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A History of Schenectady
During the Revolution
TO WHICH IS APPENDED
A CONTRIBUTION TO THE INDIVIDUAL RECORDS
of the INHABITANTS of the SCHENECTADY
DISTRICT DURING THAT PERIOD

By
WILLIS T. HANSON, Je., A.M.

PRIVATELY PRINTED
MDCCCCXVI

Copyright, 1916
By Willis T. Hanson, Jr.

Published July, 1916
One Thousand Copies Printed from Type

TO MY MOTHER
THIS WORK
IS AFFECTIONATELY DEDICATED

PREFATORY NOTE
The history of Schenectady during the troublesome
times of the Revolution is so closely linked with the
affairs of the whole Mohawk Valley, and with the
tides of the Border "Wars that laid waste the sur
rounding country almost to her gates, that, in dealing
with the history of the one, one must necessarily touch
to a large extent upon the history of the other.

INTRODUCTION
While in the title of this work I have made a dis
tinction between the town of Schenectady and the
Schenectady District, which included both the present
townships of Glenville and Rotterdam and because
of its proximity to the district, for military organi
zation, Princetown, and while I have laid stress for the
most part on the activities of the town proper, it will
be seen that by reason of the men of the district shar
ing as they did with the inhabitants of the town the
burden of civil and military service and the creation
of the activities to which the following pages relate,
the history of the town in reality becomes the history
of the district.
In gathering material for this work I have been
struck with the scarcity of available manuscript
sources of information.
In the minutes of the various Committees of Safety
which rightly form the base upon which the history
of the early years of the war is built, wide gaps
appear and the only manuscript records of these
boards now known to exist are those covering the
period from January 15, 1777, to February 17, 1778,
deposited in the Library of Congress (Force Collec
tion), which, being wrongly labeled and catalogued,
were discovered by the writer only by the merest
chance. Judge Sanders, writing in 1879, had before him a
record book of one hundred and sixty-two closely

viii INTRODUCTION

written pages covering the minutes of the first Board
and its successors, but unfortunately he has given us
but a few scattered extracts of the valuable and inter
esting data which it contained. Judge Yates, writing
some twenty-three years later, intimates that he also
had access to these records, but more unfortunately
still, instead of making use of the rare opportunity
afforded, such passages as he has given us are iden
tical with those transcribed by Judge Sanders.
Fortunately for posterity, before the record book
became irrevocably lost it came to the attention of
one who with considerable labor and expense has
given us, in a little magazine which he called the
American Antiquarian and Quarterly Genealogical
Record (note 4, p. 18), the minutes from the first
meeting of the Board on May 6, 1775, to and including
the minutes of the meeting of May 27, 1776.
While, without a doubt, many of the records of our
early days were destroyed in the fire that in 1819
swept the lower part of the town, it is mainly to negli
gence, carelessness and a lack of appreciation of
historical value that we owe our present lack of manu
script sources of information.
Papers found in old trunks and boxes stored away
in the garrets of houses dating back to the early days
are constantly coming to light to bear their testimony
to the truths of the past. That there are many more
such trunks and boxes in many more such garrets is
not an unreasonable supposition, and that we may not
find ourselves guilty of that negligence that has been
responsible for the loss of so much valuable data in
the past it becomes our duty to make available for
posterity such pertinent matter as we may chance

INTRODUCTION ix

upon, either by depositing it with libraries and socie
ties formed for the safe keeping of such material or
by calling it to the attention of some historian whose
interest in his subject should be an assurance of a
proper use being made of it.

Willis T. Hanson, Jb.

CHAPTER I
THE VALLEY OF THE MOHAWK
Due to its unique geographical position, New York,
in those early times when the rivers and lakes afforded
practically the only highways of importance, was
rightly felt to be the key to the American continent,
and from its infancy hostile nations contested its
possession. Among those factors which gave New York her
strategical prominence the Mohawk River played no
small part, for by its means alike were accessible the
lands to the westward, through the only valley pass
piercing the Appalachian Range; the Great Lakes,
through the all but intermingling of its headwaters
with the streams flowing northward into them, and
the Atlantic seacoast, through the Hudson River.
It was the early realization of the importance of
the Mohawk River that led the Iroquois Confederacy
to stretch its dominion throughout the Valley, thus
enabling its warriors to maintain that supremacy
over far distant tribes1 which for so many years they
enjoyed. With the coming of the white man in greater num
bers, to the importance of the Mohawk River from a
i At the era of their highest military supremacy, about the year
1660, the Iroquois, in their warlike expeditions, ranged unresisted from
New England to the Mississippi, and from the St. Lawrence to the Ten
nessee. Lewis H. Morgan.

HISTORY OF SCHENECTADY

military standpoint was added a commercial value
increasing with the demands upon it until the opening
of the Erie Canal transferred the traffic to that chan
nel. The Old Iroquois Trail2 in its turn gave way to
the stage road, and this in its turn to the railroad;
the successors in each case, however, following the
well-defined line of early travel.
Along these lines of communication the early pio
neers, for the most part, established their homes, until
on the eve of the Revolution the population of the
Mohawk Valley may be roughly estimated as totaling
ten thousand souls.
To the westward the settlements extended in a nar
row belt as far as the present town of German Flats,
settled and owned as far as Canajoharie in the main
by the Dutch, many of them descendants of the first
settlers of Schenectady or emigrants from it, and
beyond Canajoharie by the Palatines;3 northward to
a short distance beyond Johnstown, where had settled
many Irish and Scotch-Highlanders4 following Sir
2 Proceeding from the site of Albany, the central trail entered the
lands now covered by the city of Schenectady by the ravine through
which the railroad now passes and crossed the Mohawk at a ford where
now stands the Scotia bridge. From this fording place two trails
passed up the river one on either side. Lewis H. Morgan.
s In 1723 a large tract of land was purchased from the Indians to
be later confirmed by letters patent from the King. To this tract soon
came many of those Palatine Germans who had in 1711 settled at
Schoharie and who had been led to change their place of residence
because of difficulties arising over their titles. Accessions to the settle
ment were made from time to time until at the period of the Revolution
it embraced one of the most prosperous sections of Tryon County.
* They had been induced to immigrate by Sir William Johnson and
were settled as tenants on his estates in various parts of the Kingsboro
Tract.

THE VALLEY OF THE MOHAWK

William Johnson;5 southward to the headwaters of
the Susquehanna, settled mainly by Scotch-Irish,6 and
in the valley of the Schoharie to some seven miles
beyond Middleburg, settled also by Palatine Germans.7
From among the English, Irish and Scotch-High
landers mainly were recruited the Tories, while from
the ranks of the Dutch and Palatines and from the
Scotch-Irish came the men to whom we owe Oriskany
and upon whom fell the burdens of resisting the
repeated raids of Indian and Tory that swept the
Valley with a fury that was paralleled in no other sec
tion of the Colonies during the whole war.
s Sir William Johnson came to the Mohawk Valley in 1738, as the
agent of his uncle, Sir Peter Warren. He founded a settlement which
he called Warren's Bush and remained there five years. He then
removed to a tract of land near Amsterdam which he had acquired in
1741 and upon which he had already erected the stone house, still stand
ing, known as Fort Johnson. He removed to Johnson Hall, Johnstown,
in 1763.
« In 1741 several families, induced to emigrate from Londonderry,
N. H., settled on the Lindesay Patent.
t This was the original Palatine settlement, dating back to 1711, from
which those who had settled at Stone Arabia had removed.

CHAPTER II
SCHENECTADY
The approximately twenty-four hundred souls who,
in 1773, composed the population1 of Schenectady,
were chiefly of Low Dutch origin. Among them,
however, were numbered some Irish and not a few
English,2 for there had been many immigrants from
New England, while British regulars and New Eng
land militia had for nearly a century garrisoned3 the
fort, and discharged soldiers mixing with the popula
tion had married Dutch wives and become settlers.
The English element had moreover been augmented*
from time to time by those who came direct from their
i Colonel Henry B. Livingston, in his manuscript journal of the
Canadian expedition, places the number of houses in Schenectady in
1775 as three hundred. This is the same number as noted by Richard
Smith in 1769. The Marquis de Chastelleux states that eight people
were the average number residing in one house. The writer is inclined
to believe that the estimate of Jabez Maud ' Fisher of four hundred
houses in 1773 is too high and he has consequently determined the
population of the town proper at this period on the basis of three
hundred houses.
2 Reverend William Andrews, rector of St. George 's Church, reported
to the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel on March 15, 1771,
that "about 80 grown up persons" regularly attended his church.
3 This was mostly previous to 1754. After the close of the Old
French War few troops were stationed here. Jonathan Pearson.
* Daniel Campbell came to Schenectady in 1754, John Duncan in
1755, Alexander Campbell in 1762, while the later well-known firm of
Phyn & Ellice was in business in 1768.

SCHENECTADY

native land to take up their residence here because of
the mercantile advantages offered.
Commercially, Schenectady was admirably situated,
for through it ran the Great Highway leading west
ward and here became navigable the Mohawk River.
From its first settlement Schenectady had been pri
marily a trading community and early it became an
important and flourishing town, a transfer point for
the products of the West to be carried by wagon to
Albany, or shipments of supplies from the older settle
ments to be borne westward by boat.
"According to our conjecture," wrote5 Richard
Smith, who visited Schenectady in 1769, "the Town
counts about 300 Dwelling Houses besides Out Houses,
standing in 3 Principal Streets6 nearly East and
West; these are crossed by 4 or 5 other Streets.7
Few of the Buildings are contiguous," continues the
Journal, "some of them are constructed in the old
Dutch Taste8 generally of Wood but sometimes of
Brick, and there may be 6 or 7 elegant Mansions9
b Richard Smith, A Tour of Four Great Rivers, p. 22.
• Front Street, Brewer 'a or Niskayuna (now Union) Street, and the
old road to Albany (now Albany Street).
i The Vrooman map of 1768 shows streets corresponding to the
following of today: Washington Avenue (then Lion, afterwards Wash
ington Street), Ferry Street, Church Street, Water Street, Mill Lane,
Center Street, Jefferson Street, and North Street.
s The old Abraham Yates house, built about 1730, now No. 109
Union Street, is an excellent example of the Dutch style of architecture.
9 Possibly he refers to the old Campbell mansion, now standing on
the northeast corner of State and Church Streets; the John Glen man
sion, now No. 58 Washington Avenue, or the old Ten Eyck mansion on
the northeast corner of Governor's Lane and Front Street, at one time
the residence of Governor Joseph C. Tates. These houses have all been
remodeled,

HISTORY OF SCHENECTADY

without including a large Dutch Church10 with a Town
Cloc, a Presbyterian Meeting House11 and a neat
English Church12 now finishing off, containing a par
ticular Pew for Sir William Johnson13 adorned with a
handsome Canopy supported by Pilasters. There
are no Wharves but a public Landing or Two at
the Ends of the Streets where the Batteaux bring the
Peltry and wheat from above. These Batteaux which
are built here14 are very large, each end sharp so that
they may be rowed either way. The townspeople
are supplyed altogether with Beef15 and Pork from
10 The Dutch Reformed Church, erected in 1734 and demolished in
1814, stood on the site of the present church, the corner of Union and
Church Streets.
11 This seems to have been a rented "meeting house" the location
of which cannot now be ascertained. It was not until October 12, 1769,
that a lot was purchased for the erection of a permanent house of wor
ship. The building, completed by the end of the year 1773, had a
steeple and turret for a bell on which the members of St. George's
looked with envious eyes, their church having neither.
12 St. George's, the erection of which was commenced in 1759.
is Sir William not only personally contributed liberally to the fund
for the erection of the church, but obtained many contributions from his
friends throughout the Colonies.
li Boat building was for many years one of the principal industries
of Schenectady, nearly all the boats used on the Mohawk being built
here. The yards were along the river front extending from the present
Scotia bridge to North Street. The batteaux were adopted as substi
tutes for the bark canoes, which were too light to bear the increasing
loads of merchandise. They were built of white pine boards, and
were from twenty to twenty-five feet long by three and a half wide in
the center, capable of carrying from two to five tons. The batteaux
were generally manned by three or four men and propelled by poles,
with the auxiliary of ropes pulled by men on shore when being forced
over the rapids in the river. Several batteaux generally traveled
together so that the batteaumen could lend aid to one another. These
batteaux were in general use until 1797, when, with the completion of
the enterprise known as the Inland Lock Navigation Company, they
gave way to the larger Durham boats.
« This sold at 5d. and 6d. per pound. Richard Smith.

SCHENECTADY

New England, most of the Meadows being used for
Wheat, Peas and other Grain; however there are cer
tain choice Grass Meadows about the Place and yet
at the End we entered, the Sandy Pine Land
approaches within 300 Yards of the Buildings."
Jabez Maud Fisher, the son of a wealthy Philadel
phia shipowner, who came through Schenectady some
four years later, places16 the number of houses at four
hundred. He makes special note of the "vast deal of
fine Meadow and arable ground in the neighborhood, ' '
of the "very considerable and profitable trade carried
on with the Indians," and further adds that "there are
several 100 boats go from this place to Niagara17 and
some to Detroit18 loaded with dry and wet goods."
The town was surrounded by a stockade of upright
pickets in the shape of a parallelogram having two
gates, one opening to the east and one to the north.19
This stockade was flanked20 at intervals by redoubts
or blockhouses and at the period of which we write
enclosed21 an area bounded on the north and west
is A manuscript copy of his journal is in the possession of the
Herkimer County Historical Society.
17 The route taken was up the Mohawk to near Fort Stanwix (Rome),
where was a carry to the waters of Wood Creek; through Oneida Lake
into the Oswego River and to Oswego on Lake Ontario. From Oswego
to Niagara the merchandise was sometimes conveyed in the same boats
and sometimes in sloops.
18 Reverend William Andrews reported that his church was better
attended in the winter than in the summer, for when the Mohawk was
open several of his congregation who were Indian traders or batteaumen
proceeded in their boats to ' ' Fort Detroit and even to Mishillimackanac
in sloop which [was] reckoned upward of 1000 miles from [Schenec
tady]." In making this trip a further carry was necessary around the
falls at Niagara to Chippewa.
i» The Sexagenary, p. 12.
20 Documents Relating to the Colonial History of New York, X, 677.
21 Jonathan Pearson, History of the Schenectady Patent, p. 306.

HISTORY OF SCHENECTADY

by the river, on the south by a line starting at the
river and running twenty-eight feet south of State
Street southeasterly to the present location of the
New York Central depot, and on the east by a line
from this point intersecting with the river at a point
not far from the foot of North Street.
In the center of an open space (two hundred and
sixty-four by two hundred feet), at the junction of
Front, Ferry and Green Streets, stood the fort, the
south wall extending across Ferry Street three feet
south of the north corner of the present rectory of
St. George's Church.22 This fort was erected in
1735, and was built half of masonry and half of hewn
timbers piled one upon the other above the masonry23
to a height of twenty feet.24 It was capable of hold
ing from two to three hundred men.25 The four cur
tains, which, by the way, contained no loopholes
through which to fire the few cannon26 of which the
town boasted, were about seventy-six feet long each
and the four bastions or blockhouses which stood at
the corners were about twenty-four feet square.27
The fort was not encircled by a ditch, as was some
times customary, and its entrance was through a large
swing gate raised like a drawbridge.28
Both the stockades and the fort were, at the begin-
22 Ibid., p. 318.
23 Documents Relating to the Colonial History of New York, X, 677.
2* Jonathan Pearson, History of the Schenectady Patent, p. 318, note.
25 Documents Relating to the Colonial History of New York, X, 677.
26 The two largest came to be known as the "Lady Washington"
and the "Long Nine Pounder." These guns were placed in the streets
so as to command the gates. Jonathan Pearson.
27 Jonathan Pearson, History of the Schenectady Patent, p. 316.
28 Documents Relating to the Colonial History of New York, X, 677.

SCHENECTADY

ning of the Revolution, wholly out of repair,29 having
been suffered to go into decay during the period of
peace following the close of the French and Indian
War. While it seems unbelievable that during the stirring
times of 1776 any means of defense, however meager,
would be deliberately removed, — unless, perhaps, it
had reached such a stage of decay as to be rendered
useless or in order that more adequate protection
might replace it, — there is evidence30 to show that
during this year the "Old Fort" was removed.
Whether or not such was the case the writer cannot
definitely ascertain, but he is rather inclined to hold
the opinion31 that the fort was permitted to remain
until after the war. This opinion is based upon the
statements32 of certain soldiers who are quite positive
in their assertions that the defenses of Schenectady
included a fortress, which with the other works was
guarded during the entire period of the war.
The fact that on June 23, 1780, an act33 was passed
by the Legislature enabling the inhabitants of Sche-
2» Documents Relating to the Colonial History of New York, VTII,
451. so Jonathan Pearson, History of the Schenectady Patent, p. 318, note.
si This opinion is shared by Professor Pearson who, although he makes
little point of it, states (History of the Schenectady Patent, p. 332) that
"after the close of the Revolutionary War the defenses of the village
were never repaired, or renewed: — the old fort was removed and the
land sold."
82 < < This place [Schenectady] was surrounded with pickets and had
a fortress and other works of defense which were guarded during the
whole war." Pension Office Records, John Henry R 4891.
"This place [Schenectady] was during [the] war surrounded with
pickets and blockhouses and had a fortress and other works of defense
were constantly erecting during [the] war." Pension Office Records,
Bartholomew Clute S 12499.
33 Public Papers of George Clinton, V, 886.

10 HISTORY OF SCHENECTADY
nectady to erect a fortress does not preclude the pos
sibility of the old fort having been retained, for
indeed the limited facilities for defense offered by
this fort would quite justify the more extensive picket
fort34 suggested by Governor Clinton, which was sub
sequently35 erected.
34 ma.
35 Work was probably started soon after the act was passed. There
were on the east side of the picket fort (Pension Office Records, James
Barhydt S 12948) seven redoubts (Pension Office Records, Wessel
Cornu W 1029. Public Papers of George Clinton, VT, 715) which were
used as guardhouses. Eighty-four men composed the guard, twelve
being assigned to each redoubt (Pension Office Records, Wessel Cornu
W 1029).

CHAPTER III
THE RISE OF THE REVOLUTIONARY
MOVEMENT
In conjunction with the wave of protest against
the Stamp Act and other measures of Great Britain
thought to be unconstitutional and oppressive, secret
organizations known as the Sons of Liberty sprang
up throughout the Colonies. It is interesting to note
that those who afterward became Whig and Tory
were equally instrumental in the forming of these
bodies. At their inception, the tendencies of these
associations were for the most part not revolution
ary. They "attempted no change of government, —
only a preservation of the Constitution."1
In March, 1766, in compliance with a request from
the New York Association, an organization of the
Sons of Liberty was formed in Albany. While its
members exhibited "the highest esteem of his most
sacred Majesty, King George the Third," and swore to
"bear true Allegiance to him and his Royal house
forever," they nevertheless resolved that they would
"Venture [their] Lives and fortunes, Effectually to
i Letter from the New York Sons of Liberty to the Albany Associa
tion, April 3, 1766. The American Historian and Quarterly Genealogical
Record, No. 4, p. 148.

12 HISTORY OF SCHENECTADY
prevent the Stamp Act from Ever taking place in
[the] City or Province."2
Following the organization of the Albany Sons
of Liberty, their Committee of Correspondence
dispatched the following letter8 to their friends in
Schenectady :
Gentlemen :
Agreeable to the general sense of the Friends of Liberty
over all the Colonies, and the particular instance of the Com
mittee at New York, we earnestly request You to advise with
the respectable body of the Inhabitants of the Town of
Schenectady, that they form themselves, after the example
of their Brethren, and appoint a Committee for Regulations
and Correspondence with us, and this, and the other Prov
inces as there may be occasion; and that as soon as formed
You give us notice, that we may transmit to you the several
Associations, and other papers of importance we have from
them, and from time to time thro' them from the other
Colonies. We think You will readily conceive the necessity
of this measure, when You consider how general it is thro'
all the Colonies, and that the design is no more than the most
effectual consolidation of the best of Systems, of which we
can neither be too jealous nor too careful.
(Signed) FREEDOM.
By Order of the Committee of the Sons of
Liberty in Albany.
2 Constitution of the Albany Sons of Liberty. The American Histo
rian and Quarterly Genealogical Record, No. 4, p. 152. The original
manuscript was at one time among the papers in the old Sanders House,
Scotia. The writer has reason to believe that it is now in a private
collection in Albany.
s The American Historian and Quarterly Genealogical Record, No. 4,
p. 153.

REVOLUTIONARY MOVEMENT 13
While the original constitution of the Sons of Lib
erty of Albany subscribed to by ninety-four of its
members is still in existence, together with several
letters written by their Committee of Regulation
and Correspondence, there is available not the least
evidence to show that an organization was ever formed
in Schenectady.
As time went on differences of opinion arose regard
ing the controversy with the Mother Country, and
by 1770 two parties, Whig and Loyalist, were fairly
well defined, each with its political organization and
each subdivided into liberals and conservatives. The
contest at this time "was not one between those who
favored and those who opposed the acts of the Eng
lish government — for both parties opposed them — but
was over the form which that opposition should
take."4 The Loyalist party helped to call the Continental
Congress; although the proposal came first from the
Sons of Liberty, the moderate Loyalist looked not
unfavorably upon this body and even the extremists
hoped for some good from it.
The First Continental Congress, which met at
Philadelphia on September 5, 1774, was merely a
group of committees with no technical authority,
assembled with the idea of advising with each other
regarding the public welfare. It did not intentionally
meet as a revolutionary body, yet as something like a
state of war existed in part of the country, in the
absence of any formally constituted government "it
took the reins" and almost immediately, to the horror
4 Alexander Clarence Flick, Loyalism in New York, p. 22.

14 HISTORY OF SCHENECTADY
of the Loyalists, became the "instrument for the
promotion of revolution and independence."5
In proportion as Congress drifted toward radical
ism and assumed powers not delegated to it, it was
opposed by the Loyalists and enthusiastically ap
plauded by the Sons of Liberty, who now became the
chief supporters of the revolutionary movement.
The Loyalists, while they were opposed to revolu
tion, were not satisfied with the pretensions of Par
liament. They believed it their duty to propose a
solution of the problem and they did not believe that
this solution could be effected through despotic com
mittees enforcing laws made at Philadelphia. Their
opposition to Congress and its recommendations was
soon felt in every section of New York.
In the Mohawk Valley the esteem in which Sir
William Johnson, His Majesty's Commissioner of
Indian Affairs, was held, with his tact and good
judgment, did much to hold the radical revolutionary
element in check. In him was placed the confidence
and faith of the people, and rightly, too, for Sir
William had seen the clouds gathering and while he
stood loyally by the King we have reason6 to believe
that he saw justice in the demands of the colonists
and that he was not entirely out of sympathy with
their attitude.
The Dutch of Schenectady, Whig sympathizers
almost to a man, appear to have been quite content
to sit on their "stoops" smoking their pipes in silence
tlbid., p. 25.
« William L. Stone, The Life and Times of Sir William Johnson,
Bart., II, 369. William W. Campbell, Annals of Tryon County, pp. 29-30.

REVOLUTIONARY MOVEMENT 15
and watch the course of events.7 The armed inter
ference of British soldiery had had no place in their
lives; they were staunch friends of Sir William, for
there were many who had served as officers under him
in the Colonial Wars, and there was scarcely a Dutch
family but that had been represented in his companies,
while some had been honored with grants of land and
others had held official positions under the Crown.
Following the death of Sir William Johnson in
July, 1774, affairs in the Valley underwent a decided
change. Sir John Johnson,8 his son, came into pos
session of his estates and Colonel Guy Johnson,9 his
son-in-law, was appointed to succeed him as His
Majesty's Superintendent of Indian Affairs. Neither
Sir John nor Guy Johnson had the slightest sym
pathy10 with the cause of the Colonies, nor did either
possess the tact of Sir William. From the first their
actions were antagonistic rather than conciliatory.
With the restraining influence of Sir William
removed, the revolutionary movement rapidly gained
adherents throughout the Valley. Although Colonel
t It is a matter of great regret that no source of information has
been found available to warrant recording in more detail the trend of
public opinion in Schenectady at this time.
s Sir John Johnson was born November 5, 1742, and died January
4, 1830. He had spent considerable time in England and at the age
of twenty-three had been knighted. On the death of Sir William he had
refused to accept the office of Superintendent of Indian Affairs and this
position had therefore been given to Colonel Guy Johnson.
9 Colonel Guy Johnson was a nephew of Sir William. He had acted
for some time as his private secretary and had married Mary, the
younger of his uncle's two daughters. Colonel Johnson resided at Guy
Park one mile and a half east of Fort Johnson, the mansion house
having been built for him by Sir William in 1766.
io Both were of the aristocracy and felt only the wrongs of their own
order. Douglas Campbell.

16 HISTORY OF SCHENECTADY
Johnson made every endeavor to check the rising tide
of opposition to the British Crown, so rapidly did
this opposition spring up that in one month after Sir
William's death the Palatine patriots openly declared
for Congress and soon the settlers in Canajoharie and
German Flats were almost unanimous for "the
undeniable privilege of being taxed only with their
own consent."11
11 Minutes of the Tryon County Committee of Safety (first meeting),
August 27, 1774. Tryon County was the first in New York to organize its
committee.

CHAPTER IV
THE SCHENECTADY COMMITTEE OF
SAFETY1 AND THE FIRST MILITIA
COMPANIES
The First Provincial Congress, a Whig body, called
because the Loyalist assembly had refused to approve
the acts of Congress, was the first revolutionary body
in New York. Immediately this body assumed all
governing powers and to it was intrusted the enforce
ment of the Articles of Association signed by the Con
tinental Congress on October 20, 1774.
The necessity of further localizing the execution of
orders given by the Provincial Congress soon called
into being county, and under them district, committees.
Although a Committee of Correspondence repre
senting Albany County was organized in November,2
1774, it does not appear that any unusual activities
engaged the attention of this body until May of the
following year, when in view of the various accounts
that were received "of the extraordinary commotions
both in the Province of Massachusetts and at New
York,"3 it was felt "indispensably necessary" that
i These committees were quite as frequently known as Committees of
Correspondence. 2 A meeting, probably the first, was held on November 23.
s The Records of the Albany Committee of Safety. These records
may be further cited as the source of subsequent matter in this chapter
pertinent to the Albany Committee.

18 HISTORY OF SCHENECTADY
the sense of the townspeople be taken as to what line
of conduct should be pursued at that critical juncture.
Under the direction of a subcommittee a meeting of
the citizens was therefore called, and at this meeting,
held on the afternoon of May 1, the following ques
tions were placed before the people :
Are you willing to co-operate with our Brethren in New
York, and the several Colonies on the Continent in their oppo
sition to the Ministerial Plan now prosecuting against us ?
Are you willing to appoint Persons to be (conjointly with
others to be appointed by the several Districts in this County)
a Committee of Safety, Protection and Correspondence with
full power to Transact all such matters as they shall conceive
may tend to the weal of the American Cause ?
Following an affirmative decision on the questions
at issue, the meeting at once proceeded to elect their
Committee of Safety.
The matter of district committees seems to have
been taken up almost immediately, and on May4 6 a
meeting of the "freeholders and Inhabitants of the
Township of Schenectady" was held, and as mem-
* The Records of the Schenectady Committee of Safety. The minutes
covering the period from the first meeting until May 27, 1776, are to
be found in the American Historian and Quarterly Genealogical Record,
Vol. I, Nos. 1-4. These minutes form the source from which much of
the material covering this period has been obtained.
The American Historian and Quarterly Genealogical Record, "edited
by the Historical Society ' ' and published by Mr. E. Z. Carpenter under
a Schenectady imprint, is now practically unknown. Indirectly, from
the publisher, the writer has learned the history of this little magazine.
There was no ' ' Historical Society ' ' as indicated on the title-page of the
publication and Mr. Carpenter had no associates in the enterprise. He
was sole editor, proprietor and printer, setting his own type and using
a hand press which he still has. The numbers were given to friends as
printed, and but seventy-five copies of each were issued.

COMMITTEE OF SAFETY 19
bers of a committee to represent their district were
selected the following:5
Reinier Mynderse, John Sanders,
James Wilson, Abraham Oothout,
Hugh Mitchell, Tobias Ten Eyck,
Henry Glen, John Roseboom,
Harmanus Wendell, Christopher Yates.
The committee chosen met for organization on the
ninth, at the home6 of William White. Christopher
Yates was elected chairman of the Board and Hugh
Mitchell, clerk. John Sanders and Tobias Ten Eyck
immediately refused to serve and their places were
later7 filled by the election of Cornelius Cuyler and
Jacobus Teller.
The Schenectady Committee, organized as a sub
committee of that of Albany County,8 regularly sent
delegates9 to its conferences. Soon it became the
principal10 organ of local government with duties
wide and important, for not only were its members
to attend to the raising of such troops and funds as
5 The revolutionary records of these men and of those residents of
the Schenectady District subsequently referred to will be found in the
Appendix. 8 Where now stands the house known as No. 9 North Church Street.
Subsequent meetings of the Committee were for some time held here.
7 At a public meeting held on May 27.
- In Albany County eighteen districts elected one hundred and fifty-
four members of the County Committee. Alexander Clarence Flick.
9 The entire Schenectady Board attended the first meeting of the
Albany Committee held after its organization. At subsequent meetings
two members generally constituted the representation.
io While these bodies acted quite independently in minor matters,
there was always a marked respect shown for orders or suggestions
from higher authorities and matters of major importance were referred
to them.

20 HISTORY OF SCHENECTADY
should be required from the district, all details of
military organization and later the regulation of
prices to be charged for commodities, but they were
also required to seize and secure all who were believed
to hold sentiments unfriendly to the cause of the
Colonies and, until the appointment of the Commis
sioners for the Detecting and Defeating of Conspira
cies,11 to act as judges in cases of the trials of persons
charged with treason against the State. All expenses
incurred by the Committee were chargeable to the
County Committee, and membership in subsequent
organizations was determined as in the first by popu
lar election, — the elections being held at intervals of
six months and the chairman and clerk in each case
selected by the Committee itself.
It is interesting to note that the activities of the
Schenectady Committee were not confined to inter
nal affairs alone. Much sympathy seems to have
been evinced for their friends in New England, and
in August (1775) Cornelius Cuyler was appointed to
receive donation wheat for the poor of Boston, while
by December 18, £73 N. Y. C. had been raised for
their relief. It is interesting to note, too, the petty
annoyances to which, during the early period of the
war, members of the Committee were subjected by
those politically opposed. There were constantly
being brought before the Board at this time those who
had spoken disparagingly of certain of its members,
and on one occasion there was ordered to appear one
George Ramsey who was strongly suspected of having
n Much detailed information regarding these boards may be found
in the Introduction to the Minutes of the Commissioners for Detecting
and Defeating Conspiracies in the State of New York, and in Loyalism
in New York.

COMMITTEE OF SAFETY 21
been concerned in putting tar and feathers on several
of their doors the night before.
On May 24 the first measures looking toward the
defense of the township were taken, for at the meet
ing of the Committee of Safety on that day it was
voted12 to purchase three hundred and thirty-eight
pounds of powder, then in the possession of Daniel
Campbell and stored in Albany, at three shillings per
pound, and to immediately post "advertisements" in
the most public places calling a meeting of the inhabi
tants on the twenty-seventh for the purpose of
informing the Board how they were provided with
arms and ammunition.
At the public meeting on the twenty-seventh it was
unanimously agreed to accept a resolution passed by
the Committee the day previous, calling for the rais
ing of three companies of minute men,13 two in the
town and one in the Westina14 — each company to con
sist of one captain, two lieutenants, four sergeants,
three corporals, a drum, and fifty privates, and the
12 This action was taken for fear ' ' of the evil Consequences that
[might] attend [its] falling in the hands of [their] Enemys." A
subsequent resolution of the Committee appointed John Post and John
G. Lansing custodians of this powder and empowered them to sell it to
any of the inhabitants of the township at a price of "3s. 9d. per pound,
3s. lOd. by the half pound, 4s. by the quarter." No powder was, how
ever, to be disposed of outside the district without an order from the
Committee. is Under the militia law of July 18, 1775, it was designated that one
fourth part of the militia of every county was to consist of minute men
who were "to be ready on the shortest Notice to march to any Place
when their Assistance [was] required for the Defense of their own or
a neighboring Colony."
m The Westina (Woestyne), or the Wilderness, seems to have applied
alike to the land on the north side of the Mohawk now known as Glen-
ville and to the land lying opposite on the south side now known as
Rotterdam.

22

HISTORY OF SCHENECTADY

meeting further requested that the Committee appoint
the officers for these companies.
The Committee consented to act upon the request
of the meeting and the following selection was at
once made:

First Company,

Captain, Jellis J. Fonda.
First lieutenant, Andrew Van
Patten.
Second lieutenant, Myndert A.
Wemple.
(Captain, Cornelius Van Dyck.
First lieutenant, John Mynderse.
Second lieutenant, Gerrit Veeder.
Captain, John Van Patten.
First lieutenant, Cornelius Van
Slyck.
Second lieutenant, Myndert R.
Wemple.

Third Company,

CHAPTER V
SCHENECTADY RAISES A COMPANY FOR
THE DEFENSE OF TICONDEROGA
Ethan Allen, with his one hundred and fifty undis
ciplined troops known as the "Green Mountain
Boys," had taken possession of Fort Ticonderoga on
May 10, and on the next day 'Crown Point had been
occupied by another detachment under Seth Warner.
These unexpected victories had given great impetus
to the American cause. Albany at once dispatched
two companies to the forts to assist in retaining pos
session of the large number of cannon and other mili
tary stores that had been captured, and on the twenty-
ninth, in consequence of a request from the Committee
of Safety at Albany, the Schenectady Committee voted
to raise one company1 for service at Ticonderoga.
i The scale of pay allowed for the services of the men enlisting was
as follows: £ s. d.
Captain, per month  6 0 0
Lieutenant, per month .... 4 0 0
Ensign, per month  3 0 0
Sergeant, per month  2 8 0 " All Lawful! money
Corporal, per month  2 4 0 of New England. ' '
Drummer, per month  2 4 0
Fifer, per month  2 4 0
Private, per month  2 0 0
Each soldier enlisting was required to sign "the association recom
mended by the Honorable, the Continental Congress."

24 HISTORY OF SCHENECTADY
To Cornelius Van Dyck was given the command of
this company and the authority2 for making the nec
essary enlistments. Benjamin Hilton was appointed
lieutenant and Cornelius Van Slyck ensign. Hilton at
once refused to serve and Van Slyck was therefore
promoted to take his place, while the vacancy was
filled by the appointment of John G. Lansing as
ensign. On the day following the one on which it was voted
to raise the company the Committee at Schenectady
reported3 to the Albany Committee that although they
had been successful in raising a few men they were
without arms with which to equip them. To this letter
the Albany Committee replied4 that they were well
pleased with the readiness shown in raising men for
"the new intended Continental Service," and they fur
ther expressed the hope that the Committee would
have a company "in compleat order ready for march
ing on the first Notice," adding that a quantity of
arms then under "Reparation" would be in good
order in two or three days and that with these "such
of the Forces of the County as [should] first go up
[would] be supplied."
The men as enlisted were boarded5 about town and
to each recruit was given a ribbon,6 evidently to
2 His commission from the Provincial Congress, together with the
commissions of the other officers of his company, was given on July 6.
a The Records of the Albany Committee of Safety, May 31, 1775.
* ma.
o Those first enlisting were boarded at the houses of John Welsh and
Robert Martin, who were paid "at the rate of one shilling, N. Y. Cur
rency, per day, per man," for their board and lodging.
« On December 20, 1775, the Committee authorized a payment of
seventeen shillings to John Roseboom "for Ribbons bought for Captain
Van Dyck's Recruits."

THE DEFENSE OF TICONDEROGA 25
denote, in lieu of a uniform, that the wearer was a
soldier in the Continental service.
On June7 9, word was received from the Albany
Committee that it would be some little time before
the company would be called upon for service. The
Committee, moved perhaps by a desire to economize,
certainly by no sense of justice, the more so as they
further decreed that the members of the company
should be required to spend two days each week in
learning the military exercise, resolved that the men
who had already enlisted be allowed neither provision
nor billeting money until their services were required
and that those to whom the arrangements were unsat
isfactory should be paid off and discharged.
It was not until June8 17 that the commissary at
Albany was authorized to issue fifty guns for the use
of Captain Van Dyck's company, and it would appear
from an original enlistment roll9 still extant that it
was not until the receipt of this equipment that Cap
tain Van Dyck really endeavored to secure a full quota
for his company.
Enlistments, however, were slow, as between June
19 and August 7 the names of but thirty-two men were
secured, each in his turn volunteering "to preserve,
if possible, the just liberties of America and to keep
and defend the important Port of Ticandaroga in con
junction with [their] brethren of New England," and
at the same time promising "by the ties of religion,
honor and love of [their] country to obey such orders
7 On June 7 the Albany Committee seriously debated the advisability
of disbanding the few soldiers already enlisted, but finally resolved that
the company be continued.
s The Records of the Albany Committee of Safety.
» This roll is in the possession of the writer.

26 HISTORY OF SCHENECTADY
as. the Capt. [should] from time to time direct and
command. ' n0
On July 13 orders were finally received for the
company to march to Lake George.11 Both Captain
Van Dyck and Lieutenant Van Slyck were absent
from town recruiting at the time the instructions were
received and the Committee therefore decided to order
the company to march on the morrow under the com
mand of Lieutenant Lansing.12 Upon being drawn up
and acquainted with the resolve of the Committee, the
men absolutely refused to march save under the com
mand of their captain, and as the only means of solving
the problem "an express" was immediately ordered
dispatched requesting Captain Van Dyck to return at
once, while to General Schuyler13 was sent a letter
advising him of the reason for the delay.
10 So reads the enlistment roll.
n On June 22 the Committee furnished twenty wagons ' ' on the public
credit" to carry provisions to this place.
12 On July 10 he had been recommended to the Provincial Congress
to fill the position of first lieutenant in the recruiting service.
13 He was in command of the Northern Department.

CHAPTER VI
THE CONTINENTAL LINE, THE MILITIA AND
THE ORGANIZATION OF THE SCHE
NECTADY BATTALION
On June 28, 1775, under a resolution of the Pro
vincial Congress, was formed the New York Continen
tal Line, consisting of four regiments of infantry and
one company of artillery.
Philip Schuyler had already been appointed to the
command of the Northern Department of New York,
and Washington had taken command of the disorgan
ized forces around Boston.
On the formation of the Continental Line many of
the men throughout the Valley hastened at once to
enlist. So short, however, was the term of enlistment
(six months) and so scattered and inadequate are the
records that it is impossible to trace either the names
or the service performed by these early patriots.
To supplement the regular army, provision was
made for the raising of state militia, and as it is in con
nection with the militia that we shall record the major
part of the war activities performed by the men of
Schenectady, some consideration1 of this branch of the
service may not be without interest.
i The material used in this connection is based for the most part
upon statements of Schenectady soldiers found in the records of the
Pension Office.

28 HISTORY OF SCHENECTADY
In the matter of recruiting, the names of the able-
bodied men were (with few exceptions) enrolled in
their respective localities, and from the lists so com
piled companies were formed. Service was generally
by draft, and members of any one company, except
where the whole regiment was called out, rarely
served under the officers of the company to which they
belonged; both privates and officers being selected by
ballot, some from one company, others from another,
whenever called upon to take part in any tour or
expedition. On such expeditions a detachment of
militia was generally placed under the command of
but one officer and when the detachment was small such
an officer was not always a commissioned one.2
When a detachment of militia left home the men
were required to provide themselves with a given
number of days' provisions. Those who were too poor
thus to provide themselves drew provisions from the
quartermaster, commissary or other proper officer
nearest to their place of residence. When stationed
at posts and garrisons where there were Continental
stores, the militia drew rations from these stores ; but
when there were no such stores at hand, as for instance
when they were engaged in ranging the woods or
serving in scouting expeditions, they obtained provi
sions as and wherever they could find them, being on
such occasions furnished with authority to do so.3
The duties required of the militia were varied.
2 Pension Office Records, Daniel Kittle W 21528. Pension Office
Records, William Corl W 22736.
s Permission to purchase seems first to have been asked, but in cases
of refusal provisions were taken by force. James Barhydt mentions
(Pension Office Records S 12948) an instance which happened on a cer
tain expedition to Harpersfield. A man refused to give up a sheep
required for the detail, whereupon it was confiscated, and the man later

THE SCHENECTADY BATTALION 29
They acted as guards for Tory prisoners or supplies
in transportation, served to apprehend Tories, or in
reliefs on the frontier and at the option of their offi
cers could be called upon to perform either garrison,
field or fatigue duty.4 They were not, however,
required to serve outside the State, and periods for
which they were drafted were usually of short dura
tion, although the militia were liable for and often
performed more extended duties.1" Active service
over, the men returned to their homes, to take up
again their daily occupations — no note in most cases
made of the part they played and all record of
individual service forever lost.
Upon the militia little reliance was placed by the
staff officers of the regular army and this not without
some justification. The average militiaman was
arrogant, insolent and for the most part totally
devoid of any idea of discipline. He knew his rights
and quite freely asserted them. At a critical point in
a campaign he would not infrequently return home to
harvest his crops and quite as frequently flatly refuse
to serve when ordered out on an alarm.
This attitude on the part of the militiamen should
not be too severely condemned nor must it be assumed
that their grievances were without foundation. Their
pay was small and difficult to obtain when earned;
food and clothing were equally scarce; much was
expected of them and a distant alarm often meant
sent to Hartford a prisoner, having been found guilty of disaffection
upon trial by the Committee at Schenectady.
* Pension Office Records, Simon J. Van Antwerp S 28924.
s When the tours were of long duration three or four draftings often
took place, one squad relieving another. Pension Office Records, Daniel
Kittle W 21528.

30 HISTORY OF SCHENECTADY
leaving their wives and children exposed to the raids
of the enemy.
It will be a matter of interest to note in the follow
ing pages that although on several occasions the men
of Schenectady displayed much the same attitude
as the "average militiaman," much more frequently
they answered the call to arms with alacrity and per
formed services which are justly commendable.
On September 2, 1775, agreeable to a request from
the Committee of Safety, a meeting of all the militia
of the town of Schenectady was held at the Dutch
Church for the purpose of forming companies in
accordance with the plans of the Continental and Pro
vincial Congresses.6
At this meeting the three companies already formed
were reorganized and two additional companies raised.
Jellis J. Fonda7 and John Van Patten8 were retained
6 The Minutes of the Schenectady Committee of Safety.
7 Captain Fonda served until the end of the war. The other officers
in his company were :
First lieutenant, Andrew Van Patten. Reappointed June 20, 1778.
Second lieutenant, Myndert A. Wemple. Reappointed June 20, 1778.
Promoted to rank of first lieutenant February 25, 1780, and assigned
to Captain Mynderse 's company. His office was filled by the promotion
of Nicholas Yates.
Ensign, Nicholas Yates. Reappointed June 20, 1778, and promoted
to the rank of second lieutenant February 25, 1780. His office was filled
by the appointment of Lawrence Vrooman.
s Captain Van Patten resigned his commission toward the close of
the war. The other officers in his company weTe:
First lieutenant, Cornelius Mebie. The name of Teunis Swart appears
as holding this office June 20, 1778.
Second lieutenant, Simon F. Van Patten. The name of Philip Vedder
appears as holding this office June 20, 1778.
Ensign, Daniel Toll. Reappointed June 20, 1778.
This company was recruited in the Westina and during the war this
section, an especially exposed one, was constantly patrolled by its mem
bers. This company also garrisoned the dwelling-house of Teunis

THE SCHENECTADY BATTALION 31
as captains ; John Mynderse,9 who had originally been
selected as a lieutenant in Captain Van Dyck's com
pany, was promoted to the rank of captain; and to
the command of the new companies were elected
Abraham Wemple10 and Thomas Wasson.11
Swart, who on June 20, 1778, was serving as a lieutenant under Captain
Van Patten. His house was located about four and a half miles above
Schenectady on the north side of the river almost on its bank; it was
built of brick, was picketed in and had as an armament a small field
piece fixed in a porthole and a quantity of small arms, and it was to
this "fort" that the inhabitants were accustomed to resort for pro
tection in case of alarms. There were undoubtedly a great many of
these so-called forts, i.e., dwelling-houses in which some means of
defense was provided, scattered throughout this section. One that is
well remembered by many of the older generation as being a supposed
relic of the Revolutionary period was the ' ' Old Fort ' ' located in Scotia,
a few hundred feet north of the present Vley Road, at a point about
the same distance west of Halcyon Street. A few years ago the foun
dations of what was supposedly a watch- or blockhouse were unearthed
near the river at the "Hoek" not far from Ulrich's. In the space
included by the foundations were found many cannon balls.
» Captain Mynderse served until the end of the war. The other offi
cers in his company were :
First lieutenant, Gerrit N. Veeder. He entered the Continental ser
vice as a captain in the spring of 1776. The office was held by Lawrence
Mynderse June 20, 1778, and by Myndert A. Wemple February 25, 1780.
Second lieutenant, Solomon Pendleton. He entered the Continental
service some time before October, 1777. On June 20, 1778, the office
was held by James H. or Jacobus Peek.
Ensign, Lawrence Mynderse. On his promotion to the rank of first
lieutenant the office was filled by the appointment of Abraham Truax.
io Abraham Wemple was subsequently commissioned colonel. The
other officers appointed for his company were :
First lieutenant, Thomas Brower Banker, subsequently commissioned
captain. Second lieutenant, Abraham Swits, subsequently commissioned first
major. Ensign, John B. Vrooman, subsequently commissioned first lieutenant.
n Captain Wasson served until the end of the war. The other officers
in his company were:
First lieutenant, John Little. John Thornton was promoted to fill
this office on February 25, 1780, Little having removed from the beat.

32 HISTORY OF SCHENECTADY
The companies of Captains Fonda and Mynderse
retained their classification as minute men and as
such served until the spring of 1777, when they were
incorporated with the regular militia. The motto of
these companies as noted on their flags was "Liberty
or Death," and because of the color of the uniforms
worn by their members Captain Mynderse 's company
was known as "The Blues" and Captain Fonda's as
"The Greens."12
At the direction of Congress commissions as field
officers of the Schenectady militia (later known as the
2d Albany County) were, on October 20, issued as
follows :13
Colonel, Abraham Wemple.14
Lieutenant-colonel, Jacob Schermerhorn.15
First major, Abraham Swits.16
Second major, Nicholas P. Veeder.17
Second lieutenant, John Thornton. Promoted to rank of first lieu
tenant, February 25, 1780, and his office filled by the appointment of
William Moore.
Ensign, Jacob Sullivan. Alexander Crawford was appointed to fill
this office on February 25, 1780, Sullivan having died.
Captain Wasson 's company was recruited at Currybush, now the
town of Princetown. On June 12, 1776, the Committees at Schoharie
and Schenectady "prayed the advice" of the Albany Committee as to
whether this company should belong to the Schenectady battalion or
to that of Schoharie. It was decided that it should remain a part of
the Schenectady regiment.
12 Pension Office Records, Jellis J. Fonda.
is The Minutes of the Schenectady Committee of Safety.
i* He held this office until near the close of the war, when he resigned
and Abraham Oothout was promoted to fill his place.
is He refused to accept the commission and on January 13, 1776,
Christopher Yates was appointed in his stead.
is He held this office until the close of the war.
i? He refused to accept the commission and on January 13, 1776,
Myndert M. Wemple was appointed in his stead.

THE SCHENECTADY BATTALION

33

Adjutant, Aaron N. Van Patten.18
Quartermaster, John Peek.19
At a meeting of the Schenectady Committee on
January 26, 1776, it was voted to prepare a list of
all the male inhabitants not already in the militia, in
order to organize further companies. Following the
preparation of the list those whose names appeared on
it were required to meet on February 10 for organi
zation and to choose their officers.
Three companies were thus formed and subse
quently the following officers were chosen :20
Captain, Thomas Brower Banker.
First lieutenant, John B. Vroo-

First Company,

Second Company,

man.
Second lieutenant, Aaron S. Ved-
der.
Ensign, Benjamin Young.21
Captain, Henry Glen.22
First lieutenant, John B. Mar-
selis.23
Second lieutenant, Nicholas Bar
hydt.
Ensign, Cornelius Z. Van Sant-
voord.
is He refused to accept the commission and on February 10, 1776,
John Van Driesen was appointed in his stead.
19 He resigned his commission on December 9, and on January 13,
1776, John Post was appointed in his stead.
20 The Minutes of the Schenectady Committee of Safety.
21 The name of Freeman Schermerhorn appears as holding this office,
June 20, 1778.
22 He probably did not serve actively as captain. Jacob Schermerhorn
was also elected to the office but refused to serve, and at a subsequent
meeting of the company the captaincy was voted to Abraham Oothout.
2s He served as first lieutenant until August, 1776, when he was

34

HISTORY OF SCHENECTADY

Third Company,

Captain, Ahasueras Marselis.24
First lieutenant, Jesse Van
Slyck.25
Second lieutenant, William Stev
ens.
Ensign, Abraham Van Eps.26
transferred to Bradt 's Rangers and the office filled by the appointment of
John Roseboom.
24 He probably did not serve actively as captain.
25 He was promoted to the rank of captain. The other officers of his
company recorded as of June 20, 1778, were as follows:
First lieutenant, Walter Jacob Vrooman.
Second lieutenant, Francis Vedder.
Ensign, Jellis Abraham Fonda.
26 He was appointed a captain some time previous to the summer
of 1777. The other officers of his company recorded as of June 20,
1778, were as follows:
First lieutenant, Jellis Yates.
Second lieutenant, Philip Van Vorst, Jr.
Ensign, Aaron I. Van Antwerpen. The name of John Vedder appears
as holding this office, February 25, 1780.

CHAPTER VII
THE INDIANS. RUMORS REGARDING THE
JOHNSONS AND COLONEL GUY'S SUB
SEQUENT DEPARTURE FROM THE
VALLEY
Both the colonists and the Mother Country had
been quick to realize the important part to be played
by the Confederacy of the Six Nations1 should their
differences lead to a clash of arms. As early as
1774 efforts were made in behalf of the colonists,
through the Stockbridge Indians, to secure the sym
pathies of the Mohawks, while to Reverend Samuel
Barkland2 was intrusted the matter of winning3 over
the Oneidas. In behalf of England Colonel Johnson,
acting under orders, had sought to hamper the work
i Their number in 1773 is estimated as twelve thousand five hun
dred. (Unnamed authority. Quoted United States Census. 1890.)
2 He was born at Norwich, Connecticut, December 1, 1741, and died
February 28, 1808. In 1764, with the approval of Sir William Johnson,
he took up his residence among the Senecas as a missionary and in
1766 settled at Oneida. He performed valuable services as an inter
preter, acted as a chaplain in the army during the Revolution and in
1793 founded Hamilton-Oneida Academy, the germ of Hamilton College.
3 On June 23, 1775, Kirkland appeared before the Schenectady Com
mittee with five Oneida Indians and requested that some mem
ber of the Board accompany them to Albany, whither they were bound.
John Roseboom was appointed for this service and on the return of
the Indians to Schenectady a few days later the Committee voted to
give them some presents to show their "friendly disposition" and to
entertain them while in town at the house of William White.

36 HISTORY OF SCHENECTADY
of Kirkland and to retain the friendship of the
Indians. Scarcely had the Committee of Safety at Schenec
tady been formed when rumors4 began to be freely
circulated to the effect that Colonel Johnson, in abuse
of his office as Indian Superintendent, was desirous
of bringing about an Indian uprising with a view of
"cutting off" those who opposed him and that he was
laying plans to this end.
So persistent were these rumors that Colonel John
son, fearing the consequences were he to permit them
to go unrefuted, placed5 the matter before the Sche
nectady Committee on May6 18, thus stating his
position :
Gentlemen: "We have, for some days past, heard of many-
threats from the public, that give us reason to apprehend
that the persons or properties of gentlemen of the first conse
quence, both with respect to station and property, would
have been insulted in this county, and myself in particular,
4 On May 20 the Committee received a letter stating that the bearer
' ' had heard Colonel Guy Johnson desire some Indians to rise in arms and
Cut off the Inhabitants" and on the twenty-second it was reported
on good authority that one Mr. Fletcher, a schoolmaster in the town,
had said that Colonel Johnson "would come down the river with five
thousand Indians and cut [them] all off" and that he had further
stated ' ' that it would be right and if he had it in his Power he would do
the same for [they] were all rebels. ' ' Mr. Fletcher seems to have very
wisely left town after indulging in these remarks, as he could not later
be located by the Committee.
5 Jeptha R. Simms, Frontiersmen of New York, I, 494.
* On May 20, Colonel Johnson dispatched a second letter to the Com
mittees of Albany and Schenectady representing the danger he believed
himself to be in of being seized and imprisoned "either by the New
Englanders or some persons in or about the city of Albany or town of
Schenectady," as the result of the "ridiculous and malicious report
that [he] intendfed] to make the Indians destroy the inhabitants."
William L. Stone, Life of Joseph Brant, I, 67-69.

THE INDIANS 37

under color of a gross and notorious falsehood, uttered by
some worthless scoundrels, respecting my intentions as
Superintendent of Indian affairs. To gentlemen of sense
and moderation these malicious, ill-founded charges ought
to be self-evidently false, as my duty is to promote peace,
and my office of the highest importance to the trade and
frontiers ; but as these reports are daily increasing, it becomes
me, both as a subject and a man, to disavow them, and until
I can find out and chastise the infamous author, to assure
the public of their mistake, and to acquaint them that it has
rendered it my duty for self-preservation, so necessary, that
I have taken precaution to give a very hot and disagreeable
reception to any persons who shall invade my retreat ; at the
same time I have no intention to disturb those who choose to
permit me the honest exercise of my reason and the duties of
my office; and requesting that you will immediately cause
this to be made public to the Albany Committee.
I remain, Gent'n, your very humble serv't,
G. JOHNSON.
Much, however, as Colonel Johnson sought to check
it, the current of opinion continued to increase in
its hostility to him. The gossip of the day abounded
in stories, false or otherwise, circulated for the bene
fit of one side or the other. One, to the effect that
the person of Colonel Johnson was in danger of being
seized and their supply of powder thereby cut off,
evidently spread with a view of inciting the Indians
against the colonists, so well succeeded in its purpose
that on May 20 Little Abram, a chief of the Lower
Castle of Mohawks, in behalf of the Indians, thus
appealed7 to the magistrates and committees at
Albany and Schenectady:
i The original of the speech as interpreted by Reverend Samuel
Kirkland is to be found among the Trumbull Papers in the possession
of the Massachusetts Historical Society, XXVII, 243.

38 HISTORY OF SCHENECTADY
Brothers —
Our present situation is very disagreeable and alarming,
what we never expected, therefore desire to know what is
designed by the reports that are spread amongst us. We hear
that Companies and Troops are coming from one quarter to
another to molest us, Particularly from New England to
apprehend and take away by Violence our Superintendent
and extinguish our Council Fire, for what reason we know
not —
Brothers —
We desire you would inform us, if you know of any such
design on foot either by the New England People or in your
Vicinity and not deceive us in this Matter for the Conse
quences will be important and extensive —
Brothers —
We shall support and defend our Superintendent and not
see our Council Fire extinguished —
We have no Inclination or purpose of interfering in the
Dispute between Old England and Boston; the white
People may settle their own Quarrels between themselves;
we shall never meddle in those matters, or be the Aggres
sors, if we are let alone. We have for a long time lived in
peace with one another and due wish ever to continue so.
But should our Superintendent be taken from us, we dread
the Consequences, the whole Confederacy would resist it,
and all their Allies, and as reports now are, we should not
know where to find our Enemies; the innocent might fall
with the Guilty. We are so desirous of maintaining Peace
that we are unwilling the Six Nations should know the bad
Report spread amongst us & threats given out —
Brothers —
We desire you will satisfy us as to your knowledge of the
foundation of those reports, and what your News are and
not Deceive us in a matter of so much Importance —
Signed Abram Chief.

THE INDIANS 39

In answer to the appeal of Little Abram, at a con
ference of the Indians called at Guy Park on May 25,
a committee8 composed of delegates from Albany and
Tryon9 counties declared10 to the Indians in the pres
ence of Colonel Johnson that the reports concerning
intended harm to their superintendent were false.
They declared further that they hoped the report in
regard to the powder was false also, and assured the
Indians that on their return they would inform their
"old and wise men" of the report and use every
endeavor, if it were so, to prevent any recurrence in
the future.
The Indians on their part again expressed them
selves as being peaceably disposed toward the inhabi
tants, but made it quite plain that if their supplies of
powder which they obtained from their superintendent
were cut off, they would surely distrust them.
The Indians who attended the conference were
mostly Mohawks, and as the Western Indians who
were invited to attend were not represented, the coun
cil was soon adjourned with a view of meeting later
at Crosby's Manor near German Flats. This coun
cil was never held. Colonel Johnson remained but a
short time at Crosby's Manor and then proceeded
westward to Fort Stanwix,11 accompanied not only
8 Christopher Yates and John Roseboom were appointed to represent
the Sehenectady Committee.
9 Tryon County was taken from Albany County in 1772 and named in
honor of William Tryon, then governor of the province. It included
all the colonial settlements west and southwest of Sehenectady, and was
divided into five districts, — Mohawk, Canajoharie, Palatine, German
Flats and Kingsland.
10 Trumbull PaperB, XXVII, 246.
n This fort, begun in 1758 by Brigadier-General John Stanwix of
the British Army, was situated within the boundaries of the present vil-

40 HISTORY OF SCHENECTADY
by his family and some five hundred retainers who
had left Guy Park with him, but also by a large body
of Mohawk Indians from the Upper Castle. The stay
at Fort Stanwix was but a brief one, Colonel John
son and his followers proceeding almost at once to
Ontario, where a council of the Western Indians was
convened. Thus far no act of open hostility had been com
mitted by Colonel Johnson, although his movements
were viewed with the greatest suspicion by the
settlers. While the council was being held at Ontario
the whole Valley was again thrown into alarm by
rumors that reached the Tryon County Committee on
good authority that "Col. [Guy] Johnson was ready
with eight or nine hundred Indians to make an inva
sion of the Country, that the Indians were to be under
the Command of Joseph Brant12 and Walter Butler13
and that they were to fall on the inhabitants below
the little falls in order to divide the people in two
parts."14 The cause for this alarm seemed the more real as
Sir John Johnson still remained at Johnstown, sur
rounded by a large body of loyal followers.
lage of Rome, N. Y. It was occupied in June, 1776, by Colonel Elias
Dayton and at this time the name was changed to Fort Schuyler.
i2 Joseph Brant (Thayendanegea), a full-blooded Mohawk of the Bear
clan, was born in 1742 and died November 24, 1807. He was a brother-
in-law of Sir William Johnson, Sir William having married his sister
Molly. Early he became an active Loyalist and later rendered valuable
services to the British Government, under which he held a colonel's
commission. is The celebrated Tory of the Valley, whose oft-mentioned deeds of
cruelty render his name abhorred to this day.
i* Letter from the Tryon County Committee to the Committees at
Albany and Schenectady, July 13, 1775. Washington Papers, Library
of Congress.

THE INDIANS 41

The Tryon County Committee wrote15 to the Albany
and Schenectady Committees on July 13, placing the
matter before them, stating that they had every
reason to believe the reports true, and further that
they feared that all their enemies in the county would
appear in arms as soon as the Indians approached.
"Our ammunition is so scant," continued the letter,
"that we cannot furnish three hundred men so as to
be able to make a stand against so great a number.
In these deplorable circumstances we look to you for
Assistance both in men and ammunition to save this
County from slaughter and desolation."
It will be remembered that Captain Van Dyck's
company was on July 13 under orders to march to
Lake George.
Immediately upon its receipt the letter from the
Tryon County Committee had been forwarded16 by
the Schenectady Committee (who first received it)
to the Committee at Albany who at once dispatched
it by "an express" to General Schuyler, who was then
at Saratoga, with the suggestion17 that if he thought
it advisable he should countermand his former orders
and permit the company to march to the relief of
their friends to the westward.
On the fourteenth General Schuyler's answer was
received. "The letter you have enclosed," it read,18
"is of a truly alarming nature and requires the most
immediate and vigorous efforts to counteract the
meditated evil, And I would advise that not only Capt.
Van Dyck and his company but also such others as
is Ibid.
ie The Records of the Albany Committee of Safety.
it Ibid.
is Ibid.

42 HISTORY OF SCHENECTADY
you can possibly get should immediately March into
Tryon County with the Albany and Schenectady
Militia who should also be requested to march to the
relief of that County. You will please to supply Capt.
Van Dyck's Company with ammunition19 and send all
you can spare to the Inhabitants of Tryon County."
Whatever may have been the plan of the Johnsons,
the one feared was not carried out. Colonel Guy
returned to Oswego from Ontario, succeeded in win
ning a few more Indians to the British cause, and
then proceeded with his followers to Canada.
19 The Albany Committee had but three hundred pounds of powder
in store. Of this they sent one hundred and fifty pounds to the Tryon
County Committee, charging them for it at the rate of five shillings per
pound, and twenty-five pounds to the Committee at Sehenectady for the
use of Captain Van Dyck's company. (The Records of the Albany
Committee of Safety.) The Schenectady Committee was without powder
(ibid.) but forwarded three hundred pounds of lead at forty shillings
($5) per ewt. (The Minutes of the Tryon County Committee of Safety,
July 15, 1775.)

CHAPTEE VIII
EFFORTS ON THE PART OF THE COLONISTS
TO HOLD THE INDIANS IN A POSITION
OF NEUTRALITY AND THE FRIC
TION WITH SLR JOHN
JOHNSON
To counteract the influence of Colonel Johnson,
the Tryon County Committee, on June 29, met with
the sachems of the Oneida and Tuscarora tribes. At
this meeting1 were present delegates from Albany
and Schenectady2 and in the chair was Nicholas
Herkimer. Mutual speeches3 were made, friendship
and confidence with the two nations renewed, with a
promise from the latter, if possible, to bring the rest
of the Six Nations to unite with them in measures of
peace.4 The Indians expressed themselves as greatly
pleased with the kindness and generosity manifested
toward them and recommended that "the gate of
Fort Stanwix be shut, that nothing might pass or
i This was a "Meeting Extraordinary" of the Committee held at
the house of Frederick Bellinger in the German Flats District.
2 Hugh Mitchell and Abraham Oothout.
s Some of the speeches may be found in Stone 's Life of Joseph Brant
and Campbell's Annals of Tryon County.
* The Minutes of the Tryon County Committee of Safety, June 29,
1775.

HISTORY OF SCHENECTADY

repass to hurt the country."5 A like recommendation
was made6 to the Tryon Committee on July 3, by the
associated settlers at Fort Stanwix, who represented
their dangerous situation due to their exposed posi
tion, and it was immediately resolved that the matter
be brought to the attention of the Schenectady Com
mittee that they might if so inclined7 send one hundred
men to the post.
With a view of using still further means of keep
ing the Indians in a position of neutrality, Congress
on July 12 established an Indian Department with
three subdivisions — Northern, Middle and Southern.
Major-General Philip Schuyler was appointed one of
the five commissioners of the Northern Department,
and under the direction of this body a second con
ference8 with the Indians was held at Albany in
August.9 About five hundred Indians attended this confer
ence. Presents to the amount of one hundred and
fifty pounds worth of goods were distributed and,
while the Council was not wholly representative, the
5 Ibid.
e The Minutes of the Tryon County Committee of Safety, July 3, 1775.
7 Other than bringing the matter to the attention of the Albany
Committee no action appears to have been taken by the Schenectady
Committee, they "being unable to afford any assistance."
8 On August 19, a letter was received by the Schenectady Committee
from Turbot Francis, another of the commissioners of the Northern
Department, requesting that no rum or strong liquor be sold to the
Indians as they passed through the town on their way to the Council.
Upon receipt of the letter the instructions were immediately acted upon,
"the Crier being sent Round the Town" to give the necessary warning.
9 The Council commenced its sittings on the twenty-third and was the
last Indian council ever held in Albany. The proceedings of the Council
may be found in Stone's Life of Joseph Brant, I, 430-457.

FRICTION WITH SIR JOHN JOHNSON 45
Indians solemnly agreed not to take up arms for either
side. Toward the end of July a more serious clash than
had yet occurred took place between Sir John John
son and his Whig neighbors. Alexander White,10 the
sheriff of Tryon County, had imprisoned John
Fonda,11 much to the displeasure of the Whigs, who,
some one hundred strong, went12 to the jail13 and
forced his release. Following this the mob attempted
to take the sheriff, shots were exchanged and White
subsequently sought the protection of Sir John
Johnson. "Expecting that an attempt would be made to
retake Fonda," wrote14 Christopher Yates15 to the
Albany and Schenectady Committees on July 22, "we
have collected together about 5 or 600 men to pro
tect Fonda and take the Sheriff prisoner. We have
wrote to Sir John Johnson, Bart, and requested him
to deliver the sheriff to us, or that we would take
him by force.
io He was the first sheriff of Tryon County and had held ofiice since
March 16, 1772. He was a bitter partisan and very unpopular with his
Whig neighbors because of his Tory opinions freely expressed.
n Fonda was a man of some prominence. He had been arrested for
striking with a hoe one Thomas Hunt, a servant of White's, following
a quarrel brought about by reason of Hunt's having trespassed on
Fonda's land after he had been warned against so doing.
12 Letter of Christopher P. Yates, July 22, 1775. The Records of
the Albany Committee of Safety.
13 This jail is the one still standing in the city of Johnstown.
i* The Records of the Albany Committee of Safety.
is Christopher P. Yates, one of the most active of the Tryon County
Committee and a deputy to the first and third Provincial Congresses.
He held a captain's commission in 1774 and was commissary of General
Herkimer's brigade. He served as a volunteer in the Canadian expedi
tion and in 1776 was a major in the 1st New York Line.

46 HISTORY OF SCHENECTADY
"The Gent, we sent up being John Frey16 and
Anthony Van Veghten17 inform us that Sir John has
got about 400 men in Johnstown and has fortified his
house in such a manner that it is not possible for us
to take the sheriff out of the house with small arms
and Sir John declared to Messrs. Frey and Van
Veghten that he would protect the sheriff so long as
he remained in his house.
"As the sheriff gives us a great deal of trouble
Insulting us on every occasion and bids us open defi
ance we are therefore now determined to have him,
and as we understand that their are field pieces in
Schenectady we request you would send us a couple
with all the implements necessary."
The letter from Christopher Yates came first to
the Schenectady Committee, who immediately for
warded18 it to the Albany Committee "by the Mohok's
Express19 viz: Jno. Newkirk & Wm. Snook," with an
enclosure20 stating that the Board was of the opinion
that it was necessary that something be done in the
matter at once, the more so because if their friends
who were then gathered together were permitted to
return home without having accomplished the desired
end the moral effect would be very bad.
16 Major John Frey was a prime mover in organizing the Tryon
County Committee of Safety. He was commissioned a captain by the
Provincial Congress June 28, 1775, and elected sheriff after the deposi
tion of Alexander White. He was wounded at Oriskany and taken
prisoner to Canada, where he remained until October 28, 1778.
i? Anthony Van Vechten, adjutant in Colonel Klock's regiment.
is The Minutes of the Schenectady Committee of Safety, July 22,
1775. is These ' ' expresses ' ' were sometimes fleet runners or men on horse
back. In this case they appear to have been two Mohawk Indians.
2» The Records of the Albany Committee of Safety.

 FRICTION WITH SIR JOHN JOHNSON 47
While they expressed their admiration of the spirit
shown by their friends in Tryon County, the members
of the Albany Committee were not wholly in accord
with their seemingly hasty action, and fearing pos
sibly that in the excitement of the moment the Com
mittee at Schenectady might be led to take some
action which they might later have cause to regret,
it was resolved that a letter suggesting caution be
sent them.
"It is more than probable [that the] sheriff has
repeatedly been imprudent and perhaps insulting,"
read21 the letter in part, "but let our enemies never
have cause to upbraid us for infringing on the laws
and Constitution which we are studiously endeavoring
to preserve against Parliamentary encroachment.
"It gives us pain that we on this head differ in
sentiments with our Brethren to the westward but we
flatter ourselves in the expectation that when they
will suffer passion and Resentment to subside that
they will agree with us in these observations."
The letter further suggested that a committee pro
ceed at once to Johnstown for the purpose of "heal
ing the unhappy and distressing differences," and
agreeable to this suggestion Henry Glen and Har-
manus Wendell were subsequently chosen to represent
the Schenectady Committee.
On the next day (July 23) John Fonda reported to
the Schenectady Committee that Sheriff White had
left22 Johnstown, presumably for Canada, and on the
twenty-ninth the Albany Committee reported23 to
21 Ibid.
22 He was afterward captured and imprisoned at Albany, to be
finally, in 1783, banished by the Committee.
23 The Records of the Albany Committee of Safety.

48 HISTORY OF SCHENECTADY
General Schuyler that not only was the unhappy dis
pute with Sir John amicably settled, he agreeing to
take no further active part in the dispute between
Great Britain and the American Colonies, but that
the apprehension of the inhabitants of Tryon County
respecting the Indians was entirely removed.
In spite of his promises, however, Sir John John
son continued to cause trouble throughout the remain
der of the summer and autumn of 1775, and in
December the Continental Congress resolved to send
General Schuyler to Tryon County under orders to
secure the arms and stores of the Tories and "to
apprehend their chiefs."24
On January 13, 1776, word of the intended expe
dition was received by the Schenectady Committee,
the letter25 containing a request that the Board send
immediately to Albany "a company of 60 men com
pletely armed, with proper officers to command them
and four days provisions." Orders26 were at once
given to the officers of the "minute" companies to
have the necessary men ready for the march, with
further instructions to include besides the number
required any who wished to go as volunteers, and on
the next day27 the expedition set out for Albany in
sleds, there to join the militia already assembled.
In order that the Indians might not be alarmed at
seeing troops in the Valley (this being a direct viola
tion of the treaty entered into with them at Albany
the previous autumn, whereby it was solemnly agreed
2* The Journals of the American Congress.
25 The Minutes of the Schenectady Committee of Safety.
2e Ibid.
¦f Ibid.

FRICTION WITH SIR JOHN JOHNSON 49
that the Mohawk River should be open for trade, that
no troops should be sent into those parts and that Sir
John should remain unmolested), General Schuyler
dispatched28 a messenger to the Lower Mohawk Castle29
to explain that he was marching to Johnstown in order
to ascertain the condition of affairs.
Without waiting for the return of his messenger
General Schuyler went forward. At Schenectady he
was met by a delegation of the Mohawks under Little
Abram, who reported30 in substance that the coming
of an armed force had alarmed the Indians and that
the delegation wished to be present at any interview
that might take place between General Schuyler and
Sir John in order that they too might know the true
state of affairs.
At the request of the Indians General Schuyler
wrote31 to Sir John Johnson from Schenectady on the
sixteenth, requesting Sir John to meet him at any
place between Schenectady and Johnstown, whither
he would set out on the following day.
On the seventeenth General Schuyler, his force con
stantly increasing until it numbered nearly three thou
sand men, had proceeded some sixteen miles beyond
Schenectady before the meeting with Sir John took
place. Sir John asked until the evening of the next day
to consider the proposals placed before him by General
Schuyler and his request being granted he returned
to Johnstown. It was not until the eleventh hour that
28 William L. Stone, Life of Joseph Brant, I, 121.
29 The Mohawks of the Lower Castle had not gone with Colonel
Johnson. so The speech of Little Abram is given in Stone 's Life of Joseph
Brant, I, 123-132.
si William L. Stone, Life of Joseph Brant, I, 132-133.

50 HISTORY OF SCHENECTADY
the terms proposed32 were acceded to, and on Sir
John's agreement to surrender all his arms and mili
tary stores and to use his influence to induce all the
Loyalists in the county to do the same, he was released
on parole.
Reports that Sir John was acting in violation of his
parole, and continued rumors of Indian uprisings
finally caused General Schuyler to order his arrest
and in May (1776) Colonel Dayton33 was dispatched
to Johnstown for the purpose, without avail, however,
as, forewarned of the approach of the troops, Sir
John had taken alarm and with a large number of
followers hastily departed for Canada.
32 The correspondence passing between General Schuyler and Sir John
Johnson is given in Stone's Life of Joseph Brant, I, 133-141.
33 Colonel Elias Dayton, then colonel of the 3d New Jersey.

CHAPTER IX
THE CANADIAN EXPEDITION
To the garrisoning of Ticonderoga and Crown
Point, Congress had consented after much hesitation,
believing that such an act of offensive warfare would
further remove the chances of conciliation for which
many still hoped.
Events, however, moved rapidly during the sum
mer of 1775, and before fall Congress was laying
plans for an invasion of Canada. Their decision was
influenced by the knowledge that the Canadians were
but lukewarm in their attitude toward the British
Crown and by the memory of the French and Indian
raids by way of Canada that had terrorized the
northern provinces for over a century and a half.
With Canada in hostile hands and without the co
operation of its inhabitants it was felt that no perfect
unification of the Colonies could be effected.
Contingent upon the transportation of the army
and its supplies destined for the Canadian campaign
arose the necessity of boats on Lake George and Lake
Champlain, together with necessary barracks and
storehouses at the former place. To meet this demand
the services of available carpenters were eagerly
sought. From Schenectady, Jacob Vrooman, Michael
(or Clans) Veeder and Tacarus Van der Bogart were,
in September, appointed overseers or captains and

52 HISTORY OF SCHENECTADY
under them enlisted1 not a few of their fellow towns
men; the companies thus formed remaining on duty
at the Lakes for practically the rest of the year.2
Captain Van Dyck, assigned to the 2d New York
Line, had finally left Schenectady with his men late
in August or early in September, the company march
ing to Ticonderoga, thence to Crown Point, and after
having performed guard duty for a short period at
the latter place, proceeding to the Isle Aux Noix,3
later forming part of the detachment that reduced
Chamblee4 and seeing active service at the siege5 of
St. John's.6
Late in December the whole of Colonel Wemple 's
regiment stood a draft, about every seventh man
being chosen for service. The troops thus selected
marched to Fort Edward, then to Skenesborough,
whence, news having been received of the death of
Montgomery and of the failure to take Quebec, they
were, after remaining some time at the fort, ordered
home.7 Early in February, in response to a request8 from
the Committee at Albany, Harmanus Wendell and
i The services of these men, as in fact of all artisans in the Conti
nental service, should not be depreciated for it must be remembered
that they as well as the militiamen were jeopardizing their liberties.
When workmen were enlisted in the service, the master workmen placed
in command of the companies as overseers held corresponding army ranks.
2 Pension Office Records, Simon J. Van Antwerp S 28924 ; Adam
Conde; Jacob P. Clute; Christopher Peek W 16371.
» At the northern extremity of Lake Champlain.
* Chamblee was captured by the American troops on October 20, 1775.
s Fort St. John 's was taken in November.
8 Pension Office Records, Peter Warren Cain W 16525.
i Pension Office Records, Frederick Weller S 14816.
8 The Minutes of the Sehenectady Committee of Safety.

THE CANADIAN EXPEDITION 53
Abraham Wemple were appointed9 by the Schenec
tady Committee "to take the sense of the people" in
order to ascertain how many sleds could be counted
upon from the district for the use of the troops then
on their way to reinforce the remnant of the American
army encamped before Quebec.
The letter10 from the Albany Committee contained
the further request that the consideration of the
Schenectady Board be given to the appointment of
necessary officers to command such additional troops
as it might be called upon to raise in the district, and
in compliance with this request it was decided11 to
recommend for appointment the following:
Captain, John A. Bradt.
First lieutenant, Solomon Pendleton.
Second lieutenant, David Bates.
Ensign, Christopher Peek.12
Captain Bradt, who was absent from town at the
time his appointment was made, was still absent on
April 10, when under the direction of the Committee
the proposed company was being formed, and as it was
felt that the filling of the office of captain could not
"with propriety" be longer delayed, the command
was given to Gerrit S. Veeder, much to the displeas
ure of the other officers, who immediately appeared
before the Board and resigned their commissions,
stating that their action was prompted by reason of
9 Ibid.
io Ibid.
n Ibid.
12 He resigned his commission on March 11, 1776, because of his
father's displeasure with him for having accepted it and Ephraim Snow
was appointed to his place.

54 HISTORY OF SCHENECTADY
the men being mutinous and dissatisfied with the
selection of the Committee.13 The differences were,
however, almost immediately adjusted,14 their com
missions being returned to the officers by the Board
upon request, but with a word of caution regarding
their future behavior, and the company numbering
thirty-eight men (officers excluded) was assigned15
to the regiment of Colonel Cornelius D. Wynkoop.
With the approach of spring, to the multiplicity of
other affairs was added the necessity of again taking
up the building operations at the Lakes which had
been suspended at the beginning of the winter. Many
artisans from Schenectady were again engaged16 for
this work and early in March repaired to their
assigned posts, continuing their work of constructing
13 The Minutes of the Schenectady Committee of Safety.
i* Ibid.
is Pension Office Records, Gerrit S. Veeder S 7792. Archives of the
State of New York, p. 98.
io There is in the possession of the author an original agreement
dated March 1, 1776, signed by Philip Schuyler as party of the first part
and by thirty-eight of the townspeople, who, as parties of the second
part, agreed to "immediately repair to Fort George, Tyconderoga, or
such other place in the provinces of New York or Quebec, as Gen.
Schuyler [should] direct, and there employ themselves in building and
constructing such and so many batteaus or other vessels or buildings"
as should be directed, and on the following terms: that they were "to
begin their work at sunrise and continue at it till sunset (excepting
one hour for breakfast and one and one-half hour for dinner). That
each of them was to find and provide necessary tools and implements
for the construction of the said work," and that each should receive
over and above his wages "one pound and one-quarter of a pound of
pork, and one-half pound of flour per day, four pints of peas per week,
one pint of milasses per week, and half a pint of rum per day. ' '
A company of fatigue men under Captain John Clute was also enlisted
at about this time. This company served at Saratoga, Fort Miller,
Albany and Stillwater, remaining on duty until January 1, 1777. Pen
sion Office Records, John Corl 8 15263.

THE CANADIAN EXPEDITION 55
barracks, storehouses and gunboats for the army until
well into the fall.17
The ravages of smallpox, which had broken out
in the American camp during the winter, added to the
scarcity of food and proper equipment, had by spring
rendered half the troops unfit for duty. Schuyler
communicated18 this deplorable state of affairs to the
Albany Committee on May 15, urging that they col
lect as many wagons as possible to transport provi
sions to Lake George, to be later forwarded to the
army. This communication was sent later to the
Schenectady Committee, who at once "made public
by advertisement" their resolve "that no waggons be
employed in carrying any goods or stores up or down
between Schenectady and Albany for ten days unless
they were going into the public service."19 Myndert
M. Wemple was further employed as a committee of
one to engage every available wagon for the service.
Arnold meanwhile, stubbornly contesting his
ground, slowly retreated from Canada, and on July
3 his mere skeleton of an army, presenting a most
pitiable picture, arrived at Crown Point, where it had
been determined to make a final stand.
Due to Arnold's foresight of the year before the
strength of the American flotilla, meager though it
was, was sufficient to retain the control of Lake
Champlain, and it was to the overpowering of this
flotilla, the strength of which the Americans were
meanwhile making every endeavor to increase, that
i^ Pension Office Records, Joseph Peek W 2568 ; Benjamin Van Vleek
R 10897; Albert L. Vedder S 11840; Simon J. Van Antwerp S 28924;
Adam Conde.
is The Minutes of the Schenectady Committee of Safety.
19 Ibid.

56 HISTORY OF SCHENECTADY
Sir Guy Carleton, the British commander, turned his
attention, moving forward early in October with
everything in readiness, and on the tenth entering
into the three days' engagement that ended in the
complete accomplishment of his purpose. The way
to Crown Point was now open and towards this for
tress Carleton at once proceeded,20 only to find on his
arrival that the works had been abandoned and that
the Americans had fallen back on Ticonderoga.
The season was now well advanced, and deeming
it unwise on this account to hazard a campaign that
might be prolonged, Carleton did not press his advan
tage but withdrew his forces to Canada and there
went into winter quarters.
Although so disastrously defeated, the first Ameri
can navy had gloriously served its purpose, for it had
necessitated a delay in the British advance just long
enough to save the American forces an engagement,
which, with Howe in possession of New York, might
have accomplished in 1776 what Burgoyne failed to
accomplish the next year.
20 At about this time a company drafted in Schenectady was on duty
at Skenesborough and Fort Ann guarding boats and ammunition. Pen
sion Office Records, Nicholas Barhydt ; J. Wemple S 23490 ; Bartholomew
Schermerhorn S 17078.

CHAPTER X
THE ACTIVITIES OF LOCAL WHIG AND
LOYALIST
On May 18, 1775, the Albany Committee had re
solved1 that all who refused to give up arms for the
American cause or sold either arms or supplies to
"inimical persons" should be held up to the public
as enemies of their country. Later any one who
refused public service, and on March 6, 1776, every
"non-associator,"2 was placed in the same category.
Upon the militia acting under orders from the Com
mittees8 of Safety devolved the duty of apprehending
those against whom complaint had been entered.
These complaints and subsequent arrests were
i The Minutes of the Albany Committee of Safety.
2 On February 6, 1776, the Schenectady Committee resolved that
inasmuch as "a number of the inhabitants of [the] Township was
from home at the time the General Association was handed about to
be signed, consequently had not an opportunity at that time, and by
carelessness [had] neglected doing it since," and that inasmuch as they
were "willing to give all those who [were] friendly to the American
cause an opportunity of Evincing their sentiments to their neighbors
. . . that the association paper be again opened, and that all who [were
inclined] to sign it [might] have an opportunity by applying to the
Chairman of [the] Committee." The Minutes of the Schenectady
Committee of Safety.
s With the establishment of the state government, the passing of
laws to deal with the Tories and the appointing of committees to enforce
these laws the powers of the local committees gradually waned and their
activities ceased.

58 HISTORY OF SCHENECTADY
incited by a variety of causes : aiding the enemy in
any way;4 associating5 or corresponding with Tories;
refusing to sign the Association or violating its pro
visions; denouncing or refusing to obey congresses
and committees; writing6 or speaking7 against the
American cause; rejecting8 Continental money or
drinking9 the King's health, and even mere suspicion
was not infrequently deemed sufficient to justify a
man's seizure.10
4 Alexander Campbell was sent a prisoner to Connecticut for having
warned Sir John Johnson of his danger.
5 John Duncan owed his recommendation as "a dangerous person ' '
and subsequent arrest to the fact that enemies of the American cause
were supposed to meet not infrequently at his house.
6 On January 14, 1776, Benjamin Hilton was brought before the
Committee for writing a letter to Sheriff White ' ' containing some expres
sions very unfriendly to the American cause." The Minutes of the
Schenectady Committee of Safety.
t On January 31, 1776, George Ramsey was brought before the Com
mittee on the complaint of William Murray because "said Ramsay
called him a Tratore and a Rebel, and asked him if he was not ashamed
to fight against his king. ' ' On February 8, Joseph Kingsley was com
mitted to the Albany jail for making use of " unwarrentable expres
sions." The Minutes of the Schenectady Committee of Safety.
8 At the meeting of the Schenectady Committee on July 31, 1777, a
resolution was brought in by a subcommittee ' ' concerning John Sanders
and Daniel Campbell with respect to ' their refusing the Continental
Currency in payment and in general for all Persons guilty of the same
crime. ' ' Sanders was subsequently delivered over to the State Com
mittee of Safety at Kingston. The Minutes of the Schenectady Com
mittee of Safety.
9 On August 6, 1777, John Gregg was committed to the Albany jail
upon the evidence of John A. Bradt and William Moore, who swore "on
the holy Evangelists of Almighty God" that they were present when
said John Gregg drank ' ' a Health to King George the third and success
to him in all his proceedings." The Minutes of the Schenectady
Committee of Safety.
io On May 13, 1777, the Schenectady Committee resolved that inas
much as they looked upon certain persons (ten in number whose names
are mentioned) as "dangerous," "their names should be given in to

ACTIVITIES OF WHIG AND LOYALIST 59
To Albany11 as a concentration center to await their
final disposition were transferred the greater part of
those arrested in this section, and by December, 1775,
so crowded was the jail there that the Committee was
obliged to provide additional quarters and secure an
extra jailer.12
While, as was natural with the spirit of the times,
not a few Loyalists suffered not only indignities13 and
loss of property14 but also sustained sentences on
somewhat questionable testimony,15 mob action was
universally condemned16 by the Whig authorities and
an honest effort for the most part appears to have
been made by the Committees to give the accused ones
fair trials.17 In Albany County it was permitted the
accused not only to produce witnesses to corroborate
his testimony and establish his innocence, but to
demand that his accuser appear also.18
The nature of the individual case appears to have
governed the imposed sentence of convicted Loyal-
the field officers." All were subsequently arrested. The Minutes of
the Sehenectady Committee of Safety.
11 The Minutes of the Albany and Sehenectady Committees of Safety.
12 The Minutes of the Albany Committee of Safety.
13 On July 14, 1775, the Schenectady Committee was informed "that
Serjeant Welsh, with a party of men, had gone to Currey Bush and
brought in Simon Vedder to town in a riotous manner." The Minutes
of the Schenectady Committee of Safety.
i* In 1776, because of his action in warning Sir John Johnson (note
4, above), a mob burned the storehouse of Alexander Campbell at
Schoharie and later destroyed "his store at Schenectady with goods
and merchandise burning at the same time eight loads of hay and
poisoning two milch cows." Loyalists' Papers.
is The Minutes of the Albany Committee of Safety.
io Alexander Clarance Flick, Loyalism in New York.
it The Minutes of the Albany and Schenectady Committees of Safety.
Alexander Clarence Flick, Loyalism in New York.
is The Minutes of the Albany Committee of Safety.

60 HISTORY OF SCHENECTADY
ists rather than any uniform mode of procedure fol
lowed by the Committees; some were placed in con
finement,19 others were released on parole or bond20
or simply disarmed,21 some were exiled to neighbor
ing states22 or sent within the enemies' lines,23 many
were forced to sign the Association or take the Oath
of Allegiance and nearly all were required to carry
certificates of character24 and, when leaving the county
for any reason, to obtain permission from the proper
authorities.25 All expenses incurred by Loyalists
either in their trials, imprisonment or banishment
were charged against them.26
19 The Minutes of the Albany and Schenectady Committees of Safety.
20 John Duncan on December 19, 1776, was ordered confined to the
limits of his farm and required to give a bond of £500 for his good
behavior and the carrying out of the order. The acceptance of bonds
by the Commissioners of Conspiracies was quite frequent.
2i The treatment accorded some was even more lenient. On August
28, 1777, one John Moneer was summoned before the Committee to
answer the charge of being an "inimical" person. Moneer alleged
that he had come to Schenectady for the sake of his health, as he
received much benefit from the air here. Upon hearing his testimony
the Committee immediately resolved that he be permitted to remain
"for his health." The Minutes of the Schenectady Committee of Safety.
22 Alexander Campbell was one of these (note 4, above). He was
later released on parole.
23 Daniel Campbell, James Ellice and others were under orders to
remove, but at the last moment were permitted to stay on their signing
the Oath of Allegiance. Alexander Campbell, John Doty (the rector
of St. George's) and John Stuart (the Indian minister at Fort Hunter
who was confined at Schenectady), were sent to Canada.
2* These certificates were refused to those who had not signed the
Association. 25 The Minutes of the Schenectady Committee of Safety.
26 in the case of Kingsley and Ramsey (note 7, above), Kingsley was
charged twenty shillings for a sled and two men to carry him to Albany.
This he absolutely refused to pay and the Committee therefore ordered
that he be given until nine o 'clock on the following Monday to pay and
that if the account was not settled at that time he was to be again

ACTIVITIES OF WHIG AND LOYALIST 61
Throughout New York the Loyalists were excep
tionally strong and numerous, and although they had
neither organized nor taken up arms as soon as their
Whig neighbors, it was not long before Tory plots
were everywhere unearthed.
WTiile in Schenectady not a few influential and
wealthy citizens were of English sympathies, the Com
mittee of Safety appears to have experienced little
trouble from them as compared with the annoyance
caused by the Tories27 in the outlying districts who
constantly threatened the Whig settlers in their
exposed positions in the Westina and at the Aalplaats.
The failure of the campaign against Canada, the
success of the British around New York and the antici
pation of an early advance on the part of the King's
troops from the north added many recruits to the
Loyalist party, and in spite of the various measures
adopted for their suppression, so obnoxious did they
become throughout Albany County during the sum
mer of 1776, when threats were even made to raise
the English flag,28 that two companies of State
Rangers were ordered formed for their apprehen
sion, and in August, John A. Bradt of Schenectady
committed to the Albany jail, there to remain until the amount was
paid, together with what charges might arise on account of his second
confinement. Ramsey was charged sixteen shillings, which amount he
promised to pay. The Minutes of the Schenectady Committee of Safety.
27 One that caused the Whigs no end of annoyance was the famous
Joseph Bettis. ' ' He and his associates did great injury to the American
cause by communicating intelligence to the enemy, and gave the country
great uneasiness and trouble for two or three years. Spies and detached
parties were again and again sent in pursuit of them but without suc
cess. " [Pension Office Records, Adam Van Patten S 17168.] He was
at last taken and hung in Albany.
28 American Archives, 4th Series, V, 343, 345.

62 HISTORY OF SCHENECTADY
was commissioned a captain and given a warrant by
Congress for the raising of one29 of these companies.
The increasing activities on the part of the Tories,
the continuing unfavorable news from the north and,
as we have seen, the fears regarding Sir John John
son, brought with them the necessity of increased
vigilance on the part of the Schenectady Committee.
Steps were early taken looking towards the conserva
tion of the town's resources,30 those known to hold
Tory sentiments were more closely watched, guards
were placed on both sides of the river to prevent the
passing either up or down of persons who were not
known to be friends of the American cause,31 and for
"fear of broils," because of the number of strangers
that thronged the town the watches were ordered
doubled.32 The stockades were strengthened, the
work being done by members of the militia,33 and for
the better accommodation of the troops passing
through or to be later quartered here, General Wash
ington, on September 23, 1776, at the instance of the
Committee, was approached34 through General Schuy
ler regarding the erection of barracks.
29 The original roll of this company is in the possession of the author.
so On December 29, 1775, the Committee resolved to apply to the
magistrates to use their authority in putting a stop to the customary
firing of guns on New Year's Day, believing that such a custom was
attended with an unnecessary waste of powder. The Minutes of the
Schenectady Committee of Safety.
si This action was directly connected with the affairs at Johnstown
and the precaution was taken that no news of the intended expedition
against the Tories in that quarter might precede it.
32 The Minutes of the Schenectady Committee of Safety, January 14,
1776. 33 When not on guard duty or out on expeditions members of the
militia were often employed in this work.
s* Washington Papers, Library of Congress.

ACTIVITIES OF WHIG AND LOYALIST 63
The site chosen for their erection was the south
west corner of Union and Lafayette Streets,35 and by
November 6 the construction of a building containing
accommodations for six hundred men was well under
way.36 ss Jonathan Pearson, History of the Schenectady Patent, p. 318, note.
On the present site of the German Methodist Church. Lafayette Street
had not, of course, been cut through.
36 Philip Schuyler to Congress. Orderly Book of the Northern Army,
p. 168.

CHAPTER XI
THE PLAN FOR THE CAMPAIGN OF 1777.
FURTHER ACTIVITIES OF INDIAN AND
TORY. THE SCHENECTADY COMMIT
TEE ESTABLISHES A WATCH.
THE DIFFICULTIES OF
PROCURING WAGONS
AND MEN
During the winter (1776-1777) General John Bur
goyne, who had been serving under General Carleton,
sailed for England to lay before the Ministry a plan
of campaign for the following year, the easily suc
cessful accomplishment of which he confidently be
lieved would end the war. The plan as proposed and
accepted was for the main British army to move
southward up Lake Champlain; a second army under
Lieutenant-Colonel Barry St. Leger to move east
ward by way of Oswego down the Mohawk, and a third
force under Sir Henry Clinton to move northward
up the Hudson — the three forces concentrating on
Albany. Thus a division of the Colonies would be
effected and from their central position the combined
British forces could easily crush in turn each isolated
section. The effect on the Indians of the withdrawal of the
American forces from Canada had been very soon

PLAN FOR CAMPAIGN OF 1777 65
apparent.1 General Schuyler, redoubling his efforts
to hold them in a position of neutrality, had in July
(1776) called a council2 at German Flats, the outcome
of which was on the whole satisfactory, or enough so
to cause him to feel3 that although he could count for
active support upon none save the Oneidas, the
Indians would not engage against the colonists.
General Schuyler's hopes were, however, not to be
realized, for with the coming of spring came news of
matters that were transpiring of dire import to the
settlers of the Valley. Joseph Brant had joined a
rapidly increasing body of Indians at Oghwaga, where
the British flag had been raised, leaving little doubt
as to their probable course of action.4
Throughout Cherry Valley the alarm spread rap
idly, nor were the rumors of Indian and Tory raids
confined to that section alone, for on April 11, word5
was brought to the Schenectady Committee that a
number of Tories residing in the vicinity of Clifton
Park had left to join a band of Indians and that they
were "to come to destroy the people that lived there
about in about three days time." For the apprehen
sion of the enemy and the protection of the patriots
Colonel Wemple was applied to for a detail of militia,
while to the Ballston and Albany Committees were dis-
i ' ' Our misfortunes in Canada have made them [the Indians] some
what assuming," wrote Schuyler to John Trumbull on July 31.
Trumbull Papers, XXV, 109.
2 On July 11 the Albany Committee sent a request to the Committee
at Schenectady that "they furnish as many of their Troop of Horse as
possible to join General Schuyler," who was to set off on the morrow
for German Flats. The Minutes of the Albany Committee of Safety.
3 Trumbull Papers, XXV, 109-113.
i Francis Whiting Halsey, The Old New York Frontier.
» The Minutes of the Schenectady Committee of Safety.

66 HISTORY OF SCHENECTADY
patched letters asking that they forward detachments
to meet the Schenectady militia at Wilson's Mill,
Ballston, at noon of the following day. These let
ters contained a further admonition that they "be
sure and not take a man but what was a friend to
the States."6
With the necessity of increased diligence the Com
mittee of Safety at Schenectady determined upon the
establishment of a regular watch,7 and on April 13
the following resolution was therefore passed:8 "that
all persons in this Town, above the Age of sixteen
years, shall watch, and that their be a watch Estab
lished of One Officer & Eleven men, that such watch
begins at 9 0 Clock, in the Evening & Continues Till
Daylight Next Morning, that the persons ordered to
watch be warned by the Town Major Appointed for
that Purpose, & that the said Town Major attends the
watch Every Evening at Ten 0 Clock to see if they
all Appear, & Take an Account of all persons not
attending the watch, which List he is to give in to
the Chairman of this Committee & such Person or
Persons so Neglecting of if warned shall forfit a fine
not Exceeding Twelve pence which shall be recovered
by a Warrent of the Chairman of this Committee."
At the meeting on the nineteenth the following rules
and orders covering the watch were issued:9
« Ibid.
i This was by virtue of a resolve of the Continental Congress of
August 22, 1775. On November 2, 1778, a state law required the
establishment of a regular watch in certain counties, of which Albany
was one. In the city of Albany and town of Schenectady clergymen
alone were exempted from service.
a The Minutes of the Schenectady Committee of Safety.
o Ibid.

 PLAN FOR CAMPAIGN OF 1777  67
1. The wach are to meet at 9 OClock every Evening and
whoever belongs to the wach and does not appear before ten
OClock Shall be Judged fineable.
2d. Two men belonging to the wach to go round true all
the Streets in the town once every hour.
3. A Centry to be fixed in the Box on the top of the
wach house10 to be released once every hour.
4. As the wach house will once more be made Convenient
and in repair it is Expected that the wach will not abuse
the same as has been Customare it is resolved that if any
thing Shall be broke or put out of order that the officer of
the wach when the same happens shall be Liable to pay
the Damages.
At this same meeting it was further resolved :
that the town wach be very delegent in apprehending all
Negroes that may be found to run on the Street after ten
OClock that if they take any of them up to confine them in
the wach house till next morning and then their owners
may releas them on paying three Shillings to the watch
for Each Negro or Els they are to receive thirty Lashes on
their naked back and also that the said wach be very Dele
gent in apprehending such places that Negroes may be com
bined together and take them in Confiniment and inflict the
above punishment on them, and the owner of such house
where such Negroes may be found together Shall pay a fine
of forty Shillings to the Officer of the wach, which fine Shall
be recovered by warrent from the Chairman of this or any
future Committee.
At the meeting of the Committee on April 24 a
letter11 was received from the Albany Committee
io This was probably the old Dutch Church which stood at the inter
section of State, Church and Water Streets and which, after the new
church was erected, was turned into a guard- and watchhouse and so
used for many years.
n The Minutes of the Sehenectady Committee of Safety.

68 HISTORY OF SCHENECTADY
requesting the furnishing of twenty wagons for ser
vice between Albany and Lake George, and a detail
of forty-four men for garrison duty. Steps were
immediately taken to comply with the request, and
after having conferred with the field officers present
at the meeting Colonel Wemple ordered the men
allotted for duty warned to appear properly equipped
at his home the next morning at eight o'clock. The
matter of collecting wagons, however, presented diffi
culties which were not to be overcome and of this the
Albany Committee was at once thus advised :12
In regard of the Weagons you requested us to send, we
had received a Letter from Col. Lewis A few Days before
Desiring our assistance in Procuring a Number of wagons
out of our Distract, as they were much wanted we accord
ingly tryed all in our Power to git waggons, but the season
of the year being such at Present that our waggoners (as
they Chiefly all Eaise their own Grain) cant Possibly Leave
home. We made shift to git Eleven on Promising they
should only do one trip to Lake George and then Return
home again. We Accordingly sent them to Col. Lewis
acquainting him of our Promise to said Waggoners. On
Receiving your Letter we made another Tryal true the hole
Distract thinking that by warning the Militia to go on Duty,
it would induce Several Rather to go with a waggon than
on other Duty, but have not been able to git more than five
Waggons which we now send Down. If they will not anser
the Present Demand from our Distract then we Expect your
further advice in this mater.
In answer to the summons for service but twenty-
two men, including officers, appeared as ordered.
These immediately set out, to be followed later by
12 Ibid.

PLAN FOR CAMPAIGN OF 1777 69
eight more, who, because they lived out of town, had
received no proper warning.
The fact that so many had failed to obey their
orders was at once reported to the Committee by
Colonel Wemple. It was thereupon resolved13 "that
those person that [had] neglected to appear, hav
ing been duly [warned should] be emedeately fined
for ten Shillings Each And be warned again to appear
at the Captains Dore on monday [at] 8 OClock in
the morning acquipt to go on garison duty as before
and if they or any of them [neglected] to appear
then they [should] be fined for twenty Shillings Each
and ordered again to appear the same day [at] One
OClock in the afternoon which if they [neglected]
again they [were] to be Sent to Close Confiniment."
The threats of fines and of close confinement seem
to have availed little, for on the twenty-eighth the
Committee decided14 that inasmuch as "it [appeared]
that those people that [had] refused to go on Duty
[could not] be made willing by fining them, and [that
as they had] no proper president before [them] what
Should be done . . . further," it was best that the
matter be placed before the Albany Committee for
their advice.
The detachment that had set out marched under
Lieutenant Van Slyck to Albany, to Saratoga, where
they joined some four hundred of the Vermont mili
tia under Colonel Seth Warner, thence to Jessups
Patent by way of Fort Edward.15 The object of the
expedition was to capture one John Morrell, a Tory
is Ibid.
i* Ibid.
is Pension Office Eecords, Frederick Weller S 14816; Bartholomew
Schermerhorn S 17078.

70 HISTORY OF SCHENECTADY
who was busily engaged in enlisting men for the
British cause, and to disperse a considerable number
of Tories who had already gathered and there erected
a blockhouse.16 When the American troops arrived
they found that the enemy had scattered the day
before, but not until they had destroyed their fortifi
cations.17 ie Pension Office Eecords, Cornelius Williams W 18456; Christopher
Ward. i' Pension Office Eecords, Christopher Ward.

CHAPTER XII
THE CAMPAIGN OF 1777
On May 5 General Burgoyne returned to Quebec,
and four days later the command of the approximately
eight thousand troops assigned for the suppression of
the rebellion was transferred to him.
On June 29 Burgoyne arrived at Crown Point and
on July 1 his forces appeared before Ticonderoga,
which post was abandoned by the American forces
on July 6.
At the news of the British advance on Ticonderoga
General Ten Broeck1 ordered2 Major Swits to march8
with all of the Schenectady militia to Fort Edward,
much to the anxiety of a number of the inhabitants
of Schenectady, who appeared4 before the Committee
on July 9 with petitions that they be ordered to stay
in town "on account of the alarming news from the
westward." General Ten Broeck was appealed to
regarding the matter and in the afternoon an answer
i Abraham Ten Broeck. He was in command of the brigade to
which Colonel Wemple 's regiment was joined.
2 The Minutes of the Schenectady Committee of Safety.
s Details of Schenectady militia were already on duty, a company
having been mustered here in May. Pension Office Eecords, Jacob
Lyport S 13813 ; Elias Eosa W 17546.
* The Minutes of the Schenectady Committee of Safety.

72 HISTORY OF SCHENECTADY
to the Committee's letter was received ordering5 the
militia to march6 without delay.
On July 30 General Burgoyne advanced to Fort
Edward, and the American forces fell back upon
Stillwater. With the troops under General Schuyler that had
thus far so successfully disputed the advance of the
British was a detachment of Schenectady militia
under Lieutenant-Colonel Christopher Yates. This
detachment was detailed for fatigue duty and under
a strong guard had been busily engaged in felling
trees and in otherwise rendering impenetrable the
comparative wilderness that lay between Skenes-
borough and Fort Edward.7
With the further advance of the British, discour
agement and alarm spread rapidly. All the militia
that could be collected throughout Albany County had
been sent to the army.8 They had already been for
some time in the service and it was reported that
they intended soon to return to remove their families
to a place of greater safety.9 Albany was in a state
of panic and "the appearance of a few of the enemie's
troops on the Mohawk River," it was felt, "would
o Ibid.
6 Quite a considerable number of men appear to have marched as
ordered. These detachments remained with the Northern Army until
the defeat of General Burgoyne, many of them seeing active service in
the various battles fought during the retreat and in the battle of
Bemis Heights. Pension Office Eecords, John Corl S 15263; Bartholo
mew Schermerhorn S 17078; Adam Van Patten S 17168; Nicholas P.
Van Vranken S 17170; David Sacia W 17768; George Staley N 19123.
7 Pension Office Eecords, Simon J. Vrooman W 6370.
s Public Papers of George Clinton, II, 210.
Blbid., p. 201.

 THE CAMPAIGN OF 1777 73
immediately make the inhabitants lay down their
arms."10 Schenectady presented a no less gloomy picture.
"We are sorry," wrote11 Reinier Mynderse in behalf
of the Committee to General Schuyler on August 5,
"to be under the Necessity of informing you of the
disagreeable Situation of our Affairs in this place
at present. The inhabitants in General seem much
dejected. Since the Loss of Tyconderoga many of
them who formerly seemed warm in the Interest of
the Country are now quite cool, or rather inclined
to the other side. We believe this change of Senti
ment in many of them to be greatly owing to the bad
counsel and advice, they daily receive from disaf
fected Persons who begin to be pretty numerous
amongst us. We are unable to take any measures to
prevent their spreading Influence, or any thing else
for want of a few Troops to support us. A few days
ago we issued a warrant to impress a number of
waggons to go and relieve those who have been a
considerable time in the Service, but the Constables
returned without getting one for want of force to
put the warrant into execution.12 We beg you will
take our case into consideration, and if you can spare
them, send about sixty men with good Officer to
remain with us some time."
On August 3 the forces under St. Leger,13 proceed
ing in accordance with the formulated plan, arrived
io Ibid., p. 210.
n Ibid., p. 187.
12 The unsuccessful efforts of the Schenectady Committee are detailed
in its minutes.
is St. Leger 's second in command was Sir John Johnson.

74  HISTORY OF SCHENECTADY 
before Fort Stanwix. Rumor that Fort Stanwix was
under siege seems to have reached Schenectady even
before the siege actually commenced, for Colonel
Goose Van Schaick writing from here to General
Schuyler on the fourth mentions it as "a common
report."14 Van Schaick, with "near one hundred
Continental troops, men and boys," was at the time
on his way to German Flats, where, under Nicholas
Herkimer, the Tryon County militia had gathered,
and was endeavoring to prevail upon members of the
Schenectady militia15 to join the expedition as volun
teers; without avail, however, for "I find to my great
surprise," he adds in the same letter, "that not a
man will go with me, either from this place or
Scoharie. ' '
As soon as news was brought of the actual invest
ment of Fort Stanwix General Herkimer advanced
to its relief, encamping on August 5 to await rein
forcements about eight miles to the east of the fort.
Any delay was, however, displeasing to his officers
and on the morning of the sixth, irritated by their
impatience and insinuations, General Herkimer
finally, against his better judgment, gave the order
for the advance which subsequently terminated in the
ambuscade and slaughter known as the battle of
Oriskany. The siege of Fort Stanwix was soon renewed, to
be continued until August 22, when news of the
"Public Papers of George Clinton, II, 169.
is One half of them were then under orders to march to German
Flats but refused to go because of the dangers to which their families
might be subjected from Tory depredations.

THE CAMPAIGN OF 1777 75

approach of the troops16 under Benedict Arnold caused
St. Leger17 to withdraw hastily.
The Tories in the vicinity of Schenectady had
seized upon the cooling of the patriotic spirit as an
opportunity to renew their activities. On August 10
it was reported18 to the Committee of Safety that a
number of them had actually "disarmed some of the
inhabitants that were on guard and that they had
assembled to the number of 300."
The remaining militia were already under orders
from General Schuyler to join the main army, but
on the report of the Tory raid it was immediately
resolved19 by the Committee "that they be detained
in Town, and that a Watch of 25 Men be kept up Day
and Night."
The report that another raid was imminent was
brought to the Committee on the next day, and in the
afternoon Jacob Schermerhorn, who had been sent
out on scout duty, reported20 to the Board "that on
16 Abraham I. Van Eps states (Pension Office Eecords W 25831)
that he performed eight days' service under Captain Van Eps "when
the Schenectady militia marched to Oriskany. " Cornelius Bradt states
(Pension Office Eecords W 18649) that while serving under Colonel
Christopher Yates he went "with Major Arnold's division up the
Mohawk Valley." While these references are rather meager, it appears
evident that some of the Schenectady militia marched to the relief of
Fort Stanwix.
The 2d New York Line, under orders to march for the same pur
pose, sailed in sloops from Fishkill to Albany but had occasion to pro
ceed no further than Sehenectady. Magazine of American History,
December, 1881.
" Authorities have expressed the opinion that to St. Leger was
assigned the most important part of the program with the most inade
quate means of carrying it out.
is The Minutes of the Scheneetady Committee of Safety.
i» Ibid.
20 Ibid.

76 HISTORY OF SCHENECTADY
the 10th inst at Night [the Tories] lay at the House
of a Thorns Morall and in the Morning went to one
Nicholas Van Patten." A detail of Continental
troops, who were in town, under Captain Childs and
a number of the militia under Major Swits were
immediately dispatched for the capture of the Tories,
and on the twelfth turned over to the Committee
eleven prisoners who had been taken with their arms
and accoutrements.21
The news of the successful outcome of General
Arnold's relief expedition, whereby General Bur
goyne was deprived of the hope of reinforcements,
coupled with the news of the defeat of Colonel Baum
at Bennington, depriving him of much needed sup
plies, wrought a complete change in public opinion.
The attitude of the Tories became less threatening
and in answer to the call from the Continental
Congress regulars and militia hastened to join the
rapidly increasing forces at Van Schaick 's Island,
whence the American army had fallen back after the
first entrenchments at Stillwater, and it was at this
time22 that many23 more of the Schenectady militia
21 Ibid.
22 Pension Office Eecords, John J. Van Eps ; John DeGraff S 15090 ;
Andrew Bearup W 16188; Peter Warren Cain W 16525; Samuel
Kennedy W 20317.
Official orders for all those not already in actual service to join the
army under General Gates were sent to General Ten Broeck by Governor
Clinton on September 18.
23 That all the available men did not go, however, is shown from
the fact that when, on October 16, the Albany Committee reported that
"the enemy were coming up the North Eiver with a number of ships,"
the Schenectady Board, in compliance with their request "to send down
the Militia immediately," at once ordered that the request be complied
with. The Minutes of the Schenectady Committee of Safety.

THE CAMPAIGN OF 1777 77
joined24 the ranks to remain with the army until the
culmination of the campaign25 in the surrender of
Burgoyne.26 2* On September 25 it was reported in Schenectady that the American
troops were surrounded by the British and that it was therefore "folly"
for the militia to attempt to join them as they could not get through.
The Minutes of the Sehenectady Committee of Safety.
25 The failure of General Howe to co-operate with Burgoyne laid him
open to severe criticism. It is now known, however (Life of William,
Earl of Shelburne, I, 358 et seq.), that through the carelessness of
Lord George Germaine the proper orders were never forwarded to him.
26 After the surrender of General Burgoyne a detachment of Sehen
ectady militia under Colonel Wemple was detailed for guard duty and
escorted General Poor's brigade part way to Esopus. They did not,
however, complete the journey, but were ordered home after a few days'
service. Pension Office Eecords, John J. Van Eps.

CHAPTER XIII
THE WINTER OF 1777-1778. A TORY PLOT.
SCHENECTADY DECLARES A
GRIEVANCE
The winter of 1777-1778 seems on the whole to
have passed quietly in Schenectady, although about
the middle of December the town was visited by a
disastrous fire which caused considerable suffering to
several families, for the relief of whom committees
were appointed to solicit contributions throughout the
Schenectady District, the city of Albany and Tryon
County.1 The attention of the Committee of Safety was for
the most part given over to the settling of petty dis
putes arising among the townspeople, to the hearing
of charges brought against those considered un
friendly to the patriot cause and to the relief of
the distressed condition which early in the winter
had prevailed throughout the district, due to the
scarcity of salt necessary for the proper preparation
of the winter's supply of meat.2
Details of the militia3 stood guard at the pickets in
i The Minutes of the Schenectady Committee of Safety.
2 Ibid.
3 The return of General Ten Broeck 's brigade, dated February 19,
1778, credits Colonel Wemple 's regiment with four hundred men, of
whom thirty-three were officers. Public Papers of George Clinton, II,
780.

THE WINTER OF 1777-1778 79
their regular turns and further protection was
afforded the town by the presence4 of a detachment
of Colonel Van Schaick 's regiment which was gar
risoned here.
Although the activities of the Tories had received
somewhat of a check by reason of the success of the
American arms the previous fall, they did not long
remain inactive and late in the winter rumors of a
plot wide in its scope reached the state authorities.5
That agents connected with the conspiracy were
working among the many "disaffected persons," who
were now included among the inhabitants of Sche
nectady, was early suspected, and the Marquis de
Lafayette who had been sent to make a personal
investigation reported6 to the Albany Committee on
March 3 that the suspicions were "very far from
groundless." "A soldier who I think is a Spy,"
continues the report, "has been taken up and exam
ined by me Yesterday. It has been impossible to
obtain a true Confession from that Man, but I can
however assure you that there is a Conspiracy and an
important one. Major Carleton, General's own
Nephew, was some days ago disguised in this Town
and making preparations — two parties are gone on
after him but I question much if they will be suc
cessful." Dissatisfaction it would seem was at this time quite
as prevalent in Schenectady as disaffection. Many
of the townspeople felt that they had just causes for
complaint against the treatment accorded them by
the authorities and on March 20 in the hopes that
* Public Papers of George Clinton, III, 108.
b Ibid., II, 248 et seq.
e Ibid., p. 852.

80 HISTORY OF SCHENECTADY
through their intercession redress might be obtained,
the whole matter was placed before the Committee of
Safety in the form of the following petition7 signed
by fifty-five of the inhabitants, which number included
not a few of the more prominent militia officers :
Gentlemen, We the Inhabitants of this town & Distract
beg leave to Lay before you a state of Grievenees which (in
our opinions) we have Just cause to Complain of, and as
you are appointed by us to the Care and management of the
public affairs in this District, It is through your Means we
Look for and Expect Redress.
In the first place you know that a Barracks8 was Built
Here for the Reception of Such Troops as might be ordered
Here from time to time, in order that the Inhabitants Should
be free from the Trouble and expence of Having them
billited on them; that notwithstanding this, Last fall the
Barrecks was converted into an Hospital9 and the troops
to be quartered here was billeted on us, which have been
Both troublesom and finding them with firewood attended
with a Great deal of Expence, which we have not had the
Least allowance for but hope you will indevour to procure
us a proper Consederation for it.
Secondly, the director of the Hospital appointed a Com-
misary,10 and under him a Number of other officers for that
1 1bid., Ill, 63.
s See chapter X, pp. 62-63.
s A burying ground was in the rear about halfway between Union
and Liberty Streets. From this burying ground in November, 1854,
were exhumed the remains of fifty-seven American soldiers. These
remains were reinterred in Vale Cemetery with military honors in August,
1859, and the spot where they rest is marked by an imposing monument
erected by the citizens of Schenectady.
i° John Duncan. On October 27, 1777, the townspeople had petitioned
for his removal and on November 7 the Schenectady Committee was
advised of his resignation. The Minutes of the Scheneetady Committee
of Safety.

THE WINTER OF 1777-1778 81
Department, who are a part disafacted persons to the States,
which we look to be both Verry ungenerous and unjust to
appoint Enemys to the Country to posts of profits while so
many true friends are in want of bread; and altho the Sick
have been entirely removed from the hospital Some Con-
sederable time ago, a Doctor Commesarry, Deputy Com-
messary and their attendents are still keep in pay, which we
look upon to be intirely a waste of the public money, and as
we Expect to Bear a part of the public Expence we Cannot
help Complaining of this abuse and hope that they may be
Emediately Discharged.
Thirdly, that Great partiallity hath hetherto Been Shewen
to the Inhabitants of Albany, apointing them in preference
to us to posts and places in the public Service, tho the far
greatest parte of the Citizens of Albany are in Some public
posts, there is only three Inhabitants of this Town Imployed
in public Services (Exclusive of Soldiers) ; That they not
Settesfyed with filling all the posts in Albany with their
own friends but have Sent a Commisary and Commisary's
Clark here to act, while we are Confident we have people
Enough Capable to fill Such places.
That Upon all Ocations when the Melitia is Called out,
we have Sent three men to the field for one that the City
of Albany have done, they being Chiefly Exempt By the
public Employment they hold; and we have been obliged
to do their duty; this we look upon to be unjust and must
beg Leave to tell you that we Expect a more Equatable Dis
tribution of public offices will be made; That we at all times
are willing to do our part of the public Service, providing
we Can Keep Some proportion of the public Benefit, and
unless we can have that, we disvice you will not call on us
for any further Services, but on those who are filling their
pockets while many of us are in Dainger of Suffering for want.
Fourthly, that one11 of the three Gentlemen in this town
imployed in the public Service, hold no less than four posts
11 Henry Glen is probably the one referred to.

82 HISTORY OF SCHENECTADY
viz A.D. Quarter Master General, D.Commisary, D.Barrack
Master, D.Forrage Master, which we look upon to be unjust
for so many posts to be given to one man while so many
are in want and have none at all.
Gentlemen These are the Grevences we at present Complain
of and in full assurance that they will be redressed as far as
in your superior Judgment they ought and in your power
to procure we Remain.
Gentlemen with the Greatest Respect your most humble
Sarvants. The petition was forwarded12 to Governor Clinton
on the twenty-fourth and some three weeks later his
answer was received. "Be pleased to assure them,"
he wrote13 in part, "that as far as I have anything to
do in the Distribution of Offices, the People of the
Town of Schenectady shall equally participate with
the People of Albany, or of any other part of the
State, and that my Orders shall never charge them
with more than their due Proportion of Military Duty.
As to the appointments in the Continental Line, in
which tho' there may have been Partiality, it is out
of my Power to correct it, but as to any abuses which
have been committed by the Staff of the army on
proper Complaint & Proof the Persons injured will be
redressed and the Offenders punished."
12 Public Papers of George Clinton, III, 78.
is Ibid, p. 165.

CHAPTER XIV
THE DECISION OF THE INDIANS. THE
RAIDS OF 1778
Although the Indians had taken a more or less
prominent part on the side of the British in the
military movements of the year 1777, it was hoped
that they might still be induced to assume a position
of neutrality, and with this in view a council was
held at Johnstown on March 9, 1778, under the direc
tion of the Northern Department. So far as obtain
ing pledges was concerned the meeting was without
avail, the only word from the Senecas, who did not
even send a representative, being a message1 affect
ing great surprise "that while [their] tomahawks
were sticking in their heads, their wounds bleeding,
and their eyes streaming with tears for the loss2 of
their friends at German Flats the commissioners
should think of inviting them to a treaty." And so
it was brought about that prompted by a desire for
personal vengeance the Indians, with the exception
of the Oneidas and a few Tuscaroras, now definitely
cast their lot with the British, soon to commence,
with the co-operation of the Tories, that border war
fare which in the next five years was to bring desola
tion to many a once fertile and prosperous section.
i William L. Stone, Life of Joseph Brant, I, 305.
2 The Indian loss at Oriskany was about one hundred men, of whom
thirty-six were Senecas.

84 HISTORY OF SCHENECTADY
While in the raids that were to follow the action
of the Indians was prompted by one motive, another
of real strategic value seems to have governed the
movements of their allies, for these border cam
paigns bear a direct relation to the main conflict
inasmuch as it was hoped that to repel them Con
tinental forces would be diverted,3 thereby weakening
more important points.
Although since the opening of spring4 the fron
tiers had been in a constant state of alarm in antici
pation5 of Indian and Tory raids, it was not until
May 30 that the culmination of the first movement
in force occurred. On that day Joseph Brant, at the
head of a force of from three hundred to four hun
dred men, attacked the little settlement of CoblesMll/
Christopher Yates writing to Colonel Wemple
from Schoharie on the same day reported7 "the
people in great disorder, the buildings all destroyed."
"We have this afternoon received information," con
tinues the letter, "that a party far Superior to that
of Cobuskill, or perhaps them joined with the other,
are to come upon Scoharie in order to destroy the
s Their end in this particular was not accomplished, the defense of
the frontier falling therefore almost entirely upon the militia.
4 In March a company of artificers, enlisted in Schenectady and
commanded by Jacob Vrooman as master workman, left for Saratoga,
where they remained until near the first of December engaged in build
ing barracks and batteaux and in rebuilding the mills and dwelling-
house of General Schuyler, which had been burned by the British the
year before. Pension Office Eecords, Benjamin Van Vleck E 10897.
s In April a detail of one hundred and twenty-five of the militia
and several Indians under Colonel Abraham Wemple went out on scout
duty to Beverdam to apprehend some Tories from Unadilla and else
where. Pension Office Eecords, James Barhydt S 12948.
« Public Papers of George Clinton, III, 377.
7 Ibid., p. 378.

THE DECISION OF THE INDIANS 85
whole." The news of the attack was received in
Albany the next morning while the people were at
church, and although application was made to Gen
eral Ten Broeck for the immediate ordering out of
the militia he refused to do so until church was over
"for fear," he said,8 "of frightening the Town into
fits." Accompanying the troops, who with Colonel
Wemple in command, finally set out for Schoharie
was a detachment of one hundred and nineteen of the
Schenectady militia.9 On June 2 Colonel Wemple
reported10 to General Ten Broeck from Schoharie that
he had that morning sent a detail of one hundred
and fifty men under Lieutenant-Colonel Yates to
Cobleskill, but that after they had been gone some
time he had received information of a large party
coming down to destroy the settlement of Brakea-
bean and had therefore ordered them to return to
the upper settlement at Schoharie where he him
self would reinforce them. "If I am lucky enough
to meet them [the enemy]," continues the letter, "I
hope to give them a trimming." Qn June 6 he again
reported " in part as follows :
I have Buried the dead at CobusMll, which was 14 in
number; found five more burnt in the ruins of the House
of one Yurry Wainer, where the engagement has been; they
were Butchered in a most inhuman manner ; burnt 10 Houses
and Barns, Horses, Cows, Sheep, etc., lay dead all over the
fields.
s Ibid., p. 379.
b Ibid., p. 383.
io Ibid.
n Ibid., p. 413.

86 HISTORY OF SCHENECTADY
With the actual appearance of the enemy the alarm
on the frontiers became the more acute and to the
many appeals for assistance that were forwarded to
Governor Clinton there was added on June 15 the
following12 plea from the Committee at Schenectady:
Honoured Sir, The distressed situation of Tryon County,
Schoharie and indeed the whole of our western Frontiers,
seem to call so loud for relief that we think we should be
wanting in our duty, if we did not acquaint your Excellency,
of the real danger our Frontiers are in; Your Excellency
may depend on it, that it is no sham to frighten the people,
but a thing in real existence, for the people are flying and
crowding into this town in great numbers, and by the best
information the enemy are really round about there, and
are determined to destroy, and burn up that whole country,
and unless soon relieved we undoubtedly believe they will
affect it, and the loss that will arise therefrom to the unhappy
individuals of that part of the country will be nothing, in
comparison to the loss of the United States, as it is one of
our principal wheat countrys.
Governor Clinton replied13 to the letter from the
Committee on June 18, detailing the steps that had
already been taken toward meeting the danger that
threatened the settlers on the frontiers. "Consider
ing the militia as the only force whose services I can
command," he added, "more could not have been
done by me for their protection."
In spite of the many urgent pleas made to the
authorities for Continental troops to protect the
frontiers, no effective measures had yet been taken.
"If they do not come soon," wrote14 General Ten
12 Ibid., p. 459.
Mlbid., p. 467.
w Ibid., p. 562.

THE DECISION OF THE INDIANS 87
Broeck in reporting the criticahiess of the situation
to Governor Clinton on July 20, following the news
of Brant's raid on Springfield and Andrustown, "I
dread the Consequences — it is now harvest & it is
with the utmost difficulty I get the militia to turn
out — the number now Ordered out (Exclusive of
Col. Wemple 's Regt.15) is ab't 700 men; about
600 were Ordered the 12th June & only ab't 220 did
come. What number I shall get now is Impossible
for me to tell. I shall do everything in my power."
The next movement by the enemy in force culmi
nated early in July in the massacre of Wyoming in
the valley of the Susquehanna, to be followed in the
middle of September16 by Brant's long-expected raid
on German Flats. News of the disaster attending
the enemy's appearance in the Mohawk Valley
reached General Ten Broeck at Albany on the eight
eenth, and almost immediately Colonel Wemple 's
regiment set out for the relief of the quarter attacked,
is The whole of Colonel Wemple 's regiment was ordered to Scho
harie on July 19. Public Papers of George Clinton, III, 563. On
August 27 forty-four men from this regiment were reported as sta
tioned there. Ibid., p. 736.
i« During the interim the available military force of Sehenectady was
augmented by the formation of a company of "Associated Exempts"
numbering fifty men, under Captain Jacob Schermerhorn, with Isaac
Glen as first lieutenant and Cornelius A. Van Slyck as second lieu
tenant. This company was organized under a state law which recom
mended that those men who had heretofore held commissions form
themselves into companies, as well as those who were over fifty years
of age and thereby exempt from militia duty. Public Papers of
George Clinton, III, 590. Service in the Exempts was entirely volun
tary and those who enrolled engaged to provide themselves with proper
arms, accoutrements and ammunition, "adding a pledge that on alarm
they would repair to their appointed rendezvous, and when drafts were
made on the militia, they would contribute their portion of men to be
commanded by their own officers."

88 HISTORY OF SCHENECTADY
soon to return home, however, as the enemy had on
their arrival retreated too far to render pursuit by
the militia advisable.17
On November 11 the enemy under Captain Walter
Butler fell upon the settlement of Cherry Valley.
The success of the attack, which had been instigated
as a means of retaliation for the vigorous offensive
measures instituted by the American forces the
month before, resulting in the destruction of Una-
dilla and Oghwaga, was the more lamentable as
repeated and timely warnings had been given regard
ing the enemy's intentions.
On receipt of the news of the attack the militia
were again ordered out.18 "Altho my Letter of the
13th and General Ten Broeck 's of the 16th give no
great Credit to the Militia in General," wrote19 Gen
eral Hand to Governor Clinton of the eighteenth, "I
think it my Duty to acquaint your Excellency that
Col. Wemple 's Schenectady Militia, (a very respect
able Body of Men) turned out with much Chearful-
ness, tho the remoteness of their Situation prevented
their answering the wished for purposes."
Many of the inhabitants of Cherry Valley who
were fortunate enough to have escaped from the mas
sacre20 with their lives, although they lost all else,
at once hastened to Schenectady21 "in a Dolefull,
Lamentable, and Helpless Condition, Destitute
i^ Public Papers of George Clinton, IV, 54, 80, 82.
is Ibid., p. 293.
is Ibid., p. 298.
20 A younger son who was in school at Schenectady was the only
survivor of the family of Eobert Wells, who, with his wife, mother,
brother, sister, three children and three servants, lost his life in the
massacre. 21 Public Papers of George Clinton, IV, 334.

THE DECISION OF THE INDIANS 89
(many of them) of meat, money and Cloathing,
Either for Back or Bed."22 For the relief of these
refugees General Hand was appealed to from Sche
nectady on the twenty-sixth, the petitioners humbly
praying23 that their distressed condition be given
serious consideration and that some means be devised
whereby they might be supplied with provisions,
wood and "sufficient clothing to cover them from the
inclemency of the weather."
22 Ibid., pp. 338-339.
23 Ibid., p. 339.

CHAPTER XV
STEPS TAKEN TO PROTECT THE FRONTIER.
SULLIVAN'S CAMPAIGN
During the winter (1778-1779) roving bands of
Indians and Tories kept the settlers on the frontiers
in constant alarm.
In the spring the first active steps that had yet
been taken looking toward an adequate protection of
the frontiers were embodied in an act of the State
Legislature which provided for the raising of a force
of one thousand men1 for this purpose. The men
drafted were to continue in the service until the
following January and were to be allowed the same
pay and rations as the Continental army. For the
force to be raised the schedule called for nineteen
men2 to be drafted from Colonel Wemple 's regiment.
While the proposed force was slowly being enrolled,
the Continental Congress, realizing the seriousness
of the situation, decided to itself take the matter in
hand, and to General Washington was given the direc
tion of the campaign which aimed not only at cheeking
the raids but also at the total destruction and devas
tation of the settlements of the raiders and the capture
of as many of the enemy as possible.
i A greater part of this force was later requisitioned by Congress to
fill up the regiments of the New York Continental Line.
2 Public Papers of George Clinton, V, 167.

 SULLIVAN'S CAMPAIGN 91
The plan of Sullivan's campaign as adopted called
for one division under General Sullivan to proceed
by way of the Susquehanna River and a second
under General James Clinton to proceed up the
Mohawk from Schenectady to Canajoharie, crossing
to Otsego Lake, thence down the Susquehanna, the
two divisions joining at Tioga Point.
Under the direction of Henry Glen work was early
actively undertaken to prepare and assemble at
Schenectady the necessary provisions and stores in
anticipation of the arrival of Clinton's division.3
Schenectady seems to have been chosen for the con
centration of the supplies rather than Canajoharie
for the reason that there were no proper storehouses
at the latter place and further because it was felt
that at Schenectady there would be less likelihood of
their being the object of an attack on the part of
the enemy.4
On May 28 General Clinton reported to Washing
ton that a quantity of provision had been success
fully collected, and further that there were one
hundred batteaux assembled ready to be loaded on
the shortest notice.5
While these preparations were going on, small
bodies of Indians appearing simultaneously in differ
ent quarters again necessitated the calling out of the
militia. General Clinton reported the matter to his
brother on April 28 in part as follows:8
3 Pension Office Eecords, David Van Derheyden W 6373.
* James Clinton to Washington, Albany, May 28, 1779. Washington
Papers, Library of Congress.
b Ibid.
« Public Papers of George Clinton, IV, 771.

92 HISTORY OF SCHENECTADY
The alarm was general thro' the whole Country, and I
believe in a few days Schenectady woud have been the
Frontier of the State, if it had not been for the appearance
of the Troops, which I immediately marched up, consisting
of that part of Gansevoort's Regt., which was in town, and
the Schenectady Militia, amounting in the whole to about
two hundred, with which I proceeded as far as Johnstown,
where I was joined by a number of the Tryon County Militia
who turned out chearfully on the occasion.
" [As] the only method left of restoring the Inhabi
tants to their former Tranquility," General Clinton
determined7 to erect a blockhouse at Sacandaga. To
Colonel Gansevoort8 was intrusted the duty of carry
ing out the orders and a detail of the Schenectady
militia was ordered out to assist in the work.9
On June 15 General Clinton reported10 that the one
hundred boats11 at Schenectady had been loaded and
were already on their way up the Mohawk. "I have
ordered one hundred more Boats to be had in readi
ness immediately," continues the report, "as the
Genl. has ordered me to embark all the Troops, and
take no P. Horses."
Under the direction of the Committee of Safety
and under the command of Lieutenant-Colonel Yates
7 Ibid. This had been suggested to Governor Clinton by Jellis Fonda.
Public Papers of George Clinton, IV, 670.
8 Colonel Peter Gansevoort of the 3d New York Line. He had been
in command at Fort Stanwix when besieged by St. Leger.
s Pension Office Eecords, John B. Veeder E 10927; John DeGraff;
Ephraim Bradt W 16860.
io Public Papers of George Clinton, V, 86.
n They were escorted by the 3d New York Line and a detachment
under Colonel Butler.

 SULLIVAN'S CAMPAIGN  93
many of the Schenectady militia were employed in
the embarkation of Clinton's brigade, and not a
few, as volunteers, in the conveying of the baggage
and supplies of the army up the Mohawk. Some of
the men also accompanied the division on its march
and on fatigue duty assisted in cutting the road
through to Otsego Lake and in the erection of the
dam necessary to transfer the batteaux to the Sus
quehanna River.12
The devastation and havoc wrought by the Ameri
can forces as they advanced through the Indian
country fulfilled to the letter the instructions of
Congress and yet how ineffectual were these meas
ures in the attainment of the main object of the
expedition is amply shown by the subsequent history
of the frontiers. Neither were the Indians subdued
nor the prime movers in their raids captured, and
the blackened ruins of their homes served only to
further incite them to measures of retaliation.
Scarcely had Sullivan returned when reports of
murders committed by roving bands of Indians were
borne to the authorities, and on October 25, Colonel
Van Dyck, writing from Fort Schuyler, reported13 a
plan of the "Regulars" to lay siege to that post
while the Indians were in the meantime destroying
"the Country down as far as Schenectady."
While the reported plan did not mature, sufficient
alarm was caused to warrant the militia being kept
almost constantly on duty during the fall, details
from Colonel Wemple 's regiment forming part of the
12 Pension Office Eecords, Simon J. Vrooman W 6370 ; James Barhydt
S 12948. is Public Papers of George Clinton, V, 330.

94 HISTORY OF SCHENECTADY
garrison14 of many of the forts to the westward and
acting as guards for the farmers in the vicinity while
they gathered their harvests.
i* On November 19 eighty men from Colonel Wemple 's regiment, ten
of whom were "Exempts," were on duty at Fort Paris. Public Papers
of George Clinton, V, 365. Details at Fort Hunter and Fort Plank,
Pension Office Eecords, Daniel McMichael S 13885; Eichard Van Vran-
ken S 11623; Matthew DeGarmo S 23599. Details at Schoharie, Pen
sion Office Eecords, Gerrit Schermerhorn 8 14422; John DeGraff S
15090 ; George Passage E 7889.

CHAPTER XVI
THE MOHAWK VALLEY LAID WASTE
The enemy did not wait until spring to again com
mence their activities. In February, 1780, a small
band effected some damage at German Flats, in
March a settlement to the north of Palatine sustained
a like invasion, and early in April came news of
Brant's raid on Harpersfield.
Reports of minor raids, rumors of intended move
ments by the enemy on a large scale, actual suffer
ing on the part of the settlers for want of provisions,
depreciation in Continental currency which had by
now become practically worthless, and the difficul
ties of affording a semblance of protection by rein
forcing the meager garrisons already posted, due to
the impossibility of obtaining supplies for the militia,
the only force available for this service, had by May
brought about a most lamentable condition on the
frontiers. As a result of this condition the more
remote settlements were reported as daily breaking
up and Colonel Van Schaick was led to express1 the
fear that unless some speedy and effectual measures
were taken to inspire the desponding people with
confidence, Schenectady would in all probability soon
be the frontier to the westward.
i To Governor Clinton, May 17, 1780. Public Papers of George
Clinton, V, 715. He expressed the same view to General Washington a
few days later. Washington Papers, Library of Congress.

96 HISTORY OF SCHENECTADY
At daybreak on the morning of May 22 the much
feared attack of the enemy materialized, Sir John
Johnson appearing on the Mohawk River at Tribes
Hill with a strong force2 of Indians and whites.
From Tribes Hill the enemy proceeded westward
"burning the Houses and Barns of the Inhabitants
and putting to Death every Male capable of bearing
arms."8 "Collo. Fisher4 is mortally wounded," reported5
Colonel John Harper from Johnstown on the same
day, "and his two6 Brothers killed, [and] old Mr.
Douw Fonda7 with seven others."
Of the Schenectady militia who had marched under
Colonel Wemple "on the first alarm" some were
almost immediately obliged to return for want of
provisions.8 The remainder, however, hastened
towards Johnstown and, joined by troops from Fort
2 Four hundred whites and two hundred Indians.
3 Public Papers of George Clinton, V, 743.
* Frederick Visscher (Fisher), a colonel in the Tryon County Militia.
He had removed his family to Schenectady for safety's sake a few
days before. Having been brought down by a tomahawk, scalped and
left for dead by the raiders he subsequently recovered consciousness
and managed to escape from the burning house he had so gallantly
helped to defend. With the aid of a negro slave belonging to one of
the neighbors Colonel Visscher managed to reach friends, who at once
sent him to Schenectady by canoe. Here he received medical attention
and subsequently recovered from his wounds.
s Public Papers of George Clinton, V, 737.
« John and Harman. They with Colonel Visscher were the sole
defenders of the family homestead where the attack occurred.
i He had removed from Schenectady and settled at Caughnawaga
(Fonda) about the year 1751. An account of his murder may be
found in Jeptha E. Simms, Frontiersmen of New York, II, 339.
s Public Papers of George Clinton, V, 744. Pension Office Eecords,
Philip Viele E 10947.

THE MOHAWK VALLEY LAID WASTE 97
Hunter9 under Colonel Harper10 and others under
Colonel Volkert Vedder,11 swelling their force to
about four hundred and fifty men, determined to
engage the enemy should Sir John, who had rendez
voused there, show any disposition to fight.12
Sir John, although his force, swelled by the addi
tion of many Tories who had hastened to join him,
now outnumbered the American troops about two to
one, did not offer an engagement, but almost imme
diately withdrew and, eluding the troops which
Governor Clinton sent to intercept him, made his
way safely back to Canada.13
The opportunity afforded by the dispirited con
dition of soldiers and settlers alike had early been
seized upon by the British, who with no small success
endeavored through their emissaries to stir up
mutinies in the ranks of the main army or induce
those holding Tory sentiments to take up arms in
their behalf.
Many Tories had joined Sir John Johnson during
his raid, and from time to time small bands from
Albany and Tryon counties left to join the enemy.
That a large party so inclined were assembled at
Beaverdam was reported14 to the Schenectady Com-
9 This fort stood a short distance east of the Schoharie Creek near
its confluence with the Mohawk Eiver.
10 Colonel John Harper of the Levies.
n His name was spelled both Vedder and Veeder. He was lieu
tenant-colonel of the 5th Albany County and later of the 3d Tryon
County Militia.
12 Public Papers of George Clinton, V, 743.
is He took with him the family silver which had been buried at the
time of his departure in 1776.
" Public Papers of George Clinton, VI, 30.

98 HISTORY OF SCHENECTADY
mittee on July 18. Colonel Vrooman15 at Schoharie
was at once apprised16 of the fact that he might
order out a detachment in an endeavor to intercept
them, while in Schenectady a party was at once
organized17 for the same purpose. Although the
Schenectady detachment after having marched all
night arrived at the rendezvous at daybreak, they
were successful in securing but three of the band who
had secreted themselves in a barn, while the main
body, having undoubtedly been alarmed, succeeded in
making their escape.18
Late in July the enemy under Joseph Brant ap
peared in force before Fort Schuyler. This move
ment was probably a feint, for while the troops
were hastening to the defense of the post, leaving the
lower valley without adequate means of protection,
Brant and his followers quietly withdrew and,
advancing by way of the Unadilla and Susquehanna
Rivers on August 2, fell upon Canajoharie.
The Albany and Schenectady militia, who had
turned out with alacrity19 under orders previously
given, had just gone into camp at Caughnawaga20
opposite Mr. Frey's at about eleven o'clock on the
morning of the second, when they were alarmed by
the heavy smoke "between John Abeails and Fort
Plank about four miles distant. ' '21
"Instantly I did order both Regiments to be
is Peter Vrooman, colonel of the 15th Albany County Militia.
i« Public Papers of George Clinton, VI, 31.
it Ibid.
is Ibid.
i9 Ibid., p. 79.
20 Now Fonda, Montgomery County.
21 Public Papers of George Clinton, VT, 80.

THE MOHAWK VALLEY LAID WASTE 99
formed," reported22 Colonel Wemple in his dispatch
to General Ten Broeck, "& proceed against the
Enemy, who were at that time in their full Carear
and tho our Numbers were not equal, yet I can assure
you I should be void of Justice if I omitted mention
ing their Prudence and cool behavior without Distinc
tion to all Rancks. An Altho they had been in full
march since early in the morning they came up with
such Vigor that the Enemy on our approach gave way
& tho in sight we had no opportunity to give them
Battle they retired in the usual way."
"Such a Scean as we beheld since we left the
River," reads another section of the report, "pass
ing dead Bodies of Men & Children most cruelly mur
dered, is not possible to be described. I cannot ascer
tain at present the Number of poor Inhabitants
killed and missing but believe the Loss considerable
as the People were all at work in the Fields. . . .
Some Persons pretend to say not less than one hun
dred dwelling House are burnt."
On August 21 Colonel Goose Van Schaick, writing23
to General Washington from Albany, confirmed the
details of the withdrawal of Brant from Fort Schuy
ler and of the attack on Canajoharie. "From
thence," continued the letter, "they returned
towards the susquahanna, & in a few days after made
a Descent on Schohary; here they burnt twelve
Houses, & have by information taken and killed a
larger number of the Inhabitants than at the former
place, & it is expected the remainder of Schohary
will share the same fate. The Indians are seen daily
22 ibid.
23 Washington Papers, Library of Congress.

100 HISTORY OF SCHENECTADY
in small parties, & take prisoners & Scalps, Schenec
tady is threatened & the Inhabitants are moving their
effects to Albany with all dispatch seeing no appear
ance of support, & numbers going off to the enemy
daily." In England Riverton's Royal Gazette told of the
successful progress of the expedition. "The Indians
have laid waste the whole country," reads its issue24
of September 23, "the Tory houses excepted, down
to Schenectady, where some rebels are at work throw
ing up works to oppose the progress of the British
troops and our Indian allies. The rebel women and
children have retired to Albany."
24 Franklin B. Hough, The Northern Invasion of October, 1780, p. 81.

CHAPTER XVn
THE RAIDS ON BALLSTON AND THE SCHO
HARIE SETTLEMENTS
Late in August word was brought to the authori
ties in Albany that another raid along the Valley
was being contemplated by the enemy. Sir John
Johnson was reported to be in command and with
the two thousand men under him was to strike first
at Stone Arabia. From Schenectady scouts were
kept continually out, and here General Van Rens
selaer1 took up his headquarters so that in case the
accounts were found to be true he might in person
collect troops to repel the invasion.2
On September 4 General Van Rensselaer reported3
to Governor Clinton from Fort Rensselaer4 that
small parties of the enemy were frequently seen on
the frontiers, although the reports of their intentions
were still vague and uncertain. The militia were
already under orders to be in readiness to march at
a moment's notice as soon as the advance of the
enemy was reported and on September 8 Colonel
William Malcolm, under orders to march to the front,
i On June 29, 1780, the Albany militia was ordered to be divided
into two brigades and to General Eobert Van Eensselaer was given the
command of the Second Brigade.
2 Public Papers of George Clinton, VI, 136.
s Ibid., p. 169.
* Still standing in the village of Canajoharie and used as a museum.

102 HISTORY OF SCHENECTADY
encamped near Albany with his brigade of State
Levies5 raised to reinforce the troops on the frontiers.
"I find but very few Persons here which manifest a
Disposition to forward the Service," Colonel Malcolm
wrote® to Washington, "although they express great
Apprehensions about the Indians."
"I send forward one Regiment Tomorrow," con
tinued the letter, "they go entirely upon the Prospect
of obtaining Provisions from the Country — there is
no Magazine at Schenectady7 — not one Ration."
On October 12 word8 reached Albany that on the
eighth Sir John Johnson, Butler and Brant were at
Oneida on their way to Stone Arabia and ultimately
Fort Schuyler. From the north came information9
that a second expedition under Major Christopher
Carleton had already taken possession of Fort Ann
and that Fort George was threatened.
On the night of October 16, the settlement of Balls-
ton10 was attacked. The enemy, which comprised a
- In August five hundred Massachusetts Levies were detailed to
defend the New York frontiers and on the eleventh one hundred of
them were reported in Sehenectady on their way to Tryon County. On
March 11, 1780, a law was passed in New York State to raise men
for the same purpose. Of the twenty-nine men required from Colonel
Wemple 's regiment under this act twenty -two had been enrolled on
August 10, twenty of whom were on duty at West Point and two at
Albany. 6 Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
7 Schenectady had been a regular army post until the spring of
1780, but on March 16 orders were transmitted by the Board of War
at Philadelphia to discontinue this post together with certain others
because of the cost of maintenance. Public Papers of George Clinton,
V, 697.
* Public Papers of George Clinton, VI, 288.
9 Ibid.
io The sources of material used in connection with the raid on Balls-

THE RAIDS ON BALLSTON 103
detachment11 from Major Carleton's division, con
sisted of British regulars, Tories and Indians and was
under the command of Major John Munro, a former
merchant of Schenectady. It is believed that the
original intention of- the enemy was to surprise
Schenectady but that possibly due to some informa
tion obtained through their scouts they decided to
proceed no further than Ballston.
A fort built of oak logs surrounded by a stockade
comprised the defenses of the settlement. This fort
had a few days before been garrisoned by a small
detachment of Schenectady militia, and perhaps fear
ful lest they be unable to effect a surprise complete
enough to insure its capture, this post was carefully
avoided by the enemy, who instead directed their
efforts to attacking some of the exposed houses. One
man killed, one wounded and the capture of twenty-
two prisoners whom the enemy took with them as
they hastily withdrew12 bore witness to the success
of the expedition.
The approach13 of Sir John Johnson on the Scho
harie settlements was almost simultaneous with
Munro 's raid on Ballston, for early on the morning
of the seventeenth his forces were discovered14 pass-
ton are: Jeptha E. Simms, The Frontiersmen of New York, II, 413;
Franklin B. Hough, The Northern Invasion of October, 1780, p. 45.
n About two hundred strong.
12 On news of the raid a detachment from Schenectady set out in
pursuit of the enemy. Pension Office Eecords, David Van Derheyden
W 6373; John N. Marcellus W 26232; George Passage E 7989.
13 It is now considered that this second invasion of Sir John John-
Bon was part of a well-defined plan revolving about the surrender of
West Point by Benedict Arnold.
n Public Papers of George Clinton, VI, 303.

104 HISTORY OF SCHENECTADY
ing the Upper Fort.15 No attempt was made to
attack this position, the enemy, finding themselves
discovered, devoting themselves instead to burning
whatever buildings they came upon as they made
their way toward the Middle Fort.16 Here they met
with some resistance17 and finding that a display of
their force was not sufficient to induce the garrison
to capitulate, the enemy about three o'clock in the
afternoon continued their march down the Valley and,
passing the Lower Fort,18 burning and pillaging as
they proceeded, went into camp some six miles below.
Word of the enemy's presence at Schoharie reached
Albany about noon on the seventeenth and General
Van Rensselaer at once set out for Schenectady with
such troops as he was able to rally for the pursuit.19
When he arrived in Schenectady early in the evening
the light of fires toward the lower end of Schoharie
15 The Upper Fort was a one-story building enclosed by a stockade
and breastwork. It stood about five miles southwest of the present
village of Middleburg.
13 The Middle Fort stood in the present village of Middleburg about
one half mile northeast from the bridge. It comprised a two-story
stone house owned by John Becker and was surrounded by a stockade of
pickets with blockhouses mounted with small cannon on two of its
angles. it A detailed account of the refusal of the militia to obey the orders
of Major Woolsey, the Continental commander, and the firing on the
flag of truce by Timothy Murphy as the British came forward for a
parley is to be found in Jeptha E. Simms, The Frontiersmen of New
York, II, 424.
is The Lower Fort comprised a stockade with two blockhouses
mounted with small cannon. This stockade surrounded the stone church
now standing at Schoharie village, the home of the Schoharie County
Historical Society.
19 Minutes of the Court of Inquiry into the Conduct of Brigadier-
General Van Eensselaer. Public Papers of George Clinton, VT, 692-703.
These minutes are the source from which has been obtained most of
the material relative to this campaign.

THE RAIDS ON BALLSTON 105
bore evidence of the destruction being wrought by
the enemy. A conference of the principal inhabitants
was at once called and with them was discussed the
practicability of procuring a number of horses and
wagons by the next morning in order that such of the
militia as could be collected might be sent forward
with greater expedition. The attempt was made dur
ing the night, but a very inadequate number was
secured. Henry Glen, the issuing commissary, was ap
proached on the matter of furnishing rations for the
troops and later reported "that there was not a
Sufficiency of Provisions of the meat kind to victual
the Troops for a Day & a very small Quantity of
Bread." Some cattle, however, destined for the
garrison at Fort Schuyler, arriving opportunely,
were ordered killed and all the ovens available were
pressed into service that a sufficient quantity of
bread might be baked during the night.
Between nine and ten o'clock on the eighteenth the
troops having received their provisions and being
reinforced by members of Colonel Wemple 's regi
ment, General Van Rensselaer left Schenectady and
proceeded up the Valley, taking with him two field
pieces on wheels which he had obtained at Schenec
tady. On the morning of the nineteenth Colonel Brown,20
who was in command at Fort Kayser,21 left the post
with a force of one hundred and thirty men under
orders to join General Van Rensselaer. Marching
south they later were surprised by Sir John John-
20 Colonel John Brown, one of the bravest men on the frontier. He
lost his life in the engagement that followed.
21 To the north of Palatine Bridge.

106 HISTORY OF SCHENECTADY
son's forces proceeding in the opposite direction and,
outnumbered seven to one, disastrously defeated.
General Van Rensselaer was apprised of the
enemy's whereabouts and of the defeat of Colonel
Brown by fugitive soldiers who had succeeded in
making their escape from the field, and in the after
noon, overtaking the enemy, he forced the engagement
known as the battle of Klock's Field.
That Sir John and his forces were permitted to
escape has always been a matter of regret, and
although General Van Rensselaer has been severely
blamed22 for his failure to at once follow up the advan
tage gained, the Court of Inquiry convened for the
purpose of investigating his action not only wholly
exonerated him, but declared that his conduct "was
not only unexceptional, but such as became a good,
active, faithful, prudent and spirited officer."
Not a few of the Schenectady militia marched23 as
far as Herkimer in the effort to overtake the enemy
and some were detailed24 as guards and batteaumen
to bring by boat to Schenectady those of Colonel
Brown's soldiers who had sustained injuries that their
wounds might here be dressed under the direction25
of Dr. Dirk Van Ingen.
On October 29 Governor Clinton wrote26 to James
Duane detailing the destruction that had been
effected by the enemy. He estimated the loss at one
22 Had Simms, Stone or Douglas Campbell had access to the Clinton
Papers or to the Minutes of the Court of Inquiry their judgment would
have been more favorable.
23 Pension Office Eecords, Simon J. Vrooman W 6370 ; John Van
Eps W 27862.
24 Pension Office Eecords, Nicholas E. Bovie S 12275.
25 Pension Office Eecords, Henry H. Peek W 9219.
2« Public Papers of George Clinton, VI, 345.

THE RAIDS ON BALLSTON 107
hundred and fifty thousand bushels of wheat in addi
tion to other grain, forage and some two hundred
buildings. "Schenectady may now be said to become
the limits of our western Frontier," continued the
letter, "the first Object worth a new Enterprise."
The incursions of the enemy had so delayed the
raising of troops intended to relieve the Levies sta
tioned at the various posts that late in October
Governor Clinton decided to order forward details
of the militia for this service, promising, however,
that they would be relieved as soon as possible. In
accordance with this decision Colonel Wemple was
ordered27 to dispatch seventy of his regiment to Fort
Rensselaer, much to the alarm of the people in
Schenectady, who on the twenty-fourth petitioned
Governor Clinton that the order be reconsidered.
"Whereas," reads the memorial,28 "the present
situation of this place is become a frontier Town,
which we have reason to believe the Enemy aims to
destroy, and which we your memorialist are a good
deal concerned about, particularly when we Consider
the Different Settlements round about us, if we turn
our eyes to the north, we find a Settlement called
Galloway, and another called Peasly, who are all ene
mies to the Country and even Balls Town a great
part of them; To the southwest from us we have the
Hellebergh, which are likewise mostly Tories, at
which places the enemy may lay conceald untill they
find an opportunity to destroy this place. And one
half of our Regiment are joining to these Settlements.
"We, your memorialist, therefore, humbly pray
that your Excellency will take our Situation in Con-
27 Ibid., p. 333.
28 Ibid.

108 HISTORY OF SCHENECTADY
sideration and grant that our Regiment may remain
at Home to defend this place. And as Balls Town
is likewise exposed to great Danger of an other attack
of the enemy we lying nearest to them might on occa
sion be a great assistance to the good people of that
place." The year was not to close without further alarm,
for the militia had scarcely returned from the western
frontier when they were again ordered29 out to check
a second invasion threatened from the north by
forces under Major Carleton.
"Plots, Conspiracies, Conflagrations, Alarms, Burn
ing of the City, Destruction of Schenectady, &c. &c.,"
wrote80 Stephen Lush to Governor Clinton on Novem
ber 7, in describing the terror reigning at Albany,
"are the only Subjects of Conversation at present."
Adding, in all probability not without some degree of
truth, that "a chimney took Fire the other Evening
and it was instantly determined [that] the enemy
were in the midst of us."
29 Ibid., p. 376.
so Ibid., p. 395.

CHAPTER XVIII
THE ONEIDAS AT SCHENECTADY
Unmoved by promises and threats alike the
Oneida Indians alone of the Six Nations had con
tinued to favor the cause of the colonists both with
their influence and actual support. Because of this
allegiance they had early incurred the enmity of the
other tribes who, as we have seen, had ultimately
decided to cast their lot with the King. The devasta
tion effected by General Sullivan had naturally
widened the breach and in the measures outlined for
retaliation it was planned that the Oneidas should
not escape.
On June 18, 1780, a delegation of Oneida chiefs
acquainted1 Colonel ,Cornelius Van Dyck, who was
then in command of Fort Schuyler, of the danger
that was apprehended and of the information that
had given rise to the belief that their town was soon
to be destroyed unless they transferred their alle
giance. The threatened attack culminated in July.
"[The Oneidas] too weak to make effectual resist
ance," wrote2 General Schuyler to the Marquis de
Lafayette on August 18, "but too firmly attached to us
to submit, or take part with the enemy, prudently took
shelter at Fort Schuyler the day before the arrival of
the Enemy, who burnt part of their Village, siezed
i Public Papers of George Clinton, V, 883.
2 Washington Papers, Library of Congress.

110 HISTORY OF SCHENECTADY
their Cattle, and destroyed the Crops and even pur
sued the fugitives as far as the fort."
Because of the scarcity of provisions the Indians
were permitted to remain at Fort Schuyler but a few
days.3 They were, however, under the direction of
the authorities, transferred to Schenectady, where,
supported at the expense4 of the Government, they
remained until the end of the war.
On their arrival at Schenectady the Indians, to
the number of four hundred and six5 (which included
seven Caughnawagas), were ordered quartered in
the barracks,6 and to Jellis Fonda and others was
given the contract of supplying them with necessary
provisions. Frequent complaints soon began to be
heard7 to the effect that the Indians were suffering
for want of food. General Schuyler investigated
these complaints and on October 10 reported8 that
he had been advised by one of the contractors that
the Indians were well supplied with provisions with
the exception of corn, which it was impossible to
obtain. He reported further that the contractors
complained that up to this time no money had been
paid on the contract and that he was given to under-
s Colonel Van Schaick to General Washington, July 29, 1780. Wash
ington Papers, Library of Congress.
* As early as March 24, 1779, Congress empowered the commissioners
in the Northern Department to supply provisions to their "faithful
friends the Oneidas." So low were the public funds and so inadequate
the supplies for the troops that on more than one occasion both the
State and Philip Schuyler personally advanced funds and supplies.
o Ninety-three of this number were men, fifty-four women and the
balance children. The majority of the warriors probably remained
with the troops. Papers of the Continental Congress, III, 551.
o Ibid., p. 541.
7 Ibid.
s Ibid.

THE ONEIDAS AT SCHENECTADY 111
stand that unless money was furnished further sup
plies would in all event not be readily forthcoming.
Schuyler spoke9 of the poverty of the Indians as
being such as to render them "an affecting spectacle
of distress ' ' and added that few had clothing sufficient
to render them comfortable even at that season of
the year.
Because of the expense of supplying the barracks
with firewood it was now proposed to remove the
Indians to the neighboring woods, where they were
to be quartered in huts.10 This arrangement, more
over, would, it was felt, simplify the food problem,
as the Indians would be able to replenish their stores
by hunting.11
The plan proposed was probably tried but evi
dently did not meet with the success hoped for, as
on December 5 James Clinton reported12 to Wash
ington that the Indians were again in possession of
the barracks and that he was at a loss to know to
what point to remove them in order to make room
for Continental troops13 who were to be quartered in
Schenectady during the winter and who were soon
expected to put in their appearance.
On the subsequent arrival of the Regulars the mat
ter14 of quarters was finally adjusted by billeting the
officers with the townspeople while soldiers and
Indians ; were required to share the barracks. As
might well be imagined this arrangement was not to
9 Ibid.
10 Ibid.
n Ibid., p. 551.
12 Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
is The 2d New York Line.
i* Magaeine of American History, December, 1881, p. 409.

112 HISTORY OF SCHENECTADY
prove practical. "Disagreeable Controversys have
frequently arisen between the soldiery and Indians,"
reported16 General Schuyler on March 29 of the fol
lowing year, "and one of the latter [has] lately been
barbarously murdered and others Assaulted and dan
gerously wounded." Because of this friction it was
found necessary to make some other provision for the
Indians and under the direction of Schuyler they
were again removed16 outside the town and supplied
with boards17 with which to cover rude huts which they
had already constructed.
"The Indian Village," wrote18 the Marquis de
Chastelleux, who visited Schenectady soon after the
Indian encampment was established, "is nothing but
an assemblage of miserable huts in the wood, along
the road19 to Albany. [Colonel Glen] took me into
that of a; savage du Saut Saint Louis, who had long
lived at Montreal, and spoke good French. These
huts are like our barracks in time of war, or those
run up in vineyards, or orchards, to watch the fruit
is Papers of the Continental Congress, III, 547.
is Ibid.
17 Schuyler procured these and later replaced them from his own
stock, as he had no money with which to pay for them. He however
expressed the hope "of being repaid at a future day, when the public
treasury [was] in better condition."
is The Marquis de Chastelleux, Travels in North America, I, 401.
19 Hon. E. Winslow Paige, than whom few are better versed in
the early history and traditions of Schenectady, has told the writer
that he has always supposed that the Oneidas lived on what used to
be called "Injin" or "Engine" Hill, now Mount Pleasant, along
the west edge of Cotton Factory Hollow, and that it was always a
subject for discussion as to whether the name of the hill was "Injin"
from the fact that the Oneidas lived there or "Engine" from the
stationary engine of the Mohawk & Hudson Eailroad. It is not
unlikely that the Indians lived on both sides of the Hollow.

THE ONEIDAS AT SCHENECTADY 113
when it is ripe. All the timber consists in two up
rights and one cross pole ; it is covered with a matted
roof, but this is well lined within by a quantity of
bark. The inner space is rather below the level of
the ground, and the entrance by a little sidedoor;
in the middle of the hut is the fire-place, from which
the smoke ascends by an opening in the roof. On
each side of the fire, are raised two branches, which
run the length of the hut, and serve to sleep on;
these are covered with skins and bark. Beside the
savage who spoke French, in this hut, there was a
squah, the name given to the Indian women, who had
taken him as her second, and was bringing up a child
by her first husband; two old men composed the
remainder of the family, which had a melancholy and
poor appearance. The squah was hideous, as they
all are, and her husband almost stupid, so that the
charms of this society did not make me forget that
the day was advancing, and that it was time to set
out." "All that I could learn from the Colonel, or from
the savages," adds the Marquis, "was that the State
gives them rations of meat, and sometimes of flour;
that they possess also some land, where they sow
Indian corn, and go a hunting for skins, which they
exchange for rum. They are sometimes employed in
war, and are commended for their bravery and
fidelity. Though in subjection to the Americans, they
have their chiefs, to whom application is made for
justice, when an Indian has committed any crime. Mr.
Glen told me, that they submitted to the punishments
inflicted on them ; but had no idea that it was right to
punish them with death, even for homicide."

CHAPTER XIX
THE RAIDS OF 1781
With the coming of spring (1781) discouragement
and apprehension grew. The continuance of the
frontier posts, which had with difficulty been main
tained throughout the winter because of the scarcity
of provisions, was by now dependent upon the imme
diate furnishing of supplies which were practically
unobtainable.1 The Line troops were "in a manner
naked," desertions were frequent, public credit was
almost at an end, Tories were everywhere increasing
in numbers and from Albany came word2 that the
militia were destitute of both arms and ammunition.
In the expectation that Schenectady, which had by
now in a measure become a frontier town, would be
an early object of attack on the part of the enemy,
the magistrates and field officers on February 27
drew up a memorandum3 recommending that Gov-
i ' ' The Troops at Schenectady, Saratoga and this Post are with
the utmost difficulty supplied from Day to Day with Flour from the
Wheat drawn from the Inhabitants by assessments, a mode which it
is unnecessary to mention is so disagreeable to the country in general
that we fear we shall not be able to draw in the small quantities now
due without the interposition of the Military, but even this supply if
we were now possessed of the whole would be greatly inadequate."
Isaac Stoutenbergh to General Clinton. Albany, January 15, 1781.
Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
2 Public Papers of George Clinton, VT, 765.
s Ibid., p. 715.

THE RAIDS OF 1781 115
ernor Clinton be acquainted with their opinion that
it was necessary to reinforce the picket defenses with
seven4 blockhouses and further that they felt it
incumbent upon them to apply to him for a small
number of cannon, an artillery officer5 with a suffi
cient number of men to work the cannon, a quantity
of ammunition and an engineer to superintend the
erecting of the blockhouses. The memorandum fur
ther suggested that Governor Clinton give his opin
ion as to how the blockhouses should be manned,
whether or not the field officers and justices were
invested with proper authority to appropriate private
property to carry on the work of fortification and in
what manner some funds could be raised to pay for
ranging scouts, which it was felt would be of the
greatest importance in the matter of the town's safety.
In order to satisfy himself as to the best means of
reaching the desired end, Governor Clinton visited
Schenectady, and on March 24 ordered6 that work on
the alterations and additions suggested by him dur
ing his visit should be proceeded with without delay,
counseling that the advice of Major Nicholas Fish,7
4 "One Battery at Mr. DeGraff's;
One Block House at V Eps;
One Do at Doctor Specker's;
One on Vrooman 's Land;
One Do at Mr. Ab. Groet's;
One Do in Alb'y Street at the house of Isaac Merselus;
One at the back of David Frank's;
One at or near the Continental Stables."
Public Papers of George Clinton, VI, 715.
5 It was at this time that an artillery company of fifteen men under
Captain John Crousehorn was raised in Schenectady.
« Public Papers of George Clinton, VI, 715.
7 He was in command of the soldiers of the 2d New York Line
stationed here.

116 HISTORY OF SCHENECTADY
then stationed here, should be sought in case any
question should arise as to what was desired, adding
that inasmuch as the prospects of obtaining cannon
were not at all promising, although there were some
small pieces and swivels scattered in different parts
of the country near the river which it might be pos
sible to transport to Schenectady and having made
carriages eventually obtain some service from them,
it were better that the "works be calculated as much
as [might] be for Defence by Musquettry. "8
Although small parties of the enemy had been
reported in the Valley from time to time since early
in the year, it was not until the latter part of April,
when a band of eighty attacked Cherry Valley, that
a raid of any importance occurred.9
On May 15 word10 that an Indian hunting party
to the north of Saratoga had been fired upon caused
General Schuyler, to whom the incident had been
reported, to recommend to General Clinton that
scouts be dispatched from Schenectady without
delay. A few days later an anonymous letter11 bore
the information that a party of from four to five
hundred Loyalists and Indians had gone to the south
west of Albany to begin burning, that there were
fifteen hundred more then at Ticonderoga for the same
purpose and that Albany and Schenectady were to be
their main objective points.
8 Harmon Peters states (Pension Office Eecords, S 11224) that in
March, 1781, he entered service as a volunteer in a company of forty-
six men commanded by Walter Swits, raised to keep guard at Fort
Volunteer and Fort Squash at Schenectady. The company was divided
twenty-three men to each fort.
9 Public Papers of George Clinton, VI, 811.
io Ibid., p. 880.
n Washington Papers, Library of Congress.

THE RAIDS OF 1781 117
That treason was at work and the enemy correctly
informed regarding the true situation of the country
was plainly evident from a British Secret Service
document12 intercepted on May 27, which among
other items contained advice as to sending a force
against Albany, first preparing the way by distribut
ing handbills hinting at pardon and protection for
all who might assist the British. Schenectady was
described in the document as "strongly picketed all
round, [having] six pieces of Ordinance, 6 pounders,
[with] Block Houses preparing." "It is to be
defended by the Inhabitants," continued the report,
"who except about a Dozen, are for Government.
There are a few of Courtlandt's Regiment here. A
large Quantity of Grain stored . . . for the Use of
the Troops [and] large Boats building13 to convey
heavy Metal and Shot to Fort Stanwix."
12 Ibid.
i« The batteaux were being built under the greatest difficulties
because of the trouble met with in procuring boards. Henry Glen
reported the matter to headquarters on July 17 as follows: "Yours of
the 14th Inst. I have received and ever sinee have used every exertion
that lay in my power to prevail on the Proprietors of the Boards to
let the Public have them. They say that it is impossible, unless they
receive hard money for them, or we may as well cut their Wife's and
Children's throats, for it is their only support for the Necessarys of
Life. As to sending soldiers or Persons to impress them, they seem
to be determined not to suffer their Property to be taken from them any
longer at the risque of their Lives, as they have not been paid for
their Boards etc. furnished the Public for these two years past, and
no prospect of their being paid yet, this is their Language and what
to do in the matter I do not know. I have this Spring when Congress
and the Head of the Department's credit failed, pledged my own
Credit to build 16 new Boats for which I have made myself payable,
and with the Expectation of receiving the Money in a few days, which I
had the promise of and am daily ask'd for the Cash, and still no Money,
all this I do not mind; no man longs more to make an end of the
War than I do by carrying it on with Vigour, I am and always was

118 HISTORY OF SCHENECTADY
The anticipated attacks fortunately did not mature
and soon the settlers had occasion to again take heart,
for in June Colonel Marinus Willett,14 persuaded by
Governor Clinton to leave the main army in order
to take command of such troops as were already in
the service or to be raised for the defense of the
frontiers, arrived at Fort Rensselaer to enter upon
the difficult task for which he had been summoned.
The services of this efficient officer at Torlock,15
his untiring efforts in the pursuit of the raiders
whenever they appeared, his wisdom and skill in the
disposition of the meager forces under his command
soon justified the confidence that had been placed in
him, and during the summer16 the lower Mohawk Val
ley was practically free from incursion, while the
willing to pledge my Life and little Property for the support of the
War but am sorry to find the Virtue and exertions of the People are
lost throughout the Whole Country. The Service is neglected by those
at the Helm for want of money. Why is not part of the Continent
pledged to some Power to carry on the War with Vigour and borrow
a sufficient Sum." Letter Books of Colonel Hugh Hughes. New
YoTk Historical Society.
14 " I am glad we have a Hero left in the room of a Montgomery
that he may live and see the Pride of Britain fall, and a Glorious Peace
Established for Centuries to come. It is a Brave WILLETT, I mean. ' '
Letter of Henry Glen, July 17, 1781. Letter Books of Colonel Hugh
Hughes. New York Historical Society.
is Now the town of Sharon, Schoharie County. The Levies wounded
in the battle at that place were sent to Scheneetady for treatment.
1° At this time details of the Schenectady militia were on garrison
duty at some of the forts to the westward. Details at Fort Hunter,
Pension Office Eecords, James Barhydt S 12948. Details at Fort
Plank, Pension Office Eecords, Gerrit Van Eps W 2200; Daniel Kettle
W 21528; John B. Veeder E 10927. Details at Schoharie, Pension
Office Eecords, Eeuben Wheaton. A company was also on duty at
Claas Viele's Eifts about four miles above Schenectady where a log
house served as a fort. Pension Office Eecords, Philip Viele E 10947;
Frederick Vedder S 21547.

THE RAIDS OF 1781 119
activity of the enemy on the frontiers was given over
to raids by small detachments attended with conse
quences of little importance.
In September Albany was again thrown into a panic
by a report17 that the enemy were determined to
burn the city. The Tories in the vicinity were again
active, and in fear many people packed their valuables
in order to have them conveyed to a place of greater
safety.18 It was, however, late in October before the
enemy in force made their appearance in the Valley.
Major Ross with a following of some four hundred
and fifty Indians, Regulars and Tories, which number
was augmented as he proceeded, advancing by way
of Cherry Valley to the Mohawk River, on October 24
fell upon Warren's Bush.19 On news of the attack
Schenectady was at once ordered20 reinforced, but
these orders were later countermanded as word was
brought that the enemy after burning Warren's Bush
had retired.
Although the scene of the attack was about twenty
miles to the east of Fort Rensselaer where Colonel
Willett had established his headquarters, so unex
pected was the attack that the enemy had ample
opportunity to accomplish their purpose before
Colonel Willett was able to collect forces to repel
them. Immediately upon receipt of the news of the raid
17 On receipt of the news a company under Captain Thomas Brower
Banker marched as far noTth as Galway but later returned to Ballston,
where they remained quartered for a fortnight or so. Pension Office
Eecords, Wessel Cornu W 1029.
is Public Papers of George Clinton, VII, 304.
19 Ibid., p. 443.
20 Ibid., p. 448.

120 HISTORY OF SCHENECTADY
Colonel Willett dispatched messengers down the
Valley asking the militia to join him, while he him
self at once set out in pursuit of the enemy with what
forces he could collect.
Major Ross had retired to Johnstown and here on
the next day (October 25) Colonel Willett forced an
engagement, causing the enemy to retreat. On the
evening of the twenty-eighth, having been reinforced
by a band of Oneidas and the militia, which mcluded
a detachment21 from Schenectady under Captain
Jellis Fonda, Colonel Willett started in pursuit of
the raiders, subsequently attacking a detail of them
on the West Canada Creek, killing several, among
whom was Walter Butler, and leaving the rest "to
the compassion of a starving wilderness."22 The
news of the death of Butler was received in Schenec
tady with great rejoicing. The Whigs illuminated
their houses and the Tories under threat of being
mobbed were forced to do likewise.23
With the expedition under Major Ross closed for
the year the active operations of the enemy on the
frontier, and ten days before the engagement on the
West Canada Creek, Cornwallis surrendered at
Yorktown. 2i This detachment was with others complimented on their behavior
in General Orders. Public Papers of George Clinton, VH, 483.
Other members of the militia appear to have marched to Johnstown on
the alarm, but evidently a small detachment only as volunteers went as
far as the West Canada Creek, the remainder being assigned to garrison
duty in the neighboring forts.
22 Colonel Willett to Governor Clinton. Public Papers of George
Clinton, VII, 474.
23 Jane Ferguson's Eevolutionary Eecollections. The American
Monthly Magazine, April, 1902. Jane Ferguson was one of the sur
vivors of the Cherry Valley massacre who sought refuge in Schenectady.
She remained here until after peace was declared.

CHAPTER XX
AFTER YORKTOWN
While with the culmination of the campaign end
ing in the American victory at Yorktown active hos
tilities in the country at large were brought to an
end, minor raids were to keep the frontiers in alarm
for nearly a year and a half, necessitating constant
watchfulness and preparedness1 on the part of the
authorities. In June, 1782, reports2 brought to General Wash
ington indicated that Albany and Scheneetady were
to be the chief objects of another attack on the part
of the enemy. While these reports were probably
without foundation there may have been some con
nection between them and the visit which General
Washington paid to Albany during the latter part of
the month.
It was during this visit that Washington, on the
i The Act of the New York Legislature of November 17, 1781, and
the Act of March 23, 1782, brought into being during the spring of
1782 the class of militia known as "Militia-Land Bounty Eights."
Under this arrangement for raising fifteen hundred men for the
defense of the frontiers and to fill the vacancies in the Line, the
militia companies were divided into "classes" averaging fifteen men
in number and each "class" was obliged to furnish one man fully
equipped for service, for which it received a compensation of two
hundred acres of land. The granting of lands as a bounty was neces
sitated because of the very great scarcity of specie.
2 Washington Papers, Library of Congress.

122 HISTORY OF SCHENECTADY
invitation of the townspeople, took occasion to pay
his second3 visit to Schenectady, riding over in a car
riage with General Schuyler on the thirtieth. On
their arrival these two distinguished guests were
received with "no little formality by the civil and
military authorities and escorted some distance by
a numerous procession in which [Washington]
walked with his hat under his arm."4 At the publie
dinner given later at the tavern of Robert Clench
were assembled "a respectable number of gentle
men," and to Colonel Frederick Visscher, who was
then living in Schenectady, Washington assigned the
seat on his right.5
At some time during the day an address was pub
licly delivered and before Washington set out on his
return to Albany he took occasion to write the fol
lowing reply :6
To the Magistrates and Military Officers of the town of
Schenectada :
Gentlemen — I request you to accept my warmest thanks
for your affectionate address.
In a cause so just and righteous as ours, we have every
reason to hope the Divine Providence will still continue to
crown our arms with success, and finally compel our enemies
s His first visit was a hurried one soon after the commencement of
the war in order to make arrangements for frontier defense. He
dined and lodged at the residence of John and Henry Glen and also
took tea at the residence of John Sanders. Washington again visited
Schenectady in 1786 while making a tour through the country. On this
occasion he was quartered at the inn of Eobert Clench. Hon. John
Sanders, Early History of Sehenectady, p. 274.
4 Jeptha E. Simms, The Frontiersmen of New York, II, 624.
*Tbid.« Ibid.

AFTER YORKTOWN  123^
to grant us that peace upon equitable terms, which we so
ardently desire.
May you, and the good people of this town, in the meantime,
be protected from every insidious and open foe, and may the
complicated blessings of peace soon reward your arduous
struggles for the establishment of the freedom and independ
ence of our common country. Go. WASHINGTON.
The news of the declaration of peace in 1783 was
received in Schenectady amid great rejoicing and
followed by a befitting celebration; a large bonfire of
pine knots was built on the hill overlooking the town
and hung in the midst of the flames was an effigy of
Benedict Arnold.7
With the return of peace to the frontiers the set
tlers began to return to the desolation that every
where prevailed to rebuild their homesteads and again
take up their daily tasks.
For the Indians who had fought on the side of the
King, deprived now of British support and not even
mentioned in the treaty of peace, nothing remained
but to abandon themselves to the mercy of the victors.8
In Schenectady the fortifications were permitted to
go into decay or removed and at this time also, for
the war had brought the townspeople into contact with
the men and customs of the other colonies, there
7 Jane Ferguson 's Eevolutionary Eeeollections. The American
Monthly Magazine, April, 1902.
s Due to the influence of Washington, who advocated a liberal policy
toward the Iroquois, they were not expelled from the State, where by
the laws of war all their lands had been forfeited. To the Oneidas
and Tuscaroras in 1785 were granted certain lands in the western part
of New York, which were subsequently in 1788 purchased from them by
the State.

124 HISTORY OF SCHENECTADY
began to disappear many of those primitive usages
peculiar to the Dutch inhabitants of the town.
In the English Church (St. George's), while many
of the indignities suffered by her sister churches had
been escaped, desolation now prevailed. The build
ing, dilapidated, with windows broken out, had even
become the resort of the swine that roamed at will
through the streets of the town.9 Of those who had
attended service before the war but a few remained,10
upon whom, as courage revived, devolved the bur
den of restoring the church building and renewing
parochial activities.
Soon came many from New England to the rich
lands of western New York, journeying with their
families in ox-cart and covered wagon or transfer
ring to boats at Schenectady. To meet the ever
increasing demands of the travelers and to facilitate
the transportation of supplies there was incorporated
in 1792 and completed in 1797, under the direction of
General Philip Schuyler, the enterprise known as the
Inland Lock Navigation Company, whereby boats of
a deeper draught than the small batteaux might pro
ceed without unloading from Schenectady to Oswego.
For a quarter of a century the Mohawk was to remain
a scene of commercial activity, or until 1825, when
9 Jonathan Pearson, History of the Schenectady Patent, p. 396.
10 Mr. John Doty reported in 1780 from Montreal where he had taken
refuge that "his poor little flock [had] been almost dispersed and the
few remaining were in the most deplorable circumstances," adding that
he had "been informed by a young man, lately from Sehenectady, that
the congregation consisted of only twenty-seven white adults, twenty
children and some blacks." The fate of the Presbyterian congregation
was in all probability not unlike that of St. George's. Jonathan
Pearson, History of the Schenectady Patent, p. 401.

AFTER YORKTOWN 125
with the completion of the Erie Canal the traffic of
the Valley was transferred to that channel.
In 1795 the Academy built by the Dutch Reformed
Church through the influence of Doctor Romeyn
became Union College, the consummation of a move
ment started four years before the war cry of the
Indian and crack of the rifle had ceased to resound
throughout the Valley.
With these enterprises looking toward the eco
nomic, commercial and intellectual welfare of the
community as well as with the political affairs of the
State, early became associated many men of Sche
nectady, who, with distinction, had served their coun
try throughout her struggle for independence and
whose names appear quite as prominently in the his
tory of the years following the Revolution, until each
in his turn was claimed by death, as they appear in
the short period covered by the war itself.

INDIVIDUAL RECORDS OF SERVICE

INDIVIDUAL RECORDS OF SERVICE
Adams, William : Settled in Schenectady about 1757. His
name appears as having served as a physician and on the
rolls of the 2d Albany County Militia, Land Bounty Rights.
Alexander, Alexander: Born February 19, 1765; died
September 1, 1809. His name appears on the rolls of the
2d Albany County Militia. At the commencement of the
war he was but ten years of age and it is therefore probable
that he saw very little active service.
Alexander, Robert : On March 1, 1776, he signed an agree
ment with Philip Schuyler for service at Ticonderoga
and Lake George. He is mentioned in the state treasurer's
pay book as having served as a lieutenant in the 2d Albany
County Militia.
Alexander, Sandy: His name appears on the rolls of the
2d Albany County Militia.
Ament, Eldert : Died shortly before March, 1798. A mer
chant in 1790, living on the south corner of Union and
Ferry Streets. His name appears on the rolls of the 2d
Albany County Militia. On November 21, 1776, there was
an Eldert Ament serving as ensign in the 5th Company,
3d New York Line. He resigned on December 23, 1778.
Banker, Thomas Brower: Born in 1729; died May 25,
1807. A blacksmith by trade. He built and lived in a
house on State Street at the present location of No. 224.
He and his wife, Anna Mebie, are buried side by side near
the State Street entrance of Vale Cemetery, their bodies
having been removed from the old Dutch Reformed Church
burying ground on Green Street. On October 20, 1775,

130 HISTORY OF SCHENECTADY
Banker was commissioned first lieutenant in the 4th
Company, 2d Albany County Militia. On November 22
he received a commission as captain from the Provincial
Congress and on February 10, 1776, was assigned to one
of the newly organized Schenectady companies of militia.
In May, 1777, he was on duty at Fort Edward. He
remained there for some time, after which his company
was ordered to Snookkill. He served through the cam
paign against Burgoyne. On June 20, 1778, he was re
appointed captain, and during this year served at the
Schoharie Forts and in command of a detachment under
General Clinton erecting fortifications at Sacandaga. In
the spring of 1779, he commanded a detachment to Beaver-
dam and captured seven Tories. In the summer he was
in command of a detail at Schoharie and in August went
with his company to Herkimer. In the fall he served at
Fort Plank and Stone Arabia. In August, 1780, he went
with the troops to Fort Plain after the destruction of
Canajoharie and in the fall to Ballston after the raid.
In September, 1781, he commanded a detachment which
marched some thirty miles to the north of Sehenectady
"to drive back the enemy who were said to be advancing
towards this place," and in October, he commanded a
detachment in pursuit of Major Ross and Butler. Simms
mentions an amusing incident which occurred during
General Washington's visit to Schenectady in June, 1782.
Washington was walking on the street in company with
Captain Banker when an old negro passing removed his
hat and bowed. Washington immediately returned the
compliment much to the surprise of Banker, who sug
gested that it was not the custom of the country to notice
slaves. "I cannot be less civil than a poor negro," Wash
ington replied as they walked on.
Barclay, James: His name appears on the rolls of the 2d
Albany County Militia, Land Bounty Rights.

INDIVIDUAL RECORDS OF SERVICE 131
Barhydt, Cornelius : He served as a captain of batteaumen,
and in the 2d Albany County Militia.
Barhydt, Jacob: Baptized February 9, 1753. His name
appears on the rolls of the 2d Albany County Militia.
Barhydt, James: Born in Schenectady, March 28, 1762,
and lived here until the year 1784. In the spring of 1778
he enrolled as a private under Captain Jesse "Van Slyck,
2d Albany County Militia. He performed considerable
scout and patrol duty and about June 20, 1779, as a vol
unteer private was assigned to a company of Rangers
from Cherry Valley under Captain Robert McKean. With
this company he assisted in the transportation of the
stores and baggage of General Clinton's brigade; perform
ing both guard and fatigue duty. In October, 1780, as a
private under Captain Van Slyck he marched to Scho
harie in pursuit of Sir John Johnson, Brant and Butler,
and in October, 1781, he went to Warren's Bush in pur
suit of Major Ross and was with the troops at the West
Canada Creek when Butler lost his life. A pensioner.
Barhydt, Jerone: Born in the Schenectady Township,
October 28, 1764; died July 10, 1849. When called into the
service he lived at the Norman's Kill. In 1779 he volun
teered under Major Swits, 2d Albany County Militia, for
the pursuit of Tories at the Heldebergh. In the fall of
1780 he enrolled under Captain Thomas Brower Banker
and went with the troops under General Van Rensselaer
in pursuit of Sir John Johnson. In the spring of 1781
he enlisted in the state troops. He served at the Middle
Fort, Schoharie, and at the Upper Fort, where he took
part in a battle with a party of Mohawk Indians under a
Tory named Christler. After four months' service he
again enlisted under Captain Banker and served to the
end of the war. In the fall of 1781 he took part in the
battle of Johnstown and went with the troops in pursuit
of Walter Butler as far as the West Canada Creek. He

132 HISTORY OF SCHENECTADY
performed considerable garrison duty at Schenectady and
elsewhere. He received a pension which was later sus
pended and his widow's claim rejected.
Barhydt, John: Baptized January 7, 1739. His name
appears on the rolls of the 2d Albany County Militia.
Barhydt, Lewis: Bom in 1755; died March 7, 1829. His
name appears on the rolls of the 2d Albany County Militia.
In August, 1780, he was in command of the guard at
Schenectady.
Barhydt, Nicholas: Born November 12, 1744; died April
15, 1827. On February 10, 1776, he was elected second
lieutenant in Captain Abraham Oothout 's company, 2d
Albany County Militia. He was spoken of as "an active,
zealous and valuable officer, always ready when occasion of
fered to serve his country." In the fall of 1776, he took part
in an expedition to Fort Edward, Fort Ann and Skenes-
borough, and in the summer of 1777, was with the North
ern Army at Van Schaick 's Island, Bemis Heights and
Saratoga. On June 20, 1778, he was regularly commis
sioned second lieutenant, his commission being signed by
Nathaniel Woodhull, president of the Provincial Congress.
During the summer of 1778 he was on duty at the Scho
harie Forts and in July at Fort Plain. In the spring of
1779 he again served at Fort Plain and in the fall at Stone
Arabia. In the spring of 1780 he was ordered to Johns
town and there joined the forces under Colonel Gansevoort.
In the fall of this same year he went on an expedition
to Fort Hunter. He often commanded detachments on
tours for the apprehension of Tories or on alarms when
towards the end of the war the militia was frequently
called out on short excursions. His name appears on the
rolls of the 2d Albany County Militia, Land Bounty
Rights. His widow received a pension which was, after
her death, transferred to her four children.

 INDIVIDUAL RECORDS OF SERVICE 133
Barhydt, Teunis : His name appears on the rolls of the 2d
Albany County Militia. In 1778 he was enrolled under
Captain Jesse Van Slyck.
Bartley, Daniel : His name appears on the rolls of the 2d
Albany County Militia.
Bartley, Michael: His name appears on the rolls of the
2d Albany County Militia.
Bastian, John: His name appears on the rolls of the 2d
Albany County Militia. He served as a private under
Captain John Mynderse and as a sergeant under Captain
Thomas Wasson. In 1781 he was a member of Captain
John Crousehorn's company of artillery.
Bates, David: On February 14, 1776, while serving as a
lieutenant in the Line under Captain Gerrit S. Veeder
in Colonel Cornelius D. Wynkoop's regiment, he was
recommended for the office of second lieutenant in the
company of Rangers to be formed under Captain John
A. Bradt. He accepted this office, but on April 12 asked
permission of the Committee to resign, stating that the
men were mutinous and dissatisfied at Gerrit S. Veeder
being appointed their captain instead of waiting for the
return of Bradt. The next day Bates delivered his com
mission to the Committee but he was later induced to ask
for its return and his request was granted with the admoni
tion that he watch his future behavior.
Bearup, Andrew: He was enrolled under Captain John
Mynderse, 2d Albany County Militia. In January, 1776,
he took part in the expedition to Johnstown, and in the
fall of 1777 in the campaign against Burgoyne. In the
fall of 1779 he was on duty at Stone Arabia. He served
as a batteau and fatigue man under both William Peters
and Joseph Peek, and in the fall of 1780 was stationed at
Saratoga. During the year 1781 or 1782 he is said to have
served in the Levies under Colonel Willett. His widow
received a pension.

134 HISTORY OF SCHENECTADY
Bearup, John: Probably from Princetown. His name
appears on the rolls of the 2d Albany County Militia. In
the fall of 1779 he served under Captain Abraham Oothout
in an expedition to Stone Arabia, acting as a substitute
for Christopher Ward. In July 1782, he went on scout
duty to Harpersfield. His widow's claim for pension was
rejected.
Bearup, Thomas : He is buried on the old Blessing farm in
Princetown about three hundred feet east of the house. His
name appears on the rolls of the 2d Albany County Militia.
Becker, Gerrit: His name appears on the rolls of the 2d
Albany County Militia.
Beekman, Jacob : Baptized August 9, 1761 ; died November
4, 1817. He lived on Washington Avenue. Towards the
end of the war he was appointed captain of militia to suc
ceed Captain John Van Patten, resigned.
Berkin, William : Born in ' ' Old England. ' ' On September
1, 1781, he was reported a deserter from the Levies under
Colonel Willett and was described as being five feet three
inches in height, brown complexion, black hair and eyes
and fifty-five years of age.
Bestedo, Clara: On January 18, 1776, she informed the
Committee of Safety that she had some intelligence to
communicate relative to the proceedings at Johnstown.
She was examined under oath and her information for
warded to General Schuyler, who was then on his way
there.
Beth, Jellis : Baptized August 11, 1751. His name appears
on the rolls of the 2d Albany County Militia.
Beth, Robert: Baptized November 28, 1742. In 1777 he
was serving as an ensign in Captain Abraham Oothout 's
company, 2d Albany County Militia, and in the fall of
1780 was on duty at Caughnawaga.

INDIVIDUAL RECORDS OF SERVICE 135
Beth, Thomas: Baptized January 8, 1749. His name
appears on the rolls of the 2d Albany County Militia and
the 2d Albany County Militia, Land Bounty Rights.
Boice (Buys), Abraham : His name appears on the rolls of
the 2d Albany County Militia.
Boice (Buys), James: His name appears on the rolls of the
2d Albany County Militia.
Bond, Richard: A complaint lodged against him with the
Committee of Safety was dismissed on May 30, 1777, for
lack of proof. His name appears on the rolls of the 2d
Albany County Militia.
Bonny, Ichabod: His name appears on the rolls of the 2d
Albany County Militia, Land Bounty Rights.
Bonny, John : Born in 1754 ; died September 3, 1832. He
served in the Levies under Colonel Marinus Willett. A
pensioner under the Act of June 7, 1832.
Bovte, Abraham: His name appears on the rolls of the 2d
Albany County Militia.
Bovte, Isaac: His name appears on the rolls of the 2d
Albany County Militia.
Bovte, Israel: His name appears on the rolls of the 2d
Albany County Militia.
Bovte, Jacob: Born in 1756. In March, 1776, while resid
ing in Glenville he was pressed into the service as a
teamster and required to make a trip to Montreal carry
ing baggage and sick soldiers. During the years 1776 and
1777 he served in Captain Abraham Van Eps's company,
2d Albany County Militia, and performed garrison duties
on several occasions. In September, 1777, he marched
with his company to Bemis Heights and was one of the
picket guard during the battle. He served later at Balls-
ton, Caughnawaga, Stone Arabia and the Schoharie Forts,
generally on draft and under various officers.

136 HISTORY OF SCHENECTADY
Bovte, Nicholas P.: On August 25, 1776, he enlisted in
Captain John A. Bradt 's company of State Rangers and
also served during this year under Captain Gerrit S.
Veeder. He was a familiar figure about Schenectady
where he came to live several years after the Revolution.
He was nicknamed "Sculpennick" or "Scalped Nick,"
for in July, 1777, he was shot, tomahawked and scalped by
the Indians at Fort Stanwix. He was taken to the fort
as dead by some of the soldiers. After recovering suffi
ciently to perform invalid duty, he again joined the army.
His widow received a pension.
Bovte, Nicholas R. : Baptized August 26, 1744. In Feb
ruary, 1777, he enlisted at Schenectady in a company
of batteaumen under Captain Reuben Symonds. He
served on the North River and Saratoga Lake assisting
in transporting artillery both before and at the surrender
of Burgoyne. After this service he was ordered to Fort
Stanwix with clothing and provisions. In March, 1778,
he again enlisted at Schenectady in a company of batteau
men under Captain Cornelius Barhydt, and was dis
charged December 25, 1778. He subsequently served in
the regiments under Colonels Du Bois and Visscher, and
after the repulse of Sir John Johnson in the fall of 1780
he was one of the guards to pilot to Schenectady a boat
containing a number of the wounded. A pensioner.
Bowman, Frederick : His name appears on the rolls of the
2d Albany County Militia.
Bradford, James: Probably from Glenville. His name
appears on the rolls of the 2d Albany County Militia.
Bradt, Andries: On September 26, 1776, he enlisted in
Captain John A. Bradt 's company of State Rangers.
Bradt, Anthony D. : His name appears on the rolls of the
2d Albany County Militia.

INDIVIDUAL RECORDS OF SERVICE 137
Bradt, Abent A. : Baptized January 9, 1762 ; died previous
to 1809. His name appears on the rolls of the 2d Albany
County Militia.
Bradt, Arent S.: Bom in 1743; died February 3, 1814.
Buried in Vale Cemetery. His name appears on the rolls
of the 2d Albany County Militia.
Bradt, Charles: His name appears on the rolls of the 2d
Albany County Militia.
Bradt, Cornelius: Born April 21, 1762; died August 16,
1814. Buried in Vale Cemetery. He was enrolled in the
company of Captain Jesse Van Slyck, 2d Albany County
Militia. In the summer of 1777 he served in the cam
paign against Burgoyne and in the spring of 1778 in an
expedition to Beaverdam under Captain Thomas Brower
Banker. During the summer of this same year he was on
duty at the Lower Fort Schoharie and in the fall one of
the garrison at Fort Plain. In October, 1781, he marched
under Captain John Van Patten in pursuit of Major Ross
and Butler. His widow received a pension.
Bradt, Elias: Baptized September 14, 1756. His name
appears on the rolls of the 2d Albany County Militia.
Bradt, Ephraim: He was enrolled in the company of Cap
tain Jellis J. Fonda, 2d Albany County Militia. During
the summer of 1777 he served two months in the campaign
against Burgoyne and in 1778 performed garrison duty
at the Schoharie Forts, Fort Plain and Fort Paris. In
May or June, 1779, he was with Captain Thomas Brower
Banker under General Clinton, erecting fortifications at
Sacandaga. From August to October, 1781, he was on
guard duty at Claas Viele's Fort under Sergeant William
Teller.
Bradt, Frederick : Baptized November 20, 1748. His name
appears on the rolls of the 2d Albany County Militia,
Land Bounty Rights.

138 HISTORY OF SCHENECTADY
Bradt, Gerrit: His name appears on the rolls of the 2d
Albany County Militia.
Bradt, Jacobus: Born in 1730; died March 26, 1801. His
name appears on the rolls of the 2d Albany County Militia.
Bradt, Jacobus S. : Baptized June 9, 1745. His name
appears on the rolls of the 2d Albany County Militia.
Bradt, John A. : Baptized March 22, 1741. A silversmith.
On July 10, 1775, he was recommended to the Provincial
Congress for the office of captain in the recruiting ser
vice. On February 13, 1776, while absent on a trading
expedition to Canada he was favorably considered by the
Committee of Safety for the captaincy of a troop to be
raised in the district. When approached by two members
of the Board regarding the possibility of his accepting
the office his wife stated that "she did not know when
her husband would be home and that for her part she did
not approve of his going into the army, though he always
did as he pleased. She was of the opinion that he would
not accept the commission [and] that he was ill used last
year in that respect." This report evidently did not dis
courage the Board, for on the same day (February 14) he
was assigned the captaincy in ease the organization of the
company could wait until his return. On April 10 Bradt
had not yet returned and it was therefore decided to
appoint Gerrit S. Veeder in his place. On May 7 he was
elected a member of the third Committee of Safety, and
on August 10 commissioned by the Provincial Congress
captain of a company of State Rangers for service in
apprehending Tories in Albany County. On October 26
he commanded a detachment for service at Coxsackie and
on October 30 marched with his company to Tryon County
under orders to report to Colonel Goose Van Schaick.
From December 16, 1776, to January 15, 1777, he was
stationed with his company at Fort Constitution and in
January he petitioned Congress as the men complained

 INDIVIDUAL RECORDS OF SERVICE 139
that such duty was contrary to their terms of enlistment.
On March 27 the company was ordered discharged. On
April 19, he was granted a tavern license by the Com
mittee of Safety. On May 20 the election of a new Board
, was held at his home.
Bradt, John S. : Born September 16, 1754; died October
19, 1804. His name appears on the rolls of the 2d Albany
County Militia.
Bradt, Mindert: Born in 1752; died June 7, 1806. A
blacksmith. Buried in Vale Cemetery. His name appears
on the rolls of the 2d Albany County Militia.
Bradt, Samuel: Born August 22, 1715; died August 3,
1799. He served in the 2d Albany County Militia previous
to July 8, 1777, on which date he was relieved from further
duty as being "disordered in mind and in a bad state of
health."
Bradt, Samuel S. : Baptized April 10, 1737. His name
appears on the rolls of the 2d Albany County Militia.
Bragham, John: Baptized October 16, 1743; died in 1820.
He is buried on the Michael Brougham farm (now owned
by Henry Raeger) in Princetown. The graveyard is about
three hundred feet east of the house on the south bank of
the creek. His name appears on the rolls of the 2d Albany
County Militia.
Bragham, Joseph: Baptized May 5, 1734. His name
appears on the rolls of the 2d Albany County Militia.
Bragham, Simon: Baptized June 14, 1718; died before
1786. His name appears on the rolls of the 2d Albany
County Militia.
Broachim, John: A farmer. On July 23, 1780, he was
sent under arrest to Albany as being connected with a plot
to join the enemy or supplying them with provisions. On
August 10 he was released on bail.

140 HISTORY OF SCHENECTADY
Brower, Hendric : Born October 15, 1731 ; died December
11, 1801. His name appears on the rolls of the 2d Albany
County Militia and the 2d Albany County Militia, Land
Bounty Rights.
Brower, Richard: His name appears on the rolls of the
2d Albany County Militia.
Brown, Abraham : His name appears on the rolls of the 2d
Albany County Militia.
Brown, John: Enlisted from Scheneetady under Captain
John Graham, 1st New York Line.
Burnham, William: Born in 1760; died January 9, 1822.
He served as a private in the Connecticut Line. A pen
sioner under the Act of March 18, 1818.
Burns, Arent: His name appears on the rolls of the 2d
Albany County Militia.
Burns, David: His name appears on the rolls of the 2d
Albany County Militia.
Cahill, John: Born in 1745; died March i, 1822. On
November 17, 1776, he enlisted for the war and was
assigned to the 8th Company, 1st New York Line. He
deserted on October 10, 1780.
Cain, Barent: His name appears on the rolls of the 2d
Albany County Militia.
Cain, Peter Warren: Born in Warren's Bush, March 2,
1750. During the Revolution and after he lived in Glen-
ville. In the spring of 1775 he enlisted for one month
under Captain John Van Patten, 2d Albany County
Militia. He then enlisted under Captain Cornelius Van
Dyck in the New York Line, and served for nine months.
He marched to Ticonderoga, Crown Point and the Isle
Aux Noix. He was with the detachment that reduced
Chamblee and fought at the siege of St. John's. In
January, 1776, he took part in the expedition to Johns-

 INDIVIDUAL RECORDS OF SERVICE 141
town, and on his return mounted guard at Teunis Swart 's
Fort. In the fall of 1777 he served twenty-five days with
the Northern Army as orderly sergeant under Captain
John Van Patten. Previous and subsequent to this ser
vice he volunteered in the company of batteaumen under
Myndert Wemple and was employed in transporting sup
plies on the Hudson and Mohawk Rivers. He performed
various garrison and fatigue duties and went on several
tours for the apprehension of Tories. In 1780 he was
stationed at the Highlands, in a fatigue company under
Captain William James, and in October, 1781, was in the
battle of Johnstown, marching with the detachment in
pursuit of the enemy to the West Canada Creek. A pen
sioner under the Act of June 7, 1832.
Campbell, Alexander: A native of Scotland. He settled
in Schenectady in 1762, later removed to Schoharie, but
was again a resident of Schenectady on June 3, 1775,
under orders never to return to Schoharie. In 1776 it
being ascertained that he had warned Sir John Johnson
of his danger, a mob burned his storehouse at Schoharie
and later destroyed his store at Schenectady with goods
and merchandise, "burning at the same time eight loads
of hay and poisoning two milch cows." He was subse
quently sent a prisoner to Connecticut, but on December
3 was permitted to return home on parole. In May, 1777,
he was recommended to the field officers as "a dangerous
person," and on May 3 was arrested to be taken to Albany
but was released on his oath that he would take up arms in
defense of the country in case of any invasion. On Sep
tember 7, 1778, he refused to take the Oath of Allegiance,
and requested permission of the Commissioners of Con
spiracies to remove to Canada with his family. This
request was granted and he was ordered to prepare him
self to be removed on the shortest notice. He probably
acted as a spy on various occasions, as his petition to the
British Government for remuneration contains an item

142 HISTORY OF SCHENECTADY
of £15 13s., cash paid to sundry expenses in obtaining
information of the situation of the Continental Army for
Generals Burgoyne and Fraser.
Campbell, Dantel : Born September 19, 1730 ; died August
16, 1802. He came to Scheneetady some time in the year
1754. He commenced business as an Indian trader with
a pack on his back and at the commencement of the
war was reputed to have amassed a considerable fortune.
He lived in the house now known as 101 State Street, which
was erected for him in 1762. He was an intimate friend
of Sir William Johnson and in 1771 was one of the judges
of the Court of Common Pleas for Albany County. On
August 5, 1775, he was granted a permit by the Committee
of Safety to go to Canada on private business. On April
17, 1776, he was refused a recommendation from the Board
for permission to obtain a pass from General Schuyler
"to forward goods up the country." In May, 1777, he
was recommended to the field officers as "a dangerous
person." On May 22 he voluntarily took an oath that
he would take up arms in defense of the country in case
of any invasion. On July 30 he was ordered arrested
and to appear before the State Committee for refusing
to receive Continental currency in payment of a debt. On
May 1, 1778, he was brought before the Commissioners
of Conspiracies "for speaking words that in the opinion
of the Board might have a dangerous tendency and prove
detrimental to the liberties of America. ' ' He was released
on bail and on June 14, was cited to appear before the
Committee to render satisfaction touching his conduct
conformable to the Act regarding persons of a neutral
and equivocal character. On July 17 he refused to take
the Oath of Allegiance and was ordered to hold himself
in readiness to be removed within the enemy's lines. On
July 29 he requested a temporary suspension of the pro
ceedings and on August 1 declared his readiness to take
the Oath, but was not permitted to do so as the Act did

INDIVIDUAL RECORDS OF SERVICE 143
not permit of the Oath being administered to one who had
already refused to take it. He was ordered to be ready
for removal on the fourteenth. On May 19, 1779, the Oath
was administered to him in accordance with the provisions
of the amended Act. His name appears on the rolls of the
2d Albany County Militia.
Campbell, Kenneth : Born in 1743. On January 23, 1777,
he enlisted for the war and was assigned to Captain Henry
Tiebout's company, 3d New York Line. He was later
transferred to the company of Captain George Sytez. He
was in Fort Stanwix when besieged, at the battles of White
Plains and Monmouth and at the surrender of Cornwallis.
A pensioner under the Act of March 18, 1818.
Canoot, John: On March 4, 1776, he was appointed an
overseer of batteaumen by the Schenectady Committee of
Safety for service at Lake George.
Carley, Joseph: Bom in 1762; died April 23, 1842. On
May 6, 1779, he was drafted for nine months' service and
assigned to Captain John F. Hamtramck's company, 5th
New York Line. He served in Sullivan's expedition
against the Indians. At the expiration of the period for
which he was drafted, in January, 1780, he enlisted for
the war under Captain Henry Du Bois. He remained in
this company until the winter of 1783, when he was
transferred to Captain Hamtramck's company of light
infantry connected with the same regiment. At the close
of the war he was honorably discharged and given a badge
of merit. A pensioner under the Act of March 18, 1818.
Cartwright, Henky: His name appears on the rolls of
the 2d Albany County Militia.
Cartwright, John: His name appears on the rolls of the
2d Albany County Militia.
Cassada (or Cassety), John: He was enrolled in the com
pany of Captain Jellis J. Fonda, 2d Albany County Mili-

144 HISTORY OF SCHENECTADY
tia, entering service some time in 1776. He served two
months in the campaign against Burgoyne. In 1778 he
was on duty near German Flats with State troops or
Levies, and in the same year served at the Schoharie Forts
and at Fort Plain. In the fall of 1781 he marched with
the troops in pursuit of Major Ross and Butler. His
widow received a pension.
Catlet, Thomas: His name appears on the rolls of the 2d
Albany County Militia.
Celder, Abraham: His name appears on the rolls of the
2d Albany County Militia.
Ceron, Christopher: A joiner. On November 15, 1779, he
went bail for Julius Bush.
Cessler, Thomas : His name appears on the rolls of the 2d
Albany County Militia.
Channel, John: His name appears on the rolls of the 2d
Albany County Militia.
Channel, Thomas: His name appears on the rolls of the
2d Albany County Militia.
Charles, Hendrick : Baptized May 30, 1731. On March 1,
1776, he signed an agreement with Philip Schuyler for
service at Lake George and Ticonderoga. His name
appears on the rolls of the 2d Albany County Militia.
Christiannse, Ahasueras: Baptized February 26, 1749.
His name appears on the rolls of the 2d Albany County
Militia and the 2d Albany County Militia, Land Bounty
Rights.
Christiannse, Isaac : Born in Schenectady, January 1, 1755,
and lived here all his life. In the summer of 1775, he
enlisted under Captain John Mynderse, 2d Albany County
Militia, and served as a "minute man" until the spring
of 1777 when Mynderse 's company was disbanded and its
members joined to the regular militia under Colonel Abra-

 INDIVIDUAL RECORDS OF SERVICE 145
ham Wemple. In January, 1776, he took part in the
expedition to Johnstown, and during the summer was
employed at Ticonderoga and near-by places erecting
storehouses and aiding in the building of boats for the
army. During the summer and fall of 1777 he was sta
tioned at Fort Miller, Fort Ann and Fort Edward. He
took part in the engagement at Snookkill and at Still
water on September 19. In 1778 he performed garrison
duty at the Upper Fort, Schoharie, under Captain Fink,
and in 1779 was on duty at German Flats guarding
farmers while they were bringing in their crops. In the
fall of 1780 he marched to Ballston in pursuit of the
enemy. A pensioner under the act of June 7, 1832.
Cilker, William : His name appears on the rolls of the
2d Albany County Militia.
Clark, Henry A. : His name appears on the rolls of the 2d
Albany County Militia.
Clark, Matthis : His name appears on the rolls of the 2d
Albany County Militia.
Clark, William: On April 19, 1777, he was granted a
tavern license by the Committee of Safety, but later fell
under suspicion of having bartered liquor for clothes with
the soldiers. His name appears on the rolls of the 2d
Albany County Militia.
Clement, Arent: Baptized April 8, 1722. His name
appears on the rolls of the 2d Albany County Militia.
Clement, Eldert: His name appears on the rolls of the
2d Albany County Militia.
Clement, Johannes: Baptized September 24, 1732. On
March 1, 1776, he signed an agreement with Philip Schuyler
for service at Lake George and Ticonderoga. His name
appears on the rolls of the 2d Albany County Militia.
Clement, Peter: Baptized February 22, 1761. His name
appears on the rolls of the 2d Albany County Militia.

146 HISTORY OF SCHENECTADY
Clench, Ralph: Born in 1760; died January 19, 1828. A
native of Schenectady, where he lived until the commence
ment of the war. He joined the British forces as a cadet
in the 42d Regiment and for his conduct in the action
which terminated in the surrender of General Burgoyne
was commissioned and transferred to the 8th or King's
Regiment. Shortly after, he was given a lieutenancy in
Butler's Rangers and in this corps he served until its
reduction in 1783.
Clench, Robert : Died during the latter part of 1781. He
kept an inn on the south corner of State and Water
Streets, which was spoken of as "a good house of enter
tainment." This house, which was one of those spared
in 1690, was destroyed in the fire of 1819. On February
12, 1776, he was reported to the Committee of Safety for
making some unbecoming expressions, which upon inves
tigation were found not serious enough to warrant pun
ishment. In May, 1777, he was recommended to the field
officers as "a dangerous person." On May 22 he volun
tarily took oath that he would take up arms in defense
of the country in case of any invasion. On July 23, 1778,
he was cited to appear before the Commissioners of Con
spiracies to render satisfaction regarding his conduct
conformable to the Act respecting persons of a neutral
or equivocal character. On July 25 he requested time to
consider taking the Oath of Allegiance and on August 1,
the Oath was administered.
Clute, Bartholomew: Born in Schenectady, December
30, 1764. He lived here all his life. During the year
1778 and on various other occasions he performed garri
son duty at Schenectady. In March or April, 1779, he
enlisted in a company of artificers under Captain John
Clute and served three months at Saratoga and other
places in the vicinity. On this occasion he found a large
twelve-inch brass mortar which had been buried by the

INDIVIDUAL RECORDS OF SERVICE 147
British at the Surrender of Burgoyne. For this he was
allowed a compensation by General Schuyler. During the
summer of the same year he volunteered with a detach
ment of militia and Oneida Indians under Captain J. B.
Vrooman. They marched to Schoharie and assisted in
capturing a party of runaway Tuscarora Indians. In
December, 1780, he enrolled under Captain John Myn
derse, 2d Albany County Militia, and served in his com
pany to the end of the war. On many occasions he acted
as a scout and Indian spy. He was a member of Captain
John Crousehorn's company of artillery. In the fall of
1781 he joined the troops in pursuit of Major Ross and
Butler under the immediate command of Captain Thomas
Brower Banker, marching as far as Caughnawaga, where
he mounted guard for some time and then returned to
Sehenectady. A pensioner under the Act of June 7, 1832.
Clute, Daniel Toll: Born November 29, 1754; died July
25, 1815. Buried in Vale Cemetery. He was enrolled
under Captain Jesse Van Slyck, 2d Albany County Militia,
and in 1781 was a member of Captain John Crousehorn's
company of artillery. His name appears on the rolls of
the 2d Albany County Militia, Land Bounty Rights.
Clute, Frederick: His name appears on the rolls of the
2d Albany County Militia.
Clute, Isaac: Born March 15, 1756. During the fall of
1777, he served near Fort Stanwix in a company of batteau
men under Captain Jacobus Peek. In 1778, as a private
under Captain John Mynderse, 2d Albany County Militia,
he performed garrison duty at Stone Arabia and also
served as a batteauman at various places along the Hud
son River under Captain Jacobus Peek. In 1779 he
served at Saratoga in a company of artificers under the
immediate command of Lieutenant-Colonel Christopher
Yates, and in 1780 he marched to Ballston when it was

148 HISTORY OF SCHENECTADY
attacked. His name appears on the rolls of the 2d Albany
County Militia, Land Bounty Rights.
Clute, Jacob: Born January 18, 1736. On April 1, 1777,
he was elected overseer of highways at Schenectady. His
name appears on the rolls of the 2d Albany County Militia
and in 1778 he was enrolled under Captain Jesse Van
Slyck.
Clute, Jacob P.: Born in Schenectady, March 4, 1759;
died January 16, 1848. In 1775 he was enrolled under
Captain Jesse Van Slyck, 2d Albany County Militia. He
served the whole of the year 1776 on guard duty at Sche
nectady. In the summer of 1777 he went on draft to Fort
Edward, where, and at other posts, he performed six
weeks' service. He was in the engagement at Snookkill.
In 1778 he performed nine months' service in Captain
Christopher Miller's company of artificers employed in
constructing boats at Coeymans. During the spring and
fall of 1780 he served with the troops against Sir John
Johnson, and in October, 1781, with the troops undeT
Colonel Willett against Major Ross and Butler. He was
in the battle of Johnstown and went with the detachment
that pursued the enemy to the West Canada Creek. On
the return to the main army after Butler was killed a
squad of thirteen became detached and "would have been
lost in the woods if Jacob P. Clute had not been with
them and being a perfect woodsman directed them through
to the Mohawk River."
Clute, Jellis: His name appears on the rolls of the 2d
Albany County Militia and in 1778, he was enrolled under
Captain Jesse Van Slyck. His name also appears on the
rolls of the 2d Albany County Militia, Land Bounty Rights.
Clute, John: On August 12, 1777, he was serving as cap
tain of a company of fatigue men and laborers. On
December 9, 1777, he was elected constable at Schenec
tady and in 1779 was captain of a company in the Quarter-

INDIVIDUAL RECORDS OF SERVICE 149
master's Department, having charge of the public black
smiths serving at Saratoga.
Clute, John Baptist: His name appears on the rolls of
the 2d Albany County Militia. In 1778 he was enrolled
under Captain Jesse Van Slyck. He also served under
Captain Thomas Brower Banker. In August, 1782, he was
on garrison duty at the Upper Fort, Schoharie, and in
September of the same year on scout duty at Sacandaga.
A pensioner under the Act of June 7, 1832.
Clute, John Curtiss : His name appears on the rolls of the
2d Albany County Militia.
Clute, John F. : Born in February, 1748; died July 22,
1805. His name appears on the rolls of the 2d Albany
County Militia.
Clute, Peter: Born April 28, 1765; died July 7, 1835.
His name appears on the rolls of the 2d Albany County
Militia.
Combes, John: Baptized September 8, 1751. He served
as a private and as a sergeant under Captain John Myn
derse, 2d Albany County Militia.
Conan, Daniel: On March 4, 1776, he refused to go to
Lake George as overseer of carpenters and batteaumen
under General Schuyler.
Conde, Adam: Born September 25, 1748; died in Glen-
ville, September 22, 1824. In 1770 he lived on the west
corner of Church and Front Streets. He was probably
enrolled under Captain Jesse Van Slyck. In 1776 he
served at Saratoga in a company of fatigue men under
Captain Jacob Vrooman. During the summer and fall
of 1777 he was with Colonel Wemple 's regiment on duty
at Snookkill, Bemis Heights and other posts occupied by
the American army. Late in the summer of 1778 he
performed six weeks' garrison duty at the Lower Fort,
Schoharie, and later six weeks' duty at Fort Plain. In

150 HISTORY OF SCHENECTADY
the fall of 1779 he performed three months' garrison duty
at Stone Arabia, and in October, 1781, he was on duty
at Fort Hunter and other posts after Warren's Bush was
destroyed.
Conner, Lancaster: On July 11, 1776, he was elected a
member of the Committee of Safety and on April 1, 1777,
was elected fire master at Schenectady. On June 15, 1779,
he was again chosen a member of the Committee of Safety.
His name appears on the rolls of the 2d Albany County
Militia, Land Bounty Rights.
Conner, Simon: His name appears on the rolls of the 2d
Albany County Militia.
Conover, Samuel: Born in Albany in 1759. He moved to
Schenectady at the age of sixteen and went to live with
John Mynderse in order to learn the blacksmith's trade.
In May, 1777, he enlisted for four months under Captain
John Mynderse, 2d Albany County Militia, and marched
to Fort Edward. He was in the engagement at Snook
kill. At Stillwater he was wounded in the ankle by the
accidental discharge of a musket in the hands of one of
his own company and this rendered him lame for the
remainder of his life. He was honorably discharged a
short time before the battle of Saratoga. In November,
1777, he was drafted, assigned to Captain Price's company
and detailed for guard duty at Albany. He remained
there until March, 1778. In July, 1780, he volunteered
under Colonel Volkert Veeder and marched to Schoharie,
serving also during this year one month at Stone Arabia.
A pensioner under the Act of June 7, 1832.
Consaul, David : Died previous to May 7, 1818. He served
under Captains Jesse Van Slyck and John Van Patten,
2d Albany County Militia. In September, 1782, he went
on scout duty to Mayfield and Sacandaga.
Consaul, Manuel: His name appears on the rolls of the
2d Albany County Militia.

INDIVIDUAL RECORDS OF SERVICE 151

Corl, Henry: His name appears on the rolls of the 2d
Albany County Militia and the 2d Albany County Militia,
Land Bounty Rights.
Corl, John: Born in 1757; died April 24, 1842. Buried
in Vale Cemetery. In the spring of 1775 he enlisted under
Captain John Mynderse, 2d Albany County Militia. He
took part in the expedition to Johnstown in January,
1776, and in March enlisted in Captain John Clute 's com
pany of fatigue men and served in it for one year. In
the summer of 1777 he served under Captain John Myn
derse with the Northern Army. He was at Bemis Heights.
In the fall he enlisted and served in Captain James Peek's
company of batteaumen employed in transporting provi
sions and ammunition from Schenectady to Fort Stanwix.
In 1778 he performed garrison duty at the Schoharie Forts
under Captain Walter Vrooman. In the fall of 1779 he
mounted guard at Fort Paris and served with the troops
under General Van Rensselaer at Fort Hunter. In 1780
he was engaged at Watervliet for the Continental Con
gress under Captain Bowman in cutting wood to make
charcoal for the use of the blacksmiths and artisans of
the army. In 1781 he was with the troops under Colonel
Marinus Willett in the pursuit of Major Ross and Walter
Butler. A pensioner.
Corl, William: Bom in 1760; died March 19, 1848.
Buried in Vale Cemetery. In the spring of 1776 as a
substitute he marched to the Heldebergh under Captain
John B. Vrooman, and in the fall of the same year he
enrolled in the company of Captain Jesse Van Slyck, 2d
Albany County Militia. In January, 1777, he was serving
in a company of fatigue men under Captain Jacobus Peek.
From July until the beginning of October (when he was
taken sick and obliged to return home) he served with
the Northern Army at Fort Edward, Stillwater, Fort
Miller, Saratoga, Van Schaick 's Island and Snookkill.
During the years 1778 and 1779 he performed various

152 HISTORY OF SCHENECTADY
scout and garrison duties. On January 1, 1780, he again
enlisted in the company of batteaumen under Captain
Jacobus Peek. In the fall of 1780 he took part in the
expedition to Ballston.
Cornu, Daniel: Baptized December 21, 1740. His lot was
on the north side of State Street, extending easterly from
the present line of the canal. His name appears on the
rolls of the 2d Albany County Militia and he saw service
under Captain Thomas Brower Banker.
Cornu, Wessel: Baptized March 18, 1764. On March 1,
1780, he enlisted in Captain Thomas Brower Banker's
company, 2d Albany County Militia, commencing service
in the garrison at Schenectady, serving there until about
July 18, when his company was ordered to Beaverdam
in pursuit of Tories. He served two weeks in each month
from April to July in garrison at Schenectady. On
August 1 he marched to Schoharie with a part of Captain
Banker's and a part of Captain Mynderse 's companies
and there served one month guarding farmers while they
harvested their crops. On September 1 he returned to
Schenectady and served one week on garrison duty. He
performed like service three weeks in October and two
weeks in November. During 1781 he served in "minute
service" under Captains Banker and Jesse Van Slyck,
mostly at Schenectady, although he was sometimes called
for scout duty along the line of the Mohawk River. In
September he marched on an alarm some thirty miles to
the north of Schenectady in pursuit of the enemy who
retreated without an engagement; during this campaign
Cornu was absent about one month, most of the time
being quartered at Ballston. In October and November
he served two weeks of each month in garrison at Sche
nectady, and in 1782 performed various garrison and scout
duties, marching in July with a detail of forty men under
Captain Gerrit S. Veeder to Fort Plain and Fort Plank

INDIVIDUAL RECORDS OF SERVICE 153
to serve as guard while the crops were being harvested.
A pensioner.
Covel, William: His name appears on the rolls of the 2d
Albany County Militia.
Crawford, Alexander: He was enrolled under Captain
Thomas Wasson, 2d Albany County Militia. On Feb
ruary 25, 1780, he was promoted to the rank of ensign.
Crawford, John: His name appears on the rolls of the 2d
Albany County Militia.
Crawford, Joseph: He enlisted for nine months at Sche
nectady April 1, 1781, as a corporal under Captain Law
rence Gross, Colonel Marinus Willett 's New York Levies.
He was later promoted to the rank of sergeant and served
as such until his discharge in December, 1781. His
widow's claim for pension was rejected.
Crousehorn, John: He lived on the east corner of State
and Jay Streets. He was a tanner by trade. In 1781
he was appointed captain of a volunteer company of artil
lery enlisted in Schenectady and consisting of fifteen men.
To this company was particularly intrusted the cannon of
Colonel Wemple 's regiment.
Cummings, John: Buried August 25, 1801. On June 19,
1775, he enlisted under Captain Cornelius Van Dyck for
the defense of Fort Ticonderoga. His name appears on
the rolls of the 2d Albany County Militia enrolled under
Captain Thomas Brower Banker.
Cuyler, Cornelius: A merchant. On May 26, 1775, he
was appointed a member of the first Committee of Safety
to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of John
Sanders. On August 11 he was appointed to receive the
"donation wheat for the poor of Boston," and on Novem
ber 17 to draw up articles to be signed by the various
officers before receiving their commissions. On December
29 he was one of the town's magistrates. On October 9,

154 HISTORY OF SCHENECTADY
1776, he was appointed by the Committee of Safety of
the State of New York one of a committee in Albany
County "to purchase all the coarse woolen cloth, linsey-
woolsey, blankets, woolen hose, mittens, coarse linen, felt
hats and shoes fitting for soldiers and to have the linen
made up into shirts."
Cuyler, John: Enrolled under Captain Thomas Brower
Banker, 2d Albany County Militia. On December 29,
1775, he was one of the town's magistrates. On February
10, 1776, he was elected a member of the Committee of
Safety, and served as a member on several subsequent
Committees. On April 1, 1777, he was elected assessor,
and on June 7 appointed one of a committee to consult
with the inhabitants of Tryon County regarding the elec
tion of governor. On June 15, 1779, he was chosen a mem
ber of the Committee of Safety and on July 9 appointed
chairman of the Board to succeed Abraham Oothout
resigned.
Davis, Abraham : His name appears on the rolls of the 2d
Albany County Militia.
Davis, John: His name appears on the rolls of the 2d
Albany County Militia.
De Garmo, Matthew: Born in Albany. During the Revo
lution he lived in Schenectady. He was enrolled part
of the time under Captain Jellis J. Fonda and part under
Captain Jesse Van Slyck, 2d Albany County Militia.
Early in the spring of 1777 he enlisted in a company
of batteaumen under Captain Teunis Fisher and served
until the fall (when the company was discharged), trans
porting stores from Albany to Lake George and other
places. In January, 1778, he enlisted in the Quarter
master's Department at Saratoga under the immediate
charge of Colonel Christopher Yates, and in the fall of
the same year served on an expedition up the Mohawk
River. In the fall of 1779 under Captain Ahasueras Mar-

INDIVIDUAL RECORDS OF SERVICE 155
selis he went to Fort Hunter and other places along the
Valley. In August, 1782, he was on garrison duty at the
Upper Fort, Schoharie. His name appears on the rolls
of the 2d Albany County Militia, Land Bounty Rights.
A pensioner.
Degolyer, James : His name appears on the rolls of the 2d
Albany County Militia.
Degolyer, Joseph: Born at Kinderhook in the year 1762.
He moved to Glenville in the year 1769. In 1778 he
entered the service in Captain John Van Patten's com
pany, 2d Albany County Militia, as a substitute for Har-
manus Veeder, and performed garrison duty at the
Upper Fort, Schoharie. In 1779 he served at Fort Plank,
and in October, 1780, with the troops under General Van
Rensselaer took part in the battle of Klock's Field. From
the middle of July to the end of November, 1781, he was
on garrison duty at the Middle Fort, Schoharie. A pen
sioner.
De Graff, Abraham: Born April 20, 1754; died June 1,
1810. His name appears on the rolls of the 2d Albany
County Militia.
De Graff, Andreas : His name appears on the rolls of the
2d Albany County Militia.
De Graff, Cornelius : Born November 23, 1738 ; died July
11, 1830. He lived on the south side of State Street. His
name appears on the rolls of the 2d Albany County Mili
tia under Captain Thomas Brower Banker and on the
rolls of the 2d Albany County Militia, Land Bounty
Rights.
De Graff, Daniel: Bom May 26, 1708; died March 12,
1790. On April 24, 1777, he was detailed as a wagoner
for service from Albany to Lake George.
De Graff, Isaac: Born in Schenectady, November 16,
1757; died December 21, 1844. In October, 1776, he

156 HISTORY OF SCHENECTADY
entered the service as a deputy commissary of issues,
being appointed by Elisha Avery. He was stationed at
Johnstown and served until August, 1777, when Avery
resigned. He continued to hold office under various ap
pointments until July 1, 1780, when in consequence of a
change in the commissary department his term of service
closed. A pensioner under the Act of June 7, 1832.
De Graff, Jesse : Born January 13, 1745 ; died August 30,
1812. In 1777 he was enrolled under Captain Jesse Van
Slyck, 2d Albany County Militia. On July 2, 1779, he
was appointed one of a committee of four to sell salt to
the people of the district. About 1780 he served as a
captain of the guard at Schenectady. His name appears
on the rolls of the 2d Albany County Militia, Land Bounty
Rights.
De Graff, John: Born in Glenville. In 1775 he enrolled
under Captain John Van Patten, 2d Albany County Mili
tia. In January, 1776, he went with the forces under
General Schuyler to Johnstown, and in October of the
same year was on duty at Fort Ann for one month. In
the spring of 1777 he was drafted in a company mustered
at Schenectady under Captain Jellis J. Fonda and per
formed three months' service at West Point. In Sep
tember, 1777, he marched to Bemis Heights, returning
home after Burgoyne's surrender. In May, 1779, he
marched with a detachment to Sacandaga to erect a block
house, and later performed garrison duty at the Scho
harie Forts. From May to December, 1780, he was con
stantly on duty. His company was stationed in Glenville
and at a place called Tinker's Hill erected a picket fort.
His company was employed at this time in pursuing
Indians and Tories and to prevent incursions of the
enemy. In October of this same year De Graff marched
on an alarm to Palatine, being out two weeks. A pen
sioner.

INDIVIDUAL RECORDS OF SERVICE 157
De Graff, John N. : His name appears on the rolls of the
2d Albany County Militia.
De Graff, Nicholas : His name appears on the rolls of the
2d Albany County Militia, Land Bounty Rights.
De Graff, Simon : Born April 6, 1753. On March 1, 1776,
he signed an agreement with Philip Schuyler for service
at Lake George and Ticonderoga. His name appears on
the rolls of the 2d Albany County Militia.
De Graff, William : Buried September 22, 1803. His name
appears on the rolls of the 2d Albany County Militia.
De La Grange, Myndert: On August 12, 1777, he was
taken into custody as a "disaffected person."
Dellamont, Abraham: Baptized July 19, 1729; died
December 23, 1792. He lived at the Norman's Kill. His
name appears on the rolls of the 2d Albany County Militia.
Dellamont, Hendrick : Born October 24, 1745 ; died August
20, 1820. Buried in Vale Cemetery. In 1781 he owned
the lot on Union Street where the old Court House now
stands. He served as a private and as a sergeant in the
2d Albany County Militia.
Denny, John : On June 20, 1775, having just returned from
Canada he was cross-questioned by the Committee of
Safety regarding conditions there. On February 8, 1776,
he appeared before the Committee to give information
against one John Freel of Johnstown. On February 29
he accepted a recruiting warrant from General Schuyler
with the rank of ensign. On November 21, 1776, he was
promoted to the rank of second lieutenant, 1st New York
Line, and in this capacity he served until October 7, 1778,
when he resigned from the service.
De Spitzer, Aaron: Buried in Vale Cemetery. In June,
1780, as a corporal under Captain Jesse Van Slyck, 2d
Albany County Militia, he went in command of a detail to

158 HISTORY OF SCHENECTADY
Beaverdam and Harpersfield. He served also in the Levies
under Colonel Morris Graham.
De Spitzer, Gerrit: Born June 28, 1758; died June 2,
1801. Buried in Vale Cemetery. On September 24, 1776,
he enlisted in Captain John A. Bradt 's company of State
Rangers. In 1778 he was serving as a sergeant under
Captain Jesse Van Slyck, 2d Albany County Militia. In
May he commanded a detail to Sacandaga and in April,
1779, a detail to Ballston and Glens Falls. In November
he commanded at the Upper Fort, Schoharie, and went in
charge of a detail for scout duty to the Norman's Kill
and Beaverdam. In April, 1780, he went on scout duty
to Glens Falls and Lake George, and in June, 1781, was
in command of a detail sent to Sacandaga to watch the
movements of the Sacandaga Indians. In September he
went to Beaverdam and Harpersfield on scout duty, and in
July, 1782, commanded a party sent by the Schenectady
Committee to Harpersfield to reconnoiter and spy on the
enemy. In September he was in command of a scout at
Sacandaga and Mayfield.
Dilleno, Hendric: His name appears on the rolls of the
2d Albany County Militia.
Dorn, Abraham: His name appears on the rolls of the
2d Albany County Militia.
Dorn, John: His name appears on the rolls of the 2d
Albany County Militia and the 2d Albany County Militia,
Land Bounty Rights. The name of John Dorn appears
also on the rolls of the 3d Company, 1st New York Line.
He enlisted on March 11, 1777, and was mustered to the
end of the war.
Doty, Rev. John: In 1773 he became rector of St. George's
Church. He considered himself bound by the Oath of
Allegiance to adhere to the British Government. In May,
1777, he was recommended to the field officers as "a dan
gerous person." He was brought before the Committee

 INDIVIDUAL RECORDS OF SERVICE 159
of Safety and accused of plotting against the State. He
denied the charge of plotting but declared that he was
loyal to England. He was committed to the Albany jail
but was soon discharged. He was, subsequent to his
return to Schenectady, taken from his bed by two armed
men and with some others hurried to Albany where an
oath (of neutrality, as he believed) was proposed to him.
This oath he refused to take and notwithstanding his
refusal he was permitted to return to Schenectady where
he remained until the defeat of General Burgoyne, when
he procured permission to retire to Canada. General
Gates offered him a living of £200 per annum if he would
remain, but this he refused. He was later appointed chap
lain of Sir John Johnson's 1st Battalion. He retired on
half pay and died in England. His property in Sche
nectady, which was confiscated, was three hundred and
fifty-three acres of land, valued at £239 ; a chamber organ,
which he placed in the Church for security, and a "toler
able" library.
Douw, Abraham: His name appears on the rolls of the 2d
Albany County Militia.
Duncan, John : Born in 1722 ; died May 5, 1791. He came
to Schenectady in 1755, and was a merchant of consid
erable means, having his warehouse on the northwest
corner of Washington Avenue and Union Street. Soon
after his establishment he took into partnership James
Phyn, a London merchant. The firm of Duncan & Phyn
became widely known, and both men very wealthy. The
business was later carried on by the Ellices, on the retire
ment of Mr. Duncan. Mr. Duncan had a city residence
on the southeast corner of Union and Ferry Streets, and
a country seat comprising some eight hundred acres
known as the Hermitage situated in Niskayuna, of which
the present estate of Mr. Welton Stanford comprises a
part. He lived in Schenectady after the war and died
here. On March 11, 1776, General Washington informed

160 HISTORY OF SCHENECTADY
the Committee of Safety that he had been informed that
Duncan had three hundred stand of arms.. On May 21
the Board was informed that a number of enemies to the
cause of liberty were gathered at his house. The Board,
however, did not feel justified in taking any action, as
the Hermitage was outside the Schenectady district. On
December 19 he was ordered confined to the limits of his
farm until further notice and required to give a bond of
£500 for his good behavior and the carrying out of the
order. On March 28, 1777, he was paroled by the Com
mittee of Safety. In May he was recommended to the
field officers as "a dangerous person," and on May 3
arrested in order to be taken to Albany, but was released
after giving his oath that he would take up arms in
defense of the country in case of any invasion. On
October 16 the inhabitants petitioned General Gates for
his removal as commissary for the purchase of supplies
for the hospital, and on November 7 he resigned. On
July 23, 1778, he was cited to appear before the Com
missioners of Conspiracies to render satisfaction regard
ing his conduct conformable to the Act respecting per
sons of a neutral or equivocal character. He was unable
to attend because of illness, but on August 1 appeared
and requested time to consider taking the Oath of Alle
giance. On August 8 he again appeared and stated that
while he "conceived himself not to be comprehended
within the meaning of the Act nevertheless to show his
farther zeal and attachment to the State and the cause
of America, he was willing and ready to take the Oath
voluntarily." This he accordingly did. On August 16,
1780, he was reported as having received letters from the
enemy. His name appears on the rolls of the 2d Albany
County Militia and the 2d Albany County Militia, Land
Bounty Rights.
Duncan, Richard : Died in February, 1819. He was living
with his father in Schenectady when the war broke out.

INDIVIDUAL RECORDS OF SERVICE 161
In June, 1776, under an assumed name he accompanied
to Johnstown General McLean, an officer of the British
service who had come to the house in disguise, endeavor
ing to make his way to Canada. In May, 1777, he was
recommended to the field officers as a "dangerous per
son." He was appointed a captain in the British army
and joined the troops at Saratoga, bringing with him not
a few volunteers. He remained with the troops until a
little while before the Convention, when with General
Burgoyne's permission he left to join his corps at Ticon
deroga accompanied by a number of other soldiers. The
band was pursued and fired upon by the American troops
but no one was taken prisoner. He was in immediate
command of a company of regular troops under Sir John
Johnson in his attack upon the Mohawk River settlements
in 1780, and is said to have commanded "with great gal
lantry and success on the retreats, when attacked by a
spirited regiment of the army of General Robert Van Rens
selaer. " He remained in the army until the reduction of
his regiment in 1783. Captain Duncan "was never taxed
with cruelty or severity by the settlers" and after his
father's death in 1791, he resided for many years at the
Hermitage, "an accomplished Christian gentleman, of
extremely urbane manners and very much respected."
Dunlap, James: He served as a private in Captain Jacob
Reed's company, 2d or New York Regiment of artillery.
He lost his eyesight, was transferred to the Corps of
Invalids and discharged April 10, 1783.
Earley, Edward : On August 20, 1776, he was serving as a
member of Captain John A. Bradt 's company of State
Rangers. On April 19, 1777, he was granted a tavern
license by the Committee of Safety. He was probably an
enlisted soldier, for on September 11 he was detailed as a
guard to accompany a prisoner to Albany.

162 HISTORY OF SCHENECTADY
Ellice, Alexander: A merchant from London in business
in Schenectady as early as 1768. Known to have been
an open enemy to the American cause. In May, 1775,
he was said to have "harangued the people in the street
and endeavored to discourage them from forming a com
mittee of safety. ' ' In the fall he moved to England.
Ellice, James: A merchant from London in business in
Schenectady as early as 1768. He remained here during
and after the war. On April 13, 1776, he was given a
certificate by the Committee of Safety to the effect that he
had signed the General Association and that to their
knowledge he had done nothing against the American
cause. On May 25 he was given a pass to go to German
Flats on business. In May, 1777, he was recommended to
the field officers as a "dangerous person," and on the
twenty-second voluntarily took oath that he would take up
arms in defense of the country in case of any invasion. On
May 1, 1778, he was brought before the Commissioners of
Conspiracies for "speaking words that in the opinion of
the Board might have a dangerous tendency and prove
detrimental to the liberties of America." On July 14
he was summoned "to render satisfaction regarding his
conduct as a neutral and equivocal character." On July
16 he refused to take the Oath of Allegiance and was
requested "to hold himself in readiness to go off in eight
days." On July 20 the matter was reported to the Sec
retary of State, and on August 1 he declared his readi
ness to take the Oath. He was not permitted to do so,
however, as the law did not allow the Oath to be adminis
tered to one who had once refused to take it. He was
ordered to be ready on August 14 for transportation to
the enemy's lines, and on that day was taken into close
confinement in accordance with orders from Governor
Clinton. On May 19, 1779, the Oath of Allegiance was
administered to him as authorized by the amended Act.

INDIVIDUAL RECORDS OF SERVICE 163
Ellice, Robert: A merchant from London in business in
Schenectady as early as 1768. On April 13, 1776, Gen
eral Schuyler was informed by the Committee of Safety
that he had not signed the General Association and that
he was looked upon as an enemy to the American cause
of liberty. On April 22 he was refused a certificate for
the purpose of obtaining a passport as being an enemy.
On April 24 he signed an affidavit to the effect that he
had not signed the General Association and openly de
clared himself as a friend of the American cause for the
reason that he had a great deal of property up country
and that he felt such action would be detrimental to the
settling of his affairs. Upon this declaration he was given
the certificate of character requested.
Empie, John : Born October 3, 1731. His name appears on
the rolls of the 2d Albany County Militia.
Fairly, Caleb: Baptized December 7, 1735. His name
appears on the rolls of the 2d Albany County Militia and
the 2d Albany County Militia, Land Bounty Rights.
Fairly, John: Baptized May 28, 1732. In 1778 he was
a member of Captain Jesse Van Slyck 's company, 2d
Albany County Militia.
Felthousen, Christoffel: Died in 1799. On March 1,
1776, he signed an agreement with Philip Schuyler for
service at Lake George and Ticonderoga. His name
appears on the rolls of the 2d Albany County Militia, Land
Bounty Rights.
Felthousen, John: Born in Schenectady, January 12,
1764. In 1779, when fifteen years old, he substituted for
his father Christoffel and others. In the spring of 1780
he enlisted under Captain James McGee, Colonel Morris
Graham's Levies, and served four months, during which
time he marched to West Point, Dobbs Ferry and other
posts. At Dobbs Ferry he took part in an encounter with
a British brig. After this period of service he enrolled

164 HISTORY OF SCHENECTADY
under Captain J. B. Vrooman, 2d Albany County Militia,
and served to the end of the war. He went to Beaver
dam twice, to Fort Hunter, Fort Paris and Johnstown,
performing garrison duty at the latter places for a period
of about one month each. When not out on expeditions
he mounted guard at Schenectady. A pensioner under
the Act of June 7, 1832.
Fetherly, John: On August 12, 1777, he was arrested
and sent to Albany as implicated in a Tory plot.
Flansburgh, William F. : Born in Scheneetady and resided
here at the beginning of the war. At the time of his enlist
ment in the regular troops he was only twelve or thirteen
years of age. He was in the battle of White Plains and
Monmouth. In the spring of 1780 he enrolled under Cap
tain Walter Vrooman in the New York Levies, and in
the fall of the same year was detailed with a company of
about sixty men to destroy boats of the enemy lying on
Onondaga Lake. While returning they were all taken
prisoners and Flansburgh after many vicissitudes was
taken to London. He was later brought back to Canada,
whence he made his escape and reached Schenectady soon
after the war was over. A pensioner.
Fletcher,  : On May 22, 1775, it was reported
to the Committee of Safety "by good authority that one
Mr. Fletcher a schoolmaster in the Town had said that
Col. Guy Johnson would come down the River with 500
Indians and cut us all off, and further that it would be
right, and if he had it in his power he would do the same
for we were all rebels." Fletcher failed to appear when
summoned before the Board.
Folger, Benjamin: His name appears on the rolls of the
2d Albany County Militia.
Folger, Thomas: Born in England, April 26, 1750. In
1774 he came to Currybush, now Princetown, and in the
spring of 1775 volunteered and was assigned to the com-

INDIVIDUAL RECORDS OF SERVICE 165
pany of Captain Thomas Wasson, 2d Albany County
Militia. In the fall of 1776 he served at Fort Edward.
In 1777 he was at Fort George when destroyed by the
American troops, and took part in Schuyler's retreat.
He was discharged the day after General Gates arrived
at Bemis Heights, his service having expired. He re
turned home and had been there but two days when he
was again ordered out. He performed garrison duty on
various occasions and several times went in pursuit of
Joseph Bettis. In the fall of 1780 he was at the Middle
Fort, Schoharie, when Timothy Murphy fired on the flag
of truce as it approached the fort with a demand for sur
render, and in the fall of 1781 he marched with the troops
in pursuit of Major Ross and Butler, on which occasion,
accompanying the party of Oneidas who followed Walter
Butler, he was present at his death. A pensioner.
Fonda, Abraham: Born July 17, 1715; died February 13,
1805. He lived in the house No. 27 Front Street built
by himself in 1752. On May 7, 1776, he was elected a
member of the third Committee of Safety, and on January
15, 1777, was appointed chairman. He served also on the
Committees taking office June 2, 1777, and January 5,
1778. On August 8, 1778, he was serving as a justice of
the peace.
Fonda, Jacob G. : Born in the Schenectady Township,
August, 1761; died in West Glenville, December 8, 1859.
He was living in Albany in the spring of 1778, when he
enlisted under Captain Gerrit Groesbeck, 1st Albany
County Militia. He performed various garrison and scout
duties and was in the battle of Klock's Field with the
troops under General Van Rensselaer. His claim for pen
sion was rejected.
Fonda, Jellis A. : Born October 25, 1759 ; died at Chit-
tenango, August 27, 1834. Buried in Vale Cemetery. In
1777 he was serving as an ensign in Captain Jesse Van

166 HISTORY OF SCHENECTADY
Slyck 's company, 2d Albany County Militia. He per
formed service at Fort Ann, Fort George and Fort
Edward, and was in the battle of Bemis Heights. In
1778 he was enrolled in Captain John Mynderse 's com
pany and attached to General Frederick Visscher 's bri
gade. He was promoted to the rank of lieutenant. Dur
ing the year 1780 he served as a lieutenant and adjutant
in Colonel Morris Graham's Levies at West Point and
Harper's Ferry. At West Point he acted as brigade major
for a few weeks in the absence of Major Lansing. He
"was one of the 1200 men whom General Arnold (pre
vious to his treachery) sent away to Fort Edward to
weaken the garrison at West Point." During the years
1781 and 1782 he was attached to the Levies under Colonel
Willet with the same rank as before. He saw service at
Fort Plain, German Flats, Fort Stanwix and at the battles
of Torloek and Johnstown. On November 1, 1782, he was
promoted to the rank of captain. In February, 1783, he
went with the expedition to Fort Oswego under Colonel
Marinus Willett. A pensioner.
Fonda, Jellis J.: Born January 13, 1751; died in 1839.
Buried in the family cemetery in Glenville. On May 27,
1775, he was appointed captain of a company of minute
men, which came to be known as "The Greens" because
of the color of their uniforms. On July 10, 1775, he
refused an offer of a recruiting warrant from the Provin
cial Congress. On October 20, 1775, a commission as
captain was issued in his name by the Provincial Con
gress. He was reappointed June 20, 1778, the commis
sion being signed by Governor Clinton. In January,
1776, and again in June he went to Johnstown. In the
fall of the same year, he marched with his company to
Stillwater where they were in camp for some time. From
Stillwater they marched to Fort Ann, thence down Wood
Creek to Skenesborough as guards for boats. He served
with particular distinction in the campaign against Bur-

 INDIVIDUAL RECORDS OF SERVICE 167
goyne and at the battle of Bemis Heights. He served in
many expeditions and on various garrison duties during
the succeeding years of the war, being especially zealous
in the discharge of his offices. While on guard duty at
Schenectady he was spoken of as "attending roll call and
giving orders every morning at daybreak, sometimes 2
hours before day. ' ' He was actively engaged in the battle
of Johnstown (October, 1781) and in the pursuit of the
enemy, and on this occasion he "so highly distinguished
himself that Colonel Willett addressed him a letter of
thanks for his services and praising him for his intrep
idity." A pensioner under the Act of June 7, 1832.
Forseth, George: A clerk in the employment of James
Ellice. On April 13, 1776, General Schuyler was informed
by the Committee of Safety that he had not signed the
General Association and that they looked upon him as an
enemy to the American cause of liberty. In May, 1777,
he was recommended to the field officers as "a dangerous
person." On May 22 he voluntarily took oath that he
would take up arms in defense of the country in case of
any invasion.
Fort, John : Born June 14, 1725 ; died in 1821. He served
as a sergeant under Captain Thomas Brower Banker, 2d
Albany County Militia.
Fort, John D.: Baptized April 1, 1750. He served as a
private and as a sergeant under Captain Thomas Brower
Banker, 2d Albany County Militia.
Frank, David : He served as a private under Captain Jacob
Schermerhorn and as a private and sergeant under Cap
tain Thomas Brower Banker, 2d Albany County Militia.
Freeman, Richard: In 1776 he enlisted in a company of
Tryon County Rangers and served nine months. In May,
1777, he enlisted under Captain Giles Wolcott, Colonel
Seth Warner's regiment, and served until July 15, 1779,

168 HISTORY OF SCHENECTADY
when he was taken prisoner by the enemy "on the 14
Mile Island" in Lake George after an engagement "in
which the greater part of the troops were killed and
scalped." He made his escape in October, 1780, and on
his return found his regiment disbanded. His name
appears on the rolls of the 2d Albany County Militia,
Land Bounty Rights. He lived in Schenectady until 1819.
A pensioner under the Act of March 18, 1818.
French, David : In 1781, he was a member of Captain John
Crousehorn's company of artillery. His name appears
on the rolls of the 2d Albany County Militia.
Freys, Hendrick: His name appears on the rolls of the
2d Albany County Militia, Land Bounty Rights.
Furman, John: His name appears on the rolls of the
2d Albany County Militia.
Gardinter, James: His name appears on the rolls of the
2d Albany County Militia, Land Bounty Rights.
Gardner, William: His name appears on the rolls of the
2d Albany County Militia.
Glen, Henry: Baptized July 13, 1739; died January 6,
1814. He was for some years a trader in company with
his brother, John, and Jacobus Teller. On May 6, 1775,
he was chosen a member of the first Committee of Safety.
He served as a representative from Albany County in the
first, second and third Provincial Congresses. On July
23, 1775, he was appointed one of a committee to go to
Johnstown to inquire into the causes of the disturbances
in that section. On February 10, 1776, he was appointed
captain of one of the newly organized militia companies
but did not serve actively as such. During the war he
acted as deputy quartermaster, having charge of all sup
plies at Schenectady. During the spring of 1781, he
pledged his personal credit to build sixteen batteaux for
the service. He .was appointed one of the three commis-

INDIVIDUAL RECORDS OF SERVICE 169
sioners of Indian affairs in accordance with the Act of
March 25, 1783.
Glen, Isaac: His name appears on the rolls of the 2d
Albany County Militia. In the fall of 1777 he was at
Stillwater, but returned home before the battle of Bemis
Heights. On July 28, 1778, he was chosen first lieutenant
in a company of Exempts formed in Schenectady under
Captain Jacob Schermerhorn.
Glen, Jacob: On April 21, 1779, it was reported to the
Commissioners of Conspiracies that he had drunk ' ' success
to the British Army and wished they might conquer
America with many other Expression's inimical to the
American Cause."
Glen, John: Baptized July 2, 1735; died September 23,
1828. He was a trader in company with his brother,
Henry, and Jacobus Teller. He built and occupied the
house on Washington Avenue now numbered 58. He was
a highly esteemed personal friend of General Washington.
In 1775 he bought the tract of land on the Hudson which
afterwards became known as Glens Falls. On July 25,
1778, he was cited to appear before the Commissioners
of Conspiracies to give satisfaction touching his conduct
during the war agreeable to the act respecting persons of
neutral and equivocal character, and on August 1 took
the Oath prescribed by the Act. His name appears on
the rolls of the 2d Albany County Militia.
Glen, John Sanders: Baptized January 25, 1733. His
name appears on the rolls of the 2d Albany County Militia.
Goff, Isaac: On June 19, 1775, he enlisted under Captain
Cornelius Van Dyck for the defense of Ticonderoga. He
served in the Canadian campaign under Captain Barent
Ten Eyck, 2d New York Line, and was at the taking of St.
John's, Chamblee, Montreal and at the siege of Quebec.
He returned with the regiment to Saratoga and was dis-

170 HISTORY OF SCHENECTADY
charged under Captain Andrew Finck about December 20,
1776.
Gordon, Charles: He was living in Schenectady in 1779.
His name appears on the rolls of the 2d Albany County
Militia.
Gordon, Joseph: In 1783 his home was on Church Street
next north of the Dutch Church lot. His name appears on
the rolls of the 2d Albany County Militia, enrolled under
Captain John Mynderse. On March 1, 1776, he signed an
agreement with Philip Schuyler for service at Lake George
and Ticonderoga.
Gordon, Robert: His name appears on the rolls of the 2d
Albany County Militia.
Gordon, William : His name appears on the rolls of the 2d
Albany County Militia, enrolled under Captain John
Mynderse. On March 1, 1776, he signed an agreement
with Philip Schuyler for service at Lake George and
Ticonderoga.
Gravenberg, John: His name appears on the rolls of the
2d Albany County Militia. In 1778 he was enrolled under
Captain Jesse Van Slyck.
Gregg, Andrew: His name appears on the rolls of the 2d
Albany County Militia.
Gregg, James: His name appears on the rolls of the 2d
Albany County Militia.
Gregg, John: On August 6, 1777, the Committee of Safety
was informed that he had drunk the health of King George
the Third at Bradt 's Tavern. On being summoned before
the Board he "made the most humble concessions" and
"out of compassion to his family he was discharged."
Groot, Abraham C. : Died in 1818. His name appears on
the rolls of the 2d Albany County Militia.

INDIVIDUAL RECORDS OF SERVICE 171
Groot, Amos: His name appears on the rolls of the 2d
Albany County Militia.
Groot, Andrew: His name appears on the rolls of the 2d
Albany County Militia.
Groot, Cornelius : His name appears on the rolls of the 2d
Albany County Militia.
Groot, Elias : On October 10, 1776, he enlisted in Captain
John A. Bradt 's company of State Rangers. His name
appears on the rolls of the 12th Albany County Militia,
Land Bounty Rights.
Groot, Philip: His name appears on the rolls of the 2d
Albany County Militia.
Groot, Simon : Born in 1749. His name appears on the
rolls of the 2d Albany County Militia, enrolled under
Captain Jellis J. Fonda. In September, 1777, he was at
Stillwater but not in the battle, being out on scout duty.
Groot, Simon A.: Baptized October 31, 1756; died March
4, 1838. In the spring of 1775 he was enrolled as a private
in the company of Captain Thomas Brower Banker, 2d
Albany County Militia. This same year he served six
months as an artificer at Lake George under Jacob Vroo
man. In January, 1776, he took part in the expedition
to Johnstown. He was at Ticonderoga when the fort was
evacuated and at Bemis Heights under General Arnold.
He took part in Sullivan's expedition and was at the West
Canada Creek when Walter Butler was killed, on which
occasion he took a prisoner. He performed various garri
son duties and went on various details for the apprehension
of Tories. He was for a long time captain of the city guard
at Schenectady. A pensioner under the Act of June 7,
1832.
Groot, Simon C. : Baptized November 17, 1745 ; died in
West Glenville, February 10, 1832. His name appears on

172 HISTORY OF SCHENECTADY
the rolls of the 2d Albany County Militia, as serving under
Captain Thomas Brower Banker.
Guthrie, Abraham : He served as a private in the 1st New
York Line.
Hackney, George: In 1778 he served at the Middle Fort,
Schoharie, under Captain W. B. Vrooman, and in the
summer of 1779 at Sacandaga erecting fortifications under
Captain Thomas Brower Banker. In the fall of the same
year he was on duty at Fort Paris. In October, 1781, he
was wounded in the head by a tomahawk at Johnstown
and confined for some time in the hospital. His widow
received a pension.
Hagedorn, Harmanus: His name appears on the rolls of
the 2d Albany County Militia.
Hall, John: On October 11, 1776, he enlisted in Captain
John A. Bradt 's company of State Rangers. He was
discharged on January 21, 1777, having returned his
bounty. His name appears on the rolls of the 2d Albany
County Militia.
Hall, John W. : On March 1, 1776, he signed an agreement
with Philip Schuyler for service at Lake George and
Ticonderoga. His name appears on the rolls of the 2d
Albany County Militia.
Hall, Nicholas: Baptized July 27, 1748; died April 17,
1828. His name appears on the rolls of the 2d Albany
County Militia as serving under Captain Jesse Van Slyck.
Hall, William: A weaver. On October 18, 1776, he en
listed in Captain John A. Bradt 's company of State
Rangers. His name appears on the rolls of the 2d Albany
County Militia.
Hanna, Alexander: He served as a corporal under Cap
tain Thomas Wasson, 2d Albany County Militia.

INDIVIDUAL RECORDS OF SERVICE 173
Hare, Peter: His name appears on the rolls of the 2d
Albany County Militia.
Harnel (Harner), Samuel: His name appears on the rolls
of the 2d Albany County Militia.
Harsey, William: His name appears on the rolls of the
2d Albany County Militia.
Hedget, Abraham: His name appears on the rolls of the
2d Albany County Militia.
Helmer, Henyost: His name appears on the rolls of the
2d Albany County Militia.
Hendrick, Peter: His name appears on the rolls of the
2d Albany County Militia.
Henry, John : Born in Schenectady, February 24, 1764. In
February, 1780, he enlisted under Captain John Mynderse,
2d Albany County Militia. Previous to this enrollment he
performed guard duty at Schenectady. He served on
several expeditions notably to Ballston in the fall of 1780,
and to Warren's Bush after it was burned. His claim for
pension was rejected.
Hetherington, Joseph: His name appears on the rolls of
the 2d Albany County Militia.
Hilton, Benjamin: On May 29, 1775, he was appointed a
lieutenant in a company for the defense of Ticonderoga,
but on June 23 gave in his resignation and refused to
serve. On January 14, 1776, a letter signed by Hilton
addressed to Sheriff White and containing "some expres
sions very unfriendly to the American cause" was deliv
ered to the Committee of Safety. On January 15, when
brought before the Board, Hilton declared that he was
the author of the letter, and that he knew he was doing
wrong but never thought it would be discovered. In com
pliance with a resolution of the Committee he promised
to cause the letter and his declaration to be published three
weeks successively in "Hugh Gaines newspapers."

174 HISTORY OF SCHENECTADY
Hoogteling, Jacobus : On July 12, 1777, he was arrested
by order of the Committee of Safety and sent to the Albany
jail for endeavoring to persuade two men to desert to the
British. There was a Jacobus Hoogteling who, judging
from the minutes of the Commissioners of Conspiracies,
bore a somewhat unsavory reputation and caused this
Board considerable annoyance.
Hoople, George or Jerry: His name appears on the rolls
of the 2d Albany County Militia. In 1781 he was a mem
ber of Captain John Crousehorn's company of artillery,
and in July, 1782, was on scout duty at Harpersfield.
Horsford, John: Baptized November 4, 1758. His name
appears on the rolls of the 2d Albany County Militia.
Horsford, Reuben: From Farmington, Connecticut. A
hatter. His name appears on the rolls of the 2d Albany
County Militia, Land Bounty Rights.
House, John George : His name appears on the rolls of the
2d Albany County Militia.
House, Peter: His name appears on the rolls of the 2d
Albany County Militia.
Hughan, John: On July 10, 1775, he made application to
the Committee of Safety to raise a company, stating that
he already had twenty men engaged. Permission was
refused because many of the men enlisted had not signed
the Association. His name appears on the rolls of the 2d
Albany County Militia.
Hydenburgh, Sybrant: His name appears on the rolls of
the 2d Albany County Militia.
Jacquish, John: On October 31, 1776, he enlisted in Cap
tain John A. Bradt 's company of State Rangers.
James, William : On April 19, 1777, he was granted a tav
ern license by the Committee of Safety. His name appears

INDIVIDUAL RECORDS OF SERVICE 175
on the rolls of the 2d New York Line and the 2d Albany
County Militia, Land Bounty Rights.
Kees, John: His name appears on the rolls of the 2d
Albany County Militia.
Kennedy, Alexander: His name appears on the rolls of
the 2d Albany County Militia.
Kennedy, John: His name appears on the rolls of the 2d
Albany County Militia and the 2d Albany County Militia,
Land Bounty Rights.
Kennedy, Samuel: Born at Currybush (Princetown) in
1760. In May, 1776, he enlisted in Captain John Winn's
company of Tryon County Rangers. He served in this
company until about February 1, 1777. In June of this
year he volunteered in an independent company under
a Captain Canute [sic] and served until the end of August,
after which he volunteered under Captain Thomas Was
son, 2d Albany County Militia, and served with the
Northern Army until after the surrender of Burgoyne.
In the spring of 1778 he enlisted as a batteauman and
served for nine months between Albany and New York.
Subsequent to 1778 he served with the militia on various
expeditions. A pensioner.
Kingsley, Joseph: On February 8, 1776, he stated to
the Committee of Safety under examination that "he
differed with them in sentiments in regard to the present
dispute between Great Britain and the Colonies." He
was ordered committed to the Albany jail to await trial
at the next general meeting of the Committee. He re
turned to Schenectady on his release and on April 27 was
summoned and ordered to pay twenty shillings, the
amount expended in connection with his imprisonment,
for a sled and two minute men to carry him to Albany. On
his refusal to pay he was given the choice of so doing or of
again being confined in the Albany jail. On May 1 the
chairman reported the account paid.

176 HISTORY OF SCHENECTADY
Kinsela, Joseph: Born at Lisburn, Ireland, in 1749; died
April 15, 1816. His name appears on the rolls of the 2d
Albany County Militia, Land Bounty Rights.
Kittle, Adam: On December 28, 1776, he enlisted in Cap
tain John A. Bradt 's company of State Rangers. In
1778, he was enrolled in the 2d Albany County Militia
under Captain Jesse Van Slyck. He died a little before
October 7, 1781, and was said to have been killed in the
war.
Kittle, Daniel: Baptized September 23, 1733. He was
enrolled in Captain Jesse Van Slyck 's company, 2d Albany
County Militia. In 1777 he served with the Northern
Army at Stillwater and Bemis Heights, and in 1778 with
a company of batteaumen under Captain Cornelius Bar
hydt. In 1779 he performed garrison duty at Fort Plain
and Fort Plank. He served as batteauman and on gar
rison duty on various occasions to the end of the war.
His widow received a pension.
Kittle, David: His name appears on the rolls of the 2d
Albany County Militia.
Kittle, Ezra: His name appears on the rolls of the 2d
Albany County Militia.
Kittle, John: His name appears on the rolls of the 2d
Albany County Militia.
Lambert, John: Born in 1753; died July 26, 1809. A
schoolmaster. He lived on the east side of Church Street,
about midway between Union and State Streets. On
June 19, 1775, he enlisted under Captain Cornelius Van
Dyck for the defense of Ticonderoga. He subsequently
served as a private under Captain John Mynderse and as
a private and sergeant under Captain Jellis J. Fonda, 2d
Albany County Militia.
Lansing, Abraham G. : His name appears on the rolls of the
2d Albany County Militia.

INDIVIDUAL RECORDS OF SERVICE 177
Lansing, Alexander C. : Baptized September 8, 1751. On
March 1, 1776, he signed an agreement with Philip Schuy
ler for service at Lake George and Ticonderoga.
Lansing, Cornelius: His name appears on the rolls of the
2d Albany County Militia.
Lansing, Gerrit G. : Baptized February 8, 1756. On Novem
ber 7, 1775, he was elected a member of the second Com
mittee of Safety. On March 4, 1776, he was appointed
overseer of batteaumen at Lake George, and on March 5
was objected to by certain persons as being too young to
serve, although the objection was not sustained by the
Committee. On July 9, 1777, he gave the use of a wagon
for the service. He served as a private under Captain
Jellis J. Fonda, and as quartermaster in the 2d Albany
County Militia.
Lansing, John G. : On May 24, 1775, he was appointed
with John Post keeper of three hundred and thirty-eight
pounds of gunpowder purchased from Daniel Campbell.
On June 23, 1775, he was appointed ensign in Captain
Cornelius Van Dyck's company for the defense of Ticon
deroga to fill the vacancy caused by the promotion of
Cornelius Van Slyck. On July 10, 1775, he was recom
mended to the Provincial Congress to fill the position of
first lieutenant in the recruiting service. On February
28, 1776, he was serving with the New York regiments in
Canada with the rank of second lieutenant. On October
7, 1776, he was serving in Colonel John Nicholson's regi
ment with the rank of first lieutenant. In 1779 he was
adjutant in the 3d Tryon County Militia under Colonel
Frederick Visscher, serving in September or October of
that year at Fort Plank and Stone Arabia.
Lansing, John S. : Baptized March 17, 1745. On Septem
ber 5, 1776, he enlisted in Captain John A. Bradt 's com
pany of State Rangers.

178 HISTORY OF SCHENECTADY
Lara way, Isaac: Born in 1756; died June 3, 1828. He
served as a private in the 5th New York Line and in the
3d Albany County Militia. He received a pension of $96
per annum and after his death his widow was allowed $30
per annum.
Latta, William: On October 30, 1776, he enlisted in Cap
tain John A. Bradt 's company of State Rangers, being
discharged on January 23, 1777, as unfit for duty. His
name appears on the rolls of the 3d Albany County Militia.
Lewis, Henry: In 1778, he enlisted under Captain James
Rosekrans, 5th New York Line. He served nine months
after which he was discharged for "inability." A pen
sioner under the Act of March 18, 1818.
Lewis, John: His name appears on the rolls of the 2d
Albany County Militia.
Lewis, William: Baptized November 5, 1720. His name
appears on the rolls of the 2d Albany County Militia as
serving under Captain John Van Patten.
Liddle, Andrew: A native of Ireland. He was living in
Schenectady when the war broke out. A blacksmith by
trade and evidently prosperous as he is said to have had
a home well furnished and apprentices to aid bim in his
work. In July, 1777, he joined General Burgoyne's army
at Saratoga and served until its capitulation. While
attempting to join the British forces in Canada he was
taken prisoner and confined in the Albany jail. On May
2, 1778, he was released on his entering into "Recogniz
ance for his good behaviour and Monthly appearance"
before any of the Commissioners of Conspiracies at Sche
nectady. All his property was confiscated "some plun
dered, some sold at vendue."
LiGHTHALL, ABRAHAM (ABRAHAM J. OR W.) : Baptized
September 12, 1753. In 1776 he served in a company of
artificers under Captain Jacob Vrooman, and in 1777

INDIVIDUAL RECORDS OF SERVICE 179
two months in the Quartermaster's Department during
the campaign against Burgoyne. In 1778 he was drafted
for service in the Levies from Captain Jellis J. Fonda's
company, 2d Albany County Militia, and served at the
Schoharie Forts. In 1779 he was on duty at Fort Plank
and Stone Arabia. His widow received a pension.
Lighthall, George : His name appears on the rolls of the
2d Albany County Militia.
Lighthall, James N. : Born in 1758; died April 22, 1829.
On June 14, 1775, he enlisted under Captain Cornelius
Van Dyck and took part in the Canadian expedition.
In November, when his term expired, he re-enlisted at
Montreal under Captain Barent Ten Eyck. He went to
Quebec and remained with the army in its retreat in May,
1776. On January 6, 1777, he enlisted in Captain John
A. Bradt 's company of State Rangers. He served but a
short time and then enlisted for the war under Captain
Aaron Austin, 3d New York Line. Upon the consolida
tion of the regiments he was attached to the company under
Captain Cornelius T. Jansen, 1st New York Line, and in
this company he served until his discharge on June 14,
1783. His discharge was signed by General Washington.
A pensioner under the Act of March 18, 1818.
Lighthall, John: Died in Glenville, August 4, 1835. In
the spring of 1776 he enlisted at Schenectady for seven
months under Captain Gerrit S. Veeder, re-enlisting in
January, 1777, at Saratoga for the war under Captain
John Copp, 1st New York Line. He remained in this
company until July 14, 1779, when Copp resigned and
was then transferred to the company of Captain Charles
Parsons in the same regiment. He was discharged on
June 8, 1783, and "honored with the badge of merit for
seven years faithful service." A pensioner under the
Act of March 18, 1818.

180 HISTORY OF SCHENECTADY
Lighthall, Lancaster: Bom May 10, 1761. On January
22, 1777, he enlisted in Captain John A. Bradt 's company
of State Rangers. His name appears on the rolls of the
5th Company, 3d New York Line. On April 7, 1777, he
enlisted for the war and served to the end, being promoted
in July, 1779, to the rank of corporal.
Lighthall, Nicholas: Born at German Flats, August 17,
1750; died January 27, 1838. Buried in Vale Cemetery.
In the spring of 1776 he enlisted at Albany for nine
months under Captain John Hunn. He served in the
Quartermaster's Department, transporting ammunition
and provisions to Ticonderoga and other posts. At the
expiration of his term he removed to German Flats and
enlisted under Captain Frederick Frank, 4th Tryon
County Militia. In August, 1777, he fought at the battle
of Oriskany. He was on active duty at Fort Herkimer
until November, 1780, when he removed to Schenectady
and enrolled in Captain John Van Patten's company,
2d Albany County Militia. In October, 1781, he performed
three weeks' guard duty at Teunis Swart 's Fort and
served with the militia in the pursuit of Major Ross and
Walter Butler. A pensioner under the Act of June 7,
1832.
Lighthall, William: Died October 5, 1822. On June 12,
1776, he enlisted in a company of New York State
Rangers under Captain John A. Bradt. On March 7,
1776, he re-enlisted and was attached to Captain Giles
Wolcott 's company, Colonel Seth Warner's regiment. He
remained in this company as sergeant until November 14,
1778, when he was promoted to the rank of ensign and
commissioned. Under General Stark he "was highly dis
tinguished for his bravery in the battle of Bennington."
(Sanders.) In 1779 he was promoted to the rank of lieu
tenant. He remained in active service until October, 1780,
when at Fort George, N. Y., he was captured and taken

INDIVIDUAL RECORDS OF SERVICE 181
to Canada. Here he remained a prisoner of war until
November, 1782, when he was paroled and permitted to
return home until exchanged. He remained on parole
until the army was disbanded in 1783. A pensioner under
the Act of March 18, 1818.
Little, David: His name appears on the rolls of the 2d
Albany County Militia.
Little, John: On June 20, 1778, he was appointed first
lieutenant in Captain Thomas Wasson 's company, 2d
Albany County Militia.
Little, Thomas: His name appears on the rolls of the 2d
Albany County Militia as serving under Captain Thomas
Wasson.
Littlejohn, Duncan : His name appears on the rolls of the
2d Albany County Militia.
Lyne, Matthew: On August 16, 1776, he enlisted in Cap
tain John A. Bradt 's company of State Rangers. From
December 16, 1776, to January 15, 1777, he was at Fort
Constitution.
Lyport, David: His name appears on the rolls of the 2d
Albany County Militia, Land Bounty Rights.
Lyport, Jacob : Born in Glenville in 1759. He was enrolled
in Captain Abraham Van Eps's company, 2d Albany
County Militia, during the whole of the war. In 1776 he
went on an expedition to Clifton Park and Ballston in
pursuit of Joseph Bettis. From May to September, 1777
(when he returned home on account of sickness) , he served
with the Northern Army. From August to the latter part
of November, 1779, he was on duty at the Upper Fort,
Schoharie. Regarding this service one Van Patten affirms
that "Lyport was a faithful soldier and did duty bare
footed late in the fall." In the fall of 1780 he performed
two months' service at Fort Paris until discharged in
December. A pensioner under the Act of June 7, 1832.

182 HISTORY OF SCHENECTADY
McBeen, John: His name appears on the rolls of the 2d
Albany County Militia.
McCallum, James : His name appears on the rolls of the 2d
Albany County Militia.
McCarty, John: His name appears on the rolls of the 2d
Albany County Militia.
McCarty, William: His name appears on the rolls of the
2d Albany County Militia.
McCue, James: From March 1, 1777, to January 1, 1778,
he served in a company of batteaumen under Captain
Myndert R. Wemple at Fort Dayton, Fort Stanwix and
on the Mohawk River. In 1778, he served about a fort
night under Captain John Van Patten when Cobleskill
was attacked, and in 1780 was on duty when the Mohawk
settlements were destroyed. His widow received a pension.
McDonald, James: Bom in 1737; died in 1818. He is
buried in a private cemetery on the old McDonald farm
(now owned by George McClain) in Princetown. In 1781
he was a member of Captain John Crousehorn's company
of artillery.
McDougal, Duncan : His name appears on the rolls of the
2d Albany County Militia.
McDougal, John: He enlisted under Captain Robert
McKean, 1st New York Line, and was later transferred
to a company under a Captain Van Rensselaer. He was
in the retreat from Ticonderoga, at the siege of Fort Stan
wix, with the main army at Valley Forge, at White Plains
and in the battle of Monmouth. From 1779 until his dis
charge in 1780 he served as a corporal. A pensioner under
the Act of March 18, 1818.
McFarlan, Andrew: Born in 1733; died July 17, 1805.
Buried in Vale Cemetery. A merchant in Schenec
tady as early as 1767. He resided on the west comer
of Church and Water Streets. On April 22, 1776,

INDIVIDUAL RECORDS OF SERVICE 183
he was granted a certificate of character in order to obtain
a passport. On June 2, 1777, he was a member of the
Committee of Safety, and on September 5 was elected
chairman of the Board, being replaced on November 1, as
it was stated that he was going abroad. On January 5,
1778, he was again elected chairman of the Committee
of Safety. On July 2, 1779, he was appointed one of a
committee of four to sell salt to the people of the district.
His name appears on the rolls of the 2d Albany County
Militia.
McFarlin, John: His name appears on the rolls of the 2d
Albany County Militia.
McGinnis, Robert : His name appears on the rolls of the 2d
Albany County Militia.
McIntosh, John : He served as a sergeant in the New York
Militia. A pensioner under the Act of June 7, 1832.
McIntyre, William : In 1774, he was a trader located at
the corner of State and Ferry Streets. His name appears
on the rolls of the 2d Albany County Militia as serving
under Captain Thomas Brower Banker.
McKellop, Archibald: A farmer. On August 11, 1778,
while a prisoner in the City Hall at Albany he was
ordered removed to the fort by the Commissioners of
Conspiracies because of sickness. On September 7 he was
released on bail, the charges against him being but trivial.
On January 5, 1781, it was reported to the Board by the
Commissioners at Schenectady that he had refused to do
military duty and that he was adjudged a dangerous per
son. On January 12 he appeared before the Board and
denied the charges against him, whereupon he was released,
having given bond for his good behavior during the
remainder of the war.
McKtnney, Andrew : Born in Ireland in 1750 ; died Novem
ber 12, 1825. Buried in the churchyard of the Cobblestone

184 HISTORY OF SCHENECTADY
Church in Rotterdam. He served as a private in the
Pennsylvania Line. A pensioner under the Act of March
18, 1818.
McMarttn, William : His name appears on the rolls of the
2d Albany County Militia.
McMichael, Alexander: Born in 1758; died in 1818.
Buried on the old Valk farm in the town of Princetown.
In May, 1779, he was on duty at Schoharie as a sergeant
under Captain John Mynderse, 2d Albany County Militia.
In 1781 he was a member of Captain John Crousehorn's
company of artillery.
McMichael, Daniel : Born near Albany, December 15, 1758.
In the spring of 1775 he entered service from the town
ship of Schenectady under Captain Abraham Oothout,
2d Albany County Militia. Shortly afterwards he was
selected by Major Wemple as his servant and remained
in that capacity for a period of two years. In the fall
of 1777, previous to Burgoyne's surrender, he served two
weeks at Fort Edward, and in the spring of 1778 at Fort
Plank. He later enrolled under Captain Jesse Van
Slyck, was appointed orderly sergeant and so served to
the end of the war. In the fall of 1779 he served at Fort
Hunter and Fort Plain, and in 1780 served as a volunteer
in a company of Rangers in pursuit of Sir John John
son after the destruction of the Mohawk settlements. He
volunteered under Captain Jellis J. Fonda when Ballston
was burned, and on his return to Scheneetady was ordered
to Fort Herkimer. In October, 1781, he marched with
the troops under Colonel Willett in pursuit of Major Ross
and Butler. He served in many expeditions and once had
charge of the ammunition and one of the redoubts at Fort
Plank. In the fall of 1782 he went with scouts under
Abraham Van Eps in pursuit of Joseph Bettis. A pen
sioner.

INDIVIDUAL RECORDS OF SERVICE 185
McMichael, James : On March 1, 1776, he signed an agree
ment with Philip Schuyler for service at Lake George
and Ticonderoga. His name appears on the rolls of the
2d Albany County Militia as enrolled under Captain John
Mynderse.
McMichael, Robert: He is mentioned on the State Treas
urer's pay book as having served as a lieutenant.
McNutt, Samuel: His name appears on the rolls of the
2d Albany County Militia.
McQueen, James : His name appears on the rolls of the 2d
Albany County Militia.
Mabb, John : He enlisted early in the war under Lieutenant-
Colonel Christopher C. Yates. In 1779 he served under
Captain Thomas Hicks, 12th Albany County Militia, and
in 1780 under Captain Lawrence Gross, Colonel Marinus
Willett 's Levies, to which regiment he was also attached
during the summer of 1781. His widow received a pension.
Mabb, Robert: His name appears on the rolls of the 2d
Albany County Militia.
Main, William: His name appears on the rolls of the 2d
Albany County Militia as serving under Captain John
Mynderse.
Manning, Edward: His name appears on the rolls of the
2d Albany County Militia.
Manning, John : Of Princetown. His name appears on the
rolls of the 2d Albany County Militia.
Markle, Dtrk: His name appears on the rolls of the 2d
Albany County Militia.
Markle, Matthew: His name appears on the rolls of the
2d Albany County Militia as serving under Captain John
Van Patten.

186 HISTORY OF SCHENECTADY
Markle, William: His name appears on the rolls of the
2d Albany County Militia as serving under Captain John
Van Patten.
Marselis, Ahasueras: Baptized April 12, 1740. On Feb
ruary 10, 1776, he was elected captain of one of the newly
organized militia companies although he probably did not
serve actively as such. On March 4 he was appointed
overseer of batteaumen for service at Lake George and
Ticonderoga. In the fall of 1779 he commanded a detach
ment (probably of fatigue men) to Fort Hunter and other
places along the Mohawk. In 1781 he was a member of
Captain John Crousehorn's company of artillery.
Marselis, Alexander : Born September 20, 1747. His name
appears on the rolls of the 2d Albany County Militia as
serving under Captain John Mynderse.
Marselis, Arent : Baptized November 26, 1732. On March
30, 1776, he complained to the Committee of Safety that
the poll kept on February 10 by Abraham Wemple at the
Widow Vrooman 's for the choosing of officers was irregular.
His name appears on the rolls of the 2d Albany County
Militia.
Marselis, Gysbert: His name appears on the rolls of the
2d Albany County Militia and the 2d Albany County
Militia, Land Bounty Rights.
Marselis, Henry A.: Born May 25, 1753; died August
12, 1821. On May 13, 1776, General Schuyler was re
quested by the Committee of Safety to send him back
from Lake George because he had not signed the General
Association. From April 21 to 28, 1778, he was in com
mand of four whites and four Indians on an expedition
to Harpersfield for scout duty. In October he performed
the same duty at Cobleskill. In April, 1780, he went on
scout duty to Glens Falls and Lake George, and in June
was in command of a detail of thirty-six whites and seven

INDIVIDUAL RECORDS OF SERVICE 187
Indians on an expedition to Beaverdam and Harpersfield.
In July and August he served under Captain Jesse Van
Slyck in pursuit of Sir John Johnson. In July, 1781, he
is spoken of as a lieutenant on garrison duty at Fort
Hunter. In June, 1782, he was again on garrison duty
at Fort Hunter.
Marselis, John Baptist: On February 10, 1776, he was
elected first lieutenant in Captain Thomas Brower
Banker's company, 2d Albany County Militia. He served
in this capacity until August, when he was transferred
as first lieutenant to a company of State Rangers under
Captain John A. Bradt.
Marselis, John J. : He enlisted at Schenectady for three
years under Captain David Van Ness, 1st New York Line.
He remained on duty at Schenectady until detailed to
accompany a drove of cattle to Fort Stanwix. He was
in the fort during the attack by St. Leger and remained
there until his time of enlistment had expired. At the
solicitation of his captain and other officers he was induced
to re-enlist for the war and was given a commission as
ensign in his company. He remained in the service until
the end of the war.
Marselis, John N. : Born January 27, 1760 ; died December
15, 1833. Buried in Vale Cemetery. He lived on Ferry
Street opposite St. George's Church. On March 1, 1776,
he signed an agreement with Philip Schuyler for service
at Lake George and Ticonderoga. In 1777 he was
enrolled in Captain Jesse Van Slyck 's company, 2d
Albany County Militia. He served to the end of the war.
He was with the Northern Army in the campaign against
Burgoyne ; at various times at the Upper Fort, Schoharie,
Fort Herkimer, Fort Plank, Fort Plain and Fort Clyde;
and in 1778 at Saratoga in a company under Lieutenant-
Colonel Christopher Yates. In October, 1780, he marched
to Ballston in pursuit of the enemy after the raid, and in

188 HISTORY OF SCHENECTADY
1781 to Canajoharie when Major Ross descended on the
Mohawk settlements. A pensioner under the Act of June
7, 1832.
Marselis, Richard: His name appears on the rolls of the
2d Albany County Militia, Land Bounty Rights.
Martin, Charles : Buried January 30, 1818. A merchant.
On April 22, 1776, he was granted a certificate from the
Commitee of Safety that he might obtain a passport from
General Schuyler. It was stated at that time that "he
appeared a true friend to the American cause, although
he had not signed the General Association." His name
appears on the rolls of the 2d Albany County Militia as
enrolled under Captain John Mynderse.
Martin, John: On August 2, 1777, he was taken prisoner
by a band of Seneca Indians and carried to the Seneca
country. He escaped but was later recaptured by a party
of Rangers in the British service and taken to Quebec by
way of Niagara and Montreal. Here he remained a
prisoner from December 17, 1777, until May 27 of the
following year, when he embarked on board the ship Maria
for Halifax, whence he was sent by a flag ship to Boston.
Martin, Robert : Baptized December 2, 1758. On May 31,
1775, the Committee of Safety arranged that part of the
men of Captain Cornelius Van Dyck's company be quar
tered at his house while the company was being recruited
and drilled.
Mead, William: Died February 1, 1829. He served as a
surgeon in the 1st New York Line from November 21, 1776,
to October 13, 1779, when he was obliged to resign from
the service because he had expended a greater part of his
property and his pay had depreciated to such an extent
that he was unable longer to adequately provide for his
family. He was at the battle of Monmouth. He moved
to Schenectady soon after his resignation from the service.
A pensioner under the Act of March 18, 1818.

INDIVIDUAL RECORDS OF SERVICE 189
Meal, Carel: His name appears on the rolls of the 2d
Albany County Militia.
Mebie, Albert: Baptized May 14, 1738; died previous to
1799. On November, 7, 1775, he was elected a member of
the second Committee of Safety. He served also on the
third Committee and on the Boards taking office June 2,
1777, and January 5, 1778. On April 1, 1777, he was
elected fence viewer, and on August 11 was serving as
captain of the town guard. On June 24, 1779, he was
again elected a member of the Committee of Safety. His
name appears on the rolls of the 2d Albany County Militia.
Mebie, Arent : Baptized in 1729. His name appears on the
rolls of the 2d Albany County Militia as serving under
Captain John Van Patten.
Mebie, Cornelius: Born March 18, 1741; died May 10,
1789. On October 20, 1775, he was commissioned first
lieutenant in Captain John Van Patten's company, 2d
Albany County Militia. His name does not appear on
the roster of regimental officers, June 20, 1778 (Archives,
State of New York), although John Van Eps (Pension
Office Records W 27862) states that Mebie was serving as
a lieutenant under Captain Van Patten in the fall of 1779.
Mebie, John: His name appears on the rolls of the 2d
Albany County Militia.
Mebie, Juiter: His name appears on the rolls of the 2d
Albany County Militia.
Mebie, Patrick: His name appears on the rolls of the 2d
Albany County Militia.
Mebie, Peter: Baptized November 14, 1742; died before
1782. In 1780 he was living at the junction of the Scho
harie Creek and the Mohawk River, but removed his
family to Rotterdam to avoid the incursions of the Indians.
He served with the troops under Colonel Marinus Willett

190 HISTORY OF SCHENECTADY
against Major Ross and Walter Butler in 1781. His name
appears on the rolls of the 2d Albany County Militia.
Mercer, Alexander : Born in 1732 ; died January 18, 1798.
His name appears on the rolls of the 2d Albany County
Militia as serving under Captain Jesse Van Slyck.
Mercker, William: His name appears on the rolls of the
2d Albany County Militia.
Mils, Chris : His name appears on the rolls of the 2d Albany
County Militia.
Mitchell, Hugh: Born in 1741; died February 21, 1784.
On May 6, 1775, he was chosen a member of the first Com
mittee of Safety and on the ninth was elected clerk of the
Board. On May 10 he was appointed a deputy for the
election of delegates to the first Provincial Congress, and
on June 27 appointed to attend the council with the
Indians at German Flats. On November 7 he was elected
clerk of the second Committee of Safety. He served also
on the Committees taking office June 2, 1777, and January
5, 1778. On December 18, 1775, he was ordered to hold
in trust £73 N. Y. C. raised for the relief of the poor of
Boston until it could be transferred to Boston, and on
May 25, 1776, he was appointed to receive the amount due
for sleds, etc., employed in the expedition to Johnstown
and to pay it out where due. On May 27 he was appointed
caretaker of the papers of the Committee. On December
19, 1777, he was appointed to purchase a quantity of salt
in certain states not to exceed six hundred bushels, to be
paid for in flour or money. On April 4, 1778, he was
appointed one of the Commissioners of Conspiracies and as
such served until March 8, 1781. His name appears on the
rolls of the 2d Albany County Militia.
Moore, John : Born in 1751 ; died April 7, 1821. He kept
an inn at the corner of Liberty and Ferry Streets. In
June, 1777, he enlisted at Schenectady in Captain Leonard

INDIVIDUAL RECORDS OF SERVICE 191
Bleeker's company, 3d New York Line. He was after
wards transferred to the 1st New York, under Colonel
Goose Van Schaick. He was in Fort Stanwix when it
was besieged by St. Leger and was at the capture of Lord
Comwallis at Yorktown. He served until June, 1783, when
he was honorably discharged by General Washington. A
pensioner.
Moore, William: In the spring of 1775 he was appointed
an ensign in Captain Thomas Wasson 's company, 2d
Albany County Militia. On August 5, 1777, he informed
the Committee against one John Gregg who had drunk the
health of King George the Third at Bradt 's Tavern. On
February 25, 1780, he was commissioned second lieutenant
in Captain Wasson 's company, and on April 27, 1781, was
serving as a lieutenant in the Levies under Colonel Marinus
Willett.
Morrel, Thomas : A merchant. On August 10, 1777, it was
reported to the Committee of Safety that he was harboring
a band of Tories. His name appears on the rolls of the 2d
Albany County Militia as enrolled under Captain Thomas
Brower Banker.
Moyston, Robert: Born April 24, 1745; died August 3,
1798. His name appears on the rolls of the 2d Albany
County Militia, and the 2d Albany County Militia, Land
Bounty Rights.
Muller, Jacob Jr. : His name appears on the rolls of the
2d Albany County Militia.
Munro, John : He was a merchant in Schenectady for some
time after 1760, but previous to the Revolution moved to
Albany. On May 24, 1776, the Committee of Safety at
Schenectady was ordered by Colonel Dayton to apprehend
and treat him as a common enemy to the liberty of America.
On the next day he was summoned before the Board and
sent to Albany under guard for confinement in the Albany

192 HISTORY OF SCHENECTADY
jail. This is the Major Munro who led the attack on the
settlement of Ballston in October, 1780.
Munroe, Alexander: Born in 1743; died April 21, 1823.
On August 31, 1776, he enlisted in Captain John A.
Bradt 's company of State Rangers. On March 12, 1777,
he enlisted for three years and was assigned to the 8th
Company, 3d New York Line. A pensioner under the
Act of March 18, 1818.
Murray, Alexander : He served in the Levies under Colonel
Marinus Willett. A pensioner under the Act of June 7,
1832.
Murray, John : Baptized April 5, 1752. His name appears
on the rolls of the 2d Albany County Militia as serving
under Captain Thomas Wasson and on the rolls of the 2d
Albany County Militia, Land Bounty Rights.
Murray, William: In 1775 he enlisted under Captain
Cornelius Van Dyck. He served under General Mont
gomery at St. John's, Chamblee and Montreal. In the
spring of 1777 he enlisted for the war under Captain
Robert McKean. He served until June 8, 1783, when he
was discharged. He was in the battle of Monmouth and
was at Yorktown at the surrender of Lord Cornwallis. A
pensioner.
Mynderse, Harmen: Baptized July 2, 1749. His name
appears on the rolls of the 2d Albany County Militia.
Mynderse, John : Born October 18, 1741 ; died October 29,
1815. On May 27, 1775, he was elected first lieutenant
in Captain Cornelius Van Dyck's company. On October
20 he was commissioned captain of militia by the Provin
cial Congress, and assigned to the command of a company
of minute men (an intermediate corps between the regu
lar troops and the militia). This company came to be
known as "The Blues" because of the color of the uni
forms, and its motto, painted on the colors, was "Liberty

INDIVIDUAL RECORDS OF SERVICE 193
or Death." On January 14, 1776, he went to Albany
with sixty minute men under his command, and from there
went with the troops on the expedition to Johnstown.
From September, 1777, he served with the Northern Army
until the surrender of General Burgoyne. In 1778 he was
attached with his company to the brigade of Colonel Fred
erick Visscher. On June 20, 1778, he was recommissioned
captain, and in August was stationed with his company
at Fort Paris. In May, 1779, he was at Schoharie, and in
the fall commanded an expedition to Beaverdam. In the
fall of 1780 he marched with the troops under General
Van Rensselaer against Sir John Johnson. In March,
1782, he commanded the guard at Fort Volunteer, Sche
nectady.
Mynderse, John R. : Baptized December 25, 1743 ; died
September 6, 1819. His name appears on the rolls of the
2d Albany County Militia.
Mynderse, Lawrence : Born October 12, 1751 ; died August
7, 1789. Buried in Vale Cemetery. On October 20, 1775,
he was commissioned ensign in Captain John Mynderse 's
company, 2d Albany County Militia. On June 20, 1778,
he was commissioned first lieutenant, but declined to serve.
Mynderse, Reinter: Born October 6, 1710; died August 6,
1788. A merchant. In 1781 he lived on the west corner
of State Street and Mill Lane. On May 6, 1775, he was
elected a member of the first Committee of Safety, and
on August 9 was appointed chairman of the Board to fill
the vacancy caused by the resignation of Christopher
Yates. On November 7 he was elected chairman of the
second Committee of Safety and served until December
29, when he was replaced by Dirk Van Ingen. On June
2, 1777, he was again elected chairman of the Board and
served as such until September 5, when he was replaced
probably because of his duties in attending the Senate and
Assembly at Kingston. From 1777 to 1781 he served as

194 HISTORY OF SCHENECTADY
a state senator under the first constitution. On November
1, 1777, he was again appointed chairman of the Committee
of Safety and served also as a member of the Board taking
office January 5, 1778. On July 1, 1780, he was appointed
one of the Commissioners of Conspiracies.
Neally, Matthew : He served as a private and fifer under
Captain Thomas Wasson, 2d Albany County Militia.
Neard, Christopher: His name appears on the rolls of the
2d Albany County Militia.
Neiger, John: His name appears on the rolls of the 2d
Albany County Militia.
Nesbit, Joseph: On October 3, 1776, he enlisted for the
war and was assigned to the 8th Company, 1st New York
Line. In October, 1777, he was serving as a corporal and
in June, 1778, as a private. He received land bounty
rights.
Nestle, George: He served as a private under Captain
Simeon Newell, Colonel Marinus Willett 's New York Lev
ies. He was shot through the body (engagement and date
not known), but not killed.
Nixon, Joshua: Baptized November 22, 1761. His name
appears on the rolls of the 2d Albany County Militia.
Ogden, John : Buried August 23, 1801. His name appears
on the rolls of the 2d Albany County Militia.
Ohlen, Henry George: Born in London, September 16,
1758; died October 1, 1837. Buried in Vale Cemetery.
He enlisted January 14, 1777, and was assigned to the
6th Company, 3d New York Line. He was promoted to
the rank of sergeant on April 21, 1779. A pensioner under
the Act of May 15, 1828.
Oothout, Abraham: Born May 27, 1744; died in July,
1822. On May 6, 1775, he was elected a member of the
first Committee of Safety. He served also on the second

INDIVIDUAL RECORDS OF SERVICE 195
Committee and the Committees taking office January 15,
1777, June 2, 1777 and January 5, 1778. He was a deputy
from Albany County to the first Provincial Congress. He
served throughout the war as a captain in the 2d Albany
County Militia, being appointed soon after January 26,
1776. On June 27, 1775, he was appointed to attend the
council with the Indians at German Flats, and on Feb
ruary 24, 1776, he was appointed with Christopher Yates
to collect donations from the inhabitants to pay for sleds
to transport the troops from Albany to Lake George. In
the fall he was in command of a detail to Fort Ann, Fort
Edward and Skenesborough. On April 24, 1777, he was
detailed as a wagoner for duty from Albany to Lake
George. On May 21 he was a member of a court martial
at Albany. He served with the troops against General
Burgoyne at Saratoga, Stillwater and Bemis Heights. On
December 20, 1777, he was appointed with Abraham
Fonda to purchase two hundred pounds of flour to barter
for salt. On June 20, 1778, he was regularly commis
sioned captain, and in the summer commanded a detach
ment to Stone Arabia. On June 24, 1779, he was again
appointed a member of the Committee of Safety, and on
June 2 was appointed chairman of the Board, which
office he resigned on July 8, because of the pressure of
public business. On July 1, 1780, he was appointed one
of the Commissioners of Conspiracies. In August he
marched with the troops to Fort Plain after the destruc
tion of Canajoharie, and in the fall of 1781 was stationed
at Fort Hunter. After the battle of Johnstown he marched
in pursuit of the enemy. Towards the end of the war he
was promoted to the rank of colonel in the 2d Albany
County Militia to succeed Colonel Wemple, resigned.
Ouderkirk, Arent: Baptized July 9, 1737. His name
appears on the rolls of the 2d Albany County Militia.
Ouderkirk, John: In February, 1776, he enlisted at Sche
nectady for one year in a company of fatigue and bat-

196 HISTORY OF SCHENECTADY
teaumen under Captain John Clute, but was discharged
after ten months' duty. In 1777 he again enlisted under
Captain Clute at Schenectady and served nine or ten
months. In 1779 he enlisted at Schenectady as a boatman
under Captain Peter Adair. Adair was later discharged
from the service at Fishkill and Ouderkirk there enlisted
under Captain John Denny as a fatigue man, boatman and
laborer. He served in this capacity and also as a baker
and washer for a period of ten or eleven months. A pen
sioner under the Act of June 7, 1832.
Passage, George : Born in Philadelphia May 12, 1761. He
lived at the Norman's Kill. In the spring of 1778, he en
listed in Captain Abraham Oothout 's company, 2d Albany
County Militia, and shortly after was ordered to
Beaverdam. While the company was on parade and
Colonel Wemple was reading the orders, Passage received
a kick from the horse of one of the field officers which
broke two of his ribs and rendered him unfit for military
duty until the following spring. In the fall of 1779 he was
drafted into Captain Walter Vrooman 's company of Levies
and performed four weeks' garrison duty at Schoharie.
In the fall of 1780 he marched with the troops to Balls-
ton when it was attacked. In the year 1781 he served one
month at Fort Hunter. He often served on guard duty
at Schenectady. His claim for pension was rejected on
the ground of insufficient service.
Passage, George, Jr. : Born in 1763 ; died in 1840. Buried
in the cemetery of the Reformed Church at Giffords. His
name appears on the rolls of the 2d Albany County
Militia.
Patterson, Oliver: Of Princetown. His name appears on
the rolls of the 2d Albany County Militia.
Patterson, Thomas: During the year 1778, he served as
a batteauman and carpenter under Captain Cornelius
Barhydt both on the Mohawk and Hudson Rivers. In

INDIVIDUAL RECORDS OF SERVICE 197
1779 treasury certificates were issued to Patterson cov
ering three periods; the first and second, August and
October for service under Captain Thomas Wasson, and
the third dated November 30 for service under Captain
Jellis Fonda. His widow received a pension.
Peek, Arent : Baptized December 25, 1743. His name
appears on the rolls of the 2d Albany County Militia as
serving under Captain John Van Patten.
Peek, Christopher: On March 1, 1776, he accepted a com
mission as ensign from the Provincial Congress through
the Committee of Safety at Schenectady. He, however,
later tendered his resignation to the Committee because
of his father's displeasure at his having accepted it. This
resignation was accepted on March 11, 1777. He later
served as a lieutenant and quartermaster in the 2d Albany
County Militia, and in 1778 received a commission as
quartermaster and served as such until 1782, when he was
appointed ensign in the New York Levies under Colonel
Marinus Willett. This position he held until the end of
the war.
Peek, Cornelius : Born December 1, 1729 ; died August 22,
1802. Buried in Vale Cemetery. On May 8, 1776, com
plaint was made to the Committee of Safety that he was
working as a carpenter at Lake George without having
signed the General Association. His name appears on the
rolls of the 2d Albany County Militia. In 1778 he was
enrolled under Captain Jesse Van Slyck.
Peek, Cornelius, Jr. : Born August 21, 1763. In 1778 he
was enrolled under Captain Jesse Van Slyck, 2d Albany
County Militia. In August, 1782, he was on garrison duty
at the Upper Fort, Schoharie, and in September on scout
duty at Sacandaga.
Peek, Dantel : Baptized June 30, 1745. His name appears
on the rolls of the 2d Albany County Militia as serving
under Captain John Van Patten.

198 HISTORY OF SCHENECTADY
Peek, Harmanus: Baptized January 14, 1759. His name
appears on the rolls of the 2d Albany County Militia, Land
Bounty Rights.
Peek, Henry H. : Born in Schenectady, April 18, 1764. In
the spring of 1776 he went with a detachment to the
Heldebergh. In the fall of 1779 he volunteered under
Captain John Mynderse, 2d Albany County Militia, for
service at Beaverdam and on his return to Schenectady
mounted guard under John J. Vrooman. In the spring
of 1780 he regularly enrolled in the company of Captain
John Mynderse, and in the fall of the same year marched
with the troops under General Van Rensselaer. He
served at this time one month at Fort Plain and from
there marched to Fort Plank, where he assisted in burying
the dead after the battle. In October, 1781, he marched
with the troops to Johnstown and was with the detach
ment that pursued Walter Butler to the West Canada
Creek. A pensioner under the Act of June 7, 1832.
Peek, Jacobus C. : Baptized November 10, 1752. His name
appears on the rolls of the 2d Albany County Militia, Land
Bounty Rights.
Peek, Jacobus Vedder: Baptized January 29, 1764. His
name appears on the rolls of the 2d Albany County Militia.
Peek, James : He served as a sergeant under Captain Jesse
Van Slyck, 2d Albany County Militia.
Peek, James H. (or Jacobus) : Bom in Schenectady,
August 16, 1758; died September 23, 1835. Buried in
Vale Cemetery. In the fall of 1775 he was enrolled as a
second lieutenant in the company of Captain John Myn
derse, 2d Albany County Militia. In January, 1776, he
took part in the expedition to Johnstown, and in the spring
of the same year went to Sacandaga under General Clin
ton to erect fortifications. In July, 1777, he marched
with his company to Fort Edward. He served during
Schuyler's retreat, engaging in most of the skirmishes

INDIVIDUAL RECORDS OF SERVICE 199
during the campaign and in the battles of Snookkill and
Bemis Heights. On June 20, 1778, a commission as second
lieutenant was assigned to him by Governor Clinton.
During the years 1778 and 1779 he performed various
garrison and scout duties, and on August 16, 1780, re
ceived a commission as lieutenant in the State Levies,
being assigned to the company of Captain Benjamin
Dubois, Colonel Lewis Dubois's regiment. He served three
months and two weeks in the Levies, doing duty at Fort
Herkimer (where he was in command for five weeks),
Albany, West Point, Tappan and other posts. After this
service he again entered the company of Captain John
Mynderse. He often served as captain of the guard at
Scheneetady. A pensioner under the Act of June 7, 1832.
Peek, Jesse: Born January 28, 1752; died June 3, 1810.
Buried in Vale Cemetery. On March 1, 1776, he signed
an agreement with Philip Schuyler for service at Lake
George and Ticonderoga. His name appears on the rolls
of the 2d Albany County Militia as serving under Captain
Jellis J. Fonda and on the rolls of the 2d Albany County
Militia, Land Bounty Rights.
Peek, John: On October 5, 1775, he was recommended to
the Provincial Congress by the Committee of Safety for
the office of quartermaster among the field officers to be
assigned to the newly organized Schenectady companies,
and on October 20 a commission was issued in his name.
On December 9 he tendered his resignation to the Board.
On March 1, 1776, he signed an agreement with Philip
Schuyler for service at Lake George and Ticonderoga.
On May 7 he was elected a member of the third Committee
of Safety. His name appears on the rolls of the 2d Albany
County Militia.
Peek, Joseph: Born in Schenectady, November 25, 1755;
died May 25, 1842. Buried in Vale Cemetery. In the
spring of 1775 he enlisted under Captain John Mynderse,

200 HISTORY OF SCHENECTADY
2d Albany County Militia. Soon after he went to
Ticonderoga in another company where he was employed
in erecting works of defense and in the construction of
boats. In January, 1776, he took part in the expedition
to Johnstown, and later in the spring enlisted in a com
pany of artificers under Captain Teunis Bradt and served
the whole season building boats for service on Lake
Champlain. In April, 1777, he was drafted into Captain
Jesse Van Slyck 's company and subsequently made
orderly sergeant. He marched to Jessup's Patent in pur
suit of Tories, and in the summer of the same year to
Fort Edward, performing service there, at Stillwater,
Bemis Heights and other posts until the surrender of Bur
goyne. In the spring of 1778 he again enlisted under
Captain Teunis Bradt and performed seven months' ser
vice at Coeymans. In the winter of the same year he per
formed guard duty at Schenectady. During the winter
of 1779 he was appointed a captain on the Continental
Establishment and served to the end of the war in the
Quartermaster's Department, having charge of the for
warding of supplies to the frontier posts. A pensioner
under the Act of June 7, 1832.
Peek, Lewis D. : Born in Rotterdam, January 6, 1764. In
1779 he was enrolled as a private under Captain John
Van Patten, 2d Albany County Militia. He was later
made a corporal and served as such to the end of the war.
His service seems to have been mostly patrol, guard and
garrison duty, the latter at Schenectady. In 1780 he
marched with the troops to Jessup's Patent to intercept
Sir John Johnson after the Mohawk settlements were
destroyed, and in October, 1781, he went with the troops
to the West Canada Creek in pursuit of Walter Butler. A
pensioner under the Act of June 7, 1832.
Pendleton, Solomon: On October 20, 1775, he was com
missioned second lieutenant in Captain John Mynderse 's

INDIVIDUAL RECORDS OF SERVICE 201
company, 2d Albany County Militia. On February 14,
1776, he was recommended for the office of first lieuten
ant in a company to be formed under Captain John A.
Bradt. He received his commission on March 1, and on
April 12 applied to the Committee for leave to resign,
giving as his reason that the men were mutinous and
dissatisfied because Gerrit S. Veeder had been appointed
their captain without awaiting the return of Bradt. On
April 13 he delivered his commission to the Board, but
was later induced to ask for its return. His request was
granted but with an admonition regarding his future
behavior. On October 6, 1777, while enrolled as first
lieutenant in Captain Henry Godwin's company, Colonel
Lewis Dubois's regiment, he was taken prisoner at Fort
Montgomery. In 1778, during his imprisonment, he
became mentally deranged. He was exchanged on Feb
ruary 8, 1781, but did not return to the army.
Peters, Harmon : Born in Schenectady and lived here dur
ing the war. In 1832 he was a resident of Charlton. On
December 22, 1777, he enrolled under Captain John Myn
derse, 2d Albany County Militia. From January 10 to
April 10, 1778, he performed guard duty in his regular
turn at Schenectady. In the spring of 1779 he went on
scout duty to Beaverdam, and in April of the same year
he went to Fort Plain, where he served two months. In
March, 1780, he volunteered under Captain Jesse Van
Slyck, and served one month at Stone Arabia. In March,
1782, he volunteered under Walter Swits for guard duty
at Fort Volunteer, Sehenectady, and in the fall of the
same year went on scout duty to Jessup's Patent with a
detail of Oneida Indians in search of deserters from the
American service.
Peters, William: On March 4, 1776, he was appointed
overseer of batteaumen for service at Lake George and
Ticonderoga. His appointment was objected to by cer-

202 HISTORY OF SCHENECTADY
tain persons because they considered him too young to
serve. The objection was not sustained by the Committee
of Safety. In 1778 he commanded a company of state
troops engaged as batteaumen in transporting stores from
Schenectady to Fort Stanwix. On June 29, 1781, he was
appointed ensign in the 8th Company, 2d New York Line.
Peterson, Charles: His name appears on the rolls of the
2d Albany County Militia.
Peterson, Harmanus : His name appears on the rolls of the
2d Albany County Militia, as serving under Captain
Thomas Wasson.
Philips, Thomas: His name appears on the rolls of the
2d Albany County Militia.
Phyn, James: Born March 12, 1742; died November 2,
1821. Buried in Vale Cemetery. A native of County
Kent, England. He was in business in Schenectady as
early as 1768. On April 24, 1776, it was stated by the
Committee of Safety that he had resided for some time
past in England. He was at that time in partnership with
Alexander Ellice, who had also retired to England during
the previous fall. The accounts of the firm were being
collected by Robert Ellice.
Post, Elias : Baptized in New York, January 7, 1708. His
name appears on the rolls of the 2d Albany County Militia,
Land Bounty Rights.
Post, John : Born January 1, 1749. On May 24, 1775, he
was appointed with John G. Lansing keeper of three hun
dred and thirty-eight pounds of gunpowder purchased
from Daniel Campbell. On January 13, 1776, he was
appointed quartermaster of the 2d Albany County Militia,
and on March 5 Henry Glen was instructed to apply to
Congress for his commission. Some time in the fall of
1776 he was appointed commissary of issues for the New
York Line, and in this position continued to the end of

INDIVIDUAL RECORDS OF SERVICE 203
the war, serving at Herkimer, German Flats, Yorktown,
Princeton, Monmouth and in General Sullivan's expe
dition against the Indians. His widow received a pension.
Putman, Arent J.: Bom June 13, 1745; died August 1,
1830. Buried in the cemetery of the Cobblestone Church,
Rotterdam. His name appears on the rolls of the 2d
Albany County Militia. In 1778 he was enrolled under
Captain Jesse Van Slyck.
Putman, Arent L. : Baptized July 10, 1751. His name
appears on the rolls of the 2d Albany County Militia as
serving under Captain Thomas Brower Banker.
Putman, Cornelius: Baptized April 20, 1755. His name
appears on the rolls of the 2d Albany County Militia.
Putman, John: His name appears on the rolls of the 2d
Albany County Militia.
Putman, Teunis: Baptized March 31, 1716. His name
appears on the rolls of the 2d Albany County Militia, Land
Bounty Rights.
Putnam, Arent: He is said to have served two years in
the militia and also 'as a butcher in the Commissary
Department at Schenectady under Henry Glen. His
daughter's claim for pension was rejected.
Quackenbush, Gerardus : Baptized March 11, 1721. On
October 14, 1776, he was a member of Captain John A.
Bradt 's company of State Rangers. His name appears
on the rolls of the 2d Albany County Militia.
Quackenbush, John: Born in Schenectady, August 19,
1750; died July 28, 1839. He lived at the junction of
Lafayette and Liberty Streets. In the spring of 1775 he
was enrolled under Captain Thomas Brower Banker, 2d
Albany County Militia. About November 1, 1775, he was
appointed a lieutenant in this company and as such
served to the end of the war. His lieutenant's commis-

204 HISTORY OF SCHENECTADY
sion was not renewed by the Council of Appointment, but
after the war he received that of a captain. He was
spoken of as "always evincing the utmost alacrity, zeal
and fidelity in the cause of his country." Most of his
service in 1776 was that of guarding boats laden with
stores from Fort Ann to Skenesborough. He marched on
various alarms and was often on guard duty, especially at
Schenectady, where he frequently had command of the
guard. A pensioner under the Act of June 7, 1832.
Ramsey, George : On September 25, 1775, it was reported to
the Committee of Safety that he had spoken very disrespect
fully of some of the members of the Board and that he
was strongly suspected of being concerned in putting tar
and feathers on several of their doors. On January 31,
1776, he appeared before the Committee to answer charges
that he had made some reflections against the friends of
the American cause in general and against one William
Murray in particular, having called him "a traitor and a
rebel." Ramsey admitted the truth of the accusations
but said that he "only did it to put Murray in a passion
as he knew he was of a quick temper." Oh February 12
it was decided by the Committee that he was a "high
offender" against the American cause and he was ordered
sent to the Albany jail to await trial. On his release Ram
sey returned to Schenectady and on April 27 was sum
moned and ordered to pay the amount expended in con
nection with his imprisonment (sixteen shillings) for a
sled and one minute man to carry him to Albany. This
amount he promised to pay.
Reis, John : His name appears on the rolls of the 2d Albany
County Militia.
Righter, Michael : On November 22, 1777, he was reported
as an enemy to the American cause. On December 1 he
was arrested by order of the Committee of Safety and
committed to the Albany jail.

INDIVIDUAL RECORDS OF SERVICE 205
Robison, John : A merchant. Buried in the cemetery of the
Presbyterian Church at Rynex Corners. His name appears
on the rolls of the 2d Albany County Militia, Land Bounty
Rights.
Rosa, Elias: Born in Ulster County, March 4, 1753. He
was living in Schenectady in July, 1775, when he enlisted
under Captain Jellis J. Fonda, 2d Albany County Militia.
He served during the whole war as orderly sergeant in
this company. In the summer of 1775 he was engaged in
building boats and erecting fortifications at Ticonderoga.
In the early fall he enlisted with the troops for Canadian
service, marching to St. John's, and serving at the reduc
tion of Chamblee, after which he returned to Fort Edward
and remained there until the close of the year. In January,
1776, he took part in the expedition to Johnstown. From
the latter part of May to the end of October, 1777, he was
with the Northern Army, serving at Fort Edward and
Fort Ann and in the battles of Fort Miller and Snook
kill. In 1779 he performed garrison duty at Fort Plank
and Stone Arabia, and in the fall of 1780 was on duty
when Caughnawaga was destroyed. In October, 1781, he
was at Fort Herkimer.
Rosa, Isaac: On May 25, 1776, he promised a contribution
for the poor of Boston. His name appears on the rolls
of the 2d Albany County Militia.
Rose, John : In 1775 he enlisted for six months under Cap
tain Cornelius Van Dyck. He was at the siege of St.
John's. He volunteered under Ethan Allen and was taken
prisoner on the Island of Montreal. He jumped overboard
from the Gaspee, swam ashore and again joined the army
under Montgomery. He was in the siege and at the storm
ing of Quebec, where he was wounded in the arm. He
subsequently enlisted under Captain Joseph MeCracken,
1st New York Line, and remained with this company until
the advance of Burgoyne, when he enlisted at Saratoga

206 HISTORY OF SCHENECTADY
for the war under Captain John Copp, 1st New York Line.
He served during the campaign against Burgoyne, and
in 1778 took part in the battle of Monmouth, where he
was wounded in the throat. In 1779 he marched with the
expedition under General Sullivan against the Indians.
In 1780 or 1781 he was transferred to Captain Aaron Aus
tin's company, 3d New York Line. He was in the battle
of Yorktown and there had his leg broken by a bombshell.
He remained in the army until it was disbanded and re
ceived an honorable discharge at Snake Hill, Orange
County, N. Y., in 1783. He received a sergeant's commis
sion in 1778, and several times acted as a recruiting ser
geant.
Roseboom, John: Born in Albany, October 23, 1739; died
in Canajoharie, April 4, 1805. He moved from Schenec
tady some time previous to 1790. He is buried in the
Prospect Hill cemetery, Canajoharie. A merchant. He
lived on the northeast corner of Ferry and Union Streets.
On May 6, 1775, he was elected a member of the first
Committee of Safety. On May 24 he was appointed one
of a committee to go to Guy Park to deliver an answer
to a speech made by the Mohawk Indians, and on June 23
he was appointed to accompany the Rev. Samuel Kirk
land and five Oneida Indians to Albany. In August, 1776,
he was appointed first lieutenant in Captain Abraham
Oothout 's company, 2d Albany County Militia, but was
not so commissioned until June 20, 1778. He served in the
capacity of lieutenant until the end of the war. On January
15, 1777, he was a member of the Committee of Safety
and on July 2, 1779, he was appointed one of a committee
of four to sell salt to the people of the district. On July
26 he was again elected a member of the Committee of
Safety. In 1780 he was on garrison duty at the Upper
Fort, Schoharie.
Rykman, Cornelius : His name appears on the rolls of the
2d Albany County Militia as serving under Captain Jesse

INDIVIDUAL RECORDS OF SERVICE 207
Van Slyck. In 1781 he was a member of Captain John
Crousehorn's company of artillery.
Rykman, John: His name appears on the rolls of the 2d
Albany County Militia, Land Bounty Rights.
Ryley, Jacobus: His name appears on the rolls of the 2d
Albany County Militia.
Ryley, James Van Slyck : Born October 3, 1761; died
January 8, 1848. In 1778 and 1779 he served under Lieu
tenant James H. Peek at Stone Arabia and elsewhere.
Ryley, John : Born April 3, 1757 ; died April 24, 1842. He
served as a private under Captain John Clute in the Quar
termaster's Department.
Ryley, Philip : Born in New York, April 29, 1719, 0. S. He
served as a private and sergeant under Captain John Myn
derse, 2d Albany County Militia.
Ryley, William : Born November 16, 1760 ; died March 19,
1848. He served under Captain Jacob Vrooman in the
Quartermaster's Department.
Rynex, Andrew: He served as a sergeant under Captain
Thomas Wasson, 2d Albany County Militia, and in the
same capacity in the Levies under Colonel John Harper.
On October 23, 1780, he was taken prisoner by the forces
under Sir John Johnson and Joseph Brant and by them
taken to Canada. He was exchanged the next year and
was back in Sehenectady on July 23, 1781. On December
26, 1780, at a meeting of St. George's Lodge of which he
was a member it was resolved "that fifty shilling, hard
money, out of the funds of the lodge be delivered for the
use of Brother Andrew Rynex 's family, he being taken
captive. ' '
Rynex, John: He served as a private and drummer under
Captain Thomas Wasson, 2d Albany County Militia. His
name appears also on the rolls of the 2d Albany County
Militia, Land Bounty Rights.

208 HISTORY OF SCHENECTADY
Rynex, Richard: His name appears on the rolls of the 2d
Albany County Militia.
Sacia, David: He was enrolled under Captain Abraham
Oothout, 2d Albany County Militia. At various times he
served as "an express rider" and on one occasion was
taken prisoner by the Indians and carried to their camp.
He made his escape on the following night and returned
to the service. He was often on duty drawing wood to
and from various posts. Once while returning from Lake
George the Indians drove him from his regular crossing,
and he had to swim the river with his horses and wagon.
He was at the Upper Fort, Schoharie, when Timothy
Murphy fired on the flag of truce sent forward by Sir
John Johnson, in the engagement at Cobleskill and in
pursuit of the enemy after the raid on Ballston. He per
formed various garrison and guard duties, being stationed
from August to October, 1781, at Claas Viele's Rifts. His
widow received a pension.
St. John, Thaddeus : On May 25, 1776, he promised a con
tribution for the poor of Boston. His name appears on the
rolls of the 2d Albany County Militia and the 2d New
York Line.
Sanders, John: Born in Albany, August 10, 1714; died
September 13, 1782. He removed to Scotia immediately
after his marriage to Deborah Glen on December 6, 1739.
He lived in the Glen-Sanders house which Deborah in
herited on the death of her father in 1762. In 1765, by
the purchase of the other outstanding interests, John
Sanders and his wife became owners of the entire Glen
estate. On May 6, 1775, he was elected a member of the
first Committee of Safety but immediately refused to
serve. On July 30, 1777, he was ordered arrested and to
appear before the State Committee for refusing to receive
Continental currency in payment of a debt. His name
appears on the rolls of the 2d Albany County Militia. In

INDIVIDUAL RECORDS OF SERVICE 209
the fall of 1780 he was in command of the guard at Sche
nectady.
Sawyer, James: His name appears on the rolls of the 2d
Albany County Militia.
Schermerhorn, Aaron : From August to October, 1781, an
Aaron Schermerhorn was on duty at Claas Viele's Fort
under Sergeant William Teller of Captain Abraham
Oothout 's company, 2d Albany County Militia.
Schermerhorn, Abraham : Baptized October 21, 1721 ; died
in 1811. He lived near Haverly's in Glenville and died
there. During the war he suffered much from the Indians
and Tories, and was compelled to flee repeatedly from his
home to Schenectady for safety. On one occasion a party
led by Walter Butler came to Schermerhorn 's house and
after plundering it carried away two boys, one a German
and the other a negro. The former of the boys was scalped
but later recovered. Schermerhorn 's name appears on the
rolls of the 2d Albany County Militia, Land Bounty Rights.
Schermerhorn, Andrew (Andreas) : Born July 11, 1762;
died in Rotterdam about 1815. His name appears on the
rolls of the 2d Albany County Militia.
Schermerhorn, Barnhardus Freeman: Born October 14,
1739 ; died July 14, 1799. On June 20, 1778, he was com
missioned ensign in Captain Thomas Brower Banker's com
pany, 2d Albany County Militia. In September or Octo
ber, 1779, he was on duty at Fort Plank and Stone Arabia.
Schermerhorn, Bartholomew: Baptized in Schenectady,
August 24, 1757. He lived in Rotterdam and died July
16, 1845. In the fall of 1775 he was enrolled under Cap
tain Abraham Oothout, 2d Albany County Militia. In the
spring of 1776 he went to Fort Dayton, and in the fall
of the same year with the regiment to Fort Edward, thence
under Captain Jesse Van Slyck to Fort Ann and Skenes
borough as a guard for boats plying between these posts.

210 HISTORY OF SCHENECTADY
He then returned to Fort Edward. In the spring of 1777,
under Captain Jesse Van Slyck, he went with the troops
of Colonel Warner to Jessup 's Patent in pursuit of Tories.
He was with the main army at Bemis Heights. In the
spring of 1778 he marched to Schoharie and Cobleskill,
where he assisted in burying the dead slain by the enemy.
In February, 1779, he served in a company of fatigue
men under Captain Joseph Peek. On July 23, 1780, he
was sent a prisoner to Albany, accused of being appre
hended on his way to the enemy or of supplying them with
provisions; he was, however, on August 10 released on
bail. In October, under Major Swits, he marched to Balls-
ton when it was attacked. He performed considerable gar
rison and guard duty, especially at Fort Plain, Fort Clyde
and at Claas Viele's Rifts. A pensioner under the Act
of June 7, 1832.
Schermerhorn, Gerrit: Born in the Schenectady Town
ship, October 22, 1763 ; died in Rotterdam, March 24, 1848.
In the fall of 1779 he enrolled under Captain Abraham
Oothout, 2d Albany County Militia, and served at Fort
Hunter, Fort Plank, Stone Arabia and at the Middle Fort,
Schoharie. In the spring of 1780 he marched to Caughna
waga when it was destroyed, and in October to Ballston
after the raid. During that year he also performed six
months' guard duty at Claas Viele's Rifts. In October,
1781, he went with the troops under Colonel Willett in
pursuit of Major Ross and Butler. A pensioner under the
Act of June 7, 1832.
Schermerhorn, Henry J. : His name appears on the rolls
of the 2d Albany County Militia.
Schermerhorn, Jacob: Born November 21, 1729; died
April 18, 1814. He lived about six miles south of Sche
nectady, near the Norman's Kill, and is buried in Homer
or East Homer, N. Y. On October 5, 1775, he was recom
mended to the Provincial Congress by the Committee of

INDIVIDUAL RECORDS OF SERVICE 211
Safety for the office of lieutenant-colonel in the 2d Albany
County Militia. On October 20 a commission was issued
in his name. In November he was elected a captain of
militia but declined to serve, and on January 23, 1776, he
also refused to accept the commission of lieutenant-colonel.
On July 28, 1778, he was appointed captain of a company
of Exempts formed in Schenectady, and as such served
during the years 1779 and 1780. On June 29, 1780, he is
mentioned in the records of the Commissioners of Conspira
cies as "Major."
Schermerhorn, Jacob: His name appears on the rolls of
the 2d Albany County Militia. This might be Jacob, son
of Arent, baptized December 20, 1752; or Jacob, son of
William, baptized December 1, 1745.
Schermerhorn, Jacob J. : Baptized January 20, 1751. His
name appears on the rolls of the 2d Albany County Militia.
Schermerhorn, Jacobus: Baptized January 31, 1720; died
July 28, 1782. His name appears on the rolls of the 2d
Albany County Militia, Land Bounty Rights.
Schermerhorn, John J. : Born in Schenectady, January
23, 1764. In August, 1777, being too young to enroll in
the militia, he volunteered and served under Major Swits
on a scout to the Heldebergh. In 1778 he performed guard
duty at Claas Viele's Rifts, and in 1779, as a substitute
for his father, Jacob Schermerhorn, performed garrison
duty at Stone Arabia. In 1780 he performed garrison duty
on various occasions at the Schoharie Forts, Fort Plank
and Fort Herkimer, and took part in several scouting
expeditions. He was at Ballston when the town was
attacked.
Schermerhorn, Lawrence: Born in Schenectady, Feb
ruary 9, 1749; died in Rotterdam, March 26, 1837. In
1775 he was enrolled under Captain Jellis J. Fonda, 2d
Albany County Militia. In January, 1776, he took part

212 HISTORY OF SCHENECTADY
in the expedition to Johnstown and in the spring of the
same year served at Sacandaga erecting fortifications. In
1777 he served in the campaign against Burgoyne at Fort
Edward, Stillwater and other posts. From May to June,
1778, he was on duty when Cobleskill was destroyed, and
in the fall of the same year he enlisted in Captain Martin
Mynderse 's company of artificers and served in it two
years. Just previous to this enlistment he served on draft
with a detail bringing military stores from Ticonderoga
to Albany. In the fall of 1781 he went with the troops
under Colonel Willett in pursuit of Major Ross and But
ler. A pensioner under the Act of June 7, 1832.
Schermerhorn, Maus: Born March 9, 1753; died January
26, 1830. Buried in Vale Cemetery. His name appears on
the rolls of the 2d Albany County Militia, Land Bounty
Rights. He received a land bounty in 1829.
Schermerhorn, Nicholas W. : Baptized in Schenectady,
September 21, 1760. He served as a sergeant under Cap
tain Jesse Van Slyck, 2d Albany County Militia.
Schermerhorn, Richard : Born March 7, 1755. A laborer.
He was enrolled under Captain Jellis J. Fonda, 2d Albany
County Militia. About January 1, 1780, he enlisted as
a batteauman under Captain Joseph Peek in the Quarter
master's Department and served for one year. On July
23 he was ordered confined at Albany by the Commis
sioners of Conspiracies at Sehenectady for being connected
with a party that intended to join the enemy. On August
9, having answered "in a candid and open manner" the
questions put to him under examination by the Board at
Albany, he was released on bail. His widow received a
pension.
Schermerhorn, Ryer: His name appears on the rolls of
the 2d Albany County Militia as enrolled under Captain
John Van Patten. Through his marriage with the widow
of Gerrit Veeder the property around " Veeder 's Mills"

INDIVIDUAL RECORDS OF SERVICE 213
later became known as the Schermerhorn "Mill farm."
During the Revolution Ryer Schermerhorn built the stone
house opposite the mill to be used as a fort in case of
necessity. There was also a log house near the mill that
was used as a place of refuge.
Schermerhorn, Simon: Born January 3, 1723; died May
6, 1808. Buried in Vale Cemetery. He resided at the
"Mills," located at the east end of State Street. His name
appears on the rolls of the 2d Albany County Militia.
Schermerhorn, William: Baptized November 10, 1722.
On May 10, 1776, the Committee of Safety at Schenectady
informed General Schuyler that he had gone to Lake
George without the permission of the Board and that he
had repeatedly refused to sign the General Association.
On January 15, 1777, he was a member of the Committee
of Safety. His name appears on the rolls of the 2d Albany
County Militia, Land Bounty Rights.
Schuyler, Reuben: He came to Schenectady in 1779 and
lived here until 1781. He was enrolled under Captain
Jellis J. Fonda, 2d Albany County Militia, and performed
duty during the years of 1779 and 1780, "on all occasions
when called into service either for repelling inroads on
the frontier or mounting guard to defend the compact part
of the Town of Schenectady. ' '
Shannon, Alexander: His name appears on the rolls of
the 2d Albany County Militia.
Shannon, George : Baptized March 17, 1751 ; died January
8, 1829. A farmer. On March 13, 1776, he enlisted under
Captain Gerrit S. Veeder, in Colonel Cornelius D. Wyn-
koop's regiment, and served until February, 1777, when
he was discharged. On July 23, 1780, he was sent to
Albany under arrest as being connected with a plot to join
the enemy or of supplying them with provisions. He was
on August 11 released on bail. A pensioner under the
Act of March 18, 1818.

214 HISTORY OF SCHENECTADY
Shannon, John: Died in April, 1821. In the fall of 1775
he was enrolled under Captain Abraham Oothout, 2d
Albany County Militia. In the fall of 1776 he went to
Jessup's Patent with the troops under Colonel Warner,
and in the summer of the same year he marched to Fort
Edward. He served with the Northern Army during
Schuyler's retreat and was at the battle of Bemis Heights.
From May to June, 1778, he was on duty when Cobleskill
was attacked ; during the latter part of the summer he was
at the Middle Fort, Schoharie, and in November at Switzer-
berg near Caughnawaga. In the fall of 1779 he was on
duty at Fort Paris and Fort Plain, serving during this
year both as a corporal and as a sergeant. In 1781 he
again served as a corporal. His widow received a pension.
Shannon, Robert : His name appears on the rolls of the 2d
Albany County Militia. On July 10, 1780, a Robert Shan
non enlisted for the war and was assigned to the 8th Com
pany, 4th New York Line. He deserted on October 23, was
taken on November 20 and mustered to January, 1782.
Shannon, Thomas : Baptized December 20, 1752. His name
appears on the rolls of the 2d Albany County Militia. On
October 28, 1776, a Thomas Shannon enlisted for the war
and was assigned to the 4th Company, 1st New York Line.
Shannon, William: His name appears on the rolls of the
2d Albany County Militia.
Shearer (alias Sherwood), James: Died December 31,
1818. He served as a private in the New York Line. A
pensioner under the Act of March 18, 1818.
Shelling, Alexander : His name appears on the rolls of the
2d Albany County Militia.
Shelly, Samuel: He was enrolled under Captain Thomas
Brower Banker, 2d Albany County Militia. In January,
1776, he took part in the expedition to Johnstown, on
which occasion he and three others constituted the party

 INDIVIDUAL RECORDS OF SERVICE 215
entrusted with the flag of truce. On March 1, 1776, he
signed an agreement with Philip Schuyler for service at
Lake George and Ticonderoga, and on September 23, en
listed for one year in Captain John A. Bradt 's company
of State Rangers. He held the rank of sergeant. On
December 4 he was discharged as unfit for duty, but later
he returned and served for nearly a year, when he was
again taken sick and placed in the hospital at Albany.
After three weeks he was removed to Schenectady. In
consequence of his continued illness he was not required
to join the army, "but he felt such anxiety for the suc
cess of the American cause that he procured one Donelly
as a substitute and said Donelly served to near the end of
the war when he died." In spite of his ailments Shelly
again entered the service, for in the summer of 1777 he
was on duty six weeks with the Northern Army, and in
1778 at Fort Plain and the Lower Fort, Schoharie. In
1779 he was at Fort Paris, and in 1780, under Abraham
Van Eps, he marched to Ballston. He later moved to
Saybrook, Connecticut. His widow received a pension.
Shtelds, Dantel: A resident of Schenectady before and
after the Revolution. In 1780 he enlisted under Lieuten
ant Philip Conine, 3d New York Line, and was later trans
ferred to the company of Captain George Sytez, 1st New
York Line. In this company he served to the end of the
war. He was at Yorktown. He received five hundred
acres of land as a bounty. A pensioner.
Simonds, Reuben: Born in 1736; died May 5, 1810. On
April 19, 1777, he was granted a tavern license by the
Committee of Safety. His inn was on the west side of
Church Street and came to be a popular place for the
holding of public meetings. His name appears on the rolls
of the 2d Albany County Militia and the 2d Albany County
Militia, Land Bounty Rights.

216 HISTORY OF SCHENECTADY
Smtlte, John: His name appears on the rolls of the 2d
Albany County Militia.
Smith, Adam: Baptized January 28, 1750. His name ap
pears on the rolls of the 2d Albany County Militia.
Smith, John: His name appears on the rolls of the 2d
Albany County Militia.
Smith, Robert: He was enrolled under Captain Jellis J.
Fonda, 2d Albany County Militia. In the summer of 1780
he was attached to Colonel Malcolm Graham's regiment,
having been drafted from the Schenectady militia. He
marched to West Point and while there every fifteenth man
was selected to join the Regular Army. He was among
those selected. He is said to have served at least six months
in the Levies under Colonel Marinus Willett. His widow's
claim for a pension was rejected.
Snell, Major: Born April 26, 1720; died September 24,
1818. He came from Yorkshire, England. A merchant.
On September 11, 1776, he was ordered confined to the
Albany jail by the Schenectady Committee of Safety. On
the eighteenth he refused to sign the Association or to swear
allegiance and was therefore ordered recommitted. In May,
1777, he was recommended to the field officers as "a dan
gerous person," and on the twenty-second voluntarily took
an oath that he would take up arms in defense of the coun
try in case of any invasion.
Snow, Ephraim : He was appointed an ensign under Cap
tain Gerrit S. Veeder, Colonel Cornelius D. Wynkoop's
regiment. On April 12, 1776, he delivered his commission
to the Committee of Safety, giving as his reason for resign
ing that the men were mutinous and dissatisfied with the
appointment of Veeder as captain. He was later induced
to ask for the return of his commission and his request
was granted by the Board, but with a word of caution
regarding his future behavior. On November 21, 1776,

INDIVIDUAL RECORDS OF SERVICE 217
he was serving as a second lieutenant in the 1st New York
Line. He was promoted to the rank of first lieutenant on
March 26, 1779, and served in this capacity until June,
1783.
Speck, Abraham : His name appears on the rolls of the 2d
Albany County Militia.
Speck, Tobias: His name appears on the rolls of the 2d
Albany County Militia.
Staley, George: Born at Truxberry, N. J., July 6, 1753;
died June 7, 1832. In the spring of 1775 he lived in
Princetown and was enrolled under Captain Thomas
Wasson, 2d Albany County Militia. He was not called
upon until 1776, after which time he served to the end
of the war. In 1776 after the defeat of the American
forces on Lake Champlain he served with a detachment
of Colonel Wemple 's regiment under General Ten Broeck
in guarding ammunition conveyed from Albany to Skenes
borough. In the summer of 1777 he served with the
Northern Army from the evacuation of Ticonderoga to
the surrender of Burgoyne, with the exception of about
three weeks, when he hired a substitute. He was in the
encounter at Snookkill, but not in the battle of Bemis
Heights, being on sentry duty and among the troops not
called upon. In 1778 he served under Colonel Wemple
in bringing ammunition and cannon from Ticonderoga to
Albany. He performed duties at various times at Scho
harie, Cobleskill, Fort Paris, Fort Plain, Fort Plank, Balls-
ton, and in the expeditions to Cherry Valley, Warren's
Bush and Caughnawaga. A pensioner under the Act of
June 7, 1832.
Staley, Jacob: His name appears on the rolls of the 2d
Albany County Militia.
Staley, Matthias: Born in New Jersey in 1737. In 1776
he enlisted at Schenectady, where he then lived, under

218 HISTORY OF SCHENECTADY
Myndert Wemple and during the year served six months.
During the year 1777 he served three months under Cap
tain Thomas Wasson, 2d Albany County Militia, being
present at the surrender of General Burgoyne. In 1778
he enlisted for six months in the batteau service on the
North River. In 1779 he served at Stone Arabia on draft.
His name appears on the rolls of the 2d Albany County
Militia, Land Bounty Rights. He lived in Schenectady
and Duanesburgh after the Revolution and in 1804 moved
to Blenheim, Schoharie County. A pensioner.
Stanley, John: His name appears on the rolls of the 2d
Albany County Militia.
Steeley, Henry: His name appears on the rolls of the 2d
Albany County Militia.
Steers, John: Baptized October 15, 1732; died February
12, 1811. His name appears on the rolls of the 2d Albany
County Militia and the 2d Albany County Militia, Land
Bounty Rights. In 1778 he was enrolled under Captain
Jesse Van Slyck.
Steers, Peter: Baptized January 7, 1739. In 1778 he was
enrolled under Captain Jesse Van Slyck, 2d Albany County
Militia.
Stevens, John: Baptized March 31, 1745. On March 1,
1776, he signed an agreement with Philip Schuyler for
service at Lake George and Ticonderoga. On April 1,
1777, he was elected fire master at Schenectady, and on
September 11 was sent to give information to the Albany
Committee regarding the condition of the army at Sara
toga. His name appears on the rolls of the 2d Albany
County Militia.
Stevens, Nicholas: Born November 14, 1734; died Sep
tember 19, 1788. On April 12, 1776, it was reported to
the Schenectady Committee that he had gone up the North
River to trade without a certificate from the Board. On

INDIVIDUAL RECORDS OF SERVICE 219
the same day General Schuyler was informed regarding
him, as it was suspected that he had or might obtain a
pass through a misrepresentation. On August 8, 1778, he
was summoned before the Commissioners of Conspiracies
to render satisfaction touching his conduct during the
war, in accordance with the Act regarding neutral and
equivocal characters. He was tendered the Oath of Alle
giance and granted time to consider its acceptance. On
August 15 he refused to take the Oath and was cited to
appear on September 5, ready for removal to the enemy's
lines. On August 28 he was authorized to go to Canada,
on his promise of thereafter maintaining a strict neutral
ity. On September 3 his name was transmitted to General
Clinton that he might, if he thought proper, detain him
for the purpose of an exchange. On September 8 he was
ordered removed.
Stevens, William : Baptized September 10, 1732. On Feb
ruary 10, 1776, he was elected a second lieutenant in one
of the newly organized Schenectady militia companies. On
April 1, 1777, he was elected overseer of highways. His
name appears on the rolls of the 2d Albany County Militia,
Land Bounty Rights.
Stewart, Dantel : His name appears on the rolls of the 2d
Albany County Militia.
Stewart, David: His name appears on the rolls of the 2d
Albany County Militia.
Stuart, George: His name appears on the rolls of the 2d
Albany County Militia and the 2d Albany County Militia,
Land Bounty Rights.
Stuart, James: His name appears on the rolls of the 2d
Albany County Militia, Land Bounty Rights.
Stuart, John: In October, 1778, he was serving as a ser
geant in the 2d Albany County Militia in command of a
detail to Cobleskill. In 1781 he was a member of Captain

220 HISTORY OF SCHENECTADY
John Crousehorn's company of artillery, and in July, 1782,
was on scout duty at Harpersfield.
Stuart, John: "At the commencement of the unhappy con
test betwixt Great Britain and her colonies, I acquainted
the Society [for the Propagation of the Gospel] of the
firm reliance I had on the fidelity and loyalty of my con
gregation, which has justified my opinion; for the faith
ful Mohawks, rather than swerve from their allegiance,
chose rather to abandon their dwellings and property; and
accordingly went in a body to General Burgoyne, and
afterwards were obliged to take shelter in Canada. While
they remained at Fort Hunter I continued to officiate as
usual, performing the public service entire, even after the
Declaration of Independence, notwithstanding by so
doing I incurred the penalty of high treason by the new
laws. As soon as my protectors were fled I was made a
prisoner, and ordered to depart the province with my
family, within the space of four days or be put into close
confinement, and this only upon suspicion that I was a
loyal subject of the King of Great Britain. Upon this I
was admitted to 'paroles' and confined to the limits of the
town of Sehenectady [June, 1778], in which situation I
have remained for upwards of three years. My house has
been frequently broken open by mobs, my property plun
dered, and, indeed, every kind of indignity offered to my
person by the lowest of the populace. At length my farm,
and the produce of it, was formally taken from me in
May last, as forfeited to the State; and, as the last re
source, I proposed to open a Latin school for the sup
port of my family. But this priviledge was denied, on
pretence that, as a prisoner of war, I was not entitled to
exercise any lucrative occupation in the State. I then
applied [March 30, 1781] for permission to remove to
Canada, which, after much difficulty and expence, I ob
tained upon the following conditions: — to give bail in the
sum of £400, to send a rebel colonel in my room, or else

INDIVIDUAL RECORDS OF SERVICE 221
return to Albany, and surrender myself a prisoner when
ever required. In consequence I set out on my journey
from Schenectady on the 19th of September last, with my
wife and three small children; and, after suffering much
fatigue and difficulty, we arrived safe at St. John's in
Canada. ... I cannot omit to mention that my church
was plundered by the rebels, and the pulpit-cloth taken
away from the pulpit; it was afterwards employed as a
tavern, and a barrel of rum placed in the reading-desk.
The succeeding year it was used for a stable, and now
serves as a fort." Letter of John Stuart, n.d.
Sullivan, Charles: His name appears on the rolls of the
2d Albany County Militia. His widow's application for
pension gives no facts regarding his service and her claim
was rejected.
Sullivan, Jacob : Died before February 25, 1780. On June
20, 1778, he was commissioned ensign in Captain Thomas
Wasson 's company, 2d Albany County Militia.
Swart, Jacobus: Baptized October 19, 1740. His name
appears on the rolls of the 2d Albany County Militia.
Swart, James: His name appears on the rolls of the 2d
Albany County Militia.
Swart, Nicholas: Died March 1, 1825. He lived in Glen
ville, five miles above Schenectady, near the Fourth Flat.
He served as a sergeant under Captain John Van Patten,
2d Albany County Militia.
Swart, Teunis: Lived in Glenville near the Fourth Flat
about five miles from Schenectady on the north side of the
river. His house which stood on the river bank, was of
brick, and during the Revolution it was stockaded and
used as a fort, having as an armament a small field piece.
The house was removed prior to 1873. Swart served as a
lieutenant in the company of Captain John Van Patten,
2d Albany County Militia, his commission being dated

222 HISTORY OF SCHENECTADY
June 20, 1778. He also served eight months as a lieu
tenant in the Levies. He was spoken of as having been a
brave, active, vigilant and much beloved officer, ready on
all occasions to turn out with his men. He served in all
the principal expeditions up the Mohawk from 1778 to
the end of the war. When the troops under Colonel Wil
lett went in pursuit of Walter Butler he commanded the
advance guard and was in the battle when Butler was
killed. The claim for pension made by his two sons was
rejected on the ground that Swart had died prior to the
Act of 1832.
Sweet, Caleb : Born in Schenectady and practiced medi
cine here after the war. He died in 1823. On November
21, 1776, he was serving as surgeon's mate in the 1st New
York Line. From October 13, 1779, until the close of the
war he served as a surgeon in the same regiment.
Swits, Abraham: Born October 31, 1730; died August 17,
1814. On October 5, 1775, he was recommended to the
Provincial Congress by the Committee of Safety for the
office of first major among the field officers to be assigned
to the Schenectady militia. On October 20 a commission
was issued in his name. On July 9, 1777, he was under
orders to march with the militia to Fort Edward, but on
August 10 was ordered detained in town with his troops
by the Committee because of a Tory plot. On August 11,
assisted by a detachment of Continental troops, he arrested
seventeen Tories. From April 7 to 14, 1778, he com
manded a detachment of one hundred and twenty-five
whites and a few Indians to Beaverdam to apprehend
Tories. On June 20 he was reappointed major. In the fall
of 1780 he served at Fort Hunter, and in October marched
to Ballston after the raid. In November, he performed gar
rison duty at Fort Paris, and in August, 1781, a like ser
vice at the Upper Fort, Schoharie.

INDIVIDUAL RECORDS OF SERVICE 223
Swits, Hendrick: Baptized in October, 1762; died Sep
tember 18, 1825. His name appears on the rolls of the 2d
Albany County Militia as serving under Captain John
Mynderse.
Swits, Isaac: Born in 1721; died in 1790. His name ap
pears on the rolls of the 2d Albany County Militia and the
2d Albany County Militia, Land Bounty Rights.
Swits, Jacob: His name appears on the rolls of the 2d
Albany County Militia.
Swits, Jacob A.: Born November 3, 1762; died November
21, 1835. He served as a private under Captain John
Mynderse and as a corporal under Captain Jellis J. Fonda,
2d Albany County Militia.
Swits, Walter: Born in 1754; died October 31, 1823.
Buried in Vale Cemetery. On May 1, 1776, he made appli
cation to the Committee of Safety to be dismissed from
Captain Gerrit S. Veeder 's company on a plea that he had
not been fairly enlisted. On the testimony of Lieutenant
Bates that the enlistment was regular the Committee, how
ever, refused to interfere. On May 6 he complained to
the Committee that the officers of the company had refused
to "take a sufficient man in his place." In June, 1776,
he was serving as a lieutenant in Captain John A. Bradt 's
company of State Rangers. About February 15, 1777, he
was enlisted as a lieutenant in Captain Giles Wolcott 's
company, Colonel Seth Warner's regiment. He remained
in this company until September, 1780, when he resigned
and returned to Schenectady. In March, 1782, he com
manded a company of forty-six men raised to keep guard
at Forts Volunteer and Squash, Schenectady. His widow
received a pension.
Swords, Thomas : His name appears on the rolls of the 2d
Albany County Militia as serving under Captain Thomas
Brower Banker.

224 HISTORY OF SCHENECTADY
Taws, David: Born in Scotland, December, 1748. He was
living at Princetown when, on July 1, 1776, he enlisted
for six months in the company of Captain Henry Marse
lis, 1st New York Line. He served until December, per
forming duty at Skenesborough, Fort George and Fort
Ann. In 1777 he was enrolled under Captain John Myn
derse, 2d Albany County Militia, and later served under
Captain Thomas Wasson. In the fall he was at Fort Miller
and Fort Ann. In 1780 he was on duty when the Mohawk
settlements were destroyed. He served to the end of the
war. A pensioner under the Act of June 7, 1832.
Taylor, Solomon : His name appears on the rolls of the 2d
Albany County Militia as serving under Captain John
Mynderse.
Taylor, Walter: In 1777 he was on duty with Colonel
Wemple 's regiment at Bemis Heights, and in the summer
of 1778 he performed six weeks' garrison duty at the
Middle Fort, Schoharie. In the fall of the same year he
performed six weeks' garrison duty at the Lower Fort.
On April 27, 1782, he enlisted in the Levies, "for Cornelius
Van Santvoord and class," under the Act of March 23,
1782. His widow received a pension.
Teller, Jacobus: Baptized March 17, 1738; killed by the
Indians at Detroit, September 27, 1784. In 1764 he was
an Indian trader in company with John and Henry Glen.
From his father he inherited part of the Teller lot on the
east corner of Washington Avenue and Union Street. On
May 26, 1775, he was appointed a member of the first
Committee of Safety in place of Tobias Ten Eyck, who
had refused to serve. He served on the second Committee
of Safety and on the Boards taking office June 2, 1777,
and January 5, 1778. On January 14, 1776, he was ap
pointed, with Harmanus Wendel, to confer with the magis
trates with a view of having the watch doubled as on
account of the number of strangers in town the Board

INDIVIDUAL RECORDS OF SERVICE 225
feared "some roil might happen." On June 2, 1777, he
was elected assessor, and on June 7 appointed one of a
committee to confer with the inhabitants regarding the
election of governor. On June 24, 1779, he was again
elected a member of the Committee of Safety. His name
appears on the rolls of the 2d Albany County Militia.
Teller, John, Jr.: Bom May 18, 1765; died March 29,
1790. His name appears on the rolls of the 2d Albany
County Militia.
Teller, William: Baptized June 14, 1740. He served as
a sergeant in Captain Abraham Oothout 's company, 2d
Albany County Militia. From August to October, 1781,
he was in command at Claas Viele 's Fort.
Ten Eyck, Henry: Born July 27, 1755. He served as a
captain in a Connecticut regiment. He took part in many
battles and was distinguished for gallant service. On
July 15, 1779, he fought in the advance column at the
storming of Stony Point under General Wayne and was
wounded in the arm by a bayonet thrust. "He became
very deaf [Judge Sanders quotes this from the veteran's
own lips], owing to the fact that while crawling through
a cannon port-hole in the assault the piece was simulta
neously fired over his body. ' ' A pensioner.
Ten Eyck, Jacob T. : Baptized February 15, 1761. A mer
chant. His name appears on the rolls of the 2d Albany
County Militia and the 2d Albany County Militia, Land
Bounty Rights.
Ten Eyck, Myndert : Born February 9, 1753 ; died October
4, 1805. A merchant. On July 11, 1776, he was elected
a member of the Committee of Safety. On January 15,
1777, he was again elected a member of the Board. On
May 8 he was appointed to purchase and deliver certain
boards to the barkmaster at Fishkill. His name appears
on the rolls of the 2d Albany County Militia.

226 HISTORY OF SCHENECTADY
Ten Eyck, Tobias: Born August 15, 1717; died February
9, 1785. He moved to Schenectady about 1750. A mer
chant. He lived on the northeast corner of Governor's
Lane and Front Street. On May 6, 1775, he was chosen
a member of the first Committee of Safety but refused to
serve. His name appears on the rolls of the 2d Albany
County Militia, Land Bounty Rights.
Terwtlliger, Isaac: His name appears on the rolls of the
2d Albany County Militia.
Terwtlliger, Jacobus: His name appears on the rolls of
the 2d Albany County Militia.
Terwilliger, Solomon: Baptized March 26, 1749. On
February 28, 1776, he refused to accept a recruiting war
rant with rank of ensign from the Provincial Congress.
His name appears on the rolls of the 2d Albany County
Militia as serving under Captain John Van Patten.
Thompson, John: Bom in Schenectady, June 21, 1755.
On March 15, 1776, he enlisted in the Quartermaster's
Department. He served nine months at Albany, Coey-
mans, Dobbs Ferry, Tarrytown, Dover and other places,
performing guard as well as fatigue duty. He served also
at Troy in preparing posts for stockades and at Saratoga
erecting fortifications. A pensioner.
Thomson, Peter : His name appears on the rolls of the 2d
Albany County Militia.
Thorn, Samuel: His name appears on the rolls of the 2d
Albany County Militia.
Thornton, James: In 1775 he was enrolled under Captain
Thomas Wasson, 2d Albany County Militia. In January,
1776, he took part in the expedition to Johnstown. In
1777 he performed three weeks' service at Fort George
and Fort Edward, after which he was ordered to Oriskany.
Dorcas Wright, his daughter, stated that her father was
in David McMaster's company, 3d Tryon County Militia,

INDIVIDUAL RECORDS OF SERVICE 227
and was at the battle of Oriskany. She remembered her
father taking a chest containing the papers relating to
the farm and some other things of value and concealing
them in the woods for safety, but that notwithstanding this
they were destroyed, causing him to suffer considerable
loss of property. She remembered also that frequently
her mother and the children spent the night concealed in
the woods for fear of being molested. In the summer of
1780 he was on duty at the Middle Fort, Schoharie, and
marched in pursuit of the enemy after the destruction of
the Schoharie settlements, later serving at Fort Plain. In
October, 1781, he was at the battle of Johnstown. His
widow received a pension.
Thornton, John : Born in Schenectady in 1753 ; died here,
March 22, 1819. On June 20, 1778, he was commissioned
second lieutenant in Captain Thomas Wasson 's company,
2d Albany County Militia. He performed service during
the summer at Stone Arabia. On February 25, 1780, he
was promoted to the rank of first lieutenant in Captain
Wasson 's company, and in the fall marched as far as Pala
tine when Sir John Johnson raided the settlements. On
April 27, 1781, he was appointed a lieutenant in the nine-
months Levies under Colonel Marinus Willett, and was
attached to the company of Captain Stephen White. He
served the full term in this company and in 1782 he was
appointed a lieutenant in Captain Guy Young's company
of Levies under Colonel Willett. He served in this com
pany until the summer of that year, when he was trans
ferred to the company of Captain Peter B. Tearse. In
October, 1783, he was detached from this company and
assigned to the command of Fort Stanwix. He continued
in command there until May 10, 1784, when he was relieved
and later discharged from the service. His widow received
a pension.

228 HISTORY OF SCHENECTADY
Thornton, Thomas: He is mentioned as having served as
a private and as a lieutenant in Captain Thomas Wasson 's
company, 2d Albany County Militia.
Toll, Charles: His name appears on the rolls of the 2d
Albany County Militia.
Toll, Dantel: Baptized October 27, 1751. On October 20,
1775, he was commissioned ensign in Captain John Van
Patten's company, 2d Albany County Militia. He was
reappointed June 20, 1778. In January, 1776, he took
part in the expedition to Johnstown, and in May, 1778,
was at Cobleskill. His name appears also as ensign in
the 2d Albany County Militia, Land Bounty Rights.
Toll, John : Buried September 12, 1804. His name appears
on the rolls of the 2d Albany County Militia.
Truax, Abraham I.: He is mentioned as having served as
an ensign in Captain Thomas Wasson 's Company, 2d
Albany County Militia.
Truax, Abraham J.: Born April 4, 1737. On March 1,
1776, he signed an agreement with Philip Schuyler for
service at Lake George and Ticonderoga. He served as
an ensign in Captain John Mynderse 's company, 2d
Albany County Militia. On April 1, 1777, he was elected
poundmaster at Schenectady, and on April 24 commanded
a squad of forty-five men detailed for duty between Albany
and Lake George. It is stated that he served as a lieuten
ant at the battle of Bemis Heights. On June 20, 1778, he
was regularly commissioned ensign, and in the fall of 1780
marched on an alarm to Fort Hunter.
Truax, Abraham P. : Baptized April 28, 1753 ; died March
13, 1822. Buried in Vale Cemetery. His name appears
on the rolls of the 2d Albany County Militia.
Truax, Andrtes: Baptized April 29, 1739. His name ap
pears on the rolls of the 2d Albany County Militia, Land
Bounty Rights.

 INDIVIDUAL RECORDS OF SERVICE 229
Truax, Caleb: Born November 19, 1747; died in 1808.
Buried on the old Van Auken farm in the town of Guild-
erland. The grave is on the south bank of the Bozen-
Kill and about five hundred feet east of the house. His
name appears on the rolls of the 2d Albany County Militia.
Truax, Isaac : On April 1, 1777, he was elected a collector,
and on May 8, was engaged by the Committee of Safety
to "tend the watch for the ensuing year, he having per
formed this service the past year."
Truax, Isaac I. : Born in Schenectady, July 16, 1756 ; died
December 21, 1854. In March, 1777, he enlisted under
Lieutenant-Colonel Christopher Yates and performed duty
at Fort Ann and Skenesborough until January, 1778, when
he was honorably discharged. In October, 1781, he was
drafted under Captain Walter Vrooman and served at
the battle of Johnstown. Later in the same year, while
serving in the same company he took part in an engage
ment with the enemy under Sir John Johnson and Joseph
Brant. With sixty-three others he was taken prisoner and
carried to Canada, where he was confined at Buck's
Island. He remained a prisoner during the rest of the
war and then returned to Schenectady. A pensioner under
the Act of June 7, 1832.
Truax, Jacob J. : Born April 4, 1737. On May 8, 1777, he
was sent to Albany a prisoner by the Committee of Safety
because it was reported that he had said that "he was no
Tory but that he was a King's man, that he had been taken
prisoner once before by the Committee of Schenectady
and that he had a tomahawk ready if they came to take
him again." He probably settled in Albany soon after
this time.
Truax, John : Born August 29, 1749. From March, 1777,
to October, 1780, he served in Captain Giles Wolcott 's
company, Colonel Seth Warner's regiment. He was in
the retreat from Ticonderoga, the battle of Bennington

230 HISTORY OF SCHENECTADY
and at Fort George, where his regiment was "almost en
tirely cut up and destroyed." Truax was paroled by his
officer at Saratoga and permitted to return to Schenectady.
During the years 1780 and 1781 he served under Colonel
Willett in the Levies. A pensioner.
Truax, John P. : Baptized July 27, 1755 ; died August 12,
1817. His name appears on the rolls of the 2d Albany
County Militia as serving under Captain John Mynderse.
Truax, Peter: Born August 27, 1725; died August 27,
1797. Buried in Vale Cemetery. His name appears on
the rolls of the 2d Albany County Militia, Land Bounty
Rights.
Trumbull, John: His name appears on the rolls of the
2d Albany County Militia.
Tuttle, Ezra: His name appears on the rolls of the 2d
Albany County Militia.
Tuttle, Solomon : His name appears on the rolls of the 2d
Albany County Militia. The name of Solomon Tuttle
appears on the rolls of the 4th Company, 2d New York
Line. He enlisted on May 5, 1778, for nine months and
was discharged on February 9, 1779.
Tyms, Michael: Baptized September 18, 1763; died August
28, 1804. Buried in Vale Cemetery. His name appears
on the rolls of the 2d Albany County Militia.
Van Antwerp, Arent J. : On June 20, 1778, he was
appointed ensign in Captain Abraham Van Eps's company,
2d Albany County Militia, but declined to serve.
Van Antwerp, Gerrit: Born October 15, 1753; died May
10, 1809. His name appears on the rolls of the 2d Albany
County Militia as serving under Captain Jellis J. Fonda.
Van Antwerp, John : His name appears on the rolls of the
2d Albany County Militia. On February 8, 1776, as a
guard he accompanied a prisoner to the Albany jail.

INDIVIDUAL RECORDS OF SERVICE 231
Van Antwerp, Peter: Baptized December 15, 1745. He
lived at Princetown. His name appears on the rolls of the
2d Albany County Militia.
Van Antwerp, Peter A.: Born December 4, 1755. His
name appears on the rolls of the 2d Albany County Militia.
Van Antwerp, Simon J.: Born at Schaghtieoke, Albany
County, February 2, 1751 ; died September 11, 1834. He
was living in Schenectady when in September, 1775, he
enlisted as orderly sergeant under Captain Tacarus Van
der Bogart in a company of artificers. He served three
months at Ticonderoga. From March 6 to November 20,
1776, he served in Captain Ahasueras Marselis 's company
of artificers, with the same rank as before, employed in
erecting barracks, storehouses and works of defense at Fort
Ann and Lake George. He served thereafter until the
end of the war, for the most part as orderly sergeant in
the company of Captain Thomas Brower Banker, 2d
Albany County Militia. In 1777 he served throughout
the campaign against Burgoyne. He was at Lake George
at the time of the surrender of Ticonderoga. He retreated
to Fort Edward, then to Stillwater, where his company
was stationed on September 14, when Burgoyne crossed
the river. He took part in the battle of September 19,
and in the battle of Bemis Heights. In 1778 he was sta
tioned at the Schoharie Forts and at Sacandaga erecting
blockhouses. In 1780 he marched with the troops under
Colonel Willett in pursuit of Sir John Johnson and took
part in the expedition to Ballston. A pension was allowed
him but it was later suspended.
Van Bentheuysen, Martin: On September 5, 1776, he
enlisted in Captain John A. Bradt 's company of State
Rangers. On March 13, 1777, he enlisted for the war and
was assigned to the 8th Company, 1st New York Line. He
was discharged on November 13, 1778. His name appears

232 HISTORY OF SCHENECTADY
on the rolls of the 2d Albany County Militia, Land Bounty
Rights.
Van Benthuysen, Peter: His name appears on the rolls
of the 2d Albany County Militia.
Van der Bogart, Joseph: Born November 21, 1756. He
was enrolled under Captain Jellis J. Fonda, 2d Albany
County Militia. In 1777 he served in the campaign
against Burgoyne. From December 24, 1779, to December
24, 1780, he served as a sergeant under Captain Joseph
Peek in the Quartermaster's Department. In October,
1781, he went with a detachment of militia to Fort Herki
mer, where they joined the troops under Colonel Willett and
marched to Jerseyfield. His widow received a pension.
Van der Bogart, Nicholas: On December 5, 1776, he
enlisted for the war and was assigned to the 8th Company,
1st New York Line. On May 1, 1779, he was promoted
to the rank of corporal. He served seven years and three
months and received six hundred acres of land as a bounty.
Van der Bogart, Tacarus : Baptized March 23, 1717;
died in 1799. He lived on the north side of Front Street
opposite Church Street. In September, 1775, he com
manded a company of artificers at Ticonderoga. On March
1, 1776, he signed an agreement with Philip Schuyler for
service at Lake George and Ticonderoga.
Van Derheyden, Dantel: Bom February 22, 1760. His
name appears on the rolls of the 2d Albany County Militia.
Van Derheyden, David : Baptized in Albany, February 26,
1758; died July 9, 1840. Buried in Vale Cemetery. A
cooper by trade. He moved with his family to Schenec
tady about 1780. His village lot was on the north corner
of Union and College Streets. In the spring of 1776, while
living in Albany, he enlisted for six months under Cap
tain Henry Marselis, 1st New York Line. He served at
Skenesborough, Fort George and Fort Ann. In March,
1777, he enlisted and served for nine months in Captain

 INDIVIDUAL RECORDS OF SERVICE 233
Teunis Fisher's company of state troops under Lieuten
ant-Colonel Christopher C. Yates. He was on duty at
Fort Ticonderoga on its evacuation and served during
General Schuyler's retreat and until the surrender of Gen
eral Burgoyne. In 1778 he served for nine months in
the state troops under Captain William Peters, employed
in the transportation of military stores and in regular
duty on the Mohawk River from Schenectady to Fort
Stanwix. In 1779 he served four months in a company
of artificers at Saratoga and later marched with the troops
of General Clinton's division against the Indians. He
helped build the dam across the outlet of Otsego Lake
necessary to transfer the boats to the Susquehanna River.
He remained at Tioga Point and there helped to take care
of the sick soldiers who were left behind as the army pro
ceeded into the Indian country. On his removal to Sche
nectady he was enrolled under Captain Thomas Brower
Banker, 2d Albany County Militia, and with his company
marched to Ballston in pursuit of the enemy after the
raid. In 1781 he enlisted and served four months in the
Levies under Colonel Willett. A pensioner under the
Act of June 7, 1832.
Van der Volgen, Cornelius: Born July 25, 1731; died
January 18, 1786. Buried in Vale Cemetery. On May
7, 1776, he was elected a member of the third Committee
of Safety. His name appears on the rolls of the 2d
Albany County Militia.
Van der Volgen, Nicholas: Born in August, 1722; died
May 21, 1797. Buried in Vale Cemetery. A merchant liv
ing on State Street. On July 2, 1779, he was appointed
one of a committee of four to sell salt to the people of the
district.
Van der Volgen, Peter: Born June 10, 1733. He lived
in Princetown. His name appears on the rolls of the 2d
Albany County Militia.

234 HISTORY OF SCHENECTADY
Van der Werken, Martin: On December 5, 1776, he en
listed in Captain John A. Bradt 's company of State
Rangers. On March 20, 1777, he enlisted for three years
in the 8th Company, 3d New York Line. He was dis
charged on March 20, 1780.
Van Driesen, Henry: A member of the third and fourth
Committees of Safety.
Van Driesen, John: Baptized March 11, 1744. On Feb
ruary 10, 1776, he was appointed by the Committee of
Safety adjutant of the 2d Albany County Militia, and on
March 5 Henry Glen was instructed to apply to Congress
for his commission. He was reappointed on June 20, 1778.
In the fall of 1780 he was serving at Fort Hunter.
Van Driesen, Peter: Born in Schenectady, May 4, 1763.
He was residing at Palatine when he entered the service.
In April, 1777, he volunteered for one year under Cap
tain Christian House, 2d Tryon County Militia. He served
seven months and then, because of his father's illness,
procured a substitute who served three months in his
stead, after which time he returned and completed his
term of service. At the expiration of his term he re-enlisted
and served to the end of the war, with the exception of
three months when Dennis Holembolt acted as a substi
tute for him. A pensioner.
Van Dyck, Cornelius : Born October 8, 1740 ; died June 9,
1792. Buried in Vale Cemetery. On May 27, 1775, he
was appointed captain of militia by the Committee of
Safety. On May 29 he was given orders for recruiting
a company for the defense of Fort Ticonderoga, and on
June 29 was commissioned captain by the Provincial
Congress and assigned to the 2d New York Line. He
served with distinction under General Montgomery and
during the remainder of the Canadian campaign as a
military aide-de-camp. On May 7, 1776, he was elected
a member of the third Committee of Safety. On November

INDIVIDUAL RECORDS OF SERVICE 235
21 he was commissioned a lieutenant-colonel and assigned
to the 1st New York Line. During this year he was at
one time acting as commandant at Fort George. On
August 21, 1777, he was a member of a council of war
held at German Flats under the presidency of Major
Arnold. He was at the battle of Monmouth (June 28,
1778), and on December 23 was in command of Fort Schuy
ler. He was in command of Fort Schuyler on October 25
of the following year and on April 17, 1780. He served
to the end of the war, and on September 30, 1783, was
appointed colonel of the 1st New York Line.
Van Dyck, Cornelius H. : Baptized February 27, 1763;
died August 31, 1832. In 1777 he was enrolled under
Captain Abraham Oothout, 2d Albany County Militia.
During the fall and winter he performed three months'
service at Saratoga, and is believed to have served through
out the campaign against Burgoyne. During the year
1778 he was twice on duty at Schoharie, and in the fall
served one month at Stone Arabia. He performed con
siderable service from 1779 to 1781 under various officers.
A pensioner under the Act of June 7, 1832.
Van Dyck, Cornelius N. : His name appears on the rolls
of the 2d Albany County Militia.
Van Dyck, Henry: Baptized August 29, 1731. His name
appears on the rolls of the 2d Albany County Militia and
the 2d Albany County Militia, Land Bounty Rights.
Van Dyck, Henry H. : His name appears on the rolls of the
2d Albany County Militia.
Van Dyck, Henry I. : His name appears on the rolls of the
2d Albany County Militia.
Van Eps, Abraham : Born October 15, 1738. He had a
farm at the Aalplaats. On February 10, 1776, he was
elected ensign of one of the newly organized Schenectady
militia companies. During the summer of 1777 he served

236 HISTORY OF SCHENECTADY
in the campaign against Burgoyne as captain of militia.
He probably also served previous to this time as a captain,
although the first recorded commission is that granted by
the Council of Appointment June 20, 1778. He was in
command of various details for the apprehension of Tories
and for guard duty, his "beat" being the Aalplaats, a par
ticularly exposed district. In the fall of 1780 he marched
to Caughnawaga when the Mohawk settlements were
destroyed.
Van Eps, Alexander: Born in Schenectady, February 28,
1762. He lived in Charlton. In February, 1778, he went
out on scout duty twice in search of Joseph Bettis. In
March, 1779, he enlisted under Lieutenant-Colonel Christo
pher C. Yates and for nine months performed fatigue duty
at Schuyler's Mills, building boats, erecting barracks, etc.
He was honorably discharged in December. In 1780 he was
drafted into Captain John Mynderse 's company, 2d Albany
County Militia, for service at Schoharie, and in 1781 twice
drafted into Captain Abraham Van Eps's company, the
first time for service at Stone Arabia and the second for
service at Tribes Hill. A pensioner under the Act of
June 7, 1832.
Van Eps, Gerrit: Born in Schenectady, January 30, 1764;
died in Glenville, May 19, 1844. In 1780 he was drafted,
assigned to the company under Captain Abraham Van
Eps, 2d Albany County Militia, and detailed for garrison
duty at Stone Arabia. In 1781 he was again drafted into
the same company and served at Fort Plank for a period
of about three months. On one occasion he served on a
scouting expedition to Clifton Park and Ballston in pursuit
of the famous Tory, Joseph Bettis. He was frequently
out on emergency duty.
Van Eps, James: In March, 1777, he enlisted for nine
months in Captain Abraham Van Eps's company, 2d
Albany County Militia. He served at Stillwater. He

INDIVIDUAL RECORDS OF SERVICE 237
"was also in Captain Daniel Toll's company and went
from his residence, about five miles from Schenectady to
Caughnawaga and served one month when Caughnawaga
was burnt." His widow's application for pension was
rejected.
Van Eps, John: Born in Glenville, December 27, 1764;
died August 29, 1847. Buried in West Glenville. Family
tradition says that he took part in the battle of Oriskany
and was one of those who helped carry General Herkimer
under the tree after he was wounded. In the fall of 1779
he entered service as a substitute for his father and was
enrolled under Captain John Van Patten, 2d Albany
County Militia. His first expedition was to Fort Paris
soon after he enlisted. In August, 1780, he was on duty
when Brant laid waste the country around Canajoharie,
and in October of the same year he marched with the
troops under General Van Rensselaer in pursuit of Sir
John Johnson after the destruction of the Mohawk settle
ments. In October, 1781, he went with the troops under
Colonel Willett in pursuit of Major Ross and Butler. He
fought at the battle of Johnstown and went with the
Indians who pursued Walter Butler to the West Canada
Creek. He took part in numerous expeditions and per
formed garrison duties on various occasions at many of
the forts throughout the Valley.
Van Eps, John Baptist: Baptized April 29, 1739; buried
July 13, 1805. Buried in Vale Cemetery. He lived in
Glenville. On January 14, 1776, the Committee of Safety
was informed that last summer he had supplied Sir John
Johnson with a quantity of powder. On May 13 he com
plained to the Board regarding the wrongful enlistment
of an apprentice boy who was under him. On April 19,
1777, he was granted a tavern license by the Committee,
and on July 9 he furnished a wagon for use in the service.
His name appears on the rolls of the 2d Albany County
Militia.

238 HISTORY OF SCHENECTADY
Van Eps, John J. : Born in Schenectady, October 24, 1751.
In 1775, he was enrolled in Captain John Mynderse 's
company, 2d Albany County Militia, and served in it until
1777, when he was attached to the company under Cap
tain Abraham Oothout. In 1775 he performed six months'
service at Lake George in a company of artificers under
Captain Jacob Vrooman, and in this company served eight
months at Skenesborough in 1776 and eight months at
Coeymans in 1778. In 1776 he took part in the expedi
tion to Johnstown. In 1777 he was ordered to Fort
Edward and served with the Northern Army until after
the surrender of Burgoyne. He was one of the detach
ment that brought Burgoyne a prisoner to Albany. Dur
ing the summer of 1778 he performed garrison and field
duty at Fort Plank and Fort Plain when Brant laid waste
the Canajoharie district. In 1779 he was on garrison duty
at the Middle Fort, Schoharie, and in the fall of 1780 was
under arms at the time of the Ballston raid. He performed
various garrison duties especially at Schenectady.
Van Ess, Gerrit: On April 19, 1777, he was granted a
tavern license by the Committee of Safety. His name
appears on the rolls of the 2d Albany County Militia.
Van Etten, Benjamin: Born in 1757; died April 22,
1823. On March 17, 1776, he enlisted for nine months
under Captain Gerrit S. Veeder, Colonel Cornelius
D. Wynkoop's regiment. He served until February 15,
1777, when he was discharged. He was afterwards drafted
and was present at the surrender of General Burgoyne.
A pensioner under the Act of March 18, 1818.
Van Guysling, Cornelius: Baptized November 13, 1726.
His name appears on the rolls of the 2d Albany County
Militia.
Van Guysling, Elias: Died September 5, 1802. On April
1, 1777, he was elected overseer of highways. His name

INDIVIDUAL RECORDS OF SERVICE 239
appears on the rolls of the 2d Albany County Militia, Land
Bounty Rights.
Van Guysling, Jacob: Born January 18, 1736; died
November 19, 1803. His name appears on the rolls of the
2d Albany County Militia and the 2d Albany County
Militia, Land Bounty Rights.
Van Guysltng, Peter: Born in 1744; died November 20,
1824. He lived on the north side of Front Street, his
house being removed at the laying out of Governor's Lane,
part of the lot on which it stood being used for the street.
His name appears on the rolls of the 2d Albany County
Militia and the 2d Albany County Militia, Land Bounty
Rights.
Van Ingen, Dirk: Born September 19, 1738; died Feb
ruary 27, 1814. Buried in Vale Cemetery. He lived on
Church Street in the second house north of the Dutch
Church. On November 7, 1775, he was elected a member
of the second Committee of Safety, being appointed chair
man on December 29. He was clerk of the Committee,
taking office June 2, 1777, and served on several subse
quent Committees. From May 9, 1777, to January 18, 1780
(when he was reduced as a supernumerary), he served in
the general hospitals of the Northern Department, eight
months as junior and the remainder of the time as senior
surgeon. From May to June, 1778, he was at the Scho
harie Forts, where he took charge of the wounded after
the battle of Cobleskill. On June 24, 1779, he was again
elected a member of the Committee of Safety and on July
2 was appointed clerk of the Board. During the fall of
1780 he was in charge of the hospital at Schenectady,
where he dressed the wounds of Colonel Brown's soldiers
who were brought down after the battle of Klock's Field.
Van Ingbn, John: His name appears on the rolls of the
2d Albany County Militia.

240 HISTORY OF SCHENECTADY
Van Ingen, John Visscher : Born November 11, 1764 ; died
August 30, 1839. His name appears on the rolls of the
2d Albany County Militia. In the fall of 1782 he served
on scout duty at Jessup's Patent with a detail of Oneida
Indians to apprehend Tories and deserters from the
American cause.
Van Ingen, Joseph: Baptized October 3, 1762. He was
living in Schenectady when he entered service. From
November, 1778, to May 1, 1779, he acted as surgeon's
mate under his father, Dirk Van Ingen, at Schenectady,
with the rank of first lieutenant; from June to November,
1779, he acted as clerk and surgeon's mate under Doctor
Stephen McCrea, physician and surgeon-general of the
Flying Hospital, Continental Army ; from November, 1779,
to May, 1780, he acted as clerk and surgeon's mate under
his father; from May to June, 1780, as clerk in the
Quartermaster's Department of General Clinton's brigade;
from June to August 1, 1780, as clerk to the Commissary
General; from August 1, 1780, to May 1, 1781, as con
ductor of ordnance and military stores under appointment
from General Clinton, with rank and pay of first lieuten
ant; from May 1 to September 1, 1781, as first lieutenant
in Captain Hale's company, Colonel Willett 's Levies. He
served in Sullivan 's campaign against the Indians and was
in the battle of Newtown. He often performed duty as a
surgeon at the hospital in Schenectady, and while con
ductor of ordnance had charge of a United States gun
smith's or armorer's shop located on Ferry Street. Here
several gunsmiths were employed for about a year in repair
ing arms. Van Ingen is remembered at this time as wear
ing "a kind of mixed coat and a cocked hat with a cockade
thereon." He is spoken of as having been "actively and
zealously engaged throughout the war." A pensioner.
Van Patten, Aaron N. : Baptized July 1, 1744. On
October, 1775, he was recommended to the Provincial

INDIVIDUAL RECORDS OF SERVICE 241
Congress by the Committee of Safety to fill the office of
adjutant among the field officers to be assigned to the 2d
Albany County Militia. On October 20 a commission was
issued in his name, but on January 13, 1776, he refused
to accept it. On January 15, 1777, he was a member of
the Committee of Safety. His name appears on the rolls
of the 2d Albany County Militia.
Van Patten, Adam : Born in Glenville, November 17, 1757.
He lived there during the war and afterwards moved to
Rotterdam. Early in 1776 he enrolled under Captain
John Van Patten, 2d Albany County Militia, serving as a
drummer. In the fall of the same year he performed gar
rison duty at Fort Edward and Fort Ann, and in the
summer of 1777 he was at Fort Edward. He served two
months during Schuyler's retreat, after which he was taken
sick and permitted to return home. In 1778 he performed
garrison duty at the Schoharie Forts, and later went on
.several tours in pursuit of Tories. A pensioner under the
Act of June 7, 1832.
Van Patten, Andrew: Baptized March 5, 1754. On May
27, 1775, he was appointed first lieutenant in Captain Jellis
J. Fonda's company, 2d Albany County Militia, and on
October 20 he was commissioned by the Provincial Con
gress, being reappointed on June 20, 1778.
Van Patten, Dirk: Baptized January 3, 1724-5. His
name appears on the rolls of the 2d Albany County Militia,
Land Bounty Rights.
Van Patten, Frederick: Born in Glenville, November 11,
1760. He lived there during and after the war. In
November, 1776, he was enrolled as orderly sergeant under
Captain John Van Patten, 2d Albany County Militia. In
March, 1777, he enlisted for ten months in a company of
batteaumen under Captain Myndert R. Wemple. He per
formed service cutting wood for the garrison at Schenec
tady and in transporting provisions and ammunition from

242 HISTORY OF SCHENECTADY
Schenectady to Fort Stanwix. In June, 1778, after the
destruction of Cobleskill, he assisted in burying the dead
and in pursuit of the enemy. In 1780 he served two months
on guard duty at Saratoga after the burning of Caughna
waga. In October, 1781, he marched to Johnstown, but was
there taken sick and sent home. A pensioner under the
Act of June 7, 1832.
Van Patten, Frederick D. : Baptized February 15, 1761 ;
died September 3, 1832. Cornelius Z. Van Santvoord
stated that while he was serving as an ensign in Captain
Abraham Oothout 's company, 2d Albany County Militia,
Van Patten "told him that he was about sixteen and
prayed to be enrolled in said company, which request
[was] complied with by advice and consent of his supe
rior officers. When warned he [Van Patten] was always
at his post and conducted himself with zeal and fidelity."
Van Santvoord further stated that he "was with him at
Saratoga, Fort Edward, Fort Plain, Fort Plank, Ballston,
Schoharie and Cobleskill, said Frederick ever evincing the
utmost readiness to serve his country and to risk his life
on perilous occasions for her benefit. ' ' His widow received
a pension.
Van Patten, Frederick S. : His name appears on the rolls
of the 2d Albany County Militia.
Van Patten, Henry: Baptized April 2, 1753. He served
as a private and as a sergeant under Captain John Van
Patten, 2d Albany County Militia.
Van Patten, John : Born September 29, 1739 ; died Janu
ary 10, 1809. Buried in a private cemetery on the old
Teunis Swart farm about one and a half miles west from
the village of West Charlton. On May 27, 1775, he was
elected captain of the 3d Company of Schenectady militia,
and on October 20 a commission was issued in his name by
the Provincial Congress. In January, 1776, he took part
in the expedition to Johnstown. On January 14, he was

 INDIVIDUAL RECORDS OF SERVICE 243
ordered to place guards at William De Graff's, Teunis
Swart 's and Lewis Peek's "to prevent any unfriendly
persons or letters from passing upwards." On March 1
he signed an agreement with Philip Schuyler for service
at Lake George and Ticonderoga. On April 1, 1777, he
was elected overseer of highways at Schenectady. He
served throughout the campaign against General Bur
goyne, was mentioned for bravery by General Gates at
the battle of Saratoga and was assigned to carry the news
of the British surrender to Albany. (Family tradition.)
On June 20, 1778, he was appointed "captain of the com
pany of the Beat wherein he resided" (the Westina).
Captain Van Patten's company performed guard and
patrol duty throughout his "beat" during the whole of
the war, this being an especially exposed position. In
November, 1778, he was in command of a detail on garri
son duty at Switzerbergh near Caughnawaga. In the fall
of 1779 he was at Fort Paris, and in October, 1780, in
command of a detachment in pursuit of Sir John Johnson.
Van Patten resigned from the service towards the close
of the war.
Van Patten, Nicholas: On August 11, 1777, he was
arrested by a detail of militia and Continental troops with
sixteen Tories found in his house and barn with their
arms and accoutrements. He was sent to the Albany jail.
On August 13 the Albany Committee refused his release.
Van Patten, Nicholas A. : He served as a corporal and as
a sergeant in the 2d Albany County Militia.
Van Patten, Nicholas H. : His name appears on the rolls
of the 2d Albany County Militia.
Van Patten, Nicholas R. : His name appears on the rolls
of the 2d Albany County Militia.
Van Patten, Nicholas S. : Baptized October 21, 1750 ; died
in Glenville, July 15, 1829. His name appears on the rolls

244 HISTORY OF SCHENECTADY
of the 2d Albany County Militia as serving under Captain
John Van Patten.
Van Patten, Peter: Baptized May 5, 1751. His name
appears on the rolls of the 2d Albany County Militia, Land
Bounty Rights.
Van Patten, Philip: Born February 12, 1743; died Sep
tember 15, 1812. His name appears on the rolls of the
2d Albany County Militia.
Van Patten, Simon F. : Baptized January 6, 1751. On
October 20, 1775, he was commissioned second lieutenant
in Captain John Van Patten's company, 2d Albany County
Militia. His name does not appear on the roster of regi
mental officers June 20, 1778 (Archives, State of New
York), although John De Graff states (Pension Office
Records R 10947) that in November, 1778, he served
under him at a place called Switzerburgh near Caughna
waga, at which time he was acting as a second lieutenant
in Captain Van Patten's company. John Van Eps also
states (Pension Office Records W 27862) that Van Patten
occupied such a position in the fall of 1779.
Van Santvoord, Cornelius Z. : Born in Schenectady, May
29, 1757; died March 12, 1845. He lived in Schenectady
all his life. In 1776 he was an ensign in Captain Abraham
Oothout 's company, 2d Albany County Militia. In June,
1776, he went to German Flats with General Schuyler
when he went to effect the Indian treaty. The same year
he marched to Fort Ann, Fort Edward and Skenes
borough. He was with the Northern Army during Schuy
ler's retreat and at the battle of Bemis Heights. On June
20, 1778, he was commissioned ensign by Governor Clin
ton. He performed service at Sacandaga under General
Clinton, twice at Fort Hunter, at Caughnawaga, Johns
town, Canajoharie, Fort Plain, Fort Plank, the Schoharie
Forts, Cobleskill, Ballston and Stone Arabia. The details
of these duties are not available but they were undoubt-

INDIVIDUAL RECORDS OF SERVICE 245
edly performed in connection with the raids made at the
various points enumerated. A pensioner under the Act
of June 7, 1832.
Van Santvoord, Zeger : Bom October 12, 1733 ; died April
18, 1813. His name appears on the rolls of the 2d Albany
County Militia, Land Bounty Rights.
Van Schaick, Gerrit: On March 1, 1776, he signed an
agreement with Philip Schuyler for service at Lake George
and Ticonderoga. His name appears on the rolls of the
2d Albany County Militia. In 1778 he was enrolled under
Captain Jesse Van Slyck.
Van Sice, Abraham: Born November 27, 1763. In June,
1779, he enlisted under Captain Thomas Brower Banker,
2d Albany County Militia, for duty at Caughnawaga,
and in August of the same year, he went to Fort Plank
as a. volunteer also under Captain Banker. He served at
various times thereafter at Fort Plank, Beaverdam, Balls-
ton, Schoharie, Stone Arabia, Canajoharie and on several
scouting expeditions with the Oneidas, being assigned to
the detachments at the special request of the Indians. In
1781 he was a member of Captain John Crousehorn's
company of artillery.
Van Sice, Cornelius: Bom March 29, 1737. On March
1, 1776, he signed an agreement with Philip Schuyler for
service at Lake George and Ticonderoga. His name appears
on the rolls of the 2d Albany County Militia. In 1778 he
was enrolled under Captain Jesse Van Slyck.
Van Sice, Gysbert : Baptized October 17, 1762. His name
appears on the rolls of the 2d Albany County Militia and
the 2d Albany County Militia, Land Bounty Rights. From
May 1, 1779, to January 1, 1780, he served in the 3d Com
pany, 4th New York Line.
Van Sice, Isaac: His name appears on the rolls of the 2d
Albany County Militia.

246 HISTORY OF SCHENECTADY
Van Sice, Jacobus: Born August 19, 1733. On March 1,
1776, he signed an agreement with Philip Schuyler for
service at Lake George and Ticonderoga. On December
6, 1777, he was reported as having "suffered greatly" in
a late fire. His name appears on the rolls of the 2d Albany
County Militia.
Van Sice, John : Born January 16, 1726. His name appears
on the rolls of the 2d Albany County Militia.
Van Sice, Joseph: Baptized June 29, 1755. His name
appears on the rolls of the 2d Albany County Militia. In
1778 he was enrolled under Captain Jesse Van Slyck.
Van Slyck, Adrian: Baptized June 23, 1751. He served
as a corporal and sergeant under Captain Jellis J. Fonda,
2d Albany County Militia, and as a sergeant under Cap
tain John Mynderse. In 1778 he was enrolled under
Captain Jesse Van Slyck.
Van Slyck, Andrew : His name appears on the rolls of the
2d Albany County Militia.
Van Slyck, Anthony : Baptized April 29, 1733. His name
appears on the rolls of the 2d Albany County Militia.
Van Slyck, Arent: His name appears on the rolls of the
2d Albany County Militia.
Van Slyck, Cornelius A.: Bom June 3, 1744; died
January 27, 1799. On July 28, 1778, he was appointed
second lieutenant in a company of Exempts formed in
Schenectady under Captain Jacob Schermerhorn.
Van Slyck, Cornelius P. : Baptized December 1, 1736. On
May 27, 1775, he was elected first lieutenant in Captain
John Van Patten's company, 2d Albany County Militia.
On May 29 he was appointed ensign in a company in the
Continental Service under Captain Cornelius Van Dyck,
for duty at Ticonderoga. On June 23 he was promoted
to the rank of lieutenant and in this capacity served in

INDIVIDUAL RECORDS OF SERVICE 247
the Canadian campaign, his company taking part in the
siege of St. John's and forming part of the detachment
that reduced Chamblee. On March 1, 1776, he signed an
agreement with Philip Schuyler for service at Lake George
and Ticonderoga, and on April 24, 1777, was in command
of a detail of forty-five men for duty between Albany and
Lake George. On May 7 he was elected a member of the
third Committee of Safety.
Van Slyck, Harmanus: His name appears on the rolls of
the 2d Albany County Militia. On February 8, 1776, he
was detailed as a guard over a prisoner under committment
to the Albany jail.
Van Slyck, Harmanus A. : Baptized June 3, 1750. His
name appears on the rolls of the 2d Albany County Militia,
Land Bounty Rights.
Van Slyck, Jesse : Bom June 29, 1744 ; died in September,
1815. On February 10, 1776, he was appointed first lieu
tenant in Captain Ahasueras Marselis 's company, 2d
Albany County Militia. He probably was appointed cap
tain soon after. In April, 1777, he was in command of a
detail which marched to Saratoga, where they joined four
hundred of the Vermont militia under Colonel Seth
Warner and proceeded to Jessup's Patent, where "one
Morrell," sent by the British, was actively engaged in
enlisting troops and erecting fortifications. He com
manded a company throughout the campaign against
General Burgoyne, and in April, 1778, commanded part of
his company which joined a detachment of one hundred
and twenty-five whites and a few Indians under Major
Abraham Swits for service in apprehending Tories at
Beaverdam. In June he commanded a scout of fifteen
whites and seven Indians to Cobleskill. On June 20 he
was regularly commissioned captain, and in July was at
Fort Plain on garrison duty. In March, 1780, he com
manded a detail of thirty men to Stone Arabia, and in

248 HISTORY OF SCHENECTADY
April went on scout duty to Glens Falls with fifteen whites
and five Indians. From July to August he was stationed
with a company of eighty men at the Middle Fort, Scho
harie, and marched in command of a company against
Joseph Brant after the destruction of Canajoharie. In
October he was on garrison duty at Fort Plank. He did
not go with the troops under General Van Rensselaer
against Sir John Johnson but remained at Fort Plain. In
July, 1781, he was with a detail of thirty men from Sche
nectady on garrison duty at Fort Hunter, and in October
commanded a company in pursuit of Major Ross and But
ler after the burning of Warren's Bush, on which occa
sion his detachment captured twenty-seven prisoners. In
October and November, 1782, he was on garrison duty
at Fort Herkimer.
Van Slyck, Martin: Baptized October 20, 1748. On
March 1, 1776, he signed an agreement with Philip Schuy
ler for service at Lake George and Ticonderoga. His name
appears on the rolls of the 2d Albany County Militia and
the 2d Albany County Militia, Land Bounty Rights. In
1778 he was enrolled under Captain Jesse Van Slyck.
Van Slyck, Peter: His name appears on the rolls of the
2d Albany County Militia.
Van Slyck, Samuel : Baptized March 17, 1738. His name
appears on the rolls of the 2d Albany County Militia, Land
Bounty Rights.
Van Vleck, Benjamin: Born in Schenectady, January 10,
1756 ; living in 1837. A carpenter and wagoner by trade.
On March 1, 1776, he enlisted as an artificer under Cap
tain Jacob Vrooman and served at Fort George until
December. On March 1, 1777, he again enlisted as an
artificer under Jacob Van Deusen of Albany. He was
stationed at Fort Miller, Fort Edward, Fort George and
Ticonderoga, building boats in each of these places. He
left Ticonderoga when the fortress was evacuated by Gen-

INDIVIDUAL RECORDS OF SERVICE 249
eral St. Clair and proceeded to within a few miles of
Albany, returning later to Saratoga. He was present at
the surrender of General Burgoyne. On March 1, 1778,
he again enlisted as an artificer under Captain. Jacob Vroo
man, and served in building barracks and batteaux at Sara
toga and in rebuilding General Schuyler's mills and house.
His claim for pension was rejected.
Van Vorst, Abraham : Baptized April 3, 1743 ; died about
1833. He lived near Burnt Hills. His name appears on
the rolls of the 2d Albany County Militia, Land Bounty
Rights.
Van Vorst, Ahasueras: Baptized August 24, 1735. His
name appears on the rolls of the 2d Albany County Militia,
Land Bounty Rights.
Van Vorst, James : He first entered the service under Cap
tain Van Sice, and from the spring of 1777 to the winter
of 1780 he served as baggage master under appointment
from Henry Glen, being stationed at Schenectady, where
he assisted in the transportation of supplies. His widow's
claim for pension was rejected.
Van Vorst, James J.: Born in 1763. In 1778 he was
enrolled in Captain Jesse Van Slyck 's company, 2d Albany
County Militia. In the spring of 1779 he enlisted in
Captain Silas Grey's company, 4th New York Line, and
continued in this company until 1781, when he was detailed
under Colonel Henry Glen for service in the Quarter
master's Department for duty as a hostler at the Conti
nental stables in Schenectady. A pensioner under the Act
of May 15, 1828.
Van Vorst, Jellis: Born October 14, 1747; died August
9, 1823. In 1775 he enlisted under Captain Cornelius Van
Dyck and served eleven months. He was at Quebec. In
August, 1777, he enlisted in Captain Giles Wolcott 's
company, Colonel Seth Warner's regiment, and served

250 HISTORY OF SCHENECTADY
until October, 1780, when he was taken prisoner by the
enemy at Fort George. He was taken to Canada and
remained there until 1782, when he managed to escape and
returned to find his regiment disbanded. His name ap
pears on the rolls of the 2d Albany County Militia. He
received bounty lands from the State. A pensioner under
the Act of March 18, 1818.
Van Vorst, John B. : On August 15, 1778, it was certified
by several of the more prominent inhabitants that he had
kept a ferry for some time past across the Mohawk River
at his house about a mile below the town, that a ferry was
necessary there and that said Van Vorst was the proper
person to keep it.
Van Vorst, John Jacob: Born in Schenectady, January
19, 1741 ; died in Glenville, May 23, 1844. In the winter
of 1775, with a detachment under Captain Jesse Van
Slyck, he joined the troops destined to attack Quebec.
He performed three weeks' service, probably with the
force that went as far as Skenesborough and returned. In
1776, at Fort Edward, he was drafted from the ranks by
the quartermaster general to serve as wagon master. He
received no regular appointment as such until September,
1777, when a commission was issued in his name under
which he served to the close of the war. In addition to
his own personal services "at his own individual cost of
£28 in specie in March, 1778, [he] furnished a recruit
named John Able to enlist and serve as private in the
army during the War." Van Vorst served in the cam
paign against Burgoyne at Fort Edward, Snookkill and
Bemis Heights. The greater part of his service was, how
ever, performed as barrack master at Scheneetady, where,
under Henry Glen, he superintended the transportation of
ammunition, baggage and provisions to the different posts.
He "was frequently employed on important and confi
dential occasions as an Express rider," and is spoken of

INDIVIDUAL RECORDS OF SERVICE 251
as having been "a faithful and highly useful friend to
his Country. ' '
Van Vorst, Peter : Baptized February 14, 1739. His name
appears on the rolls of the 2d Albany County Militia.
Van Vorst, Philtp D. : Baptized December 22, 1745; died
April 3, 1830. On June 20, 1778, he was commissioned
second lieutenant in Captain Abraham Van Eps's com
pany, 2d Albany County Militia. His name appears on
the rolls of the 2d Albany County Militia, Land Bounty
Rights.
Van Vranken, Derick : His name appears on the rolls of
the 2d Albany County Militia. A pensioner under the
Act of June 7, 1832.
Van Vranken, Gerrit.- Born in Niskayuna, March 10,
1757. From June to December, 1776, he was enrolled
under Captain Nicholas Van de Kar, 12th Albany County
Militia. From June to October 4, 1777, he served as a
volunteer under Captain Nanning Visscher of the same
regiment. He went to Fort Edward, Saratoga, Stillwater
and then to Niskayuna, where he remained until after
Burgoyne's surrender. In June, 1778, he volunteered for
service at Cherry Valley under Captain Collins, and in
July went to Fort Plain under Captain John Vander
burgh. During the year 1779 he moved to Schenectady
and resided here for one year. He was enrolled under
Captain Jellis J. Fonda, 2d Albany County Militia, and
in September went as a volunteer to Stone Arabia. His
claim for pension was rejected.
Van Vranken, Maus : Bom in Sehenectady, May 23, 1756 ;
died July 1, 1833. He resided in Schenectady until 1830.
He entered service some time in 1776 under Captain Jellis
J. Fonda, 2d Albany County Militia, and served through
out the war whenever called upon. He served about nine
months in each of the years 1776 and 1777, mostly with

252 HISTORY OF SCHENECTADY
the Northern Army. He was at Stillwater, but not in the
battle, being out on scout duty. He served at Skenes
borough, Fort Ann, Fort George and was present at Bur
goyne's surrender. He volunteered to go to Bennington
but was recalled after having started because some of the
officers claimed they had no right to take their troops out
side the State. In 1778 he served about six months, prin
cipally at Fort Hunter, Fort Plain and Caughnawaga.
On the call to Fort Hunter, Van Vranken and six others
took with them a "six pounder." He volunteered to march
to Fort Plain to check the raid of Butler and on this
occasion also took the cannon, his detachment firing it as
they approached the fort to alarm the enemy. They pur
sued the enemy for three days. He served about four
months each year in each of the four succeeding years.
This service was mostly in and about Schenectady, Balls-
ton, Schoharie and Caughnawaga. A pensioner.
Van Vranken, Nicholas: His name appears on the rolls
of the 2d Albany County Militia.
Van Vranken, Nicholas N. : His name appears on the rolls
of the 2d Albany County Militia.
Van Vranken, Richard: Born in Schenectady, August 15,
1763. In 1779 he volunteered under Captain Thomas
Brower Banker, 2d Albany County Militia, and in August
was on duty for three weeks on a tour to Herkimer and
again in the fall for two weeks to Fort Plank. In the
summer of 1780 he was on garrison duty at Fort Plank,
and in October of the same year he volunteered to march
to Fort Hunter with a party of twenty or thirty others
from Schenectady. They did not, however, arrive at the
fort until after the battle of Johnstown and while the
troops were in pursuit of the enemy. In 1781 he was on
various tours to Fort Hunter, Stone Arabia and Fort
Plank. On one occasion he served as a sergeant. A pen
sioner.

INDIVIDUAL RECORDS OF SERVICE 253
Van Vranken, Ryckert : Buried September 12, 1805. On
March 1, 1776, he signed an agreement with Philip Schuy
ler for service at Lake George and Ticonderoga. His name
appears on the rolls of the 2d Albany County Militia. In
1779 he was in command of the guard at Schenectady.
Vedder, Albert A. : His name appears on the rolls of the
2d Albany County Militia.
Vedder, Albert H. : Born in Schenectady ; baptized March
17, 1737; died in Amsterdam, June 21, 1800. "A man
of note and a recognized patriot. He was captured by the
Indians and Tories in a raid through the Valley but dur
ing the retreat to Canada escaped and returned home."
Vedder, Albert L. : Born in the Schenectady Township,
October 28, 1759. In October, 1775, he was enrolled under
Captain Abraham Oothout, 2d Albany County Militia. In
the spring of 1776 he enlisted for four months in a com
pany of artificers under Jacob Vrooman and was employed
in building boats, storehouses, etc., at Ticonderoga, Lake
George, Skenesborough and Saratoga. In the spring of
1777 he again enrolled under Captain Oothout, and in the
summer of the same year served under Captain John Myn
derse with the Northern Army during Schuyler's retreat
and until the surrender of Burgoyne. In the fall of 1778
he served two months on draft at Fort Paris, and in the
summer of 1779 was at Fort Plain. When Canajoharie
was burned he was ordered to Fort Plank. In the spring
of 1780 he was ordered to Fort Hunter when Caughna
waga was destroyed. He performed various guard and
garrison duties. A pensioner.
Vedder, Alexander: Bom in Albany, February 20, 1709;
died in October, 1780. A member of the Committees of
Safety taking office June 2, 1777, and January 5, 1778.
The election of members to the Board taking office January
5, 1778, was held at his house, where were also held many

254 HISTORY OF SCHENECTADY
of the Committee meetings. His name appears on the rolls
of the 2d Albany County Militia.
Vedder, Arent A. : His name appears on the rolls of the
2d Albany County Militia.
Vedder, Arent S. : Born August 14, 1735. He lived in
Niskayuna. On February 10, 1776, he was elected second
lieutenant in Captain Thomas Brower Banker's company,
2d Albany County Militia. On March 1, 1776, he signed
an agreement with Philip Schuyler for service at Lake
George and Ticonderoga. On June 20, 1778, he was regu
larly commissioned second lieutenant in Captain Banker's
company. In September or October, he served at Fort
Plank and Stone Arabia, and in 1781 at Fort Hunter, Fort
Plank and Stone Arabia.
Vedder, Francis : Baptized August 27, 1749. A merchant.
On March 1, 1776, he signed an agreement with Philip
Schuyler for service at Lake George and Ticonderoga. In
May, 1778, he commanded a scout to Sacandaga, and on
June 20 was commissioned second lieutenant in Captain
Jesse Van Slyck 's company, 2d Albany County Militia.
In November he commanded a detail of thirty-six men
for garrison duty at Fort Plain, and in May, 1780, com
manded a detail of thirteen men to Viele's Rifts to bring
scows from the north to the south side of the river to
prevent the enemy from crossing. In June, as an ensign,
he commanded a detachment on an alarm to Schoharie in
pursuit of Sir John Johnson, Brant and Butler, and on
his return performed garrison duty at Schenectady. In
August, 1781, he went to Viele's Rifts on scout duty with
a squad of ten men, and in May, 1782, he was on patrol
duty at Harpersfield.
Vedder, Frederick: Born in Glenville, April 28, 1761. In
1779 he enrolled under Captain Abraham Oothout; 2d
Albany County Militia, and in September performed duty
at Stone Arabia and in October at Caughnawaga. On May

INDIVIDUAL RECORDS OF SERVICE 255
22, 1780, he was sent to warn out the company to go to
Caughnawaga at the time the family of the Visschers
was murdered. He was on duty three weeks. In 1780 he
served two weeks at Fort Hunter; two weeks at Cana
joharie, when the town was destroyed; two weeks at Fort
Clyde, and in October eight days at Ballston. From
August 1 to November 1, 1781, he was stationed at Claas
Viele's Rifts. A pensioner under the Act of June 7, 1832.
Vedder, Harmanus: Baptized March 4, 1739. His name
appears on the rolls of the 2d Albany County Militia. In
1778 he employed Joseph De Golyer as a substitute.
Vedder, John : Early in 1776, he went to Caughnawaga as
a private under Captain John Van Patten, 2d Albany
County Militia. On September 17 he enlisted in Captain
John A. Bradt 's company of State Rangers, and served
in it until the company was disbanded in the spring of
1777, after which he enlisted as a minute man under Cap
tain Jellis J. Fonda. In 1778 he served under Captain
Jesse Van Slyck, and in October, 1779, was on duty at
Stone Arabia. In 1781 he was a member of Captain John
Crousehorn's company of artillery. His widow received
a pension.
Vedder, John : On February 25, 1780, he was commissioned
ensign in Captain John Van Eps's company, 2d Albany
County Militia.
Vedder, Nicholas Alexander: On July 9, 1777, he was
appointed to serve in the commissary department during
the absence of the militia at Fort Edward, but on account
of complaints (he being enrolled in the militia) he was
later ordered to accompany the troops. He served as a
private in the 2d Albany County Militia under various
captains and as a corporal under Captain Abraham
Oothout.
Vedder, Philip : Baptized July 9, 1737 ; died May 6, 1822.
He lived in Rotterdam. In November, 1776, he was serving

256 HISTORY OF SCHENECTADY
as a lieutenant under Captain John Van Patten, 2d Albany
County Militia. In May, 1778, he was on duty at Cobles
kill. On June 20 he was regularly commissioned second
lieutenant in Captain Van Patten's company.
Vedder, Simon H. : Baptized November 11, 1744. His name
appears on the rolls of the 2d Albany County Militia.
Veeder, Barent: His name appears on the rolls of the
2d Albany County Militia.
Veeder, Cornelius : His name appears on the rolls of the 2d
Albany County Militia.
Veeder, Gerrit (S. or N.) : Born in 1751. On May 27,
1775, he was appointed a second lieutenant in a com
pany of minute men formed in Schenectady. In July he
was appointed first lieutenant in Captain John Mynderse 's
company, being granted a commission by the Provincial
Congress on October 20. In January, 1776, he took part
in the expedition to Johnstown. In February he was
appointed captain of a company raised in Schenectady
for the Canadian service, and on March 1 he was com
missioned a captain in the Continental Line under Colonel
Cornelius D. Wynkoop. On April 10 he was appointed
captain of a company of State Rangers in place of John
A. Bradt, and on October 7 was commissioned captain of
the 8th Company, 1st New York Line. On December 5
he resigned this commission but served as a captain with
the New York troops to the end of the war. In 1777 he
served in the campaign against Burgoyne and had com
mand of a detachment at the battle of Bemis Heights.
On July 1, 1782, he commanded a detail of forty men to
Fort Plain and Fort Plank to act as guards while the crops
were being harvested. A pensioner under the Act of June
7, 1832.
Veeder, Helmar S. : His name appears on the rolls of the
2d Albany County Militia.

 INDIVIDUAL RECORDS OF SERVICE 257
Veeder, Hendrick: His name appears on the rolls of the
2d Albany County Militia, Land Bounty Rights.
Veeder, John B. : Born in the Schenectady Township,
November 6, 1760; died in Munroe County in August,
1847. He lived in the Schenectady Township for four
teen years after the Revolution. In 1777 he served a short
time on guard duty at Schenectady as a substitute. In
June, 1779, he served under Captain Thomas Brower
Banker, 2d Albany County Militia, erecting blockhouses
at Sacandaga. In the fall of 1779, he was drafted for
duty at Fort Plank and Fort Paris, and in the spring of
1780 he went to Caughnawaga under Captain Banker. He
was at Fort Plain when the Canajoharie settlements were
destroyed and when Colonel Willett asked for volunteers
for the pursuit of the enemy, Veeder "was the first man
who spoke and expressed his willingness to go and he did
go together with a large detachment." In 1781 he was
a member of Captain John Crousehorn's company of artil
lery. He performed various garrison and guard duties
and went on several expeditions in pursuit of Tories.
Veeder, John H. : Born June 2, 1718 ; died August 4, 1794.
On March 1, 1776, he signed an agreement with Philip
Schuyler for service at Lake George and Ticonderoga. On
April 1, 1777, he was elected overseer of highways at Sche
nectady. His name appears on the rolls of the 2d Albany
County Militia, Land Bounty Rights.
Veeder, Nicholas G. : Born in Glenville, December 25,
1761; died April 7, 1862. Toward the end of the year
1777 he enrolled under Captain Jesse Van Slyck, 2d
Albany County Militia. In July, 1778, he went on a
scout to Ballston and Galway, and in November, 1779, he
was on garrison duty at Fort Paris. In August, 1780, he
marched with a detachment against a party of the enemy
under Joseph Brant after the destruction of Canajoharie,
and in October of the same year went to Ballston when

258 HISTORY OF SCHENECTADY
it was attacked. In October, 1781, he marched to Johns
town and on his return guarded some prisoners to Sche
nectady. He was out on many alarms in pursuit of Tories
and performed various guard and garrison duties. This
is the Nicholas Veeder who is well remembered by many of
the older generation as the last survivor of the Revolution
in Schenectady. After the war he lived in a building
known as the "Old Fort," situated in the present village
of Scotia a few hundred feet north of the Vley Road and
about one hundred feet west of Halcyon Street. The build
ing was removed in 1891. A pensioner under the Act of
June 7, 1832.
Veeder, Nicholas P. : Born February 9, 1734 ; died Novem
ber 11, 1807. His house was on the lot bounded by Front,
Green and Ferry Streets. On October 5, 1775, he was
recommended to the Provincial Congress by the Committee
of Safety to fill the office of second major among the field
officers to be assigned to the Schenectady militia. On
October 20 a commission was issued in his name, but on
January 13, 1776, he refused to accept it. He is spoken
of as having served as a captain in the Quartermaster's
Department during the year 1776, although the records at
Washington make special mention of the fact that there is
no evidence to show that he so served. On March 3, 1777,
he was a member of the Committee of Safety. His name
appears on the rolls of the 2d Albany County Militia.
Veeder, Peter S. : On May 10, 1776, General Schuyler was
informed by the Committee of Safety that he had gone
to Lake George without the permission of the Board and
that he had repeatedly refused to sign the General Asso
ciation. His name appears on the rolls of the 2d Albany
County Militia. In 1778 he was enrolled under Captain
Jesse Van Slyck.
Veeder, Simon: Born in Schenectady, May 1, 1748. Early
in 1776, while living at Caughnawaga, he was appointed a

INDIVIDUAL RECORDS OF SERVICE 259
sergeant under Captain John Davis, 3d Tryon County
Militia. In July he was drafted for the Line but hired
a substitute. During the fall he was stationed at Johns
town. He was not at the battle of Oriskany but was with
the troops that went to the relief of Fort Stanwix, later
marching to Saratoga and being present at the surrender
of Burgoyne. In October, 1780, acting as quartermaster,
he went with the troops under General Van Rensselaer
in pursuit of Sir John Johnson and fought at the battle
of Klock's Field. During this raid of the enemy Veeder 's
barn, mills, tannery and brewery were burned and he
"very narrowly escaped with his life, under a discharge
of more than 100 guns at him." In the spring of 1781
he received the appointment of quartermaster in the 3d
Tryon County Militia and served in this capacity to the
end of the war, commanding a detachment of the troops
that marched against Major Ross in October of that year.
In May, 1782, he was again drafted and again hired a
substitute; he, however, performed military duty during
both this year and 1783.
Veeder, Simon B. : Bom in Schenectady in 1753; died in
1810. His name appears on the rolls of the 2d Albany
County Militia. "He was at the storming of the block
house at Johnstown, where his wife nursed the sick and
wounded."
Veeder, Simon H. : His name appears on the rolls of the
2d Albany County Militia.
Veeder, Wilhelmus: His name appears on the rolls of the
2d Albany County Militia.
Viele, Philip : Bom July 7, 1745 ; died August 7, 1797. In
1776 he was enrolled under Captain John Van Patten,
2d Albany County Militia, serving in January on the
expedition to Johnstown, and in the fall performing gar
rison duty at Fort Ann. In 1777 he performed two
months' service with the Northern Army as sergeant,

260 HISTORY OF SCHENECTADY
which rank he seems to have held to the end of the war.
He was present at the battle of Bemis Heights. During
the summer and early fall of 1778 he was on duty at the
Lower Fort, Schoharie. In the fall of 1779 he served at
Fort Plain and Stone Arabia, and in the fall of 1781 was
on guard duty at Claas Viele's Fort. His son's application
for pension was rejected.
Visscher, John: Before the war a justice of the peace at
Schenectady. On October 25, 1776, he was reported to
the General Committee at Albany as "a person disaffected
to the cause of American liberty." In May, 1777, he was
recommended to the field officers as " a dangerous person. ' '
On May 22, he voluntarily took the oath that he would
take up arms in defense of the country in case of any
invasion. On July 14, 1778, he was cited to appear before
the Commissioners of Conspiracies to render satisfac
tion regarding his conduct during the war, conformable
to the act respecting persons of neutral or equivocal char
acters. On July 17 he refused to take the Oath of Alle
giance, and on July 18 was ordered to hold himself in
readiness to be removed to within the enemy's lines. On
August 1 he expressed a willingness to take the Oath but
was not permitted to do so, as the Act did not permit of
the Oath being administered to one who had once refused
to take it. He was ordered to appear on August 14 ready
for deportation. On May 24, 1779, the Oath of Allegiance
was administered to him in accordance with the amended
Act.
Visscher, John, Jr. : His name appears on the rolls of the
2d Albany County Militia.
Vrooman, Abraham : Born in 1761 ; died February 5, 1815.
He is buried in the old Vrooman Cemetery on the Bar
tholomew Vrooman farm, Albany Road. The graves are
on a knoll in a small grove of evergreen trees surrounded
by a fence. His name appears on the rolls of the 2d

 INDIVIDUAL RECORDS OF SERVICE 261
Albany County Militia and the 2d Albany County Militia,
Land Bounty Rights.
Vrooman, Adam: Born in Schenectady, May 25, 1760. In
October, 1776, he enlisted under Captain John Mynderse,
2d Albany County Militia, and served to the end of the
war, during the first part as a corporal and for more than
two years as a sergeant. In the summer of 1777 he was
with the Northern Army during Schuyler's retreat,
actively engaged in the battle of Snookkill, in the battle
of September 19 and in several other skirmishes. He
remained on duty until after the surrender of Burgoyne.
In 1778 he performed garrison duty at Caughnawaga,
Palatine, Fort Paris and Fort Plank, one month at each
place except at Fort Plank, where he remained two months.
He mounted guard at the three forts in Schoharie both
before and after the destruction of the Schoharie settle
ments ; also at Cobleskill and Brakabeen. In October, 1781,
he marched to Johnstown. On numerous occasions he
served as a scout and spy, and when not out on expeditions
performed guard duty at Schenectady. A pensioner under
the Act of June 7, 1832.
Vrooman, Adam S. : Baptized March 5, 1754 ; died August
3, 1808. His name appears on the rolls of the 2d Albany
County Militia.
Vrooman, Arent : Born June 14, 1758; died February 18,
1814. He served under Captain Thomas Brower Banker,
2d Albany County Militia.
Vrooman, Barent: Bora December 24, 1725; died Novem
ber 16, 1784. He was pastor of the First Dutch Church
during the Revolution.
Vrooman, Cornelius: Born February 4, 1722; died in
1806. His name appears on the rolls of the 2d Albany
County Militia, Land Bounty Rights.

262 HISTORY OF SCHENECTADY
Vrooman, David: His name appears on the rolls of the 2d
Albany County Militia.
Vrooman, Hendrick: Born October 23, 1757; died Janu
ary 30, 1813. He is buried in the old Vrooman Cemetery
on the Bartholomew Vrooman farm, Albany Road. The
graves are on a knoll in a small grove of evergreen trees
surrounded by a fence. His name appears on the rolls
of the 2d Albany County Militia.
Vrooman, Isaac: Born November 13, 1712; died June 1,
1807. He had a farm at the Brandywine Mills. On May
7, 1776, he was elected a member of the third Committee
of Safety. He was also a member of the fourth Commit
tee and on March 3, 1777, was elected a member of the
fifth Committee of Safety. On April 1, 1777, he was
elected a supervisor. In 1779 he was a member of Assem
bly under the first State Constitution.
Vrooman, Jacob A.: Baptized December 30, 1747; died
in Glenville, July 21, 1831. On March 1, 1776, he signed
an agreement with Philip Schuyler for service at Lake
George and Ticonderoga.
Vrooman, Jacob I. : His name appears on the rolls of the
2d Albany County Militia.
Vrooman, Jacob J.: Baptized March 30, 1755. He inher
ited his father's farm three and one half miles south of
Schenectady. His name appears on the rolls of the 2d
Albany County Militia.
Vrooman, Jacob S. : Baptized November 13, 1723. A car
penter. In 1775 a company under his command served
at Ticonderoga and vicinity, building boats preparatory
for the American invasion of Canada. On March 1, 1776,
he signed an agreement with Philip Schuyler as an over
seer of a company of carpenters for service at Lake George
and Ticonderoga. In March, 1778, he commanded a com
pany which marched to Saratoga and remained there

 INDIVIDUAL RECORDS OF SERVICE 263
throughout the season, building boats and rebuilding Gen
eral Schuyler's house and mills which had been burned by
the British the year previous. His name appears on the
rolls of the 2d Albany County Militia, Land Bounty Rights.
Vrooman, John B. : Baptized January 13, 1745. On Octo
ber 20, 1775, he was commissioned ensign in the 4th Com
pany, 2d Albany County Militia. On November 22 he
received a commission as first lieutenant from the Provin
cial Congress, and on February 10, 1776, was assigned to
Captain Thomas Brower Banker's company. In the spring
he was in command of a detail for the apprehension of
Tories at the Heldebergh. On April 1, 1777, he was elected
overseer of highways at Schenectady. On June 20, 1778,
he was reappointed first lieutenant in Captain Banker's
company. On June 15, 1779, he was elected a member of
the Committee of Safety. In the summer he commanded
a detachment of militia and Oneida Indians to Schoharie
to capture a party of runaway Tuscarora Indians. In
September or October he served at Fort Plank and Stone
Arabia, and in the fall of 1780 marched to Ballston in
pursuit of the enemy after the raid.
Vrooman, John J. : Born in the Schenectady Township,
April 5, 1763. In the spring of 1779 he enlisted under
Captain John Mynderse, 2d Albany County Militia, and
in the fall of that year was on duty at Fort Paris. He
also acted as captain of the guard at Scheneetady. From
January 1 to December 24, 1780, he served in a company
of batteau and fatigue men under Captain Joseph Peek.
At various times he served under Colonels Dayton, Van
Dyck and Gansevoort. A pensioner.
Vrooman, John T. : His name appears on the rolls of the
2d Albany County Militia.
Vrooman, Lawrence: Born in Schenectady, July 26, 1757.
In 1775 he enlisted under Captain Jellis J. Fonda, 2d
Albany County Militia, and served as a private until

264 HISTORY OF SCHENECTADY
1778 when he was promoted to the rank of ensign. He
did not, however, receive a regular commission until Feb
ruary 25, 1780. In the fall of 1776 he marched to Still
water, thence to Fort Ann, remaining some time on duty
at each place. From Fort Ann he proceeded down the
Wood Creek to Skenesborough as a guard for provision
boats. From September 27, 1777, until a few days before
Burgoyne's surrender, when he was taken sick and obliged
to return home, he served with the Northern Army. In
the fall of the same year he was appointed a deputy com
missary of the Northern Department to purchase hospital
supplies, and served in this capacity until April, 1778.
During the year 1778 he performed garrison duty at Fort
Paris, and was at one of the Schoharie Forts when Cobles
kill was destroyed. He was at Fort Plain and Fort Plank
when the Indians and Tories raided that section, and
when the alarm gun was fired at Fort Plain he was one
of the men who went in front of the cannon for the relief.
In October, 1781, he was on duty at Canajoharie when
Walter Butler was killed. He was spoken of as "a valiant
officer. ' ' He died before his claim for pension was granted
and his son's application was rejected.
Vrooman, Nicholas: On August 12, 1777, he was arrested
and sent to Albany as implicated in a Tory plot.
Vrooman, Simon J. : Born in Schenectady, August 3, 1760 ;
died November 10, 1841. He removed from Schenectady
in 1787. In March, 1777, he entered the service in the
the Quartermaster's Department under Lieutenant-Colonel
Christopher Yates, being stationed at Fort Ann. He was in
active service during Schuyler's retreat, in the battle of
Bemis Heights and with the troops under General Arnold
to the relief of Fort Stanwix. In March or April, 1778,
he performed three months' service at Schuyler's Farms,
building boats, and in August of the same year he enrolled
in the company of Captain John Mynderse. He was sta
tioned three months at Fort Paris. In June, 1779, under

INDIVIDUAL RECORDS OF SERVICE 265
Lieutenant-Colonel Christopher Yates he went to Tioga
Point with the boats conveying baggage and ammunition
for General Clinton's division. He was afterwards sta
tioned six weeks with Captain John Mynderse 's company
at Fort Herkimer. In August, 1780, he was commissioned
a subaltern by the Council of Appointment and assigned to
the company of Captain John Burnett, Colonel Lewis
Dubois's Levies. He performed guard duty at Fishkill,
Dobbs Ferry and later at Fort Plain, and on the approach
of Sir John Johnson was sent as an express to Schenectady,
returning to the fort on the third day. He was in the
engagement at Stone Arabia when Colonel Brown was
killed, and in the second action after the arrival of Gen
eral Van Rensselaer. He went in pursuit of the enemy
as far as Fort Herkimer, remaining there six weeks until
relieved by the Regulars, when he returned to Schenec
tady. In April, 1781, he was commissioned a subaltern
and assigned to the company of Captain John Gross,
Colonel Willett 's Levies. He was stationed at Fort Plain,
and in July took part in the engagement known as the
battle of Torlock, in which Captain Robert McKean was
killed. He went in pursuit of the enemy after the destruc
tion of Warren's Bush, was in the battle of Johnstown and
joined in the pursuit of the enemy after the battle. His
widow stated that at the close of the war Vrooman held a
commission as lieutenant. A pensioner.
Vrooman, Walter : On June 20, 1778, he was commissioned
first lieutenant in Captain Jesse Van Slyck 's company, 2d
Albany County Militia. In September he was on garrison
duty at the Middle Fort, Schoharie. In 1779 he was serv
ing as a lieutenant in the Levies. From August to Novem
ber he commanded a company at Schoharie mustered at
Sehenectady and attached to Colonel Butler's regiment.
On October 23, 1780, while serving as a lieutenant in
Colonel Harper's Levies, he was taken prisoner by forces

266 HISTORY OF SCHENECTADY
under Sir John Johnson and Joseph Brant and removed
to Canada, where he was held until the end of the war.
Waggerman, George: On January 22, 1777, he enlisted in
Captain John A. Bradt 's company of State Rangers, and
on March 26 enlisted for the war and was assigned to
Captain Leonard Bleecker's company, 3d New York Line.
Waggerman, Michael: His name appears on the rolls of
the 2d Albany County Militia.
Wagner, Andrew: His name appears on the rolls of the
2d Albany County Militia.
Wagner, Michael: His name appears on the rolls of the
2d Albany County Militia.
Wagner, Nicholas: His name appears on the rolls of the
2d Albany County Militia.
Ward, Christopher: Born at Stone Arabia, July 18, 1757;
died November 13, 1838. Buried in Vale Cemetery. He
lived in Schenectady during and after the war. In Janu
ary, 1776, he was enrolled in Captain Abraham Oothout 's
company, 2d Albany County Militia. He took part in
the expedition to Johnstown, and in the fall of the same
year was on guard at Johnstown and Switzerbergh. In
the spring of 1777 he was drafted under Captain Jesse
Van Slyck and marched to Jessup's Patent. This same
year he served during Schuyler's retreat, at Saratoga,
Stillwater and Bemis Heights, part of the time as a sub
stitute for Harmon Peters. From March to July 18, 1778,
he served as a blacksmith in the Continental Army; he
then enlisted and served three months in Captain Thomas
Patten's company of artificers. With this company he
went to Albany, Fishkill, Fredericksburg, White Plains and
Dover. In the fall of this same year he went with a detach
ment from Colonel Wemple 's regiment towards Cherry
Valley. From January to May 1, 1779, he served in a
company of artificers under Captain John Clute, and in the

INDIVIDUAL RECORDS OF SERVICE 267
spring of 1780 performed three weeks' duty at Schoharie.
In the summer of this same year he enlisted in Captain
James McGee's company, Colonel Morris Graham's Levies.
When Stone Arabia was raided by Sir John Johnson
(August, 1780) he was on duty at Fort Herkimer, A
pensioner under the Act of June 7, 1832.
Warn, Richard: His name appears on the rolls of the 2d
Albany County Militia, Land Bounty Rights.
Warn, Samuel : On March 1, 1776, he signed an agreement
with Philip Schuyler for service at Lake George and
Ticonderoga. His name appears on the rolls of the 2d
Albany County Militia, Land Bounty Rights.
Wasson, James : In May, 1782, he enlisted in Captain Guy
Young's company, Colonel Marinus Willett 's Levies.
Wasson, John: Born in the Schenectady Township, Janu
ary 6, 1764. He was living in Princetown when, about
July 25, 1780, he enlisted under Captain Jacob John Lan
sing, Colonel Morris Graham's Levies. He marched to
West Point and there performed garrison duty about
three weeks, then to Dobbs Ferry, where he remained one
week, then to Albany, where the regiment was divided.
His detachment marched to the Middle Fort, Schoharie.
He was in the fort when Sir John Johnson attacked it and
was with the troops that subsequently pursued the enemy.
From April, 1781, to January, 1782, he served under
Captain Stephen White, Colonel Willett 's Levies. He vol
unteered with a party of twenty-eight Indians and white
men for scout duty to Crown Point. From March to Octo
ber, 1782, he served under Captain Guy Young, and then
enlisted under Captain Jellis A. Fonda, Colonel Willett 's
Levies, and served three months when he was discharged
from the service. He was in the battle of Johnstown and
in an engagement with the enemy at Lake Schuyler in
1782. A pensioner under the Act of June 7, 1832.

268 HISTORY OF SCHENECTADY
Wasson, Thomas: Lived in Princetown. On September 7,
1775, the Committee of Safety applied to the Albany
Committee to assign him a commission as captain of militia,
and on October 20 he was commissioned captain of the 5th
Company, 2d Albany County Militia. He was reappointed
on June 20, 1778.
Wasson, Thomas J. : His name appears on the rolls of the
2d Albany County Militia, Land Bounty Rights.
Watson, Alexander: His name appears on the rolls of the
2d Albany County Militia.
Weller, Frederick: Born at Walkill, December 5, 1757.
In the fall of 1775, when he enrolled under Captain Abra
ham Oothout, 2d Albany County Militia, as a sergeant,
he was living in Princetown and here he continued to live
for about five years after the war. He was drafted for
the Canadian expedition. He marched to Fort Edward
and Skenesborough but was ordered home after eight
weeks' service on the news of the death of General Mont
gomery. In the spring of 1777 he went with a body of
Vermont militia to destroy a blockhouse at Jessup's
Patent. When Burgoyne invested Ticonderoga he was
again called to Fort Edward. He was in General Schuy
ler's retreat but a few days before the battle of Bemis
Heights was taken with measles and obliged to return
home. When he recovered his health he performed fatigue
duty under Henry Glen in transporting effects for the army
from Scheneetady to Albany. He served on various occa
sions at the Schoharie Forts and Fort Plain. On July
23, 1780, he was sent to Albany under arrest as being con
cerned in a plot to join the enemy or of supplying them
with provisions. He was, however, on August 10 released
on bail. He served when Ballston was attacked and with
the troops in pursuit of Sir John Johnson, following the
destruction of the Mohawk settlements. In the fall of
1781 he was at Fort Hunter during the battle of Johnstown,

INDIVIDUAL RECORDS OF SERVICE 269
where the troops with which he served were detailed to
guard prisoners. A pensioner.
Weller, Robert: He served as a private and as a sergeant
in the 2d Albany County Militia.
Welsh, John: On May 31, 1775, some of the soldiers of
Captain Cornelius Van Dyck's company were boarded at
his house while the company was being recruited and
drilled.
Wemple, Abraham : Born about 1728 ; died near Albany in
1799. On September 7, 1775, the Committee of Safety
applied to the Albany Committee to assign him a com
mission as captain of militia. On October 5 he was recom
mended to the Provincial Congress for the office of colonel
among the field officers to be assigned to the 2d Albany
County Militia, and on October 20 he was commissioned
colonel, being reappointed on June 20, 1778, and serving
in this capacity until near the end of the war, when he
resigned from the service. On November 7, 1775, he was
elected a member of the second Committee of Safety and on
December 29 was appointed deputy chairman of the Board.
On July 26, 1779, he was again elected a member of the
Committee. Colonel Wemple served with his regiment on
the various occasions when called out and was throughout
the war a zealous and active adherent of the American cause.
Wemple, Barent (Wemp, Barnabas) : Baptized in Sche
nectady September 3, 1738; buried December 27, 1843.
On April 11, 1776, he enlisted under Captain Gerrit S.
Veeder, Colonel Cornelius D. Wynkoop's regiment. On
December 28 (probably 1776) he enlisted for the war
under Captain John Copp, 1st New York Line. In June,
1778, he was reported as "absent without leave and sup
posed to be sick. ' ' On his company roll covering the period
from July to December, 1778, he was reported as "sick at
Prince Town." The roll for January and February,
1780, reported him "transfered to Corps of Invalids."

270 HISTORY OF SCHENECTADY
During the latter part of the war he became a Loyalist and
fled from the Mohawk Valley to Canada leaving behind
land and other property.
Wemple, John: Born at Fort Hunter, October 15, 1749.
He was living in Schenectady in 1775 when he enrolled
under Captain John Mynderse, 2d Albany County Militia.
In January, 1776, he took part in the expedition to Johns
town. In the fall of 1776 he served at Skenesborough and
Fort Ann for the purpose of guarding boats. In the
spring of 1777 he went to Jessup's Patent in pursuit of
Tories. He served five months during the campaign against
Burgoyne, taking part in the battle of Snookkill. He was
at Ballston in 1780 when it was burned and at Warren's
Bush in 1781 under Colonel Willett. He performed con
siderable guard and garrison duty at Fort Plain, Fort
Plank, Fort Paris and at the Schoharie Forts. A pensioner
under the Act of June 7, 1832.
Wemple, John J. : He served as a sergeant under Captain
Thomas Brower Banker, 2d Albany County Militia.
Wemple, John R. : Born April 18, 1732; died September
14, 1814. He served as a private and as a sergeant in the
2d Albany County Militia. On May 20, 1777, he testified
before the Committee of Safety that his shoulder had been
put out of joint and that he was therefore unfit for military
duty.
Wemple, John T. : His name appears on the rolls of the 2d
Albany County Militia.
Wemple, Myndert : Born December 26, 1737 ; died Decem
ber 18, 1821. His name appears on the rolls of the 2d
Albany County Militia.
Wemple, Myndert A.: Baptized February 9, 1753; died
November 10, 1804. On May 27, 1775, he was appointed
second lieutenant in Captain Jellis J. Fonda's company,
2d Albany County Militia. On July 10 he refused an

INDIVIDUAL RECORDS OF SERVICE 271
offer of a recruiting warrant from the Provincial Congress,
and on June 20, 1778, was reappointed second lieutenant.
On February 25, 1780, he was promoted to the rank of
first lieutenant and assigned to the company of Captain
John Mynderse.
Wemple, Myndert M. : Baptized November 20, 1738 ; died
in 1789. On May 15, 1776, he was delegated to collect
wagons to carry provisions from Albany to Lake George.
On April 25, 1777, he was appointed chairman pro tempore
of the Committee of Safety. On June 20, 1778, he was
commissioned second major of the 2d Albany County Mili
tia to succeed Nicholas Veeder. In September or October,
1779, he commanded a detachment to Fort Plank and Stone
Arabia.
Wemple, Myndert R. : Born September 30, 1742. He
served as an ensign in the 2d Albany County Militia. In
1777 he is mentioned as captain of a company of batteau
men performing service in transporting provisions and
stores for the troops on the Hudson and Mohawk Rivers.
Wemple, Ryer: Baptized October 17, 1703; died in 1796.
His name appears on the rolls of the 2d Albany County
Militia, Land Bounty Rights.
Wendell, Harmanus H. : Died previous to March 2, 1777.
A merchant. He was a member of the fourth Committee
of Safety.
Wendell, John Baptist: Born March 6, 1732. On March
1, 1776, he signed an agreement with Philip Schuyler for
service at Lake George and Ticonderoga. His name appears
on the rolls of the 2d Albany County Militia as serving
under Captain John Van Patten.
Wendle, Ahasueras: Born in Schenectady, December 21,
1755; died February 22, 1848. On May 6, 1775, he was
chosen a member of the first Committee of Safety. He

272 HISTORY OF SCHENECTADY
served also on the second and third Committees. On May
27, together with Henry Glen, he was delegated by the
Committee to go to Johnstown to inquire into the cause
of the disturbances arising over the Sheriff White inci
dent. On July 10, 1775, he was recommended to the Pro
vincial Congress for the position of second lieutenant in
the recruiting service. In the fall of 1775 he was enrolled
in the company of Captain John Van Patten and in this
company he served to the end of the war. In January,
1776, he took part in the expedition to Johnstown. On
February 28, 1776, he refused to accept from General
Schuyler a recruiting warrant with rank of ensign. On
May 13, 1776, General Schuyler was requested to send him
back from Lake George for the reason that he was em
ployed in the Continental service without having signed
the General Association. From June to October, 1777, he
was on duty at Fort Edward and other forts in the vicin
ity. He was in command of a detachment at the battle of
Bemis Heights, two of the officers being unfit for duty. In
the fall of 1780 he marched with the militia under General
Van Rensselaer in pursuit of Sir John Johnson, and in
the fall of 1781 was with the troops under Colonel Willett
in pursuit of Major Ross and Butler. A pensioner under
the Act of June 7, 1832.
Wessel, Arent: Baptized June 17, 1752. His name appears
on the rolls of the 2d Albany County Militia.
Wessel, Harmanus: Born in 1754; died March 10, 1813.
Buried in Vale Cemetery. His name appears on the rolls
of the 2d Albany County Militia.
Wheaton, Reuben: Born in the Schenectady Township in
September, 1763. In the spring of 1778 he was enrolled
under Captain Jesse Van Slyck, 2d Albany County Militia.
He served to the end of the war, performing considerable
guard and scout duty. In August, 1780, he served at
Fort Plank and Fort Plain, and in 1781 was on duty when

INDIVIDUAL RECORDS OF SERVICE 273
Major Ross and Butler descended on the settlements. A
pensioner under the Act of June 7, 1832.
Wheaton, Thomas: He served as a sergeant under Cap
tain Jesse Van Slyck, 2d Albany County Militia. In May,
1779, he was in command of a detail for scout duty to
Sacandaga, Fish House and Mayfield, and in September
to Sacandaga and Johnstown. In June, 1780, he was
second in command of a detail to Beaverdam and Harpers
field, and in September in command of a detail for scout
duty to Sacandaga and Mayfield. In May, 1781, he went
on scout duty to Glens Falls.
White, William: He lived on Church Street. At his
house on May 9, 1775, was held the first meeting of the
Committee of Safety, as well as several subsequent meet
ings and the election of members for the third Committee
on May 7, 1776. On June 27, 1775, in order to show the
friendly disposition of the Board, five Oneida Indians were
ordered entertained at his house during their stay in town.
On July 26, 1779, he was elected a member of the Com
mittee of Safety. His name appears on the rolls of the
2d Albany County Militia.
Wiest, Conrad: His name appears on the rolls of the 2d
Albany County Militia.
Wiley, John: His name appears on the rolls of the 2d
Albany County Militia and the 2d Albany County Militia,
Land Bounty Rights.
Williams, Cornelius: His name appears on the rolls of
the 2d Albany County Militia. In 1778 he was enrolled
under Captain Jesse Van Slyck. In August, 1782, he was
on garrison duty at the Upper Fort, Schoharie.
> Williams, Jacob: In 1778 he was serving as a sergeant
under Captain Jesse Van Slyck, 2d Albany County Militia.
In June he commanded a detail to Cobleskill, and in

274 HISTORY OF SCHENECTADY
August, 1782, was on garrison duty at the Upper Fort,
Schoharie.
Williams, William, 2d: He served as a private in the
New York Line. A pensioner under the Act of March 18,
1818.
Wilson, James: A merchant. On May 6, 1775, he was
elected a member of the first Committee of Safety. He
served also on the second Committee, on the Committee
taking office June 2, 1777, and as clerk of the Committee
taking office January 5, 1778. He was a deputy for the
election of representatives to the first Provincial Congress.
Winne, Anthony.- On August 12, 1777, he was arrested
and sent to Albany as implicated in a Tory plot. He was,
however, at once released by the Albany Committee.
Wood, James: Bom in 1760; died February 11, 1827. On
June 8, 1780, he enlisted for the war under Captain Philip
de Bevier, 5th New York Line. He was subsequently
selected from his company to serve in the Light Infantry
under the Marquis de Lafayette and was attached to Cap
tain Aaron Austin's company, 3d New York Line. Later
in the year he was transferred to a company under Cap
tain Leonard Bleecker. In the fall of 1780 he returned to
go into winter quarters and was attached to the company
of Captain John F. Hamtramck, 2d New York Line. In
1782 "when the infantry went south" he was left sick
in Albany. On his recovery he was attached to the com
pany of Captain Henry Du Bois, 2d New York Line, and
in this company he remained until peace was declared.
On his discharge he was honored with the badge of merit.
A pensioner under the Act of March 18, 1818.
Wood, John: His name appears on the rolls of the 2d
Albany County Militia.
Wright, John : He lived in Schenectady at the time of the
Revolution and died here. He served as a private in the

 INDIVIDUAL RECORDS OF SERVICE 275
2d Dutchess County Militia under Colonel Abraham
Brinckerhoff in the company commanded by Captain
Nicholas Brower.
Yates, Abraham : Born in Schenectady, February 27, 1757.
He served as a private and as a corporal in the 2d Albany
County Militia.
Yates, Christopher: Born July 8, 1737, at the old home
stead in Alplaus ; died September 1, 1785. Buried in Vale
Cemetery. During the Revolution he lived in the house
built by himself now No. 26 Front Street. In this house
was born his son, Joseph C, first mayor of Schenec
tady (1798) and governor of New York State (1823-
1824). Christopher Yates was a surveyor by profession
and "one of the best informed and most efficient patriots
in the Mohawk Valley." On May 6, 1775, he was elected
a member of the first Committee of Safety and at the first
meeting on the ninth was chosen chairman of the Board.
On May 24 he was appointed one of a committee to go to
Guy Park to deliver an answer to a speech made by the
Mohawk Indians. On June 30 he was appointed by the
Provincial Congress one of a committee to determine the
ranks of the various officers serving in the New York regi
ments. On July 26 a letter was addressed to him by the
Committee asking whether or not he had resigned from
the Board, and on August 9 he tendered his resignation.
On November 7 he was elected a member of the second
Committee of Safety, and on December 29, was appointed
deputy clerk of the Board. On January 13, 1776, he was
appointed lieutenant-colonel of the 2d Albany County
Militia, and on March 5 Henry Glen was instructed to
apply to Congress for his commission. On May 7, 1776,
he was elected a member of the third Committee of Safety.
From the fall of 1776 to July 8, 1777, he was in command
when detachments of the regiment were on duty at Fort
Ann. It is claimed that about this time Yates served on

276 HISTORY OF SCHENECTADY
the staff of General Schuyler as a deputy quartermaster-
general and that he was afterwards promoted to the rank
of colonel. The evidence to support this claim is contained
in letters from General Schuyler, Benedict Arnold,
Governor Morgan Lewis, etc., which were at one time in
the possession of Judge A. A. Yates of this city. No evi
dence of this detail and appointment is to be found on the
regimental rolls. After the evacuation of Fort Ann (July
8) he had command of a body of Schenectady militia
engaged in felling trees to stop the progress of General
Burgoyne's army. He served throughout the campaign
and with General Arnold selected the American position
at Bemis Heights. On October 19 he was appointed by
the State Committee of Safety one of a committee to repair
to Albany to confer with General Philip Schuyler regard
ing means for checking the advance of the enemy on the
northern and western frontiers. He served during the
rest of the war in the Quartermaster's Department as a
deputy, for the most part of the time stationed at Sara
toga. In June, 1779, he was engaged in forwarding the
baggage of General Clinton's brigade.
Yates, Jellis: Born March 27, 1744; died in Glenville,
November 13, 1812. On June 20, 1778, he was commis
sioned first lieutenant in Captain Abraham Van Eps's
company, 2d Albany County Militia. In August, 1778,
and again in October, 1779, he was on garrison duty at
Fort Plank, and in the fall of 1780 at Caughnawaga.
Yates, John : Born June 12, 1760 ; died December 19, 1826.
Buried in Vale Cemetery. His name appears on the rolls
of the 2d Albany County Militia.
Yates, Nicholas: On October 20, 1775, he was commis
sioned ensign in Captain Jellis J. Fonda's company, 2d
Albany County Militia, and was reappointed June 20,
1778. On February 25, 1780, he was promoted to the
rank of first lieutenant and served as such to the end of

INDIVIDUAL RECORDS OF SERVICE 277
the war. In July, 1778, he was in command of a scout to
Ballston and Galway, on which occasion he took four pris
oners. During the year 1780 he was twice on duty at Fort
Hunter.
Young, Benjamin: On February 10, 1776, he was elected
ensign in Captain Thomas Brower Banker's company, 2d
Albany County Militia. On July 11 he was elected a
member of the Committee of Safety and on July 14, 1777,
appointed to command a body of militia to assist in impress
ing wagons for the service, He is also spoken of as having
served as a lieutenant under Captain Banker.
Young, Calvin: On December 27, 1777, he was fined for
buying clothes of a soldier. His name appears on the rolls
of the 2d Albany County Militia.
Young, Frederic : His name appears on the rolls of the 2d
Albany County Militia.
Young, Guy : On June 28, 1775, he was appointed a second
lieutenant in the 2d New York Line and was promoted to
the rank of first lieutenant on February 16, 1776. He was
subsequently transferred to the 1st New York Line, and
on March 26, 1777, was serving as a captain lieutenant.
From July 14, 1779, to January 1, 1781, when he was
retired, he held the rank of captain. He subsequently
served as a captain in the Levies under Colonel Marinus
Willett.
Young, Seth: His name appears on the rolls of the 2d
Albany County Militia.

MANUSCRIPT SOURCES
Documents, muster rolls, letters, etc., in the possession of the
author.
Journal of Jabez Maud Fisher, a copy of which is to be found
in the Herkimer County Historical Society.
Letter Books of Colonel Hugh Hughes. The New York His
torical Society.
Journal of the expedition to Canada in 1775, kept by Colonel
Henry B. Livingston.
Minutes of the Proceedings of the Committee for the City
and County of Albany. New York State Library, Albany,
N. Y.
Minutes of the Schenectady Committee of Safety from Janu
ary 15, 1777, to February 17, 1778. Force Collection,
Manuscript Division, Library of Congress, Washington,
D. C.
Minutes of the Schenectady Committee of Safety from June
15, 1779, to August 15, 1779. From a copy in the possession
of Mr. E. Z. Carpenter.
Papers of the Continental Congress. Library of Congress,
Washington, D. C.
Pension Office Records.
Records of the Daughters of the American Revolution, Wash
ington, D. C.
Records of St. George's Lodge as contained in a paper en
titled, "St. George's Lodge in the Revolution," written by
Mr. Hanford Robison.

280 HISTORY OF SCHENECTADY
Transcripts of the Loyalist Papers in the British Museum.
New York Public Library, New York City.
Trumbull Papers. Massachusetts Historical Society.
Washington Papers. Manuscript Division, Library of Con
gress, Washington, D. C.

BIBLIOGRAPHY
Bloodgood, S. de Witt. The Sexagenary: or Reminiscences
of the American Revolution. 1866.
Campbell, Douglas. Central New York in the Revolution.
New York, 1878.
Campbell, William W. Annals of Tryon County. New York,
1831.
Chastellux, Francis Jean. Travels in North America in the
years 1780, 1781 and 1782. London, 1787.
Cook, Frederick. Journals of the Military Expedition of
Major John Sullivan against the Six Nations of Indians
in 1779. Auburn, 1887.
Flick, Alexander C. Loyalism in New York during the
American Revolution. 1901.
Gardner, Asa Bird. The New York Continental Line of the
Army of the Revolution. Magazine of American History,
December, 1881.
Halsey, Francis Whiting. The Old New York Frontier. 1901.
Hanson, James Howard. The Minute Book of the Committee
of Safety of Tryon County. New York, 1905.
Heitman, Francis B. Historical Register of Officers of the
Continental Army during the War of the Revolution.
Washington, D. C, 1914.
Hough, Franklin B. The Northern Invasion of October, 1780.
Bradford Club Series. 1866.
Howell and Tenney. History of Albany and Schenectady
Counties. New York, 1886.

282 HISTORY OF SCHENECTADY
Jones, Charles Henry. History of the Campaign for the Con
quest of Canada in 1776. Philadelphia, 1882.
Mahan, A. T. The Major Operations of the Navies in the
War of American Independence. 1913.
Morgan, Lewis H. League of the Ho-de-no-sau-nee or Iro
quois. New York, 1901.
Pearson, Professor Jonathan. Contributions for the Gene
alogies of the Descendants of the First Settlers of the
Patent and City of Schenectady. Albany, 1873.
Pearson, Professor Jonathan. A History of the Schenectady
Patent. Albany, 1883.
Roberts, James. New York in the Revolution. Albany, 1898.
Sanders, Honorable John. Centennial Address relating to
the Early History of Schenectady and its First Settlers.
Albany, 1879.
Schermerhorn, Richard, Jr. Schermerhorn Genealogy and
Family Chronicles. New York, 1914.
Simms, Jeptha R. The Frontiersmen of New York. Albany,
1882.
Smith, Richard. A Tour of Four Great Rivers. Being the
Journal of Richard Smith. New York, 1906.
Stone, William L. Life of Joseph Brant. Albany, 1864.
Stone, William L. The Life and Times of Sir William John
son, Bart. Albany, 1865.
Stone, William L. Orderly Book of Sir John Johnson during
the Oriskany Campaign. Albany, 1882.
Yates, Austin A. Schenectady County, New York. Its His
tory to the Close of the Nineteenth Century. 1902.
American Archives, 4th Series.
The American Historian and Quarterly Genealogical Record.
Edited by the Historical Society. Schenectady, 1875-
1876. Vol. I, Nos. 1-4 (all published).

 BIBLIOGRAPHY  283
The American Monthly Magazine. April, 1902.
Calendar of Historical Manuscripts, relating to the War of
the Revolution in the office of the Secretary of State.
Albany, 1868.
Census of Pensioners for Revolutionary or Military Services
as returned under the Act for taking the 6th Census in
1840. Washington, 1841.
Documents Relating to the Colonial History of New York.
Vols. VIII and X. Albany, 1857.
Journals of the American Congress. Washington, 1823.
Documents Relating to the Colonial History of the State of
New York. Edited by Berthold Fernow. Vol. XV. State
Archives, Vol. I. Albany, 1887.
Early Schenectady Cemetery Records. Being a corrected
list of inscriptions on tombstones taken from the burial
ground between Front and Green Streets in 1879. Com
piled by Charlotte T. Luckhurst.
Minutes of the Commissioners for Detecting and Defeating
Conspiracies in the State of New York. Published by the
State. 1909.
The New York Genealogical and Biographical Record.
Orderly Book of the Northern Army at Ticonderoga and Mt.
Independence. Albany, 1859.
Public Papers of George Clinton, First Governor of New
York. Published by the State. 1899.
Records from Family Cemeteries near Schenectady. Col
lected by William A. Brinkman and arranged by Char
lotte T. Luckhurst.
Report of the Secretary of War in Relation to the Pensions
Establishment of the United States. Washington, 1835.

284 HISTORY OF SCHENECTADY
A true copy of all the Members recorded in the First Re
formed Dutch Church of Schenectady, N. Y., from April
11, 1694, to September 22, 1839. Compiled by Charlotte
T. Luckhurst.
United States Census. 1890.

INDEX

INDEX

Aalplaats, the: 61.
Academy built by Dutch Eef ormed
Church: 125.
Adams, William: 129.
Albany: sends troops to Ticon
deroga and Crown Point, 23;
council with Indians held at, 44 ;
concentration center for accused
Loyalists, 59; British forces to
converge upon, 64; watch estab
lished, 66; in panic, 72, 108,
119; aid solicited for victims of
fire in Schenectady, 78; com
plaint of partiality shown to
citizens of, 81; alarmed by news
of attack on Cobleskill, 85;
threatened from Ticonderoga,
116; rumors of attack continue
after Yorktown, 121.
Albany County: just treatment of
Loyalists, 59; their obnoxious
attitude after failure of Cana
dian expedition, 61; Tories go
over to enemy, 97.
Albany Sons of Liberty: 11.
Alexander, Alexander: 129.
Alexander, Robert: 129.
Alexander, Sandy: 129.
Allen, Ethan: takes Fort Ticon
deroga, 23.
Ament, Eldert: 129.
American Historian and Quarterly
Genealogical Record: 18.
American flotilla on Lake Cham
plain: 55.
Andrews, Reverend William: 7.
Andrustown: 87.
Arnold, Benedict: retreat from
Canada, 55; siege of Fort Stan

wix raised at approach of, 75;
deprives Burgoyne of reinforce
ments, 76; plot to surrender
West Point, 103; burned in
effigy at Schenectady, 123.
Articles of Association: signed by
Continental Congress, 17; paper
reopened for signature, 57; re
fusal to sign cause for seizure,
58; Loyalists forced to sign, 60;
certificates of character refused
those who had not signed, 60.
"Associated Exempts": 87, 94.
Association, General: see Articles
of Association.
Ballston: 66, 107; raid on, 102.
Banker, Thomas Brower: 31, 33,
129.
Barclay, James: 130.
Barhydt, Cornelius: 131.
Barhydt, Jacob: 131.
Barhydt, James: 131.
Barhydt, Jerone: 131.
Barhydt, John: 132.
Barhydt, Lewis : 132.
Barhydt, Nicholas : 33, 132.
Barhydt, Teunis: 133.
Barracks at Schenectady: erected,
62; site of, 63; converted into
hospital, 80; Oneida Indians
quartered in, 110.
Bartley, Daniel: 133.
Bartley, Michael: 133.
Bastian, John: 133.
Bates, David: 53, 133.
Batteaux: description of, 6; diffi
culty of building, 117.
Bearup, Andrew: 133.

288

INDEX

Bearup, John: 134.

Bradt, Ephraim: 137.

Bearup, Thomas: 134.

Bradt, Frederick: 137.

Beaverdam: expedition to appre

Bradt, Gerrit: 138.

hend Tories at, 84; many Tories

Bradt, Jacobus: 138.

assembled at, 97.
Becker, Gerrit: 134.
Becker, John: 104.
Beekman, Jacob: 134.
Bellinger, Frederick: 43.
Bemis Heights: battle of, 72.
Bennington, Vermont: defeat of

Bradt, Jacobus S. : 138.
Bradt, John A. : 53, 58, 61, 138.
Bradt, John S.: 139.
Bradt, Mindert: 139.
Bradt, Samuel: 139.
Bradt, Samuel S.: 139.

Colonel Baum at, 76.

Bradt 's Rangers: 34, 61.

Berkin, William: 134.

Bragham, John: 139.
Bestedo, Clara: 134.
Bragham, Joseph: 139.
Beth, Jellis: 134.
Bragham, Simon: 139.
Beth, Robert: 134.
Brakeabean : 85.
Beth, Thomas: 135.
Brant, Joseph: 40; joins Indians
"Blues," The: 32.
at Oghwaga, 65; attack upon
Board of War, Philadelphia
: dis-
Cobleskill, 84; raids on Spring
continues Schenectady as
army
field, Andrustown and German
post, 102.
Flats, 87; raid on Harpersfield,
Boat building: important industry,
95; feint before Fort Schuyler
6; on Lake George and
Lake
and attack on Canajoharie, 98,
Champlain, 51.
99; attack on Schoharie, 99;
Boice (Buys), Abraham: 135.
raid on Schoharie settlements,
Boice (Buys), James: 135.
102.
Bond, Richard: 135.
Brant, Molly: 40.
Bonny, Ichabod: 135.
British, the: suecess around New
Bonny, John: 135.
York, 61; Indians east their lot
Bovie, Abraham: 135.
with, 83; emissaries stir up mu
Bovie, Isaac: 135.
tinies in American ranks, 97;
Bovie, Israel: 135.
pardon for those assisting, 117.
Bovie, Jacob: 135.
British Secret Service: document
Bovie, Nicholas P. : 136.
intercepted, 117.
Bovie, Nicholas R. : 136.
Broachim, John: 139.
Bowman, Frederick: 136.
Brower, Hendric: 140.
Bradford, James: 136.
Brower, Richard: 140.
Bradt, Andries: 136.
Brown, Abraham: 140.
Bradt, Anthony D. : 136.
Brown, Colonel: 105, 106.
Bradt, Arent A. : 137.
Brown, John: 140.
Bradt, Arent S.: 137.
Burgoyne, General John: 56; sub
Bradt, Charles: 137.
mits plan of campaign to Brit
Bradt, Cornelius: 75, 137.
ish Ministry, 64; arrives at
Bradt, Elias : 137.
Crown Point and Ticonderoga,
INDEX

289

71; advances to Fort Edward,

Cessler, Thomas: 144.

72; surrender of, 77.

Chamblee: Schenectady troops as

Burnham, William: 140.

sist in reduction of, 52.

Burns, Arent: 140.

Channel, John: 144.

Burns, David: 140.

Channel, Thomas: 144.

Burying ground: remains of

Charles, Hendrick: 144.

American soldiers exhumed from,

Chastelleux, Marquis de: descrip

80.

tion of Indian encampment at

Butler, Captain Walter: 40, 102;

Schenectady by, 112, 113.

attack on Cherry Valley, 88;

Cherry Valley: alarm of Indian

killed at West Canada Creek and

and Tory raids, 65; attacks

news of death received with re

upon, 88, 116.

joicing at Scheneetady, 120.

Childs, Captain : Continental troops

at Sehenectady under, 76.

Cahill, John: 140.

Christiannse, Ahasueras: 144.

Cain, Barent: 140.

Christiannse, Isaac: 144.

Cain, Peter Warren: 140.

Cilker, William: 145.

Campbell, Alexander : 4, 58, 59, 60,

Clark, Henry A. ; 145.

141.

Clark, Matthis: 145.

Campbell, Daniel: 4, 21, 58, 60,

Clark, William: 145.

142.

Clement, Arent: 145.

Campbell, Kenneth: 143.

Clement, Eldert : 145.

Canajoharie: no proper store

Clement, Johannes: 145.

houses at, 91; Brant's attack

Clement, Peter: 145.

upon, 98, 99.

Clench, Ralph: 146.

Canoot, John: 143.

Clench, Robert: 122, 146.

Carley, Joseph: 143.

Clinton, General James: in Sulli

Carleton, General Sir Guy: cam

van's Campaign, 91, 92.

paign against Crown Point and

Clinton, Governor George: answers

Ticonderoga, 56; returns to

Schenectady petition for redress

winter quarters in Canada, 56;

of grievances, 82; plea from

General Burgoyne serving under,

Schenectady Committee for help

64.

in raids of 1778, 86; petitioned

Carleton, Major Christopher: 79,

not to reduce forces guarding

108; takes possession of Fort

Sehenectady, 107; visits Sehe

Ann, 102.

nectady and arranges to provide

Cartwright, Henry: 143.

stronger defenses, 115.

Cartwright, John: 143.

Clute, Bartholomew: 146.

Cassada (or Cassety), John: 143.

Clute, Daniel Toll: 147.

Catlet, Thomas: 144.

Clute, Frederick: 147.

Caughnawaga: 96, 98; Indians,

Clute, Isaac: 147.

110.

Clute, Jacob : 148.

Celder, Abraham: 144.

Clute, Jacob P. : 148.

Ceron, Christopher: 144.

Clute, Jellis: 148.

290

INDEX

Clute, John: 54, 148.
Clute, John Baptist: 149.
Clute, John Curtiss: 149.
Clute, John F. : 149.
Clute, Peter: 149.
Cobleskill: raids on, 84, 85.
Combes, John: 149.
Commissioners for the Detecting
and Defeating of Conspiracies:
20; acceptance of bonds by, 60.
Committee of Correspondence, Al
bany County: organized, 17;
calls meeting of citizens and
elects Committee of Safety, 18.
Committee of Correspondence,
Schenectady: formation of, sug
gested by Albany Sons of Lib
erty, 12.
Committee of Safety, Albany:
calls on Schenectady for troops
for Ticonderoga, 23; counsels
moderation toward Sir John
Johnson, 47; calls on Schenec
tady for assistance in Canadian
expedition, 53; applies to Sche
nectady Board for troops to
cheek British advance from the
south, 76.
Committee of Safety, Schenec
tady : organization, personnel
and duties of, 19; relief to poor
of Boston, 20; petty annoyances
to members of, 20; first mea
sures for defense, 21; votes to
raise a company for service at
Fort Ticonderoga, 23; entertains
band of Oneida Indians, 35;
difficulty with Sir John Johnson,
46; measures for assistance in
Canadian expedition, 53; requi
sitions wagons to carry stores to
Lake George, 55; difficulty with
Tories in outlying districts, 61;
Tories watched more closely, 62 ;

guard placed upon Mohawk
River, stockade strengthened
and barracks built, 62; watch
established, 66; difficulty of ob
taining wagons and men, 67;
letter to General Schuyler de
scribing gloomy situation, and
requesting reinforcements, 73 ;
preparation against Tory raid,
75; settling of disputes, hearing
of charges and relief of distress,
78; petitioned for redress of
grievances, 80; petition trans
mitted to Governor Clinton, 82;
plea to governor for assistance
during raids of 1778, 86.
Committee of Safety, Tryon
County: calls for aid against
Indians, 41 ; letter reporting ar
rest and release of John Fonda,
46; Major John Frey prime
mover in organizing, 46.
Conan, Daniel: 149.
Conde, Adam: 149.
Conner, Lancaster: 150.
Conner, Simon: 150.
Conover, Samuel: 150.
Consaul, David: 150.
Consaul, Manuel: 150.
Conspiracies, Commissioners for
the Detecting and Defeating of:
20, 60.
Continental Army: force protect
ing frontier to receive same pay
as, 90.
Continental Currency: penalty for
rejecting, 58; depreciation in,
95.
Continental Troops: pleas for
forces to protect frontier in
effectual, 86.
Corl, Henry: 151.
Corl, John: 151.
Corl, William : 151.

INDEX

291

Cornu, Daniel: 152.
Cornu, Wessel: 152.
Cotton Factory Hollow: 112.
Covel, William: 153.
Crawford, Alexander: 32, 153.
Crawford, John: 153.
Crawford, Joseph: 153.
Crousehorn, John: 115, 153.
Crown Point: occupied by Seth
Warner, 23; a Schenectady com
pany stationed at, 52; plan for
final stand at, 55; abandoned,
56; Burgoyne arrives at, 71.
Cummings, John: 153.
Currybush: 32, 59.
Cuyler, Cornelius: 19, 20, 153.
Cuyler, John: 154.
Davis, Abraham: 154.
Davis, John: 154.
Dayton, Colonel Elias : 40, 50.
De Garmo, Matthew: 154.
Degolyer, James: 155.
Degolyer, Joseph: 155.
De Graff, Abraham: 155.
De Graff, Andreas: 155.
De Graff, Cornelius: 155.
De Graff, Daniel: 155.
De Graff, Isaac: 155.
De Graff, Jesse: 156.
De Graff, John: 156.
De Graff, John N.: 157.
De Graff, Nicholas : 157.
De Graff, Simon: 157.
De Graff, William: 157.
De La Grange, Myndert : 157.
Dellamont, Abraham: 157.
Dellamont, Hendrick: 157.
Denny, John: 157.
De Spitzer, Aaron: 157.
De Spitzer, Gerrit: 158.
Dilleno, Hendric: 158.
Dorn, Abraham: 158.
Dorn, John: 158.

Doty, Rev. John : 60, 124, 158.
Douw, Abraham: 159.
Duane, James : 106.
Duncan, John: 4, 58, 60, 80, 159.
Duncan, Richard: 160.
Dunlap, James: 161.
Durham boats: 6.
Dutch Reformed Church : 6, 30, 67,
125.
Earley, Edward: 161.
Ellice, Alexander: 162.
Ellice, James: 60, 162.
Ellice, Robert: 163.
Empie, John: 163.
Exempts: see "Associated Ex
empts. ' '
Fairly, Caleb: 163.
Fairly, John: 163.
Felthousen, Christoffel: 163.
Felthousen, John: 163.
Ferguson, Jane: 120.
Fetherly, John: 164.
Fish, Major Nicholas: stationed at
Schenectady, 115.
Fisher, Jabez Maud: description
of Schenectady by, 7.
Flansburgh, William F. : 164.
Fletcher,  : 164.
Folger, Benjamin: 164.
Folger, Thomas: 164.
Fonda, Abraham: 165.
Fonda, Douw: 96.
Fonda, Jacob G. : 165.
Fonda, Jellis Abraham/: 34, 120,
165.
Fonda, Jellis J.: 22, 30, 166.
Fonda, John: imprisonment, and
release by mob, 45.
Fonda, N. Y. : see Caughnawaga.
Forseth, George : 167.
Fort Ann: taken by Major Carle
ton, 102.

292

INDEX

Fort Edward: 52, 69, 71.
Fort George: threatened, 102.
Fort Hunter: 60, 97.
Fort, John: 167.
Fort, JohnD.: 167.
Fort Johnson: 3.
Fort Kayser : 105.
Fort Plank: 98.
Fort Rensselaer: 101, 107, 118.
Fort St. John's: Schenectady
troops at siege of, 52.
Fort Schuyler: 40, 102, 105;
Brant's feint before, 98, 99;
Oneidas seek shelter in, 109.
Fort Squash: 116.
Fort Stanwix: 7, 39, 117; invest
ment of, 74.
Fort Ticonderoga : 51 ; occupied by
Ethan Allen with ' ' Green Moun
tain Boys," 23; Americans fall
back upon, 56; abandoned to
Burgoyne, 71; Albany and
Schenectady threatened from,
116.
Fort Volunteer: 116.
Frank, David: 167.
Freeman, Richard: 167.
French, David: 168.
Frey, Major John: 46.
Freys, Hendrick: 168.
Frontier: forces raised to protect,
90, 118; Schenectady becomes,
92, 93, 95, 107, 114; Massachu
setts State Levies detailed to de
fend, 102; minor raids on, fol
lowing surrender at Yorktown,
121; return of peace to, 123.
Furman, John: 168.
Galloway Settlement: 107.
Gansevoort, Colonel Peter: 92.
Gardinier, James: 168.
Gardner, William: 168.

German Flats: 74, 83; raids on,
87, 95.
Glen, Henry: 19, 33, 47, 81, 91,
105, 117, 168.
Glen, Isaac : 87, 169.
Glen, Jacob: 169.
Glen, John: 169.
Glen, John Sanders: 169.
Goff, Isaac: 169.
Gordon, Charles: 170.
Gordon, Joseph: 170.
Gordon, Robert : 170.
Gordon, William: 170.
Gravenberg, John: 170.
"Greens," The: 32.
Gregg, Andrew: 170.
Gregg, James: 170.
Gregg, John: 58, 170.
Groot, Abraham C. : 170.
Groot, Amos: 171.
Groot, Andrew: 171.
Groot, Cornelius: 171.
Groot, Elias: 171.
Groot, Philip : 171.
Groot, Simon: 171.
Groot, Simon A.: 171.
Groot, Simon C. : 171.
Guthrie, Abraham: 172.
Guy Park: 15, conference with
Indians at, 39.
Hackney, George: 172.
Hagedorn, Harmanus: 172.
Hall, John: 172.
Hall, John W.: 172.
Hall, Nicholas: 172.
Hall, William: 172.
Hand, General: 88; appealed to
from Schenectady for relief of
Cherry Valley refugees, 89.
Hanna, Alexander: 172.
Hare, Peter: 173.
Harnel (Harner), Samuel: 173.
Harper, Colonel John: 96, 97.

INDEX

293

Harpersfield: raid on, 95.
Harsey, William: 173.
Hedget, Abraham: 173.
Hellebergh (Heldeberg) : 107.
Helmer, Henyost: 173.
Hendrick, Peter: 173.
Henry, John: 173.
Herkimer : Schenectady Militia
march as far as, in effort to
overtake enemy, 106.
Herkimer, Nicholas: presides at
meeting with Oneida and Tusca
rora Indians, 43; commands
militia at German Flats, 74; de
feated at Oriskany, 74.
Hetherington, Joseph: 173.
Hilton, Benjamin: 24, 58, 173.
Hoogteling, Jacobus: 174.
Hoople, George or Jerry: 174.
Horsford, John: 174.
Horsford, Reuben: 174.
House, John George: 174.
House, Peter: 174.
Howe, General: 56; unjustly criti
cized for failure to co-operate
with Burgoyne, 77.
Hughan, John: 174.
Hydenburgh, Sybrant: 174.
Indian Department : established,
with three subdivisions, 44.
Indians: trade with, 7; contention
for friendship of, 35; efforts to
incite them against colonists,
37; appeal by Little Abram, 37;
Guy Park conference, 39; alarm
ing reports of uprising to be
led by Colonel Guy Johnson, 40;
colonists try to keep them neu
tral, 43; Indian Department es
tablished, 44; at Albany confer
ence agree not to take up arms,
45; reassured regarding expedi
tion to take Sir John Johnson,

48 ; effect upon, of withdrawal of
American forces from Canada,
64; council at German Flats
ineffectual, 65; assemble with
Brant at Oghwaga, 65; council
at Johnstown, 83; cast their lot
with British, 83, 109; raids of
1778 by, 83; Sullivan's Cam
paign against, 90; only incites
retaliation, 93, 109; raid Ball
ston and the Schoharie settle
ments, 102; Oneidas at Schenec
tady, 109; raids of 1781 by, 114;
assembled at Ticonderoga, 116;
at the burning of Warren's
Bush, 119; deprived of British
support, 123.
"Injin" (or "Engine") Hill:
112.
Inland Lock Navigation Company:
6, 124.
Iroquois Confederacy: military su
premacy of, 1; liberal policy
adopted towards, 123.
Iroquois Trail, Old: 2.
Isle Aux Noix: 52.
Jacquish, John: 174.
James, William: 174.
Jessups Patent: 69.
Johnson, Colonel Guy: succeeds
Sir William Johnson as Super
intendent of Indian Affairs, 15 ;
antagonistic to colonists, 15;
opposes Kirkland 's influence
with Indians, 35; reported abuse
of office to promote Indian up
rising, 36; his denial to Sche
nectady Committee, 36; reports
of plots against him denied, 39;
withdraws to Ontario, 40; after
return to Oswego retires to
Canada, 42; efforts to counter
act his influence with Indians,
43.

294

INDEX

Johnson, Sir John: succeeds to
estates of Sir William Johnson,
15; refuses office of Superin
tendent of Indian Affairs, 15;
antagonistic to colonists, 15;
fortifies himself in Johnstown,
46; dispute settled, but trouble
continues with, 48; expedition
to apprehend, 48, 62; surrenders
and is released on parole, 50;
departs for Canada, 50; warned
of danger, 58, 59; appearing at
Tribes Hill conducts raids, 96;
again escapes to Canada, 97;
threatens Stone Arabia and Fort
Schuyler, 101, 102; probable
connection with Arnold's trea
son, 103; surprises Colonel John
Brown, 105; defeated at Klock's
Field but escapes with his com
mand, 106.
Johnson, Sir William: settles in
Mohawk Valley, 3; his restrain
ing influence on revolutionary
element, 14; death, 15; brother-
in-law of Joseph Brant, 40.
Johnstown: expedition to take Sir
John Johnson at, 49, 62; coun
cil with Indians at, 83; failure
to intercept Sir John Johnson
at, 97; defeat of Major Ross at,
120.
Kees, John: 175.
Kennedy, Alexander: 175.
Kennedy, John: 175.
Kennedy, Samuel: 175.
King George III: drinking health
of, penalized, 58.
Kingsley, Joseph: 58, 60, 175.
Kinsela, Joseph: 176.
Kirkland, Reverend Samuel: un
dertakes to win over Oneida
Indians, 35.

Kittle, Adam: 176.
Kittle, Daniel: 176.
Kittle, David: 176.
Kittle, Ezra: 176.
Kittle, John: 176.
Klock's Field: battle of, 106.
Lafayette, Marquis de: makes per
sonal investigation of conspir
acy at Schenectady, 79.
Lake Champlain: Schenectady ar
tisans serve at, 51; General Bur
goyne 's army to move southward
on, 64.
Lake George: Scheneetady com
pany ordered to, 26; Schenec
tady artisans serve at, 51.
Lambert, John: 176.
Lansing, Abraham G. ; 176.
Lansing, Alexander C. : 177.
Lansing, Cornelius: 177.
Lansing, Gerrit G. : 177.
Lansing, John G.: 21, 24, 26, 177.
Lansing, John S. : 177.
Laraway, Isaac: 178.
Latta, William: 178.
Lewis, Henry: 178.
Lewis, John: 178.
Lewis, William: 178.
' ' Liberty or Death ' ' : motto of
Schenectady minute men, 32.
Liddle, Andrew: 178.
Lighthall, Abraham (Abraham J.
or W.) : 178.
Lighthall, George: 179.
Lighthall, James N. : 179.
Lighthall, John : 179.
Lighthall, Lancaster: 180.
Lighthall, Nicholas : 180.
Lighthall, William: 180.
Little Abram: appeals to Magis
trates and Committees of Albany
and Schenectady, 37; meets Gen
eral Schuyler at Schenectady, 49.

INDEX

295

Little, David: 181.
Little, John: 31, 181.
Little, Thomas: 181.
Littlejohn, Duncan: 181.
Lower Fort, Schoharie: 104.
Loyalist Party: well defined by
1770, 13; helps to call Conti
nental Congress but soon op
poses its acts, 13.
Loyalists: activities of, 57; treat
ment of, fair in the main, 59 ;
expense of trials charged to, 60;
must sign Association or take
Oath of Allegiance, 60; excep
tionally strong in New York
State, 61.
Lyne, Matthew: 181.
Lyport, David: 181.
Lyport, Jacob: 181.
McBeen, John: 182.
McCallum, James: 182.
McCarty, John: 182.
McCarty, William: 182.
McCue, James: 182.
McDonald, James: 182.
McDougal, Duncan: 182.
McDougal, John: 182.
McFarlan, Andrew: 182.
McFarlin, John: 183.
McGinnis, Robert: 183.
Mcintosh, John: 183.
Mclntyre, William: 183.
McKellop, Archibald: 183.
McKinney, Andrew: 183.
McMartin, William: 184.
McMichael, Alexander: 184.
McMichael, Daniel: 184.
McMichael, James: 185.
McMichael, Robert: 185.
McNutt, Samuel: 185.
McQueen, James: 185.
Mabb, John: 185.
Mabb, Robert: 185.

Main, William: 185.
Manning, Edward: 185.
Manning, John: 185.
Markle, Dirk: 185.
Markle, Matthew: 185.
Markle, William: 186.
Marselis, Ahasueras: 34, 186.
Marselis, Alexander: 186.
Marselis, Arent: 186.
Marselis, Gysbert: 186.
Marselis, Henry A. : 186.
Marselis, John Baptist: 33, 187.
Marselis, John J.: 187.
Marselis, John N. : 187.
Marselis, Richard: 188.
Martin, Charles: 188.
Martin, John: 188.
Martin, Robert : 24, 188.
Massachusetts State Levies: de
tailed to defend New York
frontier, 102.
Mead, William: 188.
Meal, Carel: 189.
Mebie, Albert: 189.
Mebie, Arent: 189.
Mebie, Cornelius: 30, 189.
Mebie, John: 189.
Mebie, Juiter: 189.
Mebie, Patrick: 189.
Mebie, Peter: 189.
Mercer, Alexander: 190.
Mercker, William: 190.
Middle Fort, Schoharie : 104.
Militia, Schenectady: for service
at Ticonderoga, 23; scale of
pay, 23; uniforms, 24, 32; diffi
culty in obtaining men, 25, 68;
dissatisfaction with officers ap
pointed, 26, 53; recruiting and
provisioning, 28; duties and
term of enlistment, 29; unre
liability of average, 29; poorly
paid and equipped, 30, 114; re
organization of three companies

296

INDEX

of, 30; minute men incorporated
with regular militia, 32; three
more companies formed, 33; for
relief of Tryon County, 41; as
sist in Canadian expedition,
52; company of fatigue men en
listed, 54; to apprehend those
accused of enmity to country,
57; strengthen stockades, 62;
for Wilson's Mill, Ballston, 66;
disperse Tories at Jessups Pat
ent, 69; ordered to Fort Ed
ward, 71; retard Burgoyne's
advance, 72; refusal to join ex
pedition to relieve Fort Stan
wix, 74; ordered to main army
but remain to protect Sehenec
tady, 75; join army at Van
Schaick 's Island, 76; as escort
to General Poor's brigade, 77;
guard duty at Schenectady, 78;
on duty during Indian and Tory
raids of 1778, 85, 87, 88; their
part in Sullivan's Campaign,
92; pursue Brant after attack
on Canajoharie, 99; on duty
during Indian and Tory raids at
Ballston and the Schoharie set
tlements, 101, 107, 108; details
on garrison duty, 118.
"Militia, Land Bounty Rights":
121.
Mils, Chris: 190.
Minute Men, Schenectady: meet
ing to organize companies, 21;
motto of, 32; ordered to join in
apprehending Sir John Johnson,
48.
Mitchell, Hugh: 19, 43, 190.
Mohawk Indians: 49; colonists
endeavor to secure sympathy of,
35; Little Abram, chief of
Lower Castle of, 37; at Guy
Park conference, 39; from

Upper Castle follow Colonel
Johnson, 40.
Mohawk River: navigable at Sche
nectady, 5; to be kept open for
trade, 49; guarded to prevent
passage of enemies, 62; St.
Leger 's forces move down, 64;
fear of enemy's troops appear
ing on, 72; General Clinton's
forces to proceed up, 91, 93;
superseded in commercial im
portance by Erie Canal, 124.
Mohawk Valley: number and na
tionality of settlers on eve of
Revolution, 2; laid waste, 95.
Moneer, John : summoned before ¦
Committee of Safety, 60.
Moore, John: 190.
Moore, William: 32, 58, 191.
Morrell, John: Scheneetady Mili
tia take part in expedition to
capture, 69.
Morrel, Thomas: 191.
Moyston, Robert: 191.
Muller, Jacob, Jr.: 191.
Munro, Major John: 103, 191.
Munroe, Alexander: 192.
Murphy, Timothy: 104.
Murray, Alexander: 192.
Murray, John: 192.
Murray, William: 58, 192.
Mynderse, Harmen: 192.
Mynderse, John: 22, 31, 192.
Mynderse, John R.: 193.
Mynderse, Lawrence: 31, 193.
Mynderse, Reinier: 19, 73, 193.
Navy, first American: 56.
Neally, Matthew: 194.
Neard, Christopher: 194.
Negroes: to be arrested by watch
after ten o'clock, 67.
Neiger, John: 194.
Nesbit, Joseph: 194.

INDEX

297

Nestle, George: 194.
New Year's Day: firing of guns
on, 62.
Nixon, Joshua: 194.
Northern Army: detachments of
Schenectady militia remain with,
72.
Oath of Allegiance: Loyalists
forced to take, 60.
Ogden, John: 194.
Ohlen, Henry George: 194.
Old Fort, Scotia: 31.
Oneida: Sir John Johnson, Butler
and Brant at, 102.
Oneida Indians: Reverend Samuel
Kirkland to win over, 35; meet
ing with Tryon County Commit
tee, 43; do not join forces with
British, 83; at Schenectady,
109; attacked for favoring colo
nists, 109; supported in Sche
nectady at expense of Govern
ment, 110; lands granted to,
123.
Oothout, Abraham: 19, 32, 33, 43,
194.
Oriskany: battle of, 74; Indian
loss at, 83.
Ouderkirk, Arent: 195.
Ouderkirk, John: 195.
Passage, George: 196.
Passage, George, Jr.: 196.
Patterson, Oliver: 196.
Patterson, Thomas: 196.
Peace, declaration of: received in
Schenectady amid rejoicing, 123.
Peek, Arent: 197.
Peek, Christopher: 53, 197.
Peek, Cornelius: 197.
Peek, Cornelius, Jr.: 197.
Peek, Daniel : 197.
Peek, Harmanus: 198.

Peek, Henry H.: 198.
Peek, Jacobus C. : 198.
Peek, Jacobus Vedder: 198.
Peek, James: 198.
Peek, James H. (or Jacobus) : 31,
198.
Peek, Jesse: 199.
Peek, John : 33, 199.
Peek, Joseph: 199.
Peek, Lewis D. : 200.
Pendelton, Solomon: 31, 53, 200.
Peters, Harmon: 116, 201.
Peters, William: 201.
Peterson, Charles: 202.
Peterson, Harmanus: 202.
Philips, Thomas: 202.
Phyn, James: 202.
Phyn & Ellice : 4.
Post, Elias : 202.
Post, John: 21, 33, 202.
Presbyterian Meeting House: 6;
congregation, 124.
Prices : regulated by Committee of
Safety, 20.
Putman, Arent J.: 203.
Putman, Arent L. : 203.
Putman, Cornelius: 203.
Putman, John: 203.
Putman, Teunis: 203.
Putnam, Arent: 203.
Quackenbush, Garardus: 203.
Quackenbush, John: 203.
Raids, Indian and Tory: Cobles
kill, 84; Springfield, 87; An-
drustown, 87; German Flats, 87,
95; Cherry Valley, 88, 116;
Harpersfield, 95; Tribes Hill,
96; Canajoharie, 98; Schoharie,
99; Ballston and Schoharie
settlements, 102.
Rangers, State: company of,
formed in Schenectady, 61.

298

INDEX

Ramsey, George: 20, 58, 60, 204.
Recruiting: general plan of, 28,
33.
Reis, John: 204.
Revolutionary movement: rise of,
11; gains adherents in Mohawk
Valley, 15.
Righter, Michael: 204.
Robison, John: 205.
Romeyn, Doctor: 125.
Rosa, Elias: 205.
Rosa, Isaac: 205.
Rose, John: 205.
Roseboom, John: 19, 24, 34, 35,
39, 206.
Ross, Major: attacks Warren's
Bush, 119; defeated at Johns
town, 120.
Rykman, Cornelius: 206.
Rykman, John: 207.
Ryley, Jacobus; 207.
Ryley, James Van Slyck: 207.
Ryley, John : 207.
Ryley, Philip : 207.
Ryley, William: 207.
Rynex, Andrew: 207.
Rynex, John: 207.
Rynex, Richard: 208.
Sacia, David: 208.
St. George's Church: attendance
in 1771, 4; erected, 6; John
Doty, rector, sent to Canada, 60 ;
building and parochial activities
restored, 124.
St. John, Thaddeus: 208.
St. Leger, Lieutenant-Colonel
Barry: 64, 74, 75.
Salt, scarcity of: 78.
Sanders, John: 19, 58, 208.
Sawyer, James: 209.
Schenectady: description of town
and inhabitants prior to Revo
lution, 4, 5, 6; forts and other

defenses of, 7, 8, 9, 31, 62, 123;
Committee of Safety and first
militia companies, 17; company
raised to defend Ticonderoga,
23; militia meets to form com
panies, 30; troubled by Tories
in outlying districts, 61; town
watch, 66; dejection at, after
loss of Ticonderoga, 73; rumors
of investment of Fort Stanwix
reach, 74; disastrous fire, 78;
list of grievances submitted to
Committee of Safety, 80; dis
tress and dangers due to Indian
and Tory raids of 1778, 86, 88,
89; supplies for Sullivan's Cam
paign concentrated at, 91; as
frontier of State, 92, 93, 95, 107,
114; retirement of citizens to
Albany, 100; discontinued as
army post, 102; memorial to
Governor Clinton not to reduce
forces guarding, 107; Oneida
Indians at, 109; threatened
from Ticonderoga, 116; rejoic
ing at death of Butler, 120;
rumors of attack after York-
town, 121; General Washing
ton's visit, 122.
Sehermerhorn, Aaron: 209.
Schermerhorn, Abraham: 209.
Schermerhorn, Andrew (Andreas) :
209.
Schermerhorn, Barnhardus Free
man: 33, 209.
Schermerhorn, Bartholomew: 209.
Schermerhorn, Gerrit: 210.
Schermerhorn, Henry J.: 210.
Schermerhorn, Jacob: 32, 33, 75,
87, 210.
Schermerhorn, Jacob: 211.
Schermerhorn, Jacob J.: 211.
Schermerhorn, Jacobus: 211.
Schermerhorn, John J.: 211.

INDEX

299

Schermerhorn, Lawrence: 211.
Schermerhorn, Maus: 212.
Schermerhorn, Nicholas W.: 212.
Schermerhorn, Richard: 212.
Schermerhorn, Ryer: 212.
Schermerhorn, Simon: 213.
Schermerhorn, William: 213.
Schoharie: 2, 74, 84, 85, 86, 98;
forts in vicinity of, 104.
Schoharie settlements: Indian and
Tory raids on, 101, 103.
Scotia, old fort: 31.
Schuyler, Major-General Philip:
advised concerning delay in
sending militia to Ticonderoga,
26; orders relief to Tryon
County, 41; appointed Indian
Commissioner, 44; sent to appre
hend Tories, 48; expedition to
Johnstown, 49; advocates erec
tion of barracks at Schenectady,
62; calls council at German
Flats to hold Indians to neu
trality, 65; his house at Sara
toga rebuilt, 84; investigates
condition of Oneida Indians at
Schenectady and personally ad
vances funds for their support,
110; visits Schenectady with
General Washington, 122.
Schuyler, Reuben: 213.
Seneca Indians: 83.
Shannon, Alexander: 213.
Shannon, George: 213.
Shannon, John: 214.
Shannon, Robert: 214.
Shannon, Thomas: 214.
Shannon, William : 214.
Shearer (alias Sherwood), James:
214.
Shelling, Alexander: 214.
Shelly, Samuel: 214.
Shields, Daniel: 215.
Simonds, Reuben: 215.

Six Nations, Confederacy of: Brit
ish and colonists contend for
friendship of, 35; numbers in
1773, 35; to be asked to unite
in measures of peace, 43; Onei
das alone favor colonists, 83,
109.
Skenesborough: 52, 56, 72.
Smilie, John : 216.
Smith, Adam : 216.
Smith, John: 216.
Smith, Robert: 216.
Snell, Major: 216.
Snow, Ephraim: 53, 216.
Speck, Abraham: 217.
Speck, Tobias: 217.
Sons of Liberty: first tendencies
not revolutionary, 11; Albany
organization formed, 11; fa
vored originally by both Whigs
and Tories, 11, 13 ; letter from
Albany organization to Sche
nectady urging organization of
Committee for Regulations and
Correspondence, 12; no evidence
of organization in Sehenectady,
13; proposed First Continental
Congress, 13.
Staley, George: 217.
Staley, Jacob: 217.
Staley, Matthias: 217.
Stanley, John : 218.
State Rangers: company of,
formed in Schenectady, 61.
Steeley, Henry: 218.
Steers, John: 218.
Steers, Peter: 218.
Stevens, John: 218.
Stevens, Nicholas: 218.
Stevens, William: 34, 219.
Stewart, Daniel: 219.
Stewart, David: 219.
Stone Arabia: 3, 101, 102.
Stuart, George : 219.

300 INI

)EX

Stuart, James: 219.

Ticonderoga: see Fort Ticonder

Stuart, John: 219.

oga.

Stuart, John: 60, 220.

Toll, Charles: 228.

Sullivan, Charles : 221.

Toll, Daniel: 30, 228.

Sullivan, Jacob: 32, 221.

Toll, John : 228.

Sullivan's Campaign: 90; plan of,

Tories : from what nationalities re

91; only incites Indians to re

cruited, 3; unite with Whigs in

taliation, 93, 109.

forming Sons of Liberty, 11;

Swart, Jacobus: 221.

penalty for associating or cor

Swart, James: 221.
Swart, Nicholas: 221.
Swart, Teunis: 30, 31, 221.
Sweet, Caleb: 222.
Swits, Abraham: 31, 32, 71, 76,

responding with, 58; plots of,
unearthed everywhere through
out New York, 61; close watch
upon, 62; dispersed at Jessups
Patent, 70; renewing activities,
disarm opponents, 75; attitude

222.
Swits, Hendrick: 223.

less threatening after Bur
goyne's reverses, 76; conspiracy

Swits, Isaac: 223.
Swits, Jacob: 223.

at Schenectady investigated by
Lafayette, 79; raids of 1778

Swits, Jacob A.; 223.
Swits, Walter : 116, 223.

by, 83; Sullivan's Campaign
against, 90; join Sir John John

Swords, Thomas: 223.

son, 97; raids by, on Ballston

and Schoharie settlements, 101;

Taws, David: 224.

second invasion of Ballston

Taylor, Solomon: 224.

threatened by, 108; raids of

Taylor, Walter: 224.

1781 by, 114; everywhere in

Teller, Jacobus : 19, 224.

creasing in numbers, 114; second

Teller, John, Jr. : 225.

raid on Cherry Valley by, 116;

Teller, William: 225.

assemble at Ticonderoga, 116;

Ten Broeck, General Abraham: 71,

burn Warren's Bush, 119.

76, 85, 87, 99.

Treason: persons charged with,

Ten Eyck, Henry: 225.

20; of Benedict Arnold, 103.

Ten Eyck, Jacob T. : 225.

Truax, Abraham I. : 228.

Ten Eyck, Myndert: 225.

Truax, Abraham J.: 31, 228.

Ten Eyck, Tobias : 19, 226.

Truax, Abraham P. : 228.

Terwilliger, Isaac: 226.

Truax, Andries: 228.

Terwilliger, Jacobus: 226.

Truax, Caleb: 229.

Terwilliger, Solomon: 226.

Truax, Isaac: 229.

Thompson, John: 226.

Truax, Isaac I. : 229.

Thomson, Peter: 226.

Truax, Jacob J. : 229.

Thorn, Samuel: 226.

Truax, John : 229.

Thornton, James: 226.

Truax, John P. : 230.

Thornton, John: 31, 32, 227.

Truax, Peter: 230.

Thornton, Thomas: 228.

Trumbull, John: 230.

INDEX

301

Tryon County: settlement of, 2;
taken from Albany County, 39;
districts composing, 39; appeals
for aid against Indians, 41;
friction with Alexander White,
Bheriff of, 45; General Schuyler
leads expedition to, 48 ; militia
assembles at German Flats, 74;
aid solicited for victims of Sche
nectady fire, 78; critical situa
tion due to raids of 1778, 86;
many Tories join enemy, 97.
Tuscarora Indians: 43, 83; lands
granted to, 123.
Tuttle, Ezra: 230.
Tuttle, Solomon: 230.
Tyms, Michael: 230.
Unadilla: 84, 88, 98.
Union College: 125.
Upper Fort, Schoharie: 104.
Van Antwerp, Arent J.: 34, 230.
Van Antwerp, Gerrit: 230.
Van Antwerp, John: 230.
Van Antwerp, Peter: 231.
Van Antwerp, Peter A. : 231.
Van Antwerp, Simon J. : 231.
Van Bentheuysen, Martin: 231.
Van Benthuysen, Peter: 232.
Van der Bogart, Joseph: 232.
Van der Bogart, Nicholas: 232.
Van der Bogart, Tacarus: 51, 232.
Van Derheyden, Daniel: 232.
Van Derheyden, David: 232.
Van der Volgen, Cornelius: 233.
Van der Volgen, Nicholas: 233.
Van der Volgen, Peter: 233.
Van der Werken, Martin: 234.
Van Driesen, Henry: 234.
Van Driesen, John: 33, 234.
Van Driesen, Peter: 234.
Van Dyck, Cornelius: 22, 24, 26,
52, 93, 109, 234.

Van Dyck, Cornelius H.: 235.
Van Dyck, Cornelius N. : 235.
Van Dyck, Henry: 235.
Van Dyck, Henry H. : 235.
Van Dyck, Henry I. : 235.
Van Eps, Abraham: 34, 235.
Van Eps, Abraham I.: 75.
Van Eps, Alexander: 236.
Van Eps, Gerrit: 236.
Van Eps, James: 236.
Van Eps, John: 237.
Van Eps, John Baptist: 237.
Van Eps, John J. : 238.
Van Ess, Gerrit: 238.
Van Etten, Benjamin: 238.
Van Guysling, Cornelius: 238.
Van Guysling, Elias : 238.
Van Guysling, Jacob: 239.
Van Guysling, Peter: 239.
Van Ingen, Dr. Dirk : 106, 239.
Van Ingen, John: 239.
Van Ingen, John Visscher: 240.
Van Ingen, Joseph: 240.
Van Patten, Aaron N. : 33, 240.
Van Patten, Adam: 241.
Van Patten, Andrew: 22, 30, 241.
Van Patten, Dirk: 241.
Van Patten, Frederick: 241.
Van Patten, Frederick D.; 242.
Van Patten, Frederick S. : 242.
Van Patten, Henry: 242.
Van Patten, John: 22, 30, 242.
Van Patten, Nicholas: 243.
Van Patten, Nicholas A.: 243.
Van Patten, Nicholas H.: 243.
Van Patten, Nicholas R.: 243.
Van Patten, Nicholas S. : 243.
Van Patten, Peter: 244.
Van Patten, Philip: 244.
Van Patten, Simon F. : 30, 244.
Van Rensselaer, General Robert:
101; pursues Sir John Johnson,
104, 105; defeats him at Klock's
Field, permits his escape, but is

302

INDEX

exonerated by Court of Inquiry,

Van Vranken, Nicholas N. : 252.

106.

Van Vranken, Richard: 252.

Van Santvoord, Cornelius Z. : 33,

Van Vranken, Ryckert: 253.

244.

Vedder, Albert A.: 253.

Van Santvoord, Zeger: 245.

Vedder, Albert H. : 253.

Van Schaick, Gerrit: 245.

Vedder, Albert L. : 253.

Van Schaick, Colonel Goose: 74,

Vedder, Alexander: 253.

95, 99.

Vedder, Arent A.: 254.

Van Schaick 's Island: 76.

Vedder, Arent S.: 33, 254.

Van Sice, Abraham: 245.

Vedder, Francis: 34, 254.

Van Sice, Cornelius : 245.

Vedder, Frederick: 254.

Van Sice, Gysbert: 245.

Vedder, Harmanus: 255.

Van Sice, Isaac: 245.

Vedder, John: 255.

Van Sice, Jacobus: 246.

Vedder, John: 34, 255.

Van Sice, John : 246.

Vedder, Nicholas Alexander: 255.

Van Sice, Joseph: 246.

Vedder, Philip: 30, 255.

Van Slyck, Adrian: 246.

Vedder, Simon: 59.

Van Slyck, Andrew: 246.

Vedder, Simon H.: 256.

Van Slyck, Anthony: 246.

Vedder, Colonel Volkert : 97.

Van Slyck, Arent : 246.

Veeder, Barent: 256.

Van Slyck, Cornelius A.: 87, 246.

Veeder, Claus: (see Veeder, Mich

Van Slyck, Cornelius P.: 22, 24,

ael).

26, 69, 246.

Veeder, Cornelius: 256.

Van Slyck, Harmanus: 247.

Veeder, Gerrit (S. or N.) : 22, 31,

Van Slyck, Harmanus A.. 247.

53, 256.

Van Slyck, Jesse: 34, 247.

Veeder, Helmar S.: 256.

Van Slyck, Martin: 248.

Veeder, Hendrick: 257.

Van Slyck, Peter: 248.

Veeder, John B. . 257.

Van Slyck, Samuel: 248.

Veeder, John H. : 257.

Van Veghten, Anthony: 46.

Veeder, Michael: 51.

Van Vleck, Benjamin: 248.

Veeder, Nicholas G.: 257.

Van Vorst, Abraham: 249.

Veeder, Nicholas P.: 32, 258.

Van Vorst, Ahasueras: 249.

Veeder, Peter S. : 258.

Van Vorst, James: 249.

Veeder, Simon: 258.

Van Vorst, James J.: 249.

Veeder, Simon B. : 259.

Van Vorst, Jellis : 249.

Veeder, Simon H.: 259.

Van Vorst, John B. : 250.

Veeder, Wilhelmus: 259.

Van Vorst, John Jacob: 250.

Viele, Philip: 259.

Van Vorst, Peter : 251.

Visscher, Colonel Frederick: 96,

Van Vorst, Philip D. : 34, 251.

122.

Van Vranken, Derick: 251.

Visscher, Harman: 96.

Van Vranken, Gerrit: 251.

Visscher, John: 96.

Van Vranken, Maus: 251.

Visscher, John: 260.

Van Vranken, Nicholas: 252.

Visscher, John, Jr.. 260.

INDEX

303

Vrooman, Vrooman,
Vrooman, Vrooman,Vrooman, Vrooman,Vrooman,Vrooman, Vrooman, Vrooman,Vrooman,Vrooman, Vrooman,Vrooman, Vrooman,
Vrooman, Vrooman,Vrooman,Vrooman, Vrooman, Vrooman,

Abraham: 260.
Adam: 261.
Adam S.. 261.
Arent: 261.
Barent: 261.
Cornelius: 261.
David: 262.
Hendrick: 262.
Isaac: 262.
Jacob A. : 262.
Jacob I.: 262.
Jacob J.: 262.
Jacob S. : 51, 84, 262.
John B.: 31, 33, 263.
John J. : 263.
John T.: 263.
Lawrence: 30, 263.
Nicholas: 264.
Colonel Peter: 98.
Simon J. : 264.
Walter: 34, 265.

Waggerman, George: 266.
Waggerman, Michael: 266.
Wagner, Andrew: 266.
Wagner, Michael: 266.
Wagner, Nicholas: 266.
Ward, Christopher: 266.
Warn, Richard: 267.
Warn, Samuel: 267.
Warner, Colonel Seth: 23, 69.
Warren's Bush: 3; attack upon,
119.
Washington, General George: 62;
directs Sullivan's Campaign, 90;
informed of Brant's attack on
Canajoharie, 99; visits Albany
and Schenectady, 121, 122.
Wasson, James: 267.
Wasson, John: 267.
Wasson, Thomas: 31, 268.
Wasson, Thomas J.: 268.
Watch: establishment and regula

tions of, 66; militia to guard
town, 75, 78.
Watson, Alexander: 268.
Weller, Frederick: 268.
Weller, Robert: 269.
Welsh, John: 24, 269.
Wemple, Abraham: 31, 32, 53, 65,
68, 77, 84, 85, 99, 107, 269.
Wemple, Barent (Wemp, Barna
bas) : 269.
Wemple, John: 270.
Wemple, John J.: 270.
Wemple, John R. : 270.
Wemple, John T. . 270.
Wemple, Myndert: 270.
Wemple, Myndert A.: 22, 30, 31,
270.
Wemple, Myndert M. : 32, 55, 271.
Wemple, Myndert R.: 22, 271.
Wemple, Ryer: 271.
Wendel, Ahasueras: 271.
Wendell, Harmanus H.: 19, 47,
52, 271.
Wendell, John Baptist: 271.
Wessel, Arent: 272.
Wessel, Harmanus: 272.
West Canada Creek: engagement
at, 120.
Westina, the: 21, 30, 61.
Wheaton, Reuben: 272.
Wheaton, Thomas: 273.
Whig Party: well defined by 1770,
13.
White, Alexander: sheriff of Tryon
County, arrests John Fonda, 45;
leaves Johnstown, 47.
White, William: 19, 35, 273.
Wiest, Conrad: 273.
Wiley, John : 273.
Willet, Colonel Marinus: 118, 119,
120.
Williams, Cornelius: 273.
Williams, Jacob: 273.
Williams, William, 2d: 274.

304

INDEX

Wilson, James: 19, 274.

Yates, Christopher P.: 45, 46.
Winne, Anthony: 274.
Yates, Jellis: 34, 276.
Woestyne: see Westina.
Yates, John: 276.
Wood, James: 274.
Wood, John: 274.
Wright, John: 274.
Wynkoop, Colonel Cornelius
D.:
Yates, Nicholas: 30, 276.
Yorktown: surrender of Lord
Cornwallis at, 120; period fol
lowing, 121.
D4.
Wyoming massacre: 87.
Young, Benjamin: 33, 277.
Young, Calvin: 277.
Yates, Abraham: 275.
Young, Frederic: 277.
Yates, Christopher: 19,
32,
39
72,
Young, Guy: 277.
84, 85, 92, 275.
Young, Seth: 277.
l£L8 89130 3006 £