAvin-Dougias, Avas originally a rubber factory, and during the Avar of 1861 was utilized for the manufacture of fiags. Several other business enterprises were under taken there from time to time, with more or less success. Ship building has long been an important industry on Staten Is land. As far back as 1775, the Avork Avas carried on here by Richard Lawrence. The business became the most thriving in 1861, Avhen there was a demand for small vessels. The central point of this business at present is at Port Richmond and West New Brighton, where the yards of John H. Starin, the Btirlee Dry Dock Company, David. J. Jones and B^'rank McWilliams are located. In Tottenville are ship yards of A. C. Brown & Sons and Jacob Ellis & Sons; Avhile at Prince's > D HO "AJ - H HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 471 Bay is Stephen Bartine; at Mariners' Harbor, L, H. St, John, John H, Palk and AVilliam IT. Haughwaut; at Tompkinsville, Thomas Murphy, Sr.; at Rosebank, Thomas and J. J. LaAvler; at Stapleton, J. R. Reynolds. The Coast Wrecking Company has its yards at Stapleton, and en gages in the specialty of saving vessels that are wrecked along the coast, or have been sunk by collision, or otherAvise, in and around New Vork Harbor. The company oavus a number of steamers and schooners, and employs a large force of men for this purpose. Among the workmen are submarine divers. The manufacture of clay gas-retorts, fire-brick, blocks and kindred fire-clay goods, was commenced by Belthaser Kreischer at what is noAv knoAvn as Kreischerville, in 1876. The first name av as afterward changed, but it is uoav remembered best as B. Kreischer & Sons. The principal owner uoav is George Kreischer, the eldest son. The Jewett Avhite lead mills, at Port Richmond, stand on the site of the old whale oil factory. The establishment dates back to the year 1842, when John Jewett & Sons began it on a much smaller scale than that of to-day. It was re-organized in 1882, with Benjamin C, Webster as President; James AV, Sedlick, Secretary; and Charles H. Jewett, Treasurer. Messrs. G. W. Jewett and J. A. Dean, Avho Avere connected Avitli the above, commenced the manufacture of linseed oil in Port Richmond, in 1869, and the business is still carried on there with great success. Back in the early seventies, the locality long knoAvu as the New Blazing Star Ferry was converted into a busy manufacturing village, and it assumed the name of Linoleumville. The factories at that place are among the most important business enterprises on the Island, and the title of the corporation is " The American Linoleum Alanufactur- ing Company." The article manufactured there is a fioor-cloth, Avhich is made from ground cork and linseed oil. This was the flrst venture in the manufacture of such an article in this country. The company is one of joint stock, having a capital of $450,000. The goods here manufactured Avere first placed on the market in 1875. Joseph Wild was the President of the company at the beginning of its operations, and J, Cartledge was the manufac turing director. The company has been very successful, the demand for goods being constantly ahead of the supply. David L. AIelvin is the present manager, and under his guidance the business is carried on in a most progressive manner. DeJOnge's paper factory was first located in Noav York City, but was removed to Staten Island in 1852. It is located on the south side of Richmond turnpike, a short distance from Tompkinsville, Louis DeJonge and Charles Zentgraff are the proprietors. The capital invested is about $200,000. At times as high as one hundred and fifty hands are employed. 472 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. The Windsor plaster mills are located on the shore at New Brighton. The Avorks were established many years ago, but Avere burned down on July 19, 1885, destroying property to the amount of $225,000. The establishment is now owned by J. B. King & Company. About 1860, Joseph H. and Stephen Seguine, Isaac K. Jessup and Alajor Bennett erected a factory at Seguine's Point, Prince's Bay, for the purpose of obtaining oil from palm nuts. The venture did not ])rove a success, and the establishment Avas afterward devoted to the manufacture of candles. It was rented by agents of William AI, Tweed, later on, and a svstem of street sewer was manufactured for the use of the city. In 1865, the premises were sold to Algernon K. Johnston. Shortly afterAvard s. Air, Johnston, with three of his brothers — AI, AI,, Will iam and Wilbur — placed considerable machinery in the building for the manufacture of dental instruments. This work consists of what ever a dentist requires in the practice of his profession. It is an important fact that the liquefaction of nitrous oxide gas Avas first accomplished on a commercial scale at these Avorks. The establishment of the Messrs. Johnston has been consolidated Avith that of the S. S. White Dental Manufacturing Company, of Phila delphia, and the goods here made are sent to all parts of the civilized Avoiid. Arthur AA", Browne, one of the cleverest of inventors, is con nected with this establishment, and his many patents control to a great degree the modern appliances of dentistry. For several years prior to and during the war of the Rebellion, AlcCullough's shot factory was in operation at Stapleton, and fur nished a great deal of material to the army. After the Avar it ceased to be of any practical use, and Avas converted into a cream-of-tartar factory, and being declared a nuisance by the Board of Health, Avas finally demolished. Staten Island has long been a favorite place for the location of breweries, chiefly on account of the quality of water which is found here. Bechtel's, the largest, stands at the head of Broad street, Stapleton, and Avas founded by John Bechtel, in 1853. In 1865, he sold it to his son, George, Avho managed it until the time of his death, in 1889. The Clifton Brewery, located a short distance Avest of Vanderbilt landing, Avas established byGeneral Garibaldi and Antonio Meucci, in 1851. Some say tliat their names only Avere used to give the en terprise a business footing. The establishment is managed to-day by Frederick Bachmann, Avho entered it many years ago as an emplov6. This broAvery was destroyed by flre in 1881, but Avas immediately re built. The Atlantic BreAAory, at Stapleton, was established by Joseph Rubsam and August Horrmann, both of Avhom are dead. It is now HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 473 run by the Rubsam & Horrmann Brewing Company. It was estab lished in 1870. Bishoff's BreAvery, at Stapleton, Avas established in 1854. It after ward became the property of the ^Vtlantic BroAving Comj)any, and a few years ago closed. The Constanz Brewery is located at Castleton Comers, and was established in August, 1852, by August Schmidt. Subsequently pass ing into the hands of Joseph Setz, it Avas conveyed by him to Monroe Eckstein, in 1857, Avho controlled it until his death in 1895. It is uoav managed by the Alonroe Eckstein BrcAving Company, The manufacture of blocks and prints for Avail paper, oil cloth, car pets, and other printed goods, is carried on by John AVestbrook, John Robertson, Jr,, and John Bain & Son, all of AA^est New Brighton, Schneider's chemical Avorks are at Stapleton, and the International Ultramarine works are located near Rossville, Henry AA^arth, of Stapleton, manufactures cloth-cutting machinery, and carries on an extensive business. The C, AV, Hunt Company, of West New Brighton, manufactures coal-handling ma chinery, etc. It is one of the leading business firms of the Island, They have an extensive factory on A'an street, AVest NeAV Brighton, but the main offices are in the city. The Consolidiited Fire AV(niis Com pany of America have their works at Graniteville, and is the leading establishment of its class in the Avorld, The Hecker-Jones-JoAvell CompauA^ have an extensive fiour-mill at Alariners' Harbor. S, B, AVardell & Company and Lord & Roberts manage extensive handkerchief factories at AVest New Brighton, The granite and trap-rock quarries, iiear Port Richmond, are man aged by Prank Bennett, Alaterial taken from these quarries Avas used in the construction of the breakwater at Fort Sumter, Charleston, South Carolina, and in the Avails of Fort Richmond, on the Narrows, at Port AVadsworth. Thousands of tons have been utilized in building the roads of the Island. George Ross, of Port Richmond, is one of the most successful and extensive sail and awning-makers in this part of the country. DECKER HOMESTEAD, GR.ANITEVILLE, 474 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND, The manufacture of sash, doors and blinds is carried on by A, B, Alersereau & Son, at Port Richmond; William S. A^an Clief, at West New Brighton and Port Richmond; Alvin Conklin, at Port Rich mond, and James Graham, at Pleasant Plains. Silk mills are managed by O. H. Barnard, at Tottenville, and the Empire State Silk Label Company, at West New Brighton. One of the most reliable and extensive canning establishments in the country is that owned by David J. Tysen, at New Dorp. The Standard Varnish AVorks, at Port Richmond, carries on an extensive manufacture of varnishes and japans. W. J. Davidson & Company, of Port Richmond, have extensive boiler and machine works. Steps Avere first taken to supply water for the village of New Brighton, in 1879, and the Avorks of the Staten Island Water Supply Company Avere begun in 1880. In August of that year, a contract Avas made, and the work Avas begun on October 5. By the end of July, 1881, the works Avere completed sufficiently to furnish water, and on August 4 were first operated. The pumping station is located in the ravine near Palmer's run, on the North Shore, and water is obtained by means of a large num ber of artesian wells. An extensive reservoir occupies a position on Port Hill, at New Brighton. A few years ago a new pumping- statiou with enlarged machinery was provided, at West Noav Brigh ton, and another pumping-station has been erected near Bull's Head. The works a;re still controlled by a private company. The officers are H. Brightnian, President; H. I, Brightman, Secretary; John S. AVarde, Sr., Superintendent, >• The first steps towards establishing the Crystal Water Works Avas in 1883. It was intended at first to utilize the deep ravine back of Egbertville as a reservoir, but the scheme proved impracticable. After the consideration of several plans, a tank was finally erected on Grymmes' Hill, back of Stapleton. A pumping-station was erected near the junction of Clove and Lit tle Clove roads, for the purpose of elevating Avater from the large main to the tank on Grymmes' Hill. The company at first had sheetiron mains as an experiment, but these Avere soon discarded. The water which this company procures, like that of the one on the North Shore, is from the great veins in the Catskills and Orange inountains. Under the superintendency of Air, J, B, NeAvhall, who lately withdrew from the company, these works were brought up to a state of efficiency. The officers at present are: Louis Rosenfeld, President; J. P. Piper, Secretary; and W. A^olkhardt, Superintendent. The South Shore AVater Works are located at New Dorp, and are capable of supplying a large settlement. During the past year the Avorks were sold to J. B. Newhall & Company, under whose manage ment they are now successfully running. HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND, 475 The Tottenville AA'ater A^'orks, the ereclion of Avhich was com menced in 1897, are under the supervision of the Hon, Henry P, Mor rison, Deputy Commissioner of the Department of \\'ater Su])ply, L. W, Freeman is the Supervising Engineer of the department, and David C. Butler inspector. These Avorks are capable of furnishing eight hundred thousand gallons of Avater a day. The NeAV York and Ncav Jersey Telephone Comjiany began opera tions on Staten Island in 1882, and its business has been constantly increasing, until it uoav has nearly fifteen hundred instruments in service here. There are central offices at AA\'st Ncav Brighton and Tompkinsville, and all parts of the Island are in easy communication. The oyster industry has long been an important lUEitter on Staten Island, It dates back long before the earliest civilization in these parts. The Indians were very fond of them. The first settlers in these parts discovered shell mounds Avhich then may have been hun dreds of years old. The cultivation of oysters was carried on here prior to the Revolution. Both Ncav York and New Jersey adopted laws for the protection of the oyster planters, but they ha\e undergone many changes. The general statutes of this State bearing upon the subject are as follows ; Forbidding any natural bed being staked off for private use, or be ing planted upon; forbidding any person, not for six months previous a resident of the State, from taking any shellfish within the State (but an actual resident may employ any non-resident); and prohibiting the use of any dredge weighing over thirty pounds, or operated by steam-power. The special statutes are thus : Asserting that no person not an inhabitant of the State may plant oysters in the Avaters surrounding Staten Island, " except the consent of the OAvner first be obtained; " and no non-inhabitant may take oysters or clams " from the beds of natural growth in any of said waters,"' Forbidding dredging or drag ging for oysters in the neighborhood of Staten Island " upon beds of natural growth of oysters (not planted)," Forbidding any person taking up or disturbing oysters planted under all the waters of this State surrounding Staten Island, without previous permission from the owners. For a period of many years, ending in the early sixties, Alessrs, Arnold & Merritt carried on the business of brick making in an ex tensive manner at Elm Park, Hundreds of men were empbjyed, A gravity railroad was employed to carry the brick-clay from the pits to the factory. Granite avenue was completely dug out, and Ihe earth replaced Avhen taken from another source. The bricks manu factured there were sent all over the country. At Green Ridge the manufacturing of bricks has been carried on for years. CHAPTER XLI. THE FIRE DEPARTMENTS. HERE were organized fire companies on Staten Island, though of a very rude nature, as far back as 1825 — proba bly earlier. " Bucket Brigades '' at that date had been in service for a few years — hoAV long, we can not say. AA^e read in the local paper of efficient service long rendered by " the fire company at Factoryville," in 1828, and again in the following year. This company was composed of young men residing along the North Shore, and originated in a target company, Avhich met on the few holidays then celebrated, and practiced Avith old-fashioned fiint- lock muskets. There Avas a bucket company in Richmond ^ illage at about the same time. Tompkinsville had two companies in 1841, They were kept uj) for some time. There Avere Iavo or more companies at that place in 1858, and Ray Tompkins was Chief of the Department, The difficulty in procuring Avater for the fire engines led to some speculation. About 1825, Avhen Tompkinsville Avas the leading village of the Island, the question of establishing public Avater Avorks for the place was glA^en much consideration, Alinthorne Tompkins was at the head of a company of gentlemen who applied to the Legislature for an act of incorporation. The site for the reservoir, Avhicli Air. Tompkins selected, was the little natural lake located in the park surrounding the residence of Air. David J. Tysen, on Todt Hill. It is the highest point on Staten Island. There was a fire company located on Richmond road, between Gar retsons and New Dorp, tn the sixties. Some of the boys who " ran AAith the machine," the last time that old St. Andrew's Church, at Richmond, was on fire, are still living in the neighborhood. The Edgewater Fire Department was organized in 1871, with Ben jamin BroAvn as Chief Engineer. James R. Robinson and John Gar- vey were afterAvard elected chiefs. The Department was re-organized in\879, Avith AA^illiam D. Burbank as Chief. The folloAving companies form the Department at the present time : Niagara Engine Company, No. 5 (organized in 1873 as the Neptune Hose Company, and reorganized in 1878 as an engine company); Neptune Engine Company, No, 6, organized in 1867; Protection En gine Company, No. 7, organized October 16, 1858; Clifton Engine HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND, 477 Company, No, 8, organized June 2, 1863; Rescue Engine Company, No. 9, organized Alay 1, 1879; Enterprise Hook and Ladder Company, No. 1, organized December 5, 1856; Columbia Llook and Ladder Com pany, No. 5, organized in 1889; Neptune Hose Company, No, 1. organ ized Alarch 16, 1878; Benjamin BroAvn Hose Company, No, 3, organized January 1, 1869; Clifton Hose Company, No. 6, organized September 6, 1863; Robinson Hose Company, No. 9, organized February 17, 1880; Excelsior Bucket Company, No. 1, organized October 20, 1S5S; Belief Bucket Company, No, 2, organized Alay 11, 1863, also has a chemical engine attached; Tompkinsville Fire Police Company, or ganized in 1859. The officers of the EdgeAvater Fire Department at present are James IL Lestrange, Chief Engineer; Albert AV. Jones, Charles Kemetber, and John Timlin, Jr., Assistant Chiefs, The Board of Representa tives, whi(ii is composed of two members from each company in the Department, holds regular monthly meetings in the A^illage Hall, The officers are; Nicholas J, Alacklin, President; Alichael Hardin, A^ce-Presi- dent; Joseph Scott, Secretary, and Rob ert Goggin, Treas urer. The North Shore Fire Department, which is composed of companies located in the First and Third wards, Avas organized on April 2, 1874, and AV a s chartered on Alarch 10, 1875, The first meeting of the Board of Representatives Avas held in the house of Zephyr Hose Com pany, in Port Richmond, on Monday, May 18, 1874, when W AI, AA^ash- burne was elected President, and AVilbur F, Disosway Secretary, At that time the following companies formed the Department ; AVash ington Engine, No, 1, Port Richmond; Cataract Engine, No, 2, West New Brighton; Port Richmond Engine, No, 3; Noav Brighton Engine, No. 4; Zephyr Hose Company, No. 4, Port Richmond, and Aledora Hook and Ladder Company, No, 3, of AVest New Brighton, The North Shore Department is now composed of the folloA\ing companies : Washington Engine Company, No, 1, Port Richmond, or ganized October 7, 1853; Cataract Steam Engine Company, No, 2, West New Brighton, organized August 19, 1844; Port Richmond SWAN HOTEL, WEST NEW BRIGHTON ; ERECTED IN 1798, 478 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. Steam Engine Company, No. 3, organized August 24, 1859; New Brighton Steam Engine Company, No. 4, October 24, 1856; Alonroe Engine Company, No. 5, organized September 11, 1894; Aquehonga Hook and Ladder Company, No. 1, Mariners' Harbor, organized Jan uary 1, 1879; Granite Hook and Ladder Company, No. 2, Graniteville, organized August 4, 1881; Aledora Hook and Ladder Company, No. 3, West New Brighton, organized June 10, 1868; Richmond Hook and Ladder Company, No. 4, New Brighton, organized in June, 1895; Wyandotte Hook and Ladder Company, No. 5, West Noav Brighton, organized in 1885; Zephyr Hose Company, No, 4, Port Richmond, organized February 22, 1861; Oceanic Hook and Ladder Company, No. 1, Travisville, organized in 1880; Steady Stream Hose and Bucket Company, No. 2, Port Richmond, organized November 14, 1885; Alert Hose Company, No. 1, New Brighton, organized in 1885; Lafay ette Hose Company, No. 3, New Brighton, organized in 1885; Starin Hose Company, No. 5, organized in September, 1885; Tompkins Hose Company, No, 6, Tompkinsville, organized May 11, 1890 ; Active Hose Company, No, 7, Mariners' Harbor, organized in 1894; Castleton Fire Patrol, No. 1, West New Brighton, organized in 1893. The officers of the North Shore Department at present are as follows : James Corcoran, Chief Engineer; Herman Burkhardt, William Rague, William Henry and Ainsley Jones, Assistant Chiefs. The following have been Chief Engineers of the Department; Lester A. Scofield, John J, Peatherston, David Pero, George Tredwell, John Seaton, William Carpenter, George C, Trantor, William Crowley, John Ragan, Horace E, Buel, Edward A. Bourne, Elijah Vauderbilt, Robert Brown, Henry Holtkamp, William Janes, William Burlee, William H. O'Hara, Ernest Seehusen, Edward Hicks, John Doav- hurst, James T. Rourke, Isaac Booth, Clinton C. Daniels, Thom.as Doudican and John Corcoran. The Board of Representatives is composed of two members from each company, and the officers are: John L, Dobson, President; John Trimble, Vice-President; William Snedeker, Secretary, and Charles M. Schwalbe, Treasurer. Tottenville has an efficient fire department. There are three com panies — Eureka Steam Fire Engine Company, No. 1 ; Protection Hook and Ladder Company, No. 2, and Eureka Hook and Ladder Company, No. 3, Since the City Charter went into effect a steam engine has been added to the Department. It had been in service in Manhattan. The officers of the Department are : Arthur AI. Donaldson, Chief En gineer; George Cunningham and William O'Connor, Assistant Chiefs; Rufus Journeay and D. R. Robbins, Fire Wardens, The village of New Dorp has a very efficient organization in Hook and Ladder Company, No, 1. It has a nicely furnished house near the railroad station. Its chief officer is John Coleman. CHAPTER XLII. THE POLICE DEPARTMENT, HE first police department organized on Staten Island Avas some time prior to the Revolution, and Christopher Billopp was the Chief. When Sir AA'^illiain Howe's army A\as on the Island, the force was re-organized, and Christopher Bil lopp remained in command. The constables elected annually did service for many years. The village of Tompkinsville, during the period of its incorporation, had special or private police, Avho were not uniformed and Avere paid by individual citizens. In the fifties the Noav York Police Depart ment looked after the Island in a half-hearted manner. In 1867, Ihe laAV placed Staten Island within the jurisdiction of the Metropolitan police force of New York City. A small force of men were enlisted and detailed for the express duty of patrolling the Island. Criminals arrested by those officers were taken before police justices within the limits of Edgewater and New Brighton, and throughout the remainder of the county they were disposed of by justices of the peace. The Legislature enacted a law in 1870 Avhich made Staten Island a separate police district, and gave it power to establish a depart ment with its essential duties and powers. The act placed the De partment under the control of three commissioners, who were elected by an appointing board, consisting of the County Judge and the five Supervisors, These commissioners were residents of the county, and were elected for three years, one entering upon the duties of the office each year. The first Board of Commissioners was com_posed of William C. Denyse, of Aliddletown; Abraham Wood, of Castleton, and Garret P. W'right, of Northfield. They organized on May 9, 1870, by " draAv ing lots " as to the terms, with the folloAving result : Air, Wood, one year; Mr. Denyse, two years, and Air, Wright, three years. Air. Wood was elected President; George H. Hitchcock, Chief Clerk; John Laforge, Captain; Dr. Isaac Lea, Surgeon; James .E. Ester- brook, Sergeant; Daniel Blake, roundsman; Edward Roe, Alexander Mcllhargy, Edward Brice, Robert Lyons, James E. BroAvn, Stephen AIcEvoy, Alexander Young and Edward P. Roy, patrolmen. The various incorporated villages made a demand upon the Depart ment, and New Brighton and Port Richmond Avere each allowed 480 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. seven, Edgewater fourteen, and Tottenville Iavo. The experiment of having mounted police Avas tried at first, but Avas soon abandoned. A police station Avas established in Port Richmond on the 28th of June, in a building belonging to ex-Chief John Decker, opposite the park. The force was increased the first year to thirty men. Considerable confusion arose in the Departmeut in 1871. In Alay of that year, the Appointing Board unanimously elected one of its members, George W. Ellis, Supervisor from AA^estfield. Air. Ellis took his seat and Avas made President of the Board, notAvithstanding the earnest protest of Air. AA''ood, the outgoing commissioner. TJie matter Avas carried to the courts, and finally reached the court of appeals, where it was decided against Air, Ellis. During his incum bency, hoAvever, many changes were made in the Department, Com missioner AA'right did not attend the meetings of the Board. Captain Laforge refused to obey the orders of President Ellis and Avas suspend ed. He AA^as not reinstated, howoA'-er, but Sergeant AI. I. Holbrook Avas appointed in his place. Chief Clerk Hitchcock also refused to obey orders, and Peter H, AVandel Avas appointed to serve in his place, Isaac AI, Alarsh Avas appointed to fill the vacancy caused by Air. Ellis's removal, and served until May, 1883, Avlien he Avas succeeded by Edward P. Barton. Air. Hitchcock Avas re appointed clerk on the reorganization of the Board. Alajor Clarence T, P.arrett, of Castleton, Avas appointed Com missioner in 1872, and served until 1878, Avhen hoAvas succeeded by Philip Wolff, AA^ho served until the Board was abolished on January 1, 1898, Mr. Wright remained in the Board until 1879, Aviien he Avas suc ceeded by Francis AIcQuade. Richard B. AAniittemore, of Castleton, Avas appointed in 1882. Chief Clerk Hitt-hcock resigned, in 1880, and George W, Ellis Avas appointed to succeed him, Hon. Nicholas Aluller Avas elected to succeed Air, AVhitteinore in 1888. He Avas also made President of the Board, and many changes Avere made in the management of the Department. George D. L'Huil lier, EdAvard P, Barton, Philip AA'olff and Dr, George "c, Hubbard Avere also members of the Board during Air, Aluller's incumbency. In the year 1894, the Legislature passed a law, making the Police Commissioners, with two additional citizens, the County Board of DE HART HOMKSTEAD, AT HOLLANDS HOOK, HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 481 Excise. Commissioners Muller, Wolff and Hubbard resigned, and the Appointing Board, County Judge Stephens presiding, reappointed them to the dual office. The citizen members were George W. Van Name, of Northfield, and Thomas Alullins, of Southfield. These gen tlemen remained in office until 1896, when the law Avas again changed. In 1895, all the commissioners resigned, and Alajor Clarence T, Bar rett, Major Benjamin H. Warford and Richard M. Hazzard Avere ap pointed. Alajor Warford died, and Major Barrett resigned. Air. Mul ler was reappointed, and served a short term. The law was again changed. The Legislature, being Republican, at the time, and the new Ap pointing Board being also of that political complexion, none of the old commissioners were reappointed. Charles W. Alexander and Cornelius A. Hart were appointed to the office, and they continued to serve until the new City Charter Avent into effect, and the police force was consolidated with that of New York. An attempt to render the force more efficient by having mounted policemen was made during the winter of 1883-4, when a number of good horses and accoutrements were purchased. The men selected had had no experience in the saddle, and the movement proved a failure. Another attempt was made about three years since. Young men were secured and they were well mounted, and a non-commis sioned cavalry officer from the regular army was detailed as drill- master. The force, consequently, is quite efficient, and renders good service where dismounted men. are of less account. The force to-day consists of one captain, six sergeants, four rounds men and sixty patrolmen. There are also a large number of men wearing the uniform who are not quite directly under the jurisdic tion of the Department, but are special officers ou the ferry boats, etc. Staten Island forms the Eightieth precinct of the Greater New York, and the commandant receives his orders directly from the Chief of Police in Alanhattan Borough. CHAPTER XLIII. SOCIAL AND BENEFICIAL ORGANIZATIONS. HE first organization of which there is any authentic record, was that which met in the building, since enlarged, stand ing at the sharp bend in the Amboy road, near Oakwood station. Among its members were Commodore Vander bilt, Dr, Ephraim Clark, Dr. Doane, Dr. J, T. Harrison, and many other prominent men of the time. Aside from social affairs, gunning Avas the principal sport of its members. About forty years ago, the Neptune Boat Club was started at AVest New Brighton, A house was built at considerable cost and furnished very neatly. This building is still standing, opposite the West New Brighton police station (No. 2). The Staten Island Athletic Club was first planned in 1877; but it Avas not until the following year that a permanent organization Avas effected. The officers then selected were as follows: William K, Souter, President; D. J, H, Willcox, Recording Secretary; LI, A, Caeser, Treasurer; R. T. P. Fiske, Corresponding Secretary; Oliver T. Johnson. Captain; C. Thorp, First Lieutenant; D. H. RoAvland, Second Lieutenant; John D, Vermtile, John AV, Edwards, Louis Hen derson, D. R, Norvell, Arthur T, Shand and P. L. Rodewald, Trustees, In the autumn of that year the first games were held, open to all amateurs, A temporarv^ grand stand was built for the occasion by the members, prominent among A^'hom were Johnson, Chute, Janssens, Collins, HayAvard, Wemple, Dedrechsen, Shand and True, The suc cess of the first entertainment was a good start for the club, and soon made it very popular, A boat-house was erected on the Kills, between York and Franklin avenues. New Brighton, in time for the season of 1881, and that year the membership ran up to two hundred and sixty, A few years later, the club purchased the Campbell mansion at the Cove, on the North Shore, and fitted it up for a club-house, at the same time building a large boat-house on the river bank in front. The club joined the National Association of Amateur Athletics and the Kill van Kull Rowing Association, It became well known throughout the country for its success in athletic sports and for its hospitality. In a short time it had over a thouisand members. For several years the " S. I. A. C," Avas a centre of pleasure to the HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND, 483 people of staten Island, The list of officers at the close was as fol lows: John W, Edwards, President; Henry O, Bailey, A^ice-Presi- dent; William C, Davis, Recording Secretary; George AI, AIcKellar, Treasurer; Edgar Hicks, Corresponding Secretary; William C. Row land, Captain; R. T. P, Fiske, First Lieutenant; Anson L, Carroll, Second Lieutenant; Oliver T, Johnson, AVilliam A, Lentilhon, Frank G. Janssen, J. Eberhard Paber, AV. P. DisosAvay, A, L, Paris and Har vey B, Rich, Trustees, The Clifton Boat Club was organized in 1881, Its membership at one time was but eight. In the course of a very foAV years it had increased in numbers until it Avas one of the largc^st social organiza tions of the East Shore. It has a delightful boat-house facing the NarroAvs. It was first organized as a social club. The Staten Island Rowing Club was established at New Brighton, in 1878, having about fifty members. Its officers were A, P, Stokes, President; H, L, Horton, Vice-President; E, Kelley, Captain; G, B, West, Secretary; G, S. McCulloh, Treasurer, and C, D, Ingersoll, Lieu tenant. The Staten Island Cricket and Base Ball Club, Avhich for years Avas rated as the leading amateur organization of its class in the State, had its grounds for many years at Camp Washingtou, or what may now be described as the grounds at the land approach to the St, George ferry. These premises had to be vacated in 1886, and the club pur chased the Delafield property on Bard avenue, for $40,000, and the house and grounds were fitted up in an appropriate manner. At that time the club had OA^er fiA^e hundred members, and it increased steadily for years. The officers at that time were William Krebs, President; George S, Scofield, Vice-President; N, S, Walker, Jr., Secretary, and E, J, Shiver, Treasurer, The club was incorporated in January, 1 866, During the summer it was a centre of social attrac tions, Friday in each Aveek was set apart for ladies, Avho had exclu sive use of the grounds on that day. There Avas a Ladies' Club for Outdoor Sports connected with it. During the past j'oar the club became financially embarrassed, through the loss of members, and the property is uoav in the hands of a receiver. The German Association Erheiterung of Staten Island, which was organized on December 10, 1861, and incorporated on June 15, 1865, has for its object the social, dramatic, and musical entertainment and instruction of its members. Its headquarters for many years have been in the German Club Rooms, at Stapleton. Its building was erected at a cost of $40,000. It has a large membership. Robert G, Shaw Post, No. 112, Grand Army of the Republic, Avas organized at Stapleton, in 1881, and was named in honor of Colonel Robert G, Shaw, of Staten Island, the commandant of a Massachusetts regiment of colored troops, who was killed in a charge at Fort AA^'ag- uer. South Carolina. Colonel W. M. Wermerskirch was the first com- 484 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. mander. Others who have held the office were Captain James Burke and Lieutenant Edward Openshaw. Several years ago the Post re moved its headquarters to New Brighton, where it still remains. Its presiding officer at present is Peter Dimler, Commander. Lenhart Post, No. 163, Grand Army of the Republic, was organized at Tottenville on May 22, 1880, Its first commander was David S. Reckhow. This post was named in honor of Chaplain Lenhart, of the United States Navy, who went down with his vessel, the "Cumber land," in Hampton Roads, Virginia, in the memorable battle at that place. He resided at Tottenville prior to the war, and was the first chaplain on the Union side that lost his life in the Rebellion. The presiding officer of the Post is Hubbard R. Yetman, Commander. Richmond Post, No. 524, Grand Army of the Republic, was organ ized on November 22, 1884, at Port Richmond. Its flrst Commander 'was Moses H. Leman. He was succeeded by Bernard Alullin, and he by Benjamin J. Bo dine, and he by Cap tain David M, Stoth ers, The Post Avas named in honor of the County of Richmond, Its presiding officer at present is Bernard Mullen, Commander, The Richmond Coun ty Country Club Avas organized in 1888, and was incorporated on October 23, 1891, by Alessrs, Clarence Whit man, W. Henry Alot- ley, Adolph J. Outerbridge, Gugy M. Irving, Wethered B. Thomas and Eugene H. Outerbridge. A beautiful residence and grounds on the Little Clove road were rented, and the club remained there for about six years. Then it purchased the grounds known as the Alex andre estate, on Todt Hill, facing the Lower bay, where extensive improvements have been made. Besides remodelling the Alexandre residence, several additional dwellings have been erected, and the grounds are constantly being beautifled. There are three classes of membership— resident, non-resident and summer. The following are the officers of the club : Gugy M Irving, Presi dent; Edmund S. Twining, Vice-President; Otto Ahlmann, Treasurer; Courtland A^. Anable, Secretary; H. B, Montgomery, W^alter C. Kerr! LAKE HOUSE, AT PORT RICHMOND, HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND, 485 George Cromwell, Nathaniel B, Day, J. H. Alexandre, Stacy C. Rich ard and James Park, Directors. The club has about two hundred and flfty members. Aletamora Council, No. 650, American Legion of Honor, the only organization at present connected with that Order on Staten Island, meets in Masonic Hall, Port Richmond, on the first and third Wednes day evenings of each month. Of the Ancient Order of Foresters, there are courts as follows: Court Staten Island, No. 50, located at Stapleton; Court Castleton, No. 128, at West New .Brighton; Court Linoleum, No. 162, at Travis ville; Court Tompkins, No. 180, at New Brighton; Court Port Rich mond, No. 205, at Port Richmond; Court Edgewater, No. 255, at Tompkinsville; Court Southfield, No. 266, at Grasmere; Thomas A. Butler Conclave, No. 100, at West New Brighton. Of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, Division No. 1 is located at Tompkinsville, and Division No. 2 at Port Richmond. The Ancient Order of United Workmen is represented as follows : Pioneer Lodge, No. 355, is located at Stapleton; Benjamin BroAvn Lodge, No. 387, at Stapleton; Port Richmond Lodge, No. 379, at Port Richmond; Westfield Lodge, No. 385, at Tottenville; Northfield Lodge, No. 396, at Travisville; Southfield Lodge, No. 401, at Clifton; Great Kills Lodge, No. 426, at Great Kills; Vigilant Lodge, No. 429, at New Brighton; Palestine Lodge, No. 430, at Stapleton. Catholic Benevolent Legion: Castleton Council, No. 108, at New Brighton; Edgewater Council, No. 137, at Stapleton; Father Mark iMurphy Council, No. 157, at Port Richmond; Father Drumgoole Council, No. 236, at Rossville; Rosebank Council, No. 339, at Rose bank; West Brighton Council, No. 341, at AA^est New Brighton; Tomp kinsville Council, No. 423, at Tompkinsville; Immaculate Conception Council, No. 2, of the Catholic Conception Legion, meets in Stapleton. Companions of the Forest: Pride of Castleton Circle, No. 159, meets at West New Brighton; Pride of Northfield Circle, No. 181, at Travisville. Improved Order of Red Men : Aquehonga Tribe, No. 324, at West New Brighton; Raritan Tribe, No. 260, at New Brighton. Independent Order of Foresters: Court Richmond, No. 234, at Port Richmond; Court West Brighton, No. 1790, at West New Brigh ton. Olive Leaf Lodge, No. 155, Daughters of Rebecca, meets at Port Richmond. Independent Order of Odd Fellows: Bentley Lodge, No. 570, at Tottenville; Clifton Lodge, No. 311, at Rosebank; Neptune Lodge, .No. 125, at Stapleton; Northfield Lodge, No, 338, at Port Richmond; Richmond County Lodge, No. 88, at West New Brighton. Knights and Ladies of Honor : Excelsior Lodge, No. 1133, at Staple- ton; Arlington Lodge, No. 1520, at Clifton; Balthaser Kreischer Lodge, No. 1809, at Kreischerville. 486 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. Knights of Maccabees : Richmond Borough Tent, No. 250, at New Brighton; Staten Island Tent, No. 331, at New Brighton. Ladies of the Maccabees: Castleton Hive, No. 221, at New Brighton; Staten Island Hive, No. 252, at New Brighton. Knights of Pythias ; Richmond Lodge, No. 80, at Tottenville; Sta pleton Lodge, No. 262, at Stapleton; Staten Island Lodge, No. 346, at Port Richmond; New Brighton Lodge, No. 354, at Ncav Brighton; Tompkinsville Lodge, No. 371, at Tompkinsville. Staten Island Council, No. 12, Order of American Firemen, meets at Port Richmond. Order of Germania: Lodge No. 26, at Kreischerville; Atlantic Lodge, No. 55, at Stapleton, Richmond Lodge, No. 155, Order of Harugari, meets at Stapleton. Continental Council, No. 27, Order of United Americans, has its Council room at Port Richmond. Junior Order of United American Ale chanics : United Coun cil, No, 17, at Totten ville; Balthaser Coun cil, No. 22, at Krei- scherAille, Royal Arcanum : Arthur Kill Council, No, 1408, at Totteu Aille; George AVilliam Curtis Council, No. 1554, at Tompkins ville; New Dorp Coun cil, No, 1219, at New Dorp; Stapleton Council, No. 1435, at Stapleton; Staten Island Council, No, 1145, at Port Richmond. Sons of Veterans: Richmond Camp, No. 63, at Port Richmond; Alajor Frank B. AVard Camp, No. 211, at Tottenville. Templars of Liberty of America: Excelsior Temple, No. 10, at Stapleton; Cleveland Temple, No. 20, at Stapleton; Plymouth Rock Temple, No. 28, at New Brighton; Richmond Temple, No. 33, at Port Richmond; Concord Temple, No. 43, at Stapleton; Rosebank Temple, No. 44, at Clifton; Tompkins Temple, No. 45, at Tompkinsville. Building, Loan and Savings Associations : EdgoAvater Co-operative Savings and Building Loan Association, at Stapleton; Northfield Building, Loan and Savings Association, at Alariners' Harbor; North Shore Building, Loan and Savings Association, at Port Richmond; Prohibition Park Building, Loan and Savings Association, at Pro- COUNTY CLERK'S AND SURROGATE S OFFICES, RICHMOND, HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND, 487 hibition Park; Staten Island Building, Loan and Savings Association, at West New Brighton. Aliscellaneous : German Ladies' Benevolent Society, Tompkins ville; German Alutual Benevolent Society, Stapleton; Philatilic So ciety, Stapleton; Staten Island Chess Club, Tompkinsville; Staten Island Quartette Club, Stapleton; Staten Island Scheutzen Corps, Stapleton; Young Men's Catholic Lyceum, New Brighton; Young Men's Catholic Union, West New liiighton; Young Alen's Christian Association, Tompkinsville; Young Men's Christian Association, Port Richmond. Silver Lake Park Commission. — The need of a public park has long been felt on Staten Island, although there are thousands of acres, located at various points, which nature seems to have designed for that purpose. Public interest, however, has centered in Silver Lake, and at last, by act of the Legislature, it is decided to convert the beautiful tract of land and water into a public park. The com mission, after several changes, now stands as follows; Joseph Tate, President; E. J, Cunningham, J, D. Kohlman, Arthur Hollick and AValter C. Kerr; Theodor S. Oxholm, Chief Engineer; Nathan Barrett, Landscape Architect; George T. Ellett, Secretary, Chamber of Commerce, — The Staten Island Chamber of Com merce was organized on July 1, 1895, and has given a great deal of attention to the business interests of Staten Island, It holds reg ular monthly meetings. Charles AV. Hunt has been its President from the commencement, and Cornelius G. Kolff its secretary. Natural Science Association, — The Natural Science Association Avas organized in 1880, with Dr, A, Carroll President, and Arthur Hollick Secretary. It has one of the largest local collections of ma terials, etc., gathered exclusively on Staten Island, possessed by any similar organization in the country. The Association occupies a room in the Staten Island Academy building, at St. George. Walter C. Kerr is the President, and Arthur Hollick Secretary. Staten Island Historical Society. — This society was originally organized in 1826, with the Hon. Gabriel P. Disosway as President. It was very active and did a great service to Staten Island in gather ing material relative to its early history. It kept up its organization until the sixties. The society was temporarily re-organized on the evening of Thurs day, August 16, 1900, in the old Fountain homestead, at New Dorp (now the residence of Mr. Justus J. Smith), with the follOAving officers ; President, Rev, Wilbur Fisk Wood; Vice-President, Ernest Flagg; Treasurer, Justus J. Smith; Secretary, Ira K. Alorris; Counsel, Calvin D. Van Name; Incorporators, David J, Tysen, Ernest Flagg, Henry P. Morrison, George Cromwell, Wilbur Fisk Wood, Justus J. Smith, E. C. Bridgman, Theodor S. Oxholm, William H. Steele, Charles H, Blair, Nathaniel J. Wyeth, David H. Cortelyou and Ira K. Morris. CHAPTER XLIV. THE BOROUGH OF RICHMOND. OR many years past the people of Staten Island have been very restless relative to the local governments under which they were living. There was a confiict of authority and inter ests between the towns, the viRages, and the various lo calities, and it is but the simple truth to say that local jealousies kept back the hand of progress, and drew a veil over one of the most beautiful and enticing spots on the earth. There has long been a plan to make a separate city of Staten Is land; but, like many a wise measure, it lacked a proper leader and sufficient public interest to enable it to reach a tangible form, in time to prevent the tide of popular opinion from making the success of such a plan impossible. The Greater New York scheme came to the surface at a time when the people were longing for a change. They wanted something, but did not know exactly what it should be. Very many advocated con solidation through mercenai-y motives; others in the hope that it would add to the general welfare of the Island and its people, and others still because it was a " fad," so to speak, to be within the limits of the second greatest city in the world! When the matter finally came up before the people of Staten Island, for their approval or rejection, it became entangled in one of those political tidal waves that sweep over the country occasionally, and decide measures of great moment without regard to reason. People Avent to the polls and voted in favor of consolidation. Some reasoned that " it can not be worse than it is now, and it may possibly be bet ter! " And thus, it was adopted by a majority of over 4,000. It was a greater change than any one had anticipated. About seventy separate and distinct official boards existed on the Island, such as supervisors, village trustees, assessors, highway commis sioners, town boards, etc., and a small army of officials was thus suddenly disbanded and thrown out of employment. The project of uniting the cities of New York, Brooklyn, and the adjacent territory lying in the counties of Westchester, Queens, Kings and Richmond, was first mooted a score of years ago; but it did not take definite form until 1890. In that year the Legislature passed an act " to create a commission to inquire into the expediency of con solidating the various municipalities in the State of New York, oc cupying the several islands in the harbor of New York." HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 489 A commission was appointed, consisting of the Mayor of New York, the Alayor of Brooklyn, the Boards of Supervisors of Westchester, Queens, Kings, and Richmond Counties, to inquire into the expedi ency of consolidation, and to report their conclusions thereon to the Legislature, with such recommendations as they might deem proper. Pursuant to the provisions of this act, a commission, consisting of the following members, was appointed: Andrew H. Green, Fred erick W. Devoe, John L. Hamilton, and J. Seaver Page, of New York; J. S. T. Stranahan, Edward P. Linton and William D. Veeder, of Brooklyn; John H. Brinkerhoff, of Queens County; George J. Green field, of Richmond County; Charles P. McClelland, of Westchester County, and Daniel W. Adams, State Engineer and Surveyor ex- officio, and Albert E. Henschel acting as Secretary. In 1893, the Commission presented to the Legislature a bill provid ing for the submission of the question of consolidation to a vote of the residents of the various municipalities proposed to be united into one city. The following year the Legislature provided for the referendum suggested by the Commission, by an act covering this question. The territory referred to in this act is as follows : " The City of New York, Long Island City, the County of Kings, the County of Richmond, the towns of Westchester, Flushing, NewtoAvn, and Ja maica, and that portion of the towns of Eastchester and Pelham Avhich lies southerly of a straight line drawn from the point where the northerly line of the City of New York meets the centre line of the Bronx river to the middle of the channel between Hunters and Glen Islands in the Long Island Sound, and that part of the town of Hempstead which is westerly of a straight line drawn from the southeasterly point of the town of Flushing, through the middle of the channel between Rockaway Beach and Shelter Island to the At lantic ocean." The act also provided that the question should be submitted to a vote at the general election following, a separate ballot-box being provided therefor. The following is the result of the vote: New York, for consolidation, 96,938; against, 59,959. Kings County, for, 64,744; against, 64,467. Queens County, for, 7,712; against, 4,741. Richmond County, for, 5,531; against, 1,505. Mount Vernon, for, 837; against, 1,603. Eastchester, for, 374; against, 260. Westchester, for, 620; against, 621. Pelham, for, 261; against, 153. At the opening of the Legislature in 1895 the Commission of Munic ipal Consolidation Inquiries presented a report with a proposed bill declaring the entire district before mentioned (with the exception of the city of Alount Vernon) consolidated with the city of New York. The bill, however, failed of passage because of the addition of an amendment of referendum in the last hours of the session of 1895 — too late for further action. 490 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. Early in January, 1896, the Legislature appointed a joint sub committee of the Cities Committees of both Houses, to inquire into the subject of the proposed consolidation. It did so on Alarch 1, and favored consolidation. The bill as reported was passed by the Legis lature, and Avas submitted to the Mayors of the cities of New York and Brooklyn, and to the Alayor and Common Council of Long Island City, pursuant to the provisions of the Constitution. The bill was re turned to the Legislature without the acceptance of the cities of New York and Brooklyn. The Legislature re-pa.ssed the bill over the vetoes of the Mayors of New York and Brooklyn, and it became a law on Alay 11, 1896, with the approval of the Governor. Pursuant to the act of consolidation, Gov ernor Morton appoint ed on June 9, 1896, the following members of the Commission to draft the proposed chatter : Seth Low, Benjamin P. Tracy, John P. Dillon, Ashbel P. Fitch, Stewart L. Woodford, Silas B. Dutcher, William C. De Witt, George AI. Pinney, Jr., and Harri son S. Aloore. Air. Fitch having resigned, the Governor appoint ed Thomas P. Gilroy in his place. The Commission organized on June 25, 1896, appointed Benjamin P. Tracy President, and George M. Pinney, Jr., Secretary. It also named William C. De Witt, John P. Dillon, Thomas F. Gilroy, Seth Low, Andrew H. Green, Benjamin P. Tracy, and George M. Pinney, Jr., as a committee on draft of the proposed charter, which in due time was presented. It provides for departments as follows ; Legislative, the Mayor, Administrative, Boroughs and Local Boards, Board of Public Improvements, Law, Education, Taxes and Assessments, Civil Service, Municipal Statistics, the Tax of 1898, the City Debt, Munic ipal Ownership, County Officers, etc. After public hearings, the Commission amended and revised the draft, and submitted the same as the proposed charter to the Legislature, on February 13, 1897. ' THE RICHMOND," MUNICIPAL BUILDING OF THE BOROUGH OF RICHMOND, HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND, 491 The provisions of the act, in which Richmond County was practi cally interested, were as follows ; I. That in such counties the Boards of Supervisors shall consist of the members of the Alunicipal Assembly, to be elected as such, and also as Supervisors, by the people of the county. II. That such Boards of Supervisors may act as County Canvassers, and shall have the power conferred by the Constitution upon Super visors of subdividing the counties into Assembly districts. III. That such Boards of Supervisors shall have no other power of local legislation or administration, and shall have no poAver to create debt. IV. All other Boards of Supervisors within such counties are abol ished from and after January 1, 1898. The first general election, under the uoav charter, was held on Tuesday, November 8, 1897. It led to the most memorable contest in the history of Staten Island, so far as the present generation is con cerned. Dr. John L. Feeny was the Democratic candidate for Presi dent of the Borough, Avhile the Hon, George Cromwell Avas the Re publican candidate. The election was in doubt for fully six months, when the courts decided in favor of Air. Cromwell. Benjamin J, Bodine and Joseph P. O'Grady, members of the Alunic ipal Council, and John J. A^anghan, Jr., Alderman, Avere elected by large majorities on the Democratic ticket. Consequently, the Borough Board is made up as follows; Hon, George Cromwell, President; Bon, Benjamin J, Bodine, Councilman; Hon, Joseph F. O'Grady, Councilman; Hon. John J. A'aughan, Jr., Alderman; Albert E, Had lock, Secretary; John Cochran, Private Secretary, Under the new system there is a great variety of offices, almost all of which are filled by appointment by the Alayor, The folloAving are the most important of those which have been appointed for the Borough of Richmond ; Department of Htohavays, — Hon. Henry P, Alorrison, Deputy Commissioner and Chief Engineer; Theodor S, Oxholm, Supervising Engineer; Ellarson Stout, Assistant Engineer; Ira K, Alorris, Secre tary; William B, Kenney, Chief Clerk; Edward B, Sheeran, Senior Clerk; Alortimer Denyse, Assistant Clerk; Spire Piton, Jr., Cashier; Aloses H. Leman, Permit Clerk, General Inspectors — William P. Hegarty, Cornelius C. Jones, and Harry R, Denyse. About tAventy-five inspectors, ten foremen, and seventy-five to one hundred laborers are also employed in this Department. Department of Lighting, Heating and Supplies, — Hon, Ed ward I, Miller, Deputy Commissioner; John A, Driscoll, Chief Clerk; J, Louis Garretson, Private Secretary. Three foremen and five in spectors are employed in this Department. Department op Buildings. — Hon, Daniel Campbell, Commis sioner; James Nolan, Chief Clerk; John J. Vaughn, Superintendent. 492 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. '<.\it,- I stenographers— Daniel Campbell, Jr., and John E. Croak. There are seven inspectors in this Department. Department of Sewers.- Hon. Henry P. Morrison, Deputy Com missioner; Lewellyn W. Freeman, Assistant Engineer; John T. Fetherston. Transitman; George Wood, Draughtsman; Adolph H. Rottmann, Chief Clerk; John Wilt, Secretary. Chief Inspector- John J. Kaltenmeier. Department of Bridges.— Patrick Larkin, Superintendent; Cor nelius J. Lynch, In.spector. Bridge-keepers— John McCabe and Ed Avard E. Vaughan. Depart.ment of Water Supply.— Hon. Henry P. Alorrison, Dep uty Commissioner; Jacques Alersch, Cashier. Inspectors— DaAid C. Butler and Francis N. Aliller. Department of Finance.— Hon. Walter H. Holt, Auditor; Edwin S. Twyford, Deputy Auditor; Ralph Cran- mer. Inspector; George Brand, Dep uty Collector. Assist ant Deputy Collect ors — Bernard AIc- Donough, AI i c h a e 1 Cahill, Alatthew J, Cahill, Abram Green-, wald, Reinhardt Kal tenmeier, Jacob Her- rell; Deputy Re ceiver of Taxes — Alat thew Tully. War rant Clerks — James AlcCabe, John P. Carey, and Otto Stutzbach; Disburs ing Clerks — Forest L'G. Wright and Henry A. Cunliffe. Department op Education. — Hon. Hubbard R. Yetman, Super intendent; George Hogan, and Mrs. Anna M. Gordon, Assistant Su perintendents. Member of Central School Board — William R. Cole, Stapleton. Local School Board — William R. Cole, President; John T. Burke, George T. Egbert, Thomas J. Plannigan, Prank Perlet, Emil Bottger, Samuel Anderson, Thomas Vaughan, Willis Barton, Frank lin C. A''itt, Secretary, Stapleton. Clerks — AVilliam S. West, George W. Egbert, Frederick W. Pfaff, and Margaret A. Dermody; Arthur S. Brasefield, Superintendent of Supplies. Inspectors — H. M. Devoe, Stephen A. Thomas, A. E. Schretter, Charles C. Ellis. Samuel R. Brick, Deputy Superintendent School Buildings. John W. Lisk, Fuel Inspector. RESIDENCE OP ERNEST FLAGG, ESQ., DONGAN HILLS, HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND, 493 Municipal Courts, — Hon, John J, Kenney, Justice, First District; Francis P. Leman, Clerk; Robert Humphrey, Assistant Clerk; Frank AIcGoey, Stenographer; Edward Pinnerty and Prank Langfprd, At tendants; Hon, George Stake, Justice, (successor to Hon, Albert Rey naud), Second District; Peter Tiernan, Clerk; William J, Browne, Assistant Clerk; John G, Farrell, Stenographer; James J. Cahill, and Charles Warneke, Assistants. Court of Special Sessions, — Hon, Thomas W, Fitzgerald, Jus tice; James Seaton, Clerk; John J. Darcey, Court Attendant; John F. Blake, Subpoena Clerk. Board of City Magistrates. — Hon, John Croak, City Magistrate, First District; William C, Casey, Police Clerk; John Redmond, As sistant Police Clerk; Edgar H, Ross, Stenographer; Hon. Nathaniel Alarsh, Justice, Second District; Michael Brannan, Police Clerk; John M. Kelly, Assistant Police Clerk; Hugh W. O'Reiley, Stenog rapher; Henry Brown, Interpreter. Department of Health. — John L. Feeny, AI. D,, Assistant Sani tary Superintendent; J, Walter Wood, M, D,, Assistant Registrar of Records; Charles E, Hoyer, Assistant Chief Clerk; Adalaide L, Mc- Namara, Stenographer, There are several inspectors in this Depart ment. Aledical Inspectors — Fritz Mechtold, M, D,, J, J, Van Rensse laer, AI, D,, John T, Sprague, M, D, Medical School Inspectors — Ed ward D, Wisely, M. D,, E^ J, Callahan, M, D,, P, D, E. Revere, AI, D,, Francis L, Stansky, and Joseph Coffey, Percival K, Nichols, Veterin arian; Frederick W. Kerr, Milk Analyst. Alilk Inspectors — James H, Seguine and Louis Wolf, Police Department — Eightieth Precinct, — Captain — Daniel Blake. Sergeants — Henry Brand, Joseph Cobb, Joseph H, Cook, Hugh J, Canlon, Edward J. Pulton, Stephen Hannon. Roundsmen — Frank S. Hodge, John Shea, George H. Wilson, Charles Smith, and James E. Devlin. Coroners' Office. — George C. Tranter and John Seaver, Coroners; George Mord, M. D,, and Stephen E, Whitman, M, D., Coroner's Physi cians; Martin Hughes, Chief Clerk; Archibald Pulton, Assistant Clerk; Eugene J. Williams, Stenographer. Department of Taxes and Assessment. — ^Henry T. Metcalfe and Andrew Fetherston, Deputy Commissioners; Charles A. Mulligan, Samuel A, Aloore, and John A, Minnahan, Clerks, Executive Department, — William H, McCabe, Deputy Chief; Felix Hall, Cashier; Michael J, Collins, Deputy City Clerk. County Officials, (not included in Borough Appointments). — ¦ Hon. Stephen D. Stephens, County Judge and Surrogate; Hon. Ed ward M. Aluller, County Clerk; Hon. Edward vSidney Rawson, Dis trict Attorney; Hon, Augustus Acker, Sheriff; Thomas H, Banning, Under Sheriff; Thomas Kenny, Jr., Stenographer; William Finley, Surrogate's Clerk; C. Livingston Bostwick, Assistant Clerk; Joseph 494 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND, S. Mullins, Assistant Clerk; John Rooney, Court Crier; Edith M. Cor son, Stenographer, District Attorney's Office. Department of Jurors. — Charles J. Kullmann, Commissioner; William J. Dowling, Deputy; Daniel P. Libby, Clerk. Bureau of Elections. — Charles A. Jones, Supervisor; Alexander AI. Ross, Chief Clerk. Department of Charities and Corrections. — James Feeny, Commissioner; Thomas Kenny, Sr., Superintendent of Outdoor Re lief; Joseph B. Pearce, Jr., Superintendent County Alms House; Dr. Isaac L. Alillspaugh, Physician. A moment's retrospection carries the mind back over the checkered scenes that have formed the history of Staten Island. One epoch fol lows another in rapid succession, like the changes of a restless pan orama, and the years, one after another, fade beji-ond the mist of time. Amid the countless changes of the centuries, the am bitions and disap pointments, and the achievements a n d failures of our fa thers, have all passed on from busy scenes of action, and may hap mingle Avith the dust Avhich rests in the urns of their ashes. God, in His bound less providence, has dealt with liberal hand in the formation of this superb Island. So long neglected that it has been called "' a sleeping beauty," it has awakened, we believe, to join the throng that is push ing onAvard and upward to the great goal of financial prosperity and advanced civilization. AAvakened from its long dream of quietude, its tree-crowned hills and grassy plains echo and re-echo the music of the electric bell, while the smoke of busy factories tells the story of labor's honest conquests. The Hand that holds forever in its hollow the destiny of mankind — the Hand that made the worlds and polished the stars— in it we must place the future of our Eden Island home. In it we must rest our every interest as a people, and trust to its All-wise guidance for peace and prosperity. •>• i;«>>, OLD HOUSE BY THE MILL, GREEN -RIDGE. CHAPTER XLY. local biography. /^'4\ k iHRISTOPHEE ARCHER.— Mr. Archer is a native of England. He is a contracting mason, and resides on Bodine Street, West New Brighton. He was an active participant in one of the most noted events in the military history of the Nineteenth century. He was a member of the Second Battalion, of the English Rifle Brigade, under General Windham, in the memorable Siege of Lucknow, dur ing the Sepoy Rebellion in India, in November, 1857. When the fight commenced there were but sixteen hun dred British soldiers to face twenty-flve thousand well- drilled and equipped Se poys. And yet, this little army " kept up the honor and glory of England by pre serving communication with Oude, and prevented the enemy from destroying the bridge across the Ganges, •whereby they would have cut off all supplies from Lucknow; as well as re straining the Sepoys from cutting up the small detach ments of troops that were daily arriving and keeping un communication with Allahabad and Calcutta." One day the Sepoys, in overwhelming n u m b er s, made such a sudden and desperate attack, that, in the retreat of the British to the trenches, oflicers and men lost all their property, not having time even to strike their tents. The scene in the " entrenched hospital," and the struggle to reach the fort, are matters of history. Mr. Archer tells the thrilling story in his own quiet way, so often told wherever the English language is spoken, in song and story, of the rein forcements coming to their relief, under Sir Colin Campbell. It Avas then JOHN C, THOMPSON, 496 history of staten island. that the writer of the familiar song, " The Campbells Are Coming," re ceived his inspiration. Air, Archer was one of the "forlorn hope" that volunteered to perform services in the face of almost certain death — one of the very few that lived to tell the story. Air, Archer possesses a medal which Queen Victoria presented to him, as she also did to his comrades, for his services in an event that shook the Avorld, He is naturally very proud of the token of appreciation from his noble sovereign, Owen Hoavard Barnard, — Air, Barnard was born in Symesbury, Con necticut, in 18.30, At the age of nine years he removed to New A''ork Citv Avith his parents, and while still a lad, entered the silk house of William H, Dale, determined to learn the business in its minutest detail. That he proA'ed to be a thorough , ^ \\ \< \ business man is clearly shoA\n by the fact that in time he owned and managed seven factories, and pos sessed his own A'essels to r-ari-y his Avares across the ocean. Air. Barnard became A-ei-y wealthy in time, but the re verses that came to him in rapid sucression, were more than suffir-ient to discouraue the average man. Five ves sels belonging to him, and laden with his wares, went to the bottom of the ocean in the year L'^75, and were a total loss. In ISOfl, linAinff purchased the Totten estate, near Tot tenville, lie built a factory. which has CA'cr since been in successful operation. It is now managed liy Aliss Bar nard, a daughter, who has very plainly proven her ability as a business woman. The articles manufactured are exclusiA-ely undertakers' supplies. For a year or so prior to his decease. Air, Barnard had been in ill health. He had long made his home at Tottenville, where he gained many warm friends by his kindly disposition. He lived a quiet, reserved life; but always took an interest in the welfare of his neighbors and the general prosperity of Staten Island. In the autumn of 1.S9.S he was removed to one of the leading hospitals of the city, where an operation was performed; but a second effort was deemed necessary, and it cost him his life. Air, Earuiud died on November 14, 1898, and w.ts buried in Oreenwood Cemetery, He was related to Justice Joseph F, Harnard, late of the Su preme Court, AI.vjoR Clarence T, Barrett, — ^Alajor Barrett Avas born near Rahway, OWEN HOWARD BARNARD. HISTORY OF staten ISLAND. 497 Ncav .lersey. on .\u';ust 10. IStO, and is the -^on of the late John Thoi-ndike and Alice Tynan Barrett. He lineally descends from lTuiu|)liiey Uarrelt, Avho was born in Kent, England, in L''i02, came to .Vmciica with his son! Humphrey, Jr., in lC,-;o. and settled at roiicoi-d, Massachusetts. Cilonel James P)arrett, grandson of Humphrey Barrett, -Ir., was in command of I lie American forces in the flrst enjiasemcnt of the .Vmerican Ivcvidution. Up made his stand at the North liridge, at (^'oncord, on the morning of Ai)ril 19, 177.", and engaged and repulsed the Ib-iti^h troops nnder tlcncral Gage, Captain Nathan Barrett, who commanded a com|iany undci- his father in this flglit, Avas the gi-oat-grandfalher ot Atajor Ciare'nce T. Har- rett. The latter's father, until his retii-i'inent from active lousiness, was con nected with the New York Dyeing and Printing Kstalilishment, was a stix-k- holder, and suc(-eeded his older brotlicr, Nathan, as its supei-iutendcni. Major Barrett's parents returned to tlieir home on , ¦ ¦"' Staten Island, Avhen he was but a few months old, and he has resided here evei- since. He was educated in the schools of the Island, and when a young man Iie- gan the study of landscape architecture. On the forma tion of the One Hundred and Seventy-fifth New York Voluniccrs. he was ap pointed second lieutenant of one of the Staten Island companies. Major Barrett served with his regiment in thi' Depart ment of the (iulf. He lie- came its adjutant, and sub sequently acted as Adju- tant-rreneral of the Tliird Brigade. Second Division, Ninth Army Coi-ps. He was also aide-de-camp to Gen eral Grover, Division com mander. He next became acting Adjutant-General on the staff of Major-General William H. Emery, com manding the Nineteenth Army Corps, At the close of the Red RiA'er cam paign. General Ganby having relieved General Banks as dejiartment com mander. Major Barrett was assigned to his personal staff' as aide-de-camp. He A\-as mustered out of the New Yorlc Volunteeis, and promoted to cap tain and aide-de-camp of the United Slates Yolunlccrs, and as such served on the staff of General Canliy until he Avas honorably disehai-gcd, at his own request, in the autumn of 18f)5, He was ]iromoted to the rank of major by brevet, for gallant and meritorious ser\ices during the sii-ge of Spanish Port, and the assault upon it, and in the assault on Fort Blakidey, during the campaign against IMobile, Alabama, Avhicli ended in the capture of that city, and the flnal surrendei- of General Taylor's army at Citionelle, in the same State, MA.JOR CLARENCE T. liARHKTT. 498 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND, Major Barrett served in all the campaigns and most of the skirmishes, in the Department of the Gull under General Banks, and in tlie Military Division of AA'est Alississippi, under General (Janby, He was in the last contest of the ciAil Avar, Major Bari'iit came back to his home on Staten Island and resumed the practice of his profession as lands(-ape architect, in connection Avith sani tary engineering, and in botli has been one of the most successful men in the country, Tliroughout the Ignited States he is considered an authority in both branches of his profession. Major Barrett's neighliors have repeatedly called upon him to flll public positions. He served as Bolici' Commissioner for seven years, and as Superintendent of the Poor for five. He was school trustee for a number of years, and held various other offices. He is now a trustee of the old Staten Island Dyeing and Printing- Establishment, and Avas formerly President and di rector of the Fir-st National IJank and trustee of the Smith Infirmary, He is a member of the Military Order of the l^oyal Legion, and of Tompkins Lodge, No. 471, F, and A, AI. He mar ried Afiss Anna E., daughter of William D. ITutchings, of XcAv A'ork City, Gttstaa' a. Barth, — Air. l^arth was liorn in Staple- Ion, Staten Island, on I>e- (-endicr 22, ISC.,^, After at tending the jirivate schools in his uatiA'c Aillage, he took the regular course in the Staten Island Academy, from AAtiich he graduated with honors. He was re- lieatedly elected a trustee of the Broad Street Public School, retiring fr(un the of fice when it was abolished by the City (harter. Air. Barth is the Secretary and Treasui-ei- of the Be(-ht(d Blowing Conijianv. He is the uephcAv of Airs. Bechtel. Notwithstanding Avliile as yiM a young man, Mr, Barth's business qualifi cations \\-ei-e so higldy ap])r('cialed, that he was elected to the State As sembly in 1890. His course thei-e A\'as nol only a credit to himself, but also to the jieople of the county that selccled him. One of the most important issues tliat came u]i in the Legislature durini; .Mr. Barth's term, Avas the annexation of Staten Island to Ncav Vork t'ity. In one of the numerous debates on this subject, All-. Barth, in the (-ouis( of his remarks, said: " AAtien the question of consolidation A\a,s siibmitted to tlie peojjlc of the teiritory effected, Bichmond County, \\hicli I liave the honor lo represent HON. GUSTAA' a. BARTH. HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 499 on the floor of this house, declared itself in favor of this gigantic scheme by a majority of almost four thousand votes. I stand here to-day ready for a second time to voice that pronounced sentiment and expressed Avish of my constituency. * * * i gay Greater New York is not complete without Richmond County. Greater NeAv York, to become one of the great est cities on the face of the globe, must also have one of the most perfect and complete railroad terminals on the face of the globe. * * * By way of the great Achter Kill bridge which connects the great West with Staten Island territory, and a line running across this territory leading to the most accessible and most valuable water front property in the world, ten of the greatest trunk lines in the country can be intercepted. All freight consigned to New York can be taken to that wonderful water front, and we have, if you will, receipt, storage and shipment al most simultaneously, or in other words, a complete rail road terminal," Mr, Barth is actively en gaged in every movement ef fecting the public welfare, George Bechtel. — Mr, Bechtel was born in Ger many in 1840. He came with his parents to America at the age of sixteen months, and in 1851 entered the Grammar School of Colum bia College. After finishing his course at that institu tion, he began an appren ticeship in the brewery which his father had estab lished at Stapleton in 1833, From 1860 to 1865 he occu pied the position of superin tendent of the establish ment. In 1865 he rented the property from his father, and in 1870 purchased his entire interests, becoming the sole proprietor. In the course of a few years he erected the large building which now stands on Eichmond road, at the head of Broad street, Stapleton, where the business is still carried on. Mr. Bechtel was foremost in public and benevolent matters. During the memorable negro riots, in 1861, he sheltered large numbers of those home less people in the woods, and sent them nourishment daily till the trouble had subsided, a circumstance which the colored people of Staten Island have never forgotten. On the organization of the Village of Edgewater, Mr. Bechtel was elected Trusted of the Third AVard. From 1873 to 1879 he devoted himself en tirely to business, taking little interest in political matters. In 1879 he GEORGE BECHTEL, 500 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. AVILLIAM H, M CARE. received the joint nomina tion of the Republican and Democratic parties. He was yearly re-elected, and during one vear served as chairman of the Board. From 1879 to 1883 he also served as trus tee of the Village of Edge- water from the First Ward. Mr. Bechtel's benevolent qualities will long be re membered. He was a man of cordial tempera ment, and was connected with many associations, societies and clubs, among which were Klopstock Lodge, P. and A. M., the Arion and Liederkranz So cieties of New York, and the German Society Erhei terung. He became the largest taxpayer on Staten Island. Mr. Bechtel married, in 1865, Miss Eva Schoen, of New York City. They had four daughters and one son. Mr. Bechtel died in 1889. OLD POST ROAD, RICHMOND. HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND, 501 Read Bbnedict.^ — Mr. Benedict was born in New York City in 1834. He is the son of Samuel Ward Benedict, who was born in Danbury, Connecti cut, in 1798. He was a direct descendant of Thomas Benedict, who was born in Nottinghamshire, England, in 1617, and came to this country seven teen years after the landing in Massachusetts Bay. He soon removed to Long Island. He established himself in a watch and jewelry business in New York in 1818, first in Broadway, at the corner of Maiden lane, and some time previous to the great fire in 1835 he removed his establishment to the junction of Wall and William streets, where the Custom House now stands. At that period the flrst stage or omnibus line had started from in front of his store, and the drivers were accustomed to ask Mr. Benedict if it were time for them to start. At that early date and here it was that " Benedict's time " flrst became a synonym for the correct time. In 1836, the elder Mr. Benedict pur chased from Daniel Winant and Benjamin Brewster their adjoining farms, near Rossville, Staten Island, and removed with his family to that place. The old family mansion stood on the Winant place, and at that time was one of the most substantial, as well as one of the oldest houses on the Island. It was erected in the SeA'enteenth century, and was claimed by Daniel Winant to have been built and occupied by Pietersen De A'Mes. The walls were built of rough stone and Dutch cement, thick and strong enough to withstand a siege. The old house was burned to the ground in 1858. After the inside and all the wood work were consumed the walls remained standing, ap parently as flrmly and securely as when they were erected, about two hun dred years before. Mr. Benedict built a new house on the same site, in Avhich he died in the spring of 1882. The mother of Read Benedict was Mary E., daughter of Mark Winant, of Rossville. His father, Peter Winant, during the Revolution, although a lad at the time, was obliged to flee to New Jersey, owing to his strong anti-tory sentiments, and returned after the war. Peter Winant was one of the flrst members from Richmond County to the State Legislature, serving in 1788, and again in 1790 and 1791. He was Supervisor for the Town of Westfleld from 1785 to 1787, and served many years as justice of the peace. Read Benedict has a charming residence on the site of the birthplace of READ BENEDICT. 502 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND, Commodore Vanderbilt, the spacious grounds running from the Manor roai to Jewett avenue. West New Brighton. He is the senior member of th well-known firm of Benedict Brothers, jewelers, of New York City. H lives in a quiet, unostentatious manner, but there' is no, movement in th community for the good of his neighbors that lacks the assistance of hi liberal hand. He was one of the founders of Grace M. E. Church at Por Eichmond, and is a member of Tompkins Lodge, No. 407, F. and A. M., an( other fraternal organizations. Benjamin J. Bodine. — Mr. Bodine was born at Castleton Corners, Statei Island, on January 7, 1848. Abram Bodine, his father, was one of thi pioneers of 1849 to the gold regions of California. He spent his boyhooi on Staten Island and attended the public schools. At the age of fourteei Mr. Bodine enlisted in Bat tery 0, Third United State Artillery, Captain D. B Ransom commanding, an( at that time in active serv ice in the Shenandoah VaJ ley, Virginia. He served ii the Army of the Potomac under General Hancock participating in many of th( important battles fough along the Potomac an( around Richmond. Afte the close of the war he wen with his battery to th( Platte Valley, in Nebraska where he served in the In dian war then prevailing until after the surrender o Spotted Tail. He was mus tered out of the service ii 1866, and returned to hii home on Staten Island. Mr. Bodine formed a co partnership with Mr. Johi Smith, of Long Island, ii 1868, and carried on a frui commission business ii Norwalk, Connecticut. Th( flrm was dissolved in 1872 and Mr. Bodine accepted th( position of head salesman in the employ of Messrs. Davis & Mayo, shij chandlers, of Hoboken, New Jersey. In 1876, he again engaged in the frui business, in company 'with Mr. George W. Thackery, which he continue( for nine years, running a boat between New York, Elizabeth and Por Johnson, In 1885, he became manager of the store of the late Isaac Vai Name, in Mariners' Harbor, which he continued until 1890, at which tim( he received the appointment of Superintendent of the County Alms House In 1897, Mr. Bodine was elected to represent the Borough of Richmom in the City Council of Greater New York, and, in consequence, retired fron his position at the Alms House. He was elected by a large majority oi the Democratic ticket. He is a member of several social organizations. BENJAMIN J, BODINE, HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 503 M»>^^ William Bowen. — Mr. Bowen was born in Boston, in 1840, and received his education in the grammar schools of that city. When he was flfteen years of age his family removed to NeAv York. In 1861, he started in busi ness for himself at 31 Broadway. He removed to Staten Island in 1868. He later purchased the Leaver oft homestead on Simonson avenue, Clifton, and entered the real estate business. Mr. Bowen was appointed Superintendent of the Poor for the Town of Southfleld, in 1873, and served for one year to flll vacancy, caused by the death of Captain Coppers. At the expiration of his term he received the Democratic nomination and was elected. He was renominated in 1878, but was defeated by a very small vote. In 1883, he was again nominated and elected. During the latter term Mr. Bowen made a splendid __„__ record for himself as a pub lic official. With the aid of one of the local newspapers, he and its editor made a flght on the mismanage ment of the Alms House that eventually led to the complete overthrow of the notorious " Alms House Combine." He failed to re ceive the nomination again at the hands of the Democ racy; but the Republican convention selected him and very many Democrats ral lied to his support. He was elected by a safe ma jority and continued to serve in the office until it was abolished. Mr, Bowen has given but little attention to politics of late, giving his A\'hole time to real estate. Guy Stephens Brant ingham. — Mr. Brantingham Avas born in Springfleld, Illi nois, in 1858, and came to Staten Island with his par ents in 1860, and has re sided here ever since. He attended the public schools of the Island for some time, but finally graduated from Trinity School of New York City. Mr. Brantingham received an appointment in the office of the Staten Island Ferry Company in 1869, and by the year 1881 had served, among other positions, as paymaster and general freight agent. In the latter year he left the Staten Island Ferry Company, and was appointed chief clerk of the floating equipment of the New York, West Shore and Buffalo Railroad, In 1884 he was appointed assistant superintendent of ferries of the West Shore Railroad, and in 1886. was appointed chief engineer of the line. On May 1, 1899, Mr. Brantingham resigned to accept the position of superintendent of the " Bee line," connected with the Lehigh Valley Rail- william boaven. 504 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. GUY STEPHENS BRANTINGHAM public school at Stapleton. He entered politics in 1861, casting his fortune with the Democratic party. In 1869, after one of the old-time political battles, he was elected trustee of the Vil lage of Edgewater, which he held for several years, one term serving as President. Mr. Brown, in 1876, was elected to the office of Sher iff, and at the expiration of his term, was elected treas urer and collector of the Vil lage of Edgewater, which he held until 1882, when he was re-elected Sheriff. At the ex piration of his second term he was appointed Under Sheriff by Sheriff John J. Vaughan, Jr., thus serving nine years as Sheriff and Under Sheriff. road, the route being from Perth Amboy, New Jersey, to Portland, Maine. He has superintended the building of forty barges for the com pany, together with four sea-going tugs, beside sev eral other important ves sels. Mr. Brantingham served two terms as Trustee of the Sixth Ward of New Brigh ton, the latter of which he was President of the Vil lage. He was serving in that capacity when the of fice was abolished by reason of the new charter. Benjamin Brown. — Mr. Brown was born and edu cated in New York City, and came to Staten Island in 1853, and finished at the *¦ >t% BENJAMIN BROAVN. HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 505 Mr. Brown was a natural fireman, and on several occasions displayed great skill in his work. He organized the Edgewater Fire Department in the days of the " Old Volunteer Fire Department," and was for a time its President and Treasurer. In 1861, he helped to organize the Fifth New York (Ira Harris) Cavalry, and served as its flrst forage master. He has taken much interest in Building and Loan Associations, and. has been the means of helping many a poor man to lay the foundation for a home. In 1887, Mr. Brown organized Pioneer Lodge, of the Ancient Order of United Workmen, which soon reached a membership of over two hundred persons. His success in this organization led him to go on with the good work, and before he had stopped he had completed the organization of ten lodges. For several years past Mr. Brown has been carry ing on the coal business, having purchased the long- established coal-yard of S. C. Hall, at Stapleton. Abeam Cole. — Mr. Cole was born near Tottenville, Staten Island, in 1856, and belongs to the fourth gene ration of his family bearing the name of Abram. He comes from a long line of Staten Island ancestors, his great great grandfather, Isaac Cole, having been one of the earliest settlers here, and the owner of a large tract of land at Prince's Bay. Mr. Cole's father died in 1876. He had been the manager of a large lumber and coal business, which he had established in 1857; but at his death the business fell to his sons, who carried it on under the firm name ol Cole Brothers, the members of which, beside the subject of this sketch, are his broth ers, Jacob W. and James T. After being educated in the public schools of Tottenville, Mr. Cole took a course of study at the Polytechnic Institute, in Brooklyn. His biographer, writing of him in 1893, said: " He has always been an active Republican, and, although never court ing office, has been, by the urgency of his party, kept almost constantly in office for the past nine years, having been three times elected to the office of town clerk, and for six successive years elected to the office of Super visor, which office he still holds, of a town almost uniformly polling a Democratic vote at State elections. When Mr. Cole began his flrst term as Supervisor, he was the youngest man in that position that ever represented his town, and he held the offlce for more consecutive years than any other abram cole. 506 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. man during the present generation. Mr. Cole's strength lies not so mucl in his politics, as in the fact that he always brings to bear on questions o. public policy the same sound principles that he applies to his own busi ness." Mr. Cole has repeatedly refused nominations for county offices from his party. In 1880, he married Miss Blanche, daughter of Captain Abel Mar tin, and has two sons, Chester A. and Ralph M. John Linderman Dailey. — Mr. Dailey was born at Flemington, Nevi Jersey, in 1853, and was the only son of the Rev. J. P. Dailey, who, in 1874 was appointed pastor of St. Paul's M. E. Church, at Tottenville, Statei Island. His mother was a direct descendant of General Daniel Broadhead one of Washington's most able and trusted officers during the Revolution Mr. Dailey has been a resi dent of Tottenville since 1874, and has always taker a lively interest in public affairs. Mr. Dailey entered poll tics when a young man, be ing a staunch Republican In 1877, he received the nomination for justice oJ the peace from both parties in the town of Westfleld He was elected highwaj commissioner of that towr in 1883, and re-elected ir 1886, being the only Eepub lican elected in the lattei year. In 1885, he ran foi Member of Assembly against the late Edward A Moore, and again in 1889 against Daniel T. Cornell On the accession of Johi H. Elsworth to the office ol sheriff, in 1889, Mr. Dailej was appointed Under Sher iff', and continued in the of fice until the close of Mr Elsworth's term. In 1891 he received the Eepublicai nomination for Sheriff, anc was defeated by one hun dred and fifteen votes, notwithstanding RosA\'ell P. Flower, the Democratic candidate for Governor, carried the county by nearly sixteen hundred ma jority. Three years later, the Republicans nominated Mr. Dailey again for Sher iff, and he was elected by about soA^enteen hundred majority. He held the office for the full term, vacating it on January 1 , 1898. Mr. Dailey's thorough business education has proved of good service t( the county of Richmond. In whatever position he has held, he has per formed his duties so as to win the credit and admiration of all who were associated with him. As Under Sheriff and Sheriff, he was frequently complimented by the presiding judges, as well as by the members of thi JOHN linderman DAILEY. HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 507 bar and the grand jury, for the thorough manner in which he performed his work. Edward P. Doyle.— Mr. Doyle was born at Mariners' Harbor, Staten Island, on June 8, 1860. At the age of tAvelve years he graduated from the public school at that place. His flrst position was in a New York ship broker's office, after which he spent eleven years with a wholesale shoe house. Mr. Doyle entered politics A^'heu quite a young man. He A\-as secretary of the Democratic Congressional Convention for this district in 1882, and was chairman of the County convention in 1883. He was elected Member of Assembly for Richmond County in 1885, and was repeatedly elected Super visor of Northfleld, holding the office at the time of its abolishment, in 1897. It was largely owing to his labor that many laws for the protection of flsh and oysters were placed on the statute books of the State. From 1886 to 1892, Mr. Doyle was secretary of the joint commission for flxing the boundary line between the States of New York and New Jersey, and was for many years secretary of the New York Fish Commission, was secretary of the New York Free Trade Club, was the first secretary of the Re form Club and American correspondent of the Cob- den Club, is a member of the Reform; and Common wealth Clubs and of the \ .^^^^^^SBS^MK^^i^y'' I Staten Island Cricket Club, He was also an officer in the Staten Island Produce Company, Aquehonga and Manor Park Land Com panies, Northfleld and Pro hibition Park Building and Loan Associations, Co operative Building Bank and a trustee of the Rich mond County Savings Bank, Mr, Doyle was very active in establishing the Staten Island Electric Railroad Company, and became its general manager on Staten Island, Many other important improA^ements in our midst can be traced back to Mr. Doyle's busy life. George T. Egbert. — Mr. Egbert was born at Mariners' Harbor, Staten Island, on July 30, 1851. He entered Mount Washington Collegiate Insti tute, of New York City, when he was twelve years of age. He graduated with high honors, and began his business life with the firm of Gasheric, Emery & Company, 48 Walker street, New York City. He at once dis played ability which enabled him to take full charge of the books of that house. HON, EDWARD P. DOYLE, 508 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. Mr. Egbert remained with the flrm for about eight years, when he resigned, and in 1876, accepted the position of cashier of the Consolidated Fireworks Company of America, at 9 and 11 Park place, an or ganization with a capital stock of two and a-half mil lions of dollars, and the lar gest manufacturers and ex porters of flreworks and celebration goods in the world, having branches in the leading cities, and doing a business of one and a-half millions of dollars annually, their trade extending to Canada, Mexico, South America, Europe and the Sandwich Islands. The principal factories are at Graniteville, Staten Island, GEORGE T, EGBERT, and cover over sixty acres. At the annual meeting in 1892, Mr. Egbert, who is a large stockholder, was unanimously elected secre tary, a position which he still holds. Mr. Egbert was one of the charter members of the Northfleld Building and Loan Association; he was also a member of the Mari ners' Harbor School Board. He is a member of the Sum merfleld Methodist Episco pal Church, of Mariners' Harbor, and has held every position in the gift of the church. In 1893, he was made President of the Port Rich mond Sewer Commission, which he resigned a year THOMAS H, HARPER, HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND, 509 later to accept the offlce of trustee of the village. He was elected Presi dent of the Board. John H. Elsworth. — Mr. Elsworth was born at Bayonne, New Jersey in 1843, his father being Captain William Elsworth, one of the leading citizens of that locality. He was educated in the Bayonne public schools, and after graduating entered into business with his brothers, the most extensive oyster planters in this section. Air, Elsworth came to Staten Island in 1877, and entered into co-partner ship with Captain Peter Polworth, in the oyster-planting business, which was carried on successfully until the flrm was dissolved by death. Mr. Elsworth was a most active political worker since his boyhood, and rendered yeoman servi.ce to his party; he always had the ability to make and hold friends in both the Republican and Demo- cratic ranks. In 1888, he received the unanimous nomination of the Rich mond County Republican convention for the offlce of Sheriff, and was elected by about two hundred major ity, notwithstanding the fact that Mr. Cleveland had carried the county in the previous year by nearly nineteen hundred majority. His term of offlce continue'd through the years 1889-'90- '91, during which time he was frequently compli mented by the Supreme Court justices, as well as by the County Judge. At the close of his offlcial term Justice Cull en, of the Su preme Court, and the mem bers of the Richmond Coun ty bar, irrespective of their political principles, paid a high tribute to the manner in which Mr. Elsworth had performed his duties. At the end of his term as Sheriff, Mr. Elsworth was elected County Clerk after one of the most exciting elections known in the political annals of Richmond County, His rival claimed the election, and was flnally given the certiflcate. But Mr. Elsworth did not give up the contest; he carried the case to the Supreme Court, determined to fight "to the finish." The trial, however, came to a sudden termination, and at the end of six months the offlce was surrendered, and Mr. Elsworth was sworn in. Three -years later he was re-elected by a large majority. He died from the ef fects of a stroke of paralysis, at his home at Prince's Bay, on April 8, 1899, and was buried in the MoraA'ian Cemetery, at New Dorp, Frank Foggin, — Mr, Foggin was born in New York City on September HON. .JOHN H. ELSWORTH. 510 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 16, 1860, and A\'ith his father and mother removed to Staten Island in 1862. He attended the Port Richmond Union Free School. He has served in the Port Richmond postofflce for twenty-one years, in various positions. He resigned as Postmaster in 1894, having purchased the largest retail shoe establishment on the Island. He served as clerk of the Town of North- field during the years of 1887-'88-'89, and clerk to the Town Board of Health during the same years, Mr, Foggin was elected a meiriber of the Port Richmond Board of Trus tees in 1896, and in the following year was elected chairman of the Board, and was, consequently. President of the Village. He was serving in that capacity when the new city charter went into effect. He was re-appointed Post master of Port Richmond in 1898, and is still serving in that position beside con tinuing his shoe trade. Mr. Foggin was the Re publican candidate for Supervisor of Northfleld in 1895. He has been a Re publican all his life, and has labored very earnestly for party success. He always held the confldence and re spect of the rank and file. Mr. Foggin is a member of Richmond Lodge, No. 66, F. and A. M., Metamora Council, No, 650, A. L. of H,, Port Richmond Engine Company, No. 3, and several other organizations. Thomas H. Harper. — Mr, Harper was born near Bel fast, Ireland, in 1856, At the age of eighteen he left his native land and came to this country, settling in Brooklyn, In 1879, he came to Staten Island, first locating at Stapleton, but a few years later he removed to Ncav Brighton, In both places he conducted a general provision store. By an upright course in business and social af fairs he has won many friends. Mr. Harper has alw.ays taken a lively interest in public affairs, and he has made a very useful citizen. In 1896, he was elected a Trustee of the New Brighton public school, and was re-elected without a dissenting vote. He also served as President of the Board for two years. He was elected Trustee of the First Ward of New Brighton, and served for one and a-half years, going out of offlce when the new city charter went into effect. At the time of the last election of a President of the Board of Trustees, Mr. Harper was a candidate for that position. Several attempts were made to select a presiding offlcer, but without eft'ect. The flremen could not get their money, the laborers upon the streets were in great need, and business generally was blocked. FRANK FOGGIN. HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 511 Scores of citizens were entreating Mr. Harper to stand; but he reasoned that while he would be very proud of the honor, he could not conscientious ly become an impediment to the public interests, and so withdrew from the contest. Cornelius A. Hart. — Mr. Hart was born in New Brighton in 1851. After a preliminary course at the public school he attended the academy con ducted by Dr. Schenck, in the building now known as Belmont Hall, in New Brighton. In 1868, he commenced a course of study at the New York Com mercial College, which he left to enter the importing house of James Reid & Company, of New York Oity. in a short time he succeeded in raising him self to the highest position in the employ of the flrm, passing through every grade in the office, and hav ing nine clerks under his charge at the time of his departure. Patrick Hart, the father of Cornelius, had been for many years a prominent and successful contractor on Staten Island. Under his guidance Bard avenue was made one of the most beau tiful thoroughfares on the Island, and, under the father's influence, the son became engaged in the bmsi- ness with him. He met with remarkable success. Mr, Hart's connection with the laying out of streets and with improve ments generally, induced him to make numerous in vestments in real estate. In 1884, he purchased a large tract of land in New Brighton, through which he opened seven avenues, known as Forest, Hart, Sharon, Oakwood, Green wood, Laurel and University place. The whole is divided into three hun dred and flfty city lots, and is known as Hart Park, Mr. Hart entered politics when a young man. He was elected Trustee of the Second Ward of New Brighton in 1876, In 1878, he was elected County Clerk, and was re-elected in 1881, 1884, 1887, and 1891, thus serving in that important office for flfteen successive years. When he entered the Clerk's Office at Richmond, he found the books and papers scattered about in confusion, and the most valuable historical documents in process of destruction from want of care. He immediately set to work to reform the Department, and his success is a matter of pride to the people of the county. Mr. Hart serA^ed as Police Commissioner for a part of a term, and until the offlce was abolished by the city charter. CORNELIUS A. HART, 512 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. On June 23, 1875, Mr. Hart married Miss Hannah Bowman, of New Brighton, whose gentle life endeared her to all, and whose sad death was regretted by the entire community. Mr. Hart is a member of St. Peter's Roman Catholic Church of New Brighton, and is also connected with sev eral clubs and social organizations. Thomas Humphrey. — Mr. Humphrey was born in Belfast, Ireland, on Alarch 16, 1846. He learned the trade of printer in his native city. In 1863, he came to America, and for a time was connected with The Union, a paper published at AA'est New Brighton. In 1864, he enlisted in a New York regi ment, and served just a year to the close of the war. He came back to Staten Is land and made his home here, and worked for the New York Printing Com pany, in which AVilliam M. Tweed was interested, for a time, and then started an establishment for himself. This did not prove a suc cess, and he gave it up, go ing back to his trade as a journeyman. Later he started another job print ing offlce, which is now lo cated in Canal street, Man hattan. In 1881, in company with Hans S. Beatty, also from Belfast, Mr. Humphrey started the Richmond Coun ty Sentinel, at New Brigh ton, Avhich was finally sold to Erastus Wiman, and consolidated with the Eich mond County Gazette. Mr. Humphrey Avas one of the founders of the Staten Is land Building and Loan As sociation, at West New Brighton. He has been very successful in business, and now resides in Manhattan. James Kerr, — Mr. Kerr was born in Chatham, near Detroit, Alichigan, on March 20, 1858, and was educated in Toronto, Canada. In 1873, he en tered the drug business, and in 1878, graduated from the Ontario College of Pharmacy as a pharmaceutical chemist. Mr. Kerr established a drug store in Toronto, Canada, when he was but twenty years of age, which he conducted for some time. After a time he came to New York, desiring to locate in business again, and accepted a position as clerk in a drug store in Brooklyn. He was induced by Mr. John son, proprietor of a drug store in AVest New Brighton, to accept a position in his establishment. He was soon admitted to partnership whicli con tinued for five years, at which time Mr. Johnson retired, and Mr. Kerr be came sole proprietor. Mr. Kerr was foreman of Medora Hook and Ladder Company, of West THOMAS HUMPHREY, HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 513 New Brighton, for three years, and during that time rendered efficient service to his neighbors. Mr. Kerr is a member of Richmond Lodge, No. 66, F. and A. M., Tyrian Chapter, No. 219, R. A. M., and also of the Order of Odd Fellows. He was twice elected to the offlce of Trustee of the Fourth Ward of New Brighton, and served during the year 1897 as President of the Village. It was during his administration that the electric system of railroads was introduced on the Island, and he did much to make it a success. William H. McCabe. — Mr. McCabe was born in Albany, New York in 1841, his father having left ' Quebec, Canada, during the rebellion of 1837, because of the unjust taxation which the Government placed upon the people at that time. His people were Irish, and many generations be fore had the honor of being among the early settlers of that ancient city. William remained in Albany until he was nineteen years of age, in the meantime hav ing been sent a portion of the time to Quebec to school. Shortly after grad uating he came to New York, where he commenced business as a contractor. In 1878, Mr. McCabe came to Staten Island, and has resided here ever since. He was appointed superintend ent of the barrel yards of the Standard Oil Works at Constable Hook, opposite New Brighton, where he had full charge of the cars and all transportation of material. This position he held, to the perfect satis faction of the company, for nineteen years. He resigned about three .years since, and accepted a position with the Staten Island Electric Light Companv, Avhich, after six months' service, he resigned on account of ill health. Mr. McCabe served as Trustee of the Fifth Ward of New Brighton from 1892 to 1896, being three times elected. He now holds the position of Deputy Chief Marshal of the Bureau of Licenses for the Borough of Rich mond. During the Civil War, Mr. McCabe was three years in the Union Army, participating in several of the main battles. Lewis Henry Meyer. — Mr. Meyer was born at Bremen, in October, 1815, and was the son. of Theodore Meyer, a prominent ship owner, of New York City, who at the time of the son's birth was engaged in the operation of a line of packets between that city and Bremen. JAMES KERR, 514 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. At the age of flve months Mr. Meyer came to America in a vessel under the command of Captain, afterward Commodore, Perry, then in the employ of the elder Meyer. The passage was accomplished in the extraordinary short period of one hundred and seven days— just twenty-one days shorter than any previous Voyage — a fact which the owner at the time attributed to reckless sailing. Mr. Meyer attended school in New York City until 1828, when he" went to Bremen, where he remained uiitil 1836. There he completed his college life, and came back to New York in 1840, and engaged in business as a broker, remaining until 1858, under the firm . 105 Flagg, Ernest H-. 239 Flag Staff -t-. 403 Flat Brook I-. 366 Flat Creek I., 362 Fletcher, Colonel Benjamin I,, 72 Flouring Mills IL, 473 Flowk Creek I., 364 Foggin, Frank II,, 509 Ford, John L, 340 Forest Hill I., 377 Forest Hill Road L, 399 B'ork Creek I., 365 Fort Pond I., 385 Forts, Colonial I., 5, 28, 55, 58, 61, 64, 68, 74 Ports, Revolutionary.. I., 193, -205, 210, 268, 279, 374, 406 Ports Richmond and Tompkins II. , 31, 34 Fountain's Point I,, 358 Fountain House I., 41; IL, 185 Fountain Homestead I., 285; II., 175 Fountain family II., 85 Fountain St I., 400 Four Corners I., 7, 410 Four Corners Iron Mines I., 405 Fourth of July celebrations II, , 8 Fox Avenue I., 401 Fox HUl I., 375 Fox, Lieutenant Humphrey I,, 64, 68 Franklin, Benjamin I., 144, 324 Fraternal organizations II. , 485 Freeman Winant's Swamp I., 388 Freemasonry II. , 266 Free Press, Richmond County II. , 248 Fremont, Gen. John Charles II. , 216, 253 French church IL, 276 French and Indian War I., 152 Fresh Kill I., 363, 409; IL, 440 Fresh Kill bridge L, 209 Fresh Pond L, 384 Prog Pond I., 385 Fronkels' Pond I., 386 Frost family I., 121, 206, 340; IL, 86 Gage, General I., 175 GaUows „ IL, 51 Gardiner, Alexander I., 231 Garibaldi, Gen. Joseph II., 217 Garner, Commodore William J II., 237 Garretsons II., 442 Garretson's Bar I., 374 Garretson's Swamp I., 387 Garretson's Road I., 398 Garrison family I., 200, 340; II., 86 Gates, Horatio I.. 190 Geibs MIU Pond I., 388 Gene's or Tappen's Creek I., 363 Generals, Revolutionary I., 190 Giffords II., 442 Gifford's church II., 292 GIfEord family IL, 87 Girard, Stephen IL, 413 Goat HUl I., 374 Gordon, Major I., 221 Gore's Brook I., 361 Gore St I., 401 Gottschalk's Pond I., 386 Governor's Lot I., 408 Government, Local IL, 3 Grace M. B, church IL, 299 Graham, Col, Augustine IL, 326 Grand View Park I., 412 Granite village L. 410 534 INDEX. GTanltevIUe II,, 444 Qranlteville Baptist church IL, 311 :Grant City IL, 442 Great Kill I., 362 Great Kill Shoal I., 373 Great Kill Meadow I., 390 Great KiU Point I., 358 Greater New York Charter election, II. , 258, 491 Greater New York II. , 488 Great Neck L, 297 Great Plain I., 390 Great Swamp Ditch I., 368 Great Swamp I., 389 Greene, Gen'l N I., ]90, 222, 322 .Green Ridge Avenue I., 402 Green Ridge MiU Pond I., 388 Green Ridge 1., 15, 18, 50 Gridley, Col I., 184 Griffin, Colonel I., 218, 219 Grimes Hill I., 375 Guilford I., 267 Gun Factory Road I., 398 Guyon famUy I., 45, 65, 122, 340; II. , 89 Guyon Homestead II., 166 Haggerty, Patrick I., 340 Halt, Rev. Benjamin I., 237 Haley's Lane I., 396 Halstead, Major Matthias I., 267 Halstead's Point I., 261, 303 Hamels' Hoofden I., 93, 375 Hamilton, Alexander II., 240 Hampton, Jonathan I., 195 Handkerchief factory II., 473 Hanne's or Ball's Creek I., 366 Harbor HUl I., 37S Harbor Ponds L, 383 Harcourt, Dr. J II. , 350 Hard SheUs, The II. , 251 Hardy, Sir Charles I., 76 Harlem Heights I., 216 Harper, Thomas H IL, 510 Harring, Capt. Cornelius I., 267 Harris, Richard I. , 341 Harrison, Dr. J. T IL, 351 Harrlsville I., 414 Hart, Cornelius A IL, 511 Hatfleld, Cornelius I., 341 Hatfleld famUy I., 302; IL, 90 Hatfleld, John Smith I., 341 Hatfleld Tory band I., 119 Haughwout family II. , 90 Haunted Bridge I., 407 Haunted House I., 407 Haunted Swamp I., 387 Haunted Woods I., 407 Haviland, Lieut. John I., 266 Hawthorne Place I., 412 Haycock, Morris I., 342 Hayes, Rutherford B IL, 256 Health Board of Castleton II. , 376 Heath, WUUam I., 190 Hempstead Harbor L, 297 Henderson, Dr. Richard II.,. 342 Hendricks, Capt. Baker I., 303 Henry Bedell's Mill Creek I., 363 Herd, Colonel... I., 199, 202, 206 Herpich, Chas. A I., 210 Hessians I., 209 Hessian Springs I.,' 7, 217, 382 Hickory Corner I., 379 Highlanders IL, 389 Hilleker's Swamp I., 389 HUlyer family IL, 91 Hillyerd, Asher I., 342 Historical Society II,, 487 Hitchcock, Dr. D. M IL, 350 Hoffman Island I., 369 Holland's Hook I., 206, 228, 235, 445 Holland's Hook Village I., 409 Hollick, Dr. P IL, 378 Holmes family II. , 91 Home for Seamen's Children II. , 426 Horse railroad II. , 464 Horseshoe Spring I., 382 Housman family I., 45, 342; II. , 92 Housman House II., 170 Howe, Gen'l William, I., 140, 183, 204, 261, 284, 297, 313 Howe, Admiral Lord, I., 144, 204, 221, 271, 284 Hubbell, C. L IL, 338 Huckleberry Creek I., 366 Hudson, Henry I., 2, 21 Hudson's Spring L, 382 Huguenot IL, 442 Huguenots L, 42, 46, 99 Huguenot Heights I., 380 Huguenot Lodge H., 270 HuU, General IL, 30 Humphrey, Thomas IL, 512 Hunter I.. 272, 275 Hunter, Governor I., 73 Hurst, Rev. John P IL, 239 Hutchinson, Governor I., 175 Huyler, Capt. John L, 267 Hyler, Capt. Adam L, 239 Indian HIU I., 377 Indian origin L, 10 Indian relics L, 8, 16 Indian tribes I., 13, 37, 52 Industries IL, 6 Inflrmary, S. R. Smith II., 424 Ingoldsby, Lieut.-Gov I., 71 Insley, Christopher I., 343 Insley, Ozias I., 343 Ipe's Pond I., 386 Iron Hill I., 376 Iron Mines I., 405 Iron Mine Ponds I., 383 Iroquois I., 13, 69, 74 Irvine, Brig.-Gen'l William I., 267 Irving, Major I., 223 Irvington I., 411 Island Creek I., 365 Island Pond I., 386 Jack's or Butler's Creek I., 362 Jackson Park I., 411 Jacksonville I,, 409 Jackson's Hill I., 375 Jackson, Gen'l Jacob S L, 240 Jackson, Gen'l II., 31, 244 Jackson, John L, 278 Jaoobson, Capt. Christian L, 196, 202 Jacobson, Christian ,1., 197, 201, 317 Jacobson family II. , 93 Jacques family IL, 93 INDEX. 535 James, Duke of York I., 62, 88, 136 Jan. Tunlssen's Valley I., 382 Jarvis, William I., 344 Jay, Mr I., 324 Jefferson, Thomas I. , 324 Jenkins, Dr. H. T II. , 350 Jerseys, The I„ 220 Jersey St. Brook I., 361 Jersey Prison Ship I., 271 Jesse Bedell's or Wagner's Creek I., 363 John Bedell's or Simonson's Creek I., 364 Johnson, Anthony I., 113 Johnson family II., 94 Johnson, Mrs. Laura Winthrop II., 238 Johnson's Pond I., 387 Johnson, Sir John I., 163 Jones, Abraham I,, 207, 344 Jones family II. , 95 Jones' Wolf-Pit I., 406 Jourdan, Gen. James II., 237 Journalism on S. I II., 351 Journeay family II. , 97 Journeay, John I.. 196, 202 Judges of Court of Common Pleas in 1739, II. , 326 Judges of the County Court I., 125 Jumplng-off Place I., 414 Karg6, Gen. Joseph. IL, 218 Karle's Neck 1., 355, 368 Karle's Neck Settlement L. 409 KeUett's HUl L, 377 Kenney, John J IL. 257, 333 Kerr, James II- . 512 Ketchum's Hill I., 377 Ketchum's Mill Pond Brook I., 364 Ketchum Mill Pond I-, 387 Kieft, Gov. Wm I.. 34, 42, 58, 70; IL, 240 Kingsbridge I-. 163, 297 King's County L. 113, 202, 319 King-Fish Hole I-. 374 King's Highway I-. 395 KUli-flsh Brook I-. 363 KiU van KuU I-. 6, 65, 98, 205 Kingsley M. E. church IL, 300 Kite HIU I-. 377 Kittletas, Capt. John L, 196 Kleine Kill I-. Klopstock Lodge II- Know-nothing party II- 409273252 Knowlton, Major I-. 220 Knox, Gen'l I- 284 Knyphausen, Gen'l.... I., 144, 217, 235, 268, 313 - 380219 378443374226176 Knyphausen Heights I- Kossuth, Louis H- Kreischer's Hill I- Kreischerville I-. 209; II., Kreischerville Flats I- Kruzer' s Cove. Kruzer Homestead II- Kruse Road I- 398 220 LaPayette, Marquis de L, 119; II- La Forge family I^-. ^^ La Forge's Corner I-. 223 Lake family II., 98 Lake House II-' 1™ Lakeman, William I-. 345 Lake's Island I-. 370 Lake's Mill Pond I-. 388 Lambert's Lane I., 400 Lambert's Point, etc I., 359 Lamfort, Hiram H II. , 238 "Land Papers" I., 354 Larzelere family II. , 99 Last purchase of Island I., 30 La Tourette's Canal I., 365 Latourette family 1., 196, 313, :J44; IL, 99 Latourette Homestead II. , 176 Lawrence or Bridge Creek I. , 367 Lawrence, Lieut.-Col. Elisha I., 264 Lawrence Island Skirmish I., 264 Lawrence, Richard I., 196, 201 Lawrence, St I., 400 Law' s Reef I., 372 Lawyers residing on S. I II. , 341 Leavltt's Pond I., 385 Ledyard, Lieut.-Col. William I., 268 Lee, Gen'l Charles L, 190, 200 Lee, Richard Henry I., 177, 203 Leisler, Jacob I., 70, 100, 106, 115 Leislerlans I., 72 Lemon Creek P. O I., 412 Lemon or Seguine's Creek I., 362 Leshier, John I., 141 Lewis' Beds I., 374 Lewis Creek I., 364 Lexington, Battle of I., 163, 180 Liberty Ditch I., 365 Lightning Rock I., 372 Lily Pond I., 385 Lind, Jenny II. , 221 Linden Park Swamp I., 387 Linden Park I., 412 Linoleumville II. , 440 Linoleum factory IL, 471 Linseed oil factory II., 471 Little Cove Valley I., 380 Little and Great Fresh Kill I., 363 Little Port Hill I., 375 Little Plowk or Jones' Creek I., 365 Little Hummock I., 379 Little North River I., 362 Little Plains I., 390 Little Pond Road ...I., 396 Lisk famUy II., 100 Lisk, John I., 345 Livingston, Gov I., 202, 230, 266 Locke, Richard Adams II. , 238 Lockman, Abraham II., 326 Lockman's Creek L, 362 Lockman family II. , 102 Log Brook I., 367 Log Pond I., 384 Logan's Spring or Harbor Brook I., 368 Logan's Spring Swamp I., 386 Logan's Spring L, 382 London Bridge I., 410 Long and Short Points L, 359 Long Creplebush L. 389 Long Dike I., 405 Long Island, Battle of L, 211 "Long Island Survey" L, 355 Dong Neck I.. 304, 368; II., 439 Long Neck Road I., 397 Long Neck VUlage L, 409 Longstreet, John I., 345 Long Point I-. 358 Long Pond I-. 384, 386 536 INDEX. Lord Dunmore I., 243 Lord Lovelace, John I., 73 Lottery, County I., 157 Louse Island I., 368 Lovelace, Governor I., 30, 137 Lovelace, Colonel Francis I., 68 Lovelace, Thomas I., 80 Love Lane L, 290 Low, George IL, 238 Lower Cove L, 360 Lower Terrace L. 380 LowvUle I. , 413 Loyalist Claims I. , 328 Loyalists killed L, 325 Loyalist organizations L, 325 Loyalists, Skinner's L. 218 Ludlow, Cary L, 299 Ludlow, Major-Gen. William IL, 237 Lutheran and Congregational churches II., 317 Lutheran church of Stapleton II. , 317 Lutrell, S. W II. , 387 Lyon, Gov. Caleb IL, 237 Lyster's Pond L. 386 MacCoy, Robert I., 346 Machine works II. , 474 Machinery Arms IL, 473 Mackaye, Charles IL, 238 Mackenzie, Pred'k I., 241 Madison, Mr I., 325 Magee, John I., 230 Main Creek I., 364 Manee family I., 349; IL, 103 Manifesto of Congress I., 189 Manor of Bentley....!., 89, 136, 142, 404; IL, 211 Manor Dale L, 380 Manor road I., 104, 399 Map of New Netherlands I., 356 "Map of New York" I., 355 " Mapp of .Richmond County" I., 356 Maretzek, Max, Sr II. , 221 Marine Fund and Hospital II. , 423 Mariners' Family Asylum IL , 426 Mariners' Family Industrial Society II. , 425 Mariners' Harbor I., 6; II, 443 Mariners' Harbor Baptist church II. , 313 Mark's Creek I., 366 Marsh, Nathaniel IL, 238, 334 MarshaU, Chief Justi-ce I., 322 MarshaU's Creek I., 365 Marshlands I., 50, 140, 219, 409 Marston'.s wharf I., 297 Masonic Hall and Asylum II. , 267 Masonic Relief Association II. , 274 Martino family IL, 103 Martling family II. , 103 Martling Dale I., 380 Matthews, Brigadier-Gen'l I., 235, 268 Mawhood, Col I., 288 Maxwell's Brigade I., 235 Maxwell, Gen'l William I., 266 May Muster IL, 26 Mayer's HIU I., 376 Mayo, Col. J. F. H II. , 237 McCabe, Wm. H IL, 513 McGill, John I., 349 McGinnis, Ensign Richard I., 268 McGuire, Michael II,, 257 Mcintosh, Commodore James II., 238 Mcintosh, Maria J II. , 239 Mean's Hollow I., 381 Medical Fraternity IL, 342 Meissner's HUl I., 377 Melvin, David Neilson IL, 615 Melyn, Cornelis I., 29, 37, 40, 78 Members of Assembly under State Gov ernment I., 126 Members of the Colonial Assembly I., 126 Members of the State Constitutional Conventions I,, 124 Members of Provisional Congress I., 124 Mercer, General Hugh I., 218, 220 Merrill family IL, 104, 196 MerrlU Town I., 414 Merry's Well I., 403 Mersereau family..!., 173, 193, 196, 207, 210, 313; II. , 31, 105 Mersereau's Pond I., 384 Mersereau's Point I., 360 Mersous, Dr IL, 342 Metcalfe, Judge H. B IL, 331, 391 Metcalfe family IL, 107 Methodist churches II. , 294 Meucci, Antonio IL, 222 Meyer, Lewis H IL, 513 Micheau, Paul I., 196, 202 Middle Ground I., 373 Middletown I., 114 Middletown Guard IL, 387 Mifflin, Colonel I., 200, 282, 286 Milborne, Jacob !., 70 Militia !!., 13, 27 Military camps IL, 397 Military organizations II. , 396 MiU Brook I., 367 MiU Creek I., 363 Mill Creek Shoals I., 373 Mill or Holmes Creek I., 362 MUl Lane I., 396 MUler's Pond I., 386 Mills Dale I., 380 Mineral Spring I., 384 Minuit, Peter I., 26, 55 Mirror, Richmond County II. , 249 Mitchell, Hon, Samuel L I., 276 Monckton, General Robert I., 76, 155 Moncrieffe, Oapt. James I., 280, 347 Moncrieffe, Margaret I., 280 Monee's Point I., 358 Montgomery, Colonel I., 74 Montgomery, Richard I., 163, 190 Moody, Ensign James L, 266 Moore, David I., 348 Mo'ore, Sir Henry I., 76, 160 Moore's or Keteltas' Brook I., 363 Moore, Rev. Richard Channing II. , 304 Moore, Col. Thomas W. C IL, 239 Moravian churches I., 311; IL, 290 Moravian Spring I,, 383 Morgan's Corner I., 410 Morgan family II. , 108 Morgan, "Middy" and Jane II. , 222 Morgan's Road I., 398 Morrison, Henry P IL, 516 Morse's Creek L, 264 Mount Loretto IL, 429 Mount Marion I., 375 Mount Tobey I., 379 INDEX. 537 Mount Zion M. E. church II. , 301 Muddy Ditch I., 362 Mud Lane I., 402 MuUer, Nicholas II. , 258 Mulligan, James E II,, 517 Mundy, Dr. E. C IL, 376 Mundy, Nathaniel I., 348 Municipal Courts II., 493 Nanfan, John I., 72 Nanny-berry Hill I., 379 Nassau Island '. I., 279 Natural Science Association II. , 487 NautUus Hall II., 190 Neck or Long Neck Creek I., 364 Neddie Ward's HiU I., 378 Never Pail Point I., 359 New Amsterdam I., 28, 34, 44, 54, 64, 77 New-Berry ville I. , 411 New Brighton II. , 445 New Brighton Pavilion II. , 194 New church buildings II. , 279 New Creek I., 361 New Creek Shoal I., 373 New Dorp I., 40, 96, 155 New Dorp lane I., 272 New Dorp Moravian church II. , 290 NewhaU, John B II. , 518 New or Harbor Road I., 400 New Jersey I., 88, 141 New Jersey Continentals I., 264 New London I., 269 New Lots at the Old Town I., 408 New Netherlands I., 25, 54, 77, 136 New Paris I., 414 New Road I., 399 News-Independent II., 360 New Springville Brook I., 365 New Springville Spring I., 384 Newton I. , 412 Newton's Creek I., 367 New York I., 63, 89, 280, 321 New York County I., 113 New York and N. J. Telephone Co II., 475 NlcoUs, Colonel.... I., 62, 78, 115, 136 Nicholson, Arthur I., 348 Nicholson, Colonel I., 70, 73, 100 Nigger-head Rook I., 373 North Shore Advocate II. , 358 North Side or North Shore I., 404 North Side (Port Richmond) church.... II., 276 Oaklands L, 412 Oakley's Creek L. 363 Oakwood IL. 442 Oceana I., 412 Ocean HiU L, 377 Ocean Terrace I-. 379 Ocean View I-. 412 Oceanville I., 412 Offlcers In Richmond County, 1689 L, 116 Ogden, Col. Matthias L, 225, 264, 268 Old Blue-Bent Field L, 390 Old Burying HiU Road I-. 397 Old Clove Baptist church IL. 310 Old Dutch church diagram II. . 279 Old Dutch Parsonage IL. 174 Old Ferry Tavern IL, 182 Old Ports I-. 405 Old Fresh KUls Bridge I., 405 Old House by the MUl II. , 182 Old Orchard Shoal I., 373 Old Place I., 409 Old Place Brook I., 367 Old Place MUl IL, 162 Old Place Road I., 400 Old Place or Tunlssen's Creek I., 366 Old Quarry Road I., 400 Old Red Jail I., 122; IL, 177 Old Red Woolen Mill IL, 173 Old S. I. Dyeing Establishment II. , 468 Old Town or Pole Creek I., 361 Old Town Pond I., 387 Old Town Road IL, 447 Old Track House II. , 194 Olmstead, Frederick Law IL, 237 Organization of School system II. , 366 Osborne, Sir Danvers I., 75 Osgood Avenue church II. , 292 Oude Dorp I., 32, 35, 45, 55, 95, 408; IL, 439 Owl's Hollow I., 381 Oxholm, Theodor S IL, 619 Oyster Banks L, 372 Oyster Beds L, 373 Oyster or Deep Creek I., 366 Oyster Island L, 369 Oyster Planters' Statutes II., 475 Packard, Benjamin I., 349 Packenham, Sir Edward II. , 31 Page, WUliam IL, 224 Palmer, John I., 80, 101 Palmer, John M IL, 237 Palmer, Thos. M I., 241 Palmer's Run I., 101, 226, 367 Paradise I., 414 Park Baptist church II., 312 Parker Avenue I., 396 Parker, Gen. Ely S IL, 225 Parker, Sir Peter I., 221 ParneU, Mrs. Delia IL, 227 Patroons I., 27, 56, 77 Patten House II., 193 Pauw, Michael I., 27, 56, 86 PavUlon HiU I., 205, 210, 376 Pavonia L, 27, 66, 85 Peace Commission I., 217 Peggy's Point L, 360 Pelton House L, 226 Perine, Capt IL. 31 Perine's Creek ; I.. 361 Perine family IL, 108 Perine's Hole L. 374 Perine Homestead II. . 165 Pero, Peter IL. 227 Perth Amboy Academy IL. 362 Peter's Creek ...L. 365 Petition for the poor II. , 431 Petticoat Lane I-. 399 Phair, William Barry I-, 349 PhUadelphIa Turnpike I.. 396 Phoenixville I., 410 Physicians registered since 1880 II. , 343 Pig AUey L, 402 Pine Tree Swamp I., 389 "Plan of New York" I., 356 Planter's Hotel IL, 194 Plaster miUs IL, 472 538 INDEX. Pleasant Valley I., 381 Poillon family I., 117, 196, 202, 350; II., 109 Point No Point L, 359 Pole HiU I., 375 Police Commissioners IL, 479 Police Dep't II. , 493 Police mounted II. , 481 Political campaign of 1844 IL, 250 PoUtical candidates 1804 IL, 241 Polly Fountain's Bar I., 373 Pomeroy, Gen'l Seth L, 190 Pomona Grove .1., 413 Pompey's Knoll L. 379 Pond Road L, 396 Poppy Joe's Island I.. 354, 369 Port Richmond I., 206, 314; IL, 185, 446 Port Richmond Hotel II., 185 Post, Lenhart II., 484 Post, Robert G. Shaw IL, 483 Post, Richmond IL, 484 Post routes and ferries II., 260 Poverty HoUow : L, 381 Poverty Lane I., 400 Powell, :Bn'Och I., 350 Pownall, Governor I., 171 Prall, Abraham I., 305 PraU's Creek I., 365 Presbyterian churches II. , 283 Presbyterian church deed II. , 283 Presidential electors I. , 124 Price's Island I., 354 Prince's Bay I., 142, 209, 357; IL, 443 Private schools II. , 370 Prohibition Park IL, 444 Prominent men prior to the Revolution. II. , 1 Prospect Hill L, 375 Prospect Square L, 409 Provincial Committee I., 196 Provincial Congress I., 207 Pryer family II. , HI Public Schools and principals II., 369 Purcell, John I., 350 Purdy's Hotel II. , 182 Putnam, Gen'l I., 183, 190, 201, 280 Pyse Creek L, 362 Quality HiU I., 374 Quarantine L, 210, 102; IL, 248, 375 Quarries II. , 473 Quarry HiU L, 379 Queen's Rangers 1., 141, 223, 243 Queen's Rangers, Oflicers I., 244 Radcliff's Pond I., 385 Rag-picker's Row I., 413 Railroad of S. I IL, 461 Ralph's Island I., 370 Randall, Bornt G I., 350 Randal, Capt. Nathaniel I., 141 Randall, Oapt. Robert Richard II., 415 Randall, Capt. Thomas IL, 412 Randall Memorial P. E. church II., 309 Randall Monument IL, 420 Randall Monument Committee IL, 418 Randall's will, Capt IL, 416 Rapid Transit R. R II. , 463 Raritan Bay I., 357 Rawson, E. S IL, 339 Real Estate Record IL, 360 Reardon, Jerry II., 387 Recruits from S. I IT., 388, 400, 405 Red Bank I., 378 Red Lake I., 384 Red Lane I., 402 Redoubt Hill I., 375 Reed's Basket Willow Swamp I., 387 Reed's Valley I., 381 Reformed Dutch church I., 78 Reformed Protestant church II. , 276 Regiment, 132d IL, 391 Regiment, 166th II. , 392, 399 Relief fund II., 389 Rensselaerwyck I., 56 I Representatives in Congress I., 124 Republic, First days of II. , 2 Republican, The Richmond II. , 243 Republican party II. , 253 Reservoir Pond I., 384 Revolution, Causes of I., 164 Rhind, A. Colden IL, 238 Richard, Earl of Bellomont I., 72 Richmond and Amboy roads II. , 449 Richmond County I. , 79, 113, 194, 206 Richmond County Advance II. , 359 Richmond County Advertiser II. , 369 Richmond County Democrat II. , 369 Richmond County Gazette II. , 369 Richmond County Hall II. , 192 Richmond County Herald II. , 359 Richmond County Savings Bank II. , 460 Richmond County Standard II. , 359 Richmond Creek I., 363 Richmond HUl I., 377 Richmond Lodge IL, 267 Richmond Park I., 412 Richmond Plank Road I., 395 Richmond Republican II. , 353 Richmond Road Fire Co IL, 476 Richmond or Sawmill Brook L, 364 Richmond Valley IL, 443 Richmond Village I., 80, 173, 218 Ridings I., 78 Riots on S. I IL, 390, 393 Rivington's Gazette I., 227, 319 Road Records IL, 447 Roads macadamized II,, 454 Robertson, Gen'l James I., 230, 237, 287 Robbins Corners I., 410 Robbins, John I., 360 Robbins, Nathaniel I., 304 Robbln's or Winant's Point I,, 359 Robinson, Dr. S. A IL, 346 Robyn's Rift L, 372 Rockwell, Dr. Wm IL, 350 Rocky HoUow I., 381 Roelandsen, Adam I., 57 Roguery Hill I., 376 Roguery HiU Road I., 401 Roman Catholic churches IL, 321 Rose and Crown I., 41, 44, 287; IL, 179 Rose and Crown Farmhouse I., 207, 212 223, 285 Ross' Cove I., 360 Ross, George L, 195 Ross' or Winant's Brook I., 363 Rossville I., 193; II. , 440 RossviUe Hotel II. , 192 Roumalne, Benjamin L, 278 INDEX. 539 Round Shoal I., 373 Rutledge, Edward L, 144 Ryerss family I., 268, 317, 350; II., 112 Ryerson, Martin I., 351 SaUor's HiU I., 379 SaUors' Snug Harbor II. , 257, 415 Salt Pond I., 386 Sand Bay 1., 357 Sand Ridges I., 378 Sand Road I., 400 Sandy Brook I., 362 Sandy Ground I., 404 Sandy Hook Tea party I., 162 Sandy Leer I., 384 Santa Anna, Antonio Lopez de II. , 230 Sash and blinds manufacture II. , 474 Savings Bank of S. I II. , 468 Sawmill or Conner Road I., 399 Saw Mill or Maggie Merrill's Creek....!., 366 Saw, MOl Pond I., 388 Sayre, James I., 351 Schaefer's HUl I., 375 Schley, Winfleld S IL, 237 School Commissioners I. , 125 School-houses IL, 368 School legislation II. , 366 Schout Fiscal I., 66, 77 Schutter's Island I., 371 Schuyler, Colonel I., 74 Schuyler, Philip !., 163, 190 Scorpion I., 272, 275 Scott, .Gen'l !!., 29 Scott House IL, 174 Sea-Dog Shoal I., 374 Seal Rocks L, 373 Seaman Homestead II. , 174 Seaman, Judge Benjamin..!., 84, 174, 194, 202, 206, 351; II. , 327 Seaman's Retreat IL, 423 Seamans, Thomas L. 352 Seaman Town !., 414 Seaton, William L. 352 Sea View Park L. 412 Sedge Pond Creek I-. 366 Sedge Pond !., 384 Seguine family II-. 112 Seguine, Joseph I-, 122 Seguine's Point, HiU, Pond, Landing, Road L, 368, 378, 388, 394, 401 Sexton's Pond I- . 383 Shannon's Hole I-. 374 Sharrot famUy H-. 113 Sharrott's Road I-. 401 Shea's Lane I- 401 Sheriffs !. . 126 Ship-building II- . 469 Shore TraU !-• 396 ShotweU, John II-' 326 Sickles, Garrett I-. 279 Signal HiU I- 375 Signal House L, 403 Silent VUlage I-. 414 Silk Factory II-. 469, 474 Silver Lake Park Commission II- , 487 Simcoe, Capt. John I-. 243 Simcoe, Lieut.-Col. John Graves..!., 243, 260, 288, 293, 299 Simonson's Brook I-. 364 Simonson family..!., 122, 209, 313, 352; IL, 113, 237 Simonson's Ferry !., 205 Sinclaire, Mrs. Catherine N IL, 238 Skinner's Brigade in 1778-83 1., 263, 269 Skinner, Gen'l CorUandt. . . .!., 261, 265, 289, 362 Skinner, Philip Kearney I., 352 Slack's (Slaght's) Creek I., 363 Slave, Benjamin Perine II. , 47 Slavery on Staten Island IL, 36 Slave owners, records, children. Abolition, II. , 37, 41, 45 Sloat, John Drake II. , 230 Sloughter, Colonel Henry I., 71, 116 SmaUwood, Gen'l I., 224, 264 Smidt, Dr. Carl IL, 237 Smith, Dr. S. R IL, 348 Smith, Dr. W. M IL, 350 Smith, Hon. William Peartree I., 267 Smith Terrace L, 380 Smoking Point I., 358 Snug Harbor buildings IL, 421 Snug Harbor Directors IL, 422 Snug Harbor Governors !!., 422 Snug Harbor inmates and income !!., 422 Snug Harbor rules IL, 421 Soft Shells, The IL, 251 Soldiers' Lots !-, 408 Sons of Liberty L. 160, 326 South Baptist church IL, 315 South Beach !-. 404 South Broadway !-. 398 South EUiottviUe I-. 411 South Shore Water Works IL, 474 South Side or South Shore L, 404 Spear's or Spirit Point L, 360 Spencer, Hon. Samuel II-. 327 Spinola's Brigade H-. 390 Split Rock I-. 372 Spragg, Thomas I-. 353 Sprague family H-. 115 Stony Brook builders I-. 45 St. James Hotel I-. 210 St. John's Lutheran church II. . 317 St. John's M. E. church IL. 301 St. John's P. E. church IL, 306 St. Joseph's R. C. church IL. 322 St. Luke's P. E. church IL. 308 St. Mark's Hotel H-. 195 St. Mark's M. B. church IL. 300 St. Mary's P. B. church IL. 309 St. Mary's R. C. church IL. 323 St. Michael's Home H-. 429 St. Patrick's R. C. church IL. 324 St. Paul's Lutheran church IL, 320 St. Pauls M. B. church H-. 297 St. Paul's P. E. church H-. 307 St. Peter's Lutheran church IL, 318 St. Peter's R. C. church IL, 322 St. Stephen's P. E. church IL. 309 Stamp Act I., 168 Standring's Pond L. 388 Stapleton H-. 440 State Land I-. 406 State Senators I-. 124 Staten Island Chapter IL, 273 Staten Island Diet Kitchen 11., 430 Staten Islander, The IL, 260, 262 Staten Island, Hostilities on I., 216 540 INDEX. Staten Island MiUtary Co. 1689 1., 116 Staten Island Star II., 369 Staten Island's taxes.., I., 88 S. L Water Supply Co IL, 474 Staten Island Transcript II. , 360 Steep Point I., 369 Stephens, Judge S. D IL, 332 Sterling, Brigadier-Gen'l I., 235 StiU House Landing I., 392 StUlweU famUy I., 116; IL, 114, 326 Stimers, Alban C IL, 238 Stinking Brook I., 368 Stirling, Maj. -Gen'l Lord..!., 200, 222, 233, 267, 316 Stony Brook..!., 40, 49, 80, 113, 118, 362; II. , 439 Stony Brook church II. , 283 Stony Brook Settlement I., 408 Storer's or Hughes' Point I., 358 Story's Flats I., 374 Straubenzie, Major Turner I., 297 Strawberry Rock I., 373 Strorabolo I., 272, 276 Struve, Gustav IL, 232 Stuyvesant, General Peter I., 59 Sugar Loaf Rock I., 372 Suits against Randall trustees II. , 419 Sullivan, General I., 217, 224, 266 Summerfleld M. B. church IL, 299 Summer ville I., 409 Sunny or Lovers' Lane I., 402 Sunsbury Mines I., 326 Supervisors I., 120 Supervisors in Colonial times I., 127 Supervisors since 1766 1., 128 Surrogates under Colonial Government.. I., 125 Surrogates under Federal Government..!., 126 Swaim's or La Forge's Lane I., 401 Swan Hotel IL, 184 Swinburne, Dr. John II. , 348 Swinburne Island L, 369 Talbot, Rev. John IL, 302 Tanglewood 1., 405 Taylor family IL, 115 Taylor's or Moravian Brook I., 361 Teacher's certiflcate 1769 II. , 365 Texas I. , 173 The Argus IL, 360 The Basin L, 403 The Beaches II. , 446 The Bench and Bar II. , 326 The Bend I., 405 The Bluff I., 378 The Canal I., 368 The Causeway I., 406 The Cave L, 404 The . Cedars I., 407 "The Chronicle" IL, 263, 354 The Citizen IL, 360 The Cliff House IL, 190 The Clove I., 380 The . Cottages I., 414 The Cove I., 360 The Dike I., 406 The Draft II. , 394 The "Fifty-flve" ...I., 329 The flrst public School IL, 361, 363 The Free Press II. , 365 The Fresh Meadow I., 389 The Glebe I., 402 The Glen I., 380 The Goose Patch I., 414 The Independent IL, 359 The Jewish Synagogue IL, 320 The Lawn I., 413 The Little Corporal IL, 358 The Long, Long Lane that has no turn ing I., 400 The Manor I., 404 The Meadows I., 390 The Mirror IL, 354 The Neck 1., 368 The News-Letter IL, 360 The Nook I., 413 The Oakley House IL, 184 The Old Comp I., 408 The Orchard L, 414 The Park L, 412 The PavUion IL, 191 The Pines I., 407 The Plaindealer IL, 365 The Plains I., 415 The Post IL, 360 The present road law IL, 452 The Quarantine Hospitals II., 375 The Red Horse II., 184 The Richmond College IL, 371 The Richmond County Sentinel IL, 359 The Sepoy IL, 358 The Signs L, 407 The S. I. Deutsche Zeitung IL, 360 The Staten Island Leader IL, 358 The Stone Jug II. , 196 The Swamp I., 389 The Swamp Pond L, 385 "The Tabernacle" IL, 296 The Telegraph I., 403 The VentUator IL, 360 Thomas Creek I., 366 Thompson, Chas I., 199 Thompson's Road I., 400 Thoreau, Henry D IL, 232 Three Elms I., 404 Three Musk-rat Ponds I., 386 Thrifty Valley I., 380 Timpson, Cornelius F , II. , 520 Tipperary Corners I., 414 Todt or Toad HiU I., 376 Tom Bell's Island I., 369 Tomb of the Martyrs I., 279 Tompkins, Col. M IL, 387 Tompkins, Gov. Daniel D II. , 31, 232 Tompkins Lodge IL, 271 Tompkins' or Quarantine Landing I,, 393 Tompkinsville II. , 440 Totten family IL, 116 Totten, Gen. Joseph G IL, 238 Totten's Landing I., 394 Totten, W. H. B IL, 522 TottenviUe IL, 441 Tottenville Water Works IL, 475 Townsend, Dr. C. W IL, 348 Townsend family II. , 117 Trask, Capt. G. D. S IL, 521 Trinity M. B. church IL, 298 Tryon, Governor I., 161, 200, 296 Tunlssen's Neck I., 368 Turney's HiU 1., 375 INDEX. 541 Turtle Point I. , 359 Tushy's Pond I., 383 Tyler Mansion IL, 170 Tyrian Chapter IL, 273 Tysen, David J I., 311 Tysen famUy IL, 119 Tysen Homestead I., 41 Tyson's Creek I., 361 Uncle Bd. Wood's Brook I., 363 Uncle Ike's Points L, 359 Uncle Nick Lot I., 412 Union Hotel II. , 184 UnlonvIUe !., 413 United church IL, 277 Upham, Lieut.-Col. Joshua L, 268 Upper or Pelton's Cove L, 360 Up Shore and Down Shore I.. 404 Upper Quarry Spring !., 382 Upper Terrace I., 380 VaU, Rev. Stephen M IL, 234 Valley Forge IL. 443 Valley of the Iron HiU I., 381 Valuations In 1800 IL, 4 Van Allen's HiU L, 378 Van Bosen, Laurentius II., 275 Van Boskirk's or Factory Pond !., 384 Van Buskirk, Abraham I. , 353 Van Buskirk's Dock !., 313 Van Buskirk Spring !., 383 Van Clief family II. . 121 Van Dam, Rip I., 74 Vanderbilt, Cornelius I., HI VanderbUt family IL, 129 Vanderbilt Homesteads II. , 167 Vanderbilt Landing L, 394 Vanderventer's Point L, 367 Van Duzer family IL, 121 Van Dyck, Hendrick I., 38 Van Hoevenberg, Dr. H IL, 350 Van Name, C. D II. , 339 Van Name family IL, 122 Van Pelt family II. , 123 Van Pelt Homestead IL. 178 Van Pelt, Dr. Peter I L, 312; IL, 279 Van Pelt, Sarah I., 353 Van Wagenen's Pond L, 387 Varnish Works IL. 474 Vaughn, John G II-, 255 Vinegar HIU I., 374 Vreeland's Brook L. 365 Vreeland's Creek L. 364 Vreeland's Swamp I-. 389 Vroom Creek I-. 366 Wallabout I-, 55, 272 WaUabout Committee I-, 278 Waldenses I-, 40, 49 Waldensian church I., 40, 43, 45 Wall paper factory IL, 469, 471 WaUoons I-. 26, 95 Wandel family IL, 124 Wapp's Park I-. 414 War Committee II-. 390 War of 1812, Cause of IL, 28 Ward Homestead II-. 171 Ward's HiU I-. 375 Ward's Point I-. 358 Warth, Albin IL, 523 Warth, Henry II., 524 Washington Crescent I., 401 Washington, Gen'l George..!., 1.88, 193, 217, 220, 267, 296 Washington Hotel II. , 195 Washington Square I., 411 Watchogue, etc.. Road I., 398 Watering Place I., 219, 354, 382, 403 Weir's Mill Pond I., 386 West Bank I., 373 West Baptist church II. , 315 Westbrook, John IL, 524 Westermann, Bernard II. , 237 Western Road I., 400 Westervelt, Dr. J. S IL, 350 Westervelt, Judge T IL, 332 Westervelt's Pond I., 384 Westfleld or S. I. Times IL, 369 West Quarter I., 404 West Riding I., 78 Wheeler, James II. , 526 Whigs, The IL, 248, 261 Whigs and Tories I., 322 Whipping-post II. , 49-51 White lead mills IL, 471 White Rock I., 372 Widmayer's Pond I., 386 Willett, Lieut.-Col I., 234 Willow Brook I., 365; IL, 444 Willow Brook Pond L, 388 Willow Pond I., 386 Wilson's Zouaves IL, 388 Wiman, Erastus IL, 235 Winant famUy IL, 126 Winant Homestead IL, 175 Winant's Lane I., 401 Windsor Hotel IL, 195 Winter, WUlIam IL, 237 Winthrop, Governor I., 68, 71 Winthrop, Judge I., 184 Winthrop, Major Theodore IL, 238 Winthrop, William W II. . 238 Wogiom famUy II. , 127 Woglom's Cove I., 360 Wogium, Abraham I., 363 Wolfe's Brook I., 362 Wolf's Pond I., 386 Woman's Christian Temperance Union of Richmond County IL, 428 Women's education II. , 366 Wood, Capt. Benjamin II. , 31 Wood, Dr. J. W II. , 349 Wood family IL, 128 Wood Pond L, 385 Wood Road L, 401 Woodh-uU, Nath'l I., 197 Woodrow IL, 443 Woodrow M. B. church I., 320; IL, 294 Woodside Lake L. 387 WoodvaU Road L, 401 Woolsey Pond I., 387 Wreck Creek I.. 365 "Writs of Assistance I., 167 Wynant, Abraham I., 363 Yellow Row I., 414 Yetman, Hubbard R II. , 267, 369, 526 Yserberg Mount »r z» . ¦li I-. 376 YALE UNIVERSITY i390l wi.' m^^m-^- -# fflSfffiff^^^ufrf — ^^P- ^fl^ft*-' -^' fSiCiS .ga? «^?1 ''.>S= ;Vi«> |, -a^ljw^ sr ^SSi , s i ¦ B ^s ^B P Sfe^ ^B i ^ S--." "^4^^ :*r.% -V^jj^^ X"' s^^.*".; ST.;