v^ ^v - "^'^• -^^0^ ./% & %/ ^^ .\^ .it- ^"^ tj> " C N o ,^ n ~ c -^ ♦ / EARLY Sac I History of Amenia, BY NEWTON REED AAIEMA. N. v.: DE LACEY &. WILEY, PRINTERS. I. ST-'.. 3"^ 2. SS 'OS \ INDEX Tbe. names of the Early Residents and of the Sub- scribers to the Roll of Honor are placed in alphabetical order in the book, and are therefore left out of the Index. Adams. Elisba, "27, -ii John, 78 .losiah, 78 Adams- Mills. '27, 78. I'Jo AGKICI'LTUKE, 132 Allen, Elijah. 37 Ethan. 4»;. fi3. f;7 Allerton, Dr. Corneliiis, If!, 7St l)r. Reuben, 16> 4'i, (i'A <;7, 78 Archibald, 78, 136 David, 78 Isaac, 34. 78 Jonathan, 78 Samuel, 78 Allswo'th,Janaes,13, 78 Amenia I'reuinct. 5 Union, IS. 39 Amenia, Is a me of, 45, 46 South, 39 Andrews, Barzilla, C2 Ko-or. 7!» Aretsnn, Jolm, •! Asbury. IJi.shop. 3(> Assembly. .Arcratiers of 4!) ASSOCIATOKS, :.3 Atherton, C, 6"). ';7, 71> James, 78, 7it Barlow, Elislia, 4>2, 48, 40, 6'2. tj:), (U. T.O, House of Deacon, 144 Capt. Jesse, 13(5 IJarlow, Dc'ii'^on Moses 41, 42. 47, 79 Xathan, (i.j, 71> I'ch- 7!) Thomas, l'2y Baptist Church, 33 in N. E , 34 Baptisms. 42 Barker, Jacob, 110 William, 47,49, 62'4, 79, 13<> .Barret, Kev. Jolm, 40, 43, 67, 141 Bartlett. Daniel ('., 62, 68 Beach. J. W., 142 Zerah, 120 Beebe. John, 47 Bell, Wm., 37 Belden. Deacon Joseph, 81 Silas, 42 Taber, 49 Benedict, Benjamin, 32, 47 John, 63 Samuel, 63 Benson, Hon. Egbert. 46,48,73 Bejiton, Joel, 49, 129 Bird, Moor, 127 Bev. Isaac, 84 Blount, Wm., 62. lA Bockee, Justio<', ilo Abraham, 27, 43, 47, 49, 50, 5S Boka. 48 .Bokee, Jacob, 49, 56. 52, 68, 117 James, 49 INDEX. Bokee, Phenix, 28 Bouquet, Henrj-, 83 Bockee on Slaverv, 115 Bostwick, Wm. II., 49 Boughton, Sampson, 6 Boughton, Sampson Crum E:ibow, 45, 85. 133 Croton Water, 127 Culver, Backus, 90 Cummings, Rev. Dr , 141 Curtis, John, 37 Ruth, 146 Danbury, Burned, 69, 98 Dakin, Simon. 27, 34, 90 Caleb, 90 Darrow. Isaac, 48 Davis, 28 • Rev. Sheldon, 12 M. L , 110 Davies, William, 125 Rev. Thomas, 90 Delano, Benjamin, 65 ^ S' y Thomas. 41 ' Delamater. Claude, 22 Jacob, 22 Capt. Isaac. 22, 23, 6'.'. 69 Benjamin, 23, 42 Joljii, M. 1) , 24 Martin. 23, 42 Col. Anthony. 136 Houses of. 23. 144 Delavergne, Dr.. 92, ]:i9 Denton, Benjamin, 37 Joel, m Dewey. Jed., 32 Dorr, 24 . 109 Doty, David, 63-5, 70. \?/) Reuben, 63, 65 Samuel. 41 Ellis, 42 Dover. 7 Dubois, Col.. 64, (!8 Dunham, John. 110 Samuel, 62, 12(j Dutcher, Derrick, 22 Edgct, Lieut.. 63. 64 Ellis. 127 Emniott. James, 6 Eno. Stephen, 91 Evarts. W. M..24 Evartson, Jacob, 4S Admiral, 92 Slaves of, 117 House of. 145 Everitt, Dr.. 139 Equivalent Land, 6 Federal Store, 125 Co.. 125 Bridge, 125 Filkin. Henry, 6 Flint, Jabez."62, 69 Forbes. Samuel, 126 Ford, John, 63 Foss, Cyrus, 142 Forge, Dunham's, 91 Freeman, Robert, 32, 63 INDEX. Ill Gale, Justice, 115 GalesburKh, ifi Garnst'v, John, 53, lin Garretson, Rov. F., 3G Gates, Gen., 04 Gillett, Joel, 27 Gardiner, 27. 30 Abner, 27, G3, 78 Graham, Augustus, G Colonel, 64 Graj', Jeouthan, 63, 67, 70 Samuel, 62, 6^ Gridk'v, Noah, 126 N., & Son, 126 House of. 124 Hall, Benjamin, 65 Hamlin, Deacon, 30 Isaac, 4 Hammond, James, 4!» Harris. Moses, 47, (12, 66, 6S Harlem Heights. 136 H arlem Kiver, 128 Ilarvev, Joel. 52 llatchi Eben, 42 Lemuel, 62 Oliver, 62 Hawley A- Co.. 6 Haven, E. O., 141 Bishop, 141 Heathcote, Caleb, 5, 6 Hebard, Keuben, 34 Deacon, 34 Robert, 37 Elijah, 37 Herrick. Hufus, 47; 64 Benjamin, 4i) Hessians, 73, 101 Hitchcofk's Corner, 95 Hitchcock, Amari. 42 Samuel, 42 Hinclilitre, 124 Hott'man, Anthony, 48 Hollister, Allen, 43 Asa, 37, 63 Benjamin, 27. 42 Holmes, Jehosh., 26 Ichabod, 63 Horse Neck. 108 HOUSES, THE OLD, 114 Hopkins. Gov. !)6 BenjaTuin, 55, ()2, t'n IVIichael, 47, 48, 32 Noah, 32, 62, 63 Reuben, 48, 56, 62, 64, 67 Roswell, 32, 43, 52. 62-4. f, Stephen, 27, 32, 47, 48, ^ 7 Weight, 32, 65, 62, 67, Hopkins' Inn, 117 Humphrey, Col., 65 Hurd, Asa, 88 Allen, §8, . Hull, Gen ,84 ■• Huguenots. 39 Hunting, Is-nac, 37 Samuel, 125 Hunt, A. J., 142 , A. S ,142' Hyde, Rev. Eli. :W William, 24, 107. 109 Independence Fort, 67 Mount, 64 Independency, 31 Indians, 11, Indians, Peqnot, 3, 11 Indian Missions, 11, 12 Indian Pond, 11, 13 Burial Places, 13 INCIDENTS OF THE WAR, 73 Ingraham, (Jeorge, 37 Tliomas. 37 IRON MAKING, 126 Iron, Price of, 127 INNS AND STORES, 119 James, G. 1)., 27 Jamison, David, 6 Jackson. Daniel, 18 Jarvis, Samuel, 74 Jay, John, 48 Jefl'erson, 94 Jewell, Wm., 36 Jesuits, 11, 12 Joiinson, Judge. 78 Johnny Cake Furnace 127 Judson, Azariah, 42 Judson, 28 Karner House, 26, 98 Kellogg, Oliver, 42 Ketchara, Joseph, 64 Kent, Chancellor, 40 Kent's Parish, 4(t Kidder, Rey. Dr, 142 Khig. John,32 Samuel, 32, 47-8, 52, 73 Kingsley, W., 63, 70 . Kingston burned, 73 Kinney, Stephen, 26, 37 ; Elijah, 28 ; Henry, 37 \ Knapp, James, 62 Jones, 70 ! Klock-s Field. 36 , ^ ! Knibloc, Rev. Eben. 39, 40, 13, 116 I William. 40 •i El'iah.40 ! John, 40 i Joseph, 40 ■ Stephen. 40 ! Knickerbacker, !', 21, 22 j Kneiss, Mrs., 141 ' Land, Price of, 26, 81, 88 i LandoJi, Jona , 66 .{ Laselle, Josh., 63 j La-wyers, 13S ! Lead' Mines, 66 I LEATHER, 122 Leedsvillp, 27 ' LEEDSVILLE FACTORY, 124 , 115 :-lU\ Leed^vi!].■ .Mill.loJ-i Leonard. !>r., 13» i JiKlue W.H.,.50 Lexin^^'tuii Battle. News of, 51, 61 LIBHAin'ES AND SCHOOLS, MO Library Union, 140,- Litchfield, 16 Livingston, 16 Furnace of, 127 JVIanor of, 14, 17 Gilbert, 48 Robert, 15, 45 Henrv, 45 i Rev. Dr., 41 JLord, Ephraim, 62, 70 •Lossing, B. J.,l3T SLothrop, '28. 41,42 Walter, 42 ton is XIV., 17 tot, Baltus,24 pioyd, John, 64 IV INDEX. Mackey, fi2, i>9 McDonald, John, 66 Anne 66 Burying Groun<3, 66 McGregor, kob Koy,66 Map, Old, -21 Manning, Kev. Dr. o5 MAMUFACTURES, 122 McKendree, Bishop, "26 Manheini, 17 Marsh, Silas, 47, 52, 73 Kev. Cyrus, 100 Lawver, 100 McNeil, John, 65 Marshall, James, 6 Mather, Kev. Cotton, 01 Mauwee, Eunice, 10 Mead, Job, ;i2, 62 Job, Jr., 62 Nathan, 2(! Nathan, Jr., 32 John K., 49 Mechanics, 123 Meeting-House, Ked,30, 32, 3« Council. 31 Merrick, Pres., 142 METHOI»I.ST SOCIETY, ''A Middle District, 48 Militia, 63, 68, 74 MILLS, 133 Milk. Job, 47-8 Millerton, 5 Miller, Dr. J.. 110 Miller, Fite, 112 Mile-Stones, 131 Mile-Bo ants. 131 Mitchell. J., t;2. tiO Money, Silver, 121 Moravians, 11 Missions, AH Morse, Josiah, 64 Montgomery, 78, 48 Nase, Cornelius, 21 Nase, Henry, 20, 21, 76 John, 21 I'hil., 21 ■\Villiaai, 21 Kfjbberv of, 76 New Milford, 16, 130 Neely. Alex.. 49 Mis, 41 Newcomb, 80 New Lights, 31, 3.S,- Ivewman, Josh., 62 NINE PAKTNEKS, 5,15, 2(L2» Nciuk, 12 North Castle; 75 Northeast, 13 North, Sclah. 124 North Kiver Presbytery, 3:3 Nor walk, 106 Nye, Svlvanus, 42, 65 'Eben,.50 House of, 144 Susan, 141 OBLONG, 5-8, 10, 15 SOCIETY OF, 39 OFFICERS IN TlIEWAll,«; Orion, Levi, t;5 Orange, Prhiceof, 92 Ore Bed, 91. 126 Osborn, Kev. J., 33, 44 Isaac, 62 Quebec, Conquest of, 100 ^ Paine. Abraliani, 26, 30, 32 Abraham, Jr.. 47. 49 Barnabas. 15.32,49,61 '. Brinton, 49. (i2-6, 68 ."Maj., a prisoner. (18 Kphraitii. 47-8,55, 61 Jiid^re i:phraim, 50 Notice (,f, 71 Death of Judge, 73. House of Judge, 144 Icbabod, 32 ' Jusiah, 26, 32. 100, 10;; I Rev. Sol., 31 I Samuel, 34 ! Dr., 138 i Genealogv of. 100 ! Palalines, 1(!, 17 i Elecior, 17 I Palmer, A. VV., 49 j James, 34, 74 I Park, Rufus, 124 ; : Elijah B.. 126 i Parsonage Farm, 42 i Pawling Encampment, 73 I Peck, Rev. J. M., 35 j Pennoyer, Amos, 63, 67, 70 I Jesse. 63, 69 , John,' 27 I Josei)li, 47. <;r, I Perlee, Edmund. 47, 62, 65 Henry. 136 ; Perry, Thos. W., rri) j Piatt. Jud^e. 73 j I'laster, 134 Pleasant, Name, 133 ! PLKIXJE, P.VTKIUTIC. 51 j Pitts. Philip. 47 Philip-s Manor. 40 j Plymouth Hill, si I Porter, Job, 27 I Daniel, 27 i Post-Offlces, 13 J Post Riders, 130 Powel,Rev. J., 12 - Powers, Frederick, 39 Jacob, 62 Peter, -37 Ruth, 34 Rev. H. N., 142 Population. 41.42 Rural, 123 Preston Plains, 40 Prince Edward, 40 PROFESSIONAL MEN, 130 Protestants, French, 23 Puritans, 32, 39 Rav, Silas, 62,69 Reed, Eliakim. 42, 65 Elijah. 42 Ezra, 42. 48 Jamts, 42. (;2, Cl-fi, f^< Store of, 120 House of, 144 (iershom, 42, 65 Josiah .M., 126 N. R., House of, 144 William, 97 Samui-1, 62 Silas, 62 Simeon, 62 Reading, lu(; RECOKI*. JUDICIAL, 115 RESIDENTS. EARLY, 77 Reinke, Rev. A., 13, 26 Reynolds, G. G., 50 INDEX. Rovnulds. Joua, 47 Hciiscot, l4o KPciemptidiiists. H7 KELUIIOUS S(X"IKTIES.HJ> HEVOLl TlONAUY WAR, ol KcvoliitKiii *%. 65 / , .^-'t Warner. Seth, 63, 67 Washburn, Miles, 47 Wardwell, Allen, 36 WAR OF 1812, 130 Washington, lien., 74 Washiac, 10, 14, 15 Wassaic Creek, 14 Furnace, 126 Waterman, 41, 42, 143 Waters, Samuel, 63, 64, 115 Waantununck River. 14 Wakely, Rev. Dr., 36 Weebutook, 10 Wells, Selah, 37 Josh., 37 Westtield Society, 37 Westfield, F.A.,68 Wequagnock. 11 Wheeler, F^lijah, 48 J. M„ 97 Noah, 62, 63, 67 lien son H., 97 Timothy, 37 Thomas, 27 Burial Place, 14(i Wheat, 120 Whitefield, 32, 38 Willett, Gilbert, 7, 113 Marinus,68, 89, 113 Willson, Robert, 32, 37, 125 Thomas, 37 Winchell, Prof. Alexander, 142 Winchester, A., 42 Winegar, Conrad, 19, 40,47, 115 Garrett, 16, 18-9, 62, 69 Hendrick. 19 VI INDEX. Winegar, House of, 144 Samuel S., 19 Uldrick, 16, 19, 145 Eve, Grave of, 146 Wolcott, 28,47, 133 Wolfe, Gen , 106 Woolse}'. 28 Wood, Rev. E.,;«. 34,74 Worthlngton. Rev. W., !)6 Wyoming, 79, y.j, 113 Young, l)r. Thos., 20, 45-6, 106 William. 42 Erratum.— On page 88, line 6, read two dollars and a half, instead of ten dollars and a half. INTEODUCTION. The histoi-y of a rural town not only gratifies a most reasonable curiosity, but possesses a positive value as a source from which is drawn the history of the State ; and there is a peculiar importance belonging to the records of those towns, which had their beginning at the commencement of our national life. The peoplo, who laid the foundations of these small communities, were laying the foundations of a great nation, and in no age or country, has the character of a nation been so greatly formed by the people, in their primary associa- tions. Any careful record of these communities will become more valuable as it grows older. In making a memorial of the early settlers of Amenia, and of their first civil and social institutions, I propose to present only those things, worthy of record, which would soon be out of the reach of any historical research, and without attempting to bring the record down to the present time, either of the events of general interest, or of particular families. INTRODUCTION. There is no need, in such a work, of describing those physical features of the country, wnich remain un- changed, nor of introducing any part of general history, which may be found in books, accessible to the ordinary reader. Those, in whose interest this work is undertaken, need not be told that the sources of information are very unfruitful. There is a surprising absence of any written memorials of those families, which were earliest here. They were men of toil, and not literary, or disposed to keep a record of their uneventful lives ; and their se- cluded location was so far removed from any scenes of historic interest, that these memorials, — which hardly come up to the dignity of history — will be of interest to only a few, besides the residents here, and the descend- ants of the earlier inhabitants. The difficulty of finding exact data, and the desire to be as accurate as possible, and to be brief, are the reasons why so much time and research should be ne- cessary for so small a work. The writer expects to be reminded of some errors, and of many unavoidable omissions. GEOGRAPHICAL LIMITS. The Frecinct of Amenia was to consist of the nine easternmost tier of lots of the Lower or Great Nine Partners, and of that part of the Oblong, lying between these lots and the Connecticut line. This included the present town of Amenia and all that part of the present town of Northeast, south of a line running through the northern part of the present village of Millerton. The tovm of Amenia, when organized, had the same geo- graphical limits. NINE PARTNERS. The Great Nine Partners Patent was granted in 1697 to Caleb Heathcote, and others, and it covered the territory very nearly, which is now included in the towns of CHnton, Pleasant Valley, Washington, Stan- ford, Amenia, except the Oblong, and the south part of Northeast, except the Oblong. This grant was made before the Oblong was ceded to New York, and was bounded east by what was then the colony line. This patent was divided into thirty-six principallots, THE EARLY HISTORY OF AIVIENIA. besides nine narrow water lots, which extended to the Hudson Eiver, across the southern part of the town of Hyde Park, and the "nine easternmost lots," Nos. 28 to 36, were allotted one to each of the nine proprietors. The south lot in the tier. No. 28, was allotted to Augustus Graham, No. 29 to John Aretson, No. 30 to Henry Filkin, No. 31 to Caleb Heathcote, No. 32 to James Emmott, 33 to Wilham Creed, 34 to David Jamison, 35 to James Marshall, and 36 to Hendrick Ten Eyck. The lots were nearly equal, containicg about 3,400 acres, varying somewhat according to the quality of the land. The Little Nine Partners tract was north of this, and corresponded nearly with the towns of Milan, Pine Plains, and th(3 northwest part of Northeast. This pat- ent was granted to Sampson Boughton and othersiu 1706. " THE OBLONG." •'The Oblong," or "Equivalent Land," ceded to New York by Connecticut, after years of controversy, in 1731 — 61,440 acres — was 580 rods in width, and was divided into two tiers of square lots, called 500 acres each, though exceeding that. It was sold by the colon- ial government of New York to Hawley & Co., and al- lotments made to the individuals of the Company, and by them sold to emigrants, "who received a guarantee of title from the colonial government." "It was this security of title, which caused these lots to be eagerly sought after by emigrants," The Crown also gave a deed of these lands to an English company, which en- deavored to maintain its claim in the English court of chancery, and the suit was brought to an end only by the Revolutionary war. This land was surveyed and divided by Cadwallader Golden, Surveyor-General and Lieutenant Governor of THE EARLY HISTORY OF AMENIA. New York, who was one of the Commissioners. Another of the Commissioners was Gilbert Willett. They became owners of some of the land. The Oblong lots, included in Amenia, were nnmbers 43 to 72. The name " Oblong," — at first applied to the whole tract — became after a few years limited to that valley in Amenia, of six or seven miles in extent, now Amenia Union and South Amenia. The history of this controversy is this. In 1664, it was agreed between the two colonies that the boundary line should run from a certain point on Long Island Sound no'i th-north-west to the Massachusetts line ; both parties then understanding that this line would be par- allel to the Hudson Eiver, and twenty miles from it, which was the acknowledged limit of the two colonies. This was when the whole country north of Long Island Sound was an unknown land, and there was great mis- conception of the points of the compass ; for this direc- tion would lead to the Hudson Eiver below "West Point. When this error, which both parties recognized, was made apparent, it was agreed to rectify ic. But the people who had s^ettled on lands defined by that bound- ary very earnestly desired to retain their civil connec- tion with the Connecticut colony ; it was therefore agreed by that colony to cede to New York sm eqidvaleni in territorial extent, equal to the present towns of Greenwich, Stamford, New Canaan, and Darien, an area 12 miles by 8 — 61,440 acres. The agreement was completed and subscribed by the Commissioners at Dover* on the 14th of May, 1731, after the entire survey had been made by them, and the monuments set up. * Dover is spoken of by the Commissioners m their report as a village, the only one on the west side if the Oblong ; and Ridgefield and New Milt<.i\I the only villages on the east side. 8 THE EAELY HISTORY OP AMENIA. The survey was made by runniDg a random line from a given point to the Massachusetts' boundary and the true boundary between New York and Connecticut, was found by perpendicular surveys from this random line. This accounts for the fact that the monuments, which mark the boundary line between the two states, are not in a true line, which has excited a vexatious con- troversy for so many years and is not even yet settled.* * The Governor of Connecticut, in his recent message, calied the attention of the Legislature to this subject. ASPECT OF THE COUNTEY. There was not an unbroken forest here when the first settlers came ; as the fires of the Indians, in their pursuit of game, had destroyed the timber on the dry lands, except a few isolated specimens of oak, white wood, and wild cherry, some of which attained great size. On the plains there were scattered small oaks, wliich had sprung up after the fires, and by the creeks, and in wet lands, there were large button-wood and black-ash trees ; and all the streams were overhung with a mass of alders and willows. The mountains, it has been said, were covered with a less dense growth of wood than at present. It is evident that in the val- leys, the white wood or tulip tree, and tlie wild cherry have given place to other trees, as the elm ; and that on the mountains, the chestnut has greatly increased. The mountains, being burned over also by the Indians, were so bare, that the wild deer were plainly seen from the valleys below. 10 THE EARLY HISTORY OF AMENIA. There were but few of the large wild animals ; only a few deer, and an occasional otter in the creeks, and very rarely a wolf. The principal stream, called in Dover, the " Ten- Mile Eiver," and .in Amenia, the " Oblong Eiver," was called by the Indians the Weebutook,^ and its largest tributary from the west in this town was called by them the *' Wassaic."t These streams were stocked with herring, and were frequented by great numbers of minks, and were the resort and breeding place of wild ducks. • Weebutook signified "Beautiful Hunting Ground.' This is the interpretation flven by Eunice Mauv.-ee, grand-daughter of the Chief, Gideon Mauwee, of the Scatacook tribe of Indians, in Kent, Coun. It was she who attained the age of 102 years. t The Indian word "Wassaic is understood to signify " Difficult," or requiring hard labor, perhaps on account of the difficulty of access to the stream in its rocky chasm. In 1703, it was written " Washiack." The village of Wassaic was so called in 1843. THE INDIANS. When the first settlers came, tliey found several scattered remnants of the Pequot Indians," who had their hunting grounds up and down these valleys. They had a village in the northeast part of the town, on the west side of Indian Pond, called Wequagnoch, a settlement called Checomico, near Pine Plains, and at Scatacook, in Kent, Conn., there was a considerable bribe. There was constant intercourse between these liiferent settlements, and frequent migrations from one to the other. The remarkable labors of the Moravian missionaries among these Indians began in 1740, and were attended with very evident success, but the missionaries were so annoyed, and their people, by the officers of the colon- ial government that in a very few years they were Iriven out of the state.+ These worthy christian labor- 3rs were charged with being Jesuits, and emissaries of * That they -vvcre Pequots is genorally accepted, on the authority of the accurate listorian Trumbull. t These exiles ^t-nt first to Bethlehem, i'erii.. under the friendly care of the Breth- ren, and thence to Canada. *2 12 THE EARLY HISTORY OF ASfENIA. the French, a most odious and unreasonable imputation. It may be some palliation of this excessive jealousy, that the missionaries were foreigners, and that this was a period of our country's history when the French in Canada were sending their emissaries — especially the Jesuits — to the Indians on our northern borders to ex- cite them against the English and the colonies ; though there is no reason now to believe that the influence of these emissaries extended to the scattered and feeble bands of Indians in this part of the state. It should be noted also that it was not by the local authorities, that the missionaries were disturbed, for they were held in high esteem by their English neighbors."^ There was not only no outbreak here between the Indians and the whites, but they lived in perfect friend- ship, and the rights of the Indians were faithfully guarded by the stronger and more sagacious party. After the Christian Indians had been driven out by the state, the Scatacooksof Connecticut continued their annual excursions through the valleys of Amenia till after the beginning of the present century, and until the last remnant of the tribe had sunk into idleness and intoxication. t After the dispersion of the Indians, one of the Mo- ravian missionaries — Eev. Joseph Powell — ministered to a congregation of the early settlers at the station in Amenia, near Indian Pond, where he died in 1774, He was buried there, with some of his people, on the field of his labors, in the burying ground of the breth- ren, near their house of worship. Here also the monu- * A valuable and pleasing history of these Moravian missionaries was prepared by Rev. Sheldon Davis in 1858, the original manuscript journal ot the missionaries having then recently been discovered in the historical archives of the Brethren at Bethlehem. t At a place by the river, called the " Nook," near South Amenia, the Indians -were accustomed to hold their noisy " pow-wows." There were a few Indian wigwams near the outlet of Swift's Pond. THE EAELY HISTORY OF AMENIA. 13 mental stone says James Alworth died, 1786, aged 73, Mary Alworth died, 1797, aged 79 (and others). This ground, consecrated by missionary work and christian burial, is on the farm of Col. Hiram Clark, in the pres- ent town of Northeast, not far east of his house and on the west side of Indian Pond."* Eev. Abraham Eeinke, another of the Moravian Brethren, ministered to the people, in different parts of the town, before the settlement of a pastor. * Several Indian burial plaws are spoken of in tradition; one on lands of Myron B. Benton; another where that old burving ground lies, near Amasa 1). (Coleman's, still the burial place ot families in that vicinity. Besdes these it has often happened that bones, cvidentlv of Indian remains, have been disinterred in the Oblong valley. FIEST SETTLEMENTS. ^ MR. SACKETT. Mr. Richard Sackett* was here several years before any other settlement was made, though the precise year when he brought his family is not known. The place now known as the " Steel Works," on the Wassaic creek and the Harlem Railroad, was the place where he made his settlement, which is said to have been pre- vious to 1711. In the Colonial Records, we read ; " March 11, 1703, Richard Sackett petitioned govern- ment for license to purchase (of the Indians) a tract of land in Dutchess county, east of Hudson's river, called Washiack." " Oct. 20, 1703, License granted." " Nov. 2, 1704, Patent to Richard Sackett & Co. f«)r said land, containing about 7,500 acres, or thereabouts." " April 10, 1706, Patent to Sampson Boughton & Co. for a tract of land joining on north side of above patent, and ex- tending east to the colony line of Conn, and Waanti- nunk river, and north to the manor of Livingston." * He is called by tradition " Captain " Sackett, but in all the old public documents, he Is mentioned as "Mr." Sackett. THE EARLY HISTORY OF AMENIA. 15 Mr. Sackett was a resident of New York city, when he obtained the license and patent of 1703 and 1704. In 1711 and 1712, he was one of the commissioners with Mr. Robert Livingston, in settling the Palatines, at East Camp, or Germantown. This occupied so much of these two years, that he could not have spent much of his time at his new home at Washiack. The patent of 1704—" 7,500 acres, or thereabouts " — must have been covered by the Great Nine Partners' Grant, which was made May 27, 1697, making Mr. Sackett's subsequent title invalid. The patent of April 10, 1706, to Sampson Boughton & Co., was that of Little Nine Partners, and Mr. Sackett was one of the nine. In 1726, Mr. Sackett made application to the Con- necticut Legislature for license to purchase of the In- dians a tract of land in the west part of the town of Sharon. But his petition was denied, though repeated several times. He was never able to maintain his title to any of the Oblong lots, nor could his heirs, though his son — Dr John Sackett — attempted, in 1750, under the grant of 7,500 acres, to hold some of these lands against Lieut. - Gov. Colden and others.^' Mr. Sackett died 1746, and was buried on the hill, not far from his place of residence, in a little cemetery, now greatly neglected. There is no stone to mark his grave. t He had three sons and two daughters..'!: To his son. Dr. John Sackett, he gave, by his will, the homestead, * Lot No. 45 of the Ob!ong, which was near Mr. Sackett's place, was allotted to Gov. CoMen, who made the survey of the Oblong, and was given by him to his son, Alexander Colden, who, in 1750, re-surveyed lots 43, 44, 45, and 46. t Barnabas Paine, Esq., saj^s in his manuscript that he had several times visited the grave of Mr. Sackett in that place, but now no stone can be found there which identifies the grave. t The children of Mr. Sackett were Richard, John, Josiah Crego, Mary and Catherine- The last of the family that left here , grand-sons of Mr. Sackett, went to Eenuselaer Co. 16 THE EARLY HISTORY OP AMENTA. orchard," and meadows, and improved lands, and also his books.f To his son Eichard, he gave two hundred acres of land, above his equal share, " as being his eldest son." These bequests of land show Mr. Sackett's own estimate of his titles, some of which, at least, proved to be empty. It may be supposed, that Mr. Sackett, being much associated with Mr. Livingston, and observing his suc- cess in acquiring a large landed estate, was encouraged to enter upon a similar course. There is nothing, how- ever, in the history of these transactions that appears unwortliy of an honorable man. Gov. Hunter, in 1712. — to the Home Government — commends Mr. Sackett's " diligence and indastrj'," and says, " and he well dp- serves a reward, to which I humbly recommend him." At the time Mr. Sackett established liis family in Amenia, there was not another white famil}^ in the county nearer than Poughkeepsie, and the whole popu- lation of Dutchess county, then including Putnam, was only about 450. There was no settlement in the ad- joining county of Litchfield, in Connecticut, except in Woodbury and New Milford.ij: THE WINEGARS. In 1724, Capt. Garret Winegar came to Amenia Union from the East Camp, now Germantown, in Co- lumbia county, on the Hudson river. His father, Ul- drick Winegar, then seventy-two years old, came with him. They were of those Palatines, who were forced out, destitute, from their native country, in the interior * This orchard was celebrated long after.— One tree is left. t These books, some of which were on subjects of National History, show the literary disposition of the family. They were presented by Dr. John Sackett to Dr. Reuben Allerton , and after his death they were taken by his son, Dr. Cornelius Allerton. t There were twelve families in New Milford in 1712 THE EARLY HISTORY OF AMENIA. 17 of Germany, out of revenge by Louis XIV., and were befriended by the English government, which gave them lands in this new country, and for some time a free subsistence. " The Elector Palatine, the head of the little state, having deserted the cause of France, orders were given to lay waste his country. The cruel edict was fearfully executed ; two cities and twenty-five vil- lages were reduced to ashes, and their innocent inhabi- tants were left to perish by cold and hunger." A part of these people, brought to America by the friendly ships of Great Britain, were placed at the Camp, where six thousand acres of land were divided to their several families, and they were supplied also by the royal bounty of Queen Anne"^ with present subsist- ence, with horses and cattle, and all those implements which are necessary for the successful prosecution of their future industries. It was expected that there would be some return to the government for these favors in the production by the colonists of naval stores, hemp, tar, pitch, and pine lumber. The six thousand acres now the town of German- town was a part of the manor of Livingston, and was released to the Crown by Mr. Livingston for this pur- pose, that it might be the home of these refugees. Many of the Palatines were located in other parts of the state.t This settlement was made in 1710 ; and in 1724, Mr. Winegar, probably through some discontent, was led to seek a home in this unoccupied region. The cause of ♦ One of the royal gifts of Queen Anne was a church for their worship. t The Upper Palatinate was a small state, Ij-insr on both sides of the Rhine, having Manheim for its capital. In 1674, the whole of it was rendered almost desolate by the troops of Louis XIV., who had no better motive than that the invaded provmce Avas part of the empire with which he was then at war, and next, that the inhal)itants were almost all Protestants. Abont 2,700 Palatines, who had sought refuge in England, were serit to America by the British government in 1710. They were mostly German Keformed, or Presbyterian. 18 THE EARLY HISTORY OF AMENIA. discontent was this. The colonists complained of un- reasonable exaction upon their productive iudustrj, and that the royal bounty of food was unjustly withheld from them by the commissioners, some of whom seem to have made too great a profit out of these subsidies. It is a reasonable conjecture that Mr. Winegar's acquaintance with Mr. Sackett at the Camp may have led him to come to Amenia, and it is evident tiiat he was actuated by a spirit of independence and enterprise, and not by any desire for speculation. He entered upon land at Amenia Union — where he built his house — without any title, except from the In- dians, and afterwards, when the Oblong was confirmed to New York, and surveyed, he received a title from the proprietor of those lots at a reasonai)le price. In 1739 Mr. Winegar purchased of Daniel Jackson 300 or 400 acres of land in Connecticut, adjoining his own, and removed into the house built by Mr. Jackson on the hill above the site of the brick factory, thus be- coming a citizen of the town of Sharon. He had built a mill at a place above the present mill sites of the place, which was the first mill in this part of the coun- ty, and the first building erected in the town of Sharon. The character of Mr. Winegar for honesty was pro- verbial. He lived on the most friendly terms with the Indians, by whom he was regarded with the greatest re- spect, and whom he several times defended against the injustice of their white neighbors ; and it is said that he gave his children charge at his death that they should never allow the Indians to go from their doors in want of food. It is worthy of note that there is no mention of any block-house, or any defense against the Indians, put up by these early settlers, notwithstanding they were sur- THE EARLY HISTORY OF AMENIA. 19 rounded by large numbers of them, and were isolated for many years from any other white settlements ; while in Litchfield, between 1720 and 1730, there were five houses surrounded by palisades, and "soldiers were stationed there to guard the inhabitants while at work and at worship on the Sabbath." Mr. Winegar died in 1755 in the midst of his enter- prises. He made provision in his will for his fourteen children, and also made special and kind mention of his servant "Tom." His father, Uldrick Winegar, had died in 1754, aged 102 years. Their graves and those of many of their descendants, are in that well-chosen burial place near Amenia Union. Hendrick Winegar,-=^ the oldest son of Capt. Garret, had his residence for several years near the foot of the west mountain, and in 1761 he built the large stone and brick house a short distance west of Amenia Union. He was the ancestor of the families of that name in Kent, Conn. Uldrick, another son, was the grandfather of Capt. Samuel Snyder Winegar, Conrad Winegar, another son of Garret, was a magistrate and public-spirited cit- izen in the town. His antique and quaint-looking old house, which stood near the rocks in rear of Samuel Hitchcock's house, remained till about 1820. His only son, Gerhard, or Garret, the grandfather of Garret H., was an officer in the Eevolution, and died before the close of the war. Esq. Winegar held a valuable tract of land, extending from the highest point of the east mountain to that of the west. The wife of Capt. John Boyd and the wife of Col. Colbe Chamberlain were daughters of Esq. Winegar. One of the daughters of Capt. Garrett Winegar was ♦ He was called Ensign Wineffar. ^3 20 THE EAELY HISTORY OF AMENIA. the wife of Nicholas Row, Sen. Another was the wife of Dr. Thomas Young, who will be mentioned again. Lieutenant Samuel Snyder, who was one of the Pa- latines, and came here with them, was the brother-in-law of Garret VVinegar, and his wife was the daughter of Henry Nase. His house was where John D. Barnum lives. He was 95 years old when he died in 1808. Here is now (1875), planted by him, the first pear tree grown in this part of the land. THE ROWS. The Rows were also Germans, and are supposed to have been also of the Palatines, and to have come to this place soon after the Winegars and previous to 1731. See old map of Nine Partners. " Johannes Rouh died in 1768, aged 72 years." He lived where the brick house now stands built by Henry Morehouse. He was the father of Nicholas, Sen., and William. The sons of Nicholas, Sen., were Nicholas, Jun., Samuel, Conrad, and Garrett."^ The sons of Nich- olas, Jun., were William, Nicholas, John, Henry, Con- rad, and Gilbert. His wife was the daughter of John Lovel. Of the other sons of Nicholas, Sen., Conrad lived where Walter Sherman does, and Garret built the Hilliard house, a stone building where Shadrack Sher- man's house now stands. The old houses, built by these early settlers, of w4iich there were as many as seven or eight near Amenia Union, at the beginning of the present century, were objects of special interest. • One of the daughters of Nicholas Row, Sen., was the wife of Benjamin Delamater, Another was the wife of Capt. William Young. THE EARLY HISTORY OF AMENIA. 21 There is a pen and ink map,* executed previous to 1731, of the Nine Partilers, which shows the dwellings in Amenia at that time. Mr. Sackett's is shown, and Henry Nase's, four near Amenia Union, and one on Lot 33, The Lot lines seem to be drawn according to the survey, and the streams and ponds are laid down with a good deal of accuracy. This map is supposed to have been made by the family of one of the proprie- tors of the grant. The dwelling on Lot 33 is probably intended for that of Salisbury, who is mentioned on page 21. The four houses near Amenia Union confirm the supposition that Mr. Row was there previous to 1731, and the location of one of the houses agrees with that of Mr. Row. This steadfast Christian people have not gained that historical notice which has been acceded to the Hugue- nots and to the Hollanders ; and it may be suggested as a reason that the Germans, at their early and en- forced emigration, and out of their great poverty, neg- lected the higher education and were without a historian to make a memorial of their deeds. HENRY NASE. In 1725 Henry Nase settled in the south part of the town. His memorial stone, in the cemetery at Dover, says : — " Henry Nase, born in High Germany, died Dec. 11, 1759, about 64 years old." His residence was near where his grandson, Corneilius, lived, but on the opposite or east side of the river,t and here also his son * The compiler is indebted to Mrs. Caroline Germond, a descendant of Henry Filkin, one of the Nine Partners, for the use of this map. N. B.— Space would f*il to mention all the voluntary contributions, which have been made, to assist in this work. t The old map— mentioned above— indicates that Mr. Nase"s first house was on the east side of the river, which is also the testimony of tradition. 22 THE EARLY HISTORY OF AMENIA. Philip, Sen., resided, who was the father of Henrj, John, Philip, Corneilius, and William. Henrj, the oldest of these, being a tory, emigrated to Nova Scotia after the Revolutionary war. The others occupied four contigu- ous farms in that beautiful agricultural district. K NICKERBACKER AND VANDUSEN. It appears that these families were in the south part of the town at an early period and also that Jacob Yan Camp and Derrick Dutcher were in the north part of Dover, previous to 1731.^" There is a deed, written in the Dutch, or Holland language, of the date of 1711, from Herman Knicker- backer to Corneilius Knickerbacker. It appears to be of land occupied by Van Dusen, and the house of Van Dusen was a r.hort distance east of Geo. T. Belding's It was about 1720, that Van Dusen, Knickerbacker and Dutcher purchased land in Salisbury of the Indians, supposing, as has been said, that their purchases were within the province of New York. " The first highway from Salisbury was from Wea- tague through Lakeville, Ore Hill, Sharon Valley, Sackett's Farm to Dover,| showing the intercourse of these Dutch families. DELAMATERS. Capt. Isaac Delamater settled where Samuel Sher- man lives previous to 1740. He came here from King- ston, Ulster county, where the family had lived several generations. His father was Jacob, and his grand- father was Claude, who came to America after 1645 and before 1650. * The old map shows the houses of Jacob Van Camp and Derrick Dutcher near Tly- mouth Hill. t Historical Address of Hon. Samuel Church, of Salisbury, Conn,, at the Centennial Anniversary of that town in 1841. THE EARLY HISTORY OF AMENIA. 23 They were Huguenots, and like a large portion of that excellent people, made their escape from persecu- tion* in France, first to Holland, and thence to America, and thus became identified in that country and in this with the Hollanders. It is a striking fact, and exempli- fied in the subsequent chapters of this history, that so many of the early settlers of Amenia were brought here by their love of freedom. Capt. Delamater died April 20, 1775, the very day after the battle of Lexington,! and was buried in his own field. He was also a magistrate, and though many quaint things were said and done by this excentric jus- tice, his integrity and good sense were nevej questioned. It is an accredited tradition that in judicial cases of im- portance he consulted his wife, who sometimes sat by his side in court. He had been captain of a company of colonial troops in the French war, and took special inter- est in military affairs, calling the young men of his district together to his own house for instruction in military art. Capt. Delamater was a large land owner, and gave farms to his sons. Martin remained at the homestead. Benjamin built a stone house north of Horace Reed's. John (Honnes) built a mill atLeedsville — the first in the town — and also, in 1761, he built the brick house,J now the property of Myron B. Benton. Isaac, Jun., lived on the farm now owned by Newton Reed, where he built a house, which is now a part of the residence of the present owner, and which is now the oldest build- ing in the town of Amenia. Mr, Delamater owned also * It is ref»orded in history that 200,000 French Protestants suffered martyrdom, and 700,000 -were driven from the kingdom. t The house built by Mr. Delamater was of brick, and was burned about 1819. J J. M. D. seen on the face of the wall stands for John and Mary Delamater. 24 THE EARLY HISTORY OF AMENIA. the farm of Edward E. Cline. John Delamater, of Leedsville, was the grandfather of John Delamater, M. D., LL. D., who was a distinguished physician and surgeon, and who was professor in the medical institu- tions of Pittsfield, Mass., Fairfield, N. Y., and Cleveland, Ohio. He died in Cleveland in 1867.^' There were sev- eral other physicians in the family, t Besides the families named above, all of whom emi- grated from the North river, there was one Baltus Lot, who lived awhile in the north part of this town and on the public lands in the town of Sharon, and Adam Showerman is mentioned as being about the same time in that part of the town. These were supposed to have come also from near the Hudson Eiver. There were several Dutch families settled on the Housatonic in Salisbury previous to this, and before any settlements were made there by the New Englanders. * Dr. John Delamater's mother was Elizabeth Dorr, a descendant of William Hyde, of Norwich, Conn., and consequently is named in that remarkable genealogy, prepared by the late Chancellor Reuben Hyde Walworth. t Ex-Gov. Todd, of Ohio, is a descendant of John Delamater. Ex-President Colfax and Wm. M. Evarts are also members of this family. FIRST SETTLERS FROM NEW ENGLAND. The first important immigration to these new lanas from other parts of New York and from New England was not till about 1740. The Nine Partners' land had been in market for some time and was sold at first in rather laige tracts. The Oblong lots were brought into market in 1731 and attracted many immigrants from Connecticut and Massachusetts. From 1740 to 1750, the immigration was evidently large, from the significant fact that about 1750 the pop- ulation was sufficient to encourage the people to insti- tute public worship in three different places. In the journal of Abraham Reinke, one of the Mo- ravian missionaries who preached at " Nine Partners and Oblong," in 1753, he says : — " The people came here five years ago in expectation of bettering their for- tunes by the purchase of cheap farms, and for the 26 THE EARLY HISTORY OF AMENIA. enjoyment of religious liberty."" This shows that by his estimate a considerable portion of the people came here about 1748. It also gives a significant intimation of the spirit of the people in their jealous regard for their religious rights. The opportunity to obtain fruit- ful lands at a moderate price was very attractive. The better lands were easily cleared and brought immed- iate returns. The title w^as assured, and the price was moderate.! Among the earliest of the first settlers from New England were Hezekiah King and Abraham Paine. It was somewhat previous to 1740, as Mr. King died in 1740, and he had built a house a little west of Amenia Union, afterward called the " Karner House," The house was built in the style prevailing in Con- necticut at that time, high in front and very low in the rear. The timber was w^iitt; wood, wiiich indicated its early stiucture, as all the oldest houses were of that timber-t Abraham Paine, of Cimterbury, settled in the northern part of the town, as it is, and also Joshua Paine, Jehoshaphat Holmes, and Elisha Cleaveland. About 1740 Nathan Mead came from Ilorse Neck, or Greenwich, tliat hive of the Meads, and purchased where the family are still in possession. Stephen Kinney from New Preston ',sett]ed[in 1740 near the Sep- arate, so called, where his family is still represented. * There was not any subjection of the cliurch to the state, which these emigrants fled from, but they were jealous of the least interference of the spiritual with the temporal power; and their theory cf the entire separation of church anel state is now the theory in every part of the United States. The plan of union adopted by the first settlers of Massachusetts was expressed by Kev. Mr. Cotton in his letter to Lord Say and Seal. "It is better that the Commonwealth be fashioned to the setting forth of God's house, which is his church, than to accommodate the church frame to the civil state." These historic facts had so much con- nection with the settlement of Amenia that without some reference to them we shall misun- derstand one of the essential elements in the social history of this people. t The price of new land then was a dollar and a half per acre. In ITfiO it was about two dollars and a half per acre. X A large number of the first houses built by settlers were commodious structures, and of pleasing architectural appearance. There were but few log houses. The white wood was very suitable lor building. The two-^to^y house built by Jedidiah Bump was covered entirely with siding from one tree. THE EARLY HISTORY OF AMENIA. 27 Elisba Adams was the first resident in that part of the town called Adams' Mills, and the first in the west part of Lot 32 of Nine Partners Benjamin Hollister from Sharon settled in 1741 near Leedsville, where some of his family are in possession. Joel Gillett came to the Delavergne farm in 1742. Gardiner Gillett lived north of where Hiram Coop- er's residence now is, and on a road now discontinued. Abner Gillett was here previous to 1748, probably as early as 1742. He owned the farm of Geo. D. James. About 1742, Capt. Stephen Hopkins, of Hartford, Conn., purchased a tract of land about a mile north of the present village of Amenin,, and including the land on which the Old Ked Meeting House stood. He pur- chased the north half of lot 32 of Nine Partners, and appears to have purchased the right of Isaac Yanernom who had bought of John Salisbury. " There had been some improvements made by Salisbury."- Stephen Hopkin's house was southwest of the old burying ground, and was reached in late years by a lane, and was the residence awhile of Henry lugraham. Thomas Wheeler came from Woodbury in 1749 to lands which are held now by his descendants. Daniel and Job Porter came also that year. Simeon Dakin from near Boston removed to the north part of the town about 1750, and also Bezaleel Eudd, and Spencer. Captain David Collin settled on the place now occu- pied by his great grandson. John Pennoyer removed from Sharon in 1749 to Oblong lot. No. 62. In the northwest part of the town Abraham Bockee, from New York, settled on land purchased by his father in 1699, two years after the purchase of the Nine Partners' tract * The dwelling of Salisbury is shown on the old map, mentioned on page 21, though the location is not perfectly exact, nor the name. This Salisbury was probably the one re- terred to in Judge Church's Historical Address. He was not a land-owner there nor here. -4 28 THE EAKLY HISTORY OF AMENIA. — land now held by his descendant, Phenix Bockee. Elijah Kinne was on a farm north of the Cit}'. It was a little later than these dates that Isaac Smith and others immigrated to that part of the town. In the southeast part of the town, some of the ear- liest settlers were Davis, Eowley, Bump, Cad}^, Knapp, Woolsey, Woolcott, Mitchell, Curtis, Lothrop, Judson, Delano, Doty, and others, of whom a part were known there only a few years. Those families from Connecti- cut and the Cape, who became the permanent residents, the Barlows, Swifts, Chamberlains, Keeds, Clines, Hitchcocks, and others migrated to their new homes here in the years from 1755 to 1769. These and the early settlers in the other parts of the town, will be noticed in a subsequent part of this work, and it will be more convenient for the compiler and for the reader to have the names of the families arranged in alphabetical order, rather than in the order of the date of their settlement. The formative period of the town's history was an eventful epoch also in the history of the colony. The pop- ulation of the colony was rapidly increasing. In 1716, the population of Datchess county was 8,800 and in 1756, it was 14,148, and the population of the colony of New York was 96,765. There was Avar between England and France, and great activity in the military service, and the men were trained by their service in the French war for that na- tional struggle which was to come. There was also a great agitation of religious questions arising out of the revival of religion under the ministry of Edwards and others. KELIGIOUS SOCIETIES. It is evident that a large number of families besides these — whose names are given and the date of their im- migration — had settled upon these lands, as early as 1750, as indicated in their institution of public worship by several congregations about this tiaie. They had come into this newly-opened territory without any concert, each family purchasing their land independently of the others, and without any previous or immediate arrangement for establishing civil or ec- clesiastical organizations. In this they were unlike the communities in New England, which made their settle- ments under the regulations of an organized association, civil and religious. Those were a homogeneous people and set out at once with all the advantages of a common centre and unity in their social life. The absence of this municipal unity in the case of these immigrants, and the want of any public records in the beginning, may readily account for the lack of exact dates in their history. These immigrants, however, notwithstanding their isolation and diversity of origin, soon began to lay the foundations of their future welfare when they set up the 30 THE EAELY HISTORY OF AMENIA. institutions of religion, and united in that form of chris- tian fellowship, which indicated their love of freedom, and which was the model of the then future free institu- tions of our country. The Republican form of ecclesiastical government, adopted by so many of the churches in America, was not patterned after the form of the civil government of this country, which is much more recent. It seems more proper to say that the form of church government was the model of our civil government. It is consistent with the teachings of history to say that the adoption of a republican form of ecclesiastical government by the churches at the time of the Eeformation in France, Swit- zerland, Holland, Scotland, and partly in England, pre- pared tlie people for choosing the same form of gov- ernment for the State. The germ of American liberty was in the Eeformation. THE EED MEETING HOUSE. The territory afterwards included in the town of Amenia, being geographically divided into three prin- cipal valleys, there were three congregations organized for public worship, and they were all of the same order, Presbyterian,''^ or Congregational. The oldest — so far as recorded — of these churches was organized near the centre of the town, when in May, 1748, Abraham Painet and Gardiner Gillett entered into covenant, " The Lord having thus begun to build his church here." In Jul}^, 1749, ' 'Sixteen souls more were gathered into church fellowship." They called the name of the church " Car- mel, in the Nine Partners." In 1750, June 14, Abraham * The term "Presbyterian" was then orten applied to a Congregational church. t Mr. Paine speaks of himself as " Abraham Paine, son of Elisha Paine, of Cauter- burj', Conn." There is an account of these families in their alphabetical order. THE EARLY HISTORY Or AMENIA. 31 Paine, Jun., " was set apart to the work of the ministry by solemn ordination by laying on the hands of the Presbytery, and by the power of the Holy Ghost." The ecclesiastical form of the church and the doctrines were agreeable to those in New England at that time, and the council called for the installation of Mr. Paine were from Connecticut. The day of the ordination was ob- served with solemn fasting. Mr. Paine does not seem to have been educated in early life for the ministry, but was invested with the office to meet the immediate wants of a newly-organized congregation. One of the council at his ordination was his father's brother, Rev. Solomon Paine,"' an eminent minister of Canterbury, Conn. This society was ^instituted at a time when in New England the churches were agitated by the fiery zeal of the " New Lights," or" ►Separatists," and Mr. Paine, and a considerable portion of his church, were affected with their notions, which led to some disagreement between them and the more conservative of the congregation. The Separatists were earnest and conscientious, but som-etimes uncharitable and censorious, and their disci- pline took cognizance of the thoughts of the heart, wdiich were confessed to one another, and were made the subject of censure and rebuke.f The Separatists, or New Lights, differed from other Congregationalists, not in then^ doctrines ; but in their claim to have obtained a new spiritual Light, and to have reached a higher spiritual Life. A spirit of un- charitableness was indulged, and they were accustomed * Another brother of his father had been an eminent lawyer, and became a Separa- tist minister, aiici subjected himself for his irregularities in preaching to persecution. t The record of a council of the church of the Red Meeting- House, at which several members were subjected to discipline for various offences, especially " for the indulgence of an Antinomian and party spirit," says—" This solemn assemblv continued from Wednes- day morning in solemn fasting, lamentation, prayer and confession, from the rising of the morning tillthe stars appeared on Saturday night." 32 THE EAELY HISTORY OF AMENTA. to denounce ministers and others as Antinomian, and unregenerated, and when their views did not govern in a church, they were disposed to separate themselves from it. In their ecclesiastical government, the Sepa- ratist held to that Independency, which the Pilgrims contended for when they fled from England to Holland , previous to their coming over to Plymouth."^ The differences between the Pilgi^ims and the Puri- tans, which existed at that time, had not died out in New England in 1740, and scarcely now. They both held fast to the doctrines of the Tliirty- Xine Articles. But the Puritans, hoping for the purify- ing of the English church, did not sever their connec- tion with it till tliey left for their new home. The Separatists were also restive under the subjec- tion in New^ England of the church to the civil authori- ty, and were prepared to give a high tone to their independency in their new home, and to assert the rights of individuals and the equality of all men.t The house of worship — which was always known as the"Eed Meeting House" — was built in 1758. The place where it stood is a triangle at the convergence of the highwaj^s about a mile northeast of the village of Amenia, and near the burying ground. It was a build- ing nearly square, two stories, with a gallery on three sides, and was seated with square pews. This house was built'J: and afterwards repaired partly * This is the time when they received the name of " Separatists." t One of the King's officers, ia pnrsuit of a deserter liere, in 1761, says of the people in Nine Partners that " they are levellers from principle (Doc. Hist., III., ySo)."' X The number of those who contributod to the building of the church was seventy-nine and the amount contributed was £350-17-4=$S77.17. Of those who contributed to this work these names will be recognized. Stephen Hopkins is first with the sum of £20. Joshua Paine, Ellas Shevilear, and Benjamin Benedict gave each £13. Samuel King, £9; Jedi- diah Dewey and Koswell Hopkins, each £10. Other names are Kobeit Freeman, Abraham Paine, Jun., Joab Cook, Grover liuel, Jonathan Shephard, Jun., Samuel Shepard, Nathan Mead, Jun., Simeon Cook, John King, Tristram Brown, Noah Hopkins. Michael Hopkins, Ichabod Paine, Sen., Ichabod Paine, Jun., Weight Hopkins, Job Mead, Peter Shevilear, Barnabas Paine, Robert Willson, John Hindman, and John Brunson. Their paper is dated " Nine Partners, Feb. fi, 1758." The site for this edifice was presented by Capt. Stephen Hopkins, who also gave the first land for the Burying Ground. THE EARLY HISTORY OP AMENIA. 38 by the contributions of those not strictly adherents of the Congregational polity, and was occupied harmon- iously in later years by the Congregationalists, Baptists and Methodists. In 1770, in June, (or July, according to Sedgwick's History), the celebrated WJiitefield preached in theEed Meeting House to the crowds that followed him from all the country round. Elder Elijah Wood, a Baptist, was the acceptable minister of the congregation several years. In the early part of the present century, the three denominations gradually became separated, and each sustained a separate organization. There is no record of a settled pastor after Mr. Paine for many years, but there appears to have been preaching, stated and occasional, and the ordinances were administered by pastors of other churches and stated supplies, and there were evidently a large number of excellent Christian men connected with this congre- gation. There was much distraction at the time of the Kevo- lutionary war, and afterwards some degree of dissen- sion in drawing the Hues between the adherents of this church and the other denominations. In 1811 this church was connected with the Asso- ciated Presbytery of Westchester, and in 1815 with the Presbytery of North Kiver. In 1815, Kev. Joel Osborn became pastor of the church, and gave to it his services one-third of the time, which indicates the feebleness to which it was reduced. From that period there has been a gradual improve- ment. THE BAPTIST CHURCH. The Baptist Church in Amenia at its organization in 34 THE EARLY HISTORY OF AMENIA. 1790, appears to have been composed partly of some from the old Congregational church and of others who had been educated in the Baptist system, and who had been members of the Baptist church in Northeast."' " On the 5th of May 1790, three brethren related their experience and signed the covenant, and on the 12th and 19th three more brethren and several sisters united with them."t On the 2d of June they chose Reverend Elijah Wood for their minister, who, on the 27th of June, " administered the ordinance of the Lord's supper to them for the first time." Mr. Wood had ministered to the Congregational church some years, and it does not appear that his change of views and his uniting himself with this new orfifanization sandered the fraternal relations with the o brethren of the old church, or lessened their confidence in him. We find him invited by the Society's commit- tee — Deacon Shevalier, a Baptist, and Deacon Hebard, a Congregationalist — to continue his ministrations. The jealousy and strife, which after this disturbed the two churches, is happily now almost forgotten. Eev. Elijah Wood was a native of ISorwich, Conn., and went in early life to Bennington, Vt., where he was licensed to preach in a Congregational church. From Bennington he came to Amenia before the Revolution- ary war and was counted among the active patriots. He was not a scholar, but was a good student and an acceptable preacher. He was sometimes laid aside by ill health, but continued to minister till his deatli in * The Baptist church in Northeast, at Spencer's Comers, was instituted in 1751 by Elder Simon Dakin, who came from the vicinity of Boston, where he had suffered some annoyance for his religious principles. Tliis was the second Baptist church organized in the colony of New York, and became one of the most important. It was sustained by the large and influential family of Winchell's, farmers of enterprise and wealth. t The nameT of those Avho first constituted the church were James Palmer, David Allerton, Richard Shevalier, Eeuben Hebbard, Jonathan Shepherd, Samuel Paine, Deborah Palmer, Jenneti; Allerion, Elizaoeih Holmes, Thankfal Hebbard, and IViary Cook. James Palmer was licensed to preach iu 1791. THE EARLY HISTORY OF AMENIA. 35 1810. At the ordiuatiou of Mr. Wood, Rev. James Manning, D. D., President of Brown University, preached the sermon. In 1816, this church was ^.-reatlj revived and enlarged, as were the other churches about that time. Rev. Mr. Peck, who was their minister two years, seems to have been the successful agent in the prosperity of the church though in his memorandum of it he manifests his great modesty in referring only very slightly to himself. Rev. John Mason Peck was born in Litchfield, South Farms, and was trained in the school of industry and frugality. He came to Amenia when a young man, and although his education was limited, he engaged in teaching awhile and then became minister of the church. In 1816, he went to Philadelphia to complete his educa- tion, and thence to Missouri, where he spent the remain- der of his life in preaching and in the cause of higher education. A pleasing memorial of this excellent man has been prepared by Rev. Rufus Babcock, D. D. THE METHODISTS. The Methodist Society of Amenia, which was one of the earliest in this part of the country, seems to have been formed in 1788, and numbered eight members,* David Rundall being the only male member for several years. The first sermon was preached in a private house, half a mile east of Sharon Station, and the first hymn sung begins " Thou Judge of Quick and Dead.'' The meetings were held in that house, or in the neigh- borhood, till the settlers from Rhode Island removed here — Ward well, the Ingrahams and others — when a • These were David Rundall. his wife Catherine, his wife's mother, Ruth Powers, wife of Peter, Ruth Powers, wife of Frederick, and three others. 36 THE EARLY HISTORY OF AMENIA. society was formed near the Old Red Meeting House. It is understood that Mr. Garrettson formed the first class but he did not preach the first sermon. Captain Allen Wardwell was the first clasr. leader. The late Rev. Dr. Wakely called that part of Amenia " The Old Methodist Classic Ground." The important position of this society at that time may be inferred from the fact that the New York Annual Conference was held here. It was in 1808, and the sessions were held in the Round Top School House, about half a mile northeast of the Old Red Meeting House. Rev. Bishop Asbury presided and occupied the teacher's chair,''^ with the school desk before him, and the preachers sat upon the benches of the pupils. On the Sabbath, the Confer- ence occupied the Red Meeting House, when the Bishop preached. One hundred and three preachers were stationed at Conference. Ten were admitted on trial, one of whom was William Jewett. Fifteen were continued on trial ; one of these was Phineas Rice. Eight were ordained elders, and one of the eight was Samuel Cochran. Some families entertained ten or twelve of the preachers, and their horses, and the people were so gratified with the Conference that a committee waited on them with thanks for holding the session there, and invited them to come again. The first church edifice of this society was built in 1812, a short distance east of the residence then of Thomas Ingraham, which remained until 1845. The New York Conference met in this church in 1813, when Bishops Asbury and McKendree presided. At this Conference eighty-six preachers were sta- tioned — the Conference having been divided since 1808. * This chair is preserved as a commemorative relic, THE EARLY HISTORY OF AMENIA. 37 At tliis session of the Conference, David Rundall enter- tained fourteen of the preachers. George and Thomas Ingraham and Frederick Powers were pillars in this church for many years, and Peter Powers was widely known as an able exhorter and ven- erated leader. The first preachers who went out from this society were Robert and Elijah Hebarci ; many others have followed and the influence of the membership has gone into all parts of the land. The Amenia Seminary which has accomplished so much for the cause of good education, was the result of their enterprise. THE CHURCH AT THE CITY. Of the church at the City,'"' in the west part of the town, there are no very early records. The oldest rec- ord now known begins, " The Records of the church of Christ in the towns of Amenia, Washington, and Stan- ford, Dutchess county, A. D. 1787, commonly known by the name of the United Congregational Church of Christ in Westfield Society." Then again " April 9, 1787, A solemn fast was held and two sermons were delivered, one by the Rev. John Cornwall, the other by the Rev. Blackleach Burritt, after which the following persons signed the covenant."t During the year 1787 thirty-six other names v/ere added. This could not have been the first institution of religious worship and of the ordinances by that people, as there was a house of worship erected there in 1750, which gave place to another in 1814, both on the site of the. * The "City" received that name, at the tirst settlement of the place, because three log houses were built there near each other. t Those who flrst signed the covenant in 1787 were Stephen Kinnev, Kobert Willson, Timothy Wheeler, Joshua Wells, Jun., John Curtis, Selali AVells, VVm. Bell, Elizabeth Willson, Elizabeth Wheeler, Mary Curtis, Rebecca Shumday, Ahijrail Kinney, Anna Elliot, Anna Adams, Afterwards, Asa Hollister, Elisha Adams. Kojrer Southerland, Thomas Willson, Henry Kinney, Isaac Hunting, Kobert Willson, Jun., Joel Smith, John Slawter, Elijah Allen, Benj. Denton, <&c. 38 THE EAELY HISTORY OF AJ^IENIA. present church edifice.^ That so many were ready to enter into covenant that year, and that they had a name by which they were " commonly known," indicate that this was a re-organization, or a more per- fect organization of a Christian community. In 1812, July 7, "The Society unanimously voted that the church give the Rev. Eli Hydef a call to preach at the City Meeting-house, Smithfield Society, with this proviso, that all proper means be used to unite the two societies, and that the meetings be pro- portioned at the two houses as they shall agree. The other "Society" and "House" refer to the Separate Meeting-house and Society,'! which was located about two miles south of the City. There are no records whatever or tradition that shows the origin of that society, or of its name, or the reason of any division among this excellent Christian people. Perhaps the cause of any strife is now happily forgotten. It is a reasonable theory, suggested by the name, and by a history§ of the times, that a part of the church at the City became Separatists, or New Lights, and withdrew from the old church, in the early history of the congregation, when so many of the churches were agitated by that schism. The conservative and safer sentiments! of the congregation seems to have prevail- * In front of this church edifice was a little grove ofoaks— one of which remains. Un- der the shade of this grove a great congregation were assembled, June 20, 1770, and heard a sermon by that wonderful preacher, George Whitefield. Every place where he ministered seems to have been remembered, and all who heard his discourse rehearsed it to the gene- rations that came after them. t Ttev. Eli Hyde came to this church from Oxford, Chenango county, N. Y. Rev. Job Swift, D.D., afterwards of Bennington, Vt., was minister at the City in 1782. X The Separate Meeting-house— now standing— was built some years before the revo- lutionary war. Rev. John Cornwall, of Cornwall, Conn., resided near and ministered there many years. § See Contemporai-y history, II There were in the City congregations a number of families from Long Island and other places in New York, who had enjoyed a high degree of culture and religious instruc- tion, and who were evidently on the moderate side in those agitations. THE EARLY HISTORY OF AMENIA. 39 ed pretty sood, and harmony was evidently restored, as we find the leading men of both parties associated in the interests of the congregations many years previous to the final organic naion, THE OBLONG SOCIETY. The congregation in the Oblong valley was made up partly by families living in Connecticut, and the house of worship was at Amenia Union, and situated about twenty yards west of the colony line, on the hill west of E. Lambert's store, on land now owned by Wm. Blith- man. It was a capacious building, with pews and gal- leries, and with doors on three sides. The roof had four sides, which terminated at the top in an ornamental cupola, which gave it the name of the " Round Top Meeting House." It was built previous to 1755,* and in 1786 it was taken down and another erected near where the present church edifice of the Society is situated. The first preaching there, of which there is any record, was by a Moravian missionary, as we have seen in 1753. He was a German, and was naturally attached to the families of his countrymen settled here. The congregation was composed of people of very diverse origin. Palatines, Huguenots, and Puritans, and their pastor was from Scotland. But a common desire for the ordinances of the gospel soon united them into a well-organized society. The church was organized Dec. 11, 1759,t and the Rev. Ebenezer Knibloe was installed pastor. * Deacon Ebenezer Hamlin, who died in 1755, bequeathed "twenty-four pounds, old tenor, towards the worship of God in the neighborhood where I dwell, viz., in or near the new-erected meeting-house, on the Oblong, near Sharon (Sedgwick's History.)." t In 1859 the congregation of South Amenia held a memorial service in commemora- tion of the one hundreth anniversary, and a historical discourse was read. 40 THE EARLY HISTORY OP AMENIA. He was from Scotland, and received his education in Edinburgh, and came to this country in 1752. It was while he was a student of theology at Edinburgh, that the leaders inScotland made that last bold strike in behalf of Prince Edward the Pretender, and the battle of Preston Plains was fought, which decided the fate of that unhappy prince. Mr. Knibloe, with some other young men, went out to witness the battle, and thus ex- cited the suspicion of the government that he sympa- thized with the party of the Prince, which made it desirable for him to flee away. Mr. Knibloe came to the Oblong from Philips Manor, in Putnam county, near " Mr. Kent's Parish.""'^ He was pastor of the church at Oblong about six- teen years, and the breach of this relation was brought about in consequence of his apparent loyalty to the British King at the beginning of the Revolutionary war ■ — an attitude entirely contrary to that of the Presby- terian ministers of that day. But the evidence is clearly against the suspicion, through his conscientious regard to duty, from which he could not be driven, and per- haps some tenacity of will, led him to pray in public for the King and Royal family, which was sufficient in that excited condition of the public mind to raise the charge of disloyalty to his adopted country. It afterward became the conviction of the people that Mr. Knibloe was not disloyal, and from about the end of the war till the close of his life in 1785, he continued to preach to the acceptance of the people.f In answer to the charge of disloyalty, Mr. Knibloe says, " When I read the ministerial charge, it was to go * The son of Mr.Kent, and the father of Chancellor Kent, was a friend of Mr. Knibloe. t The house which Mr. Knibloe built for himself is about half a mile southeast of Amenia Union. His sons were John, William, Elijah, and Josei)h. Tlie three first named died in tlie great epidemic of 1S12. :Mr. Stephen Knibloe is his grandson. THE EARLY HISTORY OF AMENIA. 41 forth and preach the gospel of Jesas Christ. I look on it that government has nothing to do in the province of religion but to guard the empire of truth from every persecution, and leave the kingdom of Heaven to its own Lord." " I am conscious to mj^self that I have ever wished and prayed for the welfare, happiness, liberty, and charter privileges of the British colonies in North America ; likewise for the deliverance of our distressed brethren in Boston, and also for success to attend the armament and military preparations, which have already gone forth and are about to march in defense of Amer- ican liberty." This appears to have been written about the time of the battle of Bunker Hill, when all eyes were turned towards Boston. While the British army held New York, the distin- guished Dr. John Eodgers, pastor of a Presbyterian church there, left the city, as many others did, and found a safe retreat in the country.^ He came here in 1778, and ministered to the people about two years. He was regarded with the highest respect by the people and his influence was in the highest degree salutary. His biog- rapher says that " through the influences of his minis- trations in Amenia the congregation was greatly bene- fitted and improved and the former harmony restored." The Kev. Dr. Livingston also spent some time with the congregation during the war ; also Kev. David Rose,t who was pastor of a Presbyterian church on Long Island. The names of about a hundred and sixty heads of families are recorded, most of whom were parishioners^ * There was no more safe retreat than this, nor any place in the land more complete- ly out of the way of the disturbing effects of the war. t Rev. David Rose was a graduate of Yale. t The first deacons in Mr. Knibloe's church were Samuel Waterman and Meltiah Lothrop. Thomas Delano was elected in 1772, and Moses Barlow in 1775. 42 THE EAELY HISTORY OF AMENIA. of Mr. Knibloe, which indicates a population^ nearly equal to the present in the same limits. The number of marriages by Mr. Knibloe was 320, and the number of baptisms was 581 — delightful testimonies to the prosperity of that generation. These are some of the members of Mr. Knibloe's church : — Alexander Spencer, Elhs Doty, Joseph Cham- berlain, and his wife, Abigail, Meltiah Lothrop, Daniel Eowley, Silas Belding, and his wife, Samuel Waterman, and his wife, Isaac Hamlin, and his wife, Benjamin Hollister, and wife, Benjamin Hollister, Jun., and wife, Daniel Castle, and wife, E-zra Reed, and wife, James Reed, Elijah Reed, and wife, Reuben Swift, Stephen Warren, and wife, Colbe Chamberlain, and wife;. ]?^ses BarTc)w, and wife, Eliakim Reed, and wife, Margaret Chamberlain, Priscilla Lovel, Jediah Bumpas, Hannah Swift, Dorcas Belding, Joanna Barlow, and many others. The leading members of the Society in 1786, when they removed and rebuilt the church edifice, and in 1796, when they purchased the Parsonage Farm,t were these, James Reed, Moses Barlow, Walter Lothrop, Stephen Warren, Gideon Castle, Eliakim Reed, Elisha, Barlow, Seth Swift, Moses Swift, Benjamin Delamater, Conrad Row, Samuel Row, Nicholas Row, Oliver Kellogg, Elisha Tobey, Ebenezer Hatch, Reuben Allerton, John Cline, John Boyd, Amariah Winchester, Amariah Hitch- cock, Sylvanus Nye, William Young, Samuel Hitchcock, Ezekiel Sackett, Martin Delamater, Gershom Reed, Jedidiah Bump, and Azariah Judson. The condition of the congregation, so many years, * The population of Amen ia in 1790 was 3,078. t In 1796 the Society bought the farm of Eliphalet Everett— the west part of J. H. Cline's farm— KJO acres, for a parsonage, for which they paid £600— SlGiiO. THE EARLY HISTORY OF AMENIA. 43 affirms the testimony to the value of a pious, learned, and stable iDinistrr. After the close of the Kevolution, there was evi- dently a decline of religion in this congregation, as in the others of the town, and perhaps from the same causes, which seemed to be the distracting spirit of the times ; and not till about 1812 was there the beginning of a return to prosperity in these churches.^ After the death of Mr. Knibloe, several ministers were employed temporarily, and for short periods, till 1802, when Eev. John Barnet, A. M., was engaged for an indefinite time, and his ministry was acceptably con- tinued till 1812, the time of his service including 1802 and 1812. Mr. Barnet was a native of Simsbury,Conn., and was a graduate of Yale College, where he was, after the war, a tutor. He was a thorough scholar, and a succesful teacher of young men, many of whom he had under his instruction while in Amenia.t In the revolutionary war, Mr. Barnet was a chaplain,' first in Col. Hopkin's regiment of Amenia at Saratoga, and afterwards in the regular army, where he was highly regarded by Washington. Mr. Barnet's preaching was didactic and logical, rather than practical ; instructive to a certain class, but not effective with the many. It was unfortunate for the congregation that he did not consider himself their pas- tor, but only a hired preacher, and, consequently, he omitted those services of a pastor, which are essential to the highest success of the ministry. * V^^.l^ '.^ '" ^^''^^^ societies, as in all other agricultural communities, a serious de- crease of attendants upon puhlic worship, owing to ageneral decrease of rural popu'ation, particularly of the native laboring people, M'hose place is filled bv foreigners of opposite religious attachments. . c yy ^ t Among the pupils of Mr. Barnet in Amenia were Abraham Bockee, Allen Hollister terleel-ish, and several sons of Hon. Ambrose Spencer. Mrs. Barnet was a sister of Judge Spencer. Mr. Barnet died at the residence of his son in Greene county in 1837. *6 44 THE EARLY HISTORY OF AMENIA. A Fourth of July oration by Mr. Barnet in 1812 was published ; also a funeral sermon for Ambrose Spencer, Jun., who was killed at the battle of Lundy's Lane. Capt. Spencer had been a pupil of Mr. Barnet in Amenia, and though very young, was aid to Gen. Brown when mortally wounded July 25, 1814. In 1815, the scattered remains of the old church were gathered together, and with considerable additions a reorganization was effected. Bev- Joel Osborn became the pastor, and from that time there has been a regular succession of settled pastors to the present. CIVIL OEGANIZATION. The " Precinct " of Amenia was formed by an act of the Colonial Legislature, March 20, 1762. The geo- graphical limits were the same also of the " town " of Amenia, which was formed March 7, 1788, and continued the same till March 26, 1823, when the towns of Amenia and Northeast were so reorganized as to change the boundary between them as it is at present. This terri. tory had been a part of Crum Elbow Precinct,^ and was about twelve miles in length, and of an average width of four and a half miles. The name Amenia was first used about the time of the organization of the Precinct, and owes its origint to Dr. Thomas Young, a learned gentleman who resided * The municipal regulations of a precinct were nearly the same as of a town. At the first Precinct meetinj^, " It was resolved that the thanks of this meeting be given to Robert Livingston and Henr3' Livingston, for their favor and regard to the Precinct of Amenia in procuring a division of the same,"— that is a separation from the larger precinct. Crum Elbow Precinct extended from tlie Hudson Kiver to the Connecticut line. Charlotte Precinct was west of Amenia. Crum. or Krom, seems to have been the name of a family in the west part of the Precinct. Crum Elbow (" Crom Ebogh ") Ci'eek enters the Hudson there. t The name is from a Latin word, which signifies pleasant. "Amcena, Pleasant. De locis prfficipue dicitur."— applied prmcipally to places. Though so suitable a name, and agreeable, it had not been given to any other town in the country. 46 THE EAKLY HISTORY OF AMENIA. several years at Amenia Union, where he had married a daughter of Capt. Garret Winegar. Hon. Egbert Benson, in a Memoir read before the N. Y. Historical Society,^ in 1816, says "Vermont — green monntains — and the town of Amenia — pleasant — owe their names to the fancy of Young, the poet. I mean the American, and not the English Young. He had a peculiar facility in making English words from Latin ones." Dr. Young was the author of a poem,t called " The Conquest of Quebec," in which he gives an account of the provincial troops that were sent from the several towns to aid in that campaign under Wolfe, which re- sulted in the capture of Quebec. He was the friend of Ethan Allen,t who resided in Salisbury ,§ Conn., while the former resided in Amenia, and they were often to- gether, and they were also in sympathy in the violence of their patriotism and in their religious unbelief. FIRST TOTVN MEETING. The record of the first town meetiug is this : — "At the Annual Town Meeting of the Freeholders and In- habitants of the Precinct of Amenia, on the first Tues- day of April, Anno Domini 1762, at the housell of Ros- * p. 126, N. y. Hist. Collection, Vol. ii. t Only a few lines of the poem are now known. % " Appendix to Early History of Vermont" says of Young. "He was hifrhly distin- guished as a philji^opher, phil.inthropist and patri it, and for his erudition and brilliancy of imagination, i)r. Young is supposed to have died lu Pliiladelpliia in 1777, leaving in Amer- ica two accomplished daughters. § Ethan Allen was one of the three men who built the first blast furnace in Salisbury. i| The place of the first Town Meeting, and of the subsequent Town Meetings for , * many years, was near where the Old Meeting House stood. The house of Roswell Hopkins ' V. stood near the Meeting House. The residence of his father, Capt. Stephen Hopkins, who \ ' [L ^^^ ^^^' ^"^^^ Supervisor, was further south towards the fair grounds, and was in later ^ I ^ years reached by a lane from the highway. Mr. Henry Ingraham resided there several years. The Totten house, where W. P. Perlee lived, was built by one of the sons of Capt. Stephen Hopkins. The Town Meeting was held at Capt. Abiah Palmer's first in 1789. There .a^jlJ^ was no highwa}' east from Amenia. Where the turnpike now runs there was a swamp. There was a road running east and west across the hill north of Hiram Cooper's. THE EAELY HISTORY OF AMENIA. 47 well Hopkins, Esq., Michael Hopkins was chosen Clerk of said Precinct, and Capt. Stephen Hopkins was chosen Supervisor. Samuel Dotj and Jonathan Eejnolds were chosen Assessors for the year ensuing. Benjamin Benedict, Abraham Paine, and Moses Barlow were chosen Overseers of the Poor. Conrad Winegar was chosen Collector and Constable. Samuel Shepherd, Kufus Herrick, and Ichabod Rogers were chosen Constables. Thomas Wolcott and Jonathan Reynolds were chosen Pound Keepers. Captain Stephen Hopkins and Samuel King were chosen to take Inventories of Intestate Estates for the 3'ear ensuing. Miles Washburn, Benjamin Benedict, and Roswell Hopkins were chosen Fence Yiewers for the year ensuing. Thomas Wolcott, John Beebe, Joseph Pennoyer, Philip Pitts, Samuel Shepherd, William Barker, William Roberts, Edmund Perlee, Moses Harris and Job Milk were chosen Overseers of Highways. Also voted that a Fence, four feet and four inches high, well-wrought and substantial, shall be deemed lawful." In 1763, Edmund Perlee was chosen Supervisor. In 1764, 1765 and 1766, Stephen Hopkins was chosen Supervisor. In 1767, Edmund Perlee was chosen. In 1768 and 1769, Ephraim Paine was Supervisor. In 1770, Abraham Bockee was chosen Moderator of the Town Meeting and Ephraim Paine was chosen Supervisor, and continued to 1776. In 1776, Silas Marsh was chosen Supervisor, and in 48 THE EARLY HISTORY OF AMENIA. 1777 and 1778, Eoswell Hopkins. In 1779 and 1780, Dr. Jolm Chamberlain. In 1781, Coi. Colbe Chamber- lain. In 1782 and 1783, Ephraim Paine. In 1784, Isaac D arrow was Supervisor. Michael Hopkins was Town Clerk till 1773, when Koswell Hopkins was chosen and continued till 1784. Capt. Stephen Hopkins and Samuel King continued to take Inventories of Intestate Estates for several years. The Justices of the Peace— from the Crown, of course — were Abraham Boka, Ephraim Paine, Eoswell Hopkins, and Conrad Winegar. In 1772, Ezra Keed, Job Milk, and Elijah Wheeler were chosen Overseers of the Poor, " and are to serve for nothing." CIVIL LIST. The following named citizens of Amenia have served in various official positions. Ephraim Paine was Deputy to the First New York Provincial Congress in 1775.'^ Jacob Evertson was a Deputy to the N. Y. Provin- cial Congress in 1776. Ephraim Paine was a delegate in Congresst under the Articles of Confederation in 1784. Ephraim Paine was a member of the N. Y. Senate from Middle District in 1779, 1780, 1782, 1784 and 1785. Eeuben Hopkins, a native of Amenia, was a member of N. Y. Senate from Middle District from 1794 to 1797. Elisha Barlow was a member of N. Y. Senate from Middle District:}: from 1807 to 1810. * This Provincial Congress Convened in New York May 2-3, 1775, and adjourned Nov. 4, 1775. Col. Anthony Hoffman, Gilbert Livingston, and Richard Montgomery were among the delegates from i)utchess county. t The number of delegates in that Congress from this State were seven. Of these were Egbert Benson, John Jay, &c. J The Middle District was composed cf Dutchess, Orange, and Ulster counties. THE EARLY HISTORY OF AMENTA. 49 Abraham Bockee was a member of N. Y. Senate from 1842 to 1845. Abiah W. Palmer was a member of N. Y. Senate 1868-69 and 1872-73. Edmund Perlee was a member of the Constitutional Convention of 1801. Elisha Barlow was a member of the Constitutional Convention of 1821. Members of Assembly of State of New York FROM Amenlv. Brinton Paine, 1775-81 and 1785-87. Abraham Paine 1781-82. Barnabas Paine, 1793. James Bockee, 1794. Jacob Bockee, 1795-97. Wm.Barker, 1798, 1800. Piatt Smith, 1798-99. Elisha Barlow, 1800, 1802. Benajah Thompson, 1804, 1808, 1809. Benjamin Herrick, 1806. '^ Cjrenus Crosby, 1808. Alexander Neely, 1810-11. Joel Benton, 1814, '15, 17, and '31. Isaac Smith, 1816. Abraham Bockee, 1820. Taber Belden, 1828, '37. Joel Brown, 1833. Henry Conklin, 1833, '34, '39 and '40. John K. Mead, 1844. Amos Bryant, 1840. Walter Sherman, 1845, '47. James Hammond, 1848-49. Wm. H. Bostwick, 1854. Abiah W. Palmer, 1860 50 THE EABLY HISTORY OF AMELIA. OTHER OFFICES HELD BY CITIZENS OF AMENIA. Epliraim Paine was appointed First Judge of Dutch- ess county in 1778, which was also the first appoint- ment to the office of Judge in Dutchess county after the organization of the government of the State of New York. Abraham Bockee was appointed First Judge of Dutchess county in 1846. Elisha Barlow was one of the Judges of the County Court in 1808. Abraham Bockee was Member of the U. S. Congress in 1829-31 and 1833 37. Ebenezer Nye was Surrogate of Dutchess county in 1821. John Brush was Surrogate in 1819. E. M. Swift was District Attorney in 1843, and B. Piatt Carpenter in 1858. Thomas N. Perry was Sheriff in 1840, and Judah Swift in 1861. Jacob B. Carpenter was Presidential Elector in 1861. Hon. William H. Leonard, son of Dr. Leonard, and a native of Amenia, was elected one of the Judges of the Supreme Court in 1859, and was afterwards one of the Judges of the Court of Appeals, and was also Com- missioner of the Court of Appeals. Hon. George G. Reynolds, of Amenia, is now, 1875, serving as one of the Judges of the City Court of Brooklyn. Hon. William I. Cornwall, of Cayuga county, son of Eden Cornwall, and grandson of Eev. John Cornwall, has been several times Member of the Assembly and of the Senate. THE REVOLUTIONARY WAR. In the war of the Revohition the p'-^triotism of the citizens of Ameuia was expressed with promptness and ahiiost entire unanimity. On the 29th of April 1775, only ten days after the battle of Lexington, a meeting was held in the city of New York of those ready to oppose the oppressive acts of the British government. An Association was formed and a Pledge adopted, which was sent for signatures into every county of the State. THE PLEDGE. " Persuaded that the salvation of the rights and lib- erties of America depend, under God, on the firm union of its inhabitants in a vigorous prosecution of the measures necessary for its safety, and convinced of the necessity of preventing anarchy and confusion which attend a dissolution of the powers of government, We, the Freemen, Freeholders, and Inhabitants of Amenia, being greatly alarmed at the avowed design of the Min- istry to raise a revenue in America, and shocked by the -7 THE EAELY HISTORY OF AMENIA. bloody scene now acting in Massachusetts Bay, do in the most solemn manner resolve never to become slaves, and do associate, under all the ties of religion, honor, and love to our country, to adopt and endeavor to carry into execution whatsoever measures may be recom- mended b3^ the Continental Congress, or resolved upon by our Provincial Convention, for the purpose of pre- serving our constitution and of opposing the several arbitrary acts of the British Parliament, until a recon- ciliation between Great Britain and America, on consti- tutional principles (which we most ardently desire) can be obtained ; and that we will in ail things follow the advice of our General Committee respecting the pur- poses aforesaid, the preservation oi peace and good order and the safety of individuals and property." This Pledge of the " Association " was presented to the citizens of Amenia for their signatures in June and July of 1775, by Roswell Hopkins, Samuel King, and Silas Marsh, a committee appointed for that purpose, and four hundred and twenty subscribed to the pledge, and only six delayed or refused to sign. Those who persisted in refusing to sign were Joel Harvey, Philip Row, Samuel Dunham, Judah Swift and Peter Slason.^ The qualifications in their subscription to the pledge by three of the justices of the peace of the town, shows a scrupulous conscientiousness rather than any want of patriotism ; and their regard for their oath of office rather gives a serious emphasis to their act. Isaac Smith subscribed with this limitation, '' I do agree to the above Association so far that it doth not interfere * Mr. Slason never accepted the situation. He lived in Sonth Amenia near his brother-in-law, Capt. Wm. Chamberlain, and after the war, when the pole was raised in that part of the town, crowned with the cap of liberty, Mr. Slason was brought to it with a rope around his neck and required to confess his loyalty. He kneeled down before this emblem of the nation's freedom and cried out " Great art thou, Baal." THE EARLY HISTORY OF AMENIA. 53 with the oath of my office, nor mj allegiance to the King.— Isaac Smith." Abraham Bockee made this qualification " Not to infringe on my oaths. — Abraham Bockee." John Garnsey refused at first, and afterwards gave this declaration.-—" June 8, 1775. This may certify to all people whom it may concern that I, the subscriber, am willing to do what is just and right to secure the ^ privileges of America, both civil and sacred, and to fol- low the advice of our reverend Congress, so far as they do the Word of God and the example of Jesus Christ, and I hope, in the grace of God, no more will be re- quired. As witness my hand. John Garnsey. This stern old Puritan distinctly asserted the prin- ciples of the " higher law," and he was not less heroic in asserting the rights of men. Those who signed the Pledge of the Association were called " Associators,"^and the subscription to the Pledge was pressed upon individuals — with a degree of rigor, perhaps, sometimes — as a test of their loyalty.f A Committee of Safety was appointed here as in other towns in the country. Besides those already mentioned, Capt. Wm. Chamberlain, in the east part of the town, was very active. The vigilance of the Com- mittee was particularly directed to the movements of the Tories, or those suspected of a want of loyalty to the country, and any hesitation in signing the pledge was the occasion of suspicion and accusation awhile, to the disturbance of society, and the violent zeal of some of the leaders led them to rebuke the moderation of others who were equally steadfast in their patriotism. It is quite probable that some may have been brought * The list was sometimes called the " Roll of Honor." t Mr. Marsh, in his return of names to the committee, says " I am compelled to re- mind yon of James Smith— out of my limits— who is notoriously wicked." 54 THE EARLY HISTORY OF AMENIA. to a decision by the prompt and vigorous measures of the Committee. It became evident, however, that a most remarkable unanimity of loyal sentiment prevailed in the town, while in many other towns of the county a very large number were openly hostile to the action of the patriots. A rude prison, constructed of logs, was used for con- fining tories and any other suspected persons. This was built about half a mile east of the present village of Amenia* and north of where the turnpike now runs. The remains of this prison w^ere there a few years ago. THE CENTENNIAL. The returning Centennial of each important act in the great drama of the Revolution is now celebrated with appropriate ceremonies, that there may be kept alive in the minds of all the people a just estimate of the work of their fathers, and of the principles which were asserted at such a cost. It is now just a hundred years since the citizens of Amenia by this subscription put their hand to the work of the Revolution ; and we are, at this distance of time, better able to estimate the character of that important act. It is certain that a very large proportion of those who joined in the pledge w^ere well informed on the questions at issue and knew the serious nature of their action. This is intimated by the religious regard they had to their oaths. The civil and religious rights of individuals and the limits of state authority had been subjects of their study all their lives.t Persecution had * The reader will bear in mimd that there was no village where Amenia now is , no highway Avhere the turnpike now i-uns, and that the centi-al place of public business of the town was by the lied Meeting House, near the burying ground. t Tt is recommended by the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church that a me- morial discourse be preached in every Presbyterian church on the Sabbath preceding the 4th of July, 1876, to preserve the history of that church, and to commemorate the patriotism of the ministers and christian people of the Revolution. A large number of these membei's of the patriotic league were members of the christian societies otthe tOAvn. THE EARLY HISTORY OF AMENTA. 55 driven some of them from homes in the old country, and others, who had come out of New England, had been educated to a very jealous sense of personal responsi- bility and personal rights. They were not led in haste by any political faction to rash excitement. They un- derstood the central truth of the Kevolution, — that it luxis not rebellion, but a positive assertion vf rights luJiich they h%d always justly held, and a determined resistance to neivly -imposed bonds. It is not any less to the honor of their patriotic vir- tue and courage that they did not foresee the greatness of the end of this incipient act ; that, with the great leaders of the people, in the beginning of the contest, " They builded wiser than they knew." ROLL OF HONOR. Names of the Citizens of Amenia luho subscribed the Fledge, The names of those patriotic citizens, who did not hesitate to show their hands in this serious crisis, are fortunately preserved and are recorded now, as a fit memorial of their loyalty and courage, which will be regarded with just pride by those who recognize in these names those of their ancestors and relatives, and former citizens of Amenia. More than three hundred of these names are men- tioned in other records of the town, or are known as belonging to families then residents. One hundred and fifty of these, or more, were indeijendent, separate land- holders. Several of the patriots must have been absent. Ephraim Paine was attending the Provincial Congress. Benjamin and Waight Hopkins had already gone with 56 THE EARLY HISTORY OF AMENIA. Ethan Allen. Keuben Hopkins, elacob Bockee, and some others, who are known to have been true, are not mentioned. The number of names given with those added which are known, making 435, gives some intimation of the population of the town at that time. The present spelling of the names of families is adopted, as the manuscript in many cases seems to have been very uncertain. Thomas Ackley, Abraham Adams, Abraham Adams, Jun., Elisha Adams, Jonas Adams, Joseph Adams, William Adams, Jonathan Allerton, James Allen, James Allsworth, Jun., William Allsworth,, Solomon Armstrong, Cornelius Atherton, Benjamin At water, John Atwater, Levi Atwater, Joseph Backus, James Barker, William Barker, Elisha Barlow, Moses Barlow, Nathan Barlow, Henry Barnes, Josiah Barnes, James Barnet, John Barnet, John Barnet, Jun., Daniel Barry, John Barton, John Barry, James Beadle, Elisha Beardsley, John Benedict, Samuel Benedict, John Benson, Joseph Benson, Ebenezer Besse, Elias Besse, Ephraim Besse, James Betts, Daniel Blakely, William Blunt, Abraham Bockee, John Boya, Jared Brace, Edmund Bramhall, David Brewster, Ellis Briggs, Benjamin Brown, David Brown, Moses Brown, Zedekiah Brown, John Brusan, Jun., ^John Bronson, Lemuel Brush, Richard Brush, William Brush, Ezra Bryan, Israel Buck, Jonathan Buck, THE EARLY HISTORY OF AMENIA. 57 Zadock Buck, Grover Buel, Grover Buel, Jun., Jedidiab Bump, Eli Burton, Jsaac Burton, Isaac Burton, Jun., Judah Burton, Ebenezer Carter, Daniel Carter, Gideon Castle, Colbe Chamberlain. John Chamberlain, William Chamberlain, Increase Child, James Chapman, Jeremiah Chapman, Ezra Cleaveland, Josiah Cleaveland, John Cline, Peter Cline, Led. Ch. (?) David Collin, John Collin, Barnabas Cole, John Connor, Joab Cook, Simeon Cook, Simeon Cook, Jun., Nathaniel Cook, Samuel Cornwall, Thomas Cornwall, William Cornwall, John Coe, Jabez Crippen, Benjamin Crippen, Benjamin Crofut, Enoch Crosby, John Curry, Elijah Darley, Mahew Dagget, Jun., ^. Caleb Dakin, Isaac Darrow, Daniel Davidson, Squire Davis, Isaac Delamater, John Delamater, Martin Delamater, Benjamin Delano, Stephen Delano, Joseph Delavergne, Lewis Delavergne, \^ohn Denny, Jun., Abraham Denton, Benjamin Denton, John Denton, Benjamin Denton, Jun., Joel Denton, Gabriel Dickinson, Yersal Dickinson, James Dickson, Samuel Dodge, John Dunham, Nehemiah Dunham, Samuel Dunham, Jr., Seth Dunham, Benjamin Doty, David Doty. Joseph Doty, Eeuben Doty, Jacob Dorman, John Douglass, John Drake, Jacob Elliot, Archibald Farr, John Farr, Albert Finch, William Finch, Jonathan Fish, Asa Fort, Ephraim Ford, James Ford, 58 THE EARLY HISTORY OF AMENIA. John Ford, William Ford, Natbaoiel Foster, Joseph Fowler, BeDJamin Fowler, Elijah Freeman, John Freeman, Robert Freeman, Eobert Freeman, Jun., Abraham French, John Furman, Thomas Ganong, Daniel Garnsey, John Garnsey, John Gates, Nathaniel Gates, Jan., Gerard Gates, Stephen Gates, Nathaniel Gates, Abner Gillett, David Gillett, Gardner Gillett, Joseph Gillett, Moses Gillett, Barnabas Gillett, Eleazar Gillson, Jeduthaw Gray, Joseph Gray, Samuel Gray, Joseph Green, Timothy Green, William Hall, Richard Hamilton, Jason Hammond, Sylvester Handly, Daniel Harvey, Obed Harvey, Obed Harvey, Jun., Moses Harris, Jun., Samuel Hart, Abel Hebard, James Hebard, Robert Hebard, Benjamin Herrick, Benjamin Herrick, Jun., Samuel Herrick, Stephen Herrick, Stephen Herrick, Jun., Nathan Herrick, Rufus Herrick, William Herrick, Abner Holmes, Elijah Holmes, Benjamin Holmes, Ichabod Holmes, John Hoboes, Samuel Holmes, Benjamin HoUister, Samuel Hollister. Noah Hopkins, Roswell Hopkins, Asa Hudson, William Hunt, Jonathan Hunter, John Howard, Samuel Jarvis, Benjamin Johns, Ezekiel Johnson, Paul Johnson, Robert Johnson, Samuel Johnson, Eben Johnson, John Jones, Samuel Judson, Heath Kelly, Simeon Kelsey, Joel Ketchum, Samuel King, Samuel King, Jun., William King Elijah Kinney, Ebenezer Kinney, THE EARLY HISTOK^ OF AMENIA,. 59 Jesse Kinney, Stephen Kinney, William Knapp, Zadock Knapp, Ebenezer Larabe, Richard Larabe, Joshua Lasell, Daniel Lamb, David Lamb, Isaac Lamb, Thiel Lamb. Ebenezer Latimer, EHsha Latimer, Thomas Lawrence, Theophilus Lockwood, Walter Lothrop, John Lloyd, Isaac Marks, Isaiah Marsh, Silas Marsh, William McCullough, Daniel May, Levi Maiiew, Thaddeus Manning. Obed Matthews, Benjamin Maxam, John McNeil, Ebenezer Mayo, Elijah Mayo,' James Mead, John Mead, Job Mead, King Mead, Lsaiah Mead, John Mears, x\bel Merchant, John Merchant, Job Milk, Wright Millman, William Mitchell, Eleazer Morton, William Moulton. Thomas Morey, John Mordack, Peter Morse, Abial Mott, Thomas Mygatt, Sylvan us JNye, Levi Orton, John Osboru, Isaac Osborn, Josiah Osborn, Owen Osterhout, James Palmer, Samuel Palmer, Nathan Palmer, xA-braham Paine, Barnabas Paine, Brinton Paine, David Paine, Elihu Paine, Barnabas Paine, Jun. Ichabod Paine, Ichabod Paine, Jun., James Paine, Joseph Pennoyer, Amos Pennoyer, Ebenezer Park, Isaac Park, Edmund Perlee, Robert Patrick, Jonathan Pike, Nathaniel Piniiey, Jacob Powers. Joest Powers, Peter Probasco, Thorn Pudney, Monmouth Purdy, Elijah Porter, David Randle, Eliakim Reed, Jun., Elijah Reed, 60 THE EARLY HISTORY OF AMENIA. Ezra Keed, Gershom Keed, James Keed, Silas Keed, Simeon Keed, Jacob Reynolds. Stephen Reynolds, William Reynolds, Ichabod Kodgers, Ichabod Rodgers, Jun., William Roberts, Silas Roe, Elijah Roe, Garnet Row, Nicholas Row, James B. Row, Bezaleel Rudd, Zebulon Rudd, David Rundall, Jared Rundall, Ezra St. John, Ezekiel Sackett, John Sackett, John Sackett, Jun., Richard Sackett, Benjamin Sage, Daniel Sage, Rufus Seaton, Abner Shevalier, Elias Shevalier, Peter Shevalier, Richard Shevalier, Solomon Shevalier, Asahel Sherwood, Parrock Sherwood, Daniel Shepard, Israel Shepard, Jonathan Shepard, Samuel Shepard, John Seymour, John Scott, ^ / Lemuel Shurtliff, Abraham Slocum, George Sornborger, Frederick Sornborger, Samuel Southworth, Elijah Smith, Elijah Smith, Jun., Isaac Smith, Jesse Smith, Jun. , Piatt Smith, Thomas Smith, James Smith, Jun., Joseph Smith, Samuel Snyder, Jacob Spicer, Nathan Spicer, Elnathan Spalding, Andrew Stevens, Elkanah Stevens, Lot Swift, Nathaniel Swift, Samuel Swift, Seth Swift, Bowers Slason, Matthew Stevens, Joshua Talent, John Thayer, Beriah Thomas, Thomas Thomas, Samuel Thompson, Samuel Thompson, Jun. , Ezra Thornton, Joel Thurston, John Thurston, Timothy Tillson, Shubal Tyler, John Torner, Seeley Trowbridge, David Truesdel, Adin Tubs, Benjamin Vaun, THE EARLY HISTORY OP AMENIA. 61 Matthew Van Deusen, William Young, Elijah Wood, Robert Wood, Stephen Warren, Daniel Washburn, Joel Washburn, David Waters, Samuel Waters, Daniel Webster, Thomas Welch, Josiah Wells, Samuel West, Noah Wheeler, Seth Wheeler, Solomon Wheeler, Simon Whitcomb, Josiah Wells, Gilbert Willet, Josiah Williams, Justus Willson, Reuben Willson, Robert Willson, Lawrence Wiltsey, William Wiltsey, Ashbel Winegar, Conrad Winegar, Garret Winegar, Henry Winegar, Henry Winegar, (2) Samuel Winegar, Dier Woodworth, William Wynans, Jun. NEWS OF THE BATTLE OF LEXINGTON. When the news of the battle of Lexington reached Amenia, the militia companies came together with a spontaneous will, like men who had something to do* " They were addressed by Ephraim Paine, Esq., in a masterly oration," in which he rehearsed the matters which had brought the country to so serious a crisis, pointed to the tyranical measures of England, intended to enslave this country, now already begun in blood, the danger of America, and that the time had come to step forth with manly courage to resist the force of lawless invasion. " At the close of this address," says one* who was present, " the whole audience, officers and privates, caught the flame as from an electric shock, and were ready to march to the seat of war." Simeon Cook, * Barnabas Paine, Esq., who left in writing many valuble statements of the times. He was the father of the late Barnabas Paine, Esq. 62 THE EARLY HISTORY OF AMENIA. captain of one of the companies, addressed his men. " Fellow soldiers, the time is come to give up onr liber- ties, or defend them with the musket, xls many of jou as are willing to march with me to the scene of action, I will lead, and I will expose myself to all the dangers and hardships that you will be exposed to. If any of you are unwilling to go you are dismissed." It is added that not one left the ranks. SOLDIERS IN THE REVOLUTIONARY WAR. These are names of the soldiers, as far as now ascer- tained, who were residents of Amenia : Noah Wheeler, Simeon Cook, Benjamin Hopkins, Waight Hopkins, Roswell Hopkins, Keuben Hopkins. Noah Hopkins, Brinton Paine, Jacob Bockee, Jabez Flint, Jacob Powers, Job Mead, Job Mead, Jun., Moses Harris, William Barker, Alex. Spencer, Jun,, Daniel C. Bartlett, William Blunt, David Rundall, ■ Roger Southerlapd, V Increase Child, Joseph Mitchell, James Eeed, Wudah Burton, Silas Reed, Simeon Reed, Samuel lieed, Edmund Perlee, Nathan Conklin, Lemuel Hatch, Oliver Hatch, Peter Cline, Jesse Brush, Eiisha Barlow, James Bump, — ^ Conrad Chamberlain, Samuel Gray, William Chamberlain. Garret Winegar, Mackey, Jones Knapp, Silas Ray, Barzilla Andrews, Isaac Osborn, Dr. Reuben AUerton, Ephraim Lord, Bezaleel Ruad, Joshua Newman, Isaac Delamater, Colbe Chamberlain, THE EARLY HISTORY OF AMEJillA. David Doty, John Benedict, Joel Denton, John Congdon, Warum Kingsley, Stephen Edget, Amos Pennoyer, Jesse Pennoyer, (V Jeduthan Gray, Asa Hollister, Samuel Benedict, John Ford, Reuben Doty, Samuel Waters, William Brush, Ichabod Holmes. OFFICERS IN THE WAR. The following notices of officers, who were residents of Amenia, are compiled from the Calendar of Histori- cal Manuscripts, relating to the War of the Revolution. July 27, 1775, Waight Hopkins was chosen Captain in a regiment of Green Mountain Boys under Colonel Ethan Allen and Lieut.-Col. Seth Warner. Oct. 17, 1775,— The date of commisrions to officers in Regiment No. 6, of Militia of Dutchess county. David Southerland, Colonel, Roswell Hopkins, Lieutenant-Colonel, Simeon Cook, Major Richard De Cantelon, Major, Joseph Carpenter, Adjutant, Daniel Shepherd, Quarter-master, First dnnpany . Third Company. William Barker, Capt,, Joshua Laselle, Capt., Job Mead, 1st Lieut., Colbe Chamberlain, 1 Lt., Noah Hopkins, 2d Lieut., David Doty, 2d_Lieut., Abner Gillett, Ensign, Second Company. Brinton Paine, Capt., Samuel Waters, 1st Lieut. Ichabod Holmes, 2d Liet., Jesse Brush, Ensign, Elisha Barlow, Ensign, Fourth Company. Robert Freeman, Capt., Elijah Smith, 1st Lieut., Ezra St. John, 2d Lieut., Noah Wheeler, Ensign, Major De Cantelon was not a resident of Amenia, bat was probably a professional soldier, appointed to 64 THE EARLY HISTORY OF AMENIA. that regiment for the instruction of the officers and men in the military art. Oct. 17, 1775, — Minute Men of Amenia Precinct. Regiment under Col. John Van Ness. Increase Child, Capt., ^ John Lloyd, 1st Lieut., William Blunt, 2d Lieut., James Keed, Major, Eeuben Hopkins, Adj., —^ Jos. Ketcham, Jr., Q. M., Josiah Morse, Ensign. 1775. — Officers in Gen. Clinton's Brigade recom- mended to him for the standing army. — Col. Graham, Capt. Brinton Paine, Lieut. Hopkins, 1775. — Kufus Herrick was appointed Captain in a Dutchess county regiment. Apr. 12, 1776. — Officers in Col. James Clinton's reg- iment of Continentals, — Increase Child, Capt., John Lloyd, Lieut 1776. — Petition of Officers of Col. Graham's regiment for the appointment of Dr. Abraham Teller to be Sur- geon of said regiment. — Morris Graham, Col., Roswell Hopkins, Lieut.-Col., Wm. Barker, Maj., Reuben Hop- kins, Adj., Elisha Barlow, Capt., Stephen Edget, Lieut., Samuel Waters, Lieut., and others. Oct., 1776. — Capt. Edget resigns on account of sickness. Dec. 14, 1776. — In Committee of Arrangements, Resolvedf that Brinton Paine, Esq., be appointed Capt. in Col. Dubois' regiment. Mount Independence, Nov. 15, 1776. — Lieutenant David Doty has obtained leave of Major-Gen. Gates to join the N. Y. troops ; we recommend the said Doty as a worthy officer and one that has performed his duty to universal satisfaction as Adjutant and Lieutenant. Nathaniel Buel, Col., John Sedgwick, Maj. THE EARLY HISTORY OF AMENIA. 65 Jan., 1777. — Officers recommended for commissions according to their rank in Col. Humphrey's regiment. Edmund Perlee, 1st Lieut, i Reuben Doty, 2 Lieut., David Doty, Adj. Brinton Paine, Major, Wm. Chamberlain, Capt., John McNeil, 1st Lieut., Jan. 7, 1777. — Capt James Eeed petitions to be re- lieved from the operation of the rules adopted in regard to the transportation of flour to the army at the eastward. Capt. Reed was Assistant Commissary, and was directed to send flour for the army at the east, but was hindered by a certain embargo on flour crossing the colony line. Judah Swift disregarded these orders of the Provincial authorities, and sent, in the night, two sleigh loads of flour to the east by way of Kent* On the Kent road, near the colony line, the drivers en- countered the guard, whom they overpowered. The object of this embargo seems to have been to prevent the flour going into the hands of the enemy. Trusty persons received a permit to go with the flour to cer- tain points, and in several cases these persons agreed to bring back a load of salt. Feb. 7-15, 1776. — Account of guns delivered to Capt. Child and appraised by Dr. Chamberlain, C. Marsh and C. Atherton. Gun of Stephen Warren, *' " Levi Orton, " " Jedidiah Bump, " " Benjamin Delano, " " Peter Cline, *' *• Nathan Barlow, " " Benjamin Hall, ** " Sylvanus Nye, . " " Gershom Reed, " " EliakimReed, Pistol of Joseph Pennoyer, 3 110 215 2 . 115 2 5 . 2 315 210 310 010 66 THE EARLY HISTOEY OF AMENIA. This is taken from a memorandum found among the papers of Capt. James Heed. It shows the means to which Congress was obliged to resort to furnish fire- arms to the soldiers. April 22, 1777. — Major Brinton Paine is a prisoner in New York, " and is not like to come out." " The Major tells the guards that he is in a just cause, and if he gets out he will fight them again." April, 1777. — The lead mines at Great Nine Part- ners were explored, with some success, by an agent of Congress. The lead mines were on the lands of Mr. Fish, in Amenia, and were explored at the suggestion of Moses Harris. The Commissioners appointed by the Provincial Congress were Jonathan Landon and Ezra Thompson, and they employed John McDonald, an ex- perienced miner from Scotland, who appears to have come over for the purpose of aiding the people in their struggle. The work at these mines was continued through the season, as reported by Mr. McDonald with great particularity. This John McDonald was of the distinguished Highland family of McDonalds, and Ins wife was the grand-daughter of Rob Roy MacGregor, one of Walter Scott's heroes, Mr. McDonald was the father of John McDonald, well known in Dutchess county fifty years ago, and of Miss Anne McDonald, very extensively known on account of her position in Judge Smith's famil}-. She came with her father from Scotland when a child, and on account of the reduction of his estate by the worthlessness of continental money, she entered Judge Smith's family as a governess. After Judge Smith's death, she became, through her remark- able executive ability, almost the sole manager of his large estate, and continued in that position many years.^' ♦ The McDonald burying- ground is in the north-west corner of old Amenia, near the Row School-house, where the several generations of the family in this country are buried THE EARLY HISTORY OF AMENIA. 07 Sept. 17, 1776. — Cornelius Atherton petitions the N. Y. Council for the exemption from military duty of his workman, engaged in the manufacture of fire-arms in his contract with Congress.* NOTICES OF INDIYIDUAL SOLDIERS. " Captain Cook," says Mr. Paine, " was afterwards deservedly promoted to the rank of Major, and was dis- tinguished for his courage and steadinesst in battle near Fort Independence,! in 1777." " It was in this ac- tion also that Captain Noah Wheeler and Col. Roswell Hopkins were noticed for their bravery, and also pri- vates Amos Pennoyer and Jeduthaw Gray, who were all from Amenia." Five sons§ of Capt. Stephen Hopkins were officers. Waight and Benjamin joined the Green Mountain Boys, under Col. Ethan Allen and Lieut.-Col. Seth Warren and were both killed by the Indians. Eoswell Hopkins was Colonel, and took part with his regiment in the bat- tles at Saratoga. Dr. Reuben Allerton was Surgeon of the regiment in that campaign, and it is understood that Rev. John Barnet was Chaplain, who was after- wards Chaplain in the Continental army. Reuben Hopkins, the youngest of the brothers, and who was born in Amenia in 1748, was Adjutant in Col. Graham's regiment. In the beginning of the war of 1812, he was appointed one of the eight Brigadier Generalsjl of N. Y. State, being then a resident of Orange county. He was engaged at the Steel Works. t Mr. Paine says that "Major Cook was a tall, spare man, and of singular steadiness of manner, which gave him the name among his neighbors of ' Old Steady.' " X This was the Fort Independence near Peekskill. § On© had died. i| Lossing's "War of 1812," page 366. *9 68 THE EARLY HISTORY OF AMENIA. Captain William Chamberlain was very active among the citizens of the town, as one of the Committee of Safety in the beginning of the war ; and in 1777 he re- ceived a commission as Captain in Col. Humphrey's regiment, and entered the army under Gates, and took part in the battles at Saratoga, which resulted in the capture of Burgoyne. Brinton Paine was transferred to the regular army in Col. Dubois' regiment, which was in Gen. Clinton's brigade. Col. Dubois had served in Canada, and he commanded the right wing at the battle of Klock's Field, near the Mohawk, in 1780. In April, 1777, Maj- Paine was a prisoner. In Oct., 1777, the Militia of Dutchess county were called to the defense of the Highlands."^ Jacob Bockee was a Captain of a company in the regiment under the command of the gallant Col. Mari- nus Willett. Moses Harris, Jun., served in the dangerous duty of a spy, and was greatly confided in by Washington. He was rewarded for his services, after the war, by a grant of land in Westfield, Washington county, N. Y., now the town of Fort Ann. Mr. Harris resided in the north- west part of the town. " Alexander Spencer, Jun., was a volunteer in Ar- nold's expedition to Quebec, and died on the march. "t Daniel C. Bartlett was the son of a Congregational minister, who on the breaking out of the war gave him on the Sabbath his sword, which he had newly ground, and told him to go and defend his country. Mr. Bart- lett went with Montgomery to Quebec, and was at the * This was the most perilous year of the war for Dutchess county. The enemy were threatening the passes of the Highlands on the south, their armed vessels moved up the Hudson, a!id Burgoynes army moved slowly trom the north. Our Militia were called at times in both directions to meet the Invasion. t Sedgwicli's "History of Sharon." THE EAELY HISTOKY OF AMENIA. 69 capture of Fort St. John, in Nov. 1775. He was also present at the burning of Danbury in 1777. Increase Child, who lived in the southeast part of the town, was a Captain in the Continental troops. Joseph Mitchell was a private in the regulars. Jesse Pennoyer enlisted during the war at the age of sixteen. Jabez Flint entered the service at the beginning of the war and joined the army near Boston. His next service was near New York, when the retreat was made from Long Island, and his company escaped with peril from Governor's Island. In 1777, he entered the regu- lar army for three years, and went to Philadelphia, and the next winter he experienced the sufferings of Valley Forge. Afterwards he became Assistant in the Quar- ter-Master's Department, and then Assistant in the Commissary's Department. Judah Burton was in the Commissary's Department. Capt. James Reed was in the Commissarj^'s Depart- ment temporarily ; so also was Capt. Isaac Delamater. Samuel Gray was in the 'regular army through the war, and had the reputation of a good soldier. He lost his life, in 1826, by falling into a welh" Capt. William Chamberlain was at the battle of Ben- nington, and with him was Mackey, a small colored man, who had been a slave and ii;aitied his freedom hj his patriotic services. He lived near Amenia Union ii] his little home, which was also given him for his service. Garret Winegar was a Forage Master, and died be- fore the close of the war. Silas Ray was in the Continentals, perhaps in the xlrtillery. He lived on the road that leads to Kent. * "Little Sam Gray would have another shot," said one of the otficers at the close of a battle. 70 THE EARLY HISTORY OF AMENIA. Dr. Reuben Allerton was Surgeon at Saratoga, and as he used to say, " dressed the wounds of friend and foe." Ephraim Lord was much of the time absent in the army, and his energetic wife managed his estate well in his absence. Bezaleel Eudd, from the north part of the town, went with Ethan Allen. David Doty was a very active officer, and somewhat restless. He was transferred, as we see in another place, from the Litchfield county Regiment. Jeduthan Gray and Amos Pennoyer are honorably mentioned. Capt. Elisha Barlow was temporarily in the service. David Rundall served in two campaigns, one north and one south, in 1775 and 1776. It is understood that some of the soldiers from this vicinity were infected with that prejudice towards Gen. Schuyler, which was so unjust to that excellent officer and pure patriot, and which was soon after happily removed. Jones Knapp, who lived many years at Ebenezer Kurd's, was in the regular army through the war ; was present at the execution of Andre ; was at the capture of Cornwallis, and, on his way returning from the south, visited Mount Vernon. Warum Kingsley ? Doubtful. He was very young. But he was present at the Massacre of Wyoming. Some of those whose names are given in the preced- ing columns were in the service only temporarily.^ * There were undoubtedly a large number of privates, who went into the service ft-om Amenia, whose names are not here, as there are no records within reach of the compiler, and he is obliged to draw only from tradition and the very meagre records of family history, This will excuse the imperfections inthis list. THE EARLY HISTORY OF AMENIA. 71 JUDGE PAINE. Among the civilians in Amenia, who rendered valua- ble services in the wars, none were more worthy of rec- ord than the Hon. Ephraim Paine, who was a man of marked character in public and private life, and was one of the first to stir, by his eloquent voice, the patriot- ism of the people. He was employed from the begin- ning of the war — as the " Civil List " shows — in offices of very high responsibility and honor, which placed him by the side of some of the greatest men of the new re- public ; and he was equally ready to associate with his neighbors in the minor offices of the town. His incor- ruptible integrity and firmness were not the less heroic for being accompanied with Puritan simplicity of man- ners. Judge Paine was not ambitious of place — as strong men are apt to be — nor was he dictatorial ; but he was disposed to be positive and uncompromising which exposed him somewhat to the charge of obsti- nacy. He was very singular in the simplicity of his manners and habits, but not boorish, and his theory of the social and political equality of all men, which he held as a religious conviction, was expressed in a lit- eral and extravagant manner. He held that as all men are equal, there should be no distinctions in dress or equipage ; he wore, therefore, the dress of a laboring man in the halls of legislation and in the house of worship."^ It was an aphorism with him that " all men should be treated alike." It is quite probable, therefore, that there was sometimes a disregard of that respectful defe- erence to men in official and dignified positions, which household His clothes were hot untidy, but coarse and plain, the manufacture of his own aid. 72 THE EARLY HISTOllY OF AMENIA. the rules of polite society require, and it was the mag- nanimity of his courtly associates that led them to overlook tiiese outward faults of his character in their thorough respect for the unquestioned sound qualities of the man. Judge Paine's religious character was evidently somewhat tinged by his sympathy with the Separatists, or New Lights, among whom some of his relatives were distinguished leaders. It is unfortunate that the unselfish devotion to the public service and the purity in private life of this ex- cellent citizen should be less remembered than his eccentricities. Many ludicrous mistakes are told of, which resulted from Judge Paine's plainness of dress, some of which have been magnified and colored in amusing stories- He was at one time treated as a menial by the landlady, where he was to stay during his attendance at court in Poughkeepsie. The only rebuke which he gave to the mortified lady, when she apologised for her mistake, was, "You should treat all men alike." It is an authentic story that a gentlemen who rode in haste to the house on public business gave him his horse to hold while he should go in and speak to Judge Paine. It is also true that a gentleman was looking over the farm for Judge Paine, and found a man ditch- ing, and asked him, " Where is your master ? " " In Heaven, sir," was his ready and not irreverent answer. Judge Paine's education had been without tlie aid of schools, but his mind was disciplined to a habit of clear apprehension and accuracy, which made him on many occasions in his public service a valuable advisor in matters of finance. It is proper to say that he opposed decidedly the financial policy of Gen. Hamilton. THE EARLY HISTORY OF AMENIA. 73 There is a notice of his family in its proper place. In 1785, Sep. 25, a few weeks after the death of Judge Paine, the Poughkeepsie Journal contained a fitting eulogy, supposed to have been from the pen of Judge Piatt. "'" Judge Paine was a member of the Senate when he died. Silas Marsh, who was called " Lawyer Marsh," was one of the most active patriots of those in civil life, and Mr. Samuel King appears to have been one of the wise counsellors of the time. There was evidently among the leaders in this town a high respect for the character and services of Hon. Egbert Benson. INCIDENTS OF THE WAR. This part of the country was r.ingularly free from any disturbance by the near approach of the enemy, or b}* any movements of our troops. The people here, it is said, heard the sound of the cannon at the battle of Long Island, and they saw the smoke of burning King- ston, but it " did not come nigh them." The nearest en- campment of the Continental troops, at any time, was at Pawb'ng, in 1778. In the summer of that year a large number of prisoners — mostly Hessians'^ — taken at the battle of Saratoga the year before were marched through this town on their way to Fishkill, where they crossed the Hudson. During all the time that the British held New York, much of the communication between 'the Eastern and Southern States was necessarily through Dutchess county. Several notes are made of the travel * Some of the Hessians earnestly solicited the people to aid them to escape, and some succeeded and remained in this country. 74 THE EAELT HISTORY OF AMENIA. through Dover and the south part of Amenia by Amer- can and French army officers and others. In the early part of the war, a man called at Judge Paine's in his absence, and was suspected by Mrs. Paine to be a British spy, and she persuaded him to partake of some refreshments, which caused his delay , while she sent for two patriots,^ and caused his arrest. He was, however, an American spy, engaged in his le- gitimate enquiry, and the Committee of Safety, who knew him, were obliged to use some deception in plan- ning his escape, in order that his person and real char- acter should not be revealed. He was sent under guard on his way to Poughkeepsie, but made easily his escape. A young man, by the name of Samuel Jarvis, went from Amenia, leaving his wife and two children here, and joined the British army. He went to England af- ter the war, married again, and continued in the mili- tary service. After almost an hundred years, his legiti- mate family here have recovered his estate left in England. Resulutions calling out the Militia of WestcJiesier, Dutclusfi, and Albany. In Convention of Beprestntatives of State of New York. FishJcill, Bee. 21, 1776. " Whereas, It appears highly probable that the enemy's army meditate an attack upon the passes of the Highland on the east side of the Hudson River, and the term of enlistment of the Militia under the command of Gen. Clinton expires on the first of this month, ana, Whereas, His Excellency Gen. Washington has warmly recommended to this State to exert themselves in procuring temporary supplies of Militia, Resolved, That the whole Mihtia of Westchester, Dutchess, and part of Albany be forthwith marched to * The men sent for by Mrs. Paine were Elder Wood and Mr. James Palmer. THE EARLY HISTORY OF AMENIA. 75 North Gastle, in Westchester county, well equipped with arms aud ammunition, and furnished with six days' provisions, and blankets, and a pot or camp kettle to every six men, except such persons as the field officers shall judge cannot be called into service without greatly distressing their families, or who may be actually en- gaged in the manufacture of saltpetre, or of shoes and clothing for the army Resvlved, that the Militia be allowed Continental pay rations, and that such men as cannot furnish themselves with arms shall be supplied from the public stores." The commanders of regiments were empowered to hire or impress as many teams as were necessary for transportation of baggage. Commissary-Gen. Trumbull was notified to make timely provision for the subsistence of said Militia. Col. Chevers, Commissary of Ordnance, was applied to for a loan of small arms for those destitute. THE TORIES OF DUTCHESS COUNTY. In 1777, while Burgoyne was threatening the north- ern part of the State, a considerable body of the Tories of Dutchess county were collected at Washington Hol- low, and made a formidable demonstration of their hos- tility. "An expedition was immediately set on foot to break up the gang." A company of fifty or sixty started from Sharon, Conn., and was joined on the way by others till the party amounted to two hundred. They halted for the night a little north of the Hollow, and in the morning made an attack upon the Tories, who fled and as many as could made their escape. Thirty or forty of them were made prisoners, and were sent to Exeter, in New Hampshire, where they were kept in no 76 THE EARLY HISTORY OF AMENIA. close confinement for two years. No more trouble was made by the Tories here during the war.'^ ROBBERIES. In the disturbed condition of society, incident to the war, lawless and rapacious men used the opportunity to indulge their spite, or to gratify their greed in plunder. In the near vicinity of the armies, and particularly on the " neutral ground," the losses of the inhabitants, and the dangerous annoyances, which were endured from marauding parties were terrible, and even in this safe retreat, there were instances of robbery. Philip Nase, Sen., and his wife, who lived where their son, Corneilius, afterwards had his house,t had lain up and secured in a treasure chest, a considerable sum of gold and silver money, and other valuable treas- ures. Four men in the disguise of British officers and soldiers, came one evening, armed with axes, and de- manded the key of their treasure, and threatening death to the family on any resistance. The key was surrendered, and every part of the treasure was carried off, and never recovered or heard from again. It is not believed that the robbers were British officers and sol- diers, who would not have been armed with axes, on such an expedition. The oldest son of Philip Nase, Sen., Henry, was a Tory of so positive a character that he left the country, and made his home in Nova Scotia. It is said that, be- fore he left, he had concealed in some haste, in the night, at the foot of the mountain, a sum of money — * Sedgwick's " History of Sharon.'" t The house where Mr. Nase lived, and where the robbery was committed, was on the opposite side of the highway from the house now there, and was removed many years ago. THE EARLY HISTORY OF AMENIA. 77 eighteen hand red dollars in silver. When he returned to take it away, he was not able to find the place, and it is supposed to be there, perhaps, to this day. The attempted robbery of Capt. David Collin, father of the late Capt. James Collin, came to a different sequel from the other. A company of robbers, supposed to be some well-known Tories, came to Mr. Collin's house, in the absence of his wife, and demanded his money and other treasures, which they probably knew he possessed. Upon Mr. Collin's persistent refusal to give up his treas- ure, or reveal the place of its hiding, the miscreants pro- ceeded to hang him, and would probably have carried their purpose to a fatal issue, but for the timely coming of his wife, who saved his life and their treasure. The name of this heroic wife was Esther Gillett Col- lin. It is understood that the family have some memo- randum of this event, and of treasures concealed. EARLY RESIDENTS OF AMENIA. These are arranged in alphabetical order, for the convenience of the compiler and of the reader. This is not intended to be a genealogy of the fami- lies of Amenia. One or two generations beside the first settlers are in some cases mentioned, only to indicate their relation to present families. The records of gene- alogy, that valuable and interesting branch of history, are very properly made by many families for themselves. It is consistent with the plan of this work to leave out everything, with few exceptions, that does not belong to the early history of the town.* Of a large number of the early residents no records can be found but their names. * These notices of old families are put in as few words as possible ; and the plan of making the worli as condensed as consistent with completeness is sufficient apology for any want of smoothness of style. 78 THE EARLY HISTORY OF AMENIA. Elisha Adams was the proprietor of " Adams' Mill,"* in the west part of the town. The right to the mill privileges arid to raise water without limit was ceded to him by Judge JohnsOD. Ke was the first white settler on N. P. Lot 32, west of the mountain. Some of the family have remained in that place till within a few- years. : Abraham Adams, Jun , is mentioned in 1765. Darius Adams, 1765 ; Joseph Adams, 1762 ; John Adams, 1757. James Allsworth, Jun., lived in the northeast part of the town. Isaac Allerton, of Windham, Conn., purchased the farm of Abner Gillet — now the James farm — in 1787. Mrs. James was his daughter, and his sons were Jona- than, David and Reuben. Jonathan preceded his fath- er, and was a resident of Amenia in 1775. His wife was Bathsheba Mead. David was the father of Archi- bald and Isaac, and his wife was a Montgomery, a rela- tive of Gen. Montgomery, Dr. Reuben Allerton pre- ceded his father here a few years, and commenced the practice of medicine about 1778, first at Amenia Centre, and in 1785 he removed to Oblong, where he lived awhile in the John Reed house, and afterwards till his death close by the Presbyterian church — now of South Amenia. It was probably immediately after the com- pletion of his medical studies that he entered the service as Surgeon in Col. Hopkins' regiment, which was in 1777. Dr. Allerton was of a genial, pleasant humor, and very spicy wit. He died in 1806, aged 54. His wife was the daughter of James Atherton. The family was descended in direct line from Isaac Allerton, of the May Flower. Dr. AUerton's son, Samuel, and his This mill was burned, and another one, now remaining, was built in its place. THE EARLY HISTORY OF AMENTA. 79 danp^hter Amarillas are now living at an advanced age.^ James Athercon, from Canterbury, Conn . , was a resident of Sharon, where Zalmon Hunt now lives; then went to New Jersey, and thence removed to Amenia, where be died. He was a gentleman of excellent learn- ing, and had spent some time as a teacher in North Carolina, and returned from there on account of his intolerant hatred of slavery. Rodger Andrews lived in the south part of the town, near Seth Swift's, where he reared a large family. Cornelius Atherton, son of James, was an iron man- ufacturer, and had a contract with the government in the war to make fire-arms for the soldiers. He removed in the early part of the war to Wyoming, and was there with his famil}^ at the time of the massacre, and escaped with them with very great difficulty. Col. William Barker was the father of the late John Barker, and lived on the same farm. He served the town in several civil offices, and was active in the mili- tary in the Revolutioa, and served also in the Legisla- ture, as recorded in its place. His wife was Chloe, daughter of Mr. John Bronson, and thev were married in 1763. Deacon Moses Barlow and his brother, Nathan, came from Sandwich (or Cape Cod), in 1756, and pur- chased of Meltiah Lothrop the farm afterwards the home of the Swifts, and which they exchanged for the one where Moses Barlow settled, and which is still held, a part of it, by his grandson, Franklin Barlow.f Their father, Peleg Barlow, came with them at the age of 67, and died in 1759. Moses Barlow was the father * Dr. Corneilius AUerton and Milton Allerton were his sons Mrs. Thos. Barlow and Mrs. Taber Belden were his daughters. t The Barlow farm was on the " Clapp Patent,' Oblong Lot No. 47, and was pur- chased of Mr. Samuel Judson 80 THE EARLY HISTORY OF AMENIA. of Elisha and Thomas and several daughters. Hon. Elisha Barlow occupied S3veral important public trusts, — as shown by the " Civil List " — and was honored for his integrity and firmness, and was a gentleman of dig- nified manners. He had a numerous family. His old- est son, Thomas, was the father of the Hon. Thomas Barlow, of Madison county. Peleg, Moses, John, Obed, Elisha, and Jesse Barlow were sons of Judge Barlow. The Barlows, before they left the Cape, had been sea- faring men, and in an experience of the perils of their business, resolved to place their fortunes on solid ground, and this led them to their new home. The}^ came by water to Poughkeepsie, and there has been to this time a grateful recognition by the family of hospi- talities received at the Newcombs in Pleasant Valley on their journey here. (How many pleasing episodes woula be revealed by the diaries kept by any other of these families in their interesting journeys to their new homes). William Balis, Esq., was the father of the late Abiah P. Balis. Daniel C. Bartlett, from Bedding, Conn., bought of Joel Gillett, in 1803, the farm now owned by his grand- son, W. S. Bartlett. His heroic conduct in the war is mentioned in its proper place. He was the father of William and Collins Bartlett, and his daughters were Mrs. John Barker, Mrs. Thomas Paine, and Mrs. Wm. Paine. Elihu Beardsly, from New Milford, was living in the Dr. Leonard house, near George H. Swift's in 1773. He was a tanner. His wife was the daughter of Joseph Chamberlain. Ebenezer Benham was one of the early settlers on Tower Hill, which is in the southwest corner of the town. THE EARLY HISTORY OF AMENIA. 81 Joseph Benson was an early resident of the south part of the town, where the family have remained in considerable numbers. ' Zerah Beach, Esq., resided a few years near South Amenia, where he was engaged in trade about 1790 He was one of the leaders at Wyoming, who signed the articles of capitulation. One of his daughters was the wife of James Warren. It was his grandson who was the plaintiff's lawyer in the great trial at Brooklyn of Tilton against Beecher. Bela E. Benjamin, the father of Mrs. C. Wesley Powers, Elijah Park Benjamin, and Horatio N. Benja- min, married Louisa, daughter of Elijah Park. Caleb Benton, of Guilford, Conn., purchased of Capt. Lasell, in 1794, the place now owned by his grand- son, Myron B. Benton. He was the father of Joel and William. The immigrant ancestor of Mr. Benton was Edward Benton, one of the first settlers of Guilford* who were, most of them, from the agricultural county of Kent, in England, and were noted for the very neat style of their farming. Mr. Benton left Guilford, be- cause of the very inconvenient division of his lands there."^ He paid for his land here 15 or 16 dollars per acre in specie, which he brought with him on horseback. When the family removed they came to Poughkeepsie by water in a sloop. Joel Benton, Esq., was much oc- cupied in public business, and was four times elected to the Legislature. About 1743, Silas Belden, of Wethersfield,t Conn., settled near the foot of Plymouth Hill, on a large tract * The farm lands in the southern part of Connecticut are, many of them, very incon- veniently disconnected. t The ancestor of Mr Belden was one of the early settlers in the ancient town of Wethersfield, and we find Deacon Joseph Belden a leading man there in 1706. 82 THE EARLY HISTORY OF AMENIA. of land which his father purchased in New York," and which was described afterwards as situated in Charlotte and Amenia Precincts. The sons of Silas Belden were Silas, Jun., and Lawrence. Joseph Belden was the son of Silas, Jr., and was the father of Taber Belden, whose home in the south part of the town is now occupied by his son. The land of Taber Belden was formei'ly a part of the Knickerbocker farm. Taber Belden was twice a member of the Legislature, and very often served the public as a wise counsellor. BoCKEE. — Soon after 1750, Abraham Bockee came from New York, where he had been a merchant, to Nine Partners, and entered upon land purchased by his grandfather, in 1699, and which has been in the posses- ion of the family to the present time. He was one of the Colonial justices, appointed by the Crown, as early as 1761, at which time he is mentioned as " a Mr. Bo- kay,t a justice of the peace, at Nine Partners, near a place called the City." The immigrant ancestor of Mr. Bockee was Johannes Bockee (Bokai), who came to this country in 1685, and who was of that " noble Huguenot stock, that has contributed so many families of worth and distinction." Abraham Bockee, who came to Nine Partners, was the father of Jacob Bockee and the grand- father of the late Judge Abraham Bockee. Jacob Bockee, a graduate of King's College, N. Y., was Cap- tain in the Revolutionary war of a company in Colonel Marinus Willet's regiment, and was a member of the Assembly in 1795 to 1797, where he introduced a bill for the abolition of slavery in this state. His wife was * Mr. Belden purchased this valuable tract of land when in Xew Yorlc, and -witliunt seeing it. It remains most of it in possession of the family. t Documentarj' History, III, , 085. J "Boka." This is the proper pronunciation and was formerly the only one, This fragrant old Huguenot name should have its proper sound. THE EAELY HISTORY OF AMENIA. 83 sister of the late Judge Isaac Smith."^ Judge Abraham Bjckee held sevaral hoaorabla positioQ-i in civil life, as shown in another part of this record. Though decided in his political convictions, he sometimes resisted the dictation of his party, and followed what he conceived to be right and for the public welfare. Phenix Bockee a brother of Abraham, was Lieutenant in the war of 1812, and died in Po'keepsie in 1814. Some of the Bockee family went to South Carolina, and it is a reasonable supposition that the gallant Col. Henry Bouquet, who was distinguished in the war with the Indians in 1763, was of the same family, and that he retained the original spelling of the name. Captain John Boyd was of Irish descent — probably Scotch-Irish — and came here from Orange County previous to 1769, and he returned and resided there again a few years. He married the daughter of Esq. Conrad Winegar, and resided a little south of Amenia Union in a house which he built — now standing — where he died in 1817. He was the father of Samuel,t Gil- bert, David and others. Noah Brown was the ancestor of many of that name in the north part of the town — now in Northeast. Lemuel and William Brush, sons of Eeuben Brush, from Long Island, lived in the west part of the town, not far from the City. Lemuel married Mary Perlee, and his sons were PerJee, Jesse, Piatt, John and Henry . Jesse was an officer in the Revolutionary war. Gen. John Brur.h, who was a lawyer in Po'keepsie, commanded the Dutchess coanty troops at Harlem Heights, in the war of 1812, and was afterwards Major- Gen, of Militia. * Jacob Bockee and his brother-in-law, Judg-f Smith, and Judge Johnson, were very iDtimat-^, and dined togetlier once a week at each other's houses. t Samuel Boyd lived where I. Hunting Conkling now resides, on the land which came by his wife, a daughter of Judge Paine. ni 84 THE EARLY HISTORY OF AMENIA. Col. Henry Brush was Captain of Ohio Volunteers in the war of 1812, and was on his way to Detroit with 230 men, 100 beef cattle, and other provisions, and a mail, when Gen. Hull surrendered, Aug. 16,1812. Capt. Brush had arrived at the river Raisin, and was in immi- nent danger, through the negligence of Hull to send a reinforcement, of falling into the hands of the Indians, under Tecumtha. When notified on the 17th bv a British officer, with a flag of truce, of Hull's surrender of his army, including his own command, he refused to accept the notice as authoritative, and escaped with his stores to Ohio."^ The compiler has been informed oral- ly that Capt. Brush purposely allowed the whiskey among his stores to fall into the hands of the Indians, which so demoralized them that they were unable to pursue the retreating party. Moor Bird was born in New Marlborough, Mass., in 1756. He married the daughter of Louis Delavergne, and lives where his sou, the late Henry Bird, did. His other sons were Augustus and Milo. He was of the same family as Bev. Isaac Bird, who has compiled a genealogy of his family. Edmund Bramhall married a daughter of Deacon Moses Barlow. He was a carpenter, and built, before the Revolutionary war, the Deacon Barlow house, now standing. John Bronson was the father of Mrs. Wm. Barker. " Dea. John Brownson died in 1785, aged 85. Jedidiah Bump, and his brother James, came from Granville, Mass. They were probably of Huguenot de- scent, the original name being " Bon-pas," then " Bum- pas," and " Bumpus." Mr. Bump owned the east half of J. H. Cline's farm, * Lossing's " War of 1812," pp. 273-290. THE EARLY HISTORY OF AMENIA. 85 where he built a house, removed many years ago. He afterwards removed to the farm where his daughter Huldah, now lives, 1875."^ His sons were Roswell, Elijah, and Herman. Judah Burton came from Horse Neck, now Stamford, Conn., previous to 1762. His house, wdiich he built, and which was afterwards the home of his son, Daniel, is the brick house, now the residence of Edmund P. Carpenter. Mr. Burton's wife was Huldah Stanton, of Horse Neck. Sarah Burton, daughter of Judah, became the wife of Ezra Thompson, Jun. Daniel Burton, the son of Judah, was the father of Abraham and Warren Burton. Eli, Isaac, Josiah, and Elijah Burton were early res- dents of the west part of the town, and near the City- Isaac Burton, a man of good estate, was a citizen of Amenia in 1751. He is supposed to have been a brother of Judah. Judah Burton was an officer in the Revolutionary war, in the Commissary Department, and is spoken of as " Commissary-General." Ezra Bryan, one of the true Whigs of the Revolu- tion, and father of the late Amos Bryan, lived in the north part of the town, where the family have since re- sided. Ezra Bryan, David, and others are of that family. Amos Bryan was Member of Assembly in 1840. Rufus Case was a resident of Amenia previous to 1800. The ancestors of the Carpenter family of this town and vicinity came from England to Massachusetts in 1638 ; thence to Long Island, in 1686. In 1752, Daniel Carpenter purchased land in Crom Elbogh Precinct, near Salt Point, where lie died in 1777. His son, Ben- * She died in February, 1875, aged 92. 86 THE EARLY HISTORY OF AMENIA. jamin, being excessively persecuted by the Tories" — which is an evidence of his persistent patriotism — sold his land there, and purchased the lands, which, with subsequent additions,t made in part the farm of his son, Hon. Morgan Carpenter, now of Mr. Isaac S. Carpenter. !Benjamin Carpenter purchased also for his sons, S. Pugsley and Daniel, the Evartson farm in Amenia, south of the City, where Daniel Carpenter remained till his death. Daniel married Zayde Perlee. Morgan married Maria, a daughter of Jacob Bockee. Daniel Castle, Esq., came from Roxbury, then a part . of Woodbury, Conn., some time previous to the year 1758, and settled at South Amenia, where he was keep- ing a tavern at that date. He was one of His Majesty's Justices of the Peace. Gideon Castle, his son, built a house, where the South Amenia Post-Office is, and afterwards purchased the James Tanner farm, where he - remained. He was largely concerned in the purchase and sale of land. Esq. Castle's daughter was the wife of Capt. James Reed. Joseph Chamberlain came from Tolland, Conn., in 1755, and settled on the farm afterwards owned by the Nye family, where he is supposed to have built the house now on the place. He was buried near the Steel Works, in 1765. His sons were Colbe, James, John,^_- and William. Col Colbe was the father of Joseph, Con- rad, and Henry. John was a physician of acknowl- edged skill, and lived awhile in Po'keepsie. Capt. Wm. Chamberlain, the father of Oliver and James, lived on the farm now owned by J. H. Cline, and kept a tavern there, which was much frequented in the time of the * This was at the time when the Tories of Dutchess county put on such a bold front, and gathered their forces at Washington Hollow. Mr. Carpenter was three times robbed by them. t These lands were purchased of Daniel Shipard, Moses Harris, Samuel Pugsley, Job Swift, Dr. John Miller and others. THE EARLY HISTORY OF AMENIA. 87 Eevolution. He was in tlie battle of Bennington, Sara- toga and other fields, and be with his brothers were very zealous patriots. The family possessed a large fund of pleasant humor, which is not yet exhausted.* Solomon Chase lived in several places in this town and in Kent. He married the daughter of Joseph Chamberlain, Sen. His son, Stephen Chase, was the only surviving passenger in the celebrated wreck of the Albion in 1822, He was on his way to England to look after an estate. The Chase family are supposed to have some hereditary right in a large estate there now. Ezra Clark was from Lisbon, Conn., and was the ancestor of that family now in Northeast. He was the father of Douglas Clark, Esq., of Moses, and of Elijah. Major Elijah Clark lived near the outlet of Chalk pond, and died before middle life. Solomon Chandler kept a store near Amenia Union, in 1791. He lived awhile in the John Reed house. Capt. Increase Child, who lived near South Amenia, was an active officer in the Revolutionary war. He was the ancestor of Dr. Joseph Child (?). One of his sons was Mark Antony Child. Peter Cline (Klein), a native of Germany, came here from Rhinebeck, in 1760. It is understood that he left Germany about 1752 or 1753. He was one of those called " Redemptioners," who paid for their passage to this country by their service here afterwards, to which they were bound by the captain, who brought them over. Some noble examples of honor are recorded of these men, in redeeming their pledge, and Mr. Cline's was a singular instance of scrupulous honesty, in that through the dishonesty of the captain, he was led to * Daniel Hebard, John J. Hollister, and Samuel S. Winegar married dau,