HISTORY Books: Early History of Flatbush; Kings co., NY

submitted by Joy Fisher (sdgenweb at yahoo.com) 
************************************************
Copyright.  All rights reserved.
http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm

http://www.usgwarchives.net/ny/nyfiles.htm

Submitted Date: May 18, 2006
This file has been created by a form at http://www.genrecords.org/nyfiles/
File size: 92 Kb
************************************************
Book Title: History Of Flatbush

HISTORY.

  LONG-ISLAND was discovered in the year 1609, by Henry Hudson. He was an
Englishman by birth, but was engaged by the East India Company of Holland to
discover a passage to the East Indies in a westerly direction from Europe. He
had been employed in the same service by the English, and had failed in his
enterprise, and been dismissed from their employ. Upon which he was engaged by
the Dutch, and fitted out with a vessel called the Half Moon. After coasting in
his third voyage as far south as Virginia, he turned to the north again and saw
for the first time the highlands of Neversink. On the 3d of September 1609, he
entered the great bay between Sandy Hook, Staten-Island and Amboy. He observed
among other things, that the waters swarmed with fish and some of very large
size. On the 4th, he sent his men on shore, and relates that he found the soil
of white sand and a vast number of plum trees loaded with fruit, and many of
them covered with grape vines of different kinds. The natives are represented in
general as manifesting all friendship, when Hudson first landed among them. But
on one occasion shortly after his arrival, their bad feelings were from some
cause not stated, excited. Hudson sent out a boat under command of one Colman to
catch fish, and the Indians attacked the men. One of the arrows which they
discharged, headed with a sharp flint stone, struck Colman in the throat and
mortally wounded him. The sailors not being able to defend themselves, hastened
back to the ship, carrying poor Colman dying with them. His body was taken on
shore after his death and buried on the island which is now called Coney
Island—a corruption of the original name Colman, which was given it by Hudson
and his company, in commemoration of him who was buried there, and who was the
commander of the boat which bore the first Europeans through the passage so
familiarly known to us all as the Narrows. De Laet, a Dutch historian, says,
that at this time the natives were clothed in the skins of elks, foxes and other
animals. Their canoes were made of the bodies of trees; their arms, bows and
arrows with sharp points of stone fixed to them. They had no houses, he says,
but slept under the blue heavens: some on mats made of brush or bulrushes, and
some upon leaves of trees. Hudson passed up the river which still bears his
name, and left it to others to discover that the land on which he had touched,
was an island. This was done by Adrian Block, in 1614. He sailed from
New-Amsterdam, now New-York, through the sound to Cape Cod, and visited the
intermediate coasts and islands. He appears to have been the first who
ascertained that Long-Island was separate from the main land. Long-Island at
this time, bore the name of Mattouwahe, or Meitowah and Sewanhachey—the last of
which, means the isle or land of shells, and was no doubt given to it in
consequence of large quantities of seewant or shell money, being manufactured here.

  The objects of the Dutch being at first chiefly of a mercantile character, but
few settlements were made in the country by them. The first was established on
an island near the present site of Albany, in the year 1614, where they built a
fort, which in honor of their sovereign, they called Fort Orange. It was not
however, till the year 1624, that any settlement was made on Manhattan Island.
In that year Fort Amsterdam was built and the foundation laid for the city of
New-Amsterdam, now New-York. The resources of the country and the prospect of a
very lucrative trade with the natives in fur being made known in Holland, soon
induced many to emigrate to this new country. The object of the first settlers
evidently was trade. But as it soon became known that lands equal in fertility
to those of Holland were to be found here, and advantages of no ordinary
character were offered to the agriculturist, many families were induced to leave
their father land and settle in this country. The first settlement on the west
end of Long-Island, appears to have been made as early as 1625, in which year,
according to a family record in the hands of General Johnson of Brooklyn, the
first child of George Janseh De Rapalje, was born at the Wallaboght—and it is
the tradition among the Dutch, that this was the first white child that was born
on the island. It is however not probable, that many emigrants had yet arrived
from Holland with the object of cultivating the soil, as the earliest deed for
land in the town of Brooklyn, is a grant to Abraham Rycken, in 1638, and the
earliest deed on record, is a grant to Thomas Besker, in the year 1639; and the
earliest grant for lands in Kings County that has been discovered, was in 1636.
The first purchase from the Indians on Long-Island that has been discovered, was
in the year 1635; and the earliest deed for land to individuals, was from these
Indians to Jacobus Van Corlear, for the tract subsequently called Corlear's
Flats. The description of this tract in the deed, is as follows:—"The middlemost
of the three flats to them belonging, called Castoleeuw, on the island by them
called Sewanhackey, between the bay of the North-river and East-river of the
New-Netherlands, extending in length from a certain kill coming up from the sea,
mostly northerly till into the woods, and a breadth of a certain valeye eastward
also to the woods." About the same time, a deed was given by the same Indians,
to Andries Hedden and Wolphert Garritsen, for what is called the little Flats;
and another to Wouter Van Twiller the Director, for what has since been
denominated Twilled Flats. The deed is dated June 6th, 1636. These three latter
tracts lie partly in Flatbush and partly in Flatlands. It is not improbable,
however, that considerable settlements were made before any formal grants or
Patents of lands were obtained. It was soon ascertained that the lands in and
about Flatlands, were level and free from woods. This was a strong inducement to
settlers who came from the level country of Holland, and who had no domestic
animals for the plough, to occupy this part of the island. It is believed that
as early as the year 1630, a settlement was effected in that town, which was
then called New-Amersfort, after Amersfort, a town in the province of Utrecht,
in Holland, from which probably some, if not most of the earlier settlers came.
It also received the name of De Baije, or the Bay. In 1634, this town appears to
have contained quite a number of inhabitants.

  But about this time, the Dutchmen found that the plain clear land was not so
strong and productive as that which bore heavy timber; this induced many of them
to seek a settlement somewhat farther to the north—and from the best account it
would appear that about the year 1634 the settlement of Flatbush commenced. It
then comprised a tract of woodland bounded on the north by the Hills, on the
south by Flatlands, and extending east and west in one continual forest. This
tract was evidently purchased by the governor of the colony, or by the first
settlers, from the native Indian proprietors, but the amount of consideration
paid cannot now be ascertained. At the time of the purchase, it was heavily
covered with timber, (consisting principally of hickory and white and black
oak,) with the exception of two small parcels which were clear and destitute of
trees, lying to the east of the town, then called by the names of Corlaer's and
Twiller's Flats, and another on the south of the town adjoining Flatlands,
called the Little Flats. The land thus described, from its being principally
covered with timber, and from its peculiar location, having the hills on the
north and Flatlands on the south, was appropriately called by the first
settlers, by the name of Midwout, or Middlewoods.

  The first settlements in the town were made along an Indian path leading from
the Hills to New-Amersfort, which is now the present highway or street through
the village of Flatbush. All subsequent settlements were principally confined to
the same path, and will readily account for the crooked direction of the present
road. The first settlers were intent upon making agriculture their principal
means of subsistence. In order therefore to concentrate their dwellings as much
as possible, so as to protect their families from Indian intrusions or other
depredations, and to form a village of farmers, they determined to lay out their
farms in narrow oblongs fronting on both sides of the path above mentioned. The
farms were accordingly laid out into forty-eight lots or tracts of land,
extending six hundred Dutch rods on each side of the Indian path, and having
severally an average width of about twenty-seven rods. The lots or farms on the
east side of the path, were all laid out in a direction running east and west:
while those on the west side thereof, had a south-westerly inclination so as to
correspond with the direction of the Hills adjoining the north-westerly side of
the town. An allotment was then made between the several proprietors of mostly
two lots or more a piece, and for the support of the gospel among them according
to their own religious faith, the most central and eligible lots were reserved
and set apart for their church. The distribution among the proprietors, was
probably made by lot, which appears to have been the almost invariable practice
of the Dutch in dividing the lands which they patented. A considerable portion
of wood-lands lying on the west, north and east sides of the towns, together
with Corlaer's and Twitter's Flats, were left in common and remained for years
undivided.

  There can be no doubt that the existing governor in order to secure the
inhabitants of Midwout in the quiet possession of their purchase from the native
Indian proprietors, confirmed the same to them by his Ground Brief or Letters
Patent. But when this was granted cannot now be ascertained with entire
certainty. In the year 1684, twenty years after the surrender of the Colony to
the English, an order was issued by the Governor and Council, commanding all the
inhabitants of the Dutch towns in the provinces of New-York and New-Jersey to
bring their Dutch Patents and Indian Deeds into the Secretary's Office in
New-York. This order was no doubt complied with by this as well as the other
Dutch towns on Long-Island, and thus the original patent with those of the other
towns, except Gravesend, (which being settled chiefly by English emigrants, was
favored by the Governor,) was destroyed or sent to England. The object of this
arrangement was to cause the towns to take out new Patents, and thus not only
acknowledge the English government, but increase the revenue of the English
Governor. It is probable however, that the first patent obtained from the Dutch
Governor was only for that part of Flatbush which goes under the name of the old
town, which was granted about the year 1651 or 1652. The original proprietors
according to H. C. Murphy, Esq., of Brooklyn, were Jan Snedecor Arent Van
Hatten, one of the Burgomasters of New-Amsterdam, Johannes Megapolensis, one of
the ministers of the same city, and others. On the 20th day of June, in the year
1656, a Ground Brief or Patent was granted by Governor Stuyvesant to the
"indwellers and inhabitants of Midwout," for the Canarsee Meadows, which are
therein described as "a parcel of meadow ground, or valley, lying on the east
north-east of the Canarsee Indian planting lands." This is the only original
Dutch Patent of any part of the town which has been discovered.

  These meadow lands lying at Canarsee, appear to have been divided and an
allotment made of them among the proprietors, about the time of obtaining this
Patent, or very shortly after, as in some of the Ground Briefs to individuals
mention is made of certain portions of these meadow lands as appertaining to the
farm, and they are designated by particular numbers.

  Subsequently to the allotments made by, and between the inhabitants of
Midwout, of the several parcels of land to them respectively allotted, many were
desirous to have written titles to their lands; and for this purpose applied to,
and obtained from Governor Stuyvesant, Letters Patent to secure them in their
possession. These Patents to individuals bear different dates, and some as late
as within a year or two previous to the surrender of the country to the English.
Some of them were recorded in the town books, even several years after the
surrender.

  Flatbush appears to have increased in the number of its inhabitants very
rapidly after its first settlement; for as early as the year 1658, it was the
seat of Justice for the County, and a market town. At that time the public
officers of the county, the Minister, Sheriff, Secretary or Clerk, as well as a
public School-Master resided in it. The courts were held here, and the general
business of this section of Long Island was transacted here. Four years previous
to this, viz: in the year 1654, the order of the Governor was issued for
building the first church. But this we shall more particularly allude to when we
come to speak of the ecclesiastical history of the town.

  Governor Stuyvesant the last of the Dutch Governors, was unquestionably a
brave and an honest man. But various causes of discontent arose previous to, and
during his administration, which called for the remonstrance of the people. The
laws were imperfect, and many of them not at all adapted to the times. The voice
of the people was not had in the choice of magistrates, nor in the enactment of
the statutes, by which they were to be governed. Causes of Justice were too
frequently decided from mere wantonness and caprice, and the Governor and
Council appeared indisposed to remedy many existing evils in the administration
of civil and criminal jurisprudence. The sense of public insecurity in time,
produced a spirit of general discontent, and the people with great unanimity
resolved to state their grievances to the Governor, and respectfully demand
redress. Accordingly the Burgomasters of New Amsterdam, called upon the several
Dutch Towns to send delegates to a convention to be held in that city on the
26th. of November, 1653. At this convention delegates appeared from Flatbush as
well as from the other towns. The convention adjourned to the 11th. of December
following, when after mutual consultation, and discussion of various matters,
they adopted a remonstrance, which in an able but respectful manner set forth
their grievances. This ancient document is interesting as showing that at that
early day the people had intelligence enough to understand their rights and know
the legitimate objects of civil government. The remonstrance was signed by all
the members of the convention. The delegates from Flatbush whose names are
attached to it were "Elbert Elbertson, and Thomas Spicer." The Governor and
Council gave no formal answer to the remonstrance of the deputies, but entered
one on their minutes, in which they denied the right of Flat-bush and of
Brooklyn and Flatlands to send delegates, and protested against the meeting,
although it had been called at the request of the Governor himself. Entertaining
a just sense of the responsibility attached to them, the deputies made another
but ineffectual attempt to obtain a recognition of their rights. On the 13th of
December 1653, they presented another remonstrance, in which they declared, that
if they could not obtain a redress of their grievances from the Governor and
Council, they would be under the necessity of appealing to their superiors, the
States General. This so irritated Governor Stuyvesant that he ordered them "to
disperse, and not to assemble again upon such a business."

  In 1654, it appears that the country was much infested with robbers. The
inhabitants of this and the neighboring towns were much annoyed by their
depredations. To guard themselves against these, the magistrates of Midwout
united with those of Brooklyn and Amersfort in forming a military volunteer
company against "robbers and pirates," as they expressed themselves. This
company was formed on the 7th, of April, 1654, and determined that there should
be a military officer in each town, called a Sergeant, as well as a public
patrole in each village. On the day following the organization of the company,
the Governor issued his proclamation against certain robbers, whom he states
"had been banished from New-England, and were wandering about on Long-Island."

  In 1655, a large body of Northern Indians, made a descent on Staten Island,
and massacreed sixty-seven persons; after which, they crossed to Long-Island and
invested Gravesend, which was relieved by a party of soldiers from
New-Amsterdam. To guard against similar attacks, as well as to defend themselves
from the encroachments of their neighboring Indians, the inhabitants of Flatbush
were ordered by Governor Stuyvesant in 1656, to enclose their village with
palisadoes. These fortifications were required to be kept up under the English
government, as will appear by the following record of the court of Sessions for
the West Hiding of Yorkshire, upon Long Island, December 15th, 1675. "The Town
of Flat-bush having neglected the making of ffortifications, the court take
notis of it, and reffer the censure to ye Governor." It is further ascertained
from traditionary information, that the first church was fenced in with strong
pallisadoes, and that the early settlers went out in the day time to cultivate
their farms, and returned in the evening and lodged within the enclosure during
the night time for their safety and mutual protection; and that this practice
continued until there was a sufficient number of substantial dwellings erected,
so as to render the precaution unnecessary.

  In the original Dutch Patent of the town, there was some reserve of quit rent
to be paid to the Governor. But as the Patent cannot be found, the amount, or
the kind of this quit rent cannot be ascertained. Put on the 6th of June, 1656,
Governor Stuyvesant issued a peremptory order, prohibiting the inhabitants of
Flatbush, as well as those of Brooklyn and Platlands, from removing their crops
of grain from the fields until the tythes reserved by their Patents had either
been taken or commuted for.

  It is not distinctly known to what branches of agriculture our early Dutch
ancestors devoted themselves. But as for a considerable time they had to
cultivate the ground without the aid of animals, and chiefly by the hoe and
spade, it is probable that they turned their attention to that which would yield
the most profit from the smallest piece of ground. There is reason to believe
that in common with some other places, on the west end of Long-Island, tobacco
was raised in considerable quantities in this town during its early settlement.
For in addition to that consumed in the Colony, shipments of this article were
made from New-Amsterdam to Holland. As early as 1643, a grant for a tobacco
plantation at the Wallabought was made. Tobacco became too, at an early day a
standard of value for lands and other property: And in 1638, an Act was passed,
commonly called the Tobacco Statute, in which, mention is made of the high
estimation in which the tobacco shipped from New-Netherlands was held in the
European market, and various regulations are prescribed relative to the manner
in which it shall be cultivated, inspected, and sold. We have no doubt that the
inhabitants of Midwout early engaged in the production of this article. (See
Thompson's History of Long-Island for the Tobacco Statute, page 177.) Great
attention too was paid to the raising of Barley. Vast quantities of malt liquors
were made in New-Amsterdam, and of consequence, a ready market was there found
for this article. It became in some subsequent years almost the staple of this
part of Long-Island; so much so, that 20,000 bushels of Barley were annually
sold from Flatbush alone.

  Van der Donk, in his History of New-Netherlands, which was published in 1655,
also states that much attention was paid by the Dutch agriculturalists to the
cultivation of the best vegetables and fruits of various kinds; and a great
variety of beautiful flowers.

  Nothing of very special interest occurred in Flatbush, from the date which we
have last mentioned, until the period of the surrender of the country to the
English, which took place in the year 1664. The number of the inhabitants in the
town, appears to have increased quite rapidly up to this time, when it is
supposed it contained a larger population than at the conclusion of the
revolutionary war, in 1783.

  We will be pardoned for digressing here for a few moments, for the purpose of
narrating the manner, and some of the terms and conditions, on which the
surrender of the country was made to the English authorities. King Charles, by
Letters Patent, granted to his brother, James, the Duke of York, his heirs and
assigns, Long-Island, all Hudsons' River, and all lands from the west side of
Connecticut River to the east side of Delaware Bay, together with all royalties
and right of government. This embraced all the countries then governed by the
Dutch-Soon after the grant of this Patent, King Charles despatched a small
force, for the purpose of subduing the country. The Dutch inhabitants were
apprized of the designs of the English, by the vigilance of Governor Stuyvesant,
who had received information, that an expedition was preparing against them,
consisting of three vessels, of forty or fifty guns each, having on board about
three hundred soldiers, and laying at Plymouth in England, waiting for a fair
wind.    The Dutch authorities were called together, by their Governor, and they
ordered the fort to be put in the best state of defence. As soon as the vessels
arrived in the outer harbor of New-York, which was in August, 1664, Governor
Stuyvesant sent a polite note to the English commander, dated, August 19th,
1664, desiring the reason of their approach and continuance in the harbor
without giving the Dutch notice.   This letter was sent by John Declyer, one of
the chief council, the Rev. John Megapolensis, minister, Paul Lunden Vander
Grilft and Mr. Samuel Megapolensis, doctor of physic. On the next day, Col.
Richard Nicolls, who was the commander of the expedition, and was clothed with
the powers of Governor, sent an answer, and demanded a surrender of the country.
In this document he informed Governor Stuyvesant, that he had been sent out by
the King of England, for the maintainance of his unquestionable rights, and that
he had been commanded to demand the surrender of the country, and in his name he
now required such surrender. He however assured him, that every Dutch inhabitant
who should readily submit to the King of England, should be secured in his
estate, life and liberty. He despatched the summons by four persons, through
whom he expected to receive an answer. These persons were George Cartwright, one
of his Majesty's commissioners in America, Captain Robert Needham, Captain
Edward Groves and Mr. Thomas Delavall.

  Governor Stuyvesant promised an answer the next morning, and in the mean time
convened the council and Burgomasters. He was, unquestionably a brave soldier,
and had lost a leg in the service of his country, and was desirous to defend the
place by all the means in his power. He therefore refused both to the
inhabitants and the Burgomasters a sight of the summons, lest the easy terms
proposed might induce them to capitulate. The inhabitants were called together
at the Staatds House, and informed of the Governor's refusal. On the 2d day of
September, 1664, the Burgomasters came in council, and demanded to see the
summons, which the Governor then in a fit of anger tore to pieces. But
notwithstanding the yielding disposition of the inhabitants to the British
commissioners, which arose, no doubt, from a growing discontent with the Dutch
government, which had existed for several years in the country, Governor
Stuyvesant resolved upon a vigorous resistance, and sent to the English
commander a long letter, vindicating the justice of the Dutch claims to the
territory which they occupied.

  While the Governor and council were contending with the Burgomasters and
people, in the city of New-Amsterdam, the English commissioners published a
proclamation in the country, encouraging the inhabitants to submit, and
promising them all the privileges of British subjects. Many, on discovering from
Governor Stuyvesant's letter, which was then likewise published, that he was
averse to the surrender, being fearful of the impending storm, resolved to join
the strongest party, and began to beat up for volunteers, particularly on
Long-Island. The Governor being thus invaded by a foreign foe, and threatened to
be deserted by those on whose friendship he had depended, perceiving that
resistance would only occasion a wanton effusion of blood, agreed to appoint six
distinguished citizens on his part, who, in conjunction with an equal number of
British commissioners should conclude a treaty for the surrender of the country. 

  The commissioners on the part of the Dutch were
John D. Deckar,
Nicholas Verleet,
Samuel Megapolensis,
Oleffe Stevens Van Kortlandt,
James Cousseau,
Cornelius Steenwick, 

  On the part of the English, they were
Robert Carr,
George Carteret,
John Winthrop,
Samuel Willys,
Thomas Clarke,
John Pinchen.

  This treaty was agreed upon. It consisted of twenty-three articles, of which
it is sufficient to give the outlines of some of the most prominent. The Staats
General, or the Dutch West India Company were to enjoy all farms and houses
except those in the forts, and had liberty within six months to transport all
arms and ammunition which belonged to them. The people might remain free
denizens, and occupy or dispose of their lands, houses and goods, as they
pleased. They were to enjoy free liberty of conscience, and retain their own
customs respecting their inheritances. No judgment which had passed any of the
courts of judicature could be called in question, and all previous differences
respecting contracts, were to be determined according to the manner of the
Dutch. No Dutchman nor Dutch ships could be pressed to serve in war against any
nation whatever, and no soldiers quartered on the inhabitants. Inferior civil
officers might continue to fill their stations till the customary time of a new
election, and the inhabitants were entitled to choose deputies, who should have
free voices in all public affairs. The soldiers were to march out with the
honors of war, and each of them who chose to remain in the country was entitled
to fifty acres of land. The Articles were approved by Colonel Richard Nicolls,
on the 7th, of September, and on the 9th, of September, 1664, by Governor
Stuyvesant.

  About the time of the surrender of the country to the Duke of York, there
appears to have been a considerable contest as to the boundary line between the
towns of Midwout and New-Amersfort, which was attended with frequent collisions,
and particularly so, in the mowing and ingathering of hay on the Canarsee
meadows. This eventually led to an application to Governor Richard Nicolls for
the settlement of the subject in controversy, between the contending parties.
Governor Nicolls in the year 1666 appointed arbitrators to view and settle the
matters in difference between them. The arbitrators thus appointed, accordingly
met, for the purpose of viewing the premises and issuing the differences between
these towns on the 17th, of October, 1666. They were accompanied by many of the
inhabitants, and after a careful survey, a designated line was agreed upon. The
line thus consented to was designated by marked trees, wherever practicable, and
in other instances, by prominent stakes, or a fence set up between the two
towns. In the Canarsee meadows, which were esteemed valuable at that time, it
was described with greater precision, and was designated by an instrument
similar to the mariners compass, and was to run according to the terms of
Governor Stuyvesant's Patent, granted to Midwout, in 1656, from the woodland to
the mouth of the kill or creek, (now called the first creek, or Vanderveer's
mill creek,) with an East line half a point northerly, without variation of
compass. The award and determination of the arbitrators was made to Governor
Nicolls, in accordance to the above arrangement, and the line being marked, and
staked out, in conformity thereto, the award received his approbation and
sanction, on the 20th, day of April, 1667.

  This controversy being thus happily terminated, and the southern boundary of
the town permanently fixed, the inhabitants of Flatbush, in the year 1667,
applied to Governor Nicolls for a confirmatory grant, to secure them in their
possessions, as he was required to do, by virtue, and in pursuance of the
Articles of capitulation. On the 11th, of October, in the year 1667, the
Governor granted letters patent, to the freeholders and inhabitants of Midwout,
alias Flatbush, of which, the following is a condensed abstract:

  "Richard Nicolls, Esq. &c. Whereas there is a certain town within this
government, known by the name of Midwout, alias Flatbush, &c. now for a
confirmation, &c. Know ye that I have given, ratified, confirmed and granted
unto Mr. Johannes Megapolensis, one of the ministers of this city, Mr. Cornelius
Van Ruyven, one of the justices of the peace, Adrian Hegeman, Jan Snediger, Jan
Stryker, Frans Barents Pastor, Jacob Stryker, and Cornelius Janse Bougaert, at
Patentees, for, and on behalf, of themselves and associates, freeholders and
inhabitants of the said town, their heirs, successors and assigns; All that
tract, together with the several parcels of land, which already have, or
hereafter shall be purchased or procured for, and on behalf of the said town;
whether from the native Indian proprietors or others, within the bounds and
limits hereafter set forth and expressed, viz: That is to say: The said town is
bounded to the south by the Hills, to the north by the fence lately sett between
them and the town of Amersfort, alias Flatlands: Beginning at a certain tree,
standing upon the Little Flats, marked by order and determination of several
arbitrators, appointed by me, to view and issue the differences between the two
towns, concerning the same, which accordingly they did, upon the 17th, day of
October, 1666, and to the east and west by the common woodlands, including two
Flats, heretofore called by the names of Corlers and Twillers Flats, which lye
to the east of the town: As also a parcel of meadow ground or valley on the east
northeast side of the Canarsee planting land, and having to the south the meadow
ground belonging to Amersfort, alias Flatlands, according to the division made
by an east line running half a point northerly, between them, without variation
of the compass, and so to go to the mouth of the Creek or Kill; which said
meadows were upon the 20th, of April last, by common consent staked out, and by
my approbation allowed of: All which said tracts and parcels of land, meadow
ground, &c. Dated, October, 11th, 1667."

  The first settlers of Midwout, or Flatbush, were a hardy body of farmers,
inured to labor, and acquainted more or less, with some mechanical trade. This
was calculated to promote their domestic comfort, to render themselves useful to
one another, and make them quite independent of extraneous aid. It is worthy of
remark, that it was a general rule for every parent to cause his sons to be
instructed in some useful mechanical business, although intended for farmers,
and that this practice was invariably continued until the commencement of the
revolutionary war. In the original subdivision of the town amongst the different
proprietors, it will be perceived, as above stated, that the allotments of land
were made only for those who intended to obtain the means of subsistence by the
cultivation of the earth. There was therefore no provision as yet made for
mechanics, who might desire to make a permanent residence here. Upon the
introduction of a few mechanics, it was perceived that from the ability and
employments of the inhabitants generally, there was but little prospect of their
being able to support themselves, and their families in any comfortable way,
without the cultivation of some land, at least for family subsistence. The
attention of the inhabitants was directed to this subject, and the church lands
were thereupon divided into suitable and convenient parcels, so as to
accommodate the mechanics, and let to them for low and reasonable rents. A tract
of woodland was also purchased and patented, lying to the east of the town and
north of what is called Flatlands Neck, expressly for the benefit  of the
mechanics, and appropriately called Keuters Hook, or Mechanics Hook. The
inhabitants of the town were at, and about that time, divided into two classes,
called Keuters or mechanics,  and Boers, or Farmers; and this distinction was
kept up for years afterwards. The date of the Patent of Keuters Hook cannot now
be ascertained with precision, but was probably not very long after the
surrender of the country to the English.

  About this time the court was removed from Flatbush to Gravesend. This was no
doubt, in consequence of the latter town being chiefly settled by English
emigrants, and the authorities were disposed from this circumstance to favor
them. The first records of the court, now in the Clerk's office of the county,
are dated at Gravesend, in the years 1668.—69.

  Shortly after the surrender of the colony to the English, the towns of
Brooklyn, Bushwick, Midwout, or Flatbush, Amersford, or Flatlands, and
New-Utrecht, were formed into a separate district, for certain purposes, by the
name of the "Five Dutch Towns." For these towns a Secretary or Clerk, was
specially appointed, whose duties appear to have been confined to the taking
acknowledgments of transports and marriage settlements, and proof of wills, &c.
In 1674, this office was held by "Nicasius De Sille, in the absence of Sr.
Ffrancis De Brugh." He was succeeded in the year 1675, by Machiel Hainelle, who
had been schoolmaster in Flatbush during the previous year. In the
acknowledgments which he took, he styles himself "Clerk." In the same year the
court of Sessions for the West Riding of Yorkshire,* which then sat in
Gravesend, after setting forth the appointment of Hainelle, and calling him
"Secretary," declared, "It is the opinion of the court, that for what publique
or private business he shall doe, he ought to have reasonable satisfacon."

  * The West Riding was composed of the towns of Brooklyn, Bushwich, Flatbush,
Flatlands, New-Utrecht and Gravesend, together with Staten Island and Newtown.

  New Lots, which was originally called Ostwout, or East-Woods, on account of
its lying east of Midwout or the Old Town of Flatbush, was no doubt purchased
and procured from the native Indian proprietors, by the inhabitants of Midwout.
But at what particular time cannot be distinctly ascertained. It was probably
not far from the period when the Patent of Governor Nicolls was granted, which
was in 1667. It was a tract of woodland covered with the same description of
timber as that of Midwout. Its situation was also somewhat similar, having the
Hills on the north, the Bay, which was then called the Sea, on the south, and
extending easterly to the bounds of Jamaica. An extensive tract of meadows was
included in these limits, lying in front of the upland, and extending to the
Bay. All this land appears to have been subdivided in the same manner, as
Midwout, or the Old Town of Flatbush, and the church also received its share in
such allotment, with the inhabitants of the town. The meadow was, without doubt,
also subdivided about the same time, and similarly allotted, as the upland. This
opinion appears to be confirmed by the fact, that the first conveyances of land
recorded in the town records always include one or more parcels of meadow
therewith. The meadows must also have been esteemed valuable, on account of
producing spontaneously an annual crop of hay, and that, without previous labor
or tillage. This tract of country generally was called the New Lands, and
principally settled by the inhabitants of Midwout, or the Old Town, and
afterwards assumed the name of the New-Lots. The Patent for this was obtained
under the administration of Sir, Edmond Andros, the second English Governor, to
which we shall advert presently.

  In the year 1665, a meeting of delegates from the several towns on
Long-Island, was held at Hempstead, for the purpose of adjusting any conflicting
claims to lands, and settling the boundaries of the several towns, and of
receiving and acknowledging the code of laws, which had been prepared by the
Duke of York, for the government of the Colony, commonly called the "Dukes
Laws." At this meeting the Governor himself attended, and the delegates were so
much gratified with his manners, and the liberal views which he professed on the
occasion, that they drew up, and signed an address to His Royal Highness, the
Duke of York, full of gratitude and loyalty, but at which, as soon as their
constituents found that they were to have no voice in the selection of
magistrates, or a share in legislation, they manifested their disapprobation,
and censured the deputies with so much severity, that the civil authorities
thought it necessary to interfere. And accordingly, at a court of Assize, held
in October, 1666, it was resolved that whoever thereafter should detract, or
speak against any of the deputies, signing the address to His Royal Highness, at
the general meeting at Hempstead, should be presented to the next court of
Sessions: and if the justices should see cause, they should thence be bound over
to the Assizes, there to answer for the slander by plaint or information.

  The delegates who attended this convention from Flat-bush, and signed the
address, were John Stryker and Hendrick Gucksen. It is not necessary here to
give any summary of the Dukes Laws, which were then promulgated, and continued
to be the law of the land until October, 1683. There are in them many quite
curious provisions. There was nothing in them peculiar to any town, except the
fixing the mark by which horses were to be branded. Each town was required to
have a marking or flesh brand for this purpose. The town mark for Flatbush was
the letter O.

  It is probable that at this assembly, which fixed the bounds of the several
towns, the names of many of them were altered. The town of Rutsdorpe, was called
Jamaica, Amersfort was changed to Flatlands, Middleburgh to Newtown, and Midwout
to Flatbush, or Flakkebos, that is, Flat Woods. This name was given to it from
its being situated on an apparently level plain, and surrounded on almost every
side by woods. But it is here proper to remark, that the ground in and about
Flatbush, is far from being a deal level. It is an inclined plane gradually
extending and lessening in inclination to its southern boundary. Hence, here are
no stagnant pools or marshes, but all surplus water from rains and storms,
passes off gradually, but yet in a very short period to the ocean. This renders
the situation of the town healthful, and hence it has seldom if ever, been
visited with any prevailing epidemic.

  The tract of country now comprising the town of Flatbush as we have stated,
was originally obtained by purchase from the Canarsee Indians, who were the true
and original owners. The first Dutch settlers of the town, in their various
purchases of the Indian proprietors, dealt fairly and honorably with them. They
did not drive them from their possessions by force, but gave what was then
esteemed by themselves to be a valuable consideration, for their lands. This
integrity and uprightness of conduct, secured a lasting friendship with the
Canarsee Indians, which continued till the total extinction of that Tribe. These
purchases were confirmed to the inhabitants of Flatbush by sundry Patents,
issued to them by the Dutch and English Governors.

  The inhabitants continued in the peaceable enjoyment of these premises thus
obtained, without any claim, hindrance or molestation, from any person or
persons, until the year 1670, when Eskemoppas, Sachem of Rockaway, and his two
brothers, laid claim to the same, as the true Indian owners and proprietors
thereof. There can be no doubt, that this claim was ill founded, but the Dutch
inhabitants of the town for the purpose of quieting the title to their
possessions, consented to take a conveyance from him and his two brothers, for
which they paid a valuable consideration, which is set forth in a schedule
subjoined to their deed. It may be gratifying to some to know the terms of this
purchase, and the contents of this ancient document. The Deed is as follows:—"To
all christian people to whom this present writing shall come: Eskemoppas, Sachem
of Rockaway, upon Long Island, Kinnarimas and Ahawaham, his brothers, send
greeting: Whereas they the said Sachem, Eskemoppas and his two brothers,
aforementioned, do lay claim to the land now in the tenure and occupation of the
inhabitants of Midwout, alias Flatbush, as well as to other lands thereto
adjacent, as the right born Indian owners, and proprietors thereof: Know ye,
that for, and in consideration of certain sums of seewant, a certain sum of
wampum and divers other goods (hereinafter specified,) unto the said Sachem, and
his brothers, in hand paid, and received, from Adrian Hegeman, Jacob Stryker,
Hendrich Jorise and Jan Hansen, for and on behalf of themselves and the rest of
the inhabitants of Midwout, alias Flatbush, the receipt whereof they do hereby
acknowledge, and themselves to be fully satisfied and paid: Have given, granted,
contracted and sold, and by these presents, freely and absolutely do give,
grant, bargain and sell, unto the said Adrian Hegeman, Jacob Stryker, Hendrick
Jorise and Jan Hansen, for and in behalf of themselves and the inhabitants
aforesaid, their heirs and successors: All that parcel and tract of land where
the said town of Midwout stands, together with all the lands lying therein,
stretching on the east side to the limits of Newtown and Jamaica, on the south
side to the meadow ground and limits of Amersfort; on the west side to the
bounds of Gravesend and New-Utrecht, and on the north side along the Hills; that
is to say, all those lands within the limits aforementioned that have not been
already purchased by any of the inhabitants of the town aforementioned, nor is
granted to any in their respective Patents. And also excepting such meadow or
valley in the possession of the said inhabitants and in their Patent
particularly set forth. To have and to hold, all the said parcel and tract of
land and premises together with all and singular, every thing thereunto
belonging, or in any wise appertaining, as before mentioned, together with the
said valley or meadow ground, unto the said Adrian Hegeman, Jacob Stryker,
Hendrick Jorise and Jan Hansen, for, and on behalf of the inhabitants aforesaid,
their heirs and successors, to the proper use and behalf of the said
inhabitants, their heirs and successors forever. In witness whereof, the parties
to these presents have hereunto set their hands and seals, this 20th, day of
April, in the 22d, year of his Majesty's Reign, in the year of our Lord, 1670.

                               ESKEMOPPAS,  £   mark, (seal.) 
                               KIOTTARIMAS, G   mark, (seal.)
                               AHAWAHAM,    e   mark, (seal.) 
Signed and delivered in the presence of
                     THOMAS LOVELACE,
                     CORNELIUS VAN RUYVEN.

  Recorded the day and year within written,
                            Per MATHIAS NICOLLS, Secretary.

  The payment agreed upon for the purchase herein mentioned, was as follows: viz:

     10 Fathoms of black seewant or (wampum.)
     10 Fathoms of white seewant or (wampum.)
      5 Match coats of Duffells.
      4 Blankets.
      2 Gunners sight guns.
      2 Pistols.
      5 Double handfulls of Powder, (gispen bunches of powder.)
      5 Bars of Lead.
     10 Knives.
      2 Secret aprons of Duffells, (Cuppas of Duffell.)
      1 Half fat or half barrell of Strong Beer.
      3 Cans of Brandy.
      6 Shirts.

  All the above particulars were received by the Sachem, and his two brothers,
in the presence of the persons under written, as witnesses hereof.

           John Manning,
           Sylvester Salisbury,
           John Hough,
           Jacob Van Cortlandt, ) Supposed Judges or
           Teunis Jacob Hay,    ) Justices of the Peace.
           Edward Carlisle.     )

  Acknowledged before me, the Sachem and his two brothers, and the goods
delivered in my presence, the day and year within written.
                                           FRANCIS LOVELACE."

  It was one of the provisions of the Duke's Laws, that no purchase of land from
the Indians should be valid without a licence from the Governor to make such
purchase, and the purchaser was required to bring the Sachem or right owner,
before the Governor, to confess satisfaction. It was in accordance with this
provision, that not only Justices were appointed to superintend the above
purchase, but the Sachem and his brothers appeared before Governor Lovelace, and
in his presence the payments were made, and the purchase concluded. The
provisions relative to purchases from the Indians, to which we have alluded,
were subsequently adopted, and embodied in a specific act, by the first Colonial
Assembly, which met in the year 1683, under Governor Dongan.

  So much of the land thus acquired as the inhabitants of Flatbush had occasion
for, they took up, enclosed, and improved. The rest was left in common, until by
the increase of their population it should be needed. They remained thus in
quiet possession of all their lands until the year 1675, when Captain Richard
Betts laid claim to a certain parcel or tract, lying in the New Lots, for which
he said he had obtained a deed from the Indians, of prior date to the one just
recited, given in the year 1663. We are not able to locate precisely the
premises thus called in question. The matter was tried at the court of Sessions,
held in Gravesend, for that year, when the deed of Mr. Betts was allowed, and a
verdict given in his favor. But an appeal was taken by the inhabitants of the
town, to the General Court of Assizes, which was holden in the same year, 1675,
in the city of New-York. Hereupon a full and fair hearing of the case, the
verdict rendered at the court of Sessions was set aside, and the court ordered,
as follows:—"That the land shall lye in common to fflatbush, and the townes
adjacent, as it heretofore hath been, and that the towns who have the beneflit
of the comonage shall pay their equall proportion of the purchase money to the
Indyans and costs of this suite."

  It was probably in consequence of this suit, that the inhabitants of Flatbush
sought and obtained a separate patent for that part of the town called New-Lots.
This was granted by Gov. Edmond Andros on the 25th day of March, in the year
1677, to Arian Lamberse and others, to the number of thirty-seven persons. This
Patent we have not been able to procure. It was probably granted on condition of
the payment of a certain quit rent to the Governor, which opinion is confirmed
from the fact, that complaint was subsequently made to the court of Sessions,
held at Gravesend, against the constable of New Lots, for not taking up and
paying over the same, upon which diverse orders were passed by the court
relating thereto. About the time of the settlement of New Lots, several of the
inhabitants of Midwout, or Flatbush, also removed to New-Jersey, and formed
settlements on the Raritan and Milstone rivers, and also in the county of
Monmouth, then called Neversink. Their numerous descendents now occupy these and
other different parts of New-Jersey.

  Shortly after this period, it would appear from some records of the Court of
Sessions, held at Gravesend, that there was some dissatisfaction between the
towns of Flatbush and Flatlands, relative to their boundary line. It was fixed
under the administration of Governor Nicolls, in the year 1666. But another
award and agreement on the subject was made, bearing date the 11th day of May,
1677. What the precise terms of this agreement were, we are unable to tell, as
we have not been able to find the document. But not long after, it appears from
the following extracts, from the records of the court, that the town of
Flatlands complained of some trespass committed by the inhabitants of the town
of Flatbush. At the session of the court held June 1679, we find the following
record.  "The inhabitants of fflatlands, complayning that the inhabitants of
Flatbush have trespassed upon the land belonging to fflatlands aforesaid,
contrary to an award made and agreed upon between both towns, and an order of
court punctually to observe the same, which being proved by the constable, and
one of the oversees of Flatlands, aforesaid, and they not appearing to answer
the complaint, and for their contempt in not observing the said award and order
of court. The court orders that the said inhabitants shall pay as a fine to the
publique, the sum of ten pounds, and to observe the said order of court. They
also complayn, that the inhabitants of Flatbush have chopt of the marke of a
tree, &c. To be deferred to the next court of Sessions, and they to have notice
of it to answer the same."

  In December of the same year, (1679,) is the following record on the same
subject. " The inhabitants of Flat-lands complain of the inhabitants of
Flatbush, for trespassing on their lands, contrary to an award made and agreed
upon as hath formerly been made appear, and the said inhabitants of Flatbush
fined the last court, the sum of ten pounds, for not observing*the said award
and agreement. Severall debates arising about running the line, the court being
satisfyed the inhabitants of Flatbush committed a trespass upon the inhabitants
of Flatlands, doe order that the said fine shall be forthwith paid, or else
execucon to issue forth for the same. The defendants moved for an appeal, which
is granted."

  We might here introduce several somewhat curious extracts from the minutes of
the court of Sessions, relative to the town. We will simply present the following:

  In 1681, it is recorded, "The court doe order, that John Gerritson Van Marken,
shall deliver up to the constable and overseers of Flatbush, all the books and
writings belonging to the town aforesaid, which, if he shall refuse to deliver,
that then the constable of the said town is hereby ordered and empowered to take
them from the said Marken."

  In the same year, " There being a strange man in the custody of the constable
of Flatbush, and no person laying claim to him, the court order ye man shall be
appraised and sold, and if any person shall hereafter lay lawful claim to him,
and desire to have him again, he paying what lawful charges are out upon him,
may have him again."

  In the same year, (1681,) is the following: " At the request of some of the
inhabitants of Flatbush, this court doe order, that the constable of the town
give speedy notice to the inhabitants, that they forthwith fence their
cornfields, and after legal warning given, any person shall be found defective
herein, that then said person or persons, so offending, shall be proceeded
against, according to law, and to be complained against at the next Sessions."

  In 1682, is the following: "Upon the complaint of the constable of Flatbush,
that there are severall persons in the said town, who doe refuse to pay there
minister. The court doe order, that such persons who shall refuse to pay their
said minister, it shall be taken from them by distress." From the general
prevalence of the voluntary principle at the present day, in the support of the
gospel, and the abolishing of the unholy union of church and state, we look
almost with wonder at such provisions and enactments.

  In the year 1683, there is another record relative to an alleged trespass by
the inhabitants of Flatbush, upon the town of Flatlands, of nearly the same
import with the one which we have quoted above, but we need not recite it.

  In 1685, in an action between Derick Storm, and the inhabitants of Flatbush,
it is recorded, "An agreement read between Storm and Joseph Hegeman, Cornelius
Ber-rian, John Stryker, William Guilliamsen, and others, in behalf of ye town of
Fflatbush, uppon which, Storm prayed a sallarry, may be allowed him, for serving
the town as schoolmaster to their children. Ordered that Court Steephens and
Symou Jansen, examine ye accounts, and agreement between them, and these partys
to stand to their determination."

  In the same year, Theodoras Polhemus, for refusing to stand constable for
Flatbush, although legally elected, was by the court fined five pounds to the
public.

  On the 7th, of November, 1685, at the session of the second colonial assembly,
held under the administration of Governor Dongan, an act was passed for removing
the court of Sessions of Kings county, from Gravesend to Flatbush. The cause for
this, stated in the preamble of the act, is the inconvenience to which the
inhabitants of the county are subjected, in travelling so far as Gravesend.
Flatbush is about the geographical centre of the county of Kings, and afforded
in this respect the most eligible place for holding the courts and presented the
least disadvantages to the inhabitants of the county, who might have judicial
business to attend to. It was thenceforth named as the seat of justice for the
county, and continued such till the year 1832, when the court-house was
destroyed by fire. A court-house was accordingly erected in Flatbush, in 1686,
for the accommodation of the county, on the spot of ground which is still called
the courthouse lot. It remained till a larger one was built in the year 1758, an
account of which we shall subsequently give.

  A controversy arose as early as 1678, between Flat-bush and Brooklyn, relative
the boundary line between the respective towns. The northern boundary of the
town of Flatbush according to their purchase from the Indian proprietors and the
patent which they had obtained was described to be by the hills. The inhabitants
of Brooklyn, contended that their right of ownership extended to the foot of the
hills, and that this was the true and proper boundary line between the two
towns, and that the Indian conveyances to both parties would admit of this and
of no other construction. The inhabitants of Midwout on the other hand,
contended, that such a construction of their northern boundary interfered with
their just rights, and would lead to great embarrassment, doubt and uncertainty;
nay, that from the general surface of the town of Flatbush, being an inclined
plane, gradually sloping to the south, such a construction would locate their
northern boundary in the town of Flatlands, and perhaps even in the Bay, or
waters edge. In consequence of this difference, the matter was submitted to the
decision of the Court of Sessions. At a session of that court, held at
Gravesend, on the 18th, of December, 1678, the subject of difference was, by
consent of both towns, referred to Captain Jaques Cortelyou, and Captain Richard
Stillwell, to decide, and it was ordered that their "report should be
determinative." Messrs. Cortelyou and Stillwell complied with the requisition of
the court, and five years afterwards submitted the following report.

  " To the Worshipfull Court of Sessions, now sitting at Gravesend, June 21st,
1683. These may certifie, that in obedience to an order from said court, and by
consent of both towns, of Brooklyn and Flatbush, to runn the line betwixt the
said townes which are we underwritten have done, and marked the trees betwixt
towne and towne, as wittnesse our hands, the daye and yeare above written,

                                      JACQUES CORTELYOU,
                                      RICHARD STILLWELL."

  One of the trees thus marked by these arbitrators was a large white oak,
standing near what is called the Port Road, and mentioned in the Patent granted
by Governor Dongan, as one of the boundaries of the town. This tree remained
till the time of the revolutionary war, when it was cut down by the Americans,
and fallen across the road for the purpose of intercepting the British. A red
free stone monument, with a proper inscription has subsequently been set up, at
and near the stump of this tree, (which is yet in existence) by General Jeremiah
Johnson, on the part of Brooklyn, and John C. Vanderveer, Esq. on the part of
Flatbush. But unfortunately the stone has been so defaced by certain persons,
who seem to take delight in mutilating every thing, that only a few letters of
the inscription can now be decyphered.

  The award of Messrs. Cortelyou and Stillwell, relative to the boundary line,
notwithstanding the order of the court, appears not to have been
"determinative." For in the next year, 1684, the line was run out by Philip
Wells, a surveyor of Staten Island, and Jacobus Cortland, who were appointed for
this purpose, by the two towns.

  The certificate of these gentlemen, is in the words following : "To satisffie
whom itt may concerne, that I being with Mr. Jacobus Cortland, about the 20th,
day off November, 1684, imployed by Breuckland and Fflack-bush, to vew and run
out the line betweene the two townes, to the south of the hills, found that the
line run fformerly by Capts. Jaques Cortelyou and Mr. Stilwell, is right and
just, which wee both being agreed, give in our approbation of the same.
                                            PHILIP WELLS, Surveyor"

Staaten-Island, in the County of Richmond,)
this 4th, day of April, 1687."            )

  Notwithstanding this, differences continued to exist for some years
subsequently, but at length they have been amicably settled, upon the following
principles, viz: That the summit of the hills or the first perceptible southerly
declivity of any hill, should be deemed and taken as the fixed and determined
line, and wherever the hills are cut off or interrupted by an intervening valley
or hollow, the boundary line should extend in the shortest possible direction,
from the summit of one hill to that of the opposite one. In conformity with this
determination, proper monuments have been placed on the boundary lines, to
prevent, if possible, all future disputes.

  At an early period distinctive names were given to the several parts of the
village of Flatbush. The north end was called Steenraap or Stone Gathering; the
south end, Rustenburgh, or resting place or borough; while the centre was
denominated Dorp, or the Town. The Dutch words appropriated to either end of the
village were appropriate, inasmuch as the ground on the north end of the town
contains many small stones, on, and just below the surface, while comparatively
few of these are found in the south end, which in consequence is more easy to
cultivate. In the northern section of the town, on the farm now in possession of
the Widow Lefferts, were erected at an early period, two brick kilns, one on the
back of the farm, and another near the large pond, not far from the main road,
which from this circumstance has obtained the name of the Stein Bakerie Pond. At
these kilns brick were burnt for the use of the inhabitants, but only small
remains of them are now to be seen.

  On the 12th, day of November, 1685, the inhabitants of Flatbush applied to,
and obtained from Colonel Thomas Dongan, the fourth English Governor of the
Colony of New-York, a confirmatory Patent for the whole town, including the
several former grants, or Patents of Midwout, or Flatbush, the Canarsee Meadows,
Keuters Hook and Oustwout, or New-Lots.   This Patent runs thus, to wit:

  "Thomas Dongan, Lieutenant Governor and Vice-Admiral of New-York, &c, under
his majesty James the Second, by the Grace of God, King of England, Scotland,
France and Ireland, Defender of the Faith, &c, Supreme Lord and Proprietor of
the Colony and Province of New-York and its dependencies in America. To all to
whom these presents shall come, sendeth Greeting: Whereas, there is a certain
town in Kings County, upon Long-Island, called and known by the name of Midwout,
alias, Flatbush, the bounds whereof, begin at the mouth of the Fresh Kill, and
so along by a certain Ditch which lies betwixt Amersfort and Flatbush Meadows,
and so running along the ditch and fence to a certain white oak marked tree, and
from thence upon a straight line to the westernmost point of a small island of
woodland lying- before John Stryker's bridge; and from thence with a straight
line to the northwest hook or corner of the ditch of John Oakies meadow; and
from thence along the said ditch and fence to the swamp of the Fresh Kill, and
so along the swamp and hollow of the aforesaid Kill to the land of Keuter's
Hook; thence along the same to a marked white oak tree; from thence with a
straight line to a black oak marked tree standing upon the northeast side of
Twiller's Flats, hawing a small snip of flats upon the southeast side of the
line; and so from thence to a white oak tree standing to the west side of
Moschito Hole to a small island, leaving a snip of flats in the Flatlands
hounds; and from thence to a certain marked tree or stump, standing by the
highway which goes to Flatlands upon the Little Flats, about twenty rods from
Flatbush Lots, and so along the fence six hundred Dutch rods, to the corner of
Flatbush fence, and so along the rear of the lots to a sassafras stump standing
in Cornelius Jansen Berrian's lot of land; and from thence with a straight line
to a certain old marked tree or stump, standing by the Rush Pond under the
hills, and so along upon the south side of the hill till it comes to the west
end of the Long Hill, and so along upon the south side of the said hill, till it
comes to the east end of the long hill; and then with a straight line from the
east end of the said long hill, to a marked white oak tree, standing to the west
side of the road, near the place called the gate or port of hills; and so from
the east side of the port or gate aforesaid upon the south side of the main
hills, as far as Brooklyn Patent doth extend; and so along the said hills to the
bounds of Jamaica Patent; and from thence with a southerly line, to the kill or
creek by the east of the Plunders Neck, and so along the said kill to the sea,
as according to the several deeds or purchases from the Indian owners, the
Patent from Governor Nicolls, and the award between Brooklyn and the town of
Flatbush, relation thereunto being had, doth more fully and at large appear;
And, whereas, application to me hath been made for a confirmation of the
aforesaid tract and parcels of land and premises: Now Know ye, that by virtue of
the commission and authority unto me given by his majesty, James the Second, by
the Grace of God, of England, Scotland, France and Ireland, King, Defender of
the Faith, Supreme Lord and Proprietor of the Province of New-York, in
consideration of the premises and the quit rent hereinafter reserved, I have
given, granted, ratified and confirmed, and by these presents, do give, grant,
ratify and confirm, unto Cornelius Vanderwyck, John Okie, Joseph Hegeman, Aries
Jansen Vanderbilt, Lafford Pieterson, William Guilliamsen, Hendrick Williamse,
Pieter Williamse, Arien Ryers, Peter Stryker, John Stryker, John Remsen, Jacob
Hendricks, Derick Vandervleet, Hendrick Ryck, Okie Johnson, Daniel Polhemus,
Peter Lott, Cornelius Vanderveer, Derick Johnson Hooglandt, Denise Teunis, John
Johnson, Ditimus Lewis Jansen, William Jacobs, Hendrick Hegeman and Garrit
Lubbertse, for and on the behalf of themselves and their associates, all the
freeholders and inhabitants of the-said town of Flatbush, and to their heirs and
assigns forever, all the before recited tract and tracts, parcel and parcels, of
land and islands within the said bounds and limits, together with all and
singular, the woods, underwoods, plains, hills, meadows, pastures, quarries,
marshes, waters, lakes, causeways, rivers, beaches, houses, buildings, fishing,
hawking, hunting and fowling, with all liberties, privileges, hereditaments and
appurtenances to the said tract of land and premises belonging, or in any wise
appertaining: To have and to hold the said tract of land and premises before
mentioned, and intended to be given, granted and confirmed, unto the said
Cornelius Vanderwyck, John Okie, Joseph Hegeman, Aries Jansen Vanderbilt,
Lafford Pieterson, William Guilliamsen, Hendrick Williamse, Peter Guilliamsen,
Arien Ryers, Peter Stryker, John Stryker, John Remsen, Jacob Hendricks, Derick
Vandervleet, Hendrick Ryck, Okie Johnson, Daniel Polhemus, Peter Lott, Cornelius
Vanderveer, Derick Johnson Hooglandt, Denise Teunis, John Johnson, Ditimus Lewis
Jansen, William Jacobs, Hendrick Hegeman, and Garrit Lubbertse, the said
patentees and their associates, their heirs and assigns, forever. To be holden
of his majesty in free and common soccage, according to the tenure of East
Greenwick, in the county of Kent, in his majesty's kingdom of England: Yielding,
rendering, and paying therefor, yearly, and every year, at the city of New-York,
unto his majesty, his heirs or successors, or to his or their officer or
officers, as by him or them shall be appointed to receive the same, eighteen
bushels of good merchantable wheat, on or before the five and twentieth day of
March, yearly and every year.

  "In Testimony whereof, I have caused these presents to be entered upon record,
in the Secretary's office in the said Province, and the seal thereof, have
hereunto affixed, and signed with my hand, this twelfth day of November, in the
first year of his majesty's reign. Anno Domini, 1685.
                                           THOMAS DONGAN."

  It will be perceived, that by the above recited Patent granted by Governor
Dongan, to the freeholders and inhabitants of the town of Midwout alias
Flatbush, that the tenure by which they held their lands is denominated a tenure
"in free and common soccage." The tenures of lands which were authoratively
established in England, in the reign of William the Conqueror, were principally
of two kinds, according to the services annexed. They were either denominated
tenures by knight service, or tenures in free and common soccage. The tenures by
knight service, in which the services were occasionally uncertain, were
altogether of a military nature, and esteemed highly honorable according to the
martial spirit of the times. These tenures however, in addition to the
obligation of fealty and the military services of forty days in a year, were
subject to certain other hard conditions, which we need not here enumerate, but
which gradually rendered them more and more oppressive and increased the power
of the feudal lords. At length upon the restoration of Charles the Second, to
the crown of Great Britain, the tenure by knight service with all its grievous
incidents, was abolished by law, and the tenure of land was, for the most part,
turned into free and common soccage, and every thing oppressive in that tenure
was also abolished.

  A soccage tenure according to which the town of Midwout, or Flatbush, was
patented, denotes lands held by a fixed and determinate service which is not
military nor in the power of the lord to vary at his pleasure. It was the
certainty and specific nature of the service, duty, or render, which made this
species of tenure such a safeguard against the wanton exactions of the feudal
lords, and rendered it of such inestimable value in view of the ancient English.
It was deemed by them a point of the utmost importance, to change their tenures
by knight service, into tenures by soccage.

  All lands granted by Patent by Governor Dongan, and the other subsequent
English governors, were in free and common soccage, and subject to an annual
render or rent charge, called quit rent. In the Patent of the town of Midwout,
this render or rent charge was fixed at eighteen bushels of good winter
merchantable wheat, to be yielded, rendered and paid yearly and every year, at
the city of New-York, on or before the 25th, of March, in every year to the
king, his heirs and successors, or to such officer or officers as he or they
should appoint to receive the same. This render and delivery of wheat, was
regularly and annually made by the freeholders and inhabitants of this town, to
an officer residing in the city of New-York, appointed to receive the same, and
styled "the Receiver General." The quit rent continued to be paid in kind, till
it became more convenient for the inhabitants to pay, and the crown to receive
money, in the place of wheat. The Receiver General was then authorized and
required in equity and good conscience, to estimate the standard value of wheat
in money. According to his determination, wheat was valued in money, at four
shillings and eight pence a bushel, New-York currency. This appears to have been
the standard value thereof for years. From this time onward, the quit rents of
the town were regularly paid in money, according to the then estimated value
every year, until the 25th, day of March, 1762. Why the payments were not
regularly and annually continued, from and after that time, does not appear. The
delay may perhaps be ascribed to the agitations then existing in the country,
caused by events which led to the war of the revolution.

  Soccage tenures are however considered by Chancellor Kent, from whose
commentaries on American laws, the above recited account of tenures is taken, as
of feudal extraction, and retain some of the leading properties of feuds. But
most of the feudal incidents and consequences of soccage tenures were expressly
abolished in the State of New-York, shortly after the termination of the
revolutionary war, and they are wholly and entirely annihilated by the Revised
Statutes, which took effect on the 1st, of January, 1830. But soccage lands were
not to be deemed discharged of any rents, certain or other services, incident or
belonging to tenure in soccage, due to the people of the State (who were
considered to stand in the place of the crown.) Therefore on the 1st, day of
April, 1786, the Legislature of this State passed an Act, entitled "An Act for
the collection and commutation of Quit Rents." By this act it is provided that
it shall and may be lawful to, and for every person and persons, being citizens
of the United States, who is, or shall be seized of any lands, or tenements, in
this State, charged with an annual quit rent, to commute for the same, by paying
fourteen shillings for every shilling, of such annual quit rent, at any time on
or before the first day of May, 1787, in any public securities receivable in
payment on sales of confiscated estates, or in any other securities or
certificates, issued or to be issued by the Treasurer of this State, and at the
same rate, such securities and certificates are receivable in payment for
confiscated estates, to the Treasurer of this State, for the time being, for the
use of the people of this State: and the said Treasurer shall, upon such
payment, give the person making such payment a receipt or certificate,
expressing the sum paid, the annual quit rent in lieu of which the same is paid,
and the land on which the said annual quit rent was charged or reserved, and
shall enter the same receipt in a book, by him to be kept for that purpose,
which receipt or certificate, or the entry thereof, shall be a good discharge of
such quit rent forever.

  In compliance with the provisions of the Act above recited, the inhabitants of
the town of Flatbush purchased public securities, to the amount of £162. 9. 0.
which amount they paid to Gerard Bancker, the Treasurer of the State, on the
18th, day of December, 1786, and upon the payment thereof obtained from him the
following receipt, or certificate.

  "Patent granted to the inhabitants of Flatbush, in Kings County, dated 12th
November, 1685, Quit Rent, eighteen bushels wheat per annum.
  
48
                                         years.
Balance due 25th, March, 1765.             3                   12  12.
     From 25th, March, 1765,
          to 25th, Decem, 1786.          y.   m.
	                                  21    9
(Deduct for the period of revolution,)   8
                                        13    9  at l8 B.Wt.
                   pr. Ann.             247 1/2  "  6s.        74   5
           14 years commut.             252      "  6s.        75  12
                                                             £162   9   0.

  Received, 18th, December, 1786, from Philip Nagle, of Flatbush, Public
Securities, which with the interest allowed thereon, amount to one hundred and
sixty two pounds, nine shillings, in full, for arrears of Quit Rent, and
commutation, for the future quit rents that would have arisen on the above
described Patent.
                                       GERARD BANCKER, Treasurer."
£162 9 00.

  The town of Flatbush upon the payment of the above-mentioned sum of money, for
arrears of quit rent, and commutation of future quit rents became exhonerated
from all further exactions on the score of such rents.

  But to return from this digression, to the regular history of the town of
Midwout, which was brought down to the time in which Governor Dongan
administered the Colonial Government. The woodlands still remained in common and
undivided, because the farms previously allotted, had all along furnished timber
sufficient for building, fuel and other needful purposes. But as these resources
began gradually to diminish, it became necessary as well as dictated by
prudence, that some order should be taken on the partition and division of the
common woodlands. About the year 1700, these lands were surveyed, and laid off
in separate allotments or grand divisions, and these were again severally
subdivided into forty-eight smaller allotments, corresponding with the original
division of the town. These smaller allotments were all laid out in oblong forms
with parallel lines, and usually containing about five acres apiece. Upon the
completion of the survey, the several wood lots were allotted to the inhabitants
of the town, in proportion to the farm lots by them respectively owned, and the
church drew its proportionate share with the several owners.

  The meadows had been previously subdivided into similar lots, and allotted in
like manner, with the exception of one lot in the Canarsee Meadows, which was
set apart for the use of the schoolmaster, for the time being. Corker's and
Twiller's Flats, so called after the names of the original purchasers, Anthony
Van Corlaer and Wouter Van Twiller, the first Dutch governor, were also
previously subdivided, but not fully alloted, with the exception of a small
tract of woodland lying between, and adjoining these Flats, which was assigned
to some of the patentees, and a lot reserved for the use of the school.

  About the year 1706, an encroachment was made on the patent of the town of
Flatbush, by inhabitants of Newtown, and on the 3d day of April, in the same
year, the town unanimously agreed that every patentee should contribute six
shilling to carry on and pay the expenses of a law suit, in defending the Patent
from this encroachment. From this time forth at the annual town meetings, two
persons were chosen to guard the interests of the town in regard to their meets
and bounds, as set forth in their Patent. These were called "Dorps mannen," or
Townsmen, and subsequently Defenders of the Patent. This controversy appears not
to have been satisfactorily adjusted until the year 1721.

  Corker's and Twiner's Flats, remained unoccupied until the close of the
revolutionary war. They were then sold by the proprietors and owners, at the
rate of sixteen dollars per acre. The proceeds of the sale of Corlaer's Flats,
were chiefly devoted to the erection of "Erasmus Hall Academy," while those
arising from the sale of Twiller's Flats, were divided among those who would not
consent to relinquish their right for the benefit of the academy, in reference
to which, chiefly the sales had been effected. The academy was greatly
benefitted by this sale, but we shall have occasion to speak more at large upon
this, when we come to trace the Literary History of the town.

  On the 12th of November, 1695, the court made an order requiring each of the
towns to cause to be immediately erected, a good pair of stocks, and a good
pound, by which it seems, they were resolved to keep both man and beast in
proper subjection. Whether this order at the time was strictly complied with on
the part of the town of Flatbush, we know not. But twenty-nine years after this,
on the records of the Board of Supervisors of the county, under date of the 17th
of November, 1724, there is the following charge.

  "To a Stocks for Flatbush, - - £1. 9. 6." 
These stocks remained for a number of years. They were erected in front of the
court-house, and many will remember to have seen them. There was also about
these same premises, a whipping-post, which was used partly for offenders in the
town, and partly for the punishment of persons convicted of small crimes; for
there was a public whipper, whose fee was fixed for a year, at three pounds. The
fee for whipping one person, was three shillings. These charges frequently
appear on the Minutes of the Board of Supervisors. This mode of punishment was
not in that day, considered improper or cruel, and was resorted to, probably,
partly in consequence of the number of slaves which were then held by the
several inhabitants, who were kept in subjection and punished for minor
offences, in this summary manner. We have reason to be thankful that under the
benign influence of mild and wholesome laws, this remnant of the reign of
cruelty and terror has passed away.

  As early as the commencement of the eighteenth century, if not sooner, a
public brewery was established in the town. The principle of total abstinence
from all that can intoxicate was not then known or practiced, and beer or malt
liquor was the common beverage of the inhabitants, and continued to be so until
the orchards were planted and came into full bearing, when cider became a
substitute. The brew-house was situated in the southern part of the town, a
little north of the dwelling-house of the late Jacob Duryee and on the same side
of the road. It is presumed by some that there was also another public brewery
in the north of the town. It is certain, however, that there were two private
ones; one on the lot of the late Peter Stryker back of the store now occupied by
Messrs. Birdsall & Aldworth, and another on the property of Rem Vanderbilt, the
proprietor of the farm now in the tenure of Matthew Clarkson, Esq. The public
brewery was divided into fourteen shares, which were subdivided into halves and
perchance quarters. These rights were apportioned to the several farms and
considered appurtenant to them, and entitled the proprietors to the privilege of
brewing in the establishment. These rights were disposed of by deed or
testamentary devise. A will is in existence dated as late as 1773, devising the
right of the testator in the brewery to his son; and several wills and deeds of
early date are to be found, containing provisions relative to the same subject.
So important was the right in this establishment at that time deemed by the
proprietors. The public brew-house continued to stand until after the close of
the American Revolution. It was then sold, together with all its fixtures, and
the proceeds divided among the shareholders.

  We may here briefly advert to the style of building, and domestic habits of
the early inhabitants of Flatbush. The designs of their houses were probably
brought from Faderland. They were chiefly built of wood, but some few of brick,
which was manufactured in the place. They were of one story, either with an
overshot-roof, both in front and rear forming a piazza—or an overshot in front,
and the roof in the rear, extending some distance back until it came within a
few feet of the ground. A specimen of this last style of architecture may be
seen in the house belonging to the heirs of the late Cornelius Antonides, which
is probably the oldest house now standing in the village. The rooms inside were
not ceiled, but above were the broad heavy oak beams on which the floor of the
upper-part of the house was laid. The fire-places usually were very large,
generally extending without jambs in width sufficient to accommodate the whole
family with a seat near the fire. The chimneys were very large and spacious,
sufficiently so to admit their meat to be hung in them, for the purpose of being
smoked, which was the usual practice. When jambs were added to any fireplace,
they were generally set round with earthen glazed tiles, which were imported
from Holland ornamented with various scenes, some of which were of a Scriptural
character. Many of these were quite beautiful and gave a very ornamental
appearance to the fireside, as well as formed the means of much amusement and
instruction to the younger part of the family. The last of these fireplaces thus
ornamented was removed when the house of the late Lefferts Martense was pulled
down, to give place to the spacious mansion now occupied by Judge Garrit
Martense.  To many of the houses the barns also were quite closely connected.
This was generally the case with the Keuters.  This style of building
corresponded with the habits of the earlier inhabitants.  These were very
simple, unaffected and economical. No people could have been  more independent
than they.  They brought  up their children in habits of industry. As has been
stated every son was taught some mechanical art, and every daughter was required
to become well acquainted with all household duties. The farmers burnt their own
lime, tanned their own leather, often made their own shoes and boots, and
attended to much of their own carpentering, and wheel-wrighting. While the males
were engaged in the cultivation of the farms, the females were actively employed
in some industrious avocations in the house. The spinning-wheel was set in
motion in every family as soon as flax and wool could be prepared in the fall,
and all materials for the clothing of the family, white as well as colored, were
manufactured at home, nor was she considered a suitable candidate for matrimony
who could not show her stores of domestic linens and other evidences of industry
and economy.  So economical were the females of their time, that they almost
invariably took their spinning-wheels with them when they went to spend a
sociable afternoon with a neighbor. Nor did they even refuse to help the males
in the field during the harvest, the gathering of corn, and other busy seasons.
It was a very common thing for them to be seen working side by side with their
husbands, fathers and brothers, at such times. The modern invention of a
dirt-cover, as it would in those days have been esteemed, which we now call a
carpet, was not then known. The floors were regularly scoured and scrubbed, and
kept as white and clean almost as the table. They were sanded with beach sand,
of which every family always had a sufficient store, it being the rule to go
twice a year to the beach for that then, indispensable article. It was put on
the floor with great care on certain days, being always laid in small lumps or
heaps, and the members of the family were required very cautiously to tread
between these heaps so as not to disturb the economy of the good housewife. When
on the next day the sand had become dry, it was swept in waves or some other
figures, by the broom being drawn lightly over it, and was in truth a good
specimen of the general neatness and cleanliness which pervaded the whole
premises. When the first imported carpets were introduced we know not, but the
first rag carpet was made about fifty years ago. It was wove by Adrian Hegeman
for the widow of George Martense, the mother of the present Mrs. Catin.
Frugality, economy and industry, characterised all. They lived chiefly within
themselves, and knew but little of the dangers and diseases incident to luxury
and indolence. And well would it be for the present age, if instead of
ridiculing and despising them they practiced more of their simple, unaffected,
economical habits. For one I love to dwell upon them, and every thing connected
with them is interesting.

  In the early part of this century a murder was committed in the town, and in
fact the only one that we have any account of. It occurred on the farm now in
the tenure of Mrs. Catin. The dwelling-house of the ancestor of the family of
Martense, who possessed a very extensive tract of land, was situated on the rear
of the farm. From his owning and cultivating so large a quantity of land, he was
called by way of distinction Martin De Boer, (Martin the Farmer.) He built a new
house on the main road in front of his farm near the site of the present
dwelling of Mrs. Catin. When he moved to this house he left in the cellar of his
former old dwelling an Indian. This person it appears had been guilty of killing
some person or persons on Staten Island. In consequence of this, certain Indians
from Staten Island came to Flat-bush, found him living alone in the cellar of
the house which stood separate from the other dwellings, and murdered him—thus
glutting their revenge. During the first half of the last century, the
inhabitants of Flatbush were chiefly engaged in certain difficulties of an
ecclesiastical character, and during the latter half were occupied with the
troubles growing out of the Revolutionary struggle. These will be made the
subject of more extended notice hereafter, and we pass them for the present.

  The introduction of foreign manures, forms an era in the agricultural history
of the town. For more than a century the farmers depended entirely upon their
barn yards to furnish the means of enriching their lands, together with such
quantities of shell lime as they could manufacture for themselves. There was a
lime kiln, situated not far from the place now occupied by the public pound, at
which, large quantities of shells were burnt. The lime thus procured, was 3pread
upon the ground, and tended, no doubt, greatly to increase its productiveness.
But a short time previous to the American Revolution, the attention of the
farmers was called to foreign manures, particularly to ashes. The first that was
introduced into the village was by Jacobus Van Deventer. He brought it up from
Brooklyn, in bags. It was tried and found to answer a good purpose, and then
three other persons, viz. John Lefferts, Cornelius Vanderveer, and Judge Lott,
united with him in carting it from the ferry. It could then be purchased at a
very moderate rate. From that time the attention of the farmers was more
directly turned to the enriching of their lands, and vast quantities of manures
of various kinds have since been employed, in consequence of which, the land has
been rendered rich and fertile.

  In the year 1758 a new court-house was erected in the town. The first edifice
was quite small, and was a distinct building from the jail. One of these
buildings took fire in the winter of 1757-8 and burnt to the ground, the other
was saved chiefly by throwing snow-balls upon it. It was however subsequently
taken down, and in the new building which was put up, accommodations were made
for both the court and jail. It was two stories high. The lower floor was
divided by an entry, on the south side of which was a room for the use of the
jailor, and on the north a room for the confinement of prisoners. The second
story was fitted up in a large room for the accommodation of the courts of the
county. During the Revolutionary war the British officers then in the place took
out all the seats in this room and converted it into a ball-room. This building
which cost £448, remained with some repairs, until the year 1792. It being then
found inconvenient, too small, and much out of repair, a new one was erected
which was placed considerably farther back on the lot, and was of much larger
dimensions. It was of two stories, and planned in general after the model of the
old one. This plan was drawn by Mr. James Robinson, and is called in the minutes
of the Board of Supervisors "the wooden plan," from the fact probably that the
erection was to be a frame building. John Vanderbilt, Johannes E. Lott and
Charles Doughty, Esqs., were first appointed the Commissioners to superintend
the building of this court-house and jail. Mr. Vanderbilt having resigned the
appointment, Rutgert Van Brunt, was afterwards commissioned in his place. The
old building was then sold at public auction. It was purchased by Michael Van
Cleef, for the sum of seventy-one pounds. The timber was afterwards bought by
the Rev. Martinus Schoonmaker, and used in building the house lately occupied by
his son, Stephen Schoonmaker. The court-house and jail was completed in the year
1793. It was a very respectable looking frame building, surmounted by a small
cupola. The jail, however, was not very secure; several escapes were made from
it, although it was often repaired and strengthened. On the 30th of November,
1832, it took fire from some unknown cause, and was burnt to the ground, and
from that time Flatbush ceased to be the county town, and the courts and all
judicial business, were removed to Brooklyn.

  The ancient government of the town of Flatbush was similar to that of all the
towns under the administration of the Dutch authority. In the infancy of the
settlements, the Governor appointed magistrates in the several villages, with
more or less power, as he judged proper. Usually these public officers were a
scout or constable, a clerk and an assessor, all of which, were appointed by the
Governor. The duties of these officers consisted in preserving the peace, and
regulating the police of the town. They appear also to have had power to give
judgment in some cases of judicial proceedings. In consequence of a deficiency
in the records of the town, we are not able to give the names of those who held
these offices during the dynasty, of New-Netherlands. After the surrender of the
colony to the English, in 1664, and the adoption of the Dukes Laws, some
alterations were made in the number and character of the town officers. It was
then ordered, that in addition to a clerk, each town should elect one constable
and eight overseers. The duties of the constable were laid down with great
particularity. They were to hold town courts, with the overseers, and with them
to make assessments, &c. to whip or punish offenders, raise the hue and cry
after murderers, manslayers, thieves, robbers, burglars: and also apprehend
without warrant, such as were overtaken with drink, swearing, sabbath-breaking,
vagrant persons, or night walkers, "provided they be taken in the manner, either
by the sighte of the constable, or by present informacon from others; as alsoe
to make searche for all such persons, either on ye sabbath daye, or other, when
there shall bee occation, in all houses licensed to sell beere or wine, or any
other suspected or disordered places, and these to apprehend and keepe in safe
custody, till opportunity serves, to bring them before the next justice of ye
peace, for further examinacon." The constable was chosen out of the number of
overseers, whose term of service had expired.

  The list of the constables will be given subsequently.
  
  (continues to next file: officials.txt)
  
Additional Comments:
Extracted from:

1908 Reprint of Thomas M. Strong's "The History of the Town of Flatbush in Kings
County, Long Island" originally published in 1842.