Brookhaven Town (Suffolk County, Long Island, N.Y.) @ 350 Years Part VIII: Late Imperial Colonial Era 1691-1775 comp. & ed. by Mark H. Rothenberg 2003,

Brookhaven TownBrookhaven Town (Suffolk County, Long Island, (Suffolk County, Long Island,

N.Y.) N.Y.)

@ 350 Years@ 350 Years

Part VIII: Part VIII: Late Imperial Colonial EraLate Imperial Colonial Era

1691-17751691-1775

comp. & ed. by comp. & ed. by Mark H. RothenbergMark H. Rothenberg

2003, 2004 Mark H. Rothenberg 2003, 2004 Mark H. Rothenberg

Brookhaven TownBrookhaven Town (Suffolk County, Long Island, (Suffolk County, Long Island,

N.Y.) N.Y.)

@ 350 Years@ 350 Years

Part VIII: Part VIII: Late Imperial Colonial EraLate Imperial Colonial Era

1691-17751691-1775

comp. & ed. by comp. & ed. by Mark H. RothenbergMark H. Rothenberg

2003, 2004 Mark H. Rothenberg 2003, 2004 Mark H. Rothenberg

The Patchogue-Medford LibraryThe Patchogue-Medford Library

Salutes the Town on its AnniversarySalutes the Town on its Anniversary

The Patchogue-Medford LibraryThe Patchogue-Medford Library

Salutes the Town on its AnniversarySalutes the Town on its Anniversary

To the Manor BornTo the Manor BornCol. William (“Tangier”) SmithCol. William (“Tangier”) Smith

Holdings Confirmed & Expanded, Holdings Confirmed & Expanded,

1691 & 16931691 & 1693 A tract of land in the southern art of the Town, A tract of land in the southern art of the Town,

between the Connecticut & Mastic Rivers, was between the Connecticut & Mastic Rivers, was purchased from local Indians by Col. Smith in purchased from local Indians by Col. Smith in May 1691May 1691, confirmed by the King & Queen , confirmed by the King & Queen and Royal Governor Fletcher of New-York and Royal Governor Fletcher of New-York Province, in Province, in October 1693,October 1693, as the as the Manor of St. Manor of St. George.George.

Col. William Smith’s Patent, Pt. 1 Col. William Smith’s Patent, Pt. 1 from the King & Queen, & the Provincial Governorfrom the King & Queen, & the Provincial Governor

October 9, 1693October 9, 1693 William and Mary, by the grace of God, King and Queen of England,

Scotland, ffrance and Ireland, defenders of the faith, &c., To all to whom these presents shall come, sendeth greeting:

WHEREAS, Benjamin Fletcher, our Capt. Generall and Governour-in-Chiefe of our Province of New York, and the territoryes depending thereon in America, hath, at the request of our loving subject, Colla.Colla. [I.e., Colonel] Willm. Smith,Willm. Smith, one of ye members of our councill and Chiefe-Justice of our said province, hath issued his warrant to our Surveyor-Generall of our s[ai]d province, bearing date, the nineteenth day of September, for the surveying and laying out severall neckes and tracts of Land and meadow, beach, bay and Island within ye sd bay, scituate, lying and being upon the south syde of our Island, formerly called Long Island, and now knowne and called by the name of our Island of Nassau, wch were formerly purchased of ye native Indians, according to the Lawes of our sd province, by virtue of a warrant from Collo. Slaughter, late Governour of our sd province, bearing date, the fourteenth, day of May, in the year of our Lord, one thousand six hundred and ninety one [1691]. And whereas, Augustine Graham, our Surveyr Generall for our said Province of New York, &c., hath, p’suant to his warrant aforesaid, surveyed and laid out the severall

Col. William Smith’s Patent, Pt. 2 Col. William Smith’s Patent, Pt. 2 from the King & Queen, & the Provincial Governor from from the King & Queen, & the Provincial Governor from

October 9, 1693October 9, 1693 neckes and tracts of land and meadow, beach, bay and Islands within the sd

bay, upon the South side of our Island of Nassau: Bounded westward from the maine sea or occian to the westermost bank of a river called East Connecticut, and soe along the banke of the sd river to a creeke running out of the sd river called Yaphanke, and soe along the southwest bank of ye sd creek unto its head, the whole creek included, to a marked pine tree at ye head of ye sd creek, and soe in a direct north lyne until it comes to the bank of Connecticut River aforesd, to a marked tree on the west syde of said river; and fro[m]. thence alongst the westermost bank of sd river unto ye sd river head, ye whole river and all ye branches thereof included, and from thence alongst ye west syde of Connecticut Hollow to the country roade near ye middle of the island and afore sd, to a markt tree there, the whole hollow included, and soe bounded northward by ye sd country road to another marked tree, being distant one fro ye other ffive miles and a halfe, and soe in a direct south lyne from the eastermost marked tree, near the country road aforesd, to a pyne tree marked with W.S. and three notches, at ye head of ye maine branch of Mastick River, and fro thence alongst ye eastermost bank of sd river, the whole river and all of its branches included, to the maine sea; as also to o small tracts of upland and meadow, lying east of the mastic

Col. William Smith’s Patent, Pt. 3 Col. William Smith’s Patent, Pt. 3 from the King & Queen, & the Provincial Governor from the King & Queen, & the Provincial Governor

October 9, 1693October 9, 1693 River, called Puencatame and Hogges neck, and bounded eastward

from ye maine sea to a river or creek, called Senekes River, and from thence in a direct north lyne to ye country road, and west by bounds aforesaid mentioned, and south by the sea; as also, one tract of beach, meadow and bay, lying along the South syde of the island aforesaid, with all the islands in the sd bay between the maine Island and the beach afore sd, from a certain Gutt or inlet westward, commonly called Huntington East Gutt, to a certain stake on the beach Eastward, to a place called Coptwange, being the towne of Southampton westermost bounds; the sd beach and bay being from the East to the west bounds, twenty four miles and seven chaines, as by returne of our sd surveyor, relation being thereunto had, may more fully and at large appear. And as Whereas, our loving subject, the sd Col. Willm Smith, one of ye members of our Councill and Chiefe Justice of our sd Province of New Yorke and territorys depending thereon in America, hath not only been a great charge and expence in the purchasing of all the sd necks and tracts of land and meadow, beach, bay and islands upon the south syde of our sd island of Nassau, within ye limitts and bounds aforesaid, but also hath been at much more considerable charge and expence in ye purchaseing and improvement of a certain neck or peninsula of upland and meadow


October 9, 1693October 9, 1693 and thatch beds on creek thatch, within ye limitts and bounds of ye

towne of Brookhaven, and lying and being situate on ye north syde of ye island of Nassau aforesaid, commonly known by ye name of ye little necklittle neck of Brookhaven [I.e., Strongs Neck] aforesaid, being bounded southward by a lyne running along ye east syde of the sd Isthmues, and by ye gate of ye now highway, so running west along ye fence between ye siad Smithe’s Land and Justice Richard Whodhall’s [I.e., Woodhull’s] house Lott to acreek lying on the west syde of ye said Isthmus, and so bounded by ye bay, harbour and salt water round the neck aforesd, to ye marked tree by yegate and highway aforesd; A also, one intire island of thatch lying between the neck afore sd and the old field of ye towne aforsd, by ye sd Smith purchased from Samuell Eburne, Clark; as also a certaine part of a great thatch bedd lying alongst the Eastermost part of ye sd neck, called the Indian Land, as also all such thatch beds or creek thatches as lyes with in the harbour in a direct lyne from ye marked tree, by the Gate, to ye southermost poynt of ye said Little Neck, called ffloyd’s Poynt, given by the townsmen of Brookhaven to him, ye said Smith, as by their deeds relacon being thereunto had, may more fully appear. And whereas our sd loving subject hath, by his Petition, presented to the sd Benjamin ffletcher, our Captaine Generall and Governour-in Chiefe of our sd Province of New Yorke and Territoryes depending thereon in America, and their Majtyes Councill prayed our Grant and confirmacon


October 9, 1693October 9, 1693 Of all and every of the sayed several necks and tracts of land and meadow,

beach, bay and islands within the respective limitts and bounds aforesd, , and that wee would likewise erect all and every, the respective necks and tracts of land and meadow within the respective limitts and bounds aforesaid, into a Lordshipp or manor of St. George’s, which reasonable request, for the future encouragement of our sd loving subject, wee being willing to grant; know yee that of our speciall Grace, certaine knowledge and meer motion, we have given, granted, ratified and confirmed, and by these presents doe for us, our heirs and successors give, grant, ratify and confirm unto the sd Willm. Smith, his heirs and assignes all and every the forerecited necks tracts and parcells of Land and meadow within the respective limitts and bounds before menconed and expressed, together with all and every of the messuages, tenements, buildings, barnes, houses, outhouses, fences, orchards, Guardings, Pastures, meadows, marshes, swamps, pooles, poundes, waters, water courses, woods, underwoods, trees, timber, quaryes, Rivers, Runs, Rivoletts, Brooks, Lakes, Streames, Creeks, Harbours, beaches, bays, inlands fferyes, fishing, ffowling, hunting, hawking, mines, mineralls (silver and Gold mines only excepted) and all the rights, members, Libertyes, Priveiledges, Jurisdictions, Royaltyes, Heriditaments, proffits, benefits, advantages and appurtenances whatsoever, to the aforesd, severall and respective necks and tracts and parcells of Land and meadow, Bay, Beach and Islands with in


October 9, 1693October 9, 1693 The sd bay, belonging or in any ways appertaining, or accepted,

reputed, taken, known or occupyed as part, parcell or member thereof; To Have and Hold all the afore-recited, severall and respective necks, tracts and parcells of Land and meadow and premises within the respective limitts and bounds aforesd, with all and every of their appurtenances unto him, the sd William Smith, his heirs and assigns forever; moreover, Know ye that of our further Speciall Grace, certaine knowledge and meer mocon, wee have thought fit, according to ye request of our sd loveing subject, to erect the afore-recited necks, tracts and parcells of Land and meadow, beach, bay and Islands with in ye limitts and bounds aforesd, into a lordshipp and mannor; and therefore, by these presents, wee doe, for us, our heirs and successors, erect, make and constitute all ye aforesd recited necks, tracts and parcells of Land and meadow, beach, bay and inlands with in ye limitts and bounds afore menconed together, with all and every the above granted premises, wth all and every of their appurtenances into one Lordship and mannour to all intents and purposes, and it is our Royall Will and pleasure that the sd Lordshipp and mannour shall, from henceforth, be called the Lordshipp and mannour of St. George’s, and know ye that we, reposing especiall trust and confidence in the loyalty, wisdome, Justice, prudence and circumspection of


October 9, 1693October 9, 1693 our sd loveing subject doe, for us, our heirs and successors, give

and grant unto the sd Coll. William Smith, and to heirs and assigns of him , the said Coll. William Smith, full power and authority, at all tymes, forever hereafter, in the sd lordshipp and mannour, one court Leet and Court Baron, to hold and keep at such tyme and tymes, and soe often, yearly, as he or they shall see meet [I.e., see fit], and all fines, issues, and amercements at the sd Court Leet and Court Baron to be holden wth in the sd Lordshipp or mannor, to be sett, forfeited, or imployed, or payable, or happening , at any time, to be payable by any of the Inhabitants of, or within the sd Lordship or mannour of St. George’s, or Limitts and bound thereof, and also all and every of the power and authority hereinbefore menconed for the holding and keeping the sd Court Leet and court baron from tyme to tyme, and to award and issue out the accustomary writs to be issued and awarded out of the sd Court Leet and Court Baron to be kept by the heirs and assigns of the sd Coll. Willm Smith forever, or their or any of their Stewards deputed and appoynted, with full and ample power and authority, to distraine for the rents, services, and other summs of money payable by virtue of the premises, and all other lawfull remedyes and means for the having, possessing, levying and enjoyning the premises and every part and parcell of the same,


October 9, 1693 October 9, 1693 and all waifes, estrayes, deodands, goods of ffellows happening and being

forfeited within the said Lordshipp and mannoor of St. George’s, and all and every sum and summes, and summes of money, to be payd as a post fine upon any fine or fines to be levyed of any lands , tenements, heritaments within the sd Lordshipp and mannoor of St. George’s, and wee doe also further give and grant unto the sd Coll. William Smith, his heirs and assigns, that all and singular, the tenants of him, the sd. Coll. William Smith, within the said mannor shall, and may at all tymes, hereafter meet together and choose assessors within the mannour aforesaid, according to the true rules, wayes and methods as are prescribed for cittyes, townes and countyes within our said Province, &c., by the Acts of Generall Assembly for the defraying the publick charge of each respective citty, towne & county aforesaid, and all such summes of money soe assessed and levyed to collect and dispose off for such uses as the sd acts of Generall Assembly shall establish and appoynt, To Have and to Hold, possess and enjoy, and & singular, the sd Lordshipp or mannour of St. George’s and premisses, with all their and every of their appurtenances unto the sd Coll. William Smith, his heirs and assigns to the only proper use, benefit and behoofe of him, the sd. Coll. William Smith, his heirs and assigns forever, and that the sd Lordshipp or mannour aforesaid shall be and forever continue free and exempt from the Jurisdiction of any towne, towneship, or mannor whatsoever to be holden of us, our


October 9, 1693October 9, 1693 heirs and successors in free and common soccage, according

to the tennour of our mannour of East Greenwich, in the county of Kent, in our Kingdom of England, yielding, rendering therefore yearly, and every year forever, unto their most sacred Majesties aforesaid, their heirs and successors, or to such officer or officers as shall, from tyme to tyme, be empowered to receive the same, if demanded, twenty shillings, currant money of this Province, upon the tenth day of October, in lieu and stead of all services, dutyes or demands whatsoever.

Witness, Benjamin ffletcher, our Captaine Generall and Governour in Chief of our Province of New York and all the territoryes depending theron in America. Given at ffort Willm Henry, in our citty of New York, this ninth day of October, in the fift year of our reigne, 1693.”

Source: Records of the Town of Brookhaven, Book C, 1687-1789. New York: Derrydale Press, 1931: pp. 77-83.

Getting the Critters Off the Getting the Critters Off the CommonCommon

& An Early Zoning Ordinance on & An Early Zoning Ordinance on FencingFencing

June 16, 1692June 16, 1692 “At a meeting of the Trustees of the freeholder and

comonality of the Towne of Brookhaven upon the 16th day of June 1692 pres[ent] Captn Wodhull Peter Whitehaire John Halluck Joseph Longbo[thum] Samuel Acrely Joseph Tooker Jt is enacted and ordered by the abov[e] Trustees & by Vertue of the power derived from our present Pattent b[ee] Jt further Enacted that the former laws from page 29 to 34 Concerning Cattle Corne fields & fencesCattle Corne fields & fences shall stand in force to bee observ[ed] & kept by the freeholders and Comonality of this Towne & whereas swine swine are unruly creatures & not Easily turned by fencing Jt is further ordered that all Swine from halfe ayeare old & upward shall not r[unn] in the comons neer any inclosiers without yoakes of a foot or nine inches above the neck & a cross barr of two foot under the throate & all swine under halfe ayeare old shall bee kept within ther[e] owners inclosiers and not to runn at randumin the commons: And [by] Reason much damage is done yearely by unRuly horses unRuly horses being Tur[ned] loos in the Comons without being sidlines with apaire of fett[ers?] noe horses or maires shall runn within a mile of the Towne without being lyable of Poundige ordered likewise that all fences Shall bee of four foot & a half high good & strong and soe closse that sheepsheep cannot goe through [Signed] Richard wodhull

Timothy Brewster Clerk”

Grand Local TraditionsGrand Local TraditionsBrookhaven Town Highway Planning & Tax Evasion, Brookhaven Town Highway Planning & Tax Evasion,

November 23, 1693November 23, 1693A Roadway Clearance Corvee, Late 17A Roadway Clearance Corvee, Late 17thth Century Style Century Style

Fair Warning Notice of Intent to BuildFair Warning Notice of Intent to Build On the Road Diggin’ : “At a meeting of The Trustees of the ffreeholders & Comonality of the Towne

of Brookhaven upon the 27th day of November 1693…It was ordered that the high way at the going over by David Edors be repaired and that the high way toward Nesaquake and towards the South and also towards the old mans [Mt. Sinai] bee cleared by the whole Towne in gennerall upon thirdsday next and that warning bee given to Neighbours for that purpose. . .”

17th Century Tax Evasion? : Evading the Town Quit Rent (same meeting): “ Alsoe at the same Time Collonel William Smith, Es[q.] Did cause his

Pattent to bee read before the Trustees abovesaide and Each & Every. Of them Did declare that they had nothing to object against the limits bounds powers privileges within the saide Pattent conteined

Also Coll William Smith did Covenant and agree for himselfe and his heirs for Ever With the Trustees of the Towne of Brookhaven and theire heires and Successors that for and in consideration of fourtie and two shillings in mony by him the saide Smith in hand paide for the use of the Towne they doe for Ever aquitt the saide Smith and his heires for Ever from any or all quitt rent due from the little [i.e., Stongs] Neck & his hom Lotts…”

Source: Records of the Town of Brookhaven, Book C, 1687-1789. New York: Derrydale Press, 1931: p. 13.

Brookhaven Colonial Militia Officers, 1693

“Of ye Regiment of Militia of ye County of Suffolk on ye Island Nassaw:

The Several Compas in Ye Said Regt.

The Foot Compa in the Town of The Foot Compa in the Town of BrookhavenBrookhavenCommon Officers.

Sam. Smith, CaptainSam. Smith, CaptainRichd Floyd, Lieut.Richd Floyd, Lieut.Joseph Tucker, EnsigneJoseph Tucker, Ensigne”

Source: Pelletreau, William S. “Appendix: The Colonial Militia” [Excerpt] . In A History of Long Island, From Its Earliest Settlement to the Present Time, v. 2. New York; London: Lewis Publishing Co., 1903:: p. 560.

The Odyssey of William (“Tangier”) Smith, 1693-1705, Pt. 5

Smith as Illustrative of Leisler’s Long Shadow Over NY Politics

In & Out of High Provincial Office, & his In & Out of High Provincial Office, & his Unkechaug Legacy Unkechaug Legacy

On June 8, 1693June 8, 1693,, he was appointed commander, Suffolk County Militia On July 2, 1700July 2, 1700 after the Unkechaug Unkechaug appealed to him for some land to call

their own, he deeded them 175 acres in Mastic, in perpetuity, root of today’s Poospatuck Reservation (for 2 ears of Indian corn, annually)

The next Governor, the Earl of BellomontGovernor, the Earl of Bellomont, entertaining the pro-Leislerian faction, removed William Smith from office as chief justice, on October 30, October 30, 1700,1700, but not from the Governor’s Council

When Bellomont diedBellomont died on March 5, 1701March 5, 1701, the Lt. Gov. John NanfanLt. Gov. John Nanfan was in in BarbadosBarbados.. William Smith, as senior member of the Governor’s Council William Smith, as senior member of the Governor’s Council became its Presidentbecame its President,, and unsuccessfully attempted to assume the prerogatives of military commander-in-chief, to stiff legislative opposition, later upheld by England’s Board of Trade. His true intent is good grist for historical analysis. On May 19, 1701,May 19, 1701, Lt. Gov. Nanfan returnedLt. Gov. Nanfan returned and assumed the reins. The next Governor, Lord CornburyGovernor, Lord Cornbury,an anti-Leislerian, evicted his predecessor’s candidate (via judicial proceedings), and briefly reinstalled Smith as Chief Justice (June 9, 1702-April 5, 1703),(June 9, 1702-April 5, 1703), when Queen Anne’s own appointee was confirmed.

William “Tangier” Smith died at his Sebonac (today’s Mastic) estateWilliam “Tangier” Smith died at his Sebonac (today’s Mastic) estate on February 18, 1705.February 18, 1705. He was buried in Setauketburied in Setauket. At his death, still a senior member of the Governor’s Council, he had served England in key positions in two colonies under 4 sovereigns, accrued a manor of over 40,000 acres independent of Brookhaven Town jurisdiction.

Tangier Smith’s SetauketTangier Smith’s Setauket Manse Manse (As it Appeared in New York Magazine, Oct 1792)

It Still Stands, in Private Hands

Sources (A Partial Tangier Smith Bibliography): Bayles, Thomas R. “Col. Smith was Mayor of Tangier, Africa, at 20.” Long Island

Advance, November 3, 1966: 15. Bigelow, Stephanie S. “The Remarkable Tangier Smiths.” Long Island Forum, 36(5)

May 1973: 85. Eberlein, Harold Donaldson. Manor Houses and Historic Homes of Long Island and

Staten Island. Philadelphia; London: J.B. Lippincott, 1928: 84-106. Osborne, Chester G., George C. Furman and Hugh S. Furman. The Manor of St.

George, Situated at Smith’s Point, Near Mastic Beach, Suffolk County, New York, Dedicated as a Museum and Park, August, 1955. 14 p.

Smith, Ruth Tangier & Henry Bainbridge Hoff. The Tangier Smith Family: Descendants of Colonel William Smith of the Manor of St. George, Long Island, New York.. The Order of Colonial Lords of Manors in America, Pub. No. 34. The Order, 1978.

Wood, Silas. “Sketch pf Col. William Smith.” In A Sketch of the First Settlement of the Several Towns on Long-Island; with Their Political Condition, to the End of the American Revolution, a New ed. Brooklyn, NY: Printed by Alden Spooner, 1828: 139-144.

Figuring Out a Slave’s or Indentured Figuring Out a Slave’s or Indentured Servant Child’s Age Servant Child’s Age

January ye 15January ye 15thth 1694/3 1694/3

““Rachell Whitehaire the Wife of Peter Rachell Whitehaire the Wife of Peter Whitehaire declared to mee that DaVid Whitehaire declared to mee that DaVid Jinnins. Jun[i]or the son of David & Jinnins. Jun[i]or the son of David & Hannah Jinnins [Jennings?] who is Hannah Jinnins [Jennings?] who is bound unto John Roe Senior was Seven bound unto John Roe Senior was Seven yeares old the 29yeares old the 29thth of September last of September last which sheweth that he was borne the which sheweth that he was borne the 2929thth of September 1686 – of September 1686 –

Pr mee Timothy Brewster Clerk”Pr mee Timothy Brewster Clerk”

Source: Brookhaven (N.Y. : Town). Records of the Town of Brookhaven, Book B, 1679-1756. New York: Derrydale Press, 1932: p. 109.

Questions for Students: Why might local colonial authorities be concerned to know an indentured servant’s age?

Gravitating Toward a New Center, 1/1/1695

Coram as Town Meeting PlaceCoram as Town Meeting PlaceBy 1695, with a chain of settlements chain of settlements

along the Town’s south and north along the Town’s south and north shoresshores,, the need for a more centrally located meeting became apparent

The first use of CoramCoram as that more central meeting place was on January 1, January 1, 16951695. Its adoption took decades. Today the Davis House,Davis House, site of numerous Town meetings, and votes, and much history, is being allowed to deteriorate.

Source: Bayles, Thomas R. Historical Sketches Historical Sketches of Brookhaven Town, Settled in 1655.of Brookhaven Town, Settled in 1655. Middle Island, NY: Thomas R. Bayles, 1946: 3.

Finding Common Ground – May 22, 1696

Settling the Disputed Northeastern Town Boundary

& Laying out Some New Common Lands “The Trustees of the ffreeholders & comonality of the Towne of Brookhave[n] upon the 22n’d of May 1696 present Richard Floyd oswald Foord Thomas [Bigs] Jonathun Owen Samuel Tompson: there was Chosen Richard Woodhull Esqre John Halluck Thomas Helme & Petter Whitehaire to goe to the Wading River to meet the men to meet the men apointed by the Towne of Southold [to runn] the apointed by the Towne of Southold [to runn] the Line between the Townes and to Survey & lay Line between the Townes and to Survey & lay out the Towns [mead]owout the Towns [mead]ow according to the according to the proportions as may apeare by the rights of proportions as may apeare by the rights of com[on]idgecom[on]idge

Entered p[e]r mee Timothy Brewster Clerk” Source: Brookhaven (N.Y.:Town). Clerk. Records . Town

of Brookhaven,, Book C, 1687-1789. New York: Published by The Derrydale Press, for The Town, 1931: p. 52-53.

Stony Brook Grist Mill, est. January Stony Brook Grist Mill, est. January 27, 169927, 1699

Adam Smith, ProprietorAdam Smith, Proprietor ““At a Generall Towne meeting ye 27At a Generall Towne meeting ye 27thth of January it was of January it was

agreed by a major voate tha[t] Adam Smith shall have the agreed by a major voate tha[t] Adam Smith shall have the Townes Right of the Streame called Ston[y] Brookwith two Townes Right of the Streame called Ston[y] Brookwith two acres of Land adjoyning thereunto wheare it may [bee] acres of Land adjoyning thereunto wheare it may [bee] most convenient on condition that hee Erect & build a most convenient on condition that hee Erect & build a good & suffi[cient] Grist mill & maintaine the Same the good & suffi[cient] Grist mill & maintaine the Same the Townes me first building the [Damm] he the saide Smiths Townes me first building the [Damm] he the saide Smiths hall Keep in repaire himselfe & that hee doe [?] oblige to hall Keep in repaire himselfe & that hee doe [?] oblige to grinde for all the Townsmen who shall in due proporti[on] grinde for all the Townsmen who shall in due proporti[on] assist in making the saide Damm at the Rate of two quarts assist in making the saide Damm at the Rate of two quarts u[pon the?] Bushell of wheate& three of Indian & Rey u[pon the?] Bushell of wheate& three of Indian & Rey Further att the same Ti[me] there was granted that the Further att the same Ti[me] there was granted that the one halfe of the Thatchbed adjonin[g the] thatch which one halfe of the Thatchbed adjonin[g the] thatch which Timothy Brewster bought of Colonel Smith from h[missing] Timothy Brewster bought of Colonel Smith from h[missing] Eastward shall bee layd out by Justice Wodhull & Timothy Eastward shall bee layd out by Justice Wodhull & Timothy Brewster [to] bee added to & Remaine for the use of the Brewster [to] bee added to & Remaine for the use of the parsonage for Ever David Edows had the old shopp given parsonage for Ever David Edows had the old shopp given to him & the thatch upon the [East] Islands to remaine to to him & the thatch upon the [East] Islands to remaine to his proper use soe Long as hee shall doe the Towne[s] his proper use soe Long as hee shall doe the Towne[s] work. . .pr Timothy Brewster Clerk”work. . .pr Timothy Brewster Clerk”

Source:Source: Brookhaven (N.Y. : Town). Brookhaven (N.Y. : Town). Records of the Town of Records of the Town of Brookhaven, Book C, 1687-1789.Brookhaven, Book C, 1687-1789. New York: Derrydale Press, New York: Derrydale Press, 1931: pp. 23-24.1931: pp. 23-24.

The Water-bearer: Brookhaven The Water-bearer: Brookhaven Town Water AuthorityTown Water Authority

Moses Owen in the Bull Rushes , with Moses Owen in the Bull Rushes , with Ropes & BucketsRopes & Buckets

January 4, January 4, 16991699/1700/1700 ““[Mem]orandum…Jt was [Mem]orandum…Jt was agreed agreed by the maj[or by the maj[or part] of all those that weare present part] of all those that weare present att theatt the Raising of the frame of the [Tow]ns wellRaising of the frame of the [Tow]ns well that on that on Condition that moses Owen would treate all those Condition that moses Owen would treate all those [tha]t weare then present[tha]t weare then present att the saide raising att the saide raising aforesaide then hee the [said]e aforesaide then hee the [said]e Moses Owen shall Moses Owen shall have privilidge of drawing water att the have privilidge of drawing water att the aforesa[ide] [we]ll providedaforesa[ide] [we]ll provided that hee that hee the said the said moses doe beare an Equall proportion of [the] moses doe beare an Equall proportion of [the] charge of providing & mainetaining buckitts & charge of providing & mainetaining buckitts & well ropes for the [draw]ing of water thereatwell ropes for the [draw]ing of water thereat, , [which] hee the aforesaid moses accordingly [which] hee the aforesaid moses accordingly performedperformed

Entered per Timothy Brewster Clerk”Entered per Timothy Brewster Clerk”

Source:Source: Brookhaven (N.Y. : Town). Brookhaven (N.Y. : Town). Records of the Town of Records of the Town of Brookhaven, Book C, 1687-1789.Brookhaven, Book C, 1687-1789. New York: Derrydale Press, New York: Derrydale Press, 1931: p. 25..1931: p. 25..

Rare Exception to the Rule of Rare Exception to the Rule of Unapologetic AppropriationUnapologetic Appropriation

Col. William (“Tangier”) Smith Gives Land Col. William (“Tangier”) Smith Gives Land Back to the IndiansBack to the Indians

Granting the Unkechaug Land on Which to Granting the Unkechaug Land on Which to Live, July 2, 1700Live, July 2, 1700

Origin of the Poospatuck Reservation, Pt. 1Origin of the Poospatuck Reservation, Pt. 1 “WHEREAS, Seachem Tobaguss, deceased, did in his Life Time, with the other indians, natives, and possessors of certaine tracts of Lande & meddow, on ye south side of ye Islande of Nasaw, neare Unguachock, by severall deeds under ther handes & seales, & by possession, Liverie & seanon, given for valuable consideratin in sayd deedes, expressed, Did Bargin, sell, alinate, rattifi & confirm unto mee and my heires & assines, to have, holde & inioye for ever, all theire right, titel & Interest of, and to all there sayde Landes, &c., ass afore said ass pr sayd deedes and Patens thereon obteyned, may appeare. Bee it knowne unto all men that the intent sayd Indiean, there children and posterryte may not want suffesient land to plant on, for ever, that I doe hereby grant for mee, my Heires and assignes, for Ever, that Wisquosuck Iose, wionconow, Pataquam, Steven Werampes, Penaws Tapshana, Wepsha Tacome and Jacob, Indian Natives of Unquachock, there children & ye Posteritie of there children forever, shall, withoute any mollestation from mee, my Heires or assines, shall, and maye plant, sowe for Ever on the conditions hereafter expressed, one hundred seventie and five acres of Land, part of the Lande so solde mee ass is a foresayed, that is to saye, one hundered Akors in mastick Neck, fifty acres at

Rare Exception to the Rule of Rare Exception to the Rule of Unapologetic AppropriationUnapologetic Appropriation

Col. William (“Tangier”) Smith Gives Land Col. William (“Tangier”) Smith Gives Land Back to the Indians Back to the Indians

Granting the Unkechaug Land on Which to Granting the Unkechaug Land on Which to Live, July 2, 1700Live, July 2, 1700

Origin of the Poospatuck Reservation, Pt. 2Origin of the Poospatuck Reservation, Pt. 2 pospaton, fefteene acres at Constbles Neck and ten Akers at qualican, and to burn under wood alwaies provided that ye sayd Indians, there children or posterrete have not any preveleg to sell, convaye, to any persunor persans whatsoever, but this planting Rite shall Descende to them & there children for Ever, and that ye herbidg is reserved to me and my Heirs or assines, when there croops are of & thaye yealding and payeing, as an acknowledgment, to me and my Heires, for ever, Two yellow Eares of indian corne, in testimony whereof, I have to these present set my hande and seale, at my manner of St. George’s, this second daye of July, Anno Domey Don 1700.

WM. SMITH Sealed, Delivered, in the presenc of RICHARD WOODHULL, JOHN X W. WOOD” Source:: [?? Brookhaven (N.Y. : Town). Brookhaven (N.Y. : Town). Records of the Town Records of the Town

of Brookhaven, Book C, 1687-1789.of Brookhaven, Book C, 1687-1789. New York: Derrydale New York: Derrydale Press, 1931: p. [?] .]Press, 1931: p. [?] .]

““Theire Creatures Falling Therein,” Theire Creatures Falling Therein,”

May [14?], 1701May [14?], 1701“Liberty Granted to David Edows to digg

a well in the high way against his house wheare it shall bee most convenient for him & to have the sole bennefitt thereof for seven yeare & after the saide well is dugg hee shall give from under his hand to secure the Towne from any damadge of theire creatures falling therein.”

Source: Brookhaven (N.Y. : Town). Records of the Records of the Town of Brookhaven, Book C, 1687-1789.Town of Brookhaven, Book C, 1687-1789. New York: Derrydale Press, 1931: p. 27.

““owr duty not to suffer any of Gods owr duty not to suffer any of Gods creatures to want” creatures to want”

Town Fathers Put in Their 2-5 Town Fathers Put in Their 2-5 CentsCents

Or, One Cheap BasturdOr, One Cheap Basturd -- -- December 26, 1701December 26, 1701 ““Whereas Hue Moshier made complaint that Whereas Hue Moshier made complaint that

Margaret Moshier Daughter of John Moshier is Margaret Moshier Daughter of John Moshier is Lately brought to bed at his house of a basturd Lately brought to bed at his house of a basturd child which shee hath Laide to Richard Floyd child which shee hath Laide to Richard Floyd Junier & hath made due complaint unto some Junier & hath made due complaint unto some of the Justices of this county who as yet have of the Justices of this county who as yet have taken noe care for the mainetenance of ye taken noe care for the mainetenance of ye saide child wee beleiving it to bee owr duty saide child wee beleiving it to bee owr duty not to suffer any of Gods creatures to want. not to suffer any of Gods creatures to want. doe there fore order that the said Hue Moshier doe there fore order that the said Hue Moshier bee allowed two & three pence per weeke bee allowed two & three pence per weeke toward the maintenance of the sd child and toward the maintenance of the sd child and untill the next quarter Sessions holden in this untill the next quarter Sessions holden in this County. . . .”County. . . .”

Source: Brookhaven (N.Y. : Town). Records of the Records of the Town of Brookhaven, Book C, 1687-1789.Town of Brookhaven, Book C, 1687-1789. New York: Derrydale Press, 1931: p. 27.

Governor’s Request to Review the Town Patent, Pt. 1

Prompt Delivery by the Slowest Method -- December 23, 1703 ““At a meeting of the Trustees of the freeholders At a meeting of the Trustees of the freeholders

of the Towne of Brookhaven upon the Three & of the Towne of Brookhaven upon the Three & twentyeth day of December 1703twentyeth day of December 1703

Present – Captn Clark, Thomas Jenner, Joseph Present – Captn Clark, Thomas Jenner, Joseph Tooker, Benj Smith, William Satterly, Daniel Tooker, Benj Smith, William Satterly, Daniel Brewster, Samuel T’ompsonBrewster, Samuel T’ompson

Whearas theare hath been Exhibited before usWhearas theare hath been Exhibited before us aproclamation from his Excelency the Governour aproclamation from his Excelency the Governour of New yorke &c comanding all Pattents to bee of New yorke &c comanding all Pattents to bee broaght in to the collector or Receiver Generalbroaght in to the collector or Receiver General andand to shew the same unto him to shew the same unto him & after hee hath & after hee hath seeeen the same seeeen the same to returne it againeto returne it againe to the to the TowneTowne Except it bee forcably taken from him. Except it bee forcably taken from him.

Ordered that Timothy Brewster of this Towne doe Ordered that Timothy Brewster of this Towne doe deliver the two pattentsdeliver the two pattents of this Towne to Thomas of this Towne to Thomas Jenner & William SatterlyJenner & William Satterly by them to [be] by them to [be] delivered to John Halluck or some other person delivered to John Halluck or some other person whom they shall see fitt to sendwhom they shall see fitt to send as aforesaideas aforesaide

Governor’s Request to Review the Town Patent, Pt. 2

With Town Patent En Route to the Governor

Brookhaven’s 11th Hour Confirmation of Questionable Landholding Claims

December 23, 1703 Jn persuance to an order made at a Gennerull Towne Jn persuance to an order made at a Gennerull Towne

meeting the first teusday in may last past that meeting the first teusday in may last past that sundry sundry persons who clasimed an halfe alotmentpersons who clasimed an halfe alotment should make their should make their titLe apeare to the sattisfaction of theTrustees titLe apeare to the sattisfaction of theTrustees weewee having having overlooked what orders they have produced overlooked what orders they have produced doe finde doe finde that the persons under named have a right to halfe that the persons under named have a right to halfe alotmentalotment EverEver since since the yeare the yeare one thousand six hundred & one thousand six hundred & seventy six:seventy six: provided they pay scot & lot in all things with provided they pay scot & lot in all things with the rest of the Jnhabitantsthe rest of the Jnhabitants of the Towne of the Towne & are obedient to & are obedient to the Rules & orders of the Trusteesthe Rules & orders of the Trustees of ye said Towne of ye said Towne John John Tooker John Moshier Ralfe Dayton John Smith______Tooker John Moshier Ralfe Dayton John Smith______

Ordered that the persons above namedOrdered that the persons above named applying applying themselves to the Trustees acording to former orders themselves to the Trustees acording to former orders shall shall have an order from the Trustees to the Surveyor for the have an order from the Trustees to the Surveyor for the laying out of such trackslaying out of such tracks [I.e., tracts] of Land as shall [I.e., tracts] of Land as shall become become due to them by Right of devisiondue to them by Right of devision and and upon the upon the Surveyors returne Ordered that the President or any other Surveyors returne Ordered that the President or any other two of the Trustees in his absence doe give a confirmationtwo of the Trustees in his absence doe give a confirmation of such Tracks of Land so surveyed acording to orderof such Tracks of Land so surveyed acording to order

Adjorned till further order”Adjorned till further order” Source: Brookhaven (N.Y. : Town). Source: Brookhaven (N.Y. : Town). Records of the Town Records of the Town

of Brookhaven, Book C, 1687-1789.of Brookhaven, Book C, 1687-1789. New York: Derrydale New York: Derrydale Press, 1931: pp. 42-43.Press, 1931: pp. 42-43.

A Progressive Tax-Based Corvee, A Progressive Tax-Based Corvee, April 20, 1704, Pt. 1April 20, 1704, Pt. 1

Rates & DaysRates & Days “At a meeting of the Trustees of Brook Haven, upon twentyeth day of Aprill, 1704….

Ordered that the Highways bee cleared with expedition…

Ordered, that all prsons belonging to the Towne of Brookhaven Rated in the Queen’s 13 Hundred Pound Tax (County Rate) shall worke upon the highwayes, as followeth:All persons rated All persons rated underunder fivety pound or Fivety fivety pound or Fivety

pounds shall worke one day each person.pounds shall worke one day each person.All persons rated from 50 to 100, 2 days each person.All persons rated from 50 to 100, 2 days each person.All persons rated from 50 to 150, 3 days each person.All persons rated from 50 to 150, 3 days each person.All persons rated from 150 to 200, 4 days each All persons rated from 150 to 200, 4 days each

person.person.All persons rated from 200 to 250, 5 days each All persons rated from 200 to 250, 5 days each

person.person.All person rated from 250 to 300, 6 days each All person rated from 250 to 300, 6 days each

person.person.

A Progressive Tax-Based Corvee, A Progressive Tax-Based Corvee, April 20, 1704, Pt. 2 April 20, 1704, Pt. 2 Overseers, Overseers, Substitutes, Fines, &Division of Substitutes, Fines, &Division of

LaborLabor Thomas Jenner, Timothy Brewster, Daniel Brewster, and Benjamin Smith are chosen to oversee and order the saide worke, and to take care that all persons that doe not goe themselves doe send good and sufficient hands, and that every person that cometh to worke doe performe his duty under the penalty of three shillings for each defalter, to be gathered by a warrant from under the hande and seal of one of her majestye’s Justices of the peace for the county of Suffolke, and that the whole Towne bee devided into four squadernes , and that each Overseer have a Roll of those persons that are to worke under them the Second in May.

Ordered, that the worke begins upon Tuesday next, acording to the number of theeir Squadurnes and soe onward, and that every overseer doe aply themselves to Mr. Helme’s for theire derections wheare to begin theire worke.”

Source: Brookhaven (N.Y.:Town). Clerk. Records . Town of Brookhaven,, Up to 1800. Patchogue, NY: The Town, Printed at the Office of the “Advance, 1880: pp. 95-96.

Return to Sender?-- September Return to Sender?-- September 27, 170727, 1707

18th Century Homeless Awareness in Brookhaven (Not for Long) “At a meeting of the: Trustees of Brookhaven

upon the 27th of September 1707 Presnt Mr Nicholl } Daniel Brewster Mr Floyd } Samuel Tompson Joseph Tooker } Selah Strong John Rogers & Jndigent decripped person being

brought to this Towne on the 25th day of this Jnstant September from Southould = Ordered that the s[ai]d John Rogers bee Transported back againe to Southould the place of his last Residence and that the charge be borne by the Towne

Adjourned untill further order” Source: Brookhaven (N.Y.:Town). Clerk.

Records . Town of Brookhaven,, Book C, 1687-1789. New York: Published by The Derrydale Press, for The Town, 1931: p. 52-53.

Poverty hath Its PrivilegesPoverty hath Its PrivilegesBrookhaven Town Cedes Land & Currant Brookhaven Town Cedes Land & Currant

Money to SoutholdMoney to SoutholdPart of Wading River is Forfeit -- Part of Wading River is Forfeit -- June 3, June 3,

17091709 “[At a Me]eting [of the] Trustees of Broo[kehave]n upon the [3 day of June 17]09 Present Coll Smith Collell Floyd Daniel Brewster William {Satterly] Samuel Tompson Thomas Jenner Selah Strong =Vpon the applica[tion] of James Reave in behalfe of the Towne of Southold in__ [refere]nce to the sd James Reave on the one part in the (missing) in behalf of Southold and the Trustees of Brookehaven on the other [part] [t]hat the Towne of Brookkehaven shall be acquitted and fully __[disch]arged from all charges whatsoever that now is or shall hearaf[ter be]e concerning the sd John Rogers his keeping or care on the condition [that] the Towne of Brookehaven aforesd doe Resigne unto the Towne of Southold all theire pattent Right of the Land and medow on the the__[East si]de of the wading River & alsoe pay unto saide James [Reave] four pounds in Currant money at his house for the use of [the] Towne of Southold at or before ye 29th day of September [next] Ensuing Date hereof Jt was Like wise agreed that Samuel Tompson have an order to the Syrveyer for the Laying out of [Tw]enty acres of Land for which is due upon the acomodation [Ri]ght of Joseph Longbothum. . . .”

Source: Brookhaven (N.Y.:Town). Clerk. Records . Town of Brookhaven,, Book C, 1687-1789. New York: Published by The Derrydale Press, for The Town, 1931: p. 55.

County Records Maintenance County Records Maintenance Hot PotatoHot Potato

3 Towns to Consult – May 16, 3 Towns to Consult – May 16, 17101710“…“…Ordered that a Letter bee sent to Ordered that a Letter bee sent to

Southold & alsoe to Southampton to Southold & alsoe to Southampton to advise with them about the choise of advise with them about the choise of some of some person whom they thinke some of some person whom they thinke may bee most su[i]table to keep the may bee most su[i]table to keep the county Registerscounty Registers coll. [i.e., Colonel coll. [i.e., Colonel William] SmithWilliam] Smith to act for this Towneto act for this Towne = = adjorned untill further order –”adjorned untill further order –”

Source: Brookhaven (N.Y.:Town). Clerk. Records . Town of Brookhaven,, Book C, Records . Town of Brookhaven,, Book C, 1687-1789.1687-1789. New York: Published by The Derrydale Press, for The Town, 1931: p. 56.

Prohibition on & Licensing Sale of Cord Wood

March 9, 1712“Ordered that no persun or persons

Whatsoever do hence forth presume to cut & Expose to sale any Cord wood on any part of the Commons wethin the Township of Brook haven on penalty of being prosecuted acording to the Act of Generall assembly without Leue [i.e., leave – permission] or lisence first obtained from the maior part of the propriety or trustes of s[ai]d Towne P[e]r Order

H. Smith: President”


Securing Local Support & Naval Stores, Pt. 1

Taxes, Tar & TurpentineTaxes, Tar & Turpentinefor Queen Anne’s War, June 2, 1715 “Itt wass agreed apon by the trustes that a ten

pounde Rate bee made a pon the Towne to be payde by the first of August nex[t]: Insueing for ye Defrayeing ye Necessary Charges of ye Towne

Further it is ordered that every Barrill of Tarr: that is made or Run in ower townes patten[t] or that is brought to ower townes Landings paye a bit pe[r] barrill and for Every Barrill of turpintine that is made or got i[n] the townes patten[t] shall paye ten shillings for barrill to ye Towne and all other smole quntetys [small quantities] proportinable: the sayd penaltys [to] be payde wethin ten Dayes after the Rivall or Runing of sd Tarr and [the] [t]urpintine to bee payd in to thee hand of a officer apinted Who [is ?] Coll Floyd.

Securing Local Support & Naval Stores, Pt. 2

Limiting Lumbering, Town Pound, & Limiting Lumbering, Town Pound, & Land RightsLand Rights

for Queen Anne’s War, June 2, 1715 Further it is agred apon that noe man from this time forth shall get any timber in this towne yt [that] hath no[e] Rit in ye Commans nor towneship and that noe man shall giue libberty [th]at hath a Rite in ye towne to any man that hath none to get [tim]ber notwithstanying.

Ordered that a pounde be made forthwith and set at ye west En[d] of Cool Floyds barn and he hath giuen ye Towne liberty for t[o] Drive any Cretors to ye sd pound over his Lande that is found in an[y] Trespass: so longe as the sayd pound shall standes

It is further ordered that Every man that hath a Rite in his Tow[ne] is Requiered to bring in his Rite to Cole Smith: or Coll Floyd: or: to Daniel Brewster or Ether of them by the last of June in order to a Divishon of: Akers of Land apon Every Rite of a full alotmen[t] and If any persun shall Neglect or Refuse to Do It he shall louse his Devishon” [Landholders required again to document their right to the land, I.e., prove it or lose it.]

Source: Brookhaven (N.Y.:Town). Clerk. Records . Town of Brookhaven,, Book C, 1687-1789. New York: Published by The Derrydale Press, for The Town, 1931: p. 67-68.

Land Subdivision Scheme & Shenanigans, 1715-1719

Enlightenment Rationalism?: It appears from the Town records that in order to tax landholding equitably, the Town sought to both readjust landholdings to increments of a given size; in defiance of grants & patents from the Duke of York, kings, and governors

In their zeal to reform, they appear to have moved to: Limit landholdings to those that could prove their title Share out all land in the entire Town Partially dispossess larger landholders, by setting a maximum holding Encroach on the larger holdings, esp. to the south Restrict future landholdings to approved owners Prevent outsiders from moving in

This became a source of complaint, to the Governor’s Council, who accusing the Town Board of malpractice, summoned the Town Trustees to appear before them to explain themselves.

Town records provide no clue what happened at the Provincial level. But, it is interesting to note that local defiance was strong. There was a major illegal cutting & hauling of timber from the Commons, & opponents were elected to key Board slots in 1720.

Source: Brookhaven (N.Y.:Town). Clerk. Records . Town of Brookhaven,, Book C, 1687-1789. New York: Published by The Derrydale Press, for The Town, 1931: p. 70-97.

A Foot in His Mouth:The Lords Justices of England

Challenge Gov. Hunter’s Whaling Rights Claims

Whitehall, England -- Feb. 25, 1718, Pt. 1 “You intimate in Your letter to our Secry of 22d

Nov. last that the Whale fishery is reservd to the Crown by Your Patents. As we can find no such thing in Your Commission, We desire you will explain what you mean by it. In the meantime We have received another Petition from Mulford, praying Dispatch in our Report upon the Papers our Secretary sent you the 19th of Septemb last: We must therefore desire from You a full Answer to those Papers our Secretary sent you; And particularly as to the Right of the Crown; and that you would inform us what Quantitys of Whales Are Caught in your Government Comunibus annis; In what Condition that ffishery is, & has been for some years past, especially since your being in this Government, whether other persons have paid & continue to pay the Dues you demanded & which Mulford Complains of; What these

A Foot in His Mouth:The Lords Justices of England

Challenge Gov. Hunter’s Whaling Rights Claims

Whitehall, England -- Feb. 25, 1718, Pt. 2 Dues may Amount to one Year with Another, &

how the profit arising by them is Apply’d. Upon this Occasion We must observe to you,

that we hope you give all due Encouragemt to that Trade.

Mr. Philips has laid before us the Address from the General Assembly of New York to You about Mulford & at the same time acquainted us that he had reason to believe your Answer to Mulfords Complaints was lost in the Ship Mercury.”

Source: New York (State). Secretary of State. The Documentary History of the State of New-York, v. 3, by E.B. O’Callaghan. Albany, NY: Weed, Parsons & Co., Public Printers, 1858: p. 384.

Note: While Mulford was not from Brookhaven, had the Governor’s claim of whaling rights reverting to the Crown gone unchecked, Brookhaven’s longstanding, hard won claim to the lucrative whaling rights within its bounds, would also have been at risk.

Deference & Plea: The Floyd & Smith Petition, Pt. 1

to the Governor’s Council, October 15, 1719 Richard Floyd & William Smith, “…on behalf of themselves

and other fffreeholders and Inhabitants of the Town of Brookhaven…SHEWETH

That Yo Pet[itione]rs having lands within the townshipp as alsoe lands within the Manor of St. George Exempted from the [said Township and ?] the said Town under pretence [and Colour of an Act of Assembly enabeling the respective Townes to] raise moneye to defray their necesssary [charges assessed yor] petrs estates in the mannor of St. George [and Townshipp of Brookhaven] and sent distresses in the night time for the [?] and great oppression of yor petrs in pticular But they had extended their power to the generall oppression of all the freeholders of the said Town yor petrs would have rested under their own grievance till a due Course of law would have relieved them without giving ths Honrble Board the trouble of a Complaint But as oppressions and wrongs done to the publick are matters properly to be represented here…the Trustees of the said Town by pretence of the [said act]….and contrary to the same ends and intent thereof (which your petitioners humbly conceives was for defraying public charges only) have rated petitiors and…ffreeholders and raised moneyes upon….private uses and

Deference & Plea: The Floyd & Smith Petition, Pt. 2

to the Governor’s Council, October 15, 1719 discharging particular agreements with [?] and paying of the

Dissenting Minister and other private uses. That altho the several assessments made beares proper title…

yet the moneys thereby raised and levyed have altogether been applied to the private uses above and haue accordingly been paid out by the Treasurer….as yor petrs doubts not to prove And which matter has been soe notorious that the said rates have been levyed [by them without of] fence the ffreeholders not refusing but being ready and willing to pay.

Your petrs therefore Humbly pray your Honr and this Honrble Board to take the matter into serious Consideration and not suffer those laws that are made for the protection and good of all his Maties subjects to be perverted to the Injury and oppression of them And that yor petrs and other the ffreholders of the said town may be relieved from those grievious burthens laid on them by the said Trustees and the Assessors and other officers of the said town contrary to Law ….

Richard Floyd Wm Smith” [Note: no other signatories] Source: New York (State). Secretary of State. The Documentary

History of the State of New-York, v. 3, by E.B. O’Callaghan. Albany, NY: Weed, Parsons & Co., Public Printers, 1850: pp. 386-387.

Town Fathers Accused of Town Fathers Accused of Governing MalpracticeGoverning Malpractice

Ordered to Appear before the Ordered to Appear before the Governor’s CouncilGovernor’s CouncilOctober 23, 1719October 23, 1719 “Att a meeting of ye Trustes present Coll Smith: Me

Woodhull Samuel Tomsun Sealah Strong Nathaniel Biggs Jonathan Owen – Then the petetion of Richard Floy[d] & William Smith Esq[u]ie[r]: & c: Exhibited his Maisite – Counsell 15th of ocktober complaineing of male practices in ye Truestes of sd Town wharein all partys conserned are Required to giue theire Attendanc the : 5 : Daye of November being published and Red it was voted & agreed that Coll Henery: Smith Lefte [I.e., Lt.] Jonathan Owen Me Richard Woodhull and Me Selah Strong & Samuel Tomsun Do accordingly in behalf of ye Towne giue there personall Attendanc at ye Counesel Borde at New Yourke: & also prosecute such Resanable methods ass thaye maye Judge subservant to secureing the Publick Interest of the sayd Towne.”


Deference & Plea: The Brookhaven Town Board

Counter-Petition, Pt. 1 to the Governor’s Council, late

October, 1719 “….SHEWETH That your Petitioners being extremely surprised, to Vnderstand by a Petition Exhibbitted your Honrs the 15th …by Richard Floyd & William Smith Esqrs, wherein the Trustees Assessors & Collector of this Town, are peremptorily charged wth many illegall & indirect practices in their Late Publick administrations. Your petitioners hauing duly weighed & considered the contents thereof, & finding it to containe many False & scandalous reflections, Esteem it our indispensible Duty, Humbly to present your Honrs That what moneys pr said Trustees haue Lately been raised to defray the Publick and necessary charge of this Town, was grounded on a very Just and unexceptionable basis, and also been Judiciously appropriated to such pious & advantageous uses as are absolutely essentiall to the promoting Relligion, the aduancement of Learning, & securing the Public Peace & Tranquillity of this Town: And tho’ represented to yor Honrs as a greuious imposition; yet from Time to time, we haue freely and volentarily paid our respective assessments to all of those Publick charges.

Deference & Plea: The Brookhaven Town Board Counter-

Petition, Pt. 2 to the Governor’s Council, late October,

1719 Yor Peticioners therefore Humbly prays, that in regard yor

Honrs haue unworthily been imposed uppon, and that these Complaints are groundless, as well as extremely mallicious, That yor Honrs in yor abundant Wisdom & Justice, will take such prudent & effectuall measures, as that innocency may be protected, The deuices of our aduersaries exploded, & the vniverall Peace & fellicity of this Town, County & Gouernment most happely promoted & Established to the Honr of Almighty God, & the vnexpressible Joy & satisfaction of all his Majts most Dutiful & Loyall subjects:

And yor Petitioners (as in duty bound) shall euer pray.” [A 3-column list of 67 endorsing signatories ensued]

Source: New York (State). Secretary of State. The Documentary History of the State of New-York, v. 3, by E.B. O’Callaghan. Albany, NY: Weed, Parsons & Co., Public Printers, 1850: pp. 388-389.

Order in Council -- November Order in Council -- November 6, 17196, 1719

A Ruling on the Petitions -- A Ruling on the Petitions -- Passing the PoundPassing the Pound “Fort George in New York, the

6th day of November. 1719 All parties concerning the Petition of Richard Floyd and

William Smith Esqrs in behalf of themselves and other the Inhabitants and Freeholders of the Town of Brookhaven in the County of Suffolk were called in and after a full hearing by their councill this Board is of the opinion that if the petitioners do conceive themselves they may have their Remedy at Common Law and in the meantime the Trustees are discharged from further attendance on this Board.”

Source: New York (State). Secretary of State. The Documentary History of the State of New-York, v. 3, by E.B. O’Callaghan. Albany, NY: Weed, Parsons & Co., Public Printers, 1850: p. 389.

Two Early Restraining Orders, Two Early Restraining Orders, Issued by the TownIssued by the Town

Or, No Dam Right of Way -- Or, No Dam Right of Way -- January, 31, 1720January, 31, 1720“Att a meteing of ye Trustees on ye

last daye of Jenewary, 1720, present Jonathan Owen, William Satterly, Samuel Tomson, Richard Woodhull, Nathaniel Roe, Moses Burnet, voteed & agreed upon that John Hallat, Jr., bee forewarned from obstructing the bee forewarned from obstructing the highwaye, by makeing a Dam or highwaye, by makeing a Dam or otherwayes.otherwayes. Allso,Allso, that Mr. Sills foreworn Nathaniel Dayton from from fencing and improveing any further ye fencing and improveing any further ye Townes Towne’s lande among ye clift, Townes Towne’s lande among ye clift, at ye wadeingat ye wadeing River.”River.”

Source: Brookhaven (N.Y.:Town). Clerk. Records . Town Records . Town of Brookhaven,, Up to 1800.of Brookhaven,, Up to 1800. Patchogue, NY: The Town, Printed at the Office of the “Advance, 1880: p. 112.

Reining in Unapproved Land Grabs Reining in Unapproved Land Grabs & Enclosures of Town Common & Enclosures of Town Common

Lands, Pt. 1Lands, Pt. 1“their Hath Bin Much Troble & Charges” “their Hath Bin Much Troble & Charges”

-- June 5, 1721-- June 5, 1721 “. . . Whereas their Hath Bin much troble & Charges Created in the town, of Brookhaven by Reson of sundry persons who hath formerly taken up & appropriated to themselves mor[e] Land to themselves than their Equal proportion with the Rest of the proprietors in the said Lands: in order theirfore that Each & Everry of the prorpriators & freeholders & persons therein Concerned should Receave their & Every of their Equall proportion of Lands according to their severall & Respective Rights & have inparti[al] Justice Done them upon the said acc:[ou]nt a Comitte for the same purpose hath Bin, Chose[n] and have Bin Invested with power & aathority suficient for to prced By & allso qually[fy] by oath to fix and Equalize the same in form & manor as a foresaid: which said Com[m]itt[ee] Hath Discharged their Duty & oath accoring to their Trust to the Generall satisfaction [&] Content of the freholders &persons therein Concerned: & forasmuch as the afore sd Ille[gal] method of taking up land hath proved C[h]argeable & hath bin Deemed Highly unresonable it is there fore Enacted By the Thrustees of Brookhaven & by the avthority there of that for the futre no person or persons whatsoever shall take up or inClose or appropriate to themselues or to any others any of the towns Lands Comon & undevided without first

Reining in Unapproved Land Grabs Reining in Unapproved Land Grabs & Enclosures of Town Common & Enclosures of Town Common

Lands, Pt. 2Lands, Pt. 2Surveying & Recording Requirements & Surveying & Recording Requirements &

Legal RemediesLegal Remedies June 5, 1721June 5, 1721 making their Just Rights appear to the satisfaction of the

Trustees of Brookhaven afore said & Likewise to obtain an order from the said Trustees for the survaying of the same & upon the said survay to make speedy Return to the Clark of the town from under the Hand of the Survayer that shall be appointed to survay the same so ordered wherein shall be Jnserted the Dementioned of the sd Land& How itt is Butted & Bounded & the oner of the sd Lands shall Cavs [i.e., Cause] the same to be Recorded at his one Charge: & all persons that shall herafter EnClose or Enter into possestion of any undevided Lands by any other way or means then what is here prescribed shall be Liable to be proceeded against according to the Direction of the laws and acts of the town & Court that is & shall be in that Case made & provided

Dated in Brookhaven this 5th Day of June 1721” Source: Brookhaven (N.Y.:Town). Clerk. Records . Town

of Brookhaven,, Book C, 1687-1789. New York: Published by The Derrydale Press, for The Town, 1931: pp. 100-101.

Enforcement of Tenants in Common & Enforcement of Tenants in Common & Town Water RightsTown Water Rights

April 23, 1724April 23, 1724“. . . Voteed and agreed upon by the Trustes

in generall that Nathaniel Brewster shall forthwith prosecutes the hallats for thare obstruting ye highwayes & trasparing [i.e., trespassing] apon ye Townes Lande att ye fresh pon[d] in ye olde feile and allsoe against ye sd Hallats for thaire fencing in & apropiateing to thaire owne use ye publick watering place belonging: to the Towne all along ye west & norwest side of Nasakegd”


Strict Observation of Penalties for Strict Observation of Penalties for Trustees’ TardinessTrustees’ Tardiness

(Precedent for Rotary & Lions Club (Precedent for Rotary & Lions Club Exactions?)Exactions?)June 2, 1724June 2, 1724

““Allowed by ye Trustes to Justis Allowed by ye Trustes to Justis Strong and Nathaniel Brewster tu [2] Strong and Nathaniel Brewster tu [2] shillings a Day[e] for assesing ordered shillings a Day[e] for assesing ordered that from this time forward that If any that from this time forward that If any one of ye Truste[s] after wor[n]ing one of ye Truste[s] after wor[n]ing giuen Doth not appeare at ye time and giuen Doth not appeare at ye time and place shall forfit a pinte of Rum. . .”place shall forfit a pinte of Rum. . .”


Ed. Note: Continuation of a 17th century tradition. My hunch is that this may still be on the books.

Canines Unleashed, to Be Canines Unleashed, to Be Drilled!Drilled!

Ye 18: Daye of Desember 1728 ““Wharas Wharas sundery of ye Enhabitanssundery of ye Enhabitans of Brookhaven of Brookhaven haue haue sufered grate Damage in thare flock of sheps by Dogs that sufered grate Damage in thare flock of sheps by Dogs that have Larnt to kill & Destroyhave Larnt to kill & Destroy them them not being as yet any care not being as yet any care taken to prevent Dogs from Runing about withouttaken to prevent Dogs from Runing about without there there Respectiue Respectiue owners the sd inhabitant being still in owners the sd inhabitant being still in continuall Danger of more lose of ye samecontinuall Danger of more lose of ye same kinde unles kinde unles spedy Remedybee foundspedy Remedybee found for the futer bee it therefore for the futer bee it therefore inacktedinackted by ye Trustes of Brookhaue & by the power and by ye Trustes of Brookhaue & by the power and athoryte of ye same athoryte of ye same that from ye publication of this actt that from ye publication of this actt shall find any Doge or Dogs from his home a quorter of a shall find any Doge or Dogs from his home a quorter of a mile not following any that belongs to his home or ownermile not following any that belongs to his home or owner that it shall & may beelawfull for any man so finding him to that it shall & may beelawfull for any man so finding him to shuteshute [i.e., shoot] [i.e., shoot] or[o]ther wise to Kill or to Destroy ye sd or[o]ther wise to Kill or to Destroy ye sd Doge or DogsDoge or Dogs & if any persun should happen to bee sued & if any persun should happen to bee sued or otherwise molestedor otherwise molested in any of maiestys Courtesin any of maiestys Courtes of of Iudicature or beefore any Justis of ye peace for so Iudicature or beefore any Justis of ye peace for so Destroyeing such Dogs that then Destroyeing such Dogs that then it shall bee seffeacit shall bee seffeac [i.e., [i.e., sufficient] sufficient] DefencDefenc thare of by order of the Trustes Sineed thare of by order of the Trustes Sineed by the presedent:by the presedent: Jonathan Owen-Jonathan Owen-

Desember ye 18 1728Desember ye 18 1728 Attest Daniel Brewster Attest Daniel Brewster Clarke –”Clarke –”

Source:Source: Brookhaven (N.Y.:Town). Clerk. Brookhaven (N.Y.:Town). Clerk. Records . Town of Records . Town of Brookhaven,, Book C, 1687-1789.Brookhaven,, Book C, 1687-1789. New York: Published by New York: Published by The Derrydale Press, for The Town, 1931: pp. 100-101.The Derrydale Press, for The Town, 1931: pp. 100-101.

In Sheppish Conformity to In Sheppish Conformity to Provincial LawProvincial LawMay 6, 1729May 6, 1729

““. . .persuant to an actt of Generall . . .persuant to an actt of Generall Assembeley intitledAssembeley intitled an act for an act for Regalateing of fences for: ye severall Regalateing of fences for: ye severall Cittes & Countys in this Colliny of New Cittes & Countys in this Colliny of New yourkyourk Voted & agreedVoted & agreed that all fences that all fences with in this Towne bee mad of such: with in this Towne bee mad of such: hight & of such strnth ass shall bee hight & of such strnth ass shall bee Chosen by this Towne & made so Close Chosen by this Towne & made so Close & strong& strong as it maye turn shepp & as it maye turn shepp & hoggs sefesiently youked –” hoggs sefesiently youked –”

Source: Brookhaven (N.Y.:Town). Clerk. Source: Brookhaven (N.Y.:Town). Clerk. Records . Town of Brookhaven,, Book C, Records . Town of Brookhaven,, Book C, 1687-1789.1687-1789. New York: Published by The New York: Published by The Derrydale Press, for The Town, 1931: pp. Derrydale Press, for The Town, 1931: pp. 141.141.

Cattle Ear Mark Sampler of 1729Cattle Ear Mark Sampler of 1729 “Taken up by Jeames TomsonJeames Tomson a tu yeare old stere marked with

a: l:a: l: on ye Nere Eare and branded with: c:w:c:w: By william Phillipswilliam Phillips a yeareling heffer marked: with a crop on: a crop on:

ye Nere Eareye Nere Eare Desem 13th Taiken up by selah strongselah strong a heffer cum 3 yeare old

a slop on ye uper side of ye Rite Earea slop on ye uper side of ye Rite Eare & a slop on ye Left Eare& a slop on ye Left Eare & a other heffer cume 3 year marke wth a cropp on ye Left Eare a cropp on ye Left Eare with a latch in ye Crop & a hapeny [o]n ye uper side of ye Rite latch in ye Crop & a hapeny [o]n ye uper side of ye Rite Eare Eare Branded with : C : on ye horn C : on ye horn & astere Come: 3: [ye]are olde marked with a slope on ye uper side of ye Rite: Eare wth a a slope on ye uper side of ye Rite: Eare wth a notch on ye horm Like a:C:notch on ye horm Like a:C:

Taken up by Eliazoor Hakins Eliazoor Hakins a yearling Bull with a crop on the crop on the Right EareRight Eare a hapeny under: it & a hole in ye same Earehapeny under: it & a hole in ye same Eare Taken up by Jacob Long botham Jacob Long botham a yeareling hefer with a crop on ye of Eare & a hapeny on ye uper side of ye same Eare & branded with: C: on ye horn—. . . .”

Note: Interestingly, per the Duke’s Laws (of 1665), “D”“D” was the initial assigned to Brookhaven TownBrookhaven Town as its symbol for horse and cattle earmarks. “C,”“C,” which appears above, in use by James Thompson, Selah Strong, and Jacob Longbottom would have indicated Southold Town property, Southold Town property, unless another style of identification had been adopted. Were the Towns sharing or swapping the “C”, pro tem? Customary British practice, surviving diary entries, or correspondence, might provide clues as to how the choices of earmark were selected or derived.

Source: Brookhaven (N.Y.:Town). Clerk. Records . Town of Records . Town of Brookhaven,, Book C, 1687-1789.Brookhaven,, Book C, 1687-1789. New York: Published by The Derrydale Press, for The Town, 1931: p. 5.

Brookhaven’s First Medical Brookhaven’s First Medical Reimbursement PlanReimbursement Plan

December 30, 1730December 30, 1730“. . . Voted & agreed that Nintene

pounds shall bee payd Me Gorgee Mulisun [i.e., Dr. George Muirson] for ye sarvis he hath allreddy Don towad Cuering of ye Widdow Amos Legg [I.e., curing her leg] & allso: that hee Continenu to Do his in Devor to perfit [i.e., endeavor to perfect] ye Cuering of ye sd Legg which if he Do perfit. He is to haue fiue pounds more but if he proue Not able to perform then hee is to haue no more then the a boue sayd Nintene pounde”

Source:Source: Brookhaven (N.Y.:Town). Clerk. Brookhaven (N.Y.:Town). Clerk. Records . Town Records . Town of Brookhaven,, Book C, 1687-1789.of Brookhaven,, Book C, 1687-1789. New York: Published New York: Published by The Derrydale Press, for The Town, 1931: pp. 146.by The Derrydale Press, for The Town, 1931: pp. 146.

Small Pox & Runaways, April 10, Small Pox & Runaways, April 10, 1732, Pt. 1 1732, Pt. 1

Control Liquor, Slaves & Indians & You Control Liquor, Slaves & Indians & You Control ContagionControl Contagion

Great 18Great 18thth Century Enlightenment Century Enlightenment Thinking, in BrookhavenThinking, in Brookhaven

“At a Meeting of ye Trustees on ye 10th daye of Aperill, 1732. Present Justis Brewster, Mr. Woodhull, M. Tomson, Mr. Miller, John Smith. voteed and agreed upon att this meeteing, by the Trustees that, Whereas, by reason of the small pox, wee are under ye gratest obligation Imaginable to use all possibel endevers for ye spedy & effectual supresing thereof, the Justises & Trustes of the Towne, out of a pi[o]us senc of their duty, have thought fit , & doe hereby strictly prohibit & fore warn all persons, whatsoever, from selling or other wise disposeing of to any Indians, Indian sarvants or negro slaves, any maner of strong drink or likquors of penalty of being peremptorryly obliged to finde suretys for thare good behavior & answering thaire comtempt at the court of sessions to prevent all which disorders. All masters of families are allso hereby desiered & requiered to keep & restraine thare sarvants & slaves from Absenting themselves by night without sume Extraordinary Occation and Express token thereof, & to incorage all persons to ingage herein, wee do allso certifie that wosoever shall apprehend & secure any such Indian sarvant

Small Pox & Runaways, April 10, Small Pox & Runaways, April 10, 1732, Pt. 21732, Pt. 2

Penalties for Servant Defections & Penalties for Servant Defections & Willful Fence DestructionWillful Fence Destruction or negro slave so absenting themselves after it is dark,

and ye next morning convay and bring them before Athorty of the sd Justis shall, ass a Reward, reseve from him thre shillings currant money, & allso the like recompenc for any other Indian found Drunk att any other time, and being in like manner apprehended, convayed & convicted. All which Indians or slaves, unles prevented by thaire masters, paying six shillings for ye use aforementioned, shall, by said Justis, bee sentenced to be public whipt according to his respective Demerrit, & such persons as shall faithfully execute the same, shall allso be payd by ye sd Justis thre shillings more, all & singular, which sumes of money disburst by the said Justis on this perticeler ocation,it is unanimusly assented sall be punktually repayd them by ye Towne Treasuer on reasonable demand. This act to continu three month in forc from the publication. All persuns are also hereby strictly forbid pulling down any fences made to prevent ye danger of spreding ye smalle pox, ass they will ansuaire ye contrary at thaire perill.”


Just a Survey, But Note: 3 Species of Oak, as Boundary 3 Species of Oak, as Boundary

Trees to a Single LotTrees to a Single LotApril 7, 1738

““By ord[er] of ye Trustes of Brookhaven Wee By ord[er] of ye Trustes of Brookhaven Wee haue Layd oute to haue Layd oute to Capte Robart RobersonCapte Robart Roberson fortene akers of lande – on ye south side of the fortene akers of lande – on ye south side of the Contry [Rode] bounded & notherly by ye sd Contry [Rode] bounded & notherly by ye sd Rode furst by a smale Rode furst by a smale black oake treblack oake tre Nere the Nere the house of Daniel Brewster Ju[nior] so Runing house of Daniel Brewster Ju[nior] so Runing Easterly by ye sd Roade to a small Easterly by ye sd Roade to a small white oake white oake treetree Nere ye Grate Pond [today’s Artist’s Lake] Nere ye Grate Pond [today’s Artist’s Lake] Joyning Esterly by ye sd pon so Runing Joyning Esterly by ye sd pon so Runing Sotherly to a marked Sotherly to a marked Red oake tree Red oake tree standing standing Nere sd sd pon then Rining Westerly Nere sd sd pon then Rining Westerly [reindicated as Easterly]to a marked [reindicated as Easterly]to a marked short short whiteoak whiteoak Tree standing nere Conetticut hollow Tree standing nere Conetticut hollow then Runing notherly to ye afore said Black then Runing notherly to ye afore said Black oake Tree the a boue sayd land layde out by oake Tree the a boue sayd land layde out by Daniel Brewster Je & Nate Roe Junier Entered Daniel Brewster Je & Nate Roe Junier Entered by mee Daniel Brewster Clarke”by mee Daniel Brewster Clarke”

Source: Brookhaven (N.Y.:Town). Clerk. Records . Town of Brookhaven,, Book C, 1687-1789. New York: Published by The Derrydale Press, for The Town, 1931: pp. 190.

Making a Local “Anammodation” Making a Local “Anammodation” Anglican vs. Presbyterian Anglican vs. Presbyterian Parsonage Subsidy RightsParsonage Subsidy Rights

N.Y. Provincial Religious Politics, N.Y. Provincial Religious Politics, on Location, Pt. 1on Location, Pt. 1

Lots of Assent & Dissent -- Lots of Assent & Dissent -- May 12, May 12, 17411741

“To all Christian People [as opposed to heathens & heretics, presumably] to whome these presents Shall come Greeting; Whereas the Trustees of: ye ffreeholders and Commonality of ye Town of Brook haven in ye County of Suffolk in ye Colony of New york as a Body politick or incorporate being seized of certain Lands in ye Said Town of Brook haven Did at Diffrent times Lay out Divers[e] Lots of Land and Meado[w] Called personage [I.e., parsonage] Lands for ye use of a miniSter of ye Said Town Surcession and have likewise purchased other Lands in ye Town aforesaid called personage Lands for ye Same use and purpose afore said; and I[n] process of time it happened that a Dispute and Difference arose between ye Church. Or Episcopal party and ye presbyterian or Dissenting party being both Jnhabitents of ye Said Town concerning their Rights to ye Lands aforesaid called parsonage Lands To anammodate this Dispute or Difference a general Town vote was at length made on ye twelfth day of May one Thousand Seven hundred and fforty one Referring this controvercy to four persons; (to wit) mr Jsaac

Anammodation: Established Anammodation: Established Religion CompetitionReligion Competition

Anglican vs. Presbyterian Anglican vs. Presbyterian Parsonage Subsidy RightsParsonage Subsidy Rights


Interested in Real Estate -- Interested in Real Estate -- May 12 May 12 & October 5, 1741& October 5, 1741

Browne William Smith James Tuthill and Richard Woodhull or ye Major part of them to Devide ye Right and Divide ye Lands; as they Should think proper; the Reffrees unanimously agreed within ye time limited by ye Said Submission and Divided ye Said parsonage Lands and meadows and assigned unto ye Said church parti Divers Lots Speci[fi]ed in ye award; and Diverse other lots of Land and meadows in like mann[er] Specified in ye Same Award to ye presbyterin, or Dissenting party all which will more fully appear by their Said award (relation being had to ye Same) made in Writing under their hands and Seals and entered in ye Town Book of Records in ye Town aforesaid Bearing Date ye fifth Day of october one Thousand Seven Hundred and fforty one; and whereas ye Several Lots assigned to ye presbyterion or Dissenting party Do lye so Scattered and remote as to be of little Service to their Minister nor of much aduantage to his congregation in their support of him and ye people of ye said party are very Desirous to Sell the Said Several Lots of Land and Meadow and turn: them into Money and put it out to Jnterest;




Interested in Real Estate -- Interested in Real Estate -- May 12 May 12 & October 5, 1741& October 5, 1741

in order ye better to Support ye MiniStery of ye Gospel among them all which will more fully appear by a vote of ye said presbyterion or Desenting party of ye Jnhabitants of ye said Town made at their Meeting on ye Twentiety Day of May Anno__Dom 1756 warned by ye ConStable of ye said Toun by virtue of a Warrant from two of his Majestys Justices of ye peace and Entred in ye Records of ye said Town afire said at which Said Meeting ye said presbyterian or Dissent party Did vote in John Roe Benajah Strong and Benjamin Brewster to be their Trustees to act in behalf of the Said party in ye Said Matter acording to ye vote aforesaid Now know yee therefore that we Richard Floyd Thomas Strong Nathaniel Roe Richard Miller and William Nicoll Jur Trustees of ye ffreeholders and Commonalty of ye Town of Brook haven afore said for and in Consideration of ye Sum of five Shillings Lawfull Money of ye Colony of New York afore said to [us] In had paid before ye Execution hereof by ye said John Roe Benajah Strong aand Benjamin Brews[ter] the Receipt where of we Do hereby Confess and our Selves therewith fully Satisfyed have bargained and Sold alined and conveyed and Confirmed and Do by these presents fully freely and absolutely




Dissent Forging Ahead? -- Dissent Forging Ahead? -- May 12 May 12 & October 5, 1741& October 5, 1741

bargain sell alien convey and confirm unto ye Said John Roe Benajah Strong and Benjamin Brewster and to their Heirs and Assigns forever all these Several Tracts and Lots of Land and Meadow and the half of a Right Commonage all Spcfied in ye above mentioned award and assigned to ye presbyterian or Desenting party in ye Same…”

The rest deals with the dividing up of land between Anglican & Presbyterian ministries.

Questions for historians, teachers & students: Did sale of “excess” Dissenter lots give them an edge in the future populating of the Town with fellow Dissenters? Did funds from these land sales &/or interest put the local Dissenting ministry on a financial footing, on a par with or more solid than that of the now actively competing Established Anglican (Church of England) ministry? How else does Brookhaven’s decision in this matter further tie in DeLancey vs. Livingston political coalitions and New York Provincial politics and government of the era?

Source: Brookhaven (N.Y.:Town). Clerk. Records . Town of Brookhaven,, Book C, 1687-1789. New York: Published by The Derrydale Press, for The Town, 1931: pp. 293-295.

““Liberty to Buld” & the Conveneancy of Watering Places Liberty to Buld” & the Conveneancy of Watering Places The Educational Roots of Stony BrookThe Educational Roots of Stony Brook

February 7, 1743February 7, 1743

““Att a Meeting of ye Trustees on ye 7Att a Meeting of ye Trustees on ye 7thth Day of February 1742/3…it was Voted Day of February 1742/3…it was Voted and agreed on that ye neaghbours shall and agreed on that ye neaghbours shall have liberty to buld a Scoole house at have liberty to buld a Scoole house at Stony Brook on ye comon at Some Stony Brook on ye comon at Some conveanent place where they shall conveanent place where they shall agree not to hender the conveanency agree not to hender the conveanency of watering places and high ways.”of watering places and high ways.”

Source: Source: Brookhaven (N.Y.:Town). Clerk.Brookhaven (N.Y.:Town). Clerk. Records Records . Town of Brookhaven,, Book C, 1687-1789. . Town of Brookhaven,, Book C, 1687-1789. New York: Published by The Derrydale Press, for New York: Published by The Derrydale Press, for The Town, 1931: pp. 224-225.The Town, 1931: pp. 224-225.

Pushing Brookhaven’s Claims to Pushing Brookhaven’s Claims to the Southeast Shorethe Southeast Shore

February 7, 1743February 7, 1743

“…Voted and agreed on that John Smith and Richard Floyd shall Do their indeavour to purches the [Great] South bay and all the fishery within the same from the natives within the boundes and limets of our patents. . .”


Something Fishy Going OnMuch to the Counsel’s Surprise! – June

6th, 1743

(See: Town Records are Not Just Dull, Dusty Things)“…“…At this Meeting it was Voted and agreed on At this Meeting it was Voted and agreed on

to Send a pis tool* for counsel from a lawyer to Send a pis tool* for counsel from a lawyer concarning the limets and power of our concarning the limets and power of our patents in order to Secure the benifets and patents in order to Secure the benifets and previlidges there in given to us and our previlidges there in given to us and our Successers more purticulerly ye previlidge of Successers more purticulerly ye previlidge of fishery with in the lemits above s[d] in order fishery with in the lemits above s[d] in order to prevent fornerors in their [i.e., foreigners in to prevent fornerors in their [i.e., foreigners in there] on reasonable and Repeted practis of there] on reasonable and Repeted practis of Spyling taking to themSelves and carrying Spyling taking to themSelves and carrying away that which we have Ju[st] bought and away that which we have Ju[st] bought and yearly and every year pay acknowledgement yearly and every year pay acknowledgement for &c –” for &c –”

[Daniel Smith, (the delightfully grammatically-challenged) Town [Daniel Smith, (the delightfully grammatically-challenged) Town Clerk]Clerk]

*Ed. Note:Ed. Note: Do you think he might have meant “an epistle”?“an epistle”? Source: Brookhaven (N.Y.:Town). Clerk. Records . Town of Records . Town of

Brookhaven,, Book C, 1687-1789Brookhaven,, Book C, 1687-1789. New York: Published by The Derrydale Press, for The Town, 1931: pp. 235.

Compassion, Charity, Surcom Stance, & a Saving Face

October 3, 1743 “…Also Voted and agreed on by the truStees at

this Meeting to Request of Mr Isaac Browne to Draw and JnStrument Such as he the said Browne Shall thin[k] convenant to Request of the chriStian Jnhabitents of Brook haven to Extend some Charity towards the poor Distressed Squaw who hath been of a long t[ime] by providence Deprived of her helth and is now Jncopasitated fo any labo[ur] and in as much as we the trustees look on it as our Duty to releve he[r] under her preSent Surcom Stance we hope that our Christian Neighbou[rs] will be so well Disposed toward the Relefe of her the said Squaw Debor[ah] by name (who hath ben for some considerable time chargable to Mr Browne) as that she may not perish and Die in our Streets.”


The Ice Man ComethThe Ice Man ComethFrostbite Finance -- Frostbite Finance -- January 2, 1744January 2, 1744

“…“…the sum of one pound ten shillings being the sum of one pound ten shillings being in full for the Sum of ten pounds which sd in full for the Sum of ten pounds which sd ten pounds was aloued to the town by the ten pounds was aloued to the town by the Superviziers for part of the charge the Superviziers for part of the charge the town expended for the Cure of a frozen town expended for the Cure of a frozen man Named Thomas Carry”man Named Thomas Carry”


Candide in Brookhaven – The Setauket Candide in Brookhaven – The Setauket Experience, Pt. 1Experience, Pt. 1

Or, a 75 year old 18Or, a 75 year old 18thth Century Century Setauket BreakdancerSetauket Breakdancer

Dr. Alexander Hamilton’s Travel Itinerarium – July 11, 1744

(Enroute between Annapolis, MD & York, ME)

“Wee arrived att a scattered town called Brookhaven,Brookhaven, or by the Indians, Setoquet,Setoquet, about two a’clock afternoon and dined att one Buchanan’s there. Brookhaven is a small small scattered village standing upon barren, rocky land near the scattered village standing upon barren, rocky land near the sea.sea. In this town is a small windmill for sawing of plank, small windmill for sawing of plank, and a wooden churchand a wooden church with a small steeple…. While we were at Buchanan’s, an old fellow named Smithan old fellow named Smith called att the house. He said he was travelling to [New] York to get a license or commission [I.e., letters of marque and reprisal] from the Governour to go a privateeringprivateering and swore that he would not be under any commander but would be chief man himself. He showed us severall antick tricks such as jumping half a foot high upon his bum without touching the floor with any other part of his body. Then he turned and did the same upon his belly. Then he stood upright upon his head. He told us he was 75

Candide in Brookhaven – The Setauket Candide in Brookhaven – The Setauket Experience, Pt. 2Experience, Pt. 2

A Ship on the Bluff, & Hell’s FootwearA Ship on the Bluff, & Hell’s FootwearDr. Alexander Hamilton’s Travel

Itinerarium – July 11, 1744 (Enroute between Annapolis, MD & York,

ME) years of age and swore damn his old shoes if any man in

America could do the like. He asked me whence I came and wither I went. I answered him I came from Calliphernia and was going to Lanthern Land. He swore damn his old shoes again if he had not been a sailor all his life long and yet never had heard of such places. Mr. Parker made him believe that he was a captain of a privateer, and for a mug of syder, made him engage to go on board of him upon Friday next, promising to make him his leutenant, for nothing else would satisfy the old fellow. The old chap was mightily elevated at this and damned his old shoes twenty times over. Att last he wanted to borrow a little advance money of Parker, which when he found he could not obtain, he drank up his cider and swore he would not go.”

Hamilton, Alexander. Gentleman’s Progress: The Itinerarium of Dr. Alexander Hamilton, 1744, ed. by Carl Bridenbaugh. Pittsburgh; London: University of Pittsburgh Press, 1744, repr. 1948: pp. 92-93.

Candide in Brookhaven: Riding to the Candide in Brookhaven: Riding to the East –, Pt. 3East –, Pt. 3

Lost, Found, & Overnight with Some Lost, Found, & Overnight with Some Tough Characters Tough Characters

Dr. Alexander Hamilton’s Travel Itinerarium – July 11-12, 1744


“We took horse again att half an hour after 5 o’clock, and had scarce got a mile from Brookhaven when we lost our way [probably Drowned Meadow /Port Jefferson/Old Man’s/Mt. Sinai area] but were directed right again by a man whom we met. After riding 10 miles thro’ woods and marshes in which we were pestered by muscettoes, we arrived att eight o’clock att night att one Brewster’s [Middle Island, opposite today’s Longwood Public Library ] where we put up for all night, and in this house we could get nothing either to eat or drink and so were obliged to go to bed fasting and supperless. I was conducted up stairs to a large chamber. The people in this house seemed to be quite savage and rude.

Candide in Brookhaven: Riding to the Candide in Brookhaven: Riding to the East –, Pt. 4East –, Pt. 4

Lost, Found, & Overnight with Some Lost, Found, & Overnight with Some Tough Characters Tough Characters

Dr. Alexander Hamilton’s Travel Itinerarium – July 11-12, 1744


Thursday, July 12.Thursday, July 12. When I waked this morning I found two beds in the room besides that in which I lay, in one of which lay two great hulking fellows with long black beards, having their own hair and not so much as half a nightcap betwixt them both. I took them for weavers, not only from theirgreasy appearance, but because I observed a weaver’s loom at each side of the room. In the other bed was a raw boned boy who, with the two lubbers, huddled on his cloths and went reeling down stairs making as much noise as three horses.

We set out from this desolate place att 6 a’clock and rid 16 miles. . . . ”

Source: Hamilton, Alexander. Gentleman’s Progress: The Itinerarium of Dr. Alexander Hamilton, 1744, ed. by Carl Bridenbaugh. Pittsburgh; London: University of Pittsburgh Press, 1744, repr. 1948: p. 93.

Setting the Town Tax RateJanuary 7, 1745

““At ameeting of the TruStees on the 7At ameeting of the TruStees on the 7thth Day of Janvary Annoq Domn 1745/4 Day of Janvary Annoq Domn 1745/4 Present Capt Robert Robinson John Present Capt Robert Robinson John Hallock John Smith Andrew_Miller Henry Hallock John Smith Andrew_Miller Henry SmithSmith

Ath this Meetin it was Voted and agreed Ath this Meetin it was Voted and agreed on to make a Town Rate the sum of thirty on to make a Town Rate the sum of thirty five pounds and to give a warrant to the five pounds and to give a warrant to the assessors to assess and Colect the same assessors to assess and Colect the same on the freeholders and Inhabitents & free on the freeholders and Inhabitents & free men of the Town of Brook haven.”men of the Town of Brook haven.”


Of Pounder & Other Stock Fare,

February 6, 1744 & February 3, 1746 “At this Meeting Voted and agreed that Joseph

Longbottom is pounder for this preSent year and to keep the pound in repair and to be paid out of towns money for and rsenable Charge that he may be at in repairing the same.”

“Voted and agreed that Benjamin Brewster shall have five shillings paid him for mending the Stocks also voted and agreed that Elazer Hawkins Jr shall have [five] shillings for mending the fence that was formerly John Goodings paid to Ela[zer] Hawkins Iunr the sum of five shillings Febry 3d 1745/6 by the Trustees”


Save ye Bayberries!Save ye Bayberries!Mid-18Mid-18thth Century Century

Environmental ActivismEnvironmental ActivismAugust 4, 1746August 4, 1746 “…“…Whereas we are creadeably informed that Whereas we are creadeably informed that

the Inhabetents of Brookhaven do frequently the Inhabetents of Brookhaven do frequently destroy the Bay berys within the Township, by destroy the Bay berys within the Township, by gatheathering them before they are groone gatheathering them before they are groone [grown] to perfection, therefore, at this [grown] to perfection, therefore, at this meeting, it was voted and agreed on by us, the meeting, it was voted and agreed on by us, the said Trustees, that whosoever shall or may be said Trustees, that whosoever shall or may be found gathering any Bay berys before the found gathering any Bay berys before the Twentieth day of September, except on their Twentieth day of September, except on their own lands, shall forfit Twenty Shillings to be own lands, shall forfit Twenty Shillings to be recovred before any one of his majesty’s recovred before any one of his majesty’s Justices within the said Town by the oath of one Justices within the said Town by the oath of one creadabel witness, the one half of ye said creadabel witness, the one half of ye said penilty to the complainent, the other half to be penilty to the complainent, the other half to be paid to the Town Treasurer for the use of the paid to the Town Treasurer for the use of the poor of the parish of the Town poor of the parish of the Town aforesaid.August” aforesaid.August”

Source: Brookhaven (N.Y.:Town). Clerk. Records . Town of Records . Town of Brookhaven,, Up to 1800.Brookhaven,, Up to 1800. Patchogue, NY: The Town, Printed at the Office of the “Advance, 1880: pp. 160.

No Creatures, No Cedar & Cordwood Collection

& Fencing in Northern Beaches April 14, 1749 “At this Meeting it was voted agreed upon that

, and ordered by ye TruStees that from this Seventeenth Day of April 1749, no persons whatsoever shall Suffer their Creatures to run and feed upon the West meadow BeachWest meadow Beach ye old old field Beachfield Beach or the old mans old mans [i.e., Mt. Sinai] BeachBeach, nor Cut or Dig up or Carry off any Cedar or other Wood off from any of ye said Beaches, upon the penalty of twenty shillings for every transgression, and that any person b and are hereby allowed to fence ye Said Beaches for ye term of two years to prevent the Said trespasses, and any person Sueing for ye said penalty shall and are hereby entitaled to ye Same – after such fences are Made.”

Source: Brookhaven (N.Y.:Town). Clerk. Records . Town of Brookhaven,, Book C, 1687-1789. New York: Published by The Derrydale Press, for The Town, 1931: pp. 260-261.

Winthrop, Hempstead, & AveryWinthrop Patent Transferred -- Winthrop Patent Transferred --

March 28, 1752March 28, 1752 Joshua Hempstead’s records:

“Saturd 28…fair. I was att Mr. Winthrops most of the Day toward night I went with Joshua [his son] to my farm at Stonington [CT] & Lodged there. Got there late in the night being hindered att Mr Winthorps [sic] most of the day & yesterday about a great affair. The sd Mr Winthrop hath Sold his Long Island Land to Mr Humphrey Avery Esqr , of Preston for 2000 – 500 - £ 99 10S New York Mony & all paid by discount without trouble to Mr Winthrop giving Security to Mr Ledgyards & Griswold attorneys to Sparrow & Hunt &c.”

Source: Gordon, Wellington E. History of Patchogue [manuscript]. Patchogue, NY: The Author, ca. 1925: 13.

Brookhaven in the French & Indian War Brookhaven in the French & Indian War EvangelineEvangeline in Brookhaven – The Setauket in Brookhaven – The Setauket

Cajuns,Cajuns, May 6, 1756May 6, 1756Acadians Deported to L. I. , Acadians Deported to L. I. ,

Westchester & Staten I.Westchester & Staten I. Not all Acadians wound up in Louisiana, as you’ll see in the following:Not all Acadians wound up in Louisiana, as you’ll see in the following: June 30, 1756:June 30, 1756: “People brought from Nova Scotia [Acadians or French “People brought from Nova Scotia [Acadians or French

neutrals] by order of Gov. Lawrence: how to dispose of them. . . . .”neutrals] by order of Gov. Lawrence: how to dispose of them. . . . .” May 6, 1756:May 6, 1756: “Acadians distributed as follows:“Acadians distributed as follows: Daniel Garsen, wife and

11 children to Richmondtown, Staten Island; Joseph Malie, wife and 7 children to FlatbushFlatbush, Long Island; Joseph Blanchard, wife and 3 children to BushwickBushwick,, Long Island; Glode Doucet, wife and 8 children to JamaicaJamaica; Seres Etben, wife and 8 children to New TownNew Town; Joseph Commo wife and 7 children to FlushingFlushing; Zachary Richard, wife and 6 children to HemsteadHemstead; Chas. Matton, wife and 3 children, John Marten, wife and 2 children to OysterbayOysterbay; Lewis Geroid, wife and 6 children, Jerama Gouder, wife and 2 children to HuntingtonHuntington; Michael Richard, wife and 6 children to SoutholdSouthold; Francis Martin, wife and 5 children to SouthamptonSouthampton; Francis Commo, wife and Francis Commo, wife and 8 children8 children to Brookhaven;Brookhaven; Peter Loe, wife and 3 children, to Smithtown;Smithtown; Charles Savoit, wife and 8 children, Ba Selena and wife, Charles Lamotten, wife and child to New Rochelle [French Huguenot refuge]; Francis Quela, wife and 8 children, Jean Tournier, wife and 2 children to Rye….”

Source:Source: New-York (Colony). Council. Calendar of the Council Calendar of the Council Minutes, 1668-1783,Minutes, 1668-1783, comp. by Berthold Fernow. Harrison, NY: Harbor Hill Books, 1987: p. 427.

Patchogue: Byproduct of Colonial Patchogue: Byproduct of Colonial GamblingGambling

Humphrey Avery’s Land LotteryWinthrop Patent & the Luck of the Draw,

June 1758 The easternmost 2 necks of the “Winthrop Patent” had been sold in 1749, 1749, to John Brewster and Thomas Strong

On March 27, 1752March 27, 1752, the 7 remaining western land necks, the bulk of the “Winthrop Patent”, from Great South Bay to the middle of Long Island, were sold to Humphrey Avery of Preston, Connecticut Colony, for £2,599, 10 shillings

Avery soon found himself in debt, and in 1756, 1756, during the French & Indian War, appealed to the New-York Provincial government (Governor and Assembly) for, & received permission to conduct a lottery.

His holdings were divided into 36 lots of unequal size, each separately valued, ranging from £20 to £ 1,000).

8,000 tickets were sold at 30 shillings each.

The lottery proved so lucrative that Avery was able to repurchase 4 of the lots

While a mill is said to have existed on the Patchogue River since about 17501750, true settlement ensued only after subdivision of the land by lottery.

Source: Gordon, Wellington E. History of Patchogue [manuscript]. Patchogue, NY: The Author, ca. 1925: 13.

Avery Lottery: Break-Up of a Avery Lottery: Break-Up of a Manorial EstateManorial Estate

Mechanics of a Colonial New-York Land Lottery

The South Open to Settlement – June 1758

“Whereas for that end managers were appointed and sworn, who on oath have divided the said real estate into 36 parts, numbered and apprised the same and published a scheme…and in the month of June 1758 in the Town of Brookhaven in said county, in the presence of two of his Majesties’ Justices of the Peace with two clerks on oath, did in the usual manner proceed and draw the said Lottery.”

Gordon, Wellington E. History of Patchogue [manuscript]. Patchogue, NY: The Author, ca. 1925: 13.

Brookhaven in the French & Indian Brookhaven in the French & Indian WarWar

About 124 French P.O.W.’s Interned About 124 French P.O.W.’s Interned in Brookhavenin Brookhaven (i.e., Setauket),(i.e., Setauket), ca. ca.

July 17, 1758July 17, 1758““Capt. Jeremiah Richards of the Capt. Jeremiah Richards of the Massachusetts forces brings Massachusetts forces brings 125 125 prisoners, among them 7 officers.prisoners, among them 7 officers. A A French captain recommended by Col. French captain recommended by Col. Schuyler to Mr. Waters allowed to remain in Schuyler to Mr. Waters allowed to remain in town [i.e., N.Y.C] on parole, the rest town [i.e., N.Y.C] on parole, the rest sent sent by water to Brookhaven [i.e., by water to Brookhaven [i.e., Setauket] Setauket] ,, Suffolk county, to be Suffolk county, to be placed placed there in charge of there in charge of Sheriff Muirson.”Sheriff Muirson.”

Source:Source: New-York (Colony). Council. Calendar of the Council Calendar of the Council Minutes, 1668-1783Minutes, 1668-1783,, comp. by Berthold Fernow. Harrison, NY: Harbor Hill Books, 1987: p. 441.

Questions for Historians:Questions for Historians: Who were those French prisoners? What regiment(s) or companies did they represent? In what engagement were they captured? How were they treated in Brookhaven? When & how were they released? Did any stay? If so, how did they fare? Was the Sheriff any relation to Doctor George Muirson (check election records for 1757 or 1758)?

Brookhaven in the French & Indian War

Oysters on the MarchOysters on the MarchMarch 5, 1759

“Att a Meeting of ye Trustees on ye 5th Day of March 1759 present Coll Richard Floyd Mr William Nicholl Nathaniel Roe Jonathan Thompson and Justice Richard Miller

Att this meeting it was voted and agreed on that Ance Helme and Dniel Jones Shall have Liberty to Load heir Sloop onee [I.e., once] with ye oysters in ye South Bay they paying to ye Trustees for ye Same ye sum of one pound; also Daniel Terry shall have Liberty to Load his Sloop oncce upon ye said oysters for ye sum of fifteen Shillings and that Justice Nathaniel Brewster shall have ye over-site of their Loading”

Source: Brookhaven (N.Y.:Town). Clerk. Records . Town Records . Town of Brookhaven,, Up to 1800.of Brookhaven,, Up to 1800. Patchogue, NY: The Town, Printed at the Office of the “Advance, 1880: pp. 288-289.

Brookhaven in the French & Indian Brookhaven in the French & Indian WarWar

No Swine to Run the HighwaysNo Swine to Run the Highways& an Un-commonly Sheepish Measure

The Burning Concerns ofThe Burning Concerns of May 1, 1759May 1, 1759 “Att a Meeting of ye Freeholders and Free Men of

Brook Haven upon ye First Day of May being Election Day for ye Town offercors according to our patent who were Chosen….

Att ye above Meeting it was voted and agreed upon that no swine shall Run at Large on ye Highways or uninclosed Lands of this town of Brook haven upon ye Same penilty and forfutuer as is Set forth in ye former Act ReSpecting ye Same

And also it was voted and agreed that all Sheep shall be Taken off ye Commons at or before ye tenth Day of October on ye penilty in ye former act.”

Source: Brookhaven (N.Y.:Town). Clerk. Records . Town Records . Town of Brookhaven,, Up to 1800.of Brookhaven,, Up to 1800. Patchogue, NY: The Town, Printed at the Office of the “Advance, 1880: pp. 289-290.

Brookhaven in the French & Indian WarBanning Smallpox Inoculations (for the Banning Smallpox Inoculations (for the

Common Good) Common Good) Fear of Infection Being Spread by InjectionFear of Infection Being Spread by InjectionState-of-the-Art Medicine, February 4, 1760 “Att a Meeting of ye Trustees…Jt was voted and Agreed that ye Small pox

Should not be continued in this Town any Longer by ye means of Jnnoculation and passed ye folloing act to prevent ye Same (viz)… The Trustees at this Meeting having taken into consideration that ye long Continuance of ye small pox in this Town by Jnnoculation; and by Sundry persons who have casually taken ye same; are of ye opinion that ye lives of ye Jnhabitents are much Endangered thereby; and there prevelige from passing in safety about their business to ye Great Damage; Damage of ye Inhabitents; and therefore they think it is their Duty to take all Lawfull measures for to Remove the fear of ye Jnhabitants by putting a Stop to ye further Spreading of ye same if possible; We Do therefor order that no person or persons whatsoever shall innoculate or be innoculated in ye Town untill ye first Tuesday of May next signed by order of ye Trustees

Richard Floyd president Entred by me Daniel Smith Clerk”


Infamy! : Stopping Up the Infamy! : Stopping Up the RoadsRoads

Unnecessary & Useless – Unnecessary & Useless – Dec. Dec. 7 (& 9), 17617 (& 9), 1761 Dec. 7th. “ …Att ths meeting it was Voted and agreed

on by ye Said Trustees That the Comisinors Shall Jnspect into all or any high way, within ye Town ship of Brook haven; and if they find any High way or high ways un Necessary and usles they shall stop them up: and the owners of ye lands throw [i.e., through] or across which the Said Roads run Shall Injoy ye Road So Stopt up – December 9th; 1761; Wee ye Commisioners for regulating high ways in ye Town of Brook haven Do return ye Road which turns out of ye South road that goes by Coram on ye East side of ye Said road near the Great Rock [glacial erratic?] which was allowed for John Wood; we order to be and remain Stopt up; from the place where it turned out of ye Said Coram road untill it coms to ye Road called Thomas Hulses South path; Jn Witness whereof we have set our hands ye Day and year above written

Benj: Brewster } Commissioners Samuel Smith }” Source:Source: Brookhaven (N.Y.:Town). Clerk. Brookhaven (N.Y.:Town). Clerk. Records . Town Records . Town

of Brookhaven,, Book C, 1687-1789.of Brookhaven,, Book C, 1687-1789. New York: Published New York: Published by The Derrydale Press, for The Town, 1931: pS 203.by The Derrydale Press, for The Town, 1931: pS 203.

Brookhaven Town’sBrookhaven Town’s Stance on Revolution, 1763-1776Stance on Revolution, 1763-1776

Brookhaven Town residents, never without a coterie of Tories in each village, maintained strong New England ties, and came to lean heavily in the Patriot camp

Local Committees of Correspondence and Safety were created, corresponding with other committees, with the Second Continental Congress, and put heavy pressure on local Tories

By the Revolution’s outbreak, the Town was prepared to stand with the revolt, and to stifle loyalist efforts

Heavy payment would be exacted for the risk they took in joining active rebellion, & the temporarily subdued Loyalists would have their sway, only to see it slip away

Post Haste, in the Late 18th Century Ben Franklin’s MilestonesBen Franklin’s Milestones

By the late 18th Century, 3 main east-west highways3 main east-west highways had been ordered or legislated into being, by the provincial or town governments (roughly corresponding to today’s Routes 25A, 25, and 27A – (roughly corresponding to today’s Routes 25A, 25, and 27A – North, Middle, & South Country Roads, respectively),North, Middle, & South Country Roads, respectively), as well as a growing network of mostly diagonal north-south routes.

By the French and Indian War, L.I. and Brookhaven Town were incorporated into the colonial postal system, with taverns,taverns, often situated at strategic junctions, serving as resting and watering places, stopovers, mail drops, and destinations.

DistancesDistances along the main roads were measured measured out by an ingenious, surprisingly accurate counting device, attached to a coach wheel, pre-incised upright stones being placed every measured milemeasured mile. Several milestonesmilestones have been located and identified in Brookhaven Town. More survive further east. All are believed to have been measured and set in place by then Postmaster General for the Colonies, Postmaster General for the Colonies, Benjamin Franklin Benjamin Franklin (who invented the counting device), helping knit the Island, County, and Town together with the larger British American colonial world. By improving and speeding intra- and inter-colonial communications, and sense of location, he also might be said to have set the stage for the success of the Committees of Correspondence, later British and Tory domination and stripping of the Island of supplies (in the Revolution), whaleboat raiders, the and Culper (Setauket) spy ring.

Charity Begineth at HomeHelping Out Ye Poor Helping Out Ye Poor

BastardsBastards From a Town Meeting, December

26, 1767“…Jt was voted and agreed on that Mary Willcut Shall be paid ye Sum of Thirty Shillings by our Treasurer for bording and Nussin [nursing]. Elizth cosgrove in her Lying in at her house with her Last Bastard child which she swore to Mathew Sweney; and also ten Shillings More for keeping the said Elizebths first Bastard and It was also Voted and agreed on that ye Said Elizebth coSgrove Shall have paid out to her of ye Towns. Stoor by ye hand of ye Said Treasurer the sum of two shillings pr Week from this Day untill further orders”

Source: Brookhaven (N.Y.:Town). Clerk. Records of the Town of Brookhaven, Book C: 1687-1789. New York, NY: Derrydale Press, for The Town, 1931: p. 328.

Education of a Young SetaukanBenjamin Tallmadge – 1767-1773

Classical Prodigy, Idle Regrets, Excuses, & Graduation Address “Having, from childhood, exhibited an eager desire for learning, my

father determined to give me the opportunity to obtain a liberal education, and as he was preparing a number of boys for college, placed me as a student among them, and when I was twelve years old, I had acquired such a knowledge in classical learning, that President Dagget, on a visit to my father, examined and admitted me as qualified to enter college, when I was twelve or thirteen years old. My father deemed it improper for me to go to college so young, and , therefore, kept me at home until the Autumn of 1769, when I became a member of Yale College.

Being so well versed in the Latin and Greek languages, I had not much occasion to study during the first two years of my collegiate life, which I have always thought had a tendency to make me idle, when, if I had rightly improved my time, it would have afforded me an opportunity for improvement in other sciences.

It, however, served to induce me to Dean’s bounty [honor roll], which I should have been a candidate for, had not the measles wholly prevented me from studying during a part of my junior and senior years.

At the commencement of 1773, I took my first degree, having had an honorable appointment by the President, the Rev. Dr, Dagget, to speak publicly on the occasion..”

Source: Tallmadge, Benjamin. Memoir of Colonel Benjamin Tallmadge: Prepared by Himself, at the Request of His Children. (Eyewitness Accounts of the American Revolution). New York: Thomas Holman, Book and Job Printer; New York Times & Arno Press, 1858, repr. 1968: p. 6.

Trying to Pull a Fast One on the Board ?– Trying to Pull a Fast One on the Board ?– The Trustees Strike Back!The Trustees Strike Back!

Prior Permissions to Build Mills Reviewed & Prior Permissions to Build Mills Reviewed & Denied – July 2, 1770Denied – July 2, 1770 “…Att this Meeting It was Voted and agreed upon – that Whereas

there was a Vote obtained on the first Day of May Last. ThatVote obtained on the first Day of May Last. That Andrew SetonAndrew Seton Should Build a Dam from the Little__Neck over to Dam from the Little__Neck over to Col[one]l. Floyd s poyntCol[one]l. Floyd s poynt__and in as much as it is objected and Said that ye above Mentioned Vote of ye first of May Last was obtained and Carryed on after the Body of ye proprietors and Tenants in Common were gone and Departed off from the Said meeting__ ANd Whereas the Said Mr Andrew Seton Does not Appear willing that ye Andrew Seton Does not Appear willing that ye Said Dam and Mill Should be built and Laid under Such Restricktions Said Dam and Mill Should be built and Laid under Such Restricktions and Regulations As we ye Said Trustees think and Regulations As we ye Said Trustees think ReasonableReasonable__Therefore We ye Said Trustees __Att this meeting Do Vote and agree to make Null and VoidNull and Void the above Said Vote on the first Day of May Last as being of no Validity to convey that our Rights and Common privilidge as tenants in Common to any privet [i.e., private] or pertickler use of any persons whatsoever__

And Whereas there was a Vote obtained on the Said first Tuesday of Vote obtained on the Said first Tuesday of May Last forMay Last for Daniel HomanDaniel Homan at ye Middle of ye Island__that he Should or Might Build a grist millBuild a grist mill on ye Streeme or Dam whereon his Saw Mill__and Whereas the s[ai]d Vote was obtained after the greater part of the proprietors were moved off from ye meeting; and Whereas it is Likely to prove very much to the Damage of Benjamin very much to the Damage of Benjamin Clark who owns a mill near ye same place;Clark who owns a mill near ye same place; Therefore we ye said trustees att ye above Said Meeting Do Vote and agree that ye above Town Vote Shall be null and Void andTown Vote Shall be null and Void and by no means by no means Confirmed by us the Trustees.Confirmed by us the Trustees.

Entre by order of ye TruStees; Test Daniel Smith Clerk” Source: Source: Brookhaven (N.Y.: Town). Clerk. Brookhaven (N.Y.: Town). Clerk. Records of the Town of Records of the Town of

Brookhaven, Book C: 1680-1789. Brookhaven, Book C: 1680-1789. New York: The Derrydale Press, 1931: New York: The Derrydale Press, 1931: p. 349.p. 349.

Too Dangres to Be Near: Inoculation Too Dangres to Be Near: Inoculation FearFear

December 17, 1770December 17, 1770 ““Att. a meeting of ye Trustees of ye Freeholders and Att. a meeting of ye Trustees of ye Freeholders and

Commonality of ye Town of Brook haven on ye 17Commonality of ye Town of Brook haven on ye 17 thth Day Day of December__1770; Present Ionathan Thompson of December__1770; Present Ionathan Thompson Benajah Strong Alexander Hawkins Selah Strong and Benajah Strong Alexander Hawkins Selah Strong and Richard Woodhull. Att: this Meeting ye Said Trustees Richard Woodhull. Att: this Meeting ye Said Trustees Voted that; Voted that; they Do Not consent That Doctor they Do Not consent That Doctor Muirson Shall proseed to Inoc[u]late Muirson Shall proseed to Inoc[u]late any person any person or personsor persons Except He first Removes that House Except He first Removes that House wherein he Jntends to Inoclate; To Some other wherein he Jntends to Inoclate; To Some other Conven[i]ent place where we Shall Appoint; Conven[i]ent place where we Shall Appoint; Also Also It; is Voted and agreed that Ionathan Thompson It; is Voted and agreed that Ionathan Thompson Benajah Strong Alexander Hawkings and Richard Benajah Strong Alexander Hawkings and Richard Woodhull is a Woodhull is a Commitee appointed to Setle ye Commitee appointed to Setle ye place where ye Said House Shall beplace where ye Said House Shall be Sett most Sett most Safe and Least DangresSafe and Least Dangres [i.e., dangerous] to ye [i.e., dangerous] to ye Inhabitents of this Town of Brookhaven.”Inhabitents of this Town of Brookhaven.”

Source: Source: Brookhaven (N.Y.: Town). Clerk. Brookhaven (N.Y.: Town). Clerk. Records of the Town of Records of the Town of Brookhaven, Book C: 1680-1789. Brookhaven, Book C: 1680-1789. New York: The Derrydale Press, New York: The Derrydale Press, 1931: p. 350.1931: p. 350.

Manor of St. George Becomes Part Manor of St. George Becomes Part of Brookhaven Townof Brookhaven Town

March 15, 1773March 15, 1773 “Att a meeting of ye Trustees on ye 15th Day of

March__1773 PreSent Jonathan ThompSon Selah Strong Richard Miller Ioseph Brewster and Benjamin Floyd; Whereas Iustice Jonathan ThompSon and Iustice Selah Strong ; at a Meeting held hereto fore were chosen a Commeet and appointed to goe to South to conSult with ye people living in ye Manner of St Georges

att this meeting ye Said Commeet made returne that ye Said manner people have agreed and aSsented and conSented; that ye next aSsions of ye General aSsembely that they Do__Desire an act may be paSsed to annex them to ye Town of Brook haven also Voted and agreed that ye Sd commeet Shall have paid to them ye Sum of Eight Shillings Each for their Searvice__”

Source: Brookhaven (N.Y.: Town). Clerk. Records of the Town of Brookhaven, Book C: 1680-1789. New York: The Derrydale Press, 1931: p. 362.

Follow Up Strategy?:Follow Up Strategy?:Welcoming the Manor into the Fold -- Welcoming the Manor into the Fold --

March 23, 1773March 23, 1773 Speedy Southern Oyster Grab & Speedy Southern Oyster Grab &

Prosecuting Its PoorProsecuting Its Poor “Att a meeting of ye Trustees on ye 23rd Day of March__ 1773 preSent Jonathan ThompSon Selah Strong Alexander Hawkins IoSeph Brewster Richard Miller Benjamin Floyd__Att thios Meeting it was Voted Voted and agreedand agreed on that JoSeph BrewSter shall goe SouthJoSeph BrewSter shall goe South to take Some care consearning ye oysters and also to take Some care consearning ye oysters and also to hire a man for ye Term of one Month to attend there hire a man for ye Term of one Month to attend there and to farm out ye oysters for ye use of ye Townand to farm out ye oysters for ye use of ye Town__also Voted and agreed on that Benjamin FloydBenjamin Floyd is appointed and ordered to applie to Some Justice of ye ordered to applie to Some Justice of ye peacepeace and take out two Warrents to be Derected to a take out two Warrents to be Derected to a Constable to cavse two poore persons who are now at Constable to cavse two poore persons who are now at SouthSouth and to be brought before a Justice forthwith in order to be Examined least they become chargable to be Examined least they become chargable to ye parsich of Brook havenye parsich of Brook haven__

Source: Brookhaven (N.Y.: Town). Clerk. Records of the Town of Brookhaven, Book C: 1680-1789. New York: The Derrydale Press, 1931: p. 362.

South Haven Parish Meeting, June South Haven Parish Meeting, June 13, 177413, 1774

Appoints Local Committee of Appoints Local Committee of CorrespondenceCorrespondence “1. It was votedIt was voted (and agreed), that the Act of Parliament for Act of Parliament for

blocking up the port of Boston, is unconstitutionalblocking up the port of Boston, is unconstitutional, and , and has a direct tendency to enslave the inhabitants of has a direct tendency to enslave the inhabitants of America, and put an end to all propertyAmerica, and put an end to all property..

2. (And it is also the opinion of this meeting), that if the that if the Colonies all unite and strictly adhere to a non-importation Colonies all unite and strictly adhere to a non-importation agreementagreement from Great Britain and the West Indies, and have no trade with them, we should have reason to expect in a short we should have reason to expect in a short time, a repeal of that oppressive act; and for that purpose time, a repeal of that oppressive act; and for that purpose we heartily desire that such an agreement be entered we heartily desire that such an agreement be entered into.into.

3. (And it is further voted on and agreed), that Wm. Smith, Wm. Smith, Esq., Col. Nath’l Woodhull, Col. Wm. Floyd, Mr. Thos. Esq., Col. Nath’l Woodhull, Col. Wm. Floyd, Mr. Thos. Fanning, Capt. Josiah Smith, Capt. David Mulford, and Fanning, Capt. Josiah Smith, Capt. David Mulford, and Capt. Jona. BakerCapt. Jona. Baker, be a standing committee for this place, to correspond with the Committee of CorrespondenceCommittee of Correspondence in the city of N.Y., and others, and that they immediately communicate the above sentiments to them.”

Note: William SmithWilliam Smith chaired the meeting. Source: Onderdonck, Henry, Jr. Revolutionary Incidents of Revolutionary Incidents of

Suffolk and Kings CountiesSuffolk and Kings Counties.. Port Washington, NY: Kennikat Press, 1849, repr. 1970: p. 13.

Alterations to Patchogue Alterations to Patchogue Roade, 1772Roade, 1772

(Today’s South Ocean Avenue, Patchogue, N.Y.) “We ye CommiSinors of ye Kings highways

and roades in Brook haven for ye year 1772; Have and Do agree to make ye follong alteration in ye patchauge Road beginning at ye North Eand of ye Land formerly occupied by Ephram Smith thence__alltering it So as that it Shall run a South Cource by and with ye line between ye Land of Jssac Smith and that of Brewster Terry formerly occupied by Epharim Smith four Rods wide on ye Land of Brewster Terry and Going with ye Land of Isaac Smith untill it comes into ye afore Said patchage Roade______

Isaiah Smith Henry Hulse”

Source: Brookhaven (N.Y.: Town). Clerk. Records of the Town of Brookhaven, , Book C: 1680-1789. New York: The Derrydale Press, 1931: p. 363.

A Setauket Teacher in Conn. (& Mass.) Joins the Revolutionaries, Pt. 1

Benjamin Tallmadge – 1773-1776 -- Brainwashing or Conversion? “Having had an application to superintend the High School in

Weathersfield [CT], then about to become vacant by the retirement of David Humphreys, Esq., I accepted the same, and repaired to that place for the purpose. I was very much gratified and pleased, both with my employment and the people, and continued there until the commencement of the revolutionary war. When first American blood was shed at Lexington by the British troops, and again repeated much more copiously at Bunker’s [i.e., Breed’s] Hill, near Boston, the whole country seemed to be electrified. Among others, I caught the flame which was thus spreading from breast to breast, and mounted my horse to go and see what was going on near Boston. I soon found my friend, Capt. Chester, who had been at Bunker’s Hill, in the late conflict. He first intimated to me the idea of joining the army. Although I was sufficiently ardent to be pleased, and even elated with such a prospect, yet nothing was further from my intention at that time than to have entered upon a military life.

While I was at Cambridge with my military friends, I was continually importuned to think of the oppression which was so abundantly exhibited by the British government towards the Colonies, until I finally became entirely devoted to the cause in which my country was compelled to engage. I finally began to think seriously of putting on the uniform, and returned to Weathersfield full of zeal in the cause of my country. After my return to Connecticut, the prospect of peace and

A Setauket Teacher in Conn. (& Mass.) Joins the Revolutionaries, Pt. 2

Benjamin Tallmadge – 1776 -- From the Law to the Sword

Peace Recedes, Connecticut to Arms, An Irresistible Offer, A Career Deferred reconciliation appeared to be almost hopeless, and the

country began to think seriously of raising an army to oppose the British troops wherever they should be located. Congress apportioned to the then Colonies their several quotas of troops, and the State of Connecticut, by their legislature, resolved to raise their proportion of men, in the year 1776, for the campaign of 1776.

Capt. Chester ,Capt. Chester , before mentioned, was appointed a colonelwas appointed a colonel,, and he immediately offered me the commission of a lieutenant , he immediately offered me the commission of a lieutenant , with the appointment of adjutant to his regiment.with the appointment of adjutant to his regiment. My feelings had been so much excited that , that I was gratified by this offer from my friend, and decided at once to lay aside my books (having almost determined to study law), and take up the sword in defense of my country. My lieutenant’s commissionlieutenant’s commission, signed by the venerable Gov. John Trumbull, was dated June 20dated June 20thth 1776 1776, and my warrant as adjutant bore the same datemy warrant as adjutant bore the same date.”

Source: Tallmadge, Benjamin. Memoir of Colonel Benjamin Memoir of Colonel Benjamin Tallmadge: Prepared by Himself, at the Request of His Children.Tallmadge: Prepared by Himself, at the Request of His Children. (Eyewitness Accounts of the American Revolution). New York: Thomas Holman, Book and Job Printer; New York Times & Arno Press, 1858, repr. 1968: p. 6-7.

Documents

Brookhaven Town (Suffolk County, Long Island, N.Y.) @ 350 Years Part VIII: Late Imperial Colonial Era 1691-1775 comp. & ed. by Mark H. Rothenberg 2003,