HISTORY OF QUEENS COUNTY

with illustrations, Portraits & Sketches of Prominent Families and Individuals.

New York: W.W. Munsell & Co.; 1882.
pp. 329-408.





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NEWTOWN
(In 1852 James Riker Jr. published a very thorough and accurate work
entitled "The Annals of Newtown." It contained the history of this
town from its first settlement, together with many interesting facts concerning
the adjacent towns. This work has not only been consulted, but strictly followed
as authority and liberally quoted. Mr. Riker in the preparation of his history
conferred an inestimable blessing upon posterity, and to the result of his
patient researches the writer wishes in the very outset to acknowledge himself
largely indebted.)

NEWTOWN, or, as it was called by the Indians at the time of the discovery of
this section of country by Henry Hudson in 1609, "Mespat," was a part
of the New Netherlands, the trade from which was exclusively granted by the
States-General of Holland in 1621 to the organization known as the West India
Company. Valuable cargoes of beaver and other skins were annually shipped from
here. The population up to 1638 numbered but a few individuals, in the employ of
the company; but in that year the monopoly was abolished, and then trade with
the New Netherlands opened to all. The encouragement thus given to emigration
was further extended in 1640 by the grant of a new charter, providing for the
administration of civil government, and establishing the rights and privileges
of the inhabitants on a footing parallel with those in Holland. This had a
benign effect, and gave an impulse to emigration, ‘not from Europe’ only but
from New England also, many of whose inhabitants, fleeing from religious
persecution, took up their abode here.

MESPAT PATENT.
Among those who had for "conscience sake" followed the
"Mayflower" was the Rev. Francis Doughty, who first settled at what is
now Taunton, Mass. He soon discovered he had "jumped out of the frying-pan
into the fire." A "controversie" arose, and Mr. Doughty was
forced to go away from Taunton with his wife and children. Applying to the
authorities of New Amsterdam for a tract of land, a patent was granted to him
for some 13,332 acres at "Mespat." With a few additional acres, this
tract embraced the whole of what is now the town of Newtown and Long Island
City, a total area of about 16,800 acres, some 14,000 acres being arable. Once
the greater portion of this tract was marshy land, regarded as unsusceptible of
cultivation; but the improved construction of farming implements and the process
of subsoil drainage have wrought a surprising change, reclaiming and making the
wet lands highly productive. The swampy portion of the land is covered with
peat, which in Revolutionary days made the Newtown bogs of some importance, as
it was then extensively used for fuel. The proximity of New York city has always
acted favorably for the prosperity of the town, and a large share of the
attention of the farmers has been paid to the raising of vegetables for the city
market. Indeed, the importance of this town to the great metropolis can hardly
be overrated.

The fertility of the Newtown lands early attracted the attention of
colonists, among the first of whom was Hans Hansen, who obtained a plantation of
some 400 acres at the head of Newtown Creek. Richard Brutnell, a native of
Bradford, England, was at the entrance of the creek, and on the opposite side
was found the plantation of Tymen Jansen, who had been a ship carpenter in the
employ of the West India Company. These were the only occupants at the time Mr.
Doughty with his friends came to take possession of his grant. He made
preparations to begin a settlement, and in less than a year a number of families
were comfortably settled here. Mr. Doughty officiated as pastor, and affairs
were tending prosperously when the breaking out of a war with the Indians gave a
sudden and fatal check to the settlement. This war had been brought about upon a
frivolous pretense of injuries received from the natives, resulting in a horrid
butchery of some sleeping indians. Inflamed to the utmost, they with fire-brand
and scalping-knife desolated the country around New Amsterdam, devoting property
to destruction and the inhabitants to a cruel death. The savages broke in upon
the settlement at Mespat and some of the settlers fell victims to their fury.
The remainder sought safety in flight, while the flame was applied to their
dwellings, which with their contents were reduced to ashes. At length a peace
was concluded. Thereupon some of the settlers returned to their ruined
habitations. As a better day seemed dawning, several residents without the lines
of the Mespat patent took occasion to secure government title for their lands.
July 3d 1643 Burger Joris, Richard Brutnell, and Tymen Jansen took out their
"ground briefs" or deeds.

Mespat slowly arose from its ashes. Burger Joris had rented his farm, but
resumed it, and added a neighboring plantation, which had been granted to Jan
Jansen from Ditmarsen in Lower Saxony, from whom is descended the present family
of Ditmars. Hendrick Harmensen also engaged in the cultivation of a bouwery or
farm. He died in a few years, and his widow married in 1645 Jusriaen Fradell, a
native of Moravia. He on September 5th of this year obtained a deed of the
estate of Harmensen. It is described as "a piece of land lying on Long
Island east of Hellegat. Also to this belongs a little island, lying about west
from the house. This received the name of the Married Island, on account of the
manner in which it was obtained by Fradell.

Trouble now arose between Mr. Doughty and other patentees, he regarding
himself as invested by the Mespat patent with the powers and privileges of a
patroon This claim was resisted by the others, and a suit ensued which
terminated adversely to Mr. Doughty. He regarded this as highly unjust, and
appealed from the sentence. This offended Director General Kieft, who had
previously cut off the right of appeal to the courts of Holland. Telling the
clergyman that his judgment was final and absolute, the despotic governor fined
him ten dollars, and locked him up in prison for twenty-four hours. After his
release he accepted a call from the people of Flushing, and settled there at a
fixed salary of six hundred guilders. His bouwery or farm on Flushing Bay he
conferred on his daughter Mary at her marriage, in 1645, to that distinguished
"doctor of both laws" Adriaen Van der Donck. This passed through many
hands, and in 1737 was bought by Abraham Rapelye, ancestor of the present occupants.

"MIDDLEBURG"
Mespat, which had given such promise at its origin, never recovered from the
shock of savage warfare, and the no less fatal blows of intestine strife, and
its territory seemed destined to remain an unbroken wilderness, the abode of
wild beasts. But in 1652 a goodly company of Englishmen arrived from New
England. They selected a locality about midway between the kill of Mespat and
Vlissingen (Flushing. Some of the new corners were from Greenwich, Stamford,
Fairfield and villages along the Connecticut shore; others from settlements
along Cape Cod and Massachusetts Bay. Of these was Lieutenant William Palmer,
who had represented Yarmouth in the general court in 1644. Others were Henry
Feeke and his friend Jonathan Fish, Edward Jessup from Stamford, Thomas Hazard
from Boston, John Burroughs from Salem, and Richard Betts from Ipswich. A scene
of life and activity ensued, and a group of cottages arose. The hamlet was begun
upon the street whereon the Presbyterian church in the village of Newtown now
stands, on both sides of which lots were laid out. The name Middleburg was given
to the new settlement, after the capital of the province of Zealand, remembered
with gratitude as the asylum of many of the English Puritans. The summer of 1652
witnessed the ingathering of the first harvest of Middleburg. The privileges of
the charter of 1640 were extended to the new villagers. Their lands were to be
held without rent or tax for ten years, at the end of which time they would be
required to pay the tenth part of the produce. They were to enjoy the free
exercise of their religion, and adjust all suits arising in their district,
cases of appeal to the chief court being provided for. The appointment of such
town officers as sheriff, and clerk to collect taxes, remained the prerogative
of the director and council. Three magistrates were appointed yearly. The first
were Robert Coe, Richard Gildersleeve and Thomas Hazard. The colony obtained the
name of the English Kills, to distinguish it from the Dutch settlement called
the Dutch Kills.

The considerable extent of territory lying between the northeast boundry of
Middleburg and the East River comprised a small collection of farmers, mostly
Dutch, who had taken land from the government on the terms prescribed by the
charters of freedoms and exemptions, and received a deed under the signature of
the director and the seal of New Netherland. The residents were not a corporate
community, but continued for many years to be dependent for civil and religious
advantages upon Flushing or New Amsterdam, disputes at law being usually taken
to the last named place.

FOES OF THE COLONY.
Scarcely were the people of Middleburg seated in their new homes when news
was received that war had broken out between the mother countries England and
Holland. Director Stuyvesant, in pursuance of instructions from his superiors,
agreed with the adjacent Indian tribes in case of trouble with his neighbors of
New England. Jealousies of many years standing existed between the English
colonies of Connecticut and New Haven and the Dutch of New Netherland.
Complaints of mutual aggression had passed between the respective governments,
and each regarded the other with feelings far from friendly. It soon became
rumored abroad that the Dutch government had formed a league with the Indians
for the destruction of all the English. The report flew through the English
towns on Long Island, which, though under the government of New Netherland, were
made to believe that they were to be included in the general slaughter.
Consternation prevailed at Middleburg, and means were at once devised to elude
the impending calamity. A removal with all speed was determined upon. April 29th
1653 the terror-stricken company sailed from the Kills, and reached Stamford in
safety. Shortly afterward news arrived of a treaty of peace between England and Holland.

In 1655, Director Stuyvesant being absent on an expedition against the Swedes
on the Delaware, a horde of armed Indians landed at New Amsterdam, and began to
break into houses for plunder. Driven back by the soldiers and armed citizens,
they fell upon the unprotected Dutch farmers in the vicinity, many of whom were
slain and others taken into captivity. The troubles experienced from the savages
were now so alarming as to require the residents of Mespat Kills to concentrate
for mutual safety. They, therefore, formed a village on "Smith’s
Island," at the English Kills. The Hon. Nicasius De Sille, who had a patent
for the island, had the direction of the new settlement, and called it Aernhem
after his native place.

The inhabitants had other ills to contend with in the wild animals that
infested their forests, wolves proving especially annoying, preying upon flocks
and herds. To check this evil a bounty was offered for wolves killed within the
town. The Indians proved valuable agent in the destruction of these public
enemies.

But an enemy more insidious and fatal to the peace of the settlement was
lurking about. Intemperance appeared to such an extent that restrictions upon
the sale of liquor were required, and the town court ordered that no inhabitant
of the place should sell any by retail with out an order from the magistrates.

CIVIL GOVERNMENT AND RELATIONS.
The good character of the inhabitants generally is seen in the care which
they took to preserve good morals by excluding from their society such persons
as were likely to endanger them. No individual could find a residence among them
until admitted by popular vote, and instances occurred where persons were turned
out of the town for improper conduct. The rigid imposition of penalties against
violators of law and good morals had a salutary effect. The punishments
inflicted were peculiar, and though mild must have been humbling and have had a
strong effect in restraining others inclined to similar practices. "In 1660
we read of a person, convicted of feloniously taking corn from the mill of
Captain Coe, sentenced- besides making amends to the captain - "to walk
from Mr. Doughty’s house, with two rods under each arm and the drums beating
before him, until he comes to Mr. Jessup’s house, and then he is to have his
liberty," and further, "to refrain walking at unseasonable hours,
because it gives cause of suspicion."

In accordance with the terms of freedoms and exemptions established in 1640,
the founders of Middleburg had hitherto been free from all imposts or taxes to
the general government. The term for such exemption had now expired, and the
inhabitants met in July 1662 and appointed a committee of three to wait upon the
director and agree with him "for the tithes for the present year."

In 1662 intelligence was sent to Middleburg and the surrounding English
villages that they "were annexed to the other side of the sound."
Connecticut had received a charter from Charles II. confirming to that colony
the "islands adjacent," and laid claim to Long Island as one of the
island referred to. The English towns hailed the event as an opportunity for
shaking off the fetters of Dutch tyranny. Middleburg kept up a show of
allegiance, and sent as usual two commissioners to fix upon the tithes for the
current year. Among those who advocated an alliance with Connecticut was Captain
John Coe, who addressed a letter on the project to the general court at
Hartford, but the letter did not reach its destination until two hours after the
court had broken up. At the next meeting, in the following October, a petition,
with others from several English towns, was presented, praying for the
privileges and protection of Connecticut, seeing "it hath pleased the Highest Majesty 
to move the heart of the King’s Majesty to grant unto your colony such enlargements 
as we are informed your patent affords." Agreeable to this request the court declared 
that, "as the lines of their patent extended to the adjoining islands, they accepted 
those towns under their jurisdiction."

Middleburg was now in allegiance to King Charles II. In the ardor of their
loyalty the citizens discarded the former name of the settlement, and adopted
that of Hastings, after a town in Sussex, England. The people of Hastings were
filled with apprehension on account of an agreement between Stuyvesant and
Connecticut, by which the jurisdiction of both provinces over the English on the
west end of Long Island was suspended, and these towns therefore were left
without a head. They thereupon entered into a combination to manage their own
affairs, and on the 4th of February 1664 they met for the transaction of
business. They drew up and signed a compact, in which they set forth the grounds
of their allegiance to England, with their determination to defend to any
extremity the interests of their royal master, King Charles II. The inhabitants,
with few exceptions, signed this instrument, and proceeded to ballot for a
president for the ensuing year. Captain John Scott received their unanimous
vote. Town officers were elected, consisting of a clerk, constable, and five
townsmen. The latter were John Burroughs, Ralph Hunt, John Ramsden, Samuel Toe
and John Layton. Richard Betts and John Coe were appointed magistrates. But
Scott’s authority was brief. Connecticut, jealous of his proceedings, sent a
company of soldiers to arrest him, and he was thrown into jail in Hartford.
Scott’s magistrates were deposed, and others appointed.

In the convention held in February 1665 to settle the affairs of the
province, which adopted "the duke’s laws," Hastings was represented
by Richard Betts and John Coe, and was attached to the "west riding"
of Yorkshire, then formed. It was also enlarged by the addition of
out-plantations, comprising the Poor Bowery, Hell Gate Neck, etc. The township
as thus constituted received the name of "the New Towne." One object
of the convention was to determine the limits of the several towns. Bushwick
felt herself aggrieved at Newtown for her attempt to occupy the meadows at
English Kills, and the upland lying south of them. The decision was: "The
meadow ground in question between Bushwick and New Towne shall remain to the
inhabitants of the town of Bushwick, as properly and of right belonging to them;
that is to say, the meadow lying on the west side of the most ancient Dutch
house, situate on the east side of the head of Mespat Kills; and the inhabitants
of New Towne are no way to molest the said town of Bushwick in the peaceable
enjoyment thereof. Touching the upland, the bounds specified in the Middleburg
deed will sufficiently regulate the same." Two years later Bushwick
succeeded in obtaining from Governor Nicolls a patent embracing both the meadows
and the uplands in question.

The duke’s laws, by which the province was now to b regulated, enjoined
upon each town or parish to build a church sufficient to accommodate two hundred
persons, each inhabitant to pay his portion of the minister’s salary agreed
upon. For the orderly management of all town affairs it was directed that eight
of the most able men of each town or parish be appointed overseers "whereof
four shall remain in their office two years successively, and four shall be
changed for new ones every year." They were authorized, together with the
constable, to hold town courts weekly or monthly, as was required. They were to
report twice a year to the session "all such abominable sinnes" as
came to their knowledge and had not been punished, including profane swearing,
Sabbath breaking and drunkenness. They made all assessments or rates, which
usually consisted of three- the minister’s rate, the town rate and the
country rate, the latter for the support of the general government. The
constable was chosen in April of each year, by vote of the freeholders in each
town. He was required to attend each sitting of the court of sessions; he was to
whip or otherwise punish a certain class of offenders, raise the hue and cry
after murderers, thieves and burglars, and also apprehend without warrant such
as were overtaken with drink or swearing or Sabbath breaking. He could command
the assistance of any other person, upon a penalty for their refusal. He, with
the concurrence of two overseers, was to satisfy every person for the killing of
wolves, to the value of an Indian coat for each wolf, to be paid out of the
public rate.

At their meeting March 15th 1665, held for the election of
town officers, the people of Newtown resolved to provide themselves with a
"law book." This code instituted regulations for the embodiment and
discipline of the militia. In keeping therewith Governor Nicolls issued
commissions to the officers of Newtown, constituting Thomas Lawrence captain,
Ralph Hunt lieutenant, and Gershom Moore ensign.

THE TITLE PERFECTED.
( At this time the freeholders of the town were as follows:
John Albertus, 
John Allene, 
Enim Benham, 
Richard Betts, 
Daniel Bloomfield,
William Britten, 
John Burroughs, 
Nicholas Carter, 
Thomas Case, 
John Cochran,
John Coe, 
John Denman, 
Aaron Dericksen, 
Francis Doughty, 
Gilbert Elbertsen,
Richard Fidoe, 
John Forly, 
Abraham Frost, 
John Furman, 
Josias Furman, 
Anthony 
Gleam, 
John Hart, 
Jonathan Hazard, 
Ralph Hunt, 
Robert Jackson,
 John Jacobsen,
John Jacobus, 
Hendric Jansen, 
Jiles Jansen, 
Nicholas Jennings, 
George Jewell,
Burger Joost, 
Christiaen Laurenz, 
James Lauronson, 
John Lawronson, 
Thomas Lawrence, 
Caleb Leverich, 
Thomas Martin, 
Pieter Cornelisz Luyster, 
Gershom Moore, 
John Moore, 
Samuel Moore, 
Thomas Moore, 
Thomas Morrell, 
Richard Owen,
John Parcell, 
John Pettit, 
Thomas Pettit, 
Joseph Phillips, 
Lowris Pietersen,
John Ramsden, 
Widow Reeder, 
Thomas Roberts, 
Thomas Robinson, 
Abraham Rycken,
Henry Sawtell, 
John Scudder, 
Harck Siboutsen, 
______ Simons, 
Pieter Simonsen,
Richard Smith, 
John Stevenson, 
Thomas Wandell, 
Joris Stevens Van Alst, 
James Way, 
Daniel Whythead, 
Lambert Woodward. )

In 1666 the town attempted to effect a purchase of the Indian reservation,
and having obtained the governor’s license for this purpose, the deed was
executed and acknowledged by the chiefs and the Indian title to the territory
was extinguished. This forms an interesting epoch in the history of the town.
The country began to wear signs of thrift which made it uncongenial with the
savages’ ideas of life. Probably most of them vacated the town at once. There
is evidence that scattering ones remained for a number of years later, some of
whom had their wigwams at Mespat Kills; but the memory of these long since
perished, and the only existing mementoes of the red men are the collections of
the rude implements which they used in the pursuits of peace and the prosecution
of war.

Having thus extinguished the Indian title to all their lands the people of
Newtown proceeded to secure the governor’s letters patent for the township.
March 1st 1667 several trusty citizens were named as patentees in behalf of the
whole town, to obtain the governor’s signature to the patent. Governor Nicolls,
on the 6th of March, signed the deed which was to "ratify, confirm and
grant unto Captain Richard Betts, Captain Thomas Lawrence, Captain John Coe,
John Burroughs, Ralph Hunt, Daniel Whitehead and Burger Joost, for and on behalf
of themselves and their associates the freeholders and inhabitants of said town,
all that tract of land bounded east by Flushing Creek, north by the sound, south
by Jamaica line, which runs on the south side of the hills, and west by Mespat
Creek or Kills," etc. "Moreover I do hereby ratify, confirm and grant
unto the said patentees and their associates all the privileges of a town in
this government, and that the place of their present habitation shall continue
and retain the name of New Towne."

ARTS OF WAR AND PEACE.
The inhabitants were organized into a single company, under a captain, a
lieutenant and an ensign, elected by the company and commissioned by the
governor. All male persons above the age of 16, excepting certain judicial and
professional characters, including the minister, schoolmaster and constable,
were required to do military duty four days in the year at the company drill,
and once at the general training of the riding. At their trainings they were
"instructed in the comely handling and ready use of their weapons in all
postures of warre, to understand and attend all words of command."
Disorderly conduct upon parade was punishable by "stocks, riding wooden
horses, or other military punishments," or they could turn the offender
over to the civil authorities.

The settlers now gave increased attention to the cultivation and improvement
of their lands. The main articles of produce at this period where wheat, peas,
rye, corn and tobacco, the last being a staple commodity. Attention was also
given to the cultivation of fruit trees, and luxuriant orchards of apples, pears
and peaches began to repay their toil and to yield quite as abundantly as the
orchards of Europe, whence these productions had been imported by the settlers.
The far-famed Newtown Pippin was first cultivated here. The frequent taking up
of land rendered it necessary to appoint permanent surveyors, and January 1st
1668 Ralph Hunt, Daniel Whitehead, and John Burroughs were chosen to this office
and their fees established at two pence an acre. The town court authorized
Richard Owen to impound animals that should be found in the common field, and to
receive for his services twelve pence each for horses, six pence a head for neat
cattle, and four pence apiece for swine. Although agriculture was the leading
employment of the inhabitants, yet due encouragement was given to honest
craftsmen to settle among them. Such were gratuitously supplied with land for
cultivation. The benefit of attracting into their society skillful mechanics
seems to have been duly appreciated, and such persons were preferred to any others.

Except that John Coe owned a flouring-mill in 1657, no mention is made of any
business aside from agricultural pursuits until the year 1691, when measures
were taken by two enterprising citizens of the town to build a fulling-mill. The
town favored the project and passed the following: "Voted that Thomas
Stevenson and Edward Stevenson shall have the brook or stream that is commonly
called Lodowick Brook, as their own right, to have and to hold to them and
theirs forever, with what convenience of land can be spared for the building of
a fulling-mill, with which they are to do the town’s work first, and as
reasonable as other workmen do, and to keep the same in repair." This was
one of the first fulling-mills in the province. It remained in operation many
years, and, though every vestige of it long since disappeared the locality still
retains the name of the Fulling-mill Dam. In 1721 William Vallence set up a
bark-mill and tannery. A starch factory was also in operation, and at the head
of Flushing Bay Joris Rapelje conducted an extensive brewery. In 1722 we first
find mention of a merchant in Newtown, Nathaniel Hazard having opened a store;
but, probably for want of encouragement, he soon discontinued it. In 1753
Captain Jacob Blackwell and Joseph Hallett put up a grist-mill on the creek at
Hallett’s Cove. In 1756 Captain Blackwell became sole proprietor, and some
years later sold it to Hendrick Suydam, who conducted it till many years after
the Revolution.

The inhabitants were so entirely given to agriculture, and had pursued it so
assiduously, that in 1723 all the land in the township had been taken up. Wheat
was the favorite crop, but enough rye, barley, corn, hemp, flax and tobacco was
raised for home consumption, besides a variety of fruits and vegetables,
including that most valuable one the potato, with which the first settlers were
wholly unacquainted. Much land was left for grazing, for the farmers also raised
a considerable number of horses, cattle and sheep, from breeds originally
brought from New England and Holland. Produce brought low prices. In January
1730 wheat sold in this town for 3s. 3d. per bushel, barley 3s., flax 9d. per
pound, butter 1s. per pound, and wood at 3s. 6d. per load.. Common labor was
worth about 3s. a day. Though farming prevailed over every other occupation,
there seems to have been no lack of mechanics. In 1662 the town had two tailors,
a carpenter, a cooper, a mason, and a blacksmith. In addition there are found
butchers, wool combers, and weavers, the latter the most numerous. Most families
made coarse woolen , cloth and linen for their own wear, which was woven by the
itinerant weavers, who came to their houses for that purpose; for every family
had its own loom, as well as its spinning wheel. Trade was principally by way of
barter. This was necessary, as money was scarce. At an early day there was
absolutely none, and nearly everything was paid for in produce. In 1661 a person
gives for a house "six hundred weight of tobacco, a thousand clapboards,
and half a fat of strong beer." The state of society was characterized by
an honest plainness. The furniture was such as necessity, not fancy, suggested.
Floor carpets were a superfluity almost if not quite unknown. The table was set
with pewter platters and plain earthenware; some few could display china, and
even silver plate, but they were rare. The simplicity of manners is shown in
that very few families used table forks; most ate with their fingers. The major
part of the inhabitants were singularly plain in attire, in manners, and in speech.

For some time the depredations of wolves offered a serious impediment to the
rearing of sheep, and, though the inhabitants of this town were less annoyed
than their neighbors of the adjoining towns, they found it necessary in 1692 to
offer 20 shillings a head for every wolf killed within the limits of the town.
Their destruction became necessary not only for the preservation of domestic
animals, but even for the personal safety of the inhabitants, whom they would
sometimes attack.

The introduction of slavery in this town was coeval with the planting of the
town, and extended not only to the negro but to the free-born Indian, brought
hither from the south. But, while they were bought and sold as chattels, their
lives were protected by law: In infancy they were baptized, and at a suitable
age were allowed to marry. In 1755 the town contained 163 slaves above the age
of fourteen years.

Little to interest marked the years which immediately preceded the
Revolution. The farmer, living in ease and plenty, quietly pursued his
avocation; his sons, if too ambitious and enterprising to follow the plow, went
abroad to seek a more extensive field of business. Others aimed at usefulness in
the learned professions. Of lawyers there were none in the town, and their
services were seldom needed. There were always persons competent to transact
business relating to the transfer of lands. Peter Berrien, who had died
recently, had done great service in this respect, for which be was peculiarly
fitted, being a scholar, a superior penman, a skillful surveyor, and equally
conversant with the Dutch and English languages. Of the physicians the first
noticed is James Clark, "surgeon" at Mespat Kills in the Dutch
administration. Between that time and the close of the century Newtown had in
succession Dr. Folcks, Dr. John Greenfield and Dr. Hazard. After 1720 Doctors
Evan Jones, Berrien, Hugh Rogers, Thomas Sackett and Joseph Sackett are found
officiating in the best families. Dr. Jacob Ogden, of Jamaica, also practiced
considerably in this town.

In 1689, when the inroads of the French on the northern frontier were
creating apprehension, the governor in order to meet the danger sought to
strengthen the military force of the province. By his order the militia of
Newtown were divided into two companies, of one of which the officers were
Captain Content Titus, Lieutenant Jeremiah Burroughs, and Ensign Robert Coe; and
of the other Captain Samuel Moore, Lieutenant Joseph Sackett, and Ensign Gershom
Moore. This year an estimate was made of the population of the town, which
showed that it contained 183 white inhabitants and 93 negro slaves. In 1711 a
census of the town was taken and it showed the population to be 1,003, of whom
164 were negro slaves.

GOVERNMENTAL CHANGES- REPRESENTATION INTRODUCED.
When Captain Anthony Colve was appointed governor, on the reoccupation of the
colony by the Dutch, and began to reinstate the Dutch government, he issued his
proclamation to the several towns to come and make their submission to the
States-General. Newtown prepared to obey the order, and deputed Lieutenant John
Ketcham and John Burroughs, who presented themselves before "the lords
commanders and the noble military council" in the fort at New York, and,
petitioning for the uninterrupted enjoyment of their privileges, were notified
to nominate six persons, from whom the honorable court should select three for
magistrates; and also to appoint two deputies to unite with others of "Rustdorp,
Heemstede, Vlissingen, and Oyster Bay" in the presentation of three
nominees for the office of sheriff, and three for that of secretary, which two
latter officers were to have authority over, these five named towns, now to be
united in one jurisdiction. Captain William Knift was dispatched to the towns
and villages to administer the oath of allegiance to the inhabitants. Newtown at
this time numbered ninety-nine male adults, but only twenty-three could be
found, the rest being absent. Written instructions were soon received from the
new governor for the guidance of the magistrates in the government of the town.
In 1674 a treaty of peace was concluded between England and Holland, which
provided that this province should be restored to the English. The duke’s laws
were then revived, with such grants and privileges as had previously been
enjoyed under his Royal Highness. The magistrates, constables and overseers who
were serving when the Dutch came into power were reinstated.

The Duke of York having assented to the convening of a popular legislative
assembly, Newtown appointed Captain Richard Betts, Samuel Moore, Robert
Blackwell and Jonathan Hazard to go to Gravesend and unite with committees from
the several towns of the riding in the choice of delegates to said assembly.
Upon the overthrow of King James the inhabitants, of the town showed how deeply
they were imbued with the spirit of independence, rejoicing heartily at the news
of the revolution in England and at the fall of James. At a meeting held this
year Captain Richard Betts and Lieutenant Samuel Moore were delegated to a
convention to be held in New York, with instructions "to act as they should
see cause for the good and benefit of the country." The townspeople
resolved to provide and maintain two soldiers to strengthen the garrison at New
York. They also sent delegates to Jamaica to help elect two persons to represent
the county in a committee of safety, which it was proposed to form for the
direction of public affairs. One of the members of said committee was
"loyal Mr. Samuel Jones," of Newtown.

THE BOUNDARY DISPUTE SETTLED.
The year 1669 was marked by a revival of the dispute between Newtown and
Bushwick respecting the meadows at Mespat Kills. The governor ordered both to
present their cause for trial before the council of the province in June.
Captain Betts, Captain Lawrence and John Burroughs appeared on behalf of
Newtown. Bushwick founded its claim on the order of Governor Stuyvesant, and on
the decision given in its favor at Hempstead. In defense, Newtown pleaded its
Indian purchase and its confirmation by Governor Nicolls. The evidence strongly
favored the claim of Newtown, but the council, unable to determine the question,
referred it to the court of assize. The case came up before the supreme court of
the colony November 4th. After a full hearing the case was submitted to a jury
of twelve, who gave their decision in favor of Bushwick, and the court confirmed
the verdict.

At this period the bad condition and the limited number of the roads in the
vicinity of the Dutch and English Kills were causing the farmers inconvenience.
In pursuance of their petition the town court, on March 8th 1670, appointed Mr.
Burger, Mr. Wandell, John Parcell and Captain Lawrence to superintend the laying
out of convenient highways. The decision of the supreme court in regard to the
meadows of Mespat being unsatisfactory to Newtown, a request was made to the
governor and council to appoint some indifferent persons to view and layout the
bounds between them and their neighbors of Bushwick. The council referred the
case to the court of sessions, which appointed Captain James Hubbard, Richard
Cornell, Captain Elbert, Elbertsz Stoothoff and Captain Jacques Cortelyou to
visit and review the lands in dispute, and "endeavor a composure betwixt
them." It was now hoped that parties would agree, but the summer of 1672
found them still at variance, and several applications were again laid before
the governor, who issued a commission to the gentlemen, nominated by the court
of sessions, and with them Thomas Delavall and Matthias Nicoll, to take a
careful observation of the premises and do their utmost to effect a
conciliation. Authorized deputies from the respective towns met them on the
premises, and at length an agreement was effected which the governor was pleased
to confirm. Bushwick conceded Smith’s Island, and Newtown yielded the large
tract of upland to the southward, mentioned in Bushwick patent.

In 1684 the towns of Newtown, Bushwick and Brooklyn deputed each a committee
of three to effect an agreement as to the limits and bounds of these towns.
Another committee from Newtown was chosen to wait upon the governor and confer
respecting "the confirmation of our patent to us and our heirs
forever." The interview of the three committees found them widely at issue
on the subject of their boundaries, Newtown urging its right to all the land
covered by its Indian deed. Disappointed with the issue of the investigation,
Newtown dropped the subject of a new charter until the following year. About the
beginning of 1686 a draft of the proposed charter was received. On inspection it
was found to require amendment. The improved draft, being allowed by the
governor, was engrossed on parchment, sealed with the provincial seal, and
signed by the governor. But the people of Flatbush claimed some of the land on
the southern border, and in 1685, obtained a patent therefor and began to extend
their authority over it. In December news came that the farmers there had met
with serious interruption. Jonathan Hazard and Edward Stevenson were forthwith
dispatched to Flatbush to demand "why they disturb our inhabitants."
Means were also taken to secure their borders, and to this end Philip Wells was
engaged to run out the boundaries of the township, which was accomplished in the
spring of 1687, and the draft deposited in the town clerk’s office. They next
proceeded to layout lots along the whole extent of their south bounds, to be
given to every freeholder in the township on condition that they should not sell
the same to residents of other towns and that the lands assigned be immediately
occupied. The efforts of Newtown to occupy all these lands fomented discontent
in the adjoining towns, in which Brooklyn, Flatbush and Bushwick participated.
The Newtown people, believing that a combination of these towns was being formed
against them, raised twenty pounds for the defense of their patent. A petition
was presented by the towns of Brooklyn, Bushwick and Flatbush to the governor,
complaining that the people of Newtown "build houses on our out-lands," and praying his 
excellency in council "to examine both their pretenses." All parties appeared before the 
governor, and after an inspection of their several patents and papers his excellency was 
of opinion "that the controversy cannot be better decided than by a survey of their
townships by the sworn surveyor, and that indifferent persons of note and
integrity be present at the surveying of them, and that the several surveys be
brought upon one plot or draft to be decided and determined accordingly by the
governor and council." This proposal being acceded to, a warrant was issued
February 6th 1693 to the surveyor general, who entered upon the work, in the
execution of which two years elapsed. When the survey was completed the council
was informed and requested that a date might be appointed for the appearance of
the inhabitants, in order to hear a decision of the controversy. When the day
came the agents of Newtown alone appeared. At the second appointment deputies
from Brooklyn presented themselves, but the other towns kept aloof, having
evidently changed their purpose to submit the decision to the council. The suit
was finally adjourned without coming to any conclusion. After a month’s delay
Newtown besought the governor for a determination of the dispute.

His excellency replied that, as it was a matter of common right, cognizable
at common law, and which therefore could not be decided by himself without the
concurrence of all parties, he should refer them to the common law. But as some
of the towns declined to resort to law, on the plea of expense, the dispute
remained where it was. Nothing transpired touching the controversy for about ten
years. Newtown kept the field, and quietly tried to preoccupy the lands in
dispute. This chafed and inflamed the feeling of the neighbors so that in the
spring of 1706 a party of the latter proceeded to vent their wrath upon the
dwellers on the disputed territory. News of the disturbance reached the ears of
the governor, and he, understanding that all parties were willing to submit
their differences to the council for decision, directed that they be summoned to
appear. But, on the meeting of the parties, counsel for Bushwick stated that his
clients objected to a decision of the question by that board. The governor
conceived the idea that there was a tract of ungranted land lying between
Bushwick and Newtown. By his order Peter Cortelyou made a survey of the disputed
lands, and found some twelve hundred acres of land. The governor determined to
dispose of this as a gift to certain of his personal friends. September 27th
1708 he gave a patent for this tract to Mrs. Ann Bridges, widow of the late
chief justice of the province, John Bridges, LL. D.; Robert Milward, attorney at
law, who with Dr. Bridges had accompanied Lord Cornbury to this country; William
Huddleston, Adrian Hoogland, Peter Praa, Benjamin Aske, and William Anderson.
The controversy was as far as ever from adjustment. Newtown exhibited an
unflinching purpose to contest the governor’s grant. The new patentees, Ann
Bridges and company, asserted their rights; entered suits against such of the
inhabitants of Newtown as were settled on their patent, and succeeded in ousting
them. The town undertook their defense, and deputed judge John Coe and Richard
Alsop to appear in behalf of the persons ejected. It was now proposed to obtain
the passage of a law for the settlement of this tedious controversy. But, this
bill died in committee, being never reported. The attempt was repeated in 1717.
A bill was introduced entitled "An act for the better ascertaining the
division line between Kings and Queens county, on the island of Nassau."
Remonstrances against this measure poured in from Flatbush, Brooklyn, and
Bushwick, but the objections were deemed insufficient and the Assembly passed
it. Now there was a hope of settlement; but it soon vanished, for on the
presentation of the bill to Governor Hunter he refused to saction it. The limits
of the town remained controverted and unsettled until 1764, when a bill was
introduced authorizing certain gentlemen named therein to agree upon and run out
the division line of Kings and Queens counties. Objections and amendments
delayed its passage till 1768, when it became a law. The commissioners specified
were Hon. John Watts, William Nicoll, and William Nicoll jr. Their report, with
a survey of the line, is still on file in the secretary of state’s office.
Thus ended a dispute which had continued more than a century.

EDUCATION.
The period between 1720 and 1755 was one of much social enterprise, and the
subject of education gained some attention. By education must be understood
those few and simple attainments which the mass of the people were wont to
regard as sufficient. To read, write and cast up plain accounts were all the
requirements deemed necessary. Previous to this date the village had
occasionally enjoyed the services of a schoolmaster. The first was Richard
Mills, who entered upon his duties in February 1661. In 1695 Ezekiel Lewis,
subsequently a distinguished lawyer of Boston, was engaged for a twelvemonth,
and for his accommodation the town-house was put in repair. In 1720 George
Reynolds appears to have occupied the town-house for the same-purpose, but
families in the distant parts of the town found the location inconvenient.
Several of these formed the design of starting another school, at what has since
borne the name of Middletown. Associating together they built a school-house
upon a piece of ground appropriated for the purpose by Joseph Hallett. In 1734
several individuals living in Hell Gate Neck combined and erected "a small
house for a school to be kept in for the education of their children." It
was located on the river road, where John Lawrence had presented as a site for
the building "one square rod of land," for which he gave a deed to his
associates, Joseph Moore, Thomas Lawrence, Cornelius Berrien, William Leverich
and. Hendrick Wiltsee. The residents south of Newtown village took measures in
1739 to build a school-house on a plot of ground "twenty foot square"
given by Jacobus Springsteen, who executed a deed for the same to his
"loving friends" Daniel Stevenson, Benjamin Coe, Gabriel Furman, N.
Furman, David Springsteen, Ezekiel Furman, William Van Duyn, JerOmus Remsen,
Jacob Skillman, Rem. Remsen, Abraham Morrell, Joseph Furman, Edward Titus and
Dow Suydam. The people near the English Kills were not behind their neighbors,
and they built a school-house about this period. Jacob Reeder was the preceptor
here for a long period; a useful man, and town clerk for above thirty years. In
1740 a house was erected "near the bridge at Newtown," the villagers
being assisted by contributions from liberal persons in other parts of the town.
At this date, therefore, five school-houses, located at different points,
testified to the desire of the inhabitants to furnish the means of education for
their offspring. The increased thirst for knowledge seemed to demand as early as
1762 a classical school, for such was established in that year at Hallett’s
Cove. The following is the teacher’s card:

 "TO THE PUBLIC.- This is to give notice to all whom it may concern that
William Rudge, late of the city of Gloucester, in Old England, still continues
his school at Hallett’s Cove, where he teaches writing in the different hands,
arithmetic in its different branches, the Italian method of book-keeping by way
of double entry, Latin, and Greek. Those who choose to favor him may depend upon
having proper care taken of their children; and he returns thanks to those who
have already obliged him. The school is healthy and pleasantly situated, and at
a very convenient distance from New York. Letters will be duly answered directed
to the said William Rudge, at Hallett’s Cove.

"We who have subscribed our names, being willing to continue the
schoolmaster, as we have hitherto found him a man of close application,
sobriety, and capable of his office, are ready to take in boarders at £18 per
annum: 
Jacob Blackwell, 
Jacob Hallett jr., 
Thomas Hallett, 
Jacob Hallett,
Jacob Rapelje, 
John Greenoak, 
Samuel Hallett jr., 
William Hallett, 
Richard Hallett,
Richard Berrien, 
Richard Penfold, 
William Hallett, 
John McDonnaugh."

REVOLUTIONARY RECORD.
At the beginning of the Revolutionary period the inhabitants were divided
into two parties. It is difficult to say which one was loudest in protestations
of loyalty to George III., whom all acknowledged as their rightful sovereign,
but few if any were found to deny the existence of grave grievance. The widest
difference of opinion prevailed, however, as to the proper means of obtaining
redress. The weaker party urged the most pacific measures, and condemned the
formation of congresses and committees. But a majority scouted such moderation,
and no sooner had the resolutions of Congress been received at Newtown than
these hastened, at the call of their supervisor, Jeromus Remsen jr., to adopt
their recommendations. A large number assembled at the town-house, and seventeen
persons were appointed to act as a committee of correspondence, and to see that
the association formed by Congress be strictly adhered to within the limits of
the town. The said persons were:
Philip Edsall, 
Thomas Lawrence, 
Daniel Lawrence,
Jacob Blackwell, 
Richard Alsop, 
Daniel Rapelje, 
Jonathan Lawrence, 
Samuel Moore,
William Furman, 
William Howard, 
Jeromus Remsen jr., 
Samuel Riker, 
John Alburtis,
Abraham Brinckerhoff, 
James Way, 
Samuel Morrell and Jonathan Coe. 
Although meeting with much opposition the friends of liberty in Newtown responded to a
call of the New York committee, inviting them to send a representative to a
convention to be held in that city for the purpose of choosing delegates to a
second general Congress. The loyalists exerted themselves to defeat the election
of deputies, and circulated a paper entitled the Queens County Freeholder, which
"leveled its whole force at the very essence of a Continental
Congress." In order to counteract the pernicious influence of this
publication, and incite the people to action, the Whigs issued, on the day of
election, an eloquent appeal "to the freeholders of Newtown." It is a
remarkable fact that, while the body of the Newtown people were in favor of
deputies, every other town in Queens county gave its voice against deputies. In
the prosecution of defensive measures the convention advised the immediate
organization of the militia. Newtown consisted of two beats, the north and the
south. In the former a company was formed under Captain Jonathan Lawrence, and
in the latter another under Captain Abraham Remsen, the first containing 107 and
the other 86 men. The Newtown troop of light horse, consisting of 44 men, was
commanded by :
Captain Richard Lawrence, and afterward by his brother, 
Captain Daniel Lawrence. 
Samuel Riker was second lieutenant, 
Jonathan Coe cornet, and
Peter Rapelje quartermaster.

The excitement which at this juncture pervaded all circles was heightened by
the news that the general Congress at Philadelphia had dissolved the connection
of the colonies with the mother country. Copies of the declaration were received
at Newtown and read at the head of each company. That blood must soon flow was
how evident, for the British troops had made a landing on Staten Island, and
their nearer approach was expected. The convention ordered the militia of Queens
county, with the troop of horse, to be called out, and all diligence to be used
to prevent the stock from falling into the hands of the enemy. General Woodhull,
with some Queens county militia, hastened to forward the execution of these
orders. While the party were scouring Newtown and vicinity for cattle the
British troops cut off his communications with the camp, and he and several of
the citizens of Newtown were taken prisoners, 
Richard Bragaw, 
George Brinkerhoff,
Abraham Divine and Ludlam Haire being of the number. Newtown was now open to the
enemy, and many of the Whig families, alarmed at their defenseless condition,
fled in the utmost confusion. Early the next morning the British light dragoons
entered the town. The tories, in the excess of their triumph, informed against
their Whig neighbors. The leading Whigs were imprisoned or sent into exile, and
their property was seized by the enemy. Under these circumstances the remainder
were constrained to join in a petition that Queens county might be restored to
royal favor, which met with a very gracious reception. Now that the British had
possession it became necessary to guard against the incursions of the Americans.
In Newtown the following new officers were chosen in the northern beat: 
George Rapelye, captain; 
Daniel Rapelye, lieutenant; 
Jeromus Rapelye, ensign. 
The south beat was commanded by :
Captain Dow Van Duyn. 
The officers of the light horse were: 
Cornelius Rapelye, captain; 
Daniel Rapelye, lieutenant; 
Daniel Lent, cornet.

Newtown in the winter of 1778 presented an unusually animated appearance.
General Washington was expected to make an attack upon New York, and for the
better preservation and safety of the shipping Sir Henry Clinton ordered all
vessels not in the service of the government to be removed to Newtown Creek. A
large number of British troops were also barracked here. There were the
seventeenth regiment of light dragoons, the Maryland loyalists, the royal
Highlanders, commanded by Lieutenant Colonel Thomas Sterling, who had seen long
and arduous service in America during the French and Indian war; the royal
artillery, with their cannon and horses; and the thirty-third regiment, Lord
Cornwallis. During this period the farmers were subjected to many severe
burdens. They were required to furnish from year to year, for the use of the
army, the greater portion of their hay, straw, rye, corn, oats and provisions,
under pain of being imprisoned and having their crops confiscated. The
commissary weighed or measured the produce, and then rendered payment according
to the prices fixed by the king’s commissioners. If the seller demanded more
it was at the risk of losing the whole. The private soldiers were billeted in
the houses of the Whig families. The family was generally allowed one fireplace.
Robberies were frequent, and Newtown became a prey to depredation, alarm and
cruelty. The civil courts were suspended, and martial law prevailed through
seven long years. It was a happy day for Newtown when news arrived that Great
Britain had virtually acknowledged our independence, and when her patriotic sons
were permitted to return from a tedious exile.

THE CIVIL LIST.
On the 22nd of December 1783 the first town officers were chosen in the name
of the people of the State of New York. Samuel Riker wa.s elected supervisor,
John Morrell and Joseph Gosline trustees, William Howard, John Gosline, William
Lawrence and Richard Bragaw assessors, John Gosline constable and collector, and
Philip Edsall town clerk.

The following lists show the succession of town officers since 1683. The
dates following the name are the years in which the person was elected, and
comparison of dates will give the length of each officer’s service.

Town Clerks- 
William Wood, 1656; 
Thomas Lawrence, 1659; 
John Burroughs, 1662, 1665; 
James Bradish, 1663; 
John Ketcham, 1675; 
Theophilus Phillips, 1677;
Daniel Phillips, 1689; 
Jeremiah Burroughs, 1690, 1695; 
Edward Stevenson, 1691;
William Glean, 1698; 
Peter Berrien, 1704; 
John Stevenson 1706; 
Jonathan Fish, 1708; 
Jacob Reeder, 1723; 
William Van Wyck, 1756; 
Samuel Moore, 1759; 
Samuel Moore 3d, 1768; 
Philip Edsall, 1783; 
Cornelius Luyster, 1789; 
William Howard, 1807, 1821; 
Thomas H. Betts, 1810; 
John R. Ludlow, 1825; 
Schenck Way, 1826;
Benjamin Howard, 1828; 
James H. Kolyer, 1832, 1839; 
William Howard, 1836; 
Andrew Lawrence, 1843; 
William Payntar, April 1st 1845; 
William M. Payntar, April 12th, 1845; 
William E. Furman, 1847; 
John I. Burroughs, 1858; 
Edward L. Van Wickle, 1859; 
Nicholas Van Antwerp, 1861, 1867; 
Edward C. Wright, 1865; 
Aaron F. Howard, 1866; 
William H. Gordon, 1872; 
James H. Smith, 1876; 
William O’Gorman, 1881.

The town clerk’s office is in Newtown village, where a separate building
has been erected for the safe keeping of the town records. .

Assessors- 
Content Titus, 1686, 1693; 
Jeremiah Burroughs, 1686, 1694;
Thomas Pettit, 1687, 1691, 1693; 
Joseph Sackett, 1687, 1691; 
John Lawrence, 1690; 
Robert Coe, 1690, 1697; 
Samuel Hallet, 1692; 
John Way 1692; 
Daniel Bloomfield, 1694; 
Richard Betts jr., 1693; 
William Glean, 1695, 1699; 
Jonathan Hazard, 1696; 
Gershom Moore, 1696, 1704; 
Joseph Burroughs, 1697; 
Peter Berrien, 1699; 
Philip Ketcham, 1700; 
William Hallett jr., 1700; 
John Berrian, 1703;
Elnathan Field, 1703, 1712, 1723, 1724, 1748; 
Joseph Sackett jr., 1704; 
John Coe, 1704; 
Jonathan Fish, 1704, 1709, 1712, 1723; 
John Stevenson 1705, 1710;
Samuel Moore jr., 1705; 
Nicholas Berrien 1706; 
Josias Furman jr., 1706; 
Joseph Moore, 1707, 1709; 
Silas Titus, 1707; 
John Gancel, 1708; 
James Burroughs, 1708;
Richard Betts, 1710; 
Thomas Alsop, 1710; 
Daniel Stevenson, 1711; 
Samuel Fish, 1711; 
Nathaniel Hazard, 1722; 
Johannes Schenck, 1722; 
William Stevenson, 1724;
Samuel Fish jr., 1728, 1736; 
Teunis Brinckerhoff, 1728, 1736; 
Joseph Sackett jr., 1732; 
Cornelius Berrien, 1732; 
John Way, 1733; 
Isaac Brinckerhoff, 1733;
Cornelius Rapelje, 1734; 
Samuel Moore jr., 1734; 
Philip Edsall, 1735, 1743, 1749, 1751, 1753, 1763,1775; 
Benjamin Field, 1735; 
Jeromus Remsen, 1737;
Hendrick Brinckerhoff, 1737; 
William Van Wyck, 1738; 
John Hallett, 1738; 
Daniel Rapelje, 1839; 
Thomas Betts, 1739, 1843, 1749; 
Robert Coe, 1740; 
John De Bevoise, 1740; 
John Wyckoff, 1741; 
John Sackett, 1741; 
Jacob Rapelje, 1742; 
William Moore, 1742, 1747; 
Jeromus Rapelje, 1746; 
William Hazard, 1746; 
Nathaniel Fish, 1747; 
Teunis Schenck, 1748; 
Richard Hallett jr., 1750; 
George Brinckerhoff, 1750; 
justice Cornelius Berrien, 1751, 1753; 
Samuel Moore, 1752; 
John Burroughs, 1752; 
Isaac Bragaw jr., 1754; 
William Moses Hallett, 1754; 
Edward Titus, 1754;
John Pettit jr., 1754; 
John Rapelje, 1755; 
John Leverich jr., 1755; 
Joseph Morrell, 1755; 
John Wyckoff, 1756; 
Daniel Rapelje, 1756; 
William Sackett jr., 1758, 1760; 
Wilhelmus Wyckoff, 1758, 1761; 
Cornelius Rapelje jr., 1759; 
William Howard, 1759; 
Nathaniel Moore, 1760; 
Samuel Moore jr., 1761; 
Samuel Hallett jr., 1762; 
Captain Samuel Hallett, 1765; 
Abraham Brinckerhoff jr., 1762; 
Garret Springsteen, 1762; 
John Gosline, 1762; 
Thomas Betts, 1763; 
Dow Van Duyn, 1764;
William Lawrence, 1764; 
Ezekiel Furman, 1765; 
Richard Betts jr., 1765; 
John Moore jr., 1765; 
Daniel Lawrence, 1766; 
Richard Alsop, 1766; 
Caspar Springsteen, 1766; 
Jonathan Coe, 1766; 

Abraham Polhemus, 
Joseph Burroughs, 
John Suydam,
Abraham Ryker jr., 1767;
John Fish, 
John Bragaw, 
George Rapelje, 3d., 
Samuel Betts, 1768; ,

George Brinckerhoff sen., 
Benjamin Coe sen.,
Samuel Riker, 1769;

Jeromus Remsen, 1770, 1772, 1775; 
Abraham Rapelye jr., 
Cornelius Berrien, 1770;

Benjamin Cornish, 
William Leverich, 
Jeremiah Remsen, 1771; 

Daniel Rapalje, 1772;

John Suydam, 
Hendrick Suydam, 1777; 

Abraham Lent, 
John Schenck, 1779;

Martin Rapelye, 
Nicholas Wyckoff, 1780; 

Abraham Rapelye,
Simon Remsen, 1781; 

William Howard, 1783, 1784; 

John Gosline, 
William Lawrence, 
Richard Bragaw, 1783; 

Daniel Lawrence, 
Samuel Blackwell, 
Luke Remsen, 1784, 1785, 1790, 1792, 1793; 

Theodorus Polhemus, 
John Lawrence, 
Samuel Edsall, 1785; 

John Morrell, 
Robert Moore,
William Furman, 1786; 

Abraham Springsteen, 1786, 1787; 
Cornelius Berrien, 1787;
Abraham Furman, 1787-89, 1792, 1793; 
Jacob Palmer, 1787, 1788; 
Samuel Riker, 1788, 1790; 
Jeromus Remsen, 1788; 
Simon Remsen, 1792; 
Charles Roach, 1793; 
David Moore, 1796-98; 
Robert Moore, 1796-1800; 

Jacob Field, 
Samuel Waldron, 1796;

Cornelius R. Remsen, 1797; 
John Suydam, 1798, 1799; 
Edward Leverich, 1799, 1802, 1808, 
David Springsteen, 1800; 
James Suydam, 1800, 
Thomas Lawrence, 1801, 1807;
Timothy Roach, 1801; 

John Sackett, 
Abraham Remsen, 1802; 

Robert Moore, 1803-05;
William Furman,1803; 
Jacob Rapelye, 1803, 1804; 
Edward Howard, 1804-06;
Cornelius Rapelye, 1805; 
John Lawrence, 1806; 
Daniel Riker, 1806-08; 
Jonathan Howard, 1807, 1808, 1813, 1814; 

Edward Moore, 
Abraham Riker, 1809; 

Daniel Riker, 1813-15, 1818, 1819; 
Cornelius R. Duryea, 1813; 
Martin Way, 1814-17; 
Richard B. Leverich, 1815; 
Charles Debevoise, 
Abraham Furman Jr., 1816; 
Charles Palmer, 1817-20, 1822; 
Peter Luyster, 1817-20, 1822-25, 1835-37, 1840-43, 1855; 

John M. Rapelye,
Samuel Blackwell, 1818; 

Edward Moore, 1818-20; 

Timothy Roach, 
Daniel S. Moore, 
Luke Kouwenhoven, 
Cornelius N. Dilmas, 
Benjamin Moore, 1821; 

John De Bevoise, 1822, 1823, 1835, 1836;
Arthur Remsen, 1822, 1823; 
Abraham Rapelye, 1822, 1823; 
William Bragaw, 1823, 1826, 1827; 
William Morrell, 1824; 
Walter Way, 1824; 
Jarvis Jackson, 1824, 1825; 
Edward Leverich, 1824-26, 1829; 
Isaac Debevoise, 1826, 1833, 1834; 
Francis Duryea, 1827; 
Thomas Moore, 1827, 1828;
Joseph Tompkins, 1827-32; 
John Waters, 1827; 
Jeromus T. Rapelye, 1828; 
Underhill Covert, 1829; 
Isaac I. Bragaw, 1830; 
Abraham Remsen, 1830, 1832; 
George Kouwenhoven, 1832, 1833; 
Cornelius R. Remsen, 1833; 

Daniel Lent, 
John Tompkins, 1834; 

John I. Van Alst, 
Theodorus Burroughs, 
Edward Tompkins, 1835; 

William Hendrickson, 1836, 1837; 
Richard Way, 1837, 1840-43, 1845-47, 1856, 1859; 
Henry F. Blackwell, 1837; 
William G. Kouwenhoven, 1837, 1838, 1842, 1844; 

William T. Hendrickson, 
Abraham A. Remsen, 
Jacob Debevoise, 
Charles H. Roach, 1838; 

Daniel L. Rapelje, 1839, 1840; 

John Kolyer, 
Peter Van Pelt, 1839; 

Abel Sammis, 1840,1841; 
George C. Debevoise, 1840, 1843, 1844; 
William Paynter jr., 1841-43, 1845; 
Daniel Morrell, 1841-43; 
John D. Rapelje, 1843; 
Peter E. Bourdett, 1844;
John B. Reboul, 1844-46; 
John Van Cott, 1844; 
Henry S. Vanderveer, 1845, 1846, 1848, 1851, 1854; 
W.A. Payntar, 1845; 
James W. Carrington, 1847, 1849; 
N. Filby, 1850, 1852; 
J. Kolyer, 1850; 
George Hulst, 1853; 
Frost T. Covert, 1857, 1860, 1866; 
Amsted C. Henry, 1858, 1865; 
William A. Watson, 1861; 
John Van Cott, 1862;
Adrian A. Seaman, 1863; 
James A. Johnson, 1864, 1867; 

William B. Wilson, 
William McGowan, 1868; 

Joseph B. Denton, 1869; 
Garret Furman, 1870, 1874, 1878; 
Joseph Closius, 1871; 
William Randell, 1872; 
James W. Dare, 1873; 
Henry Zeh, 1875;
Thomas Morse, 1876; 
David P. Rapelye, 1877; 
Joseph Closius jr., 1880; 
Joseph J.Tompkins, 1881.

Supervisors- 
Samuel Moore, 1684, 1687, 1691; 
Thomas Stevenson, 1685;
Jeremiah Burroughs, 1686; 
Jonathan Hazard, 1690; 
Lieutenant Joseph Sacket, 1697, 1700, 1706, 1711; 
John Berrian, 1699; 
Peter Berrien, 1703, 1708; 
John Coe, 1716;
Captain Thomas Hazard, 1720; 
Samuel Fish sen., 1733; 
Jacob Rapelje, 1756;
Jeromus Remsen jr., 1774; 
Daniel Luyster, 1777; 
Samuel Riker, 1783, 1803; 
Robert Furman, 1786; 
John Lawrence, 1807; 
Jonathan Howard, 1810, 1825; J
ames Lent,1811, 1822; 
John Alsop, 1821; 
Jarvis Jackson, 1829; 
John De Bevoise, 1837;
Daniel L. Rapelje, 1844; 
William H. Furman, 1845, 1852; 
Peter Luyster, 1849;
Silvanus S. Riker, 1856; 
Charles G. Covert, 1858, 1865; 
Joseph Rice, 1864;
Robert Burroughs, 1871; 
John E. Van Nostrand, 1878-81.

JOHN E. VAN NOSTRAND
PRESENT SUPERVISOR OF THE TOWN OF NEWTOWN.

John Everitt Van Nostrand was born in the town of Newtown, Queens county,
N.Y., April 20th 1848, and has always lived at the old homestead. He is of
Holland Dutch descent, son of Norman Van Nostrand, who died in March 1868,
before the subject of this sketch became of age. The care and management of his
father’s estate and business were intrusted to him by his mother, and the
trust thus devolving upon him was executed in the most faithful and
conscientious manner. He attended the district school of his town at an early
age, and afterward the public schools of Brooklyn, from which he graduated,
after which he received the benefits of private instruction in higher branches
of learning. He was engaged with his father a number of years in publishing the Christian
Ambassador at 119 Nassau street, New York city, a newspaper devoted to the
interests of the Universalist denomination. He entered Columbia College Law
School in 1872, and graduated with high honors in May 1874, receiving therefrom
the degree of Bachelor of Laws. He entered upon the practice of the law in New
York, Kings and Queens counties, having his office at No. 151 Broadway, New
York. Upon the erection of the present Evening Post building he, with M.E.
Sawyer, engaged offices in that building, where he still continues. In his
professional labors he is of cool and even temper, yet energetic; shrewd and
wonderfully capable of using the passing opportunity, and in every way careful
of his clients’ interest.

Upon the establishment of the Bar Association of Queens county he became a member, serving 
upon various committees.

He has always been a Republican in politics, taking a deep interest in the
success of the principles of that party; he has been a member of the Queens
county Republican central committee for a long term of years.

He was nominated for the Assembly by the Republican party in 1876 in the
second district of Queens county, comprising the towns of Newtown, Jamaica and
Hempstead, and Long Island City. The district is overwhelmingly Democratic, but
although defeated in the contest he ran largely ahead of his ticket. The
following year he was again nominated for the Assembly, but failed of election,
although running ahead of his ticket over 600 votes.

He was nominated in the spring of 1878 for supervisor of the town of Newtown,
against Robert Burroughs, then the incumbent of that office. A very active
canvass ensued, and excitement in the town ran high. The largest vote ever
polled at a spring election was the result, and when the votes were counted it
was found that Mr. Van Nostrand was 62 ahead of his Democratic competitor. Thus
for the first time in its existence Newtown elected a Republican supervisor. The
election of Mr. Van Nostrand resulted in making the board of supervisors of
Queens county Republican for the first time in its history. In the spring of the
following year Mr. Van Nostrand was again nominated for supervisor, his former
opponent, Robert Burroughs, being again nominated by the Democrats. The canvass,
as in the preceding year, was extremely spirited, but the result was the defeat
of Mr. Burroughs, the majority for Mr. Van Nostrand being over 275. Mr. Van
Nostrand instituted reforms in the town government, reduced its bonded
indebtedness, and lowered its rate of taxation; the credit of the town rose
under his administration, so that its bonds bearing interest at 7 per cent.,
which could hardly be disposed of at par at the time he entered the office, rose
rapidly to twenty and twenty-five per cent. premium. So satisfactory was his
course to the people of the town that upon the expiration of his term of office
he was re-elected without opposition, and the present year he was again honored
in like manner, having no competitor but receiving the almost unanimous vote of
the town. In the board of supervisors he has served on the most important committees.

Mr. Van Nostrand married on the 5th of October 1881 Miss Anna R. Wyckoff, a
daughter of Peter Wyckoff and granddaughter of Nicholas Wyckoff, the venerable
president of the First National Bank of Brooklyn. She is a young lady of rare
attainments and culture, having received the benefits of a classical education,
and of extensive travel both at home and abroad. The families of Van Nostrand
and Wyckoff. are among the oldest in the country, their .ancestors having
emigrated to America sometime in the seventeenth century.

REMAINS OF ANCIENT NEWTOWN.
(Under this title and over the nom de plume of "THE
TOURIST" William O’Gorman, of Laurel Hill, has during the last few years
written for the Long Island Star an excellent series of historical
sketches, which preserves much that is valuable and interesting regarding the
old families of the town. To him the reader is indebted for much in this article.)

The Alsop Family.- Among the early settlers of New town were the Alsop
family. Writers on English sur names inform us that this family derives its name
from the village of Alsop, in Derbyshire. Richard Alsop, the progenitor of the
Newtown family, was induced to locate here by his uncle, Thomas Wandell. Mr.
Wandell, according to reminiscences in the Alsop family, had been a major in
Cromwell’s army; but, having some dispute with the "protector," was
obliged to flee for safety, first to Holland and thence to America. Some doubts
of this may he entertained, for Mr. Wandell was living at Mespat Kills in 1648,
which was prior to the execution of King Charles, and when Cromwell enjoyed but
a subordinate command in the parliamentary army. Mr. Wandell married the widow
of William Herrick, whose plantation on Newtown Creek he bought in 1659. This
was originally patented to Richard Brutnell. To this he afterward added fifty
acres for which Richard Colfax had obtained a patent in 1652. On this property,
since composing the Alsop farm, Mr. Wandell resided. He was one of the jury in
1665 for the trial of Ralph Hall and his wife for witchcraft (the only
trial for witchery in this colony), and shared the honor of acquitting the
accused. Some years later he visited England, and it is supposed that on his
return he brought with him his sister’s son, Richard Alsop, whom he made his
heir. Mr. Wandell died in 1691 and was buried on the hill occupied by the Alsop
cemetery. Many years later the silver plate of his coffin was discovered in
digging a new grave.

Richard Alsop, while yet under age, received a commission in the troop of
horse. Inheriting the estate of his uncle he continued to reside upon it until
his death, which occurred in October 1718, when he was 58 years old; but his
widow, Hannah (who, tradition says, was a Dutch lady, whom he courted through an
interpreter), attained her 91st year, and died August 23d 1757. The farm was
subsequently bought by their son Richard Alsop, who was for twenty years a
justice of the peace in Newtown. It remained in the family three generations
longer. The last of the family who owned it died in 1837, and as he left no
heirs the farm was sold and the name Alsop became extinct in Newtown. A
considerable part of this farm has been converted into the Catholic burial place
known as Calvary Cemetery. The old house built by Mr. Wandell was destroyed in
October 1879. The little Alsop cemetery is, fortunately for itself, snugly
inclosed in Calvary; but by a reservation to the family it is still Protestant ground.

Captain Richard Betts, whose public services appear for fifty years on
every page of Newtown’s history, came in 1648 to New England, but soon after
to Newtown, where he acquired great influence. In the revolution of 1663 he bore
a zealous part, and after the conquest of New Netherlands’ by the English was
a member from Newtown of the provincial Assembly held at Hempstead in 1665. In
1678 he was commissioned high sheriff of "Yorkshire upon Long Island,"
and he retained the position until 1681. He became a bitter opponent to Director
Pieter Stuyvesant and the little town of Bushwick, which he had founded. Under
leave from the governor the English settlers had planted their town, but were
refused the usual patent, and in 1656 Richard Betts administered a severe blow
to Stuyvesant by purchasing the land for himself and 55 associates, from the red
men, at the rate of one shilling per acre. The total cost amounted to £68 16s.
4d., which, with the sum of £76 9s. paid to the sachems Pomwaukon and
Rowerowestco, extinguished the Indian title to Newtown. For a long series of
years Betts was a magistrate. During this time he was more than once a member of
the high court of assize, then the supreme power in the province. He became an
extensive landholder at the English Kills. His residence was here, in what is
still known as "the old Betts house." It is further said that here
within sight of his bedroom he dug his own grave, in his 100th year, and from
the former to the latter he was carried in 1713. No headstone marks the grave,
but its absence may be accounted for by the fact that his sons had become
Quakers and abjured headstones. The old house which we may enter by lifting the
wrought iron latch of heavy construction, worn by the hands of many generations;
the polished flags around the old deep well, where the soldiers were wont to
wash down their rations, are still as the British left them on their last march
through Maspeth. This house is but one of several most ancient farm houses still
carefully preserved for their antiquity, on the old Newtown road, between
Calvary Cemetery and Maurice avenue. These venerable companions have witnessed
many changes, and now enjoy a green old age, respected by the community in which
they stand.

The Moore Family and Estates.- Rev. John Moore, the early ancestor of
the Newtown family of this name, was supposed to be of English birth, though it
is unknown when or whence he emigrated. He was an Independent, and the first
minister of the town. Though not authorized to administer sacraments he preached
to the people of Newtown until his death, in 1657. In consequence of his
interest in the purchase of Newtown from the Indians the town awarded 80 acres
of land to his children, thirty years after his decease. One of his sons, Samuel
Moore, became a grantee of land in Newtown village in 1662, and afterward bought
an adjacent tract, previously owned by his father, which subsequently came into
the hands of John J. Moore. In 1684 he bought a farm near the Poor Bowery, to
which he removed.

Among the distinguished members of the Moore family was Benjamin Moore, who
was born at Newtown, October 5th 1748. He received his education at Kings (now
Columbia) College, and afterward became its honored president. After pursuing
theological studies he went to England and was ordained to the. Episcopal
ministry. In 1800 he was appointed rector of Trinity Church, and in 1801 was
elected a bishop of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the State of New York and
he continued in this relation until his death, February 16th 1816. His wife was
a daughter of Major Clement Clark, of New York.

His brother William Moore, born at Newtown, January 17th 1754, was a medical
student and a graduate of Edinburgh in 1780. He then returned home, and for more
than forty years was engaged in the duties of an extensive practice. For many
years he was president of the New York Medical Society, and trustee of the
College of Physicians and Surgeons. His wife was a daughter of Nathaniel Fish,
of Newtown. One of their sons, Nathaniel F., succeeded his uncle as president of
Columbia College.

Captain Daniel Sackett Moore was a successful and respected ship-master. He
owned the Moore residence near Newtown village, and died here in 1828. His son,
John Jacob Moore, the last of the sixth generation of the Moore family, died
here June 14th 1879, aged 73 years. The ancestors of this gentleman form an
unbroken line of proprietors in fee from the original Indian purchase, in 1656,
in the following order: 
Rev. John Moore, died 1657; 
Samuel Moore, died 1717;
Benjamin Moore, died 1750; 
John Moore, born 1730, died 1827; 
Captain Daniel Sackett Moore, died 1828; 
John Jacob Moore, died 1879.

The venerable Moore house standing on the Shell road was one of the mansions
of the colonial period. It is carefully preserved and has been occupied
constantly by the Moore family since its erection, more than a hundred years
before the Revolution; no part of it is allowed to go to decay, nor is there
much change save by additions, which are not allowed to displace the old
structure. The same hall door- in two sections, of solid oak and secured by the
original strong hinges, bolts and locks, and with the original ponderous brass
knocker- is still spared; the old well built stairway give access to the upper
rooms; the ancient beams still exhibit their full proportions and are well
varnished. This house occupied the center of the British camp for many years.
The well beside it requires but one glance down its mossy stones to discover its
antiquity.

The house now owned by the Penfolds, another ancient building, was the
birthplace of Bishop Benjamin Moore and his brother Samuel Moore, M.D. This
house was laid out exactly north and south, which brought it at an angle with
the street, and by this it may be readily identified.

The third Moore house, on the Bowery Bay road, is fast yielding to decay;
desolation surrounds the house, once of such fine proportions that even for this
age it would be an ostentatious country seat.

Sir Henry Clinton established his headquarters on these premises after the
battle of Long Island, and in this building he wrote his orders to the
commanders to debouch their troops from the many camps which covered this
section, and converge to Newtown Creek, there to embark in boats for the capture
of New York city.

Adjoining Clinton’s headquarters, on the Bowery Bay road, is the Moore
burying ground. This little cemetery was carefully guarded by Hon. Thomas B.
Jackson until his death.

The Fish Family and Property.- The Fish family of Newtown were
descendants of Jonathan Fish, who with his brother Nathaniel originally came
from England and settled in Massachusetts. As early as 1659 Jonathan Fish joined
the settlement of Middleburg or Newtown. His name often appears on the town
books in an official capacity, and also as the owner of a twenty-shilling
purchase right in the town lands, which right afterward passed to his sons
Nathan and Samuel. He died about 1663, leaving a wife and three sons, all
patentees of Newtown in 1686. His son Samuel died in 1700. John appears to have
left the town, and Nathan remained in Newtown. He devoted his life to
agricultural pursuits and died at an advanced age in 1734. His eldest son,
Jonathan, served as town clerk of Newtown fifteen years. He owned the homestead
and considerable land in Newtown, and presented the ground on which the
Presbyterian church now stands. He lived and died in the "Corner
House," that famous old landmark built by him, which still stands on the
corner of Grand street and the Hoffman boulevard. Clinging around it are all the
associations of Newtown with the French war of 1754. Jonathan Fish died in 1723.
His son Samuel kept the old house as an inn. He died in 1767. Of his fifteen
children Jonathan died in 1779, leaving two children, Sarah and Nicholas.
The son was born in 1738. At the commencement of hostilities between this
country and Great Britain he entered the American service with the commission of
major, and he retired at the settlement of peace with the rank of
lieutenant-colonel. He was at the battle of Long Island, was wounded at Monmouth
and shared in the capture of the British army under Burgoyne at Saratoga, and
that of Cornwallis at Yorktown. He enjoyed much of the confidence of General
Washington, and continued with the army for a time after peace was declared, but
retired in a few years. His death occurred in 1833. His wife was a daughter of
Petrus Stuyvesant. Hamilton Fish, formerly governor of New York, United States
senator, and President Grant’s secretary of state, is one of their children.

The famous old "Corner House" commenced its public career about
1700, under the guidance of Jonathan Fish. With the exception of its front it
remains much in its original state. The rear door swings in the old style, with
its upper and lower sections, on four great hinges. A visit to the attic floor
reveals its solid framing; its timbers, seasoned to the hardness of lignum
vitae, are framed with dowels, ship fashion.

Many of the unfortunate farmers of Nova Scotia, who were scattered helpless
exiles over the colonies, found shelter here with Samuel Fish. Many French
officers on parole in the families of the Sacketts, Moores, Bettses and
Lawrences of that day were frequenters of the "Corners."

But this old landmark reached its greatest importance during the period from
August 1776, when General Howe dismounted at the door, to September 1783, when
the Hessian regiment Deknoblauch halted before the same door, and resumed
its last march through Newtown village. This long interval was a time of
soldiers, arms, drums, prisoners and marches, together with balls and revelry
around, this focus of British rule. Through all this eventful period Abraham
Rapelye was host. He died in 1798, having continued the business until his
death. Tradition asserts that not a few refugees of the patriot stamp were wont
to find a hiding place in the old house, for the host was at times a useful
medium. He now sleeps on the shore of Bowery Bay. The old house has been
converted successively into a parsonage and school-house, and now stands an
object of interest to all.

The Jackson mill at the mouth of the Sackhickneyah stream, whose foundations
were laid in 1668 by Pieter Cornelisz Luyster, is the only surviving mill of
ancient Newtown. As we examine its wooden fastenings and measure its main shaft- all
in working order after so many years- we question, can time destroy it? In 1715
Samuel Fish bought the farm now owned by the heirs of the late Hon. Thomas B.
Jackson, and in 1824 he purchased this mill property adjoining; hence the name
"Fish’s Point." The Indian name Sackhickneyah still adheres to the
stream which turns the mill, and around its waters some dark crimes were
perpetrated by the Indians on the white settlers; the tomahawk was freely used,
and an old mill was burned by them before they took their final departure from
what appears to have been a favorite resort to them. Their most extensive
cemetery is in this region, and large mounds of oyster shells remain.

In 1691 a fulling-mill was built on this stream. It remained for many years,
but every vestige of it long since disappeared, though the locality still
retains the name of Fulling-mill Dam. This was one of the first mills of the
kind in the province.

The Palmers now own and occupy a portion of the mill farm, and may be looked
upon as the representatives of the Fish family, as Sarah Fish, daughter of John
Fish, married William Palmer. Their neat homestead recalls the olden times. On
an elevation which forms the eastern hook this house presents its gable to the
still more ancient cottage of Jacob Rapalye. Between these houses stand the
homesteads of the Riker, Luyster and Kouwenhoven families, the whole five of
them having an ante-Revolutionary date. In a field a few yards east of the
Palmer cottage lie the remains of John Fish; his headstone bears the
inscription, "In memory of John Fish, who died 2nd day of July 1793, aged
73." His wife may rest here, but no headstone marks the spot. One of their
daughters and her husband also lie buried here. Some of this ancient family
sleep in the old town burying ground, others in the Alsop family cemetery, and
still others in the Presbyterian church yard at Newtown, around which was the
original home of the family. Of this family is the Hon. Hamilton; Fish, jr., a
son of Governor Fish and a distinguished member of the State Legislature.

The Luysters.- The farm on Fish’s Point, which Samuel Fish purchased,
was but a small part of the Luyster farm, which then covered Bowery Bay up to
the Riker homestead. Luyster Island, now bearing the Steinway and Riker
residences, was also included in the Luyster purchase from the Dutch Reformed
church. The Dutch church of New Amsterdam had received the whole of this
property from the Dutch government, under the usual delusion of converting it
into a self-supporting farm for the poor. Nothing however came of that
speculation save the bestowal of the name "Poor Bowery" on the
district, a name usually understood as marking the barrenness of the soil, than
which nothing could be more foreign to its quality. The Poor Bowery farm
extended from Fish’s Point nearly a mile westward. It was purchased from the
church by Peter Cornelisz Luyster, the progenitor of all in this country bearing
this name, who came here in 1656. He was a descendant of a very respectable
Dutch family, long resident in Holland and Rhineland, and some of them had been
distinguished citizens of Cologne. He soon acquired property in Newtown, and
erected a grist-mill at Fish’s Point. He died in 1695, when this estate, on
which he was buried, was bought by his son Cornelius, who acquired prominence
here, served in the magistracy, and held a captain’s commission. He died in
1721. The estate was divided among his children, and for more than a century
afterward remained in the family; but it has passed into other hands and is
divided into half a dozen farms, still among the best lands and most beautiful
locations in Newtown. The family cemetery is dismantled and potatoes and cabbage
grow over several generations of dead, and of the ancient house of Luyster here
only a heap of family tombstones remains.

Abraham Rycken’s Descendants.- 
Abraham Rycken, or de Rycke, as the name is written in early records, was the 
progenitor of the present Riker families of the United States; his descendants 
of the third generation having assumed the present mode of spelling the name. 
He is presumed to have emigrated in 1638, as in that year he received an allotment 
of land at the Wallabout, from Governor Kieft. They were originally a German family, 
and it is believed that this branch descended from a family of importance at Amsterdam. 
In 1654 Abraham Rycken obtained a grant of land at the Poor Bowery, afterward adding 
to his domain the island known as Riker’s Island. His wife was a daughter of Hendrick
Harmensen. He died in 1689, leaving his farm by will to his son Abraham, who
added considerably to the extent of his lands, and at his death, in 1746, left
the estate to his sons Abraham and Andrew. Abraham located upon that part of his
father’s estate which included a third of the Tuder patent. The tenement which
he erected still remains, and forms the center room of the house now owned by
the heirs of Charles Rapelye, deceased. Mr. Riker took an active part in the
erection of the first Dutch church built at Newtown, and was one of the trustees
to whom the deed for the church lot was executed; and at the time of his death,
February 20th 1770, he was a ruling elder. His son Jacobus bough the homestead farm 
soon after his father’s death, and resided here until his death, in 1809. 

Another son, Andrew Riker, purchased Riker’s Island, where he erected house and resided 
the remainder of his life. At his death, in 1815, he left the island to his sons 
Abraham and Peter. This island has passed from one generation to another, and is still 
in the family. Daniel Riker, son of Jacobus, inherited the paternal estate, but sold 
it in 1827. It is now owned by the heirs of Charles Rapelye.

The family cemetery at the Poor Bowery was early appropriated as a place of
burial by the Rikers and Lents and in all subsequent sales of the farm it has
been reserved to these families. While the farm was owned by Isaac Rapelye he
enlarged this cemetery by the gift of a strip of land adjoining. The tombstone
of Abraham Riker, who was buried here in 1746, is in a comparatively good state
of preservation. A cenotaph is also here which records the death of Captain
Abraham Riker, who died at Valley Forge in 1778. These grounds art full of
historic interest to all, associated as they are with so much of importance in
the early days of Newtown. The living representatives of this family are now
residing in New York.

The Lent family is of common origin with the Riker family, being descended
from Ryck and Hendrick, the oldest and youngest sons of Abraham Rycken, who, for
reasons not clearly known, renounced their own name and assumed the name Lent.
Abraham Lent, son of Ryçk, came from Westchester county to Newtown
in 1729, and took possession of a farm, left him by his uncle Jacobus Krankheyt,
on Bowery Bay. He resided here until his death, in 1746, when his son Jacobus,
for years a ruling elder in the Dutch church, succeeded to the farm. His death
occurred in 1779. Daniel Lent, youngest son of Jacobus, was the last of the
family who occupied this estate. It was sold just prior to his death, which
occurred April 20th 1797. Daniel, his only child that survived infancy, removed
to Flushing Bay, and for years resided upon the farm formerly owned by Captain
Thomas Lawrence and now by the surviving heirs of the Lent family.

The first ancestor of the Suydam family in this country was Hendrick Rycken,
a member of the Riker family as previously stated. It is a curious though well
established fact that about the year 1710 the sons of Hendrick Rycken adopted
the name Suydam, and from these three persons descended all the Suydams in this
and adjoining States. Dow Suydam, a grandson of Hendrick Rycken, settled at
Hempstead Swamp, in Newtown in 1736. He was the first of the name who located in
the town. Prior to the Revolution he sold his farm to his nephew John Suydam,
and left Newtown, living in various parts of the island during the war and
suffering on account of his Whig principles. He died at the house of his son
John in Jamaica, in 1794. His wife, whom he survived thirty-seven years, was
Sarah Vanderveer. John Suydam, who bought the farm at Hempstead Swamp, remained
on the farm until his death, in 1809, when it passed into the hands of his son Rem,
and at his death, in 1829, to his heirs. The old house, now standing, is owned
by the heirs of the late Thomas Hunt, of New York. Another grandson of Hendrick
Rycken, Jacobus Suydam, married a daughter of Captain Cor. Rapelye. After
engaging successfully in commerce in the city of New York he retired from
business, and bought the estate of William Lawrence in Newtown. Here he lived
until his death, in 1825. Another member of this family, Hendrick Suydam,
removed to Hallett’s Cove, prior to the Revolution. He bought and conducted
the mill on Sanswick Creek. He was a much esteemed member of the Dutch church.
He died in 1818. Of his sons all became merchants in New York, except James, who
remained on the paternal estate. The only living representative of the Suydam
family in Newtown is Mrs. Dow Rapelye, who lives on Jackson avenue, near Corona.


The Remsen family are descendants of a family whose original name was
Van der Beeck. Rem Jansen Vanderbeeck came to this country early in the
seventeenth century. His sons adopted the name Remsen. One of them, Abraham
Remsen, settled at Hempstead Swamp, on the farm now owned by David Kinsey. In
1735 Jeromus Remsen, a son of Abraham, bought the paternal farm, on which he
lived until his death. His son Jeromus, born November 22nd 1735, was a man of
unusual abilities, and deserves honorable notice in the history of his native
town. He did service in the French war and stood conspicuous among the Whigs of
Newtown at the opening of the Revolution. He was a clerk of the county
committee; and as colonel of militia was present at the battle of Long Island.

On Van Duyn Hill is the only property in Newtown confiscated after the
Revolution. Here is a small cemetery known as the Remsen graveyard. In this is
the tomb of Jeromus Remsen.

Simon, another representative of the Remsen family in Newtown, was born in
1748. He married Aletta, only child of Daniel Rapelje, of Newtown, and occupied
his father-in-law’s estate on Bowery Bay. His daughter married James Strong
whose heirs now own the homestead farm occupied by Benjamin W. Strong.

In 1719 William Van Duyn, whose remote origin is French, removed to
Newtown, having bought property at Hempstead Swamp, which he subsequently
enlarged. At his death, in 1769, his son Dow received half of the farm, the
other half going to the heirs of Cornelius Van Duyn, whose wife was a daughter
of Dominicus Vanderveer. The farm is now owned by Jerome Vanderveer, who lives
in the old Van Duyn house enlarged and improved.

The Family of Brinckerhoff in America are descendants of Joris Dericksen
Brinckerhoff, who came to this country in 1638 and settled in Brooklyn. His son
Abraham bought a large farm on Flushing meadow, a part of which is now owned by
the Elliott brothers. The Burroughs farm was also a part of this estate.
Occupying a commanding position, on the bluff overhanging Flushing Bay is the
Brinckerhoff cemetery. It is beautiful in summer, and wild in winter it must be
as the tempest sweeps over this resting place of an extinct family. Their
tombstones are scattered more or less in every cemetery in the township; but it
is doubtful if there is here one living representative of the family.

The Burroughs Family.- The old Burroughs burying ground is in the rear
of a lot which faces on the commons of Newtown. The most historical tombstone
here is that of William Howe Burroughs, who died in 1805. He was named in
respect to General Howe of the king’s army. This is a part of the old
Burroughs farm, and here too we find an old house of ante-Revolutionary date,
which was built by the great-grandfather of George W. Burroughs of
Corona, the oldest living male representative of this family. The old farm has
nearly all passed out of the Burroughs family. The heirs of Joseph Burroughs
(brother of George) own a small part of it still, and the old burying ground is
retained in the family, though this is only the resting place of former
generations, the present generation having buried their dead in the Episcopal
church yard at Newtown. The earliest record of this family in America is in
1637, when John Burroughs is found in Salem. He soon after came to Newtown. He
filled the office of town clerk several years. His sons Jeremiah and Joseph
shared their father’s estate. Jeremiah died in1698. Joseph lived to an
advanced age. The old house before mentioned was built by his son John who died
on this estate, July 7th 1750. His children John and Joseph inherited the
paternal farm. Joseph’s son Thomas succeeded to the property and married
Sarah, daughter of George Wyckoff. He died September 21st 1835. His
children were: 
Lydia, wife of George I. Rapelye; 
Sarah, now Mrs. Charles H. Roach; 
Mrs. John B. Hyatt; 
Joseph (deceased), George Wyckoff and John W., who died when 17 years old. 
George W. has two children- James S. Burroughs, who resides at Astoria, and 
Mrs. Isaac Moe, of Corona.

William Howard, the progenitor of the Long Island family, came to Newtown
near the close of the seventeenth century. The old Howard place on the road from
Newtown to Jamaica is still owned by the family, and the oldest house in Newtown
village is owned by Jonathan Howard, who now resides in Newtown. It was formerly
owned by the Furman family. Mrs. Howard was a daughter of Aaron Furman, who
lived and died in this old house. It is fast going to decay, and is now used as
a tenant house.

The Hallets, now mostly removed from the town, were formerly prominent in
Newtown. In 1655 William Hallett settled at Hallett’s Cove, where his house
and plantation were destroyed by the Indians, whereupon he removed to Flushing.
He subsequently located at Hell Gate, where he lived to the age of about ninety
years. His grandson Richard Hallett married a daughter of John Bowne, of
Flushing, an eminent Quaker. Mr. Hallett embraced the principles of the Friends,
which his descendants still profess. Some of the family settled at Maspeth.
Gideon Hallett owned the farm on which the old Quaker meeting-house at Maspeth
stood, and this farm is still in possession of the family. The old
meeting-house, long since torn down, stood on the corner of the Newtown turnpike
and the Fresh Pond road. Around this was the Quaker burying ground.

LEADING CITIZENS OF RECENT YEARS.
ASCAN BACKUS

Ascan Backus, who was one of the most noted farmers of Long Island, died at
his residence in Newtown on the 18th of March 1880. He was a fine type of
physical manhood, being about six feet in height and proportionally developed,
and with a face when not in repose indicative of great geniality of nature. His
struggles against early difficulties, and the great success that crowned his
industry and perseverance, merit historic recognition; for from the lessons of
his life many a young farmer now buffeting with the world may borrow renewed
hope and courage.

He was born in the duchy of Saxe Gotha, in 1814. His father, an affluent
farmer and stock raiser, took a leading part in the political troubles of his
time and country, and as a consequence found himself stripped of his
possessions; and young Ascan, who was at the time studying for one of the
professions, was obliged to leave his books and his country to seek his fortune.
He landed in New York on the 4th day of July 1829, at the age of fifteen; and,
with a naturally strong and independent mind, at once turned his thoughts to
agriculture. At first he assisted his brother Charles, who had arrived a year
before, in the management of his farm, and by prudent action he soon amassed
means to hire a little place of his own. Here he raised market produce, which in
those days had to be sent by boat down Newtown Creek and around the Battery to
New York market. The young farmer kept a vigilant eye upon the markets and made
himself acquainted with marketmen and dealers, with whom he soon became a
favorite for his amiable and manly qualities and the strict integrity of his
conduct. He was winning success. By intelligent watchfulness, by prudence and
honorable dealing, he was advancing to the very front. His acres soon grew to
hundreds, his few laborers became many, commodious outbuildings sprung up, his
stock multiplied and increased, a number of wagons carried the rich abundance of
his farms to the markets of New York, and munificent returns poured in upon him.
To sterile spots he had brought bloom and blossom and fruitage, and he lived to
enjoy the rich rewards of his skillful labor. There is no doubt that his early
mental training had much to do with his success; for, although cautious in
introducing new methods, his mind was quick to grasp the principles upon which
they were based, and to apply them to the best advantage when he put them to the
test. With sound judgment, too, he saw that in the management of his large
estates the good will and cheerful co-operation of his employees were necessary
factors, and he always manifested a sort of paternal interest in their affairs.
In their little dissensions he was a pacificator, in their sickness he was a
solicitous friend, in their merrymakings he gave them his approving smile. He
took great pains to encourage in them habits of economy, and many of them who
are now successful farmers for themselves owe much of their success to his
constant interest in their undertakings. This generous treatment of his laborers
would have been impossible unless Mr. Backus possessed a sensitive nature and
kindly heart, and it affords salutary material for reflection for all employers
of labor who desire to be faithfully served.

Mr. Backus attended the Reformed church, and was a very liberal contributor
to deserving works. He kept himself informed of the events of the day on both
sides of the Atlantic, and was a man of decided opinions; but these he never
permitted to interfere with his friendships, which were very strong. His tastes
were refined and his pleasures simple. He had a keen relish of gleeful joke and
repartee, and was noted for his hospitality. He left three daughters and three
sons, who inherit his property.

JOHN C. DE BE VOISE.

John C. De Be Voise is a son of Charles I. and Maria (Covert) De Be Voise,
and was born at Fresh Ponds, August 31st 1815. His earlier ancestry may be
traced in the sketch of the De Be Voise family on page 3l7. His education was
limited to the meager course of study of the Fresh Ponds district school, and he
was left fatherless at the age of fifteen.

Mr. De Be Voise soon found himself, young though he was, at the head of the
business left by his father, and managed the farm successfully and profitably
until, at the age of thirty, he removed to his present residence at the corner
of Fresh Ponds road and Myrtle street.

In 1848 Mr. Dc Be Voise married Mary Jane, daughter of Samuel Way, of Fresh
Ponds, who is still living and presiding over his elegant home.

Mr. De Be Voise had two brothers, and one sister. These were Michael Covert
De Be Voise and the late Cornelius S. De Be Voise and Rebecca Ann De Be Voise,
deceased, who became the wife of William H. Purdy. Mr. De Be Voise is known as
one of the most successful farmers and market gardeners, in his vicinity. Never
a politician or office seeker, he yet has ever felt a keen interest in passing
events. He has always been a supporter of all measures which he thought were
conducive to the public good.

JOHN DE BEVOISE.
                  
John De Bevoise, son of John C. and Jenny (Beadle) De Bevoise, was born at
the old De Bevoise homestead on the Fresh Pond road (now at the corner of that
road and the Myrtle avenue road), in the town of Newtown, March 3d 1798. His
descent from the original member of the family in this country is shown by the
sketch on pages 317 and 318.

December 22nd 1819 he was married to Cornelia M. Van Cott of the town of
Bushwick, Kings county. Mr. De Bevoise was well known as an honest, upright,
enterprising and influential man. He was a lifelong farmer, and was often chosen
to positions of trust and responsibility by his townsmen and business
acquaintances. For seven years he was supervisor of the town, in those good old
times when the taxes were light and an honest man was accounted "the
noblest work of God." Ever public spirited to a remarkable degree, he was
desirous of improvements, not for his own convenience alone, but for the benefit
of all, and he spent a great deal of time and money in opening and improving
what is now called the Myrtle avenue road. He died, deeply regretted by a wide
circle of relatives and friends, September 2nd 1862.

John De Bevoise, the only son of the deceased, now lives on the estate. He
was born October 26th 1820, and married Gertrude J. Suydam, of Bedford, Kings
county, by whom he has six children living: John H., Fred J., Cornelia G.,
Gertrude S., Abraham B. and Marietta. Of these, Cornelia G. and Marietta are
married, the former to John Hyatt Vanderveer, the latter to Howard Hayden, of
Great Neck, L.I.

CORNELIUS S. DE BE VOISE.

Cornelius S. De Be Voise (deceased), the son of Charles I., and the grandson
of John De Be Voise, was born July 18th 1823, on the old homestead at Fresh
Ponds, referred to in the article on this family on page 317. From early life
his habits, his tastes and his education were such as befitted a farmer’s son,
who was of choice to be a farmer too.

At the age of 31 he courted, won and married Miss Adriannia De Be Voise,
daughter of Jacob De Be Voise, who was also a native of Newtown and was his
junior by five years. They settled at once on the farm and founded another of
the many solid, respected families of Newtown. Two children were the fruit of
their union- John William and Jeannette. The former was born on the 27th of
June 1866, and died of diphtheria December 3d 1875, at the age of 9 years. The
latter was born June 1st 1868, and died August 21st following.

A little over a year before his death Mr. De Be Voise began to suffer from a
kidney trouble, which grew more and more alarming, until it developed into
Bright’s disease and terminated in his death September 1st 1878. In politics
he was first an old line Whig and afterward a thorough Republican. He was a
consistent member of the Reformed church during the whole of his mature years,
an exemplary father, husband and neighbor, never looking for enjoyment outside
of his family and the society of his friends. His mother spent the last few
years of a ripe old age at his house, and died there. Mrs. De Be Voise also had
the satisfaction of having her mother with her before and when she passed from
this life to the next, which occurred January 6th 1867.

About a year ago Mrs. De Be Voise left her old home on the farm, and came to
live with her husband’s nephew, Charles W. Purdy, at 89 Bedford avenue,
Brooklyn. Mr. Purdy was left an orphan and lived with his uncle from his boyhood
until about three years ago. He went at the age of 14 into a drug store in New
York, and is now a wholesale druggist in William street. Deprived of her own
children by death, it seems peculiarly fitting that Mrs. De Be Voise should now
make her home with one to whom she for so long a time sustained the relation of mother.

JOHN M. DEBEVOISE.

The subject of this sketch is a son of Moses Debevois whose wife was Maria
Duryea, and was born at Fresh Ponds, on the farm now occupied by his brother
Pete Duryea Debevoise, December 12th 1819. The genealogy of the Debevoise family
appears on pages 317 & 318.

Mr. Debevoise received a limited education at the district school at Fresh
Ponds, spending his boyhood on the farm at home. On his 13th birthday he was
left a orphan by the death of his father. With his brother Peter he assumed the
management of the farm, where he remained until he was 30, when he removed to
the farm where he has since resided.

February 7th 1849 he was married to Esther B. Gosman, a daughter of William
Gosman, of Dutch Kills. They have had eight children born to them, as follows
William G., January 20th 1850; Sarah Maria, Januar 13th 1853; Edward, December
13th 1853; Elizabeth Bragaw, December 26th 1856 (died February 25th 1867)
Charles, October 20th 1860; George Gosman, October 25th 1863; Louisa
Vanderveer, March 17th 1868; Margaret Aletta, August 16th 1872 (died December
1st 1876).

The family, now connected with the Reformed church of Bushwick, were formerly
identified with the old Dutch Reformed church of Newtown, which Mr. Debevoise’s
father helped to found. Mr. Debevoise takes little active part in politics,
though he is deeply interested in affairs of public moment, and has never sought
official preferment nor held any office except such as have been conferred upon
him by his townsmen.

William G., his eldest son, early chose a mercantile career, and for eleven
years was in the employ of A.T. Stewart & Co., at their New York store. He
was one of those who had been long in Mr. Stewart’s service, to whom he
bequeathed $500 each as a mark of the esteem in which he held them. He has since
been employed in the Chicago store of A.T. Stewart & Co.

CHARLES I. DE BEVOISE.

The subject of this sketch is a son of Isaac and a grandson of Carel De
Bevoise, who left the homestead at Brooklyn in October 1736 and became a farmer
in Bushwick, on the present property of Charles I. De Bevoise, where the latter
now resides.

Charles I. De Bevoise was born September 21st 1796, and has been twice
married- October 15th 1828 to Adrianna, daughter of Abraham and Magdalene
Boerum; and October 24th 1836 to Jane Lefferts, daughter of Folkert Rapelyea and
Agnes De Bevoise. He had one child, Magdalene, by his first marriage, and four- Isaac
C., Agnes R., Susanna and Adrianna- by his second marriage. Mr. De Bevoise, who
is still living, at the advanced age of 85, at 104 De Bevoise avenue, Brooklyn,
has during a long and active life enjoyed to a high degree the confidence of his
fellow citizens, and has been identified with many of the leading interests of
the past. For a number of years he was the supervisor of the town of Bushwick.
Politically he is a Democrat. He has been a lifelong member and long an elder of
the old Bushwick Reformed church, with which his family are identified.

ROBERT BURROUGHS.

Robert Burroughs was born in the city of Brooklyn, September 15th 1821. His
father, Thomas Burroughs, was born on a farm then belonging to the family, in
the town of Newtown, at White Pot, which farm was more recently owned by Jarvis
Jackson, and is now the property of Abraham V.S. Lott and Frederick D. Backus.
Removing to Brooklyn he married and settled there. His parents having both died
he was placed at the age of thirteen years on a farm at Middle Village, in
Newtown, and kept at farm work until the age of sixteen, when he was sent to
Brooklyn to learn the trade of a house carpenter. Having learned that trade in
its different branches, he returned to Newtown, where for a number of years he
carried on business as a practical architect and builder, and planned and put up
a good many houses.

April 5th 1853 he was elected justice of the peace of the town, for the term
of four years. This was the first public position he ever held, and he was
re-elected to it April 7th 1857, and again April 2nd 1861, and served out each
term in full. April 4th 1865 he was chosen for another term of four years, but
in November 1867, before the expiration of this term, he was elected on the
Democratic ticket clerk of Queens county; and he resigned the position of
justice, after having performed its duties fourteen years. He served out his
full term of three years as county clerk from January 1st 1868. At the town
meeting held April 4th 1871 he was chosen supervisor of. Newtown, and he was
annually re-elected for six successive years, the last election being held April
3d 1877. The financial condition of the town of Newtown at the time he was first
elected supervisor was very bad, owing in a great measure to the incorporation
of Long Island City, within the limits of the town, and not making any provision
for the apportionment of the bonded debt (which was very large) between the two
places. By great exertion and after many delays an act was passed by the
Legislature on June 5th 1874, to accomplish this object, and Mr. Burroughs
served as one of the commissioners under this act in adjusting the debt and
making the apportionment, the effect of which was to put a stop to any more
suits and relieve the town from its financial embarrassment. During his period
of service as supervisor he held the position of court-house commissioner, for
the construction of a new court-house for Queens county, under both acts, and
was very active and attentive in the discharge of the trust imposed. In his time
also Metropolitan avenue, Myrtle avenue and Grand street, three prominent
thoroughfares in the town were built, in all of which improvements important
duties were confided to him by the Legislature. Myrtle avenue was graded and
macadamized by his direction, under the supervision of an engineer selected and
appointed by him without the intervention of commissioners. The job was not
quite completed during his official term and was finished by his successor.

He is now engaged in business as one of the firm of H.T. Burroughs & Co.,
extensive dealers in building materials in the city of Brooklyn, and enjoys
exceptionally good health.

GEORGE I. RAPELYE

..was born in Nova Scotia, February 7th 1787. His father, John Rapelye, was a
native of Newtown, and descendant of the Rapelye family that settled in Newtown
more than two centuries ago. He was born in what is now known as the old Schenck
house, opposite the house of Joseph A. Lawrence, on the old Winfield road from
Newtown. The father was a British soldier in the war of the Revolution, and at
the close of the war he went to Nova Scotia, where he married Miss Lemma Boice,
a native of New Jersey. They resided in Nova Scotia until after the birth of
their sons George I. and Jacob, a period of four or five years, when they came
to Newtown and settled on a farm of 170 acres. Here they spent the remainder of
their lives. Mr. Rapelye’s death occurred April 5th 1829, and his wife
survived him until September 15th 1832. A part of this homestead farm is still
owned and occupied by George I. Rapeiye, who was married December 20th 1814 to
Lydia Burroughs. She died November 8th 1822, leaving two children, Maria and
Sarah J.; Maria is now the wife of Daniel L. Rapelje, of Corona, and Sarah J. is
the wife of Henry S. Vanderveer, one of the prominent and well to-do farmers of
Newtown.

Mr. Rapelye was again married on the 4th of January 1827, to Elizabeth Van
Wickel. She died December 13th 1866, leaving three children- Lydia E., now the
widow of Abraham Stockholm; Mary M., and John Jacob, who, with his wife Gertrude
V.C. Luquer, their three children and his sisters, now lives with their aged
father, who at the advanced age of 95 years is comparatively active, and, while
enjoying the society of his children and grandchildren, is able to tell us of
the early settlers and the history of nearly a century ago. He speaks familiarly
of those who filled important places in the history of our country when he was a
young man, and has in his possession many letters and papers important and
ancient. Among these is a letter of which the following is a copy:

                    
"ALBANY, Feb. 24th 1835.
                
"DEAR SIR:- I have great pleasure in forwarding to you a commission for
the office of inspector of turnpikes, which the governor handed to me yesterday.
It will be necessary for you to go to the clerk’s office, enter your name on
the list of county officers, and be qualified.
                
"With great respect,
              
                        
"JOHN A. KING."
                     
"To George I. Rapelye, Esq."

This office he held five years, and he was for seven commissioner of highways.

From early childhood he has been identified with the Episcopal church at
Newtown, of which he has been for 62 years a verstryman, and is now senior
warden. The accompanying portrait is engraved from a photograph showing this
venerable gentleman as he now appears, in the full enjoyment of all his
faculties, at the remarkable age to which he has attained; and is of historical
interest as preserving a remembrance of a generation which with this notable
exception has already passed away.

GEORGE W. VANDERVEER.

The parents of the subject of this sketch were George R. and Phebe (Whitson)
Vanderveer. He was born on the old family homestead in Newtown, February 2nd
1842, and began his education in the district schools of Newtown, graduating
later from Cook’s Academy in Newtown village.

Mr. Vanderveer was reared to farm life, and at the death of his father, in February 1866, 
assumed control of the farm, which he has since very successfully managed.

Reared to Whig proclivities by his father, Mr. Vanderveer is an ardent
adherent of the Republican party, having cast his first ballot for Abraham
Lincoln. He was elected the first police justice of Newtown, and served in that
capacity four years to the great satisfaction of his townsmen, among whom his
unswerving honesty and sound judgment are proverbial.

In 1866 Mr. Vanderveer married Miss Mary Whitson, of Newtown, who died
several years since, leaving her husband and their daughter, Jennie Sheperd
Vanderveer, and a wide circle of relatives and friends to mourn their bereavement.

JOSEPH J. TOMPKINS.

Joseph J. Tompkins is a son of Edward and Elizabeth (Way) Tompkins, of Newtown, and 
was born in that town September 17th 1815. 

His father was born in 1788 and died in 1864. His mother was born in 1783 and died
in 1853. Mr. Tompkins attended the district schools at the neighborhood and was
reared to farm life. In 1843 he married Sarah Amelia Tompkins, of Newtown. They
have six children living, born as follows: Oscar E., July 27th 1845; Phebe
Eliza, November 30th 1850; Elizabeth S., May 22nd 1853; Josephine, December 17th
1856; Eloise, January 3d 1860; Clarence P., August l7th 1862.

About the time of his marriage Mr. Tompkins began farming on his own account
on a portion of the old homestead, and he has since become owner of the whole
property, which he manages successfully, devoting his attention principally to
market gardening. Mr. Tompkins has never been a politician, but is a Democrat
upon principle and takes a proper interest in affairs of public moment. His
stance among his townsmen may be judged from the fact that he has held various
important local offices. He has been a member of the Queens County Agricultural
Society since its organization, and for some years was a member of the board of
directors.

The family are attendants at the Reformed church of Newtown.

VILLAGES.
After the incorporation of Long Island City there remained no incorporated
villages within the limits of the town of Newtown, but there are nearly a score
of hamlets which are centers of population and business. These are Newtown,
Corona, Woodside, Locust Grove, Winfield, Charlotteville, Maspeth, Columbusville,
Laurel Hill, Berlin, East Williamsburgh, Middle Village, Ridgewood, Glendale,
Hopedale and Richmond Hill. In each of these places surveys have been made and
maps of village plans filed. In several of the cases it appears that good farms
have been spoiled to lay out streets which are not used, and to make building
lots which have been left to become useless commons.

NEWTOWN VILLAGE.
This is the oldest village in the town, and has more of historical interest
connected with it than any other mentioned in this article. Under the name of
Middleburg it was the scene of many exciting episodes of the Revolution, and
today it contains several important landmarks which have been already noticed in
a previous section of this town’s history. The building of the North Side
railroad gave the place valuable connection with New York, and in 1876 it was
made the eastern terminus of a street railroad connecting it with Brooklyn.

There is nothing in the present business establishments in this village of
more than strictly local importance. The growth of the business part of the
place has been very slow.

The Newtown Hotel, owned by Joseph A. Lawrence and conducted by Albert Bailey
and James O’Brien, is on the site of the old town-house, where a hotel was
kept over a century ago.

An excellently stocked drug store and a half dozen general stores and markets
supply the wants of the community. T. Burford’s bakery furnishes the village
with the staff of life and many of life’s delicacies as well, while Jo Hiland
jr. from behind the bar at the Palace Hotel does his part with a dozen others
toward meeting a demand which has come to be almost as universal as the demand
for bread.

There had been several attempts made by Messrs. Moore, Hallett, Moody and
others to establish an undertaking business here, but none had succeeded prior
to 1877, when Henry Skelton began business here; by skill acquired during
several years in the city and by close attention to the public needs he has
built up a good business reputation, and supplied a public want satisfactorily.

THE PRESS.
The press of this village consists of four weekly newspapers, the first of
which, the Newtown Register, was established July 17th 1873 by Charles
White, the editor and publisher. The political course of this paper has been
directed in the interest of the Democratic party, and its local department,
under the direction of George T. White, the associate editor, is ably conducted
and well filled with the local news and spicy comments. It is now published as a
seven-column, eight page paper, and has a circulation of about 1,500. It has,
from its foundation, been the official town paper.

Early in 1874 Charles F. White undertook the publication of a local newspaper
in the German language, and in that spring issued the first number of the Long
Island Journal and Volks-Blatt. This paper is neutral in politics, and is
patronized liberally by the German reading people of this vicinity. It is
printed at the Register office.

The Queens County Safeguard was founded in March 1875 by G.K. Lyman,
and has since been ably edited by him as a Democratic newspaper. It is a
four-page, eight-column sheet, 26 by 40 inches, and enjoys its fair share of the
public support. Although a thorough Democrat in principle and practice Mr. Lyman
has given his paper a degree of independence which has proved objectionable to
that element in Newtown politics calling itself the regular Democracy.

The Newtown Advertiser is the youngest paper here, having been
established in January 1881 by Angus P. McIntyre.

ASSOCIATION HALL.
This hail was first built for a Baptist church, and stood for some time on
the Hoffman boulevard; but through the enterprise of a few gentlemen, when it
was no longer used for chapel purposes, it was moved to Grand street and
remodeled, furnishing the village with a very suitable public hall for lectures
and similar entertainments.

SCHOOLS.
The village maintains a very thorough public school, employing four teachers.
It is under the principalship of J.A. Swartout. The assistants are Mary E.
Murton, Franc L. Sleight, and, in the colored school, Mary Green. Thomas S.
Burford is president of the board of education and Hon. J.G. Garrettson secretary.

POSTAL FACILITIES.
Newtown’s first mail was furnished by stage from Brooklyn, and no direct
communication was had with the eastern towns of Long Island until as late as
1801, when the first bridge was built across the meadow connecting this town
with Flushing. A mail and passenger route was then established between Flushing
and Dover street ferry, Brooklyn, by way of Newtown. In the early days Barnard
Bloom, who kept a hotel, received and distributed the mail, though it does not
appear that a post-office had yet been established. This hotel was the Corner
House, mentioned as one of the ancient landmarks. Mr. Bloom subsequently kept
tavern in a building where the Newtown Hotel now stands, and here also he acted
as postmaster.

POLICE COURT.
In 1872 the State Legislature provided by special act that a police justice
should be elected in and for the town of Newtown, to hold court in this village,
the town court-house being located here. The term of office is four years.
George W. Vanderveer was elected in 1873 and Thomas Marshall in 1877; William
Burcham was appointed in 1880 to fill the vacancy caused by Mr. Marshall’s
death. Francis McKenna, the present incumbent, was elected in 1881.

MASONIC.
Mizpah Lodge, No. 738, was instituted in 1873. After it had been under a
dispensation two months a charter was granted.

The first officers under the charter were: 
G.J. Garrettson, W.M.; 
S.F. Worthington, S.W.; 
Samuel Douglas, J.W.; 
Thomas E. Anderson, T.; 
Joseph A. Lawrence, Sec.; 
R.M. Donaldson, S.D.; 
Abel Powell, J.D. 
James Cating, senior M. of C.; 
C.A. Anderson, junior M. of C.; 
William H. Gordon and Howard E. Sanford, stewards; 
C. Rapalye, marshal; 
G. W. Garrettson, organist; 
John H. Jebins, tiler.

The trustees were :
Samuel Douglas, 
James Cating
C.A. Anderson. 

Nine of the charter members were from Island City Lodge. The meetings of this 
lodge are on the second and fourth Thursdays of each month. 

The masters have been: 
G.J. Garrettson, 1873-76; 
S. Douglas, 1877; 
G.J. Garrettson, 1878; 
Abel Powell, 1879;
James S. Fairbrother, 1880. 

The officers for 1881 were: 
George M. Williamson,
W.M.; Henry Skelton, S.W.; 
C.A. Anderson, J.W.; 
G.J. Garrettson, treasurer;
James S. Fairbrother, secretary; 
Abel Powell, S.D.; 
Adam Weise, J.D.; 
Stephen A. Spratt, senior M. of C.; 
Franklin Booth, junior M. of C.; 
Oliver C. Young, marshal; 
John H. Jebins, tiler; 

Robert Burroughs, 
Howard E. Sanford 
Thomas Burford, trustees.

CHURCHES OF NEWTOWN VILLAGE.
The Presbyterian Church.- As with other English settlements on Long
Island, the early settlers of Newtown were dissenters in religious principles,
and mainly Presbyterians. The facts in the case are not known, but it is
believed that Rev. John Moore settled here, coming with a church already
organized, and was the first minister as well as school teacher in this
locality. It is certain that soon after the settlement of the English company
here "a town-house was erected, which served the double purpose of a church
and a residence for a minister," and in this the Rev. John Moore preached.
But little is known of this first pastor, save that he died in 1657. Richard
Mills was employed to teach in his place and assisted in maintaining Sabbath
services. For five years the church struggled on with no settled pastor, and was
then (in 1662) able to secure Rev. William Leverich as pastor. He served the
church until his death, in 1677. The records of his labors are lost; but it is
known that during his pastorate the first building devoted exclusively to divine
worship was erected, in 1671, on ground nearly opposite the present church
edifice. From 1677 to 1708 the town enjoyed the services of Rev. S. Morgan
Jones, John Morse and Robert Breck.

Rev. Mr. Jones, a graduate of Oxford University, England, was one of 2,000
dissenting Presbyterians who were ejected from their parishes by the Act of
Uniformity in 1662. Rev. Mr. Morse, of Harvard College, settled here in 1695;
soon afterward the house and grounds now occupied by the heirs of Robert
Thompson were bought for the use of the minister. Mr. Morse died here in the
midst of his work, but twenty-six years of age. Mr. Breck, also from Harvard
College, served this church but two or three years. He boldly asserted the
principles of the non-conformists, and through the ill-treatment and threats of
the Episcopal governor was compelled to leave his charge. The combined
pastorates of these three ministers embraced but twelve years; hence the church
was vacant at intervals for eighteen years. This was owing in part to colonial
troubles, the inroads of the French and the measures of Lord Cornbury against
dissenting churches.

The church building was taken possession of by Rev. Mr. Urquhart of the
Episcopal church, in 1703, and held till 1708. During this time Revs. John
Hampton and Francis Mackennie, both Presbyterians, were arrested and imprisoned
for preaching, one in Newtown, the other in New York, without license from Lord
Cornbury.

All church records previous to 1708 have been lost, save a memorandum of
eight names, the only members at the beginning of the important ministry of Rev.
Samuel Pumroy. It was during his ministry, in 1715, that he with this church was
received into the Presbytery of Philadelphia. Under his ministry sixty-seven
members were added to the church. In 1717 a new church was erected on the site
where the present church building stands, but not fully completed until 1741.
After a successful ministry of thirty-six years Mr. Pumroy died June 30th 1744,
and was buried in the old church yard, where a tombstone with a quaint
inscription marks his grave.

From this period until the war of the Revolution the successive pastors were:
Rev. George McNeish, two years; Rev. Simeon Horton, 26 years; Rev. Andrew Bay,
two years. From 1776 to 1783, when the British troops had possession of Newtown,
this patriotic church suffered severely; Its members were exiled or imprisoned,
and its house of worship first used as a hospital and guard house, and then
demolished. The pulpit pillar afterward was a hitching post by the town-house.
At the close of the war, by the kindness of the Reformed Dutch church, the
Presbyterian congregation worshiped in its edifice. The church was not in
condition to settle a pastor, and from 1784 to 1790 the services of Rev. James
Lyon, Rev. Peter Fish and Rev. Elihu Palmer were engaged successively.

In 1787, ninety-five years ago, the edifice in which this society still
worships was commenced. In 1791 it was completed and dedicated. Nathaniel
Woodhull was installed pastor in 1790, and his pastorate lasted twenty years.
His death was universally regretted. His successor was Rev. William Boardman.
His pastorate was marked by a remarkable revival, the fruit of his own and his
predecessors’ faithful labors. He died in 1818. In 1817 the old parsonage
property was sold and the "Union Hotel," with eleven acres of land,
was purchased for a parsonage. In 1819 Dr. John Goldsmith was installed. His
faithful pastorate continued 34 years, during which he received 215 members into
full communion. He died in 1854. The parsonage was sold and a new one erected in
1821. On the 28th of March 1855 the present pastor, Rev. John