Early in the seventith century Cornelius C. Wynkoop emigrated from Utrecht United Dutch Netherlands to Manhadoes - New York - and soon afterward settled in Vertringa - Albany N.Y. He died at Esopus near Kingston, leaving four sons - Everardus, Johannes, Gerardus and Benjamin - In 1717 the third son Gerardus (Garret) settled with his family in Moreland Mont'y Co. (then Philada.) Penna where he died leaving five sons - Cornelius, Garret, Nicholas, Henry and philip, and three daughters. Some of the branches are still in Moreland some settled in N. Jersey and some in Virginia - Nicholas, third son of Garret, it would seem, left Moreland and settled in Northampton, Tp. Bucks Co. where he spent the remainder of his life and died Aug 3rd 1759 - aged 54, leaving a son and daughter - Hellena was born Feb, 8th. 1734 - and married Domine DuBois the pastor it is thought of their church. She lived and died near the parental residence leaving several children.

    Henry Wynkoop was born March 2nd 1737 on the valuable farm named Vredensburg, Northampton Tp. Bucks Co. Penna - where he spent his life.

    He was appointed associate Judge, and acted as such till the seat of justice was removed from Newtown to Doylestown in 1812 or 1813, when he ceased to act_

    Being a man of some influence in the County he was called upon to perform offices of trust and importance connected with the trying times then current.

    During the revolutionary war, in removing the army to winter quarters at Valley forge their road lay through Bucks County - and finding in their march a cloth factory, it seemed that the soldiers did not scruple to supply their wants from its store - The propietor in order to have his goods or their value restord applied to Judge Wynkoop, hoping through his influence to succeed - The Judge in his kindness, altho likely cold winter weather, consented to ride all the way to head quarters and see what could be done. On arriving and stating the purport of his visit, Genl. Washington notising his ample vesture facetiously said to him "why Mr. Wynkoop I do not think you stand very much in need of cloth" He was in the habit in winter of wearing an extra over coat_

    The country was infested, during the revolution with a class of men, idlled refugees, having given their services to and sided with the British army, a part of their nefarius busines seemed to be to assist the enemy in kidnapping prominent men and thus making them prisoners. A plan was thus laid to secure the person of Judge Wynkoop. The night chosen for the purpose a company of soldiers, led perhaps by a refugee!! - came, and breaking into his residence were disappointed of their prisoner he having occasion to be from home. The infamous affair of course caused great alarm. Mrs. W's chamber adjoining the apartment broken into was so entirely overcome that she could not refrain from shrieking; The officer tried to assure her there was no cause for fear_ They did not wish to disturb her family_ The only object of the visit was to escort Mr. Wynkoop as a prisoner to the British head quarters in Philada_ The injury was so severe, it was thought the estimable lady never recovered ____ The children who slept upstairs being frightened by the noise set out in a line, headed by the eldest Christina for their Mothers room_ Two men who were in the house hid themselves in the garret among some bundles of flax_ Isabel, a faithful coloured woman received a severe kick from a soldier because She forbid his taking a silver spoon_ She left her masters house on the passage of the act of emancipation, but it seems soon returnd saying she found no place so comfortable as master's kitchen_ It is thought she lived till her 100th year_

    After the battle of Trenton Judge Wynkoop went there to see if he could be of any service. The Genl requested him to take home two wounded officers_ One was an English officer, by the name of Wilmot; the other James Monroe, presdn. The Englishman was plesant in the family_ more so than the other_ They were carefully nursed, and it seems when well expressed their thanks for the kindness_

    After the war was over Mr. Wynkoop was elected a member of the second congress sitting in N.Y._ One day at a dinner party at the presidents, a discussion was had as to the title by which the president should be addressed, one gentleman mentioned "his highness" as being appropriate, another facetiously observed, that this would answer very well as to the present incumbent or to Mr. Wynkoop, the latter six ft. 4 in. the former six ft. 2 in_ Mr. Hamilton in a company of gentlemen remarked that they had all to look up to Mr. Wynkoop. Mr. W. courtiously replyed that he always felt mortified when he had to look down upon Mr. H. who every one was inclined to look up to!! (A very great pity that such a life should have been lost engaged in a duel!)_ A number of Hessions were taken prisoner at the battle of Trenton, and they were so kindly treated and so well satisfied with the country that after the war some were induced to settle here_ The writer recollects going to school with two or more of their boys, about A.D. 1810.

    Mr. Monroe did not forget the kind nursing he had receivd from the family of Mr. Wynkoop and on his tour thro. the states when presd. coming near his residence expressed the pleasure it would give him to meet some of the family_

    When Genl. Washington had divested himself of public affairs and retired to his beloved Mt. Vernon being desirous to procure the best implements of husbandry and some how learning that Bucks County Pa. was noted for a good plough wrote his friend Wynkoop with the request that he would send him one of the best_ Mr W. feeling himself as well as his County flattered by the application went to his old plough maker with the request and endeavourd to impress upon him the importance of making his best for the Genl. The honest man however apparently not feeling or seeing the application in so favourable a light, replied "Judge I make but one kind, I always mak the best I can"_ It seems the article was made and sent all the way to Virginia, and the Genl. was pleased with it_

    On the fourth of July Mr. Wynkoop had his children and grandchildren home to dinner, It might have been termed a Gala day_ Each child was given a glass of wine to drink Grandpa's health and any other it chose_ A handsome garden on the side of a hill, terraced, Uncle Raguet (Ragay) a somewhat chunky Frenchman would roll down the bank for the amusment of the children_

    Mr. Wynkoop was thrice married. His first wife was Miss Susannah Wansher, only daughter of John Wansher of Essex County N.J._ She died Aug. 26th. 1776_ After severe suffering, caused by, apparently, the unhappy state of the country at the time. She left four daughters and three sons Christina, Ann, Margaretta, Nicholas, Maria Hellena, John & Jonathan_ Christina was born Aug. 18th. 1763 and was married April 20th. 1786_ to Dr. Reading Beatty_ Son of Rev. Charles Beatty_ pastor of the Presb. church at Hartsville Buck Co. Pa_ He was born Dec. 23rd 1757. and when young entered the army with his three brothers - John, Chas. Clinton and Erkuries_ A very sad affair occurd with regard to Chas. He was with the army near Chester Pa. and walking out he met a countriman who had a handsome fowling piece which he purchd(? - chw) and brouy(? - chw) hid into his quarters. (see Beatty record page 68_) [See Note - chw]

    Ann, second daughter of Henry Wynkoop, was born Oct. 18th 1765_ and was married Aug. 17th. 1790 to James Raguet, a Frenchman_ They resided in Newtown Bucks Co. Pa. all their married life, engaged in store keeping_ They had three children Henry W., Claudine and James_ Henry became a merchant, residing first, I think, in Newtown, then in Ohio_ First in Steubenville, then in Cincinnatti, and finally went to Texas, where I think, leaving a family - he died_

    Claudine married Silas Vansant, I think - a coachmaker_ They resided in Newtown, and had six children - Ann Elisa, Mary, Mercy Jane, William, Juliet and James_ Ann Eliza married Mr. Woodruff, a merchant in Philada. where he died, leaving widow and three children, Francis, Emma and Laura_ Mary married Mr. Scott, a merchant of Steubenville O_ Both dead leaving four children_

    Mercy Jane married Rev. Wm Martin D.D. missionary to China - where he became presd. of a college, It is thought the National college - of Pekin.

    William became a farmer, near Bristol Bucks Co., Pa_ Juliet married in Cincinnatti O. James R. maried and joined Mr. Scott in business in Steubenville.

    James, second son of James and Ann Raguet, it is thought, became a successful merchant_ Leaving Newtown he resided some in Zanesville Ohio; then in St. Paul Min. where he became an elder in the presb. church, and died leaving a family_

    Margaretta, third daughter of Henry Wynkoop, was born June 22nd 1768 - and married Nov. 24, 1789 Herman F. Lombert - merchant in Philada, native of Lombardy. They had three children_ Charles, May Ann and Susan_ "On the 29th of Aug. 1793 Mr. Lombaert fell a victim to the yellow fever then prevalent in the City_ Aged 37." "Eminently distinguished for all those talents and accomplishments which render a man useful and ornamental to society_" After the death of her husband Mrs. Lombaert made her residence with her father till her brother Jonathan was married when she removed to Easton. Here her children married, it is thought between the years 1815 and 1820, Charles married Miss Ann Arndt_ (perhaps in Belle)_ and resided some time in Easton_ a merchant_ he afterwards took charge of a mill_ Then had a store in Morrisville, Bucks Co._ He represented the county in one or more sessions at Harrisburg. I think he lived some time in Newtown Bucks Co. and afterwards in Philada, connected in some way with the Penn. rail road, and it is thot. here died, leaving widow and some children. They had eight children_ Margaret, Eliza, Anna, Rebecca, Herman, Henry, Mary and Elisabeth_ Margaret married Mr. Holmes and lived in Ill. Eliza died in single life_ Anna, married Mr. Kneas and, spent the most of her married life in Philada.

    Rebecca married and made her home in Lambertsville, N.J._ Herman, I think married and lived in the city - became attached in some capaciety - perhaps Treasurer - to the Penna. rail road_ Henry I think is connected with the R.R.

    Mary Ann Lombaert married Peter Gwinner, and had two sons - Frederic and Henry - Frederic became a lawyer and made his home in Missouri. His mother lived with him, and I think they both died there some years ago_

    Henry I think was connected with the Penna. rail road - married and made his home in Trenton, where he met a sudden death_

    Susan Lombart married James Vanuxem, Their home for some time was in Morrisville, engaged in storekeeping_ About 1825 they moved to Ohio near Cincinnatti_ went into partnership with Henry Raguet, and lost their property. There she died, leaving two sons and one daughter, who it seems made their home with their father in Dublin, Ohio. Mrs Lombert, I think closed her life in Abington, engaged in teaching_

    Nicholas, eldest son of Henry Wynkoop became a phycian and practised I think some time in Northampton, Newtown and vicinity. Out gunning with a friend, by some mishap he got shot in the eye, thus loosing its sight_ He married Miss Murray, daughter of Genl. Murray of Newtown, by whom he had two sons, John W. and Francis M. I think he became a widower in early life. Married again and made his home in Maryland where he practiced the rest of his life. He had five children by his last wife - Henry, George C., Helen, Francenia and Francis - Edward Donaldson.

    John W., eldest son of Dr. Wynkoop spent his youth with his Grandpa Wynkoop became a cabinetmaker. Though it would appear did not take up with the business, but became engaged in the coal business_ He died without becoming old I think in Pottsville, leaving widow and children_

    Francis M. second son of Dr. Wyncoop became a soldier and died in early life_

    Henry, third son of Dr. Wynkoop I think became a stone cutter. He married and died in early life - I think leaving no family.

    George C. fourth son of Dr. Wynkoop became a tanner, but gave it up and lived in Pottsville engaged in the coal Business. He married and had a family - Several daughters, and one son, Nicholas. He and his son joined the army and it was said the son was shot down at his Father's side_ George returned home, (perhaps at the end of the war), and some time afterwards lost his life by a stroke of apoplexy_

    Dr. Wynkoop's eldest daughter, (it is thought Hellen), was married and died leaving a daughter who is now keeping house for a cousin, Wm. Ross in, Philada. Second daughter, Francenia received her education living with her aunt Beatty - Became a teacher, and being engaged in a family in Tennessee, there married and became the mother of three sons_ One died in the army, one is living in the south and the third, Edward, an artist, is living with his mother in West Philada.

    Maria Helena, Fourth daughter of Henry Wynkoop, was one of the little girls who strewd the flowers and sang these lines before Genl. Washington as he passed over the Assanpink bridge in Trenton, on his way to N.Y. to assume the office of first presd. of the U.S.

        Welcome mighty chief once more,
        Welcome to this grateful shore,
        Now no mercenary foe,
        Aims again the fatal blow,
        Aims at thee the fatal blow_

        Virgins fair and matrons grave
        These they conquering arm did save
        Build for him triumphant bowers
        Shew ye fair his way with flowers
        Shew your heroes way with flowers.

It was said to have been so touching that a tear was seen in the good man's eye.

        "Aims at thee the fatal blow_"

In one of the writings of the life of Washington a story is mentioned of an indian, who thought he must be under divine protection, as he had had seventeen fair shots at him none of which took effect!

        (Such the story)

    Maria Helena, maried, I think, Christian Wirtz, a storekeeper living west of Doylestown - perhaps New Brittain Tp. They had children; four lived to grow up Margaretta, Wynkoop, Ann and Sarah. Marg. married Saml. Ross, engaged in business in Philada_ She died there leaving two children, Mary and Wm. Mary grew up but died in single life and was intered in Laural Hill Cemetary.

    William has his residence in the city engaged in some capacity with the Penna. railroad_

    Wynkoop Wirtz became a stone cutter, but took to something else_ Married Miss Ann Raguett had one son, who grew up it was said a gifted young man, became a surgeon in the navy or army - died in early life. Wynkoop, it is thought became a widower and married a second time, and died in the city.

    Ann Wirtz grew up an estimable young lady, quite a favrite with her connexions and her friends - died in single life.

    Sarah Wirtz became Mrs. Johnson - had one son - died suddenly in the City.

    Mrs. Christian Wirtz, became a widow in rather early life, made her home some time with her sister Mrs. Beatty - but the most part of her widowhood was spent in the city - keep a boarding house. She died about 1850 - and was intered in the church yard at the Black Bear.

    John, second son of Henry Wynkoop, grew up an amiable and attractive young man, a favourite in the family_ He was reading law in the City, making his home with his brotherinlaw Mr. Lombaert, in 93, during the prevalence of the yellow fever, and became one of its victims.

    Jonathan, third son of Judge Wynkoop became a farmer, He married Miss Ann Dick of Doylestown, Pa_ They made their home on the old farm - Vredensburg, They had seven children, Margaret, Mary, Ann, Susan, Isabella, Henry and Hellen. Margaret married Rev. James Watson, - and they had their home in Milton Pa. where he became pastor of the presb. church_ They had two sons and a daughter Mary, died in Trenton, N.J. where the family resided after their father's death_

    Ann met with a sudden death in princton.

    Susan grew up quite handsome and attractive, and married Rev. tor _____ who I think was pastor of the presb. Church in St. Louis, Missouri - they had one son, and when a baby she started with him to pay a visit to her old home. The length of the journey and the care of the child were so exhaustive that it was some days before she recovered from the fatigue. And the sad journey back again proved too much for the precious one, she died before reaching home_

    Isabella married Rev. Mr. Bailey - and had two daughters, Frances and Anna - They both married, perhaps ministers - but dont know - and settled I think in Jersey_

    Mrs. Bailey became a widow, it seems in somewhat early life, and died a few years ago_

    Henry, only son of Jonathan Wynkoop grew up a fine young man, but was attacked with dysentery which caused his death when young_

    Hellen, the last I think Grand child of Judge Wynkoop by his first wife, died in Trenton N.J in early life.

    Johathan, youngest son of Judge Wynkoop, died in Newtown, where he made his home with his family after selling the homestead. Thus it appears that the eldest and youngest of the family by the first wife died the same year (if rightly recollected) 1841_

    Judge Wynkoop's second wife was Mrs. Cummings, a widow with two sons and one daughter, I think - a Genl., a minister and Miss Peggy. The last it seems made her home with her Mother at Mr. Wynkoop's - He had no children by his second wife.

    The third wife was Miss Sarah Newkirk, with whom he had one daughter - Susan - who married John Lefferts. They had several children and made their home for some years on a farm adjoining the homestead; formerly occupied by Dominie Dubois - Judge Wynkoop's brotherinlaw_

    About the year 1828 Mr. Lefferts sold his farm and bought another in the State of N.Y.- between Cayuga and Seneca Lake, where they spent the close of their lives. After the decease of their parents I think the most of the children made their home in Michegun. One of the sons, James, married Margaret Ann Ross, a family connection - her Mother and Husband had the same Grandfather, but not the same Grandmother.

    Judge Henry Wynkoop died March 25th 1816_ The revered home stead, Vredensberg, was willed to his son Jonathan, apparently with the hope that it would remain in the family - But Jonathan's only son dying before his father - it was sold out of the family_

Source:

Spruance Library
Bucks County Historical Society
84 South Pine Street
Doylestown, PA 18901

Collection of the Joseph Henry Beatty Family
MSS 445
Folder 6

Note: In the spring of 1777, Charles Clinton Beatty "was then a Captain in the service.
    When in the neighborhood of Chester, Penna., he met, while out in the field, a countryman who had a very handsome fowling-piece, or rifle, which he purchased, and brought into his quarters. While showing his purchase to his brother officers, one of them, holding the piece, not knowing it to be loaded, presented it at Captain Beatty, and said: -- 'Beatty I will shoot you' -- drew the trigger, and it went off, shooting him through the heart, so that he instantly fell dead upon the floor. The utmost consternation seized upon all present; and the unfortunate officer, who was his most intimate friend, became frantic with grief and horror. But it was all over. Though this gentleman lived to old age, he could never hear even an allusion to this sad event, without the most overwhelming emotion. This event occured sometime in the spring of 1777, at Moore's tavern, in Chester county Valley, and his body was interred at the Burying Ground in Old Chester. He was the favorite of the family, and greatly regretted by all his friends."

Source:

Beatty, Charles C. Record of the Family of Charles Beatty, Who Emigrated From Ireland to America in 1729; Steubenville, O., Press of W. R. Allison, 1873: pgs. 68-69