Production Note Cornell University Library produced this volume to preserve the informational content of the deteriorated original. The best available copy of the original has been used to create this digital copy. It was scanned bitonally at 600 dots per inch resolution and compressed prior to storage using ITU Group 4 compression. Conversion of this material to digital files was supported by the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation. Digital file copyright by Cornell University Library 1995. This volume has been scanned as part of The Making of America Project, a cooperative endeavor undertaken to preserve and enhance access to historical material from the nineteenth century.m. ) i i i LOCAL TALES —AND-- HISTORICAL SKETCHES, BY HENRY D. B. BAILEY. FISHKILL LANDING: JOHN W. SPAIGHT, PUBLISHER. FISHKILL STANDARD OFFICE. 1874.F JZ7 J^S' / Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1874, by HENRY D. B. BAILEY, In the Office of the Librarian of Congress at Washington. » rr)INDEX. Page. Preface,................................. 7 POETRY. The Months of the Year,..................12 TALES. Dominie Van Nist’s Courtship,.....................17 The Subaltern,.....................................65 Van Horn,..........................................86 —The Squatter’s Daughter,........................ 103 The Haunted Tavern, v..........................119 Witchcraft in New Hackensack,.....................132 The Broken Hearted,...............................137 The Highland Farmer vs. The Western Farmer, . 149 Deacon Jones, the Pioneer,........................161 The Farmer’s Daughter,............................172 A Tale of the Revolution,.........................183 Farmer Jones, the Discontented Man, . . . . . 193 The Mechanic’s Wife,..............................203 Farmers Thrifty and Unthrifty,....................212 The Old Farm House,...............................2224 INDEX. Page. The Ungrateful Father,.............................232 The Tailor and the Bachelor,.......................242 A Tale of the Early Settlers,.....................250 The Mysterious Pack,.............................. 259 Ten Cents a Day,...................................266 A Tale of the Great Rebellion, ....... 273 HISTORICAL SKETCHES. Early History of Dutchess County, ................283 The First Churches in Dutchess County, .... 297 Poughkeepsie,...................................307 Early History of the Town of Fishkill, .... 314 Historical Sketch of Fishkill Village,..........355 Early Settlers near Fishkill Landing,........... 373* A Visit to Fort Hill,...........................380 The Brick Meeting House,..........................384 Pine Plains,......................................393 Isaac Van Amburgh,..............................399 ESSAYS. Civilized and Savage Life Contrasted,...............409 Books the Great Source of Information, . . . . 421 Sleep, ..... 424 Adversity,................................. ^ 426 Fashion,............................................428 April Days,.........................................430ILLUSTRATIONS Page. Portrait of the Author,..................Frontispiece. The Van Rleeck House,...........................24 The Wharton House,..............................42 A Country Scene,................................136 Episcopal Church, Fishkill Village,.............361 Reformed Dutch Church, Fishkill Village, . . . 364 Verplanck House, Fishkill Landing,..............374 The Agent of Civilization,......................420 ERRATA. On pages 323 and 325, for General Abram Van Wyck, in three places, substitute James Van Wyck. On page 324, for C. Delevan, substitute Isaac Gildersleeve.4PREFACE. This volume of local tales and historical sketches is the result of many years, and not the product of a day. When the author began his literary labors, he had no idea that his writings would ever be voluminous enough to make a book, or of sufficient value to be collected in such permanent form. He was in the habit of writing a tale or a sketch, and contributing the same, either to The Fishkill Standard or the Poughkeepsie Telegraph, in which they were eagerly read by the subscribers to those papers. His first published tale was “The Tailor and the Bachelor,” a simple story of life’s vicissitudes. This was followed at irregular intervals by others, culminating in his latest and most pretentious effort, “Dominie Van Nist’s Courtship.” Having a deep love for the olden times, he took a great interest in historical matters, and has brought to light many facts bearing upon the early history of Dutchess County, and especially the8 PREFACE. towns of Fishkill and East Fishkill, which the future historian will find of great value. To obtain these facts has cost him considerable time and labor, but his love for the work incited him to go on without expectation of pecuniary reward. A great many historical facts are woven into Mr. Bailey’s tales. In fact, these are written with such a degree of naturalness that the only fear is that those who are not well acquainted with the early history of the County, may take fiction for fact, and so be unconsciously led astray. The chapters devoted to sketches of history, however, may be relied upon as correct—at least so far as the author has been able to get information. Mr. Bailey is a native of this County, having been born at Johnsville, in the town of East Fishkill, on the 27th of December, 1813. He has resided in the County nearly all his life, and is well known to thousands of people. He did not commence his literary labors until in his forty-second year, but since that time has been a valued contributor to the local press. This book, which has been the result of so many years labor, and written while in the prime of his manhood, contains so many facts of historic interest that it will be regarded as an authority in many res-PREFACE. 9 pects, and will be looked to by future historians as a mine from which to gather facts relating to the early days of this section of the County. Mr. Bailey did intend writing a history of Dutchess County, but his advancing years, and other difficulties of a physical nature, have deterred him from the work. He has expressed to us his regrets that he did not, ten years ago, make a systematic canvass of the County, with that end in view. Knowing his industry and capabilities, we can but join in the regrets which he has expressed. The fact is, we are drifting along with scarcely an effort to preserve from fast approaching oblivion the thousands of interesting facts, recollections, and reminiscences of the past, relating to our county, which are attainable now, but which in a few years more will be utterly lost. How many have passed away within the decade just closed, whose memories could recall incidents of three and four score years past, which would have been of great value to the historian; but they are gone, and with them is buried the knowledge they possessed. Our county is rich in material, and under a master hand would yield a fund of authentic historical incidents that would make a book of10 PREFACE. surpassing interest and value. We hope the historical researches begun this year by a gentleman in one of our neighboring towns, will result in the publication of a full and reliable history of the county. The photographic portrait of Mr. Bailey, which forms a frontispiece, is an admirable one, and will be so accepted by all who know him. The engravings are mostly from “Lossing’s Field Book of the Revolution,” published by the Harper Brothers, NewYork, to whose kindness we are indebted for the privilege of using* the same. They add very much to the interest of the book. J. W. S. Fishkill Standard Office, October, 1874.❖THE MONTHS OF THE YEAR JANUARY. Lakes and rivers now are frozen, Icy fetters bind in chains; Earth in winter’s garb reposing, Winter now triumphant reigns. FEBRUARY. Storms are raging, blustering, blowing; Snow in whirling eddies fly, But the days are longer growing— Seasons brief, they soon pass by. MARCH. Storm and sunshine intervening, Sullen Winter yields at last, To his Arctic den retreating, Driven by the Southern blast. APRIL. Vernal season now approaching, Mildly do the zephyrs play, Light upon the night encroaching, Lengthens out the beams of day. MAY. Cattle in the pastures grazing, Fields are looking fresh and green, ' Man his great Creator praising For the balmy days of Spring.THE MONTHS OF THE YEAR. 13 JUNE. Busy season now arriving, Weeds in great profusion grow, Farmers in their cornfields driving, Strong they wield the spade and hoe. JULY. Laborers in the fields are toiling Through the long and listless day; In the West dark clouds are lowering, Raindrops wet the new mown hay. AUGUST. Early morn the dew drops shining, Hanging on the bushes low, Lovers in the shades reclining, Love does in their bosoms glow. SEPTEMBER. Orchards now their boughs are bending, Filled with fruitage rich and rare, Choicest blessing thick descending, Fills all hearts with thankful prayer. OCTOBER. Leaves now from the trees are falling, Cool and frosty is the morn, Farmers to their cribs are hauling Golden ears of Indian corn. NOVEMBER. Autumn hues the landscape blending, O’er the face of Nature spread— Gloomy, dreary days portending— Birds to warmer climes have fled. DECEMBER. Ah ! the closing year reminds us Of the changing scenes of life— Friends whose ties were of the kindest, Have left this world of woe and strife.i fieri ft i*DOMINIE VAN NIST’S COURTSHIP. Poughkeepsie is the shire-town of the wealthy and flourishing county of Dutchess. It is situated on the east bank of the noble Hudson, equidistant between New York and Albany, and contains about twenty-two thousand inhabitants. The original name of Poughkeepsie was Apokeepsing, an Indian word signifying safe harbor. The first settlers were Dutch, who came from Long Island about 1700. Boltus Van Kleek built the first house within the present limits of the city, in 1702. Jacobus Vander Bogart, Peter Velie, Johannas Van Kleek, and other pioneers, soon erected dwellings where the present city is now located, and a highway was opened east through the great Nine Partners patent, purchased by Caleb Heathcote and others, May 27th, 1697. This patent extended from the Hudson river to the west line of Connecticut. In 1709 building lots were laid out in Poughkeepsie and the Dutch Reformed Missionaries had commenced their labors there and at Fishkill. The Rev. Peter Yas, of Kingston, Rev. Gualterus Du Bois, of New York ; Rev. Vin-centius Antonides, of Kings county, Long Island, and18 DOMINIE VAN NIST’S COURTSHIP. the Rev. Mr. Van Deusen, of Albany, would in turn visit Poughkeepsie and Fishkill and preach to the then few inhabitants, in their houses, and administer the ordinances of Baptism and the Lord’s Supper. In 1716 the Reformed Dutch Church was organized at Poughkeepsie and Fishkill by the Rev. Peter Vas. A lot for a church and parsonage at Poughkeepsie was given by Captain Jacobus Vander Bogart, in 1716. This deed is recorded in the County Clerk’s office, where it may be seen at the present day. The church stood in what is now known as Market street; the burying ground extended south near to what is now Cannon street, and along Main street east for several rods, and west of the church to the lot owned by the Court house. West of the Court house was the parsonage lot, where the present First Reformed Church is now located. This lot then contained several acres of land, and was conjointly owned by the congregations of Poughkeepsie and Fishkill, and remained so until the separation of the two churches, which took place in 1772. Since the separation, great alterations have taken place on the parsonage lot. The old parsonage has long since been demolished and a new one erected. The first church, ’which was erected in 1718, was taken down in 1782 and a new one erected on the opposite side of the street, near the Poughkeepsie Hotel, where the old burying ground is still to be seen. In 1822 they abandoned that ground and built a church on the parsonage lot. This church was destroyed by fire in 1857, when the present noble structure was erected on the same site. As we have said, the parsonage formerly contained several acres of land, but portions of it have been soldDOMINIE VAN NIST?S COURTSHIP. 19 at different times, the last in 1848. A number of lots were then sold to Matthew Vassar, the money, which amounted to some $8000, was given to the Second Church, which had just been erected. We will now attempt to give the architecture of the first church, which, in 1718, stood in what is now known as Market street. The material of which the church was built was stone, the height of the walls was two stories, and ifc was covered with a gambrel roof. A tower went up in front of the church, rising above the apex of the roof a moderate distance, and there the bell was suspended, and over the same was a small tapering spire, and surmounting that was the rooster. There was but one entrance and that was in the tower, which fronted Main street. Passing through the entrance to the interior, two aisles led the way through the church, flanked with high backed pews on either side. The pulpit was reached by a high flight of stairs from one of the aisles, and it was shaped like a wineglass. Over it was the sounding board, fastened securely to the rear walls of the church. An arch spanned the building, and galleries extended all around the church, excepting the rear, which was supported by heavy columns. The window lights were very small, set in heavy sash frames. This was the first church erected in the county. It is about one hundred and fifty-six years since the corner stone was laid. From 1716 until 1731 the congregations of Poughkeepsie and Fishkill had no settled minister; they were too feeble to maintain one, for the country was as yet a wilderness. Dark tangled forests lined the banks of the Hudson, extending east over the country. Here20 DOMINIE VAN NIST?S COURTSHIP. and there the pioneer and squatter had made an opening, and erected log huts for a shelter, and the traveler in passing through the country then for miles nothing would greet his eye but dreary wastes, and occasionally a wolf or bear would emerge from some thicket, alarmed at the unusual noise occasioned by the traveler’s horse. Although the county had been purchased by the patentees from the Aborigines for some twenty-five years, yet Indian tribes roved through the country, living by the chase. Their villages yet existed in Fishkill Hook and along the Wappingers Creek. After 1720, settlements increased rapidly, but Missionaries from New York, Kingston (then called Esopus) and Albany supplied the church at Poughkeepsie and the station at Fishkill until 1731. That year the congregation at Fishkill had erected a substantial stone church and then an effort was made by the two congregations to raise money sufficient to support a minister. A committee, one from each congregation, was appointed. Captain Jacobus Vander Bogart, of Poughkeepsie, and Abram Brinckerhoff, of Fishkill, visited the families in their respective congregations, and after ascertaining what salary each member of the congregation would give, reported at the church in Poughkeepsie. The sum was found sufficient to warrant the maintenance of a clergyman. The two congregations had just completed their parsonage in Poughkeepsie, which stood in the rear of the present one, located on the brow of the hill, on the south side of Main street, descending to the river. It was an airy, comfortable structure, sided and roofed with red cedar, and inclosed with a substantial fence. Accordingly a call was made outDOMINIE VAN NIST’S COURTSHIP. 21 and accepted by the Rev. Cornelius Van Schie, who had been educated in Holland. He was installed in office by the Rev. Grualterus Du Bois, of the city of New York, October 4th, 1731. Mr. Van Scliie’s salary was five hundred gilders a year and fire wood, which cost but little, except the labor of cutting and hauling, which was done by the congregation. Mr. Van Schie’s pastorate continued five years, when he was released from his charge and removed to Albany. The second pastor was the Rev. Benjamin Meynema, who also was educated in Holland. His pastorate commenced in 1745 and continued until 1755, when he resigned his charge. During his ministry he lost his wife, who was buried in the church yard at Fishkill, and September 9th, 1761, he died, and at his request he was buried beside his wife, where their tombstones can be seen at the present day with epitaphs in the Low Dutch language. The third pastor was the Rev. Jacobus Vannist, who was educated in this country. He was only twenty-four years old when he accepted the call to become pastor of the congregations of Poughkeepsie and Fishkill; Mr. Vannist having just completed his studies, and wTith little or no experience in preaching the Holy Gospel and imparting spiritual consolation to his flock, which then extended all over the western portion of the county, then called Poughkeepsie and Fishkill precincts. When Mr. Vannist arrived at Poughkeepsie, in the summer of 1758, he was cordially received by his congregation, and his time was occupied in visiting his parishoners and preaching at Poughkeepsie and Fishkill on alternate Sabbaths. Mr. Vannist was unmarried, and having no use for the parsonage, he22 DOMINIE VAN NIST’S COURTSHIP. wanted to get a permanent place to board at some private house, not wishing to board at a Hotel, deeming it an unsuitable place for a minister. The Van Kleek House was then the most conspicuous Hotel in the county. The Court House had just been erected, and Poughkeepsie being the county seat, business centered there. Judges, lawyers and learned men, merchants, artisans, &c., located at Poughkeepsie. One of the most prominent men that lived there was Paul Schank, who engaged in the mercantile business. His customers came from far and near, north to what was then known as the Little Nine Partners, east to the Connecticut line, and south as far as New Hackensack and Beekman, which then contained a few settlers. The sturdy pioneers could be seen riding on horseback, with their frows seated on a pillion behind, trudging through Main street to Paul’s store, the Christian name which his neighbors always called him by. Others again in their wagons would be wending their way to Paul’s store to purchase articles of merchandise which the pioneers really needed. Paul owned several acres of land on the south side of Main street, east of the Dutch Church, adjoining the burying ground, where he had built him a house and store and was doing a thriving business. Paul’s lot covered a part of what is now known as Cannon street, and extended east along Main street, opposite to where the Morgan House is now located. His family consisted of his wife, two sons, and his daughter Rebekah, and a number of negro slaves, for then slavery existed throughout^the country. In those days traveling through the country wasDOMINIE VAN NIST?S COURTSHIP. 23 slow and difficult. New York city could be reached from the river by sloops, which sometimes would consume a fortnight going to and from Poughkeepsie. Paul only went to New York to purchase goods once or twice a year, and then he would have to take his bed and provisions with him, for the Captains of sloops did not supply their passengers with berths and board in those days. Paul, as soon as he had purchased what goods he thought he needed, would have them all carted to the sloop, which then lay at Coenties slip, for the city then lay all on the east side of the Island, and contained only thirteen thousand inhabitants. When the hour arrived for the Captain to sail, Paul had his business all perfected, and if nothing unusual occurred, and with favorable wind and weather, they would arrive at Poughkeepsie the second or third day after leaving New York. In 1758, when Dominie Vannist was pastor of the two congregations at Poughkeepsie and Fishkill, the now populous and beautiful city of Poughkeepsie made but a sorry appearance. On the south side of Main street, east of the Dutch Church and burying ground, was the residence of Paul Schank; his store stood adjacent the burying ground. East of his residence was the school-house, a small building painted red. West of the Dutch Church was the Court House, a stone structure which was destroyed by fire in the Revolution. The next building west of the Court House was the Dutch Parsonage, and along the sloping hillsides to the river there were some twenty houses. The Van Kleek house, a substantial stone structure, was the most prominent Hotel, and under the eaves the walls24 DOMINIE VAN NIST?S COURTSHIP. were pierced with loopholes for musketry. In 1777 this Hotel was used as a State house and the Legislature convened there. George Clinton was then governor of the State, and Pierre Van Cortlandt lieutenant governor. In 1797 the Poughkeepsie Hotel was built, and then the Van Kleek House was abandoned as a public house, and finally it got in possession of Matthew Vassar, who demolished the building in 1835. On the Van Kleek House, Poughkeepsie. north side of Main street, east of where the Poughkeepsie Hotel is now located, there were a few houses and stores, and west of the Hotel were a few lawyers’ offices, and you have all there was of Poughkeepsie in 1758. One of the most prominent lawyers then was Bartholomew Crannell, a gentleman of note as an able counsellor and eloquent advocate. John H. Livingston, one of the ablest dominies of the Reformed Dutch Church, who was born at Poughkeepsie in 1746, com-DOMINIE VAN NIST?S COURTSHIP. 25 menced reading law in his office in the Autumn of 1762, and at the close of 1764, his health being a good deal impaired, in consequence of close application to reading and writing, he left Mr. CrannelPs office. After that he experienced a change of heart, and connected himself with the Dutch Church, and his health was in a measure recovered. He became impressed that he was called to preach the Gospel, and in May, 1766, he sailed for Europe, studied in the University of Utrecht, and returned in September, 1770, and became pastor of one of the Collegiate Churches in the city of New York. Dominie Vannist had as yet no permanent place to board ; he had lived among his parishioners, preaching at intervals in New Hackensack and Hopewell, which now had become Missionary stations. His labors were now very arduous, and it was necessary that he should have some place where he could spend more time in his study. Often times he had been subjected to great inconvenience in preparing his sermons, and Paul Schank politely invited him to come and board at his house, which offer the dominie gladly accepted. PauPs dwelling was a stone structure, with low walls and steep roof. The entrance from the front door was through a box entry, with a stairs, which led to the garret. This entry communicated with the parlor, through a large door, and adjoining this was the sitting room. Two bedrooms, which were separated by a partition from the sitting room, completed the first floor, excepting the kitchen, which projected from the east end of the main building, and was set apart for the negroes. A large fire place occupied one side of the26 DOMINIE VAN NIST’S COURTSHIP. kitchen, with jambs of sufficient height to admit a tall man. Adjacent one of the jambs was a huge oven embedded in the walls, where the bread for the family was baked. In those days they had no knowledge of stoves, and their chimneys were so wide that one could drive through them with a cart and horses, with fireplaces of such immense wings that the consumption of wood was enormous. Two iron bars were fastened in the fireplace near the mouth of the chimney ; across these bars another one was laid, which held the trammels where the pots and kettles were suspended over the fire, in which the cooking was done. But as yet the country was comparatively a wilderness, and the forests were in close proximity to every settler’s cabin. The negro then was the only laborer, and he was owned by the Dutch pioneer, and a half a score or less were in every Dutch farm house. They helped clear the forests and enclose and cultivate their farms. When Dominie Vannist came to Paul’s to board, he gave him the privilege to select which room he wished to occupy. He selected one of the bedrooms adjoining the sitting room, and found it very convenient. Mrs. Schank had ordered it thoroughly cleaned. Fillis and Juda were set to work scouring the floors and the huge beams over head, for there were no walls over head, nor carpets on the floors, in the Dutch houses in those days. Rebekah was busily engaged arranging the furniture her father had recently purchased for Mr. Vannist’s room. When his room was ready, he took possession, and was highly pleased with^his new quarters, for Rebekah and her mother had prevailed on her father to get some nice furniture for his roomDOMINIE VAN NIST?S COURTSHIP. 27 when he went to New York to buy goods. Paul was willing to comply with their request, for he thought a great deal of his dominie, and when in New York he purchased a book case, writing desk, and rocking chair, and they wrere luxuries in those days. The fireplace in Mr. Vannist’s room was located in a corner, arid occupied less room than usual, and he wTas furnished with tongs, shovel and bellows, and Paul had instructed San-co to fetch no wood but hickory in his room. Mr. Vannist having now a place to study prepared his sermons wfith the greatest care. The Dutch language was then the only one used in the Dutch churches, in fact it was almost the only language used in the county, especially in the western portion. Mr. Vannist always preached in the Dutch language, and his congregation used none other, but he understood both the Dutch and English languages, and could speak them fluently, but he always wrote his sermons in Dutch. Mr. Vannist had now become a popular preacher, and on every alternate Sabbath when he preached at Poughkeepsie, the people would come north from beyond Hyde Park, east to the center of the county, and south from New Hackensack and Beekman. Pioneers, in their large lumber wagons, seated on chairs taken from their houses, and their negro slaves squatted on bundles of straw in the rear of the wagon ; young men on horseback, with their sweethearts behind seated on a pillion, clinging to their lovers, could be seen coming through Main street to the Dutch church. Wagons and horses would line Main street on either side beyond the churchyard to where PauFs store was located, during the time of service. Although there was occasion-28 DOMINIE VAN’NIST’S COURTSHIP. ally preaching in Poughkeepsie then by the Rev. Samuel Seebury, an Episcopalian minister, they had not as yet erected a house of worship. Once in a month, perhaps, he would preach in the Court House. The interior of the Dutch church at Poughkeepsie then, when Mr. Yannist held forth, presented an impressive scene. He was only twenty-four years of age, tall, his height was six feet two inches, his appearance in the pulpit was prepossessing in the extreme. For one so young, he was a fervent and eloquent speaker, and the pathetic appeals that fell from his lips when in the pulpit, and his winning manners among his people, all contributed to his popularity. Paul and Rebekah led the singing in Dutch, and the congregation joining, presented a striking contrast from the mode of worship at the present day. The sextorfs labors in those days were not arduous, and as no fires were used in churches, there was but little to do. On Saturday preceed-ing the Sabbath that Mr. Yannist was to preach in Poughkeepsie, Paul would send Sanco to the church, who would open it and sweep the aisles and sand the floor, and then Paul would see if anything was wanting for the church. If a broom or sand was wanting, he furnished those items from his store. Paul and his wife were tw o of the leading members of the church, having united during the ministry of the Rev. Benjamin Meynema, and they had the supervision of the church and parsonage. Rebekah was their only daughter, and when Dominie Yannist came there to board, she was twenty years of age, and she was the idol of her parents. Modest and unassuming in her manners, her sweetness of disposition, filial affection,DOMINIE VAN NIST’S COURTSHIP. 29 and love of domestic life, won the admiration of all who knew her. Dominie Vannist’s room was on the south side of Paul’s house, which was entirely secluded. The city of Poughkeepsie had not extended outside of Main street; not a habitation could be seen from his window, and when he rested from his studies, nothing greeted his eye beyond Paul’s little farm, but a monotonous view of forest scenery. A century and a quarter ago, the time to which we refer, education was confined to a few. A large class of the inhabitants could not read nor write ;• schools and books were scarce. The board of Supervisors, which then sat in Poughkeepsie, some of them in signing documents had to make their marks. No newspapers were printed in the county until after the Revolution. The first was printed in Poughkeepsie in 1785. Nicholas Power was editor. The education of women was thought to be of little consequence, and but a few were instructed beyond reading and writing. Many could not write their names. Rebekah’s opportunities were as good as the times would admit; she was perfectly versed in Dutch writing and reading, and often she would spend hours with the Dominie in his room, trying her skill with her pen and reading aloud to him from books taken from his library. Her mother often remonstrated with her for spending so much time in his room. “Why, Rebekah,” she would say, “you will hinder him from studying; he will not be prepared on Sunday,” and one day at dinner she mentioned to Mr. Vannist that she was afraid that Rebekah was trespassing on time which he wished to devote to study, and if that was the case, she would not allow her to30 DOMINIE VAN NIST?S COURTSHIP. visit his room so frequently. Mr. Vannist replied that Rebekah did not often interfere, and when he wished to be alone in his room, Rebekah immediately left. But Rebekah’s visits continued, and sometimes were prolonged, and the Dominie in his leisure hours would instruct her in various branches—reading, writing, and arithmetic, and her improvement was rapid, and it pleased him to see her so apt a scholar. Often when Mr. Vannist had hours of recreation, he would ask Rebekah to take a walk through the village and call on some of his congregation. Sometimes they would stroll to the river and take a sail to the opposite side, and there sit on the river’s bank, secluded and alone. Rebekah would assist in rowing the boat. Again they would take a walk to where the Morgan House is now, which then was an open field, and wend their way to the woods near by, gathering wild flowers; and then they would take a circuitous route home, crossing ravines ; anon they would cross lots, until they arrived on Main street, and on their way home they would stop at her father’s store, who was pleased to see his Dominie pay so much attention to his daughter, perhaps thinking that it w^ould be the forerunner of a closer union that could only be severed by death. The communion season was now approaching, and Mr. Vannist was making preparations for that solemn event. He had held his last commemorative service at his church in Fishkill, and now it was his turn to administer the sacraments at Poughkeepsie, and on the Sabbath preceeding the communion he invited tljose who wished to connect themselves with the church of Christ to meet him and the elders of the church at theDOMINIE VAN NIST’s COURTSHIP. 31 house of Mr. Paul Schank, at two o’clock. The preparatory lecture was to commence at three o’clock, and he sincerely hoped that there would be some that wrnuld feel the necessity of a preparation for death, as life is so uncertain. Among the number that presented themselves to unite with' the church, was Pebekah Scliank. Oh, how it gladdened the hearts of her parents wdien their daughter made a public profession of religion, when she renounced the world and gave her heart to God, and the joy of her parents on that Sabbath noon, when they were all seated around that sacramental table to commemorate the Saviour’s dying love, can better be imagined than described. Mr. Van-nist was encouraged, for his labors at Poughkeepsie and Fishkill had been blest during the brief time he had been with this people. Besides preaching alternate Sabbaths at Poughkeepsie and Fishkill, he had stations at New Hackensack and Hopewell, and as the county was becoming more thickly populated, his congregations multiplied and their numbers increased. Mr. Yannist now confined himself more closely to his room, and with close application to study left little time for leisure. He often had to ride miles to visit the sick and the afflicted, and with no way of traveling but on horseback, for the country would not admit of wheel vehicles, for the by-roads were so rough and uneven that if the traveler had to deviate from the main road, fallen trees would often obstruct his passage, and on horseback this difficulty could be avoided by finding an opening through the woods of sufficient width for his horse to pass through. Mr. Vannist often met with this difficulty, and he always could find a way in which32 DOMINIE VAN NIST’s COURTSHIP. to avoid sunken holes and fallen trees. The pioneers, when they traveled in their lumber wagons, took their axes with them, and in traveling through the woods, if they met with any obstruction caused by trees falling across the road, which had blown down by violent storms of wind, they would fall to work with their axes and remove the obstruction, but this could be avoided by traveling on horseback ; and Mr. Vannist always traveled over his parish on horseback, then extending over a circuit of some twenty miles. A strong attachment now existed between Mr. Vannist and Rebekah, and it created a great deal of gossip in the village. The matrons would meet at each other’s houses and talk the matter over, wondering if their Dominie would marry Rebekah Schank. The young ladies, too, would collect together and tell how they had seen them at different times walk out, engaged in close conversation. Such circumstances strengthened their belief that they wmuld soon be married. ‘'But then,” said Mrs. L., “he is such a fine young minister, so dignified, so engaging in his manners, one cannot but help admire him.” “Yes,” said Miss V., “and Rebekah Schank is a lucky girl.” Rebekah was spotless to a fault, and she now might be described as a model of beauty and loveliness. Her figure was tall and graceful, her hair a light auburn, soft and lustrous, which flowed in silken ringlets over her neck and shoulders ; her ardent love for the church and her devotion to religious duties, particularly in the prayer meeting, all conspired to elevate her in the esteem of those who were the followers of the meek and lowly Saviour. On the week preceeding the Sabbath that Mr. Van-DOMINIE VAN NIST’S COURTSHIP. 33 nist was to preach at Fishkill, he invited Rebekah to accompany him, which invitation she readily accepted. As provender was very cheap in those days, Paul volunteered to keep the Dominie’s horse gratis. He supplied him with hay and meal, and whatever else he wished. Sanco was ordered to give the Dominie’s horse a thorough brushing on the morning they were to set out for Fishkill, and Paul saddled his horse and fastened a pillion on behind, and then led him to the front of the house in Main street, and after the Dominie helping Rebekah on the pillion, he placed himself in the saddle, and then bidding her parents good-bye, they moved slowly out of the village on their way to Fishkill. Their course lay through New Hackensack. It was the latter part of June, and the country wore a beautiful aspect, for nature was decking herself in her most brilliant garments. The purple willows had on their full dress, and the wild ivy was clambering the forest trees, whose giant arms stretched across the highway and often interlocking each other, shutting out the sun’s rays, presenting a scene wild and picturesque. Again the sunbeams would be streaming through every crevice, and pouring a flood of light through intervening forests; anon they would emerge into open fields, where the Dutch pioneers had erected substantial dwelling houses and barns, and many of them had their farms enclosed, and cattle and sheep were feeding in luxuriant pastures that lay on either side of the highway where they passed. Arriving at New Hackensack, they concluded to stop and refresh themselves and horse, and alighted at Mr. Van Benschoten’s, who was a large landholder. He had just returned from the field34 DOMINIE VAN NIST’S COURTSHIP. with his negro slaves, where he had been superintending the work. He ordered Pompey to take the Dominie’s horse and put him in the stable and give him a half skipple of wheat, (skipple is a Dutch measure containing three pecks.) Mr. Van Benschoten politely invited Mr. Vannist and Rebekah into the house, and after the customary salutations and inquiring the news at Poughkeepsie, Mrs. Van Benschoten set to work preparing dinner for their guests. Mr. Vannist had frequently stopped at Mr. Van Benschoten’s when on his way to Fishkill to preach, and he knew the hospitality that he always received at his house, and when he lectured at New Hackensack, he often made his home there. A good substantial dinner was prepared, and the Dominie and Rebekah, with the family, were soon seated at the table, and after Mr. Vannist invoking the divine blessing, they partook of the bountiful supply that had been set before them. After dinner, Mr. Vannist and Rebekah remained one hour at Mr. Van Benschoten’s, who were members of his church. He gave a short exhortation before leaving, to his family, who had gathered in the room, including the negro slaves, and then Mr. Vannist said that he would be obliged to leave, as he wished to reach Col. John BrinckerhoflPs before night. Pompey was ordered to saddle his horse and lead him to the house, and then taking leave of Mr. and Mrs. Van Benschoten, thanking them for their kindness, they left for Col. John Brinckerh off’s. The day was wearing away, and as they ascended the high rolling ridge now known as Mt. Hope, a half mile south of Myers’ Corners, the scenery was of more than ordinaryDOMINIE VAN NIST?S COURTSHIP. 35 beauty. The sun was receding to. the western horizon, and the song birds were warbling on the tree tops, making the air ring with their melody. The valleys on the east of the Hudson was the foreground of the picture ; in the centre, like a beautiful panorama, lay the noble river; beyond, for some twenty miles, the valleys extended to the base of the Shaw-angunk mountains, whose blue tops reached the fur-therest limits of the landscape. The checkered shadows of the declining sun reflected over the scene. Conversation had lagged for some time, and Rebekah, who was getting fatigued with her journey, lay half reclining on his shoulder. The day was moderately warm, arid the balmy breezes were sifting her clustering curls, occasionally sweeping his face, who made no effort to push them aside. But they jogged slowly along, and before sunset they reached Col. John BrinckerhofPs, now the residence of Alfred White. The house is the same which Col. Brinckerhoff then occupied. The Colonel was expecting Dominie Van-nist, as it was the Sabbath when he wras to preach at Fishkill, and he often remained with him, particularly when night overtook him before reaching Fishkill Village. The Colonel told Caesar to take his horse, and Mr. Vannist and Rebekah were ushered into the parlor, where Rebekah was introduced to Mrs. Brinck-erhoff* and family, who soon spread a bountiful table, knowing that Rebekah must be tired traveling on horseback, exposed to a warm sun through the day. Soon they were all seated at the table, and after Mr. Vannist asking the blessing, their wants were supplied and the kind attention that Rebekah received at36 DOMINIE VAN NIST?S COURTSHIP. Col. BrinckerhofFs made her feel very much at home. They spent a very pleasant evening with the Colonel and family. After tea they all took a walk to the large creek, which was but a little way from the house, and spent an hour sailing down the stream which broke through the forests that lined its banks. The silvery moonbeams reflected over the water at the splash of the oars, which were handled dexterously by Mr. Vannist. Martha Jane BrinckerhofF and Bebekah, who accompanied Mr. Vannist in the boat, admired his skill in gliding it so swiftly over the water. Returning home after such pleasant recreation, which was very much enjoyed by Rebekah and Martha Jane, the time for retiring soon arrived. Col. BrinckerhofF gathered his family and slaves together in the parlor, and then the Dominie opened the large Dutch Bible, which lay on the stand, and read the twenty-third Psalm, and after making a few remarks on the Psalmist, his faith in God, and that He would sustain him when passing through the dark valley of the shadow of death, fearing no evil, for his rod and staff they comforted him, so all who put trust in the Saviour could feel as David did when he penned this Psalm, and death would present to us no terrors, if we placed our firm reliance in Him who died to save such sinners as we are. He then closed with prayer; and all retired for the night. Mr. Vannist, after retiring to his room, seated himself in his chair for some time in deep meditation. He at length opened his satchel, which he always carried with him, and takings his manuscript out, commenced examining his sermon, which he had to deliver to his congregation at Fish-DOMINIE VAN NIST’S COURTSHIP. 37 kill on the morrow. In looking over it he thought if he had the time he could improve it. He had spent hours with Rebekah, which he thought he ought to have devoted to his studies, and he felt that he had neglected his duty to his God and to his people. He was an embassador of Christ, and his mission was to labor for the salvation of his guilty fellow men, but, thought he, have I not been instrumental in bringing many to the Saviour; has not my ministry been successful, and through the instrumentality of my preaching have not souls been converted ? Such thoughts seemed to thrill the very fibres of his soul, and he felt encouraged to work with more zeal than ever. Hastily looking over his manuscript and making some alterations, he laid it aside, and after closet devotions, he sought to refresh himself with sleep, but this was denied him. He was fatigued with his day’s journey, yet he had no disposition to sleep. His God, his labors on the Sabbath, and the object of his affections, came rushing through his mind. He had not as yet offered her his hand and heart, but the love that he cherished for her penetrated his inmost soul, and no finite love could compare with that for his beloved Rebekah. The nights in the months of June are the shortest of the year, and Mr. Vannist had scarce got asleep ere the east was again streaked with the broad crimson of the dawn, and over the blazing hills the morning sun was again pouring his rays upon a regenerated world, and it was not seven o’clock when he was awakened by a loud rap at his door, and a voice from without saying that breakfast would be ready in a quarter of an hour. Mr. Vannist hastily commenced dressing38 DOMINIE VAN NIST?S COURTSHIP. himself, and in less time than specified his toilet was all adjusted, and he then made his appearance in the parlor, where the Colonel and his family were sitting. The Colonel then invited his guests to breakfast, and Rebekah was ushered into the room by Martha Jane, who seated her at the table by the side of Mr. Yannist* After giving thanks to the giver of all good for his protecting care through the night and refreshing sleep, the Dominie gave each one a verse in Scripture to repeat in turn, while they were at. breakfast, commencing with himself. His was Psalms, forty-second chapter, fifth verse, “Why art thou cast down, O my soul, and why art thou disquieted in me; hope thou in God, for I shall yet praise him for the help of his countenance.” Col. BrinckerhofPs turn came next, and the Dominie asked him if he could think of a passage of Scripture, who said yes: “If any man serve me, let him follow me, and where I am there shall also my servant be. If any man serve me, him will my Father honor.” Mrs. Brinckerhoff was asked next if she could think of a passage of Scripture, who replied in the affirmative, and hers was very appropriate; and then he asked Martha Jane if she could repeat averse, who said, “Be kindly affectioned one to another, with brotherly love; in honor preferring one another.” And last of all he asked Rebekah if she knew a passage, who replied, “And said, For this cause shall a man leavie father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife, and they twain shall be one flesh. What, therefore, God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.” What Mr. Vannist?s thoughts were after hearing this passage of Scripture from Rebekah, was known only to him-DOMINIE VAN NIST’S COURTSHIP. 39 self. Breakfast being over, the Colonel called in his domestics, and then Mr. Vannist read a chapter from the Gospel of St. Matthew, and closed with prayer. He then informed the Colonel that he would like to have his horse saddled, for it was time for him to leave for Fishkill. His request was complied with, and he then set out for Fishkill Village, leaving Rebekah at Col. BrinckerhofPs, who was to follow immediately with his family, with Rebekah in his wagon. Mr. Vannist soon arrived at Fishkill, and stopped at Stephen Purdy’s, who then lived on the opposite side of the street from where the National Bank is now located. The house was demolished in 1836, by Nelson Burrough, who then owned the premises, and built the present mansion, now (1874) owned by 0. H. Barnes. Mr. Purdy took charge of the Dominie’s horse, and in a little while the sound of the bell was reverberating through the valleys, calling the people to the house of God, and when Mr. Vannist arrived at the church he found a large congregation assembled, who had come from New Hackensack, Hopewell, Fishkill Plains, Fishkill Landing, and the Highlands, filling the main body of the church. Rebekah was seated in Col. BrinckerhofPs pew with Martha Jane. Mr. Vannist took his text in St. Matthew’s Gospel, twenty-fifth chapter, last verse, “And these shall go away into everlasting punishment, but the righteous into life eternal.” After his introductory remarks, he proceeded to review the condition of the two classes, the righteous and the wicked, in the world to come, that punishment hereafter was eternal, and he exhorted all the impenitent to make their peace with God, and40 DOMINIE VAN NIST’S COURTSHIP. if they put off the time until a more convenient season, that season may never come, but the righteous would attain everlasting felicity, and all at last would be numbered among his Saints in glory everlasting. The speaker produced a profound impression on his hearers, and the vivid pictures that he drew of the two classes at the close of his sermon seemed to penetrate every heart. After the services were concluded, Mr. Vannist stated to his congregation that he would preach at either New Hackensack or Hopewell before he returned to Poughkeepsie, if any member of the church had a convenient place for him to hold service, and as he saw a goodly number of his congregation from there present, he would appoint preaching if any one would say where the service might be held. Peter Monfort, from Fishkill Plains, arose and said that he could preach in his barn. It was the warm season of the year, and he had not yet commenced haying; his bam being empty, there would be ample room to accommodate all that would be present. This offer was accepted, and then Mr. Vannist said that he would preach in Mr. Monfort’s barn on Tuesday of that week, services to commence at 10 o’clock a. m. He then remarked that if any wished or was willing to hold a prayer meeting at their house that evening, they could signify by rising. Johannas Swart arose and said that he could appoint a prayer meeting at his house. The Dominie then said that a meeting for prayers would be held at the house of Johannas Swart that evening, and then dismissed the congregation. ^ In those days there was preaching only once on the Sabbath ; the country was too sparsely settled toDOMINIE VAN NIST’S COURTSHIP. 41 collect a congregation more than once, and the village of Fishkill then contained so few inhabitants that only a small number lived in convenient distance even to attend prayer meeting. Mr. Vannist and Eebekah spent the remainder of the Sabbath with Stephen Purdy, and in the evening, with Mr. Purdy and family, they attended the prayer meeting at Mr. Swart’s. The house is now the residence of John P. Green, and has been rebuilt several times. A little band of Christians had assembled to spend an hour in prayer. Mr. Vannist opened the Bible, which had been laid on a stand for the occasion, and then read a chapter in Revelations and offered a brief prayer, and then said that the meeting was open for prayer and remarks. An hour was spent profitably in singing and praying, and then Mr. Vannist closed the meeting, and he and Rebekah remained over night with Mr. Swart. On Monday they spent the day calling on his people in the village, and dining at Robert R. Brett’s, now the residence of Mrs. John C. Van Wyck. The house, which was then a stone structure, was demolished in 1819 by Obadiah Bowne, who then owned the premises, and built the present beautiful edifice. The close of the day Mr. Vannist and Rebekah arrived at Cornelius Van Wyck’s, now the residence of Sidney E. Van Wyck, of Revolutionary fame, known in Cooper’s novels as the Wharton House. The architecture of this house is the same as it was originally, covered with scollop shingles, which were taken off about 1805 by the grandfather of the present owner. They remained over night with Mr. Van Wyck, whose family spared no pains to make it pleasant for them. Rebekah was entertained by Mrs.4 2 DOMINIE VAN NIST’S COURTSHIP. Van Wyck and daughters, who accompanied her through their yards and garden. It was her first visit there and she admired the mountain scenery, the majestic highlands, whose tops were then gilded with the rays of the setting sun, painting with purple and gold a cloud that rested on Beacon, presenting a scene to her of indescribable beauty. After family worship, Mr. Vannist retired for the night, and spent an hour preparatory to rest in meditation, as he had an appointment on the morrow at Mr. Monfort’s. A good night’s Wharton House, Fishkill Village. rest refreshed him very much, and he awoke just as he heard the summons at his door that breakfast was waiting ; when he hastily arose and made all haste to get ready, and when he entered the parlor he apologized for his not rising earlier, but Mrs. Van Wyck said that he was in time for breakfast, and then all were soon seated around the table, and Mr. Vannist returned thanks for past mercies, and His protecting care through the night. He then informed Mr. Van Wyck that they would be obliged to leave as soon as breakfast was over, as his appointment at Mr. Monfort’s was at 10 o’clock. After breakfast, Mr. Vannist read aDOMINIE VAN NIST’S COURTSHIP. 43 chapter from the Psalms, and offered a prayer, in which Mr. Van Wyck and family were remembered at the throne of grace. Pompey was told to saddle the Dominie’s horse and lead him to the front yard. Mr. Vannist, after thanking Mr. Yan Wyck for the kind treatment that he had received from himself and family, and the many pleasant hours spent at his house during his stay at Fishkill, helped Rebekah on the pillion, who invited the Miss Van Wycks to return her visit, hoping they might enjoy a visit at Poughkeepsie as hers had been at Fishkill. They set out for Peter Monfort’s. It was a lovely June morning, and the country just emerging from a wilderness, presented a wild and romantic scene. Primitive forests, dark and dense, yet covered the country, untouched by the woodman’s axe, and as they journeyed over the solitary road, they passed the time in conversation. Occasionally a squirrel would arrest their attention, leaping through the tree tops, and a grouse or rabbit would flee from their seclusion at the noise of their approach, and disappear in the depths of the woods. Their progress being so slow, and time passed away so unheeded, that they did not arrive at Mr. Monfort’s until half an hour past the time appointed. But a goodly number of his congregation from New Hackensack and Hopewell had collected in the barn, which was well arranged for the occasion. The ancient Dutch barns were built with a double frame work. The outer frame arose but a little way> when the roof commenced. A second frame work, twelve feet from the first one, went up, which supported the roof, and between the two frame works were the linters, where the hay and grain were stored. These linters44 DOMINIE VAN NIST’S COURTSHIP. being empty at this season of the year, and the weather warm, Mr. Yannist would once a month hold meetings in barns in New Hackensack, Hopewell or vicinity, before he returned to Poughkeepsie, after preaching on the Sabbath at Fishkill, as no church had yet been erected at either place. The congregation seated themselves in the linters, and an open space in the center of the barn was allotted for Mr. Vannist, who commenced the services by addressing the throne of grace. He opened the Bible and read the one hundred and thirty-fifth Psalm, and then the singing was led by Rebekah in Dutch. After which a practical discourse was delivered from the first verse of the Psalm just read : “They that trust in the Lord shall be as Mount Zion, which cannot be removed, but abideth forever.” The congregation listened with interest while he delivered his sermon, and after the services were over, they all gathered around their Dominie, shaking him by the hand and inviting him to go home and take dinner with them. After thanking them all for their kindness, they dispersed for their homes, and the Dominie and Rebekah took dinner with Mr. Monfort, who entertained them very pleasantly. After an hour’s rest after dinner, spent in pleasant conversation with Mr. and Mrs. Monfort, they set out for Poughkeepsie. The heat now was oppressive, and Mr. Vannist and Rebekah were exposed to its scorching rays, and after having traveled a few miles they concluded to take shelter under a large oak tree that stood near the highway and remain there an hour or more until the sun’s rays should be less penetrating, and oh, what a precious hour that was to Mr. Yannist. They sat for some timeDOMINIE VAN NIST’S COURTSHIP. 45 in silence and nothing broke the stillness but the occasional chattering of the squirrel and the singing of birds. He at length became tearfully agitated, so much so that Rebekah perceived it, and she gazed at some object to hide the secret throbbings of her heart, and at last the stillness was broken by Mr. Vannist, who then offered her his hand and his heart. Rebekah was so overwhelmed with emotion, that she had not the power to express herself, but placing her hand in his, nodded assent. A gleam of joy irradiated the Dominie’s face, and as the heat was subsiding, they commenced their journey, he urging his horse, for the day was getting towards its close, and they were yet several miles from Poughkeepsie. A sudden shower obliged them again to stop and seek shelter under a tree, as no house was near to afford them protection from the falling raindrops. But the clouds soon dispersed, and they traveled on, the sun again shining from below the clouds, and before them lay luxuriant fields covered with a tapestry of green, meadows blooming with buttercups and daisies, sparkling in the recent falling raindrops. As they neared Poughkeepsie, the sun was sinking below the western horizon, the last rays were gilding the eastern hilltops, and the approaching shades of evening touched the landscape with inexpressible beauty. Mrs. Schank had been looking for their return for some time, for Mr. Vannist had informed her that if nothing prevented they would return before night on Tuesday. Presently she saw them coming down Main street, and her anxiety was relieved by seeing them once more safely ensconced in her house. Sanco took charge of the Dominie’s horse, and Paul, who had just46 DOMINIE VAN NIST’S COURTSHIP. come from his store, saw that he was well cared for. Rebekah Schank accompanying Mr. Vannist to Fish-kill, created considerable excitement among the matrons in Poughkeepsie, and they would congregate in each other’s houses and discuss the subject. Some thought it was not right for the Dominie to take a girl with him when going to Fishkill to preach, and not return until Tuesday night; others said that they saw no harm in it, but they were all confident that they would make a match. “Don’t you see,” said one, “how often they walk out together?” “Yes,” says another, “I saw them pass by our house one evening last week, going towards the river, engaged in close conversation.” “Why,” says an elderly lady, “I can see Paul’s garden from our back window, and I have frequently seen them at twilight, sitting in Paul’s summer house, and I heard Sanco say that Misses Becca and Massa Dominie were walking in the garden every night.” Rebekah did not communicate to her mother that Mr. Vannist had offered himself to her in marriage until some days after her return from Fishkill. She merely told her of the pleasant time they had spent among the people there, and the many acquaintances she had made. But Mrs, Schank had long seen that an ardent attachment had existed between them, which she hoped would ultimately end in marriage. This was a source of great anxiety to her, for she was fearful that he occupying a high position in society and the influence he had in his congregation and in the community at large, he might not condescend to marry Rebekah, but she also thought he would not win the affections of her daughter and then not marry her, butDOMINIE VAN N1ST?S COURTSHIP. 47 she would wait and see what the future would bring forth. A few more days had passed, when Rebekah and her mother were in the sitting room alone. The father and two brothers, Isaac and Cornelius, were at the store, and Dominie Vannist had just left Poughkeepsie for Fishkill, and would not return until the next Monday. Sanco was at work in the potato field, clearing the hills of weeds. Juda and Fillis were at work in the kitchen, and Mrs. Schank was busily engaged in their household duties. Rebekah then informed her mother of Mr. Vannist7 s offer to her in marriage, when returning from Fishkill. Her mother looked at her with some surprise, to think that she did not communicate to her this information before, but Rebekah said that she waited for a favorable opportunity, and then suddenly her father came into the room, and she related to them the diffidence and agitation the Dominie manifested under the large tree by the wayside, when he gave her his heart. Her parents7 joy was unbounded, and the news soon spread through the village, that Dominie Vannist was engaged to Rebekah Schank, which now was the topic of conversation. Dominie Vannist promised Rebekah that he would return on Monday from Fishkill, as he would not preach at Hopewell until his next regular appointment there, and he arrived home on Monday at noon, in time for dinner. After dinner, the Dominie and Rebekah retired to his room, and an hour was spent in close conversation. She related to him that she had made known to her parents his offer to her in marriage, and the pleasure it would afford them to see them united, and, said she, the report is now circulated48 DOMINIE VAN NIST’S COURTSHIP. through the village that we are engaged, and the wedding is appointed; and she farther said that Isaac told her that he overheard several young men, one a lawyer, talking over the affair at the Van Kleek House, wondering if they would be lucky enough to get an invitation, and several of her associates had hinted to her of her intended marriage. In the evening, Mr. Vannist entered the sitting room where Rebekah and her parents were sitting. The air was sultry, for it was midsummer, and Paul had just returned from his store, leaving his son Isaac there to attend to customers. As soon as the Dominie entered, Paul arose and seated himself close to an open window, to catch the summer breezes that were gently passing, when he remarked that he hardly had time to ask him if there was anything new at Fishkill, whether any of his congregation was sick, and where he remained over night. Such questions were usually asked when the Dominie returned from preaching or visiting his parishioners, and then the conversation ceased and a stillness pervaded the room for some time. Mr. Vannist knew that Rebekah had informed her parents of his offer to her in marriage, and the diffidency he expected he would have to contend with had subsided, and he proudly asked Mr. and Mrs. Schank for their daughter in marriage. “Yes,” said Paul, “and I hope, with the blessing of God,” but he could say no more; ecstatic joy pervaded his soul, and his mind was so absorbed with his daughter’s marriage, that he could not find words to express himself. Mrs. Schank then remarked that Rebekah was their only daughter, and she could willingly consent to give her to him in marriage, and ifDOMINIE VAN NIST?S COURTSHIP. 49 she made him half as good a wife as she had been to her parents a dutiful and loving daughter, she would be worth to him more than all this world could give. Rebekah had been listening with intense interest, and when her mother related her filial affection and her consent for her to be united to him, until separated only by death, she could not refrain from weeping. Her love for her parents and their love for her presented to her mind vivid recollections. Their tender assiduities, the watchfulness over her in the helpless period of infancy, how they had guarded her heedless youth, and their increasing anxiety for her welfare in subsequent life, all tended to awaken emotions in her bosom which she could not suppress. Mr. Vannist remained calm and self-possessed, and the question which had so long lain next to his heart, had been decided, and now his mind was relieved, and soon all was tranquil in the room, when Mr. Vannist said it was time to retire, and bidding Rebekah and her parents good night, he went to his room, and seating himself by his window, his mind reverted to the events which had just transpired. He was only twenty-six years old, and what bright visions did the future unfold to him. He was soon to be united to one to whom he had given the warm gushings of his heart; her youth, her amiability, and her modest deportment, all tended to fill his soul with joy unutterable. When it became generally known throughout the village that Dominie Vannist was engaged to Rebekah Schank, the excitement partially subsided, and the long expected event, when they were to be married, was looked for by the united congregations with interest.50 DOMINIE VAN NIST?S COURTSHIP. Paul, who had the supervision of the parsonage, now began to look after the premises. It had not been occupied since it was vacated by the Rev. Benjamin Meynema, and the premises were in a dilapidated state. The villagers had trespassed on the grounds, and some of the outside fence was broken down ; the window shutters were swinging, and the hinges of some were broken, caused by the fastenings not being secured. Paul had endeavored to protect the parsonage and he did all that lay in his power to keep trespassers off, but nights, boys and young men would go into the enclosure and commit depredations which he could not redress. He now employed a blacksmith at his own expense to make new hinges for the window shutters, and himself and Sanco repaired the outside fence, and Mrs. Schank set Fillis and Juda to work at the interior, cleaning the floors, scouring the huge timbers overhead, whitewashing the side walls, and cleaning the cellar and garret. Paul set out some apple trees in the lot that lay next to the Court house, and planted cherry trees, gooseberries, and currants in the garden, and when he went to New York to buy goods, he intended to purchase some nice furniture for his daughter, but the marriage had been postponed until Spring. The winter of 1760 and ?61 had been comparatively mild, and Mr. Yannist did not fail to go and preach at Fishkill every alternate Sabbath, for so little snow had fallen during the winter, that traveling was but little obstructed. Often times in severe winters the snow would block up the highways so that traveling would be impossible and Mr. Vannist could not fulfill his appointments regularly, but the present winter enabledDOMINIE VAN NIST’S COURTSHIP. 51 him to attend to the spiritual wants of his people, and his leisure hours were spent in his study room with Rebekah, where they would remain for hours. Occasionally, when the weather was pleasant, they would call on some of the villagers, but Mr. Vannist was always attentive to the sick, and nothing would prevent his visiting the afflicted and imparting spiritual consolation at the bedside of the dying. The first spring month had now arrived, and the migratory birds began to appear, and every indication of the breaking up of winter was now apparent. The blue birds were warbling on the house tops, and flocks of wild geese and ducks had collected on the river and swamps, which afforded plenty of game for the hunter. Paul had commenced making preparations for the wedding, which was to take place on Wednesday, the 5th of June, at his house. Paul was making great preparations for that important event. The congregation from Fishkill had sent up to his house a large supply of turkeys and fowls. Madam Brett had sent a whole side of beef and a leg of mutton. Paul had received from New Hackensack and Hopewell large quantities of provisions, and when the morning of the 5th of June dawned, there never was a lovelier one. The spits in Paul’s large kitchen fireplace, at an early hour, were hanging full of turkeys, fowls, beef, mutton, etc., for the wedding was to take * place at twelve o’clock. The huge oven was crowded to its utmost capacity with pies, puddings, cakes, and other good things, and there was also sausages, souse and head cheese. A dozen or more colored girls were employed in cooking and baking. It was customary52 DOMINIE VAN NIST’S COURTSHIP. in those days, when weddings took place, to keep what then was called “open house/7 that is, to extend a general invitation a certain distance to every house, as the population was so sparse, and Paul gave a general invitation in the village of Poughkeepsie and a mile in the country, for all to be present. At ten o’clock the then village of Poughkeepsie presented a novel scene. The two congregations commenced to assemble and large wagon loads came pouring in Main street to Paul’s house, some seated on chairs taken from their houses, some sitting on clean straw on the bottom of the wagon box; young men and women on horseback, all flocking to Paul’s house. Paul seeing that it was useless to have the ceremony performed in the house, as he wished all to have an opportunity to witness it, concluded to have the marriage take place out of doors. He at once set several negroes at work erecting a platform in his yard, fronting Main street, and in an hour it was completed. As the hour of twelve drew near, the excitement became intense, and what added more to the enthusiasm was the appearance of Madam Brett, in her coach, drawn by four horses, coming down Main street, with two negroes in the front seat and one negro on the rear of the coach, whose business was to open the carriage door. It was always customary for the patentees to ride in a carriage drawn by four horses. The Van Cortlandts, Phillips, Verplancks, Beekmans, and Livingstons, always rode out for pleasure in carriages drawn by four horses. The Phillips, who owned the great Highland Patent, kept up that custom, the longest. As late as 1816 they rode out with their carriage with four horses. The old carriage is still inDOMINIE VAN NIST’S COURTSHIP. 53 existence. It was shown to the writer last summer by the foreman of the Phillips mansion at Garrison, in an out-building, where it had not been taken out for years. The wheels are as heavy as an ordinary lumber wagon used by our farmers at the present day, only a great deal more dishing. The carriage body rested on what was then called thorough-braces, which were used before the invention of the elastic spring. These thorough-braces gave the body a swinging motion, which yielded to the unevenness of the road. The carriage was more spherical and heavier than those used at the present time. The English coat of arms is emblazoned on the doors, and the interior was once beautifully tasselled. The page’s seat in the rear is so arranged that he could either stand or sit to suit his convenience. If he stood up there were handles for him to take hold of so that he could keep his equilibrium. In the carriage with Madam Brett was the Rev. Gualterius DuBois, from New York, who was to perform the ceremony, and two of her grand children. Her husband had been accidentally killed when comparatively young. Coming from New York on board of a sloop, the boom of the vessel struck him when entering the mouth of the Fishkill creek near Byrnesville, in 1721. It is said that his remains were interred in an old burying ground near there, where it is still to be seen. Dominie DuBois had come from New York by land on horseback as far as Madam Brett’s, and remained there over night, and leaving his horse at the Madam’s mansion, he came to Poughkeepsie with her in her carriage. Paul was pleased to see Madam Brett, for he was fearful that she would not be able to attend54 DOMINIE VAN NIST?S COURTSHIP. the wedding, for she was nearly eighty years of age and infirm. She only lived three years after, as she died in 1764. When the hour of the wedding arrived, the excitement became intense ; the street in front of PauPs house was literally blocked with people. Every available space was occupied. The house tops near >