(3)
Octo 12.
1752 I Vew’d Joseph Barton’s farm and
found that his farm was within Weasnors and Blooms Survey which Survey was made
about 3 years agow, he bought the improvement of Ruben Knap for 15£ 2 years
past and has built a good frame house and raised a Sall (sic) Mill on it, it
joins corse Davis farm on ye North East side, it hath good timber of Oak, I
think. This Land is worth Sixty pounds per hundred acres, and hath about 30
acres of cleared land, he told me that Weasnor had agreed to sell this Land to
him at fourty pound per hundred, I told him it was far in the Jerseys, and that
the proprietors would Lease it to him, on reasonable terms and if he would not,
he might say so, for I must give them an account who refused, for that theay
would turn *in* of that would not Lease. He answer’d that if Weasnor and Blooms
would not give him writings sufficient he would aply to the proprietors. I told
it might be to late then for if he refused I should Lease his farm to another
person.
Octo
12-1752 I set out William Caterlins
farm. It is about ½ a mile from Joseph
Barton’s farm, on a North East corse, and he bought his improvement of Stephen
Mead with some *cleators* for 60£. It lies part in said Weasnor’s Survey and
part in a survey of Daniel Evarat. It is poore land and timber worth about 25£
per hundred, and has about 15 acres of cleared land and it has been settled
about 3 years.
Octo
– 12 – 1752. I proceeded to Ruben Knaps
he has lived on his farm about 2 years, has clear’d about 15 acres of land. It
lyes about a mile from said Caterlins farm on a North corse. He is settled
under Everat, without lease, I acquainted him that the proprietors would lease
the land here and defend the leasee against all
(4)
all persons
claiming, he told me that as he had settled by Everats lease, he would try what
Everat would say and if he refused to give him a warrantee lease, he would
apply for one of the proprietors. I told him that Everat had already refused
leasing to some people that lived below him a good way. His land is worth about
30£ per hundred.
Octob.
12. I Vew’d James Bill, his farm it
lyes about half a mile from Ruben Knap on a South East corse. He bought his
improvement of Benjamin Knap last Spring for 34£. Thare is about 10 acres of
cleared land, it lyes within Everats Survey, he has no lease nor no agreement
for the land, I told him if he did not take a lease from the proprietors theay
would turn him of and lease his farm to another, he said that he would see about
it soon. The land is well timbered with white oak and black cherry, the land is
worth 40£ per hundred I think.
Octo.
13. 1752 I was at Benjamin
Forgerson’s. He lives about ½ a mile from Ruben Knaps on a North East corse, in
the af’d survey of Everats. I ask’d if he had a lease he said No, he said he
had applyd to Everat for a Lease but Everat would not grant him any, but said
he would not run into dificultys about it, and said that if it fell to him when
the Line is settled he would give him the refusal of it. I offer’d him a Lease,
which he accepted. He has been settled thare about 3 years, has cleard about 20
acres. His land I think is worth 40£ per hundred.
Octo.
13. 1752 I went to Uriah Forgerson’s.
It is about a mile from Benj. Forgerson’s, on a North East corse, within
Everats Survay, after a little discorse he agreed to take a Lease of the
proprietors, his land is good and well timbered. I judge it’s worth 50£ per
hundred acres. It joins the Drown’d Lands on the West Side.
October
(5)
Octo.
13. 1752 I set out Benjamin Knap’s
farm. It lyes about a mile and half from Uryah Forgerson on a West Corse, he
settled thare last somer, and has clear’d about 5 acres. It is worth about 45£
per hund. The land was unsurvey’d, and he seem’d willing to take Lease.
Octo.
13. 1752. I went to Jedediah Bill, by
the Drownd’d Land about a mile and half from Uryah Forgerson on a North East
corse. He bought his improvement of William Brown for 10£. S. Brown settled
thare 3 years agow. It Lyes within
Everats said Surveay. It is stony land worth about 30£ per hundred acre, and
has about 2 acres clear’d, he agreed to take a Lease.
Octo.
13. 1752. I went to James Walls a mile
from said Bill’s on a North East Corse. He began thare last Spring and has
cleard about 4 acres. The land is stony and poorly Timberd. Worth about 30£ per
hundred. He was not at home, and I did not see him.
Octob.
13. I went to Jonathan Culy’s which
is about a mile West from James Walls. He told me that he had bought one hundred
acres of land thare, for 40 pound, of the Blooms and Weasnor – I asked him
if he was not afraid the Jerseys would take it, he said he was, and if he
had known as much when he bought as he did now he would not have bought. I
told him the proprietors did not simply holding the land as far as the Line
that was run by Mr. Clinton, and would Lease and defend it so far. I also
show’d him a Lease, he further said that if takeing a Lease of the proprietors
would not hinder his recovering the money he gave for his deed, he would take
a Lease. I told him when the Line is confirm’d I sopos’d he might recover
his money if he Lease’d as well as if he did not Lease if it fell in the Jersey
side, he said that he would take a Lease for a hundred acres joining, and
if he could find out that he could recover his mony if he Leased he would
come under Lease, I told him that
(6)
that he had got
good land and if he did not secure it somebody would would (sic) for him before
long. He said he was afraid of it, thare happen’d to be his brother Isaac
Cooly & George Kimbal by and heard us talek, and theay both agreed to
take Leases for land that lay westward from thare about 3 miles from thare,
that them theay might have it provided that theay would settle it imeditely
which theay agreed too. Said Kimbal told me that about 7 years agow he settled
a place about ½ a mile below Clinton’s Line upon that Mr. Clows own’d, and
that theay turn’d him of it about a month past. – He said Jonathan Cooly’s
Land is well timbered and meadow’d and is worth 60£ per hundred I think and
has cleard near 20 acres, and been settled about two years.
Octo.
13. 1752 I vew’d whare Jacob Midday
lives on a branch of the Wallkill called *Rutuises* Kill. It lyes about West
Southwest about 4 miles from said Coolyes upon land surv’d by Capt *Lodly* and
John Gale of Goshen. It is good Land and timber. I beleave it is worth 50£ per
hundred. He has no Lease, nor hant agreed for the land. He has lived thare 3
years and clear’d 10 acres.
October
13. 1752 I went to Cornelius
Westfaul’s farm. He lives at the fut of Manisink Mountain about 3 miles from
Isaac Middays on a West Southwest corse, and has been settled about 3 years,
and clear’d about 15 acres. His Land is
strong but stony worth about 30£ per hundred acres. I did not see him, for he was gone from home. I understood that his land has not been
surv’d by any.
Octo.
13. 1752 I Vew’d Abram Courtrait.
His farm it Lies South West about 2-1/2 miles from Cornelius Westfaul. He has been settled thare 12 years has clear’d
25 acres and it is good timberd land worth 50£ per hundred. I askd him if he would not Lease his land,
he said no, but he would buy if the owners would come and sell it to him,
I told him the owners was far off and if he wanted to buy he must gow too
them, he askd if theay would sell. I told him theay would sell him rights
(7)
rights to take
up what quantity he wante’d of land but I told him leasing was cheapist and he
might buy when the lease was expired, he said he has rather buy now and have no
more troble about it, I told him if he would gow down to Perth Amboy when the
Councel of proprietors sat in March next he might get rights to which he agreed
to gow.
Octo.
14. I set out Honse Kikindaul’s farm.
He went thare last Spring and has cleard about 8 acres and his land is very
stony and well timbered with white oak black oak and hicrey and is worth about
30£ per hundred acres. The land was unsurvey’d. I told him the proprietors had
agreed to Lease to the settlers about thare and those that refuse’d to take
leases, theay would bring suits against them, in order to turn them off, and to
let their farms to others, and he might tell me whether he refused or accepted
that I might give an account, he said that *Infree* Everat of Goshen had
agree’d to lease to him and defend him in the persestion, I told hime he was
mistaken for Everat had refused to Lease land that lay 5 or 6 mile lower down
toward the line, which had been survey’d to him 7 years agow. I asked when he
promised to give him a lease, he said about 2 years past, he said he would gow
to Everat and see and if he would not he d come and take one of the proprietors
Leases.
October
14. 1752. *Boyltion* Courtrait, was
next in my way, he lives in York government, but holds his land by a Lease of
the Council of Proprietors since the year 1748 – his farm is about 3 miles on a
East Corse from Honse Kikendaul’s. He
has cleard about 20 acres, and I think its worth 60£ per hundred.
Octob.
14. 1752. I went to Jacob Bogart about
half a mile from Boys. Courtrait on a North East corse. He has been settled
thare about 4 years and has cleard
(8)
Clear’d about 15
acres; his farm is on the Deep Clove Kill. His land is well timbered with Oak
and Hicrey. I judge it to be worth about 50£ per hundred, he consented to take
a Lease without much debate.
Octo.
14. 1752. I went Henderek Johnson on
the Deep Clove Kills below. Jacob
Bogart’s about a mile and half near on a South corse. He has been settled thare
4 years. He has clear’d 15 acres; I think his land is not worth above 30£ per
hundred. And he agreed to take a Lease.
Octo.
14. 1752 I vew’d Steaphen
William Tilsworth’s farm. It lyes about half a mile from Hendrik Johnsons about
South West, I told him I was came to tender him a lease for his land from the
proprietors, he said he would not take one than until he knew what the
patentees would doe with it. I debated
the point with him but he would not yeald. He hath lived thare 2 years without
Lease and the land is unsurvey’d and is timber’d poorly worth about 30£ per
hundred acres.
Octob.
14. 1752 I went to Hendrick Deckers
Jr. His farm is from Hendrick Johsons about a mile on a North East corse. He
settled thare about a year past and he cleard about 3 acres, his land is
unsurveyed, and is but worth about 30£ per hundred, he was not at home and I
did not ask him to Lease.
Octo. 14. 1752.
I repair’d to Abram Uponthegrave’s and I found he had been thare about 3
years, his farm lyes about a mile from Hendrick Decker’s on a North East Corse.
He has clear’d about 10 acres, and is reasonable well timber’d but the land
stony, and worth about 35£ per acres. I proposed a lease to him, he answered
that if his neighbours took Leases he would but as his part he was ignorant and
did not understand it. I told him what
he might depend upon if he did not accept a Lease in a short time, well he said
he would see about it soon. CLICK HERE TO SEE IMAGE
(9)
October
14. 1752. I went to Jonathan
Knap’s. His place is about a mile and
half from Abram Uponthegraves on a North East corse, he began to Labour thare 2
years agow, but had not moved his family thare, his land lies within a Survey
of Hendrick Weasoner’s. The land is good and well timber’d with Oak and Hicrey,
I sopose it to be worth 50£ per hundred acres. I asked him whether he had
bought or Leased. He answer’d No, I told him the land was far in the Jersey’s
and the proprietors would Lease a great way further down than thare, he said he
heard so – and he did desine to take a Lease if he could do it without
affronting Weasnor. I askd whether he had rather loose his improvement than
offend him. He answer’d that he had rather offend all the patentees if lease
would doe it than loose his farm and that he would see and secure it before
long.
In my vew I
misse’d Hendrick Decker, Sen. But on the 7th of Decem 1752, I
happen’d to come that way in my way. He lives on the side of Manisink Mountain.
He mov’d thare last Spring and has cleard 5 or 6 acres. His land is stony and
worth not above 25£ per hundred. I proposed a Lease to him, but he said he
allowd it to belong to the Jersy proprietors but he was just settled thare and
he thought theay would not find him, I told him I could find him if theay could
not, he said he had a mind to see how it went with others first for theay ort
to begin with the first settlers first. I told him those that refused a lease
might expect trouble.
October
13. 1752 I vew’d Thomas Schonehover
and Benjamin Tomson’s farms. Theay are on Rutgars Kill, Tom Sons is on the
North W. side and Schonehovers on the South East side. The land is good and so
is their meadow ground. It’s worth I think 65£ per hundred. Theay have been
settled thare about 4 years. Thomson hath cleard about 30 acres and Schonehover
about 15 acres.
I
(10)
I
attempted to take a vew on the East Side of the Drownd’d Land, but was stoped
by snow and bad weather. But on the 8th of February 1753 I set out
from Joseph Perrys the last house in Jersey Government and went to Alexander
Simsons about 1-1/2 miles from Jos Perrys. He settled thare last Spring under
Col. Dekay but he has no Lease nor none he will grant him, but tells him he
will defend him in his persestion, I told him he might expect difficulty if he
did not accept a Lease soon. He said he would apply to Dekay, and if he would
not give him a Lease, he would take a proprietors Lease. I think it’s worth
about 30£ per hundred.
Feb.
8. 1753. I went unto John Weasoner’s
about half a mile from Alexander Simsons on a North East Corse. He told me he
held his land by a Deed of Isaac Sharp and Joseph Sharp which theay granted to
his father for coming with them from Pumptown to show them the country about 10
or 12 years past. The land is well timber’d and was accomadated with meadow. I
think worth about 40£ per hundred.
Feb. 8. 1753. I vew’d Jacobus Edsal’s farm. He is settled about three quarters of a mile
on a North East corse from John Weasoner’s and has lived thare about six years.
The land is strong and has good timber, oak and hicrey, and black waulnut
before Dekay cut it and carry’d it to his Saw Mill. He has cleard about 30
or 40 acres. I think it to be worth 50£ per hundred. The right of soil is
claim’d by Dekay though he has a great mind to take a lease if it was not
for fear of his uncle Dekay.
Feb. 8. 1753. Col. Thomas Dekay’s farm was next in my way
about 1-1/2 miles from Jacobus Edsals, of which I conclude I nedin’t be
particular.
Feb 8. 1753. Rich Edsal Sr. was the next I met with. He
lives about a mile and half from Dekays on a North East corse, he hath bought
200 acres of Dekay for 200£. It is part of the land that Dekay purchased of
Capt. *Ask* of which I need say no more.
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Feb. 8. 1753. Lawrence Crowly, was the next I went to. He
lives about 4/3 of a mile from Richard Edsals on a North corse, the place hath
been settled 12 or 14 years. He pays Dekay 3£ a year rent, the land is thin,
and worth about 40£ per hundred acres. He hath no lease. He was so unwell that
I said nothing to him about leasing.
Feb. 8. 1753. Jonathan Knap’s was the next I met with. It
is on the East side of Pochok Kill or the pond Kill. He hath been settled thare
about 16 years under Dekay, but not liking his Land Lord, nor his land, he hath
moved over on the West side of the Drownd’d land of which I have observed upon
him in the preceeding part of my Journal, the farm lyes about a mile from
Lawrence Crowly’s on a East Corse, the land is poor and stony and worth about
25£ per hundred.
Feb. 8. 1753. I went to Joseph Clark’s. He lives about ½ a mile from Jonathan Knaps
place on a East Corse, the farm has been settled near 11 year agow by Daniel
Brown. Clark gives Dekay a part of the grain he raises on it yearly for the
rent, thare is near 30 acres of cleard and it is good timber, and I think it is
worth 40£ per hundred.
Feb. 8. 1753. David McCamby was the next I went
to. He has settled about a mile from Joseph Clarks on a North corse. He has
bought 500 acres of land of Col. Matthews an Joseph Sackitesy 8 or 10 years
past and hath built a grist mill and saw mill and hath cleard near 50 acres.
His land is well timber’d and meadow’d, I think it is worth 50£ per hundred
acres. I ask’d him if he was not afraid of it’s fawling in the Jerseys, he said
that he was to have his money refund with lawfull interest if it did, I told
him that would not make his dangers up I soposed.
No
(12)
No,
he said, and he told them when he bought that he would secure it from the
Jerseys if he found it was liketo fall in the Jerseys. I told him now was
his time if he had a mind to lease his improvements. He said it was time a
knofe, for he had been informed that the King claimed New Jersey and was about
to recover it. I *desired* him to let me know who informed him, he did not
tell. I told him that when men ware a drownding theay would catch at anything,
and so it ware with the patentees, now the proprietors are gowing to fix a
means to recover the lands that the pantentees have unjustly detain’d from
them so long, why now theay are ready to catch at anything no mater how false.
He ask’d me if I know that to be false, I told him, that I had seen 2 letters
sent from the Kings Cort to the Governors of New Jersey, whare in the Crown
acknowledged the right of soil to belong to the proprietors, and also directed
that *provincal* acts should be made in order to confirm it to them again,
all other persons. He ask’d me if I had them letters by me, I
told him I had tru copyes at home and told him whare he might find them record,
well he said he would come to my house to see them and if I could convinse
him that the Crown disclaimed the right of the soil of New Jersey he would
take a lease notwithstanding his deed. I
told him I had coppys of King Charls Grant to the Duke of York, and the Duke’s
Grant to the proprietors, and the Kings confirmation to the 24 proprietors. He said he was of the mind that the bounds
of the grant would take whare he lived.
Feb. 8. 1753. I went to John Simsons which lyeth about a
mile from MackCamby’s Mill near on a East corse. Thoimas Blain bought it of
Capt. *Ask* upwards of 20 years agow.
John Simson Mary his widow is to have it two years from hence and then
it is to be for Blains children
(13)
Children,
the land is chiefly cleard and very good for grass, I sopose it would sell for
150£ per hundred acres. The tract contains one hundred acres.
Feb. 9. 1753. I came to Benjamin Burt’s farm. It is about
½ a mile from John Simsons. He bought one hundred acres of Lawrance Decker
Executors of his well which the Sr. Decker bought of Capt. Ask near 30 years
agow, and it’s mostly cleard, Burt gave 150£ for it about 5 years since, it
lyith on a North East corse from John Simsons. The said fourt bought a small
shear in a Town Right as thay cald it, and hath taken a great quantity of land
upon his small share, under which Motives he will not hear to a proprietors
lease at all for his skeam a getting land is something like Dekays that is
theay get upon a high hill, and all the land they can see then that is their
own.
Feb. 9. 1753. Samuel Vance his farm was the next I set
out. It lyeth about a mile on a North West corse from Benjamin Burts. He bought
one hundred acres of John Werle, which Warle bought of Capt. Ask near 20 years
since, which Vance is afraid that he cannot recover compensation of his
Grantor, which ingages him to appose leasing of the proprietors. I think his
land is worth 20£ per acre.
Feb. 9. 1753. I went to Thomas Wellin’s farm. It lyeth near
a 1 4/1 of a mile from Sam Vance on a East Corse, and is Capt. Asks old farm.
Wellin holds by a lease from Madam Sims of New York, and gives 4£ a year rent
for a thousand acres. He would take a lease of the proprietors if he knew
how to be desingtangled from his former lease, that farm is well brought *tue*,
and is champion land, I sopose a great part of it that is improved would sell
for 40£ per acre if not all if a shure title could be had.
Feb.
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Feb.
9. 1753. Cristopher Burt’s farm was the
next I met with. It lies near East ½ a mile from Thomas Wellens, he bought 150
acres of his brother Benjamin Burt. It’s part of his Town Right, he gave about
50£ per hundred, about 4 years since, and hath clear’d about 25 acres, I judge
it not to be worth more than Cris gave for it.
Feb. 9 1753. I Vew’d Wiliam Gannon’s farm. He is setteled
upon part of Benj Burts Town Right and hath clear’d 15 acres, Said Burt hath
sold it last faul from under him, to James Harker for 40£ and Gannon must turn
of in Spring. It lies to the Eastward of Christopher Burts about three quarters
of a mile. I advised him to take a lease for it of the proprietors and hold it
from them, but he was afraid and declined it.
Feb. 9. 1753. I went to Samuel Lobdens. His farm is
situated about a mile upon a North corse from Wm Gannons, and is part of Ben.
Burts Town Right. Theare is about 20 acres of Cleard Land. The timber is
middling good and the land is sumthing stony & is worth about 40£ per
hundred, he ware not at home.
Feb 9. 1753. Richard Edsal Jr. was next in my way. He
lives on the North End of Capt Asks farm and is settled by Thomas Wellen and
has been thare near 5 years, and has cleared 40 acres. His land I have valued
in my observation of Wellens farm.
Feb. 9. 1753. William Harris’ was next. It is about a mile
from Rich’d Edsals on a North East corse, he hath bought about 100 acres of Ben
Burts Town Right af’d which Right cost him but five £ at first and hath sold near
200£ of land of it and holds as much as he would get a thousand for it if he
could, so that I percev’d that if the line was
(15)
was
settled between York and Jersey the Pattentees would be in far worse condition
with one another in respect to their divisions, than ever theay ware with the proprietors.
The said Harris hath cleard about 20 acres. It hath good oak timber and it is
worth about 40£ per hundred acres. He lyes next to the York line on the East
side of the Pond Kill.
Feb 9. 1753. I came near whare I judged the line to be
and followd the corse to Mount Eve whare I found one David Thomas that had
bought an improvement of Thomas Wright for ten pound. I told him I was about to offer leases from the proprietors of
New Jersey to the settlers on the South West side of Clintons line. He Enquired
about the leases and I enformed and he soon agree’d to take a lease for three
hundred acres, joining Clintons Line on the East side of Mount Eave, I having a
blank by me – I fil’d it up and got him to execute instantly and told him the
bounds must be surv’d very soone afftarwards. His land is but midling and the
timber also worth about 85£ per hundred acres.
10. Feb. Thomas Wright’s house was the next I came unto about ½ a mile
from the South End of Mount Eve on a East Corse. He build’d thare about 2 years
agone, and is a Weaver by trade, and hath no cleard land. The land about his
house is but midling. I judged it might
be worth about 30£ per hundred. He after some discorse said that he would lease
50 acres before long, but refused to doe it then.
Feb 10. 1753. I went to George Tomsons. He layeth about a
mile from Thos Wrights on a South East corse. He hath been settled thare near
7 years under Sam Clows of Long Island without a lease, but the old genman
gave him froum under his hand that when he turned him of, that he would pay
him for his labour. Tomson told me that Clows’s sons ware up last faul and
offered to
(16)
too
Sell the land to him for 70£ per hundred, but he would not buy at that price
for he said the land was not worth about 45 or 50£. He told them he had rather
turn off if theay would pay him for his work, which theay did not doe, and went
a way home. He said he had heard that theay ware about selling the land to
another and that theay would turn him of. I told him that land did belong to
the proprietors and that theay would lease it out upon very reasonable terms
and defend the settlers in a peacible persishon against all actions that should
be lawfully brought against them. He said that Dekay, Jackson and others of the
patentees had heard or surmised that he had been to me for a lease, and theay
gave him a clean off *seting* for it a few days before, and a *vandul* whare
theay all happened to meet. I told him as he had the name of it he had beter
take the profit of it. He declared that he would take a lease if Clows would
not pay him according to his agreement.
Feb 10. 1753. Elias Smith was the next I went unto. He
layeth about 2 /2 miles from George Tomsons on a Westerly corse. He hath been
settled thare about 6 years and holds by a Town Right. He hath cleared about 20
acres – his land is ordinary, worth about 40£ per hundred. I talked with him in
regard to leasing, but he said he held it by a Town Right and that his Title
was good until the Line ware selected and then if it fell in the Jerseys then
he would buy. I indeavour’d to convince him that his improvements lay exposed
to any that would take them, and that his Town Right could not hold land so far
in the Jersey, but to no effect.
Feb 10. 1753. William Sutten his house was the next I
repair’d to. His house is about a mile on a South corse from said Elias Smiths.
He hath been settled thare about 7 years and hath cleard near 30 acres. I
sopose it to be worth 50£ per hundred. He was not at home, but I understood
that he was settled by the af’d Smith upon part of his Town Right and was to
have it 7 years for improving of it and his time is now expired and he must
lease it
(17)
it
now in the Spring. Thomas Wright teld me that Sutten did intend to take a lease
of the propr for it.
Feb. 10. 1753. I went unto William Kirks. He layeth about a
mile and half from Wm Suttens on a Westerly corse, on the East side of Pochok
Kill. He hath been settled thare about
9 years and hath clear’d about 25 acres. His land is pore I sopose it to be worth
about 35£ per hundred acres. He holds his land by virtue of a Town Right, and
would not take a lease for it, but he said that he would take a lease for 50
acres of meadow which Henry Weasnor sued him for mowing last Somer and
recover’d a judgement against him very unjustly. I told him if Weasoner had the
first section I should offer him a lease and if Weasnor refused to take a
lease, then he might have one, and so I went of.
Feb. 10. 1753. I came to John Garner’s. The lays on a South
East corse about three quarters of a mile from Wm Kirks and hath been setteled
thare about a year, hath clear’d about 5 or 6 acres. The land is stony the
timber is good. I sopose it to be worth near 40£ per hundred acres and its
part of that land that Dekay saw from the top of a hill as I observ’d before.
Though Garner pays him no rent, but Dairst not take a lease for fear of him
as I told him for Dekay hath the Pochok people in as good subjection as a
common man hath his dog. No, Garner said he was not afraid of him but he was
a poore man and did not care to be first, but he inten’d to lease after awhile.
Feb. 10. 1753. I repaird to *Elithan*
Corys. He layeth from John Garners about ½ a mile on a West corse. He bought
his improvement of John Garner about a year past, it was settled by Garner
about 7 years agow and thare is about 12 acres of cleard land. It is ordinary
and stony, I think it to be worth 30£ per hundred. Cory was not at home, but
I found the land belonged unto
18.
unto
Dekay, it lais on the East side of Pochok Kill at the Bridge.
Feb. 10. 1753. Daniel Roberts I vew’d next. It lays on the
west side of Pochok Kill, on a West corse 4/1 of a mile from Elithan Coryes. He
bought his improvement of John Garner about 6 years agow, and hat cleard land
about 10 acres. I think his may be worth about 25£ per hundred acres. He holds
under Dekay without lease, but pays no rent.
Feb. 10. 1753. I went unto Owens
he lives about a mile from Daniel Roberts and Northwest corse. He settled thare
about 5 years agow and had cleard about 8 acres. I sopose the land to be stony
and barron, worth near 25£ per hundred acres. The land is claim’d by Dekay.
Feb. 10. 1753. Jonathan Sealys was
next in my way. He lays on a North West corse about a mile from Owen’s, he lives on a place that was settled
about 12 years agow by Benjamin Decker and about 6 years agow Decker sold his
improvement to Sealy, but Dekay would not let him pay Decker but would have the
money himself so that Decker lost his labour. The land is ordinary, worth about
30£ per hundred, and thare is cleard near 20 acres. I told him I was about to
see how many intruders thare ware settled on the proprietors lands by the
*conivance* of the patentees, and whether none of them would return from their
transgression and take leases from the true owners. He said he wished the line was settled and then theay all would
take leases or buy. I told him them that did not accept of leases now would not
have liberty of leasing afterwards, I thought, he said that he had a mind to
secure his his (sic) land but Col. Decker would doe him all the injury he could
if he did. I asked him if he had listed under him to take up a club for I said
I heard before I came from home that
19
Dekay
was a gowing to invite people to defend their lands with a Club, for the Kings
Laws wold not defend all the land that he claims, to him. He answerd that if he
lost his whole estate and life he would not fight for him, he further saw that
Dekay had said he wished he had broke your bones instead of suing you, but said
he beleaved that Dekay would find none to join with him to club folks. I told
him I had enquired all the way I came, but found none that owned theay had
agreed with him to defend themselves that way. He asked me if I did desine to
move down the Drowned Lands next Spring. I told him I did certainly intend to.
He said he heard Dekay a swearing about it the other day, and what did he say,
why he said that you should not live thare for your hose should be pulled down
over your head, and your bones should be broken. I told him he had threttend me
as hard as that many a time, so that I was yoused to his hard words, so much
that I could not be afraid, or else I should cause him to be bound to the King
for his good behavour, he said Dekay was not so forward to doe as to say. And at last Sealy declined to lease for fear
of Dekay as I thought.
On Monday Feb 12 1753 I went to the widow Holly’s on the point of
Pochok about a mile from Jonathan Sealys on a on a (sic) North East corse. That
place was settled about 13 years agow, by *Bazelul* Holly. Thare is about 20
acres of cleard land. The land is kind soil of land worth about 50£ per hundred
and owned by Dekay.
Feb. 12. 1753. I went unto the house
of widow Knaps on Pochok Point about a mile from widow Hollys on a North East
corse, which farm was settled near twelve years agow, and thare is near 50
acres of cleard land
(20)
land,
it’s a pleasant soil, and handy to meadow, and good timber, I think it may be
worth 55£ per hundred acres and is within Dekays claim.
Feb 12. 1753. Samuel Millors Farm was the next I met with.
It layeth on a West corse about a mile from Jonathan Sealys. He settled thare
about 6 years agow, and Last Winter he left it and went to New England. I was
enformed by one John *Rude* who had leave of him to live in the house this
winter and in the Spring he said he was to move over on the west side of the
Drouned Lands. Said Millor wanted to sell his Improvements thare, which was
about 10 acres of cleard land, the timber good and the soil stony worth about
10£ per hundred acres, and is part of that land that Col. Dekay discovered from
the top of some mountain.
Feb 12. 1753. I went unto Calop Knap’s which is about 4/3
of a mile from Millors farm, on a Southwest corse, it was settled by Amos
Fostur, about 9 years agow, thare is near 12 acres of Cleard land, the timber
is good but the land is stony, and not worth above 10£ per hundred, the right
of soil is claim’d by Dekay.
Feb 12. 1753. Samuel Hollys farm was the next I vew’d. It
lays Southwest a mile from Calop Knaps, and hath been settled about 8 or 9
years. He hath cleard about 20 acres. The land is midling good, worth about 45£
per hundred acres, his father Abeneazer Holly, holds it by a Town Right, we
debated the point in respect to leasing but he would not yeald to take one
though he wished the line was settled that theay might know what to depend
upon, for he was willing to buy of the Jersey if he knew it belonged to them.
21.
Feb.
12. 1753. Den Deckers farm on the West
side of Pochak Kill was next. I set
out, it is about 4/3 of a mile from Daniel Roberts on a South corse, he hath
cleard about 15 acres. The land is lite worth about 40£ per hundred. He hath
improved thare about 2 years and holds under Dekay, and is much fearder of him
than of a Lyon.
Feb. 12. 1753. Jacob Decker, was the next I went too he
lives about a mile from Den Deckers farm and hath been settled thare about 16
years, he hath cleard near 40 acres. His land is midling good his timber
*mean*. I judge it to be worth about 60£ per hundred acres. Dekay owns the
land, and hath him in such order that he dairst not lease.
Feb. 12. 1753. Abram Decker was the next, he is on the East
side of Pochok Kill, about 4/3 of a mile from Jackob Decker’s on an East corse,
it hath been settled some years, but about 2 or 3 acres cleard the land broken
and stony. I think worth about 25£ per hundred, he holds under Dekay.
Feb. 12, 1753. I set out Hendrick
Winfields farm. He is setteled under Dekay about 3 miles from Abram Deckers
North Easterly corse. He settled thare last Spring, and hath cleard about 10
acres. The land is midling good and so is the timber. I sopose it’s worth 50£
per hundred, he hath no lease nor dairst not take one of the proprietors.
Feb. 12. 1753. George *Behonnon* is
settled by Dekay, about 2 ½ miles from Dekays on a North East corse. He hath
been settled about 8 years and hath cleard 12 or 14 acres. The land is broken
& stony worth not to exceed 30£ per hundred – he is as great a mischief
maker as any of Dekays tennants
22.
Tennants
in respect to carrying news to the patentees though he hath no lease nor no
assurance of pertection from thence.
Feb. 13. 1753. Nathanel Sutten liveth about half a mile
from George Behonnons on a East corse and has been settled thare 8 or 10 years
and hath cleard 40 or 50 acres. The land is reasonable good, I sopose it may be
worth about 50£ per hundred, he hath no lease. This land is claim’d by Dekay.
Feb. 13. 1753. Anthony Car is settled about a mile from S.
Suttens and on North West corse. His please hath been settled for 8 years,
thares cleared near 40 acres. The land is worth near 50£ per hundred. He hath
neither bought nor leased.
Feb. 13, 1753. Samuel Lockey is settled about 4/3 of a mile
from McCambyes Mill on a North West corse. He settled thare lately
and hath cleard near 8 acres. The land is stoney and broken worth about 35£ per
hundred, Dekay ownes the land.
Feb. 13. 1753. John Jemison is settled on a East corse from
Lokey’s af’d, and hath been settled near about 2 years, hath cleard about 6
acres. The land is worth about 40£ per hundred.
Feb. 13. 1753. Henry *Hordion* is settled on the West side
of the black Crick which is a South East branch of Pochok Kill, about a mile
from Jacob Deckers on a South corse. He settled thare about 12 years agow and
hath cleard about 20 acres. The land is broken and stoney, I think it’s worth
about 30£ per hundred and is claim’d by Dekay.
Feb. 13. 1753. Thomas Grant is settled on West side of *P.
black Crick*, he bought the improvement of John Conklin about 4 years agow.
Thares about 30 acres of cleared land. The land is good and thare was a great
quantity of black walnut timber, but Dekay of late have cut it away
23.
away.
Chiefly Grant refused to take leases as yet for he said that he had a mind to
sea how it would turn first. The land I sopose to be worth 60£ per hundred and
Dekay claims the soil. This place is the first in York Government from Joseph
Perrys downwards about a mile and a half from *P* Perrys on a North corse.
Feb 13. 1753. Benjamin Dunnan is settled on the East side
of the Drouned Land about 2 mile and half from Sam Hollyes on a South West
corse. He is settled thare by his father Mickel Dunnan who is one of the
Trustees of Wayanda Pattent, I told him that the Proprietors proposed to bring
actions against the people that refused to lease of them if theay lived to the
Southwest of Mr. Clintons Line. He said that he was to move to Goshen in the
Spring and leave the place.
John Hubs is settled on the East
side of the Dround Lands about 3 miles from Dunnans on a South West course, and
about one mile from my house on a South Easterly corse, on a place that
Benjamin Decker settled about 9 years agow and lived on it until last Somer,
and after he had settled a short time Dekay made a Survey thare that encluded
the Dround’d Land for about three miles and the upland on both sides a good
distance and ordered *P.* Deker to forwarn all persons to settle or cut grass
on the tract, which order he was faithful and was the person that throu’d down
my fence as I suspect. I charg’d him with it but he stifly deny’d it. I told
him that it would not doe well for him to be a tenant under Dekay, and I under
the Jerseys so far below him. I said he might take a lease of the Proprietors
or else turn of that place. I showed him a lease and after some further debate
he said that he would give me an answer in a weeks time. The Sr. Hubs was
present and blamed Decker for not giting a lease of Dekay before that time,
Deker said that he
24.
he
had try’d to get one many a time but could not. Hubs said Dekay out to pay him
for his improvements if he was forsed to leave it and said a great deal against
Dekay for not lease the place to Deker that if it was in his place he would
lease of the proprietors. Accordingly Decker went too Dekay and he and Dekay
went to Col. Matthews and the Pattentees at Goshen, but Benj Decker could not
get a lease and being afraid to take a proprietors lease he concluded to gow
off, and when he went out *P*. Hubs came in and gives Dekay 40£ a year, and
hath no lease not nothing that will oblige Dekay or any of the patentees to
defend him.
Thare is one, Thomas Harris Jonathan
Rory and Wilham Armstrong that lives of between Dekays and Clintens Line but in
my vew I missed them, but by enquiry I found their names and throught to made a
jurney in order to find their sitiation, but I was hindered in my purpose by
other business, and concluding in my mind that it would not make no great
damages, I have omitted it.
25
In order to give you an account of
my vew and observations oppon those settlements and settelors that is under New
Jersey government, I shall begin with the Agreement made by the magistrates of
both sides of the question, which ware nearly as followeth, Joseph Perry and
some others that ware settle’d on land that was survey’d to Isaac Sharpe Joseph
Sharp, by the advice and concent of Col. Dekay near 12 years agow, and settled
soon aftar by s’d people but 6 years past theay refused to pay taxes unto York
government. The Justices of Goshen sent a constable with an execution for too
make *Destress* on their goods. The people prevailed with the constable to
refer it a fue days, and told him theay would pay their taxes if theay could
not be releaved, and accordingly apply to Col. Matthews, who readily rec’d
their mony but as it is hard for a man to resist his own interest he did them
little service, but however the Justices agreed to have a meeting with some
Justices of Morris County, and accordingly agreed to meet at the house of
Thomas Stags whare Thomas Wettens now liveth and accordingly, Justice Abram
*Vaneapoyr*, Justice John Tuttle, and Doc. Gellet, High Sherriff of Morris
County and several of the inhabitants met on the Jersey side at the place and
time appointed, whare Daniels Everat, Mickel Jackson, Christopher Sealy, Esqrs,
and some others met them. Col. Dekay rode to the doore and called Stags wife
out, and asked her whether thare ware a Jersey Sheriff thare, said she
understood thare was one, he turned about his horse and off he went, and theay
had none of his accompany until Mr. Gellet wrote to him that he had no
*pricipt* against him, then he met them and it was agreed that the line should
go from the Noth East end of Jos. Perrys Land straight unto the South East end
of a tract of land that Dekay had surv’d on whome he had settled Benjamin
Decker, whare John Hubs now liveth
26.
liveth,
and those that lived on the North East side of that line should pay taxes to
the Jerseys Yorkers and those that lived on the South West side of that
line should pay to the Jerseys. The Magastraits of Goshen refused to agree
anything about the settlers of the West side of the Drunded Lands and said that
belonged to the Magastraits of Manisink to doe, but since have insisted that it
was agreed that the line should continue from Hubs unto Manisink Island, which
indeed theay make people submit unto.
As to gowing through the settlements
in order to vew them that lays to the lines South West side that was agreed by
the Justices, and keeping date and jornal I have omitted, for I am so well
acquainted with the settlements and circumstances of the inhabitants that I
think I can give a very ample account of them, except some few that I have
visitted for that purpose, and accordingly I shall begin with Joseph Perry. He
layeth on the East side of the black Crick and near the Highlands or the fut of
Pumptown Mountain as it’s called. He hath been settled about 13 years and holds
200 acres of Sharps, upon the following condition he is to have it until the
line is settled, without rent or interest, and when the York line is settl’d if
Sharps don’t loose it by *P*-line, theay are then to sell the land to him or
his, by a sufficient Deed, at twenty five pounds per hundred acres. Perry hath
cleared the most of it, and I sopose it would sell for 40£ per acre.
Henry Simson is next to Perry up the
said black Crick, their houses is 1 4/1 mile apart on a South Westerly corse,
he bought his improvement of *Rulaf* Swartwort, and Swartwort bought it of
Grigs Burger and
27.
and
Grigs Burger agreed with Isaac Sharp and Jos Sharp for the Lott it contains 200
acres near 12 years agow upon the following terms, he was to have it for 27£
per hundred and to pay lawfull interest for it until the line of York is
confirmed and then theay are to make him or his a Deed at his paying the 27£
per hundred, and if he will him pay the money at any time before, theay are to
make him a deed & if the York line takes it So. Sharps is to refun all the
money theay have *rued* both principal and interest. He the said Simson hath
cleard near 100 acres of it and I esteem it to be worth *30£* per acre.
The next farm to Simsons is Richard
Michels on a West Corse about ½ a mile, he hath been setteled about 3 years,
hath cleard near 10 acres, the land is stony and well timbered, I judge it
to be worth about 30£ per hundred. He apply’d for a lease last faul and accordingly
hath taken one.
Patrack McCaflin is next unto Michelson
on a North East corse half a mile, and hath been settled 2 yers. The land
about him is very mountanius and stony. He hath clear’d about *14* acres of
it, I soppose it to be worth 30£ per hundred, and he hath come under lease.
Gilbert Mchurter is next
to MackCaflins, on a North East corse 4/1 of a mile. That place was settled by
his father a bout 7 years agow, theay have of cleard land about 15 acres. The
land is worth about 35£ per hundred and he hath agreed to a lease.
Amos Fostar is next unto Rich’d
Michels, on a South West corse near a mile. He is settled on a tract of 320
acres of land that, was surv’d to Isaac & Joseph Sharps 6 years since.
Theay have not leas’d unto him, but have agreed too, but haven’t agreed upon
what terms. Fostar hath ban settled thare about 3 years and hath cleard about
12 acres. The timber of this tract is poor and the soil lite, but kind. I
sopose it to be worth about 35£ per hundred.
Lawrance Decker is next unto Foster
upon the said tract and under the same circumstances in respect until title
28.
Title
he hath been settled thare about 5 years and hath cleard about 20 acres.
The next unto S’d Deckers is a tract
S’d Sharps of *190 old* acres on whome is settled Joseph Pummery, William
Marsh, Widow *Lowtrip*, John Slate, and *Elkana* Fullar. Theay bought the improvement of Isaac
Tilsworth for 250£ last winter, and Tilsworth bought it of Thomas Wright about
9 or 10 years agow for 19£. Said Wright
agreed for *** land for 27£ per hundred about 12 years agone and they was to a
made a Title in 3 years, but the money not being paid the title is not got yet.
But sharps is to make a title to those in persession on pament of the mony. It
lays on the Wallkill and is that place that Gould settled a many yers agow. It
is Cheafly cleard, and is worth about 40£ per acre.
Peter Burger liveth on a East branch
of the Wallkill – the land was surv’d about 6 years agow for the Sharps but
theay have not sold it to him, but have agreed to sell it but have agreed upon
the price. He hath been settled about 7 or 8 years. He hath cleard 50 acres. The
timber is good and so is the land. I sopose it is worth 60£ per hundred. Thare
is above 200 in the tract.
Tarrants Onail lives from Burgers
about 4/3 of a mile on North Easterly corse. He settled thare last Somer and
hath cleard about 5 acres. The land is stony and strong. I think it is worth
about 45£ per hundred. He hath agreed to lease of the Councill of Proprs.
Hugh Little lays on the Walkill on a
tract of said Sharps, joining the Iron Mine tract below. Theay will neither
lease it nor sell it but reserve it for the Ironwork. It hath been settled
about 8 years. Thare is Cleard 30 acres and is good land and meadow ground. I
sopose it would sell for 40£ per acre.
Derick Fulkerson is settled on the
Wallkill about a mile above Littles, on a tract that ware surveyd for Ch.
*Jushu* Morris, and hath cleard about 14 acres. The land is stony but strong
and well timberd. He bought his improvement of Danyel Brown about 4 years agow.
Brown settled thare about 9 hears agone and I sopose the land is worth 30£ per hundred
acres.
Ezeakel
29.
Eazekel Macpeak is next unto Fulkerson’s
within the same Survey. He bought his improvement of Benjamin Knap about 2
years agow, thare is of cleard land near 12 acres. The land is strong and well
timbered, worth about 60£ per hund.
Daniel Brown is the next within the
said Survey. He hath been settled about 4 years and hath cleard about twenty
acres. The land is good and well timberd, worth about 60£ per hundred.
Charls Canada is next on the West
side of the Wallkill and in the said survey he hath been settle about 8 years,
and hath cleard 30 acres. Its good land and timber and meadow ground. I think
it is worth 65£ per hundred.
George MaKinney is next unto Canada
on the East side of the Wallkill about 2 miles from Canaday and is settled upon
land of Sharps without lease or purchase. He began thare about 7 years agow and
hath cleard about 40 acres. The land is strong but stony worth about 40£ per
hundred.
George Havens is next on the
Wallkill about a mile above Makinneys on land of Sharps and theay have
covenant’d with him, that he is to give 20£ per hundred a year until the York
line is settled and then he is to give them 30£ per hundred, and theay are then
to make him a sificient title. He hath been settled about 3 years and hath
cleard 25 acres. The land I sopose is worth 60£ per hundred.
Richard Mastars is next above, on
the same side of the kill, and on the same tract of Sharps land and hath the
same agreement in respect to Title. His place hath been settle about six years
agow by William Tilsworth who sold him the improvement about 2 years agow.
Thare is of cleard land near 30 acres, and it’s worth 60£ per hundred.
William Mastars is settled on the
West side of the Wallkill on Said Sharps land, without lease or purchase. He hath
been settled near 2 years past and hath cleard 5 or 6 acres. The land is pore
and the timber also worth about 30£ per hundred.
Isaac Tilsworth is next on the East
side of the Wallkill
30
Wallkill
on said Sharps land without lease or purchase. He bought the improvement of his
son Leonard for 50£ above a year agow, who settled thare about 5 years agow. He
hath about 30 acres of cleard land, the land, I think is worth near 70£ per
hundred.
Leonard Tilsworth’s is the next on a
South corse about 2 /2 from Isaac *Taisort* and heath been settled thare a
year, and hath of cleard land about 7 acres. The land is good and timber is
Chestnut cheafly. I judge it is worth 50£ per hundred. He proposes to take a
lease of the Council of Propr’s. for the land is vacant.
John Lefollet, is the highest
settler on the Wallkill, and lives on Brogdon’s meadow as it’s called. Thare is
a large survey of Charls Brogdon of the western division of New Jersey Rights,
Lefollet hath been settled thare about 2 years and hath cleard about 4
acres. The land and meadow is worth
about 50£ per hundred. The *P* Tract of Brogdon contains
Abinizer *Starns* , Joseps Welsh,
and Jams (sic) *Starns* are settled on a tract of *Penn’s* containing 1250
acres of the Western division Rights. Theay have not bought nor leased of
*Penn*, have been settled near 2 years, but have cleard little or none. The
land is lite and porely timber’d, but the most of it is meadow. I sopose it is
worth 40£ per hundre’d acres.
Rodolfes Fuller is the next I shall
make mention of. He lays about a mile from Joseph Pumery on a South corse. He
began thare about a year agow. He hath cleard about 3 acres. His land and
timber is poore. I think is worth about 25£ per hundred acres. He hath agreed
to take a proprietors lease.
William Southward, he lays on a
Southwest corse from Joseph Pomerys about ½ a mile on vacant land and has
apply’d for a lease of the propr’s. He hath been settled about a year and hath
cleard about 3 acres. The land and timber is poore, I believe worth about 30
per hundred acres.
Elijah
31
Elijah Collard is next to Southwards
on a Northwest corse. He hath been settled about 6 years and was to a had a
title of Sharps but finding that the survey was not recorded last Somer, he
tuck it on a lease. He hath cleard about 25 acres. The land is midling. I think
it is worth about 60£ per hund. acres.
John Wilson is next unto Collard on
a North corse. He bought on improvement of Washburn for 30£ and he hath been
settled about 7 years. He proposes to take a proprietors lease. The land and
timber is poore. I sopose it *aint* worth about 30£ per hundred.
John Addoms. Lays on Papecottung,
near the mouth. His place was settled by Hendrick Kikindaul about *7* years
agow and agree’d with Sharps for a title for 40£ pound per hundred and he was
to have it 3 years for nothing and five years at 40£ per hund a year another,
the 40£ is to be paid and theay are to make him a title. He hath cleard about
40 acres. The land is worth about 60£ per hundred acres.
Samuel Crowel layeth on the North side
of Papecottung, against John Addoms, he bought his improvement of Abram Winfield
Sr. about 5 years agow which Abram Winfield agreed with Sr. Sharps for a title
of the land for 40£ per hundred and was to hold it 3 years with out interest
and 5 years at 40£ per hundred a year and then to theay was to make him a
deed for 40£ per hundred. Said Crowel hath clear’d about 30 acres. The land
is good and it hath good meadow, it’s worth 20£ per acre.
Peter Decker is next unto Crowel on
the North side of Papecottung. He hath been setteled near 11 years and hath
leased one hundred and fifty acres and hath bought 150 acres of Sd. Sharps
about 6 years agow, and was to have
{32}
have
it three years for nothing and then he is to give thirty seven pound per
hundred, but he hath not got his deed yet. His land is good. I sopose it is
worth 20£ per acre.
Jehanas Westbrook lives about 2
miles from Peter Decker on a Southwest corse. He hath cleard upon his leased
land about 8 acres. It is good land and meadow ground, I think it is worth 80£
per hundred.
John Herring lives about a quarter
of a mile from Westbrook and hath taken lease for 50 acres.
Hendrick Kikendaul, lives on the
Mill Brook above the Mill about a mile. He hath bought the improvement, of
Abram Winfield about 4 years agow for 40£. He hath cleard about 30 acres. The
land is reasonable good, I sopose its worth about 60£ per hundred. He hath
agreed to take a lease of the proprietors of East Jersey.
Daniel Kikindaul lays on the Mill
Brook above Hendrick Kikendaul’s about 4/3 of a mile. He settled thare about
three years and hath cleard about 20 acres. His land hath good timber but the
soil cold worth about 40£ per hundred. His land being Vakant he agreed to take a
lease of the Council of Proprietors.
In the next place I shall begin with
those that that (sic) are settled on Sharps land on Papecotting which are
Nehemah Dinnis, Eazekeal Dennis, Benjamin Decker, Hugh Hagerty, Steaphen
Hagerty, Henderick Depue, Jehanas Depue, John Lambard, and Peter Dewit Senr,
and Wiliam Howel, George Macoy, all on the following terms. Their leases are to
run for twenty five years, the first five years for ten shillings per hundred a
year, the next five years, for twenty shillings per hundred a year
{33}
a
year, the remaining fifteen years for fourty shillings per hundred a year, and
theay are to plant orchards out of a hundred trees or more, and to leave it in
good finely, but if the land is to be sold at the expiration of the lease the
leasees are to have the refusial of buying, they have not got their leases yet
but are to have them in that form. Their farms hath been settled about 5 or 6
years and theay have 30 or 40 acres cleard a peace and it is good land and
meadow ground, I sopose it would sell for 20£ per acre, throughout.
Peter Dewit Jr. hath settled on
Papecottung about a mile above Sharps land, and hath been settled about 4 years
and hath clear’d about 30 acres of land. The land is midling good and so is the
timber, I think it to be worth 50£ per hundred, the land being vacant, he
agreed to come under lease to the proprietors.
Thomas Salsbary, hath settled on the
East side of Papecotting about ½ a mile from Benjamin Deckers and hath been
settled about 4 years, hath cleard about 10 acres, and the land is stony the
timber good, and is worth 35£ per hundred, and he agreed to take a lease.
Silas Brigs hath settled about ½ a
mile from Thoms Solsbarys on a North East corse. He settled this latter part of
Somer and hath cleard none. The land is stony but strong. I sopose it is worth
30£ per hundred, and he consented to take a lease.
Joseph Skiner lives on Beaver Run,
a branch of the Wallkill and bought his improvement of John Herring and Herring
bought it of one Rogers that settled it about 8 years agow. The land is pore
and barron worth about 30£ per hundred, he proposes to lease some and buy
some.
Seamuel Washbourn is next unto
Skiner on Beaver Run
{34}
Run
below about a mile and half. He settled Sharp last Spring and hath cleard about
100 or 12 acres. The land is midling good and so is the timber. I think it is
worth about 50£ per hundred. He consented to take a lease and make it over unto
John herring for securety of some money, but at length it was agreed that
Herring should take the lease and sine it over unto Washburn at the reception
of the money.
Joseph Wilson is settleing a place
below Washbourn about 4/3 of a mile on Beaver Brook. His father John Wilson
bought the Emprovement of *P.* Washburn above a year agow. He hath of cleard
land about 6 acres. The land I sopose is worth 50£ per hundred, he agreed to
lease of the Council of Proprietors.
Samuel Concklin liveth about half a
mile on a North West course from Joseph Perry’s and hath been settled near
*ten* years, and hath cleard about 30 acres of land. His land is midling I
think its worth about 40£ per hundred acres and he consented to take a lease –
which I have now given you a short and true account of the settlements and
settlers in respect to title that is on the Wallkill and the branches thare of
to the York line except Aaron *Younglove* who bought *100* acres Right of Tho.
Barton and laid it on the Wallkill above and joining Hubs place, he hath not
settled it yet.
On or about the 20th of
February 1753. William Tilsworth wrote a letter to Dekay for an answer to know
whether the patentees would defend him if he did not lease of proprietors,
which he was to let him know immediately after the Supreme Court in New York.
Dekay afew days aftar send John Hubs to tell him that he would come in a few
days and survey out his land and give him a lease and defend him, and those
that he had taken leases of them or else theay would burn down their houses
over their heads, which Boysleon Courtrait, Jacob Bogart and
{35}
and
several others ware very uneasy about it and theay told of their news, unto me.
I told them that Dekay would not come for he only was in a mad fit, for he
threttend to pull my house down last faul, but he haint been yet, nor wolt
come, neither will any of the patentees agree with him for to lease and defend
any of the settlements heare away. & he is not sufficient of himself to
defent himself, I told them also that I had been down the Drounded Land lately
and James Bill, George Walls, James Walls, Benjamin Knap, George Kimbal, Isaac
Culy, Jacob Midday, and Thomas Schonehover, have all taken lease now, and
several other would but the snow coming on put it by, so that Dekay will have
but a very small number on this side the Wallkill that will comply with his
motion if any. P. Cortrait Sd that
Joseph Barton had got a title bond of Weasoner and the Blooms. I told him I saw
it, and I put him out of conceit so that he wrote to me since I came from thare
for a lease and Joseph Wallen, Ruben Knap and Hendrick Dacker Jr., had sent for
me to come and lease to them, but the blank leases is all filed so that I have
not for them yet, well says he if all them comes under leaes Dekay may stay at
home.
March 20. 1753. Con. Dekay and his
son came unto John Hubs’s whare Abram Winfield happen’d to be thare, and Dekay
askd him if he had been at Town Meeting in New Town, and he P no why said Dekay
I hear theay have chase John Herring Sisor and Rich Gardiner Collector, yes
says Abram, so I here, how far says Dekay do theay think to tax people
downwards, Abram told him as far as to Mr. Clintons Line as it’s called for the
people have come under lease chiefly on the west side of the Wallkill to the
Jerseys. Dekay said the people had run themselves into a *premenary* for theay
would be forst to pay taxes to both governments now and the people on the west
side of the Wallkill might lease and be hanged and theay would, but theay on
the East side wound not lease, not any he believed. Abram told him that he
heard that Rich’d. Said that he had least out some hundreds of acres South East
from Mount eave, on the East Side of the Wallkill
36.
Wallkill,
Dekay said that Gardiner told that only to encourage them fools on the East
side of the Wallkill to take leases for he had heard of that before, and had
enquired after it but could not find that any had leased. Abram told him that
he knew he was over there a good while this winter and he soposed he was on
some such business – and so theay descorsed a long and Abram told me that Dekay
seem’d very moderate and much better humer’d than he expected.
R.
Gardiner’s Journal
near the York Line
March 1753
New Town
Morris County Nov. 20 1752
Sir
Yours
of October 24. I received on the second
day of Goshen Court with the Habeas Corpus which delivered to Mr. Matthews
and he read the same in Court and ask’t the Judge if he allowed it he answered
Yea, then I paid him his fees and told him that I must have it when it was
entered, he said I might but he must go to the Grand Jury that sat at another
place first and I waited for him to return until my company were going home,
and one of my neighbours told me I might go for he should stay to the last
of the Courts and he would see and bring the Habeas Corpus. I then came home
and the man forgot to get it. I on the 8 of this Instant wrote to the Clerk
for it by a special Messenger. He wrote to me that the day before he had taken
the General Rule and sent it to Mr. Nicholls the Clerk that signed it and
that was customary and proper. Though I might have had it if I had paid for
it. So that I cant sent it to you by reason of my own misconducts which I
hope will not prove to lay the cause under a difficulty by that defect
*Ic00*
I have brought a considerable number
of people on the west side of the Wallkill to come under lease to the proprietors.
I believe they all will as far as Clintons Line and there is some on the East
side of the Wallkill that has agreed to take leases. But there is a great
many that’s strong opposers of leasing but I believe if there were 2 or 3
sued with writts of Trospass they would generally comply for the patentees
refuses to oblige themselves to defend any suits to all they settle, but tells
them that the proprietors can’t turn them off until the Line is settled, and
it’s believed by a many people as weak as it is – here is one John Hubbs that
is put on a piece of land by Col. Dekay about a mile South East from my house
and I went down about the first of September and told him not to son any Winter
grain there unless he would lease the land of the General Proprietors for
they intended to bring suits against all such persons as refusals to lease.
He set to swearing and cursing and abuseing the proprietors and myself too
bad to mention here. I told him he should never have that offer again, for
I would lease that land to some better person, and I have since surveyed it
out and leased it to an *Tanous* man. For said Hubbs is a very mischievous
many and a great asserter of the Yorkers Rights, and I conceive it necessary
that you should order a
Writt
of Trespas sent for to be served on him, and if he runs away or leaves the
premises I will pay the costs but if he stands Loyall then the proprietors
& he must try their Title he can be taken without much difficulty which
will undoubtedly make others comply.
I have agreed with said Lessee that
if the proprietors will not turn Hubbs off so that he can get possession that
what we have done is to be void and of no effect if you should send a writt for
said Hubbs, and he should be taken. Its likely he would want to make up the
matter and leave the premises for he has not improved of it, and if he would
pay the cost and quit the premises I think it reasonable he would by *desehar*
get go and if making up is referred to me I will see that cost is discharged as
aforesaid.
There were two men from New Town on
Long Island. Namely Nathaniel Fish and Cornelius Berryon, owners of Wawayanda
Patent. They came over on the West side of the Wallkill and surveyed several
peoples places out. I happened to be down that way surveying for some other
people and I went to see them and they were at the house of one Benjamin Tomson
and they had surveyed his place and offered him his place for a Bushell of corn
a year and that not to be paid unless they in person came for it, and if he
would come to see them they would give him forty shillings a time, but when I
came to examine into it, I found they refused to defend him against any suite
that should be brought against him by reason of his possession. I presently
brought him from their terms and he set me to survey his place over after them
and he came under lease to the proprietors before they left their spot, and I
made it my business to go with him to all the people they included in their
surveys, and I stop’t them all from leasing of them, and agreed with me for
leases of the proprietors tho the said patentees were greatly enraged at me for
it, for they told me that if they could get possession of said land they were
sure of them for the Line would be settled so that every one will be confirmed
in their passions. I demanded their reasons for such unjustice but they *were*
so weak that I convinced them of a pretty deal of their *simple*
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And
they went home without selling or lease one foot of land to any person tho as
before they strove hard for it.
Sir
I am your humble servant
Rich’d
Gardiner
P.S. The high Sheriff could not tell me whether I
must attend at the Supream Court at New York but told me to Enquire of you if I
must be there or not. Please to send a line or two to inform me by the bearer.
Copy
of Letter from Richard Gardiner
Nov. 28th 1792
New York
December 17 1752
Sir
I had yours of November 21 P at
three this afternoon prior appointment
obliged me to be abroad from that time til 5 and the bearer of yours was to
call about this times for an answer he being obliged to go this evening which
will make me short in answer to yours.
I have sent to Mr. Nicholls to see
if the Habeas Corpus has come to his hands but whether it has or not you have
done all that was necessary for you and Mr. Nicholls and I will take care of
the action here without your comeing down.
I approve of what you have done and
propose as to John Hubbs but dare not venture to commence an action against him
till the council of proprietors agree to it which I doubt not they’ll do when
they meet in March next when I hope we shall see you there with a full account
of who have leased and who have refused, that actions may be ordered ag. Every
one that have refused and hope for your map pursuant to the directions I gave
you showing nearly the situation of every person.
The bearer of yours tells me that
you was to have wrote to me concerning a mill proposed to be built on a lott
surveyed by you for Chief Justice Morris and me by Macdonalls order – as to
which I propose as it will be for the service of the neighborhood that they may
build it and enjoy it and if we find other places fitting for our Iron Works
then that Chief Justice Morris and I will sell them so many acres as necessary
for the Mill ** and sell it as woodland. But if we find an absolute necessity
of that place for our Iron Works then before we ask possession of the mill we
will pay what the mill and dam and other improvements are worth and if we
cannot agree that we shall leave it to honest men to apprize them.
The bearer tells me also that some
find fault with your fees of surveying – I told him the rule was *10 /
procolamate* on a day for your labor either in the field or at home in
protracting and that 5 or 6 courses in a survey would take you a good deal more
time to protract and compute the quantity of than four courses – I beg you’ll
be very moderate with the people as to your fees and rather undercharge a
little than overcharge.
Mr. Nicholls I find is not in Town
so that I cannot find whether he has received the Habeas Corpus.
Liber