Chapter II: Part 2

Another daughter, Else Cuddeback, married Harmanus Van Gorden, son of ____ ____. He was or became owner of the farm, which, after his death, was owned by his two sons, Daniel and Benjamin Van Gorden, in the neighborhood of Shipikunk. This name (Shipikunk) originated from the Indians, and probably had reference to the smooth rocks against the side of the mountain near the neighborhood, as the name "unk" is significant of rocks. (She lived to be about 80.)

Another daughter, Maria Cuddeback, married Geo. Westfall, son of ____ Westfall, of the neighborhood of Minnissing, in New Jersey. This was the ancient Indian name of the neighborhood in which the ancient Minisink church was located. Her husband died and she afterwards married ____ Cole. [FN]

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[FN] This woman lived to a great age. It was said of her that in early life she became very fleshy and was taken with a severe sickness, which reduced her very low and she became lean, and having found the inconvenience of being fat and fleshy and fearing to become so again, she thereafter stinted herself in eating less than her appetite craved, and lived to the age of about 100 years. She had the reputation of a fine woman, possessed of excellent qualities of mind.

Youngest daughter, Naomi Cuddeback, married Lodiwyke Hornbeck, a widower, and son of Judge Jacob Hornbeck, of Rochester, in Ulster county, where they continued to reside till after the decease of her husband, whom she survived, and underwent different scenes in life afterwards. She had the reputation of a sensible woman. They had one son named Henry and one daughter Maria. The former had children, but the latter had none. The writer knows nothing in relation to the children of Henry.

[There appears to have been another son of Jacob Cuddeback and Margaret Provost named Jacob, who was baptized in the Dutch church in New York, July 7th, 1706. His name is mentioned likewise in an old deed of his father. He married Jannetye Westbrook.]

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SECOND GENERATION.

FAMILY OF WILLIAM CUDDEBACK AND JEMIMA ELTING.
(Married April 8th, 1732.)

First son, James Cuddeback, a very active young man, became deranged. (Lived to be about 80 years old.)

Second son, Abraham Cuddeback, married Esther Gumaer, daughter of the second Peter Gumaer. He remained in the homestead of his father and became owner of half of his real estate. He was Captain of a company of militia before and during the Revolutionary War. They had four sons, Col. William A. Cuddeback, Peter G. Cuddeback, Esq., Jacob Cuddeback and Cornelius Cuddeback, and two daughters--Esther, wife of Evart Hornbeck, and Jemima, wife of David Westfall. (Captain Abraham Cuddeback lived to be about 82 years old.)

Second son, Benjamin Cuddeback (lived to be about 45), married Catharine Van Fliet, daughter of John Van Fliet, of the lower neighborhood, in this town. He became owner of the other half of his father's estate. They had four sons, William, Henry, Levi and Benjamin Cuddeback, Esq., and three daughters--Syntche, wife of Simon Westfall; Jemima, wife of Anthony Van Etten. The other daughter died young, and Levi, after he became a young man, died suddenly of colic.

Fourth son, Roulif Cuddeback (lived to be about 50 years old), never married. He fought the Indian, as mentioned in Eager's History. [FN]

* * * * *

[FN] This was a hand-to-hand encounter with the Indian, near where Sol Van Fleet now lives, in which neither were victors, and they parted, each glad to get away from the other.

Only daughter, Sarah Cuddeback, married Daniel Van Fliet, son of John Van Fliet, of the lower neighborhood. They owned the farm heretofore sold by Samuel Cuddeback and William Donoldson to Ezekiel P. Gumaer and brothers (nearly one-half mile south of Port Clinton.) They had a son, Solomon, and a daughter, Sarah. (Mahakamack church records give the baptism of four more children--Mardochai, Willem, Thomas, Jacomyntje--1739, 1759.)

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FAMILY OF JAMES CUDDEBACK AND WIFE, NEYLTJE DECKER.

An only son, James Cuddeback, married Neyltje Westbrook, daughter of ____ Westbrook, who resided on the east side of Shawangunk mountain, in the northeast part of New Jersey. He, a poor man, by persevering industry became owner of a valuable farm. He had three sons--John, James and Richard, and three daughters. Eleanor married Samuel Shelley, of Peppercotting (Papakating) valley, south of Deckertown, N. J.; Mary married Samuel Adams, of Deckertown; another daughter married James Wilson, of New Jersey. These sons all moved to Niagara county, N. Y., where their descendants are quite numerous. They spell their name Cudeback, using but one d.

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FAMILY OF ABRAHAM CUDDEBACK AND WIFE, ESTHER SWARTWOUT.

First son, James Cuddeback, married Seynta Van Fliet, daughter of John Van Fliet, of the lower neighborhood.

Second son, Peter Cuddeback, married Margaret De Witt, daughter of Jacob R. De Witt, of this neighborhood.

Third son, Abraham Cuddeback, married Jane De Witt, also a daughter of J. R. De Witt. All the descendants of these sons are in Western New York, near Skaneateles.

Fourth son, Philip Cuddeback, never married. He died, when a young man, by over heating himself in seeking to stop a fire in the woods. (Mahackamack church records show the baptism of two daughters besides of Abraham Cuddeback--Annatje and Esther.)

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FAMILY OF ABRAHAM LOUW AND DINAH CUDDEBACK, HIS WIFE.
(Married May 31st, 1738.)

First daughter, Jane Louw, married Jacob Van Etten, son of John Van Etten, who resided near the Delaware, in Pennsylvania or New Jersey. They became owners of the Louw farm, in New Jersey. They had three daughters--Dinah, Margaret and Sarah, who became motherless soon after the birth of the last.

Second daughter, Naomi Louw, married Ezekiel Gumaer. (For their history refer to his name in advance.)

Third daughter, Margaret Louw, married Martin Westbrook, son of ____ Westbrook. He became owner of a farm in New Jersey, on which his daughter-in-law, Nancy Westbrook, now resides. They had one son, Abraham, and one daughter, Mary.

Fourth daughter, Sarah Louw married Moses Depuy, son of Benjamin Depuy, Esq., of the Peenpack neighborhood. They had three sons--Benjamin, Abraham and Martin Depuy. The father was drowned in the Neversink river by falling from a raft at the close of the war.

By a second marriage with Jonathan Stanton, they had two sons--William and Moses Stanton. They owned a farm and resided on it, at the late residence of Harmanus Cuddeback, for some years, and exchanged it for a farm at Wurtsboro, of which the two sons became owners. (Mahackamack church records give the baptism of a son Jacobus; baptized April 23, 1744.)

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FAMILY OF EVART HORNBECK AND WIFE, ELEANOR CUDDEBACK.

First son, James Hornbeck, married Margaret Ennes, daughter of William Ennes. He became owner of a part of his father's farm. They had ____ sons, namely, Evart, ____ and ____ daughters, namely (Elizabeth Ennes, baptized April 29, 1772, and Lena, born Dec. 23, 1780.)

Second son, Joseph Hornbeck, married Lydia Westbrook, daughter of Jacob Westbrook, of Shipikunk neighborhood. He became owner of a part of his father's farm. They had three sons and one daughter, Jacob, Benjamin and Saffrine (Severyne) and Lydia.

Third son, Benjamin Hornbeck, married Rebecca Wells, daughter of ____ Wells. He died in early life. They had (two) sons, namely, (Joseph, baptized Oct. 29, 1780, and Jacobus, born Feb. 23, 1780), and ____ daughters, namely, ____, Sara, bap. Nov. 25, 1776.

Fourth son, Evart Hornbeck, married Esther Cuddeback, daughter of Capt. Abraham Cuddeback. They occupied the farm now owned by Joseph Cuddeback. They had five sons--Joseph (bap. Feb. 16, 1785), Jacob, Abraham (bap. June 22, 1783), Benjamin and Cornelius, and two daughters--Eleanor and Jemima.

Daughter Maria Hornbeck married James Rosecrantz. They became owners of a good farm in Westfall township, in Pennsylvania. They had five daughters, namely, Betsy, wife of Manual Brink; Lena, wife of Martyne Cole; Catherine, whose first husband was Daniel Decker, and her second Crissie Bull; Roanna, wife of Saunder (Alexander) Ennis; Diana, wife of John B. Quick.

Daughter Margaret Hornbeck married Isaac Van Auken. They resided in the house afterwards occupied by their son, James Van Auken, and owned a farm of which his sons James and Evert Van Auken became possessed. They had three sons--Joseph (bap. Feb. 12, 1758), James (bap. April 8, 1764), and Evart, and three daughters, namely--(Seletie, bap. Oct. 17, 1773; Seletta, bap. Nov. 25, 1776; Grietje, bap. June 23, 1778.)

Daughter Lydia Hornbeck married John Westbrook, son of ____ Westbrook, of Minnissing, in New Jersey. They owned a good farm and had three daughters, one of whom died young. The names of the two surviving were Catharine, born July 15, 1767, and other records give the names of Jane, who married Levi Van Etten; Maria, who married Cornelius Westbrook; John I., who was blind; Solomon, grandfather of John I. Westbrook, of present (1889) firm of Westbrook & Stoll; Saffrein (Severyn), who married Blandina Westbrook.

Daughter Eleanor Hornbeck married Daniel Ennes, a blacksmith, and son of William Ennes. They had two sons--James and Alexander, and some daughters, namely, ____.

He commenced with small means, and, by persevering industry, acquired a valuable property, viz: one farm, where his son Alexander resided, in New Jersey, and a farm in the vicinity of Owasco lake, in New York.

* * * * *

FAMILY OF HARMANUS VAN GORDEN AND WIFE, ELSIE CUDDEBACK.
(Married June 11th, 1727.)

First son, Daniel Van Gorden, married Hannah Westbrook, daughter of Tjeick V. Westbrook, of a place now known by the name of Westbrookville. They had three or more sons--Levi, Abraham, Martin (born Nov. 5, 1786), ____ ____, and three or more daughters--Mary (bap, Oct. 17, 1773), Else (bap. June 14, 1775), Eleanor and Lena (bap. June 1, 1777.) He became owner of a part of his father's farm, on which they resided.

Second son, Benjamin Van Gorden, married ____. He became owner of the other part of his father's farm. They had ____ sons, namely, ____, ____, ____, and daughters, namely, ____, ____. One daughter, ____ Van Gorden, married Wilhelmus Fredenburgh, of Shipikunk, where he became owner of a farm. They had five sons--Aaron, Benjamin, Daniel, Joshua and Hezekiah, and ____ daughters, namely, ____.

Aaron became the greatest historian of his time of the ancients in this valley within his vicinity.

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FAMILY OF ANTHONY SWARTWOUT AND WIFE.

One son, Samuel Swartwout, married Esther Gumaer, daughter of Peter Gumaer. He owned the premises on which the writer now resides, and his house stood where the road from my house comes to the spring brook, which brook, in his time, was about 8 or 10 rods from the foot of the hill, and on the flat between the hill and brook some Indians continued to reside until the Revolutionary War commenced.

Another son, James (Jacobus) Swartwout, married Anne Gumaer, also a daughter of Peter Gumaer. He resided where Col. Peter P. Swartwout now resides, and became major of a regiment of militia, which extended over a wide district of territory in the present county of Orange.

One daughter, Jane Swartwout, married John (Jan) Van Fliet, who owned the farm now occupied by Michael and Solomon Van Fliet. [FN]

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[FN] Now (1889) occupied by Solomon Van Fleet, a nephew of Michael and Solomon.

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FAMILY OF SAMUEL SWARTWOUT AND WIFE, ESTHER GUMAER.

The only daughter, Elizabeth Swartwout, married Benjamin Depuy, a son of Moses Depuy, of Rochester, in Ulster county. Depuy, after marriage, became a resident with his father-in-law and afterwards the owner of all his estate. He, after marriage, built, and, after the Revolutionary War ended, rebuilt the house of my present residence. He was for many years a Justice of the Peace; and, near the end of his life, removed to Owasco, where all his children, excepting one or two, had previously settled. They had five sons--Moses, Samuel, John, Benjamin and James, and three daughters--Margaret, Esther and Eleanor. His descendants are now all in western countries.

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FAMILY OF MAJOR JAMES (JACOBUS) SWARTWOUT AND WIFE, ANNA GUMAER.

First son, Gerardus Swartwout, was killed by the Indians in the time of the French war in company with two soldiers, who also were killed at Westbrookville about five miles from Gumaer's fort.

Second son, Philip Swartwout, married Antje Wynkoop, a daughter of ____ Wynkoop, of Rochester or its vicinity. He became owner of his father's estate, and resided at the present residence of Col. Swartwout. He was a Justice of the Peace before and in the beginning of the Revolutionary War, and one of the Committee of Safety. He was killed by the Indians when they invaded this neighborhood, and his two eldest sons were killed at the same time and another son was badly wounded. An Indian pursued his son James a half-mile across lots and fences, but could not overtake him. Swartwout and first wife had four sons--Gerardus (bap. Aug. 26, 1759), Philip, James (bap. Sept. 18,1750), and Cornelius (bap. June 24, 1752.) (The Mahackamack church records give the baptism also of another son, Cornelius Wynkoop, bap. March 20, 1763), and one daughter, Anna (bap. June 17, 1754.) By a second marriage with Deborah Schoonover, he had one son, Peter Swartwout.

One daughter, Esther Swartwout, married Abraham Cuddeback, as has been mentioned. (For their history refer back to their names.)

Another daughter, Jane Swartwout, married ____ ____, of Rochester, Ulster Co.

Another daughter, ____ Swartwout, married ____ Durland, of the town of Warwick, in Orange county. There are many of their descendants in this county. They had ____ sons, namely, ____, ____, and ____ daughters, namely, ____, ____.

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FAMILY OF JOHN (JAN) VAN FLIET AND WIFE, JANE SWARTWOUT.

One son, James (Jacobus) Van Fliet, married Margaret Palmatier. He became owner of his father's farm, now occupied by his sons, Michael and Solomon. They had four sons--John, Thomas, Michael (bap. Jan. 22, 1783), and Solomon, and ____ daughters, namely (Esyntje, baptized Oct. 29th, 1780; Elizabeth, born March, 1785; Clara.)

Another son, Daniel Van Fliet, married Sarah Cuddeback, of Peenpack. For their history refer back to their names.

Another son (Samuel, married Tjaetje Cole, married by J. C. Fryenmoet, Nov. 26th, 1752.) (See Mahackamack church records.)

One daughter, Deborah Van Fliet, married John Decker, who resided where Simon Westfall now lives, and owned the old Decker farm at that place and a farm east of Shawangunk mountain, which his sons, Levi and Isaiah, occupied after their father's decease. They had three sons--Levi (bap. Feb. 12, 1758), Isaiah and Isaac, and daughters--Margery (born Aug. 31, 1768), Seletta (bap. Jan. 8, 1772.)

J. D.'s first wife, Elizabeth De Witt, was a daughter of Jacob De Witt, of Rochester.

Another daughter, Catharine Van Fliet, married Benjamin Cuddeback, son of William Cuddeback. For their history refer back to their names.

(The Mahackamack church records show the baptism of Marie, Oct, 23d, 1743, and another daughter, Marya, May 10th, 1747.)

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FAMILY OF PETER GUIMAR AND WIFE, ESTHER.

A copy of his certificate of church membership in the French language, viz:

Nous, sonssequez ancien du consistoire, de Moire, on l'absence de Monsieur Morin, nostre Ministre, certifions que Pierre Guimar, de ous on enui von fail, ei a tousjours fair profession de nostre religion, en laquelle il osesen sans commethe aveum scandalle qui soit venu a nostre connoissance qui empesche, quil re puisse estre admisula participation de nos Sacrements. En foy dequoy nons luy avons signele preveur certificon a Moire, ningtiesme 8 avril, 1686.

S. Avillaguer.
Losary Cillfand.
F. Guymard.

[translation.]

We, the Elders of the ancient Church of Moire, in the absence of our minister, Mr. Morin, do certify that Peter Guimar, aged about 20 years, has made a profession of our religion, and that he has never (so far as we know) committed any act which should prevent him from the participation of our sacraments. In witness, whereof we have signed the foregoing certificate, at Moire, the 20th day of April, 1686.

L. Avillaguer.
Losary Cillfand.
F. Guymard.

[The above translation was made by Hulda Morris, daughter of Rev. Henry Morris.]

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FAMILY OF PETER GUMAER AND WIFE, ESTHER.

Among the papers formerly in possession of Ezekiel Gumaer, was found a paper in the handwriting of Thomas Kyte, who formerly was a schoolmaster in the Peenpack neighborhood, which contain the dates of the births of the children of Peter Gumaer, in the Dutch tongue, of which the following is an abstracted copy, viz:

Dochter Anna was geboren de 30st Mart, 1693. " Esther was geboren de 5d von May, in het yaer, 1697. Dochter Eagel is geboren de 8st von February, in het yaer 1700. Dochter Maria de 8st von December, in het yaer 1702. " Elisabeth de 22st von Mart, in het yaer 1705. Soon Peter de 15 de von November, in het yaer 1708.

This is in a different hand-writing.

In het yaer 1710 is geboren Taitie De Witt, huys vrow von Peter Gumar, is geoverleden de 12d November, 1756.

[translation.]

Daughter Anna was born the 30th March, in the year 1693. Daughter Esther was born the 5th of May, in the year 1697. Daughter Rachel was born the 8th of February, in the year 1700. Daughter Mary the 8th of December, in the year 1702. " Elizabeth the 22d of March, in the year 1705. Son Peter the 15th of November, in the year 1708. In the year 1710 was born Charity De Witt, wife of Peter Gumaer. She died the 12th November, 1756.

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MARRIAGES, ETC., OF THE FIRST GENERATION.

One daughter, Esther Guimar, married Samuel Swartwout, son of Anthony Swartwout. (For their history and of their descendants, refer back to their names.)

Another daughter, Anne Guimar, married James (Jacobus) Swartwout. (For their and descendants' history, refer back to their names.)

Another daughter, ____ Guimar, married Dubois, of Rochester, in Ulster county. He became a wealthy farmer. They had two daughters, namely, ____ and ____.

Another daughter, ____ Guimar, married Lodewyke, son of Judge Jacob Hornbeck, of Rochester. They had three sons--Isaac, Philip and Henry. After her death he married Naomi Cuddeback, as mentioned.

Another daughter (Mary) Guimar, married (Jan) Elting, of Old Shawangunk, where he occupied a farm. They had one son, Peter.

One only son, Peter Guimar, married Charity De Witt, daughter of Jacob De Witt, of Rochester. He became owner of all his father's real estate, excepting what was granted to Samuel and James Swartwout. It was said the father gave a good portion to each of his daughters for that time. About two or three years before the French war commenced, Peter Guimar built a stone house (see page 29), 40 x 45 feet on the ground, a cellar under the whole, and a high, roomy chamber above the upper floor. Along two sides, below the eaves of the roof, were made port-holes through which to shoot, either when the house was built or the war commenced. This was a lucky transaction for himself and neighbors. It was the largest house in this part of the country, and best location in this neighborhood for a fort; and when the French war commenced, a picket fort was erected on its front and rear sides, and all the families of the neighborhood moved into it, excepting those women and children who were sent to their relatives in Rochester, Old Paltz and other places. A barn, which the father had built, was 50 by 60 feet on the ground, its floor 30 by 60 feet, a stable on each side 60 feet long. This was an additional advantage.

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SECOND GENERATION.

FAMILY OF THE SECOND PETER GUMAER AND WIFE, CHARITY DE WITT.

In his time the family name began to be written "Gumaer," and has continued to be so written by his descendants, and that orthography now used will from hence be continued.

The following is an abridged copy of the last part of the Dutch record heretofore mentioned, to wit:

Dochter Esther geboren de 2d January, 1729-30. Soon Peter geboren de 19 February, 1731. Dochter Maregretj geboren de 12de van May, 1736. Soon Jacob De Witt geboren de 12de van December, 1739. Soon Ezekiel geboren de 29st van December, 1742. Dochter Maria geboren de 16de van July, 1745. Soon Elias geboren de 22st van January, 1748. Dochter Elizabeth geboren de 5de van November, 1750. Sye was overladen de 2de van July, 1752.

[translation.]

Daughter Esther born the 2d January, 1729-30. Son Peter born the 19th February, 1731. Daughter Margaret born the 12th of May, 1736. Son Jacob De Witt born the 12th of December, 1739. Son Ezekiel born the 29th of December, 1742. Daughter Mary born the 16th of July, 1745. Son Elias born the 22d of January, 1748. Daughter Elizabeth born the 5th of November, 1750. She died the 2d of July, 1752.

Oldest daughter, Esther Gumaer, married Abraham Cuddeback. For their and descendants' history, refer back to their names.

Oldest son, Peter Gumaer, married Hannah Van Inwegen, daughter of Gerardus Van Inwegen. He became owner of a part of his father's estate, on which he lived during his life. They had three sons--Jacob, Gerardus and Peter, and one daughter Elizabeth.

Daughter Margaret Gumaer married John Decker, son of Thomas Decker. He became owner of the farm now occupied by George Cuddeback [FN] and resided on it during his life. They had one or more children, and she and they died. He afterwards married Sarah Hornbeck.

* * * * *

[FN] Now (1889) occupied by Henry Cuddeback.

Son Jacob De Witt Gumaer married Hulda Decker, daughter of Thomas Decker, of the lower neighborhood. He became owner of a part of his father's estate and resided on it at the present residence of Solomon Van Etten, Esq. [FN] They had two sons--Peter and Jacob D. Gumaer, and six daughters--Jane, Hannah, Elizabeth, Esther, Mary and Charity.

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[FN] Now (1889) occupied by Cornelius Caskey.

Son Ezekiel Gumaer married Naomi Louw, daughter of Abraham Louw, of Shipikunk, in New Jersey. He remained in the homestead of his father and owned a part of his farm. They had two sons--Peter E. and Abraham. The latter died when a small boy.

Daughter Mary Gumaer married James Devens. They became owners of the old Devens' farm in Mamakating, on which they continued to reside during their lives. They had five sons--Elias, Jacob, Peter, James and Abraham, and one daughter Charity.

Youngest son, Elias Gumaer, married Margaret Depuy, daughter of Benjamin Depuy, Esq., of this neighborhood. He first had a farm of his father, on which he resided for some years. This he exchanged for the farm on which he last resided and sold to Abraham Cuddeback, Esq. He and his wife, in their old age, removed to the western part of New York, where their children had previously settled. They had four sons--Benjamin, Elias, Samuel and Peter E. Gumaer, and two daughters--Charity and Elizabeth.

* * * * *

FIRST GENERATION.

FAMILY OF HARMANUS VAN INWEGEN AND WIFE, ____ SWARTWOUT.

His son, Gerardus Van Inwegen, married Jane De Witt, daughter of Jacob De Witt, of Rochester, in Ulster county. He became owner of his father's farm and resided where his son Cornelius lived previous to his removal from this neighborhood.

His daughter, Hannah Van Inwegen, married Thos. Decker. He was or became owner of the present farm of George Cuddeback, and resided at his present residence. (Now, 1889, occupied by Henry Cuddeback.)

* * * * *

SECOND GENERATION.

FAMILY OF GERARDUS VAN INWEGEN AND WIFE, JANE DE WITT.

First son, Harmanus Van Inwegen, married Margaret Cole, daughter of David Cole. He became owner of the farm now of Col. Peter Cuddeback, and resided near his present dwelling house. He was a Justice of the Peace for some years in and after the Revolutionary War, and also one of the Committee of Safety in that war. They had eight sons--Gerardus, David, Cornelius, Jacob, Samuel, Jacob and Josias, and two daughters--Charlotte and Hannah. Gerardus was killed or taken prisoner at Fort Montgomery, when it was taken, and the first Jacob died when about 12 or 14 years old of a short illness.

Second son, Jacob Van Inwegen, never married. He owned a part of his father's estate, which, after his death, became the property of his two brothers. He resided with his brother Harmanus until the end of his life.

Third son, Cornelius Van Inwegen, married Eleanor Westbrook, daughter of Terrick V. Westbrook, of now Westbrookville, in Ulster county (now Sullivan county, 1889.) He continued to reside on the homestead of his father, and became owner of that part of his father's farm. They removed, in their old age, into the western part of this State, where nearly all their children had previously settled. They had nine sons--Abraham, Gerardus, Daniel, John, Jacob, Levi, Cornelius, Henry and Martin, and one daughter Mary. Cornelius, the seventh son, died when a child, and Martin was killed by lightning in driving a wagon from a hay-stack towards home in time of haying. Both horses driven by him were also killed.

One daughter, Margaret Van Inwegen, married John Wallace. They resided in this town until a few years after the Revolutionary War, when they removed to Onondagua, in this State. They had one son Cornelius and one daughter Jane.

Another daughter, Hannah Van Inwegen, married Peter Gumaer, as mentioned. (For their history refer back to their names.)

The descendants of this last family have all moved into Pennsylvania, New Jersey and the western part of New York.

(Kingston church records show the baptism of another daughter Jenneke, Feb. 2d, 1735, and Mahackamack church records those of Tjaade, May 30th, 1739, and Elizabeth, March 15th, 1747.)

* * * * *

SECOND GENERATION.

FAMILY OF THOMAS DECKER AND HANNAH VAN INWEGEN.

First son, Daniel Decker, married ____ ____. They settled in New Jersey, some distance down the Delaware river, where he owned a farm. They had ____sons, ____, ____, ____, ____, and ____daughters, ____, ____.

Second son, John Decker, first married Margaret Gumaer; for their history refer back to their names, and afterwards Sarah Hornbeck, daughter of Benjamin Hornbeck, of Rochester, They had two sons--Benjamin and Daniel, and four daughters--Margaret, Jane, Hannah and Mary. At the commencement of the Revolutionary War, he became Major of a Regiment of Militia of Orange county, and, when the Indians invaded the lower neighborhood, he was wounded by the enemy on his return from a funeral, and narrowly escaped from being taken.

Third son, Peter Decker, married (Catrina) Cole. They resided in the north part of New Jersey, and had two sons Thomas and John, and ____ daughters--Sarah (bap. July 24, 1763), Jane.

First daughter, Hannah Decker, married Anthony Van Etten, son of Jacob [FN] {tn} Van Etten, of Rochester, or its vicinity. He obtained a piece of land of his father-in-law and built the house afterwards occupied by his son, Henry Van Etten, on which he also erected a blacksmith shop, and with the help of an apprentice pursued the blacksmith business, of which he obtained a great run and became owner of one of the best farms in the present town of Deerpark. He served some years as a Justice of the Peace. They had ____ sons--Levi (bap. Feb. 12, 1758), Henry, Thomas (bap. Sept. 8, 1751), Anthony. (The Mahackamack church records gives the baptism of other children, namely: Antje, bap. Jan. 14, 1753; Jenneke, bap. Ap. 28, 1754; Margrieta, bap. Feb. 13, 1756; Alida, bap. Aug. 19, 1759; Blandina, bap. Sept. 4, 1763; Maria, bap. Nov. 2, 1765; Tomas, bap. October 16, 1768; Jacob, Oct. 29, 1770), and ____ daughters.

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[FN] See page 133, note {transcriber's note: Both the name Jacob and the footnote are hand written.}

Second daughter, Huldi Decker, married Jacob De Witt Gumaer. (For their history refer back to their names.)

The descendants of those four ancient families are dispersed into different parts of our country, and have become settled in different parts of New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Michigan, Wisconsin, California, and probably in some other States and territories; and some, in connection with those among whom they have intermarried, have remained on the premises of their forefathers and now possess nearly all the valuable land for agricultural purposes in the present town of Deerpark.

The reader will learn from this history that generally the descendants of the first pioneers became farmers, and continued in those occupations to the end of the third generation; and the greatest proportion of the fourth and fifth generation of the present time (1858) are farmers. Our ancestors were not in opulent circumstances, but generally had a plenty of the necessaries of life and were a thriving people, and, so far as the writer's knowledge extends in relation to those who have settled in other parts of our country, they have generally acquired farms.

Jacob Cuddeback has been known to say that by leaving France he had been deprived of many enjoyments he might have had in that country, but for these sacrifices he had the satisfaction of leaving his posterity in a country of good land and easily to be acquired.

It appears that the first emigrants craved title for no more land than what they wanted to occupy, thinking that the mountainous land bordering on it would remain unsold, and that they and their descendants could always get wood from it without paying for the land. This continued so for about sixty or seventy years, when they had to buy it at a higher price than they felt willing to pay for it, for a supply of fuel, fencing, timber, &c. The patentees now saw their mistake, and Jacob Cuddeback at a certain time was censured by his son William for not having included land enough in the patent to cover an additional tract of wood land. The old man, not relishing this, replied, "We all can see the mistake now, when it is too late. You have the same chance I had to provide for your family. See if you will do better."

The descendants of the four pioneers have generally acquired as much territory as was necessary to obtain by the sweat of the brow comfortable livings for their respective families; and not only have they obtained a competency for their livelihood, but a large surplus, which, as the avails of it, have reached all branches of mechanical and other business whatever in our country; and many of their productions, together with the masses of other producers, have been conveyed to European countries. In consequence of which they have been valuable citizens, and have rendered extensive benefits to mankind, from whom, in return, they have received an equal amount of necessary articles and luxuries. The whole annual surplus amount now produced by the fourth and fifth generations of the ancient little neighborhood of Peenpack, must amount in value to many thousands of dollars.

* * * * *

FAMILY OF JACOB R. DE WITT AND WIFE, JANE DEPUY.

They removed from Neponaugh (Napanock), in Ulster county, into the neighborhood of Peenpack about the year 1760. He was a son of Egbert De Witt, of the former place, and she was a daughter of Moses Depuy, of Rochester. He built the old stone and frame house at the Neversink river, and a grist mill near the present aqueduct across the river, and owned the farm he formerly occupied, together with those premises. In the commencement of the Revolutionary War a fort was built contiguous to his house, which has been termed Fort De Witt, [FN] and he was commissioned Captain of a Company of Rangers for guarding this frontier. According to Eager's History, it is satisfactorily ascertained that De Witt Clinton was born in this house. The writer has also been informed by a near neighbor, formerly of the Clinton family, that he was born at that place.

* * * * *

[FN] Fort De Witt was located near the Suspension Bridge which crosses the Neversink river, on the road leading from Port Jervis to Cuddebackville, about one mile south of Cuddebackville. The small house standing (1889) near the present dwelling of Jesse Tillson, is on the foundation of this fort.

The family of Jacob R. De Witt and wife consisted of three sons--Moses (bap. Dec. 12, 1766), Egbert and Jacob, and seven daughters--Mary, Rachel, ____, Margaret, Jane, Hannah and Esther.

Moses had a suitable genius for obtaining scientific knowledge, and an uncommon relish for the same; he also was naturally a very persevering student and of an amiable disposition. His opportunities for obtaining education were small; but he acquired much in view of the disadvantages under which he labored, and far beyond that of any of his contemporaries in this part of our country who had the same opportunities with himself. He became employed as one of the under-surveyors to run the line between the State of New York and Pennsylvania, and afterwards one of the Surveyors to survey the military lands in the State of New York. He died about the age of 27 years, possessed of a very valuable property of unsettled lands in the district of military lands in this State. He and his brother Egbert both died unmarried.

Youngest son, Jacob, removed from this neighborhood before he arrived to manhood.

Daughter Mary De Witt married William Rose, from Little Britain or its vicinity. In the time of the Revolutionary War he was commissioned a Captain to enlist a company of soldiers to serve in that war, and, after it ended, he became Captain of a company of militia. He, in the latter part of his life, owned the farm, mill, &c., of his father-in-law, then deceased.

Daughter Rachel De Witt married Robert Burnet, of Little Britain, where he owned and occupied a farm. He has served in different county and State offices.

One daughter married ____ ____; daughters Margaret and Jane married Cuddeback, as has been mentioned. (For their history refer back to their names.)

Daughter Hannah De Witt married James Ennes, son of Daniel Ennes, of New Jersey. They became owners of a farm near the outlet of Skaneateles lake.

Daughter Esther De Witt married James Depuy, son of Benjamin Depuy, Esq., of the Peenpack neighborhood. They settled at Onondaga, where they owned and occupied a farm. He served in civil and military offices.

Abraham Westfall and wife, Blandina Van Etten, became residents in the southwest end of the Peenpack neighborhood, in the latter part of the Revolutionary War, and he became owner of a small, ancient Westfall farm, now included in the farm occupied by Capt. Henry Swartwout. A few rods east of his dwelling house stood the old stone house of Westfall. This was the house where the fort was in the time of the French war, and which the Indians attacked and killed part of a company of soldiers who were traveling from New Jersey to Esopus, and, just before the attack, had stopped in to rest and take refreshments. The particulars of this are stated in Eager's History of Orange County.

Abraham Westfall was a son of ____ Westfall, and his wife was a daughter of Anthony Van Etten, Esq., of the lower neighborhood. In the latter part of the Revolutionary War, Westfall was commissioned a Captain of the soldiers, who, from time to time, were stationed on this frontier. Near the end of the war he built a small fort at his house, and, with a few soldiers and one or two families, occupied the same. Sometime after the war ended, he removed with his family to one of the Southern States. [FN-1] {tn}

(Children, Joseph, baptized Aug. 18th, 1782; Annatje, baptized April 20th, 1784. Mahackamack church records.) [FN-2] {tn}

* * * * *

[FN-1] Ohio [FN-2] Catherine Married Jacob Patrick in New Philadelphia, O., 1801. {Transcriber's note: Both footnotes are hand-written.}

FAMILY OF JAMES DAVIS AND WIFE, ELIZABETH KATER.

They removed from the lower neighborhood into the Peenpack neighborhood soon after the Revolutionary War ended. She was originally from Rochester or its vicinity. They had three sons--Solomon, James and Daniel, and ____ daughters--Leah, Elizabeth, Anna, ____ and Polly. They all removed into the western part of this State, excepting some of the daughters.

FAMILY OF WILLIAM GEEGGE AND WIFE, LEAH DAVIS.

He was originally from Ireland and by trade a millwright. His wife was a daughter of James Davis, father of the preceding family. They were married a few years after the Revolutionary War ended. He built and occupied a grist-mill on a farm he purchased. The mill seat and farm is now owned by John Van Etten, Esq. They had one son, William, and a daughter.

There were a few other families in the vicinity of the Peenpack neighborhood.

* * * * *

ANCIENT FAMILIES
OF THE LOWER NEIGHBORHOOD.

The following were ancient families who resided in the lower neighborhood of this town, who, as near as can be ascertained, must have commenced to settle in the same more than 20 years after the first settlement was made at Peenpack:

FAMILY OF HENRY CORTRIGHT AND WIFE, MARGARET DECKER.

She probably was a sister of Thomas Decker. He must have been from Rochester. They resided where Aaron Whitlock now lives, and became owners of his present farm.

One son, Daniel Cortright (bap. May 3, 1743), married ____ ____. They first resided on the east side of Shawangunk mountain, in the town of Minisink, and from thence removed into the western part of York State. They had ____ sons, ____ ____, and ____ daughters.

Another son, Moses Cortright (bap. March 24,1745), married ____ Van Etten, daughter of Anthony Van Etten, Esq. They continued to reside in the house of his father, and he became owner of his homestead farm. A few years after the Revolutionary War ended, he with his family removed into the western part of this State. They had ____ sons, namely, ____, ____, and ____ daughters.

* * * * *

FAMILY OF ABRAHAM VAN AUKEN AND WIFE.

They resided between the present residences of David Swartwout and Joseph Cuddeback, where he owned a farm. They had three sons--Cornelius, Josias and Abraham. They, or two of them, moved into the western part of this State soon after it began to be settled. They had ____ daughters, namely ____, ____.

* * * * *

FAMILY OF JOHN WESTBROOK AND WIFE, MAGDELENA WESTBROOK.

He owned the farms now of Abraham J. and Isaac Cuddeback, and resided where the old house of the former now stands, in a stone house. He for some years kept a small store for Indian trade and a tavern. He was Captain of a company of militia. He had (six) sons, namely--(Anthonie, bap. Oct. 31, 1738; Johannes, bap. Sept. 19, 1740; Johannes, bap. Nov. 16, 1746; Samuel, bap. March 12, 1749; Joel, bap. April 11, 1756; Gideon, bap. Nov. 21, 1759), and (four) daughters, namely--(Antje, bap. Dec. 23, 1744; Alida, bap. June 21, 1747; Elizabeth, bap. March 24, 1751; Sara, bap. June 17, 1753.) Nearly all his descendants have removed from this place.

* * * * *

FAMILIES OF VAN AUKEN--HENRY DECKER,

And another individual were early settlers on the farm heretofore occupied by Benjamin Cuddeback, Esq., now by his sons, Elting and Dr. Thomas Cuddeback. Van Auken resided at the former residence of Jacob Shimer, Decker where Elting now resides, and the other near the mouth of the brook. The two latter had grist-mills. None of their descendants have remained in this town. The wife of Jacob Shimer was a daughter or granddaughter of Van Auken. They had one son, Richard, who married a daughter of Daniel Ennes, and two daughters, one of whom married Hezekiah Fredenburgh, and the other ____ ____. They, all of this family, removed into the western part of this State.

* * * * *

FAMILY OF JAMES VAN AUKEN AND WIFE,

Settled at the present residence of James D. Swartwout, Esq., and owned his farm. He was the first Justice of the Peace in the present town of Deerpark which office he probably derived from the government, of the State of New Jersey. He was a brother of Van Auken mentioned.

His son, Daniel Van Auken, married Leah Kettle, daughter of ____ ____. He became owner of his father's farm, and occupant of his house, at which a fort was built in the time of the Revolutionary War; and when the Indians invaded this neighborhood, they attacked the fort and two Indians were shot. They shot old James Van Auken as he looked through a window on the chamber. They had ____ sons--Elijah, Nathaniel, Nathan, Absolum, Joshua, Daniel, Jeremiah, ____, and ____ daughters, namely, ____, ____, ____, ____, ____, ____, whole number fifteen. One of his sons, a school teacher, was killed by the Indians when they invaded the lower neighborhood. These descendants became dispersed into different parts of our country.

* * * * *

SOLOMON KUYKENDALL AND WIFE, SARAH COLE,

Resided at the present residence of the widow Elting and her family, and owned their present farm. He was a Justice of the Peace in the time of the Revolutionary War and after it ended. James Van Fliet, Jr., became owner of his real estate. From which I infer that the former had no children living at the time of his decease. Van Fliet had two sons--Solomon, who married a daughter of Benjamin Carpenter, and the other, Daniel, married a daughter of Jacob Westbrook.

Van Fliet, after some years' occupation of the premises, sold and removed with his family west into Pennsylvania or York State.

* * * * *

FAMILY OF SIMON WESTFALL AND WIFE, JANE (JANNETJE) WESTBROOK.

They resided in the old stone house now or lately occupied by James Bennet, Esq. He owned a gristmill there and some land. They had (eight) sons--Simeon (bap. Feb. 12, 1749); Wilhelmus (bap. July 8, 1753); John De Witt (bap. May 19, 1751); Jury (bap. April 23, 1744); Jury (bap. Jan. 24, 1748); Solomon (bap. Jan. 27, 1759); Daniel (bap. June 5, 1763); and Reuben (bap. April 8, 1764.) Also (three) daughters, namely--Aeltje (bap. Oct. 6, 1745); Aeltje (bap. Feb. 1756); and Blandina (bap. Nov. 9, 1760.) Wilhelmus settled east of the Shawangunk mountain, near Deckertown, in the State of New Jersey.

His son, Simeon Westfall, married Sarah Cole, daughter of David Cole. They became residents in the old stone house at Port Jervis, in Pennsylvania, where he had a good farm, now possessed by different occupants, Samuel Fowler, Simeon Westfall, Dimmick and others. Westfall and wife had three sons, Simon (bap. Feb. 9, 1766), David and George, and two daughters, Jane and ____.

Son John D. Westfall married Mary Davis, daughter of Samuel Davis. They resided in the stone house now occupied by (David) Westfall, in the Clove, in the north part of New Jersey, where he became owner of a good farm. They had sons, Samuel De Witt Westfall (bap. Oct. 29, 780), ____, ____.

They all removed into the western part of York State.

Son Reuben Westfall married (Tjaetje) Kuykendall, daughter of Jacob Kuykendall. They remained in the old homestead and he remained in possession of the farm and mill of his father. They had ____ daughters ____, ____.

One daughter (Blandina) Westfall, married John Brink. They and family have moved into western countries. (The Mahackamack church records contain the baptism of two children--Femmetje, Oct. 29,1780; Reuben Westfall, April 22, 1784.)

* * * * *

FAMILY OF WILLIAM COLE AND WIFE.

They settled near the present dwelling house of Eli Van Inwegen, Esq., and owned a farm there.

His son, Wilhelmus Cole, married Leah Westbrook, daughter of Cornelius Westbrook, of Jersey State. He occupied the house of his father until he built a new one after the war ended at the same place; and owned his father's farm. They had two sons-Josias (bap. Nov. 21, 1764), and Cornelius Westbrook Cole (bap. Feb. 7, 1767), and two daughters--Maria, (bap. Oct. 16, 1772), ____.

Solomon Decker, from Old Shawangunk, and wife, Eleanor Quick, daughter of ____ Quick, an early resident of the present township of Westfall, in Pennsylvania, settled with their family in the lower neighborhood in the time of the Revolutionary War, near the present residence of David Swartwout. [FN] They had seven sons--Solomon (bap. Feb. 9, 1746), Jacob (bap. Sept. 13, 1761), Thomas (bap. Aug. 19, 1759), James (bap. Feb. 2, 1752), Joseph (bap. July 4, 1756), Peter (bap. June 21, 1767), and Isaac M. Decker, and three daughters--Margaret (bap. April 14,1754), Lydia (bap. Oct. 11, 1747), and Mary (bap. March 4, 1750.) None of this family have remained in the present town of Deerpark. Youngest son, Isaac M. Decker, is yet living and now in 1859 is 92 years old.

* * * * *

[FN] Now (1889) the residence of Peter D. Swartwout.

* * * * *

FAMILY OF PETER KUYKENDALL AND WIFE, FAMITJE DECKER.

They resided in now Port Jervis, where Elias Kuykendall formerly lived, and he was owner of a farm there; all, or nearly all, of which is now covered by the Village of Port Jervis. (The Kingston church book records the baptism of a son, Martinas, June 18, 1734, and the Mahackamack records that of Jacob, Aug. 23, 1737, and a second Jacob, Oct. 30, 1739.)

Son Peter Kuykendall married (Catharina) Kettel. He continued to live with his father and became owner of his farm. They had four sons--Wilhelmus, Martin (bap. April 8, 1764), Solomon (bap. Oct. 21, 1753), and Elias, and (three) daughters, namely--Elizabeth (bap. June 19, 1757), Christyntje, (bap. Aug. 28, 1759), and Lea (bap. Dec. 8, 1765.) Their descendants are dispersed into different parts of our country.

* * * * *

FAMILY OF JOHN DECKER AND WIFE.

He owned an extensive farm or tract of land along the Delaware river, the southeast part of which bounded on the land of Kuykendall, near which he probably first settled. [FN]

* * * * *

[FN] It is now a few years over a century since the fall of the deepest snow ever known in this part of our country; and before it fell Peter Kuykendall and wife went to Esopus and left their children home, where John Decker and his wife were to go daily and see to them and render such assistance as would be necessary. Two or three days after they started this snow fell, and the morning after its falling John Decker commenced to shovel and make a footpath through the snow to Kuykendall's house. He worked all that day and the greatest part of the next day before he got to it, and found the door shut so that the children could not get out of the house. The door opened to the outside, and the snow laid so deep against it that it could not be opened from the inside before the snow was removed. It is probable that they first settled as near to each other as their situations of ground, water, &c., would admit. No victuals had been prepared for the children on the previous day to serve them for the next. They contrived to get meal, mix it up with water, bake it some on the hearth before the fire, and lived on it till they were otherwise provided for.

One son, Martin Decker, married ____ ____. They lived in the old stone house of Stephen St. John, and he became owner of a part of his father's farm. They had two sons-John and Richard, and ____ daughter, ____.

* * * * *

FAMILY OF SOLOMON DAVIS AND WIFE, LEAH DECKER.

They resided near the present grist-mill of Thomas Van Etten, Esq., and he owned a grist-mill at that place. They had sons--James, Daniel, Joel, ____, and ____ daughters--Beletje, ____. (The following is the baptismal record of the children of Solomon Davis and Leah Decker: Kingston records--Lea, March 26, 1735; Jacobus, May 18, 1736. Mahackamack records--Beletje, May 31, 1738; Daniel, June 18, 1740; Joel, April 23, 1744; Jonas, June 16, 1745; Catharina, June 21, 1747; Elizabeth, Jan. 20, 1748; Petrus, April 15, 1750; Salomon, April 5, 1752.)

Oldest son, James Davis, married Elizabeth Kater. For their history refer back to their names.

Second son, Daniel Davis, was the strongest man of his time in the present town of Deerpark.

* * * * *

FAMILIES OF ____ WESTFALL AND DAVID COLE

were the first settlers on the present farms of Levi and Thomas Van Etten, Esq.

George Davis and wife, Deborah Schoonover, had one son, Samuel, who became owner of the ancient grist-mill at T. Van Etten's mill seat.

Very little is now known respecting these four last mentioned ancient families.

Some of the families in the lower neighborhood, who, by marriages had become connected with certain families in the Peenpack neighborhood, are included in the history of the latter and here omitted.

It will be seen by this history of the ancient citizens of the lower neighborhood that they, as well as the others mentioned, were farmers, and they have also obtained their livings by the cultivation of the earth (a laborer's business), and not only provided a competency for their respective families, but also a surplus for the markets of our country to support those in other pursuits of life; but there now are of the present generations of the descendants of both neighborhoods some in nearly all the different occupations of life in our country.

From the length of time which intervened between the first settlement nearest at Peenpack and that made in the lower neighborhood, it appears probable that the latter was prevented by the Indian chief who resided on the land now of Levi or Thomas Van Etten, Esq.

LONGEVITY OF THE FIRST AND SECOND GENERATIONS.

The ages to which the first and second generations arrived, cannot all be correctly ascertained for want of records of the times of their several births and deaths. The only record of which the writer is in possession, is that of the families of the first and second Peter Gumaer, relative to the births of their respective children. These two records are a guide to get into the neighborhood of the times of the births of the members of the other families, and from what I have obtained from inscriptions on tombstones and the information I have had relative to the times to which some of them lived, I can correctly determine the ages of some of them and within a few years of others.

It was said of Jacob Cuddeback, by his grandson, Capt. Cuddeback, that he lived to the age of 100 years and retained his faculties good to the end of his life. In 1686, when Peter Gumaer was 20 years old, and he and Cuddeback had to leave France, the latter cannot have been less than 20 or 25 years of age. It appears he lived until after the inhabitants of this neighborhood had to buy some land out of Expense lot number two, in the Minisink patent, for a supply of fuel, rail timber, &c., which must have been about the year 1766. From all of which it appears that the age of Cuddeback cannot have been less than 100 years, and that the answer he made to his son William, heretofore mentioned, near the end of his life, shows that his intellect was yet good at that time.

* * * * *

AGES OF FIRST GENERATION.

FAMILY OF JACOB CUDDEBACK.

_Years._
Himself 100
His sons Benjamin about 80
William " 74
James " 30
Abraham " 80
His wife, Esther Swartwout " 80
Daughters Maria " 100
Dinah " 74
Eleanor " 70
Else " 70
Naomi " 80

AGES OF THE SECOND GENERATION.

FAMILY OF WILLIAM CUDDEBACK.

Sons. 1st. James about 80
2d. Abraham " 82
3d. Benjamin " 45
4th. Roolif (premature) " 50
Only daughter Sarah " 70

These are all the descendants of the ancient Cuddeback family who remained in the present town of Deerpark.

* * * * *

FIRST GENERATION.

FAMILY OF ANTHONY SWARTWOUT.

His sons Samuel Swartwout about 70 James Swartwout (premature) " 63 One daughter, wife of John Van Fliet Unknown.

SECOND GENERATION.

FAMILY OF SAMUEL SWARTWOUT.

_Years._ One only daughter, Elizabeth about 60 Her husband, Benjamin Depuy " 80

FAMILY OF JAMES SWARTWOUT.

Anne Gumaer, his first wife about 50 His second wife, Anna Westbrook " 90 Son Philip Swartwout (premature) " 51 His wife, Deborah " 60 His son, James Swartwout " 90 And wife, Jane Hornbeck " 90

These two last individuals were contemporary with the second generation, though James was of the next descent.

* * * * *

FIRST GENERATION.

FAMILY OF PETER GUMAER.