REVOLUTIONARY REMINISCENCE
A Baptist Preacher of Warwick was Son of one of Washington's Compatriots
EDITOR OF THE ADVERTISER:
I read in the Orange County Recordof April 3d, an article on Claudius Smith, from a Southfield correspondent. Anything regarding that noted highwayman will always be interesting reading to people of Orange county, but that which most interested me with his allusion to the horse-back rider in the Ramapo valley. Historians have made slight mention of the fact that a Baptist minister was arrested in that section, named "Montagne," having on his person important dispatches from Washington, and there they drop it. In my view a very important page in the history of the Revolutionary War has been omitted.
Doubtless there are some people still living in Warwick who will remember Rev. Thomas Montayne, who preached in the Baptist church here some 70 or more years ago, and was greatly beloved by all. He was the eldest son of the "Baptist preacher" mentioned in history (Elder Benjamin Montayne) as the bearer of secret dispatches from Washington. Mr. Montanye and my father were quite intimate though the former was much older. He would relate to my father the facts and incidents referred to as he had it from the lips of his father. The narrative may be strictly relied upon as true:
"My father was born in the city of New York and was preaching there at the outbreak of the war. He being a zealous patriot, brought him in close fellowship with Washington while his army was lying there. When the army left the city on the approach of the British forces, father followed them to Long Island, preaching to the army on Sundays. He continued with the army after it had recrossed the East River on the ice, and followed it through all its varying fortunes up the Hudson River to Newburg, where Washington made a stand and established his headquarters. Father, after consulting with Washington, stopped on the opposite of the river at Fishkill. Here he preached regularly to the people there, and on Sundays to the army on the Newburg side of the river, crossing in a rowboat. Washington never failed to be a close listener.
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Saturday, July 25, 2009
Warwick Historical Papers Volume 6 Part 2
This is a transcription of an article published in the Warwick Advertiser,dated January 11, 1900.
OBITUARY NOTES
GEORGE W.SANFORD
Soon after the hour of midnight, on Saturday morning, the spirit of this patriach departed. from the sighly home he so much loved, to pass the dark valley. His illness, from kidney trouble, was of several months duration, but he was persistently at his office as long as strength would permit. Still the foe to human endurance conquered, and he had to yield. His age was 78 years.
(Photo)
In the death of Mr. Sanford, Warwick loces an unostentatious, but sterling citizen. He was for many years prominent in business and associated with the substantial and conservative institutions of our valley. He was one of the organizers and directors of the First National Bank, a promoter and director of the Warwick Valley Railroad, which was phenomenally successful, and also the the Lehigh and Hudson River Railway, into which the first named was merged. He was the first and continuous president of the Warwick Cemetery Association, also a model for success and careful methods. He was a succesful financier and for years has purchased and dealt in bonds of western municipalities and tonws: collecting in many cases where default had been made for others. He dealt in real estate and built several houses in town and owned a number of farms in addition to his handsome homestead,
Mr. Sanford was an ardent Reblublican , and rarely missed voting and never at a presidential election. Without being an office seeker he was at one time the town's supervisor. Being an ardent patriot, and rarely missed voting and never at a presidential election. Without being an office seeker he was at one time the town's supervisor. Being an ardent patriot, and unable in the early 60's to qualify as a soldier and go to the front, he aided by recruiting between 50 and 60 men for service under the country's flag.
One of the characteristics which even the passing years failed to lessen, was the love he bore his family and his parents. So long as his father, "Uncle Ezra," as he was familiarly known, though meeting almost every day, yet a Sunday afternoon rarely, or never passed without this loving son taking a long visit to the old home and his aged parents, when the intercourse was more like that between comrades than a parent and son. His was a most equable disposition: one of his sons affirms he never say his father angry. He took a quiet interest in many young men coming into his presence and not a few owe much of success to the counsel he gave them. Even to the last months of his life, the remarkable grasp of his judgment was apparent. A quiet vein of humor was always ready to manifest itself in word and act when that part of his nature was appealed to. He was also noted for his hospitable traits, and many, far and near, will testify to sharing the comforts and pleasantries of his home. His interest was keen for the infirm and indigent people he knew and many were his quiet benefactions. But perhaps the crowning feature of his character was his marvelous charity. When men were down and given up by others, Mr. Sanford was their friend, and not a few men of the criminal classes found in him the encouragement and hope which was denied them by others. Once a friend, was always a friend with Mr. Sanford. His confidence once bestowed was never withdrawn.
George W. Sanford was the son of the late Ezra Sanford and Adeline Terry. His brothers were Pierson E., the youngest, (and only survivor), Uriah T. and William M. His sisters were Hester Ann, Mary Elizabeth, Julia, Abigail and Emily. Mary Elizabeth residing in Warwick. Abigail (Mrs. Gabriel and Emily (Mrs. Tuttle) living at Watkins, N.Y., are the only survivors. He married Frances, a daughter of the late Capt. Nathaniel W. Baird. They celebrated their fiftieth wedding aniversary in 1897, and the widow and the following children survive: Lansing H. Sanford, who is engaged in the milk business in New York city; Ferdinand Vanderveer and Francis Baird, lawyers, of Warwick; George Alden, the pastor's lay assistant in one of the Reformed churches in New York city, John W., who manages the home farm, and conducts the insurance business in town and Mary E. at home.
The funeral on Monday, from the home, was very largely attended, being conducted by Rev. Taber Knox, assisted by Rev Ezra T. Sanford, a nephew of the deceased, and Elder W. L. Beebe.
OBITUARY NOTES
GEORGE W.SANFORD
Soon after the hour of midnight, on Saturday morning, the spirit of this patriach departed. from the sighly home he so much loved, to pass the dark valley. His illness, from kidney trouble, was of several months duration, but he was persistently at his office as long as strength would permit. Still the foe to human endurance conquered, and he had to yield. His age was 78 years.
(Photo)
In the death of Mr. Sanford, Warwick loces an unostentatious, but sterling citizen. He was for many years prominent in business and associated with the substantial and conservative institutions of our valley. He was one of the organizers and directors of the First National Bank, a promoter and director of the Warwick Valley Railroad, which was phenomenally successful, and also the the Lehigh and Hudson River Railway, into which the first named was merged. He was the first and continuous president of the Warwick Cemetery Association, also a model for success and careful methods. He was a succesful financier and for years has purchased and dealt in bonds of western municipalities and tonws: collecting in many cases where default had been made for others. He dealt in real estate and built several houses in town and owned a number of farms in addition to his handsome homestead,
Mr. Sanford was an ardent Reblublican , and rarely missed voting and never at a presidential election. Without being an office seeker he was at one time the town's supervisor. Being an ardent patriot, and rarely missed voting and never at a presidential election. Without being an office seeker he was at one time the town's supervisor. Being an ardent patriot, and unable in the early 60's to qualify as a soldier and go to the front, he aided by recruiting between 50 and 60 men for service under the country's flag.
One of the characteristics which even the passing years failed to lessen, was the love he bore his family and his parents. So long as his father, "Uncle Ezra," as he was familiarly known, though meeting almost every day, yet a Sunday afternoon rarely, or never passed without this loving son taking a long visit to the old home and his aged parents, when the intercourse was more like that between comrades than a parent and son. His was a most equable disposition: one of his sons affirms he never say his father angry. He took a quiet interest in many young men coming into his presence and not a few owe much of success to the counsel he gave them. Even to the last months of his life, the remarkable grasp of his judgment was apparent. A quiet vein of humor was always ready to manifest itself in word and act when that part of his nature was appealed to. He was also noted for his hospitable traits, and many, far and near, will testify to sharing the comforts and pleasantries of his home. His interest was keen for the infirm and indigent people he knew and many were his quiet benefactions. But perhaps the crowning feature of his character was his marvelous charity. When men were down and given up by others, Mr. Sanford was their friend, and not a few men of the criminal classes found in him the encouragement and hope which was denied them by others. Once a friend, was always a friend with Mr. Sanford. His confidence once bestowed was never withdrawn.
George W. Sanford was the son of the late Ezra Sanford and Adeline Terry. His brothers were Pierson E., the youngest, (and only survivor), Uriah T. and William M. His sisters were Hester Ann, Mary Elizabeth, Julia, Abigail and Emily. Mary Elizabeth residing in Warwick. Abigail (Mrs. Gabriel and Emily (Mrs. Tuttle) living at Watkins, N.Y., are the only survivors. He married Frances, a daughter of the late Capt. Nathaniel W. Baird. They celebrated their fiftieth wedding aniversary in 1897, and the widow and the following children survive: Lansing H. Sanford, who is engaged in the milk business in New York city; Ferdinand Vanderveer and Francis Baird, lawyers, of Warwick; George Alden, the pastor's lay assistant in one of the Reformed churches in New York city, John W., who manages the home farm, and conducts the insurance business in town and Mary E. at home.
The funeral on Monday, from the home, was very largely attended, being conducted by Rev. Taber Knox, assisted by Rev Ezra T. Sanford, a nephew of the deceased, and Elder W. L. Beebe.
Monday, July 20, 2009
Edenville/Union Corners
This is a house at 6 Big Island Road. There is a stone on the lawn with the date of 1893. Current owners tell me the house was involved in transportation in the area. Needs more research.
Edenville/Union Corners
This is a photo (123) of the Wheeler House, 528, 530 Wheeler Rd. It is currently a two family. Ca. 1826 (orangecountygov.com)
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Edenville/Union Corners
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The top photo shows an historic marker denoting that this is the place where Johannes and Eliz. Wisner first settled. It is claimed that they were the first settlers in Warwick. The bottom photo is of the house (122), the Unknown House, 649 Wheeler Rd. I doubt that this house was built by a Wisner. It needs more research.
Edenville/Union Corners
This is a photo of the (121) Miller Farm on 81 Jessup Road. Ca. 1850 (OrangeCountygov.com).
New Milford/Blooms Corner
This is a photo of the (44) William Sly House on 129 Blooms Corner Road. Ca. 1850 (1850 Map).
Saturday, July 18, 2009
New Milford/Blooms Corner
This is a photo of the (43) James C. Sly House on 112 Blooms Corner Road. Ca. 1850 (1850 Map).
Sanfordville/Amity
This is a photo of the (221) Robert Pelton House. Ca.1850 (1850 Map). It is located on Route 94 North, just before the Bowling building. The property has an old mile marker for the King's Highway on the front lawn. These markers date back to the mid 1700's.
Monday, July 13, 2009
Obit. For Fanny DeKay Hynard
This is a transcription from the Warwick Advertiser., dated May 25, 1899.
Obituary Notes
FANNY DEKAY HYNARD
This aged and venerable lady, who figures as a last link connecting the present with past generations of the pioneer families who settled the Warwick Valley, passed to join the great majority that have gone before, on Tuesday, May 23rd, at the advanced age of 95 years, 8 months, 6 days. She was a direct descendant of Col. Thomas DeKay, a sketch of whose life was published in the ADVERTISER of May 11. Her father was also named Thomas DeKay, being for years the conspicuous character known far and near as "Buckey" DeKay, a number of the incidents and anecdotes of whose career were also published in our columns about a year ago, prepared by a correspondent. So near as we can learn her father was a grandson of Col. Thomas DeKay, the subject of of Mr. of Mr. Barelay's recent sketch.
Mrs. Hynard was married to David Hynard and lived eight years with him in New Milford, where he was running woolen mills. After that time her husband acquired the the DeKay ancestral home, where she has remained to the day of her death. Her husband died in 1875 (ed.hard to read date), since which she has been tenderly cared for by her son, David Hynard. Eight children were born to her: Thomas, Malvena, Frances, Mrs. W. H. Chardevoyne, Albert, William H., Mary, Mrs. Thomas Simonson, Sarah, Mrs. Arnott and David. The three last named are still living.
To the last she was a remarkably preserved woman, remaining very active until during recent years she gradually declined from old age. She was possessed of the great vital qualities which go to make up the sturdy characters of the leading pioneers of this region, who contended with the Indians and Tories and subdued the wilderness. All her descendants praise her. Peace to her memory.
The funeral will be held from the home of her son David Hynard on the farm where she was born tomorrow at one o'clock p.m.
(Ed: As mentioned before, I make use of www.rootsweb.com. when researching families. Again this site comes with a warning from me. Much of the information posted comes with no documentation. That is a problem when dealing with genealogy. I am going to repeat a Note posted on the family tree site on rootsweb. It was posted by Robert Reynolds. I got in touch with him about the citation of the Note and he was kind enough to get back to me. He has no citation for the Note.
Note: David Hynard came to the township when eighteen years of age, from Westchester county, and acquired the trade of fuller in the mill erected by Thomas DeKay which afterwards he purchased. He married the daughter of the third Thomas DeKay and afterward resided upon the homestead, to which he removed in 1829, is now an occupant of the farm. )
Obituary Notes
FANNY DEKAY HYNARD
This aged and venerable lady, who figures as a last link connecting the present with past generations of the pioneer families who settled the Warwick Valley, passed to join the great majority that have gone before, on Tuesday, May 23rd, at the advanced age of 95 years, 8 months, 6 days. She was a direct descendant of Col. Thomas DeKay, a sketch of whose life was published in the ADVERTISER of May 11. Her father was also named Thomas DeKay, being for years the conspicuous character known far and near as "Buckey" DeKay, a number of the incidents and anecdotes of whose career were also published in our columns about a year ago, prepared by a correspondent. So near as we can learn her father was a grandson of Col. Thomas DeKay, the subject of of Mr. of Mr. Barelay's recent sketch.
Mrs. Hynard was married to David Hynard and lived eight years with him in New Milford, where he was running woolen mills. After that time her husband acquired the the DeKay ancestral home, where she has remained to the day of her death. Her husband died in 1875 (ed.hard to read date), since which she has been tenderly cared for by her son, David Hynard. Eight children were born to her: Thomas, Malvena, Frances, Mrs. W. H. Chardevoyne, Albert, William H., Mary, Mrs. Thomas Simonson, Sarah, Mrs. Arnott and David. The three last named are still living.
To the last she was a remarkably preserved woman, remaining very active until during recent years she gradually declined from old age. She was possessed of the great vital qualities which go to make up the sturdy characters of the leading pioneers of this region, who contended with the Indians and Tories and subdued the wilderness. All her descendants praise her. Peace to her memory.
The funeral will be held from the home of her son David Hynard on the farm where she was born tomorrow at one o'clock p.m.
(Ed: As mentioned before, I make use of www.rootsweb.com. when researching families. Again this site comes with a warning from me. Much of the information posted comes with no documentation. That is a problem when dealing with genealogy. I am going to repeat a Note posted on the family tree site on rootsweb. It was posted by Robert Reynolds. I got in touch with him about the citation of the Note and he was kind enough to get back to me. He has no citation for the Note.
Note: David Hynard came to the township when eighteen years of age, from Westchester county, and acquired the trade of fuller in the mill erected by Thomas DeKay which afterwards he purchased. He married the daughter of the third Thomas DeKay and afterward resided upon the homestead, to which he removed in 1829, is now an occupant of the farm. )
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Tips on Researching an Old House in Warwick Township
Depending on the house there may be a lot on information or very little. Researching Baird's Tavern or the Old Shingle House would be fairly easy. An old farm house in Edenville may have gotten a lot less attention.
When I am researching an old house, I prefer to think of it as an old home. I want to know who lived there over the years and what went on. An old house with a date construction is just not that interesting to me.
I have only done a few home histories, but in attempting to expand on the Donald Clark inventory of historic structures of Warwick Township, I am beginning to realize that the same process is necessary to date the house and the possible builder.
What follows is the process I use in documenting the history of a house(structure) in Warwick. I have numbered the various resource possibilities, but the order doesn't really matter. If you try this, good luck to you, and let me know how you did. If you find other resource possibilities that I didn't mention, please let me know.
1. If you are researching your our own property, then you know what you know. If you are like me and researching a property that you don't own, then my first step is to get in contact with the current owner(s). They may have some history and may or may not be interested in history of what they currently own. I think a good first step.
2. Check out the maps for Orange County. They go back to 1850. There is also a map created from an article written by Henry Pelton when he arrived here in 1805. These can be found by using the Google search engine on this site. Find the one that gives you the list of maps and where you can find them.
3. Then there is the deed search. This is done at Goshen, the county seat. One can take the current owner of a property and go back through time. I have done this a few times. One goes back deed to deed over time. The deed you are dealing with refers you to the previous deed, and the sometimes not. Then you are stuck and you have to go to the grantee-grantor book and work in a different direction. Keep in mind that deed searches will not give you information concerning structures on the property; they deal with land ownership. Goshen also has books on mortgages that I have not used, but I am told are useful.
4. When researching the family(s) that lived in an old home, we are getting into the field of genealogy. Doing a proper genealogy of a family can take years. When doing a history of a house, I don't have years to spend on family history. So I put together what I think went on with a big Warning. A good place to start with family history is www.rootsweb.com. Click on Family Trees and type in who are looking for. If you get a lot of hits, you can narrow it down at the bottom of the page. Be careful with the information because much of it has no citation.
5. There are three histories of Orange County: Eager 1846/47; Ruttenber and Clark, 1881; Headlely, 1908. You can find them at the Albert Wisner Library in Warwick, NY. Be sure to check them out.
6. Warwick has two local newspapers that go back to the 19th century. They are on microfilm at the Albert Wisner Library in Warwick, NY. There is no index as to what is contained there, so for the past few years, I have been going page by page through the old issues - mainly the Warwick Valley Dispatch. I have done transcriptions of articles that pertain to local history. A record of what I have done can be found on this blog.
The bottom line, if you are attempting to do a history of a home and the families that lived there, is that you have to use many resources. I approach it as a puzzle with many pieces. Once you get enough pieces, you can begin to put together a history.
When I am researching an old house, I prefer to think of it as an old home. I want to know who lived there over the years and what went on. An old house with a date construction is just not that interesting to me.
I have only done a few home histories, but in attempting to expand on the Donald Clark inventory of historic structures of Warwick Township, I am beginning to realize that the same process is necessary to date the house and the possible builder.
What follows is the process I use in documenting the history of a house(structure) in Warwick. I have numbered the various resource possibilities, but the order doesn't really matter. If you try this, good luck to you, and let me know how you did. If you find other resource possibilities that I didn't mention, please let me know.
1. If you are researching your our own property, then you know what you know. If you are like me and researching a property that you don't own, then my first step is to get in contact with the current owner(s). They may have some history and may or may not be interested in history of what they currently own. I think a good first step.
2. Check out the maps for Orange County. They go back to 1850. There is also a map created from an article written by Henry Pelton when he arrived here in 1805. These can be found by using the Google search engine on this site. Find the one that gives you the list of maps and where you can find them.
3. Then there is the deed search. This is done at Goshen, the county seat. One can take the current owner of a property and go back through time. I have done this a few times. One goes back deed to deed over time. The deed you are dealing with refers you to the previous deed, and the sometimes not. Then you are stuck and you have to go to the grantee-grantor book and work in a different direction. Keep in mind that deed searches will not give you information concerning structures on the property; they deal with land ownership. Goshen also has books on mortgages that I have not used, but I am told are useful.
4. When researching the family(s) that lived in an old home, we are getting into the field of genealogy. Doing a proper genealogy of a family can take years. When doing a history of a house, I don't have years to spend on family history. So I put together what I think went on with a big Warning. A good place to start with family history is www.rootsweb.com. Click on Family Trees and type in who are looking for. If you get a lot of hits, you can narrow it down at the bottom of the page. Be careful with the information because much of it has no citation.
5. There are three histories of Orange County: Eager 1846/47; Ruttenber and Clark, 1881; Headlely, 1908. You can find them at the Albert Wisner Library in Warwick, NY. Be sure to check them out.
6. Warwick has two local newspapers that go back to the 19th century. They are on microfilm at the Albert Wisner Library in Warwick, NY. There is no index as to what is contained there, so for the past few years, I have been going page by page through the old issues - mainly the Warwick Valley Dispatch. I have done transcriptions of articles that pertain to local history. A record of what I have done can be found on this blog.
The bottom line, if you are attempting to do a history of a home and the families that lived there, is that you have to use many resources. I approach it as a puzzle with many pieces. Once you get enough pieces, you can begin to put together a history.
Sunday, July 5, 2009
New Milford News Items of Days Gone By
This post is similar to the previous one. All of these items appeared in the Warwick Valley Dispatch. All items are direct quotes unless enclosed in parentheses.
11.29.1911
The Rev. Mr. Price exchanged pulpits with Rev.Mr. Brehant of the Calvary Baptist Church of Warwick, who gave us a fine sermon Sunday. Hope to have the opportunity of hearing him again soon.
1.24.1912
The Ladies Aid of the New Milford M.E. Church will hold a match social on Tuesday evening, January 30, 1912, at the home of Mr. and Mrs. M.B. Edsall. A cordial welcome is extended to all.
2.28.1912
The Ladies Aid Society will hold an orange sociable at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Walter Minkler on Wednesday evening, March 6. All are cordialy invited.
4.24.1912
Arrangements have been made with the Warwick Telephone Company for an indepentent line to the Taylor farm; Mr.Taylor sets the poles and pays for the wires.
5.15.1912
Mr.Albert Phillips is taking great pleasure driving his new Hupmobile just purchased of Jack Davis.
6.12.1912
The Ladies of the New Milford Church will hold a strawberry and ice cream festival at the church, Friday evening , June 14, 1912. A cordial welcome is extended to all.
6.12.1912
The Children's Day exercises held Sunday everning were well attended some being present from Warwick, Edenville, Vernon, and Amity. A fine program was rendered and Miss Hornbeck, our popular school teacher, also favored us with a solo.
7.24.1912
Mr. Smith and Mr. Paddock of Borden's Creamery, went to Burnside Friday and brought back a fine team of mules.
8.21.1912
The annual clam bake of the New Milord M. E. Church will be held at the church grounds, Wednesday, Sept. 4, 1912. Bake open from 1 to 3 p.m.
8.21.1912
Mr. Marcellus Drew's fine colt won the race at Pochuck track, Thursday, with several other colts competing.
12.18.1921
Mr. John H. VanGelder loaded a car with trolley ties, Monday, to be shipped to a new trolley line at Cape May, N.J., where the owner of the Wawayanda tract, from which these ties were cut, is interested in a large improvement project.
12.18.1912
11.29.1911
The Rev. Mr. Price exchanged pulpits with Rev.Mr. Brehant of the Calvary Baptist Church of Warwick, who gave us a fine sermon Sunday. Hope to have the opportunity of hearing him again soon.
1.24.1912
The Ladies Aid of the New Milford M.E. Church will hold a match social on Tuesday evening, January 30, 1912, at the home of Mr. and Mrs. M.B. Edsall. A cordial welcome is extended to all.
2.28.1912
The Ladies Aid Society will hold an orange sociable at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Walter Minkler on Wednesday evening, March 6. All are cordialy invited.
4.24.1912
Arrangements have been made with the Warwick Telephone Company for an indepentent line to the Taylor farm; Mr.Taylor sets the poles and pays for the wires.
5.15.1912
Mr.Albert Phillips is taking great pleasure driving his new Hupmobile just purchased of Jack Davis.
6.12.1912
The Ladies of the New Milford Church will hold a strawberry and ice cream festival at the church, Friday evening , June 14, 1912. A cordial welcome is extended to all.
6.12.1912
The Children's Day exercises held Sunday everning were well attended some being present from Warwick, Edenville, Vernon, and Amity. A fine program was rendered and Miss Hornbeck, our popular school teacher, also favored us with a solo.
7.24.1912
Mr. Smith and Mr. Paddock of Borden's Creamery, went to Burnside Friday and brought back a fine team of mules.
8.21.1912
The annual clam bake of the New Milord M. E. Church will be held at the church grounds, Wednesday, Sept. 4, 1912. Bake open from 1 to 3 p.m.
8.21.1912
Mr. Marcellus Drew's fine colt won the race at Pochuck track, Thursday, with several other colts competing.
12.18.1921
Mr. John H. VanGelder loaded a car with trolley ties, Monday, to be shipped to a new trolley line at Cape May, N.J., where the owner of the Wawayanda tract, from which these ties were cut, is interested in a large improvement project.
12.18.1912
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