AMERICAN DESCENDANTS OF THE WESEL FAMILY

GYSBERT OPDYCK.

(Son of Lodowick op den Dyck, page 34.)

Baptized in Willibrord's Church, Wesel, Germany, Sept. 25, 1605,. by his parents Lodowigh op den Dyck and Gertrudt van Wesek. Came before 1638, to New Amsterdam (New York); there married Catherine Smith, Sept. 24, 1643. Remained among the Dutch in New Netherland until the English capture in 1664. During a great part of these thirty years, was an officer of the Dutch West India Company;------Commander of Fort Hope, Commissary, one of the Eight Men, Marshal, Tithe-Commissioner, frequently sat in the Council, and assisted in making Indian treaties. Owned a residence on Stone Street, N. Y., the whole of Coney Island (part of which bore his name), a farm at Hempstead and another at Cow Neck, Long Island.

Gysbert signed his name op d Dyck in his two autograph signatures which have come down to us, Jan. 25, 1644, and Aug. 19, 1649; the same form of signature to his deposition on the Hempstead records at Roslyn, April 3, 1659, is probably also in his own hand. This is the very form in which his his father's name was written at the baptism of Gysbert in Wesel. The Pastor at Wesel informs us that this d always stood for den, thus the op den Dyck which Gysbert's ancestors had been called in Wesel since 1283, and probably earlier. The Dutch Church records in New call him often op ten Dyck, which also was a frequent format The Dutch documents and official records spell his name as op Dycj, or more frequently Opdyck; the latter form has been followed by the translators and the historians, and it will be followed by us as it was doubtless the name by which Gysbert was generally known among the Dutch here. His Rhode Island descendants, associating with only English-speaking people,

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wrote their name Updick, and finally Updike; and they wrote Gysbert in its English form, Gilbert.

The New England books describe him as "a German physician of some celebrity who settled on Lloyd's Neck, L. I., and came to Rhode Island when Col. Nichols reduced N. Y. in 1664." This is probably derived from the authority of his great-great grandson Wilkins Updike of R. I., but we have doubts about Gysbert ever having been a physician. However, there is truth in other portions of this tradition, and there may be in all. Perhaps a confusion has arisen from the title "Doctor," which in German is a degree of learning and not of medicine. Gysbert may have been graduated with the German degree of Doctor from the Wesel Academy, then famous in Europe. He was well educated; his associations, official positions, reports, even his signature, show this. He must have spoken German from his birth, Dutch from his emigration, and English from his marriage.

He is often called Mr., and Sieur, on the Dutch records, titles of unusual respect in those days. He was a friend of Gov. Kieft, Secretary van Tienhoven, Fiscal de la Montagne, and Burgomaster Cregier, all of whom officiated as sponsors at the baptisms of his children; and he himself was in demand as sponsor for baptisms of the children of others. Gysbert must have been attractive to both young and old. At the age of 38 years he won the heart of the young English maiden, and the marriage met the approval of her father Richard Smith, a man of standing and wealth and so scrupulous that he once refused his consent to the marriage of another daughter to an Englishman who later became Sheriff of Flushing. At a time when Director Kieft and the citizens of New Amsterdam were in bitter conflict, Gysbert, although an official and friend of Kieft, had the entire confidence of the people. His repeated appointment as Commander of Fort Hope, and the incident at the Stadt Huys, show that he was a man of known courage, yet wise and prudent. In all the many difficulties and trying situations of the early Dutch settlement, he bore himself creditably.

At Hartford Gysbert had often to argue the Dutch rights to the country. Their claim dated from 1609, when Amsterdam merchants sent Henry Hudson in the "Half Moon" with twenty Dutch and English sailors to find a shorter passage to China. He found no short cut to China, but he discovered and anchored in the Delaware River, and then discovered the Hudson River and sailed up it to what is now Albany, landing frequently among the Indians. The Dutch were then an independent nation and their right to claim possession was indisputable, as the territory thus explored was unoccupied by any Christian prince or people. Thereupon Dutch merchants sent many vessels to trade in furs with the Indians, ascending rivers and creeks. The Dutch mariners May and Block were the first to explore Delaware Bay and Long Island Sound; Cape May and

Block Island still bear their names. Rhode Island is the Dutch "Roods"

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(red) Island. In 1614 the Dutch had small forts on the Hudson River and a trading house just below Albany. An Amsterdam company made an excellent map of the Dutch discoveries from Latitude 40° to 45° and given an exclusive grant for a time; the country was named New Netherland, and Dutch vessels explored and traded here largely. All this was before the landing of the Pilgrims in New England in 1620. The Dutch colony was in fact the earliest permanent European settlement in North America excepting those by the Spaniards at St. Augustine, Florida, in 1584 - by the French at Quebec in 1606 and by the London Company in Virginia in 1607. These just grounds for the Dutch possession of New Netherland could not be honestly met. Yet England, with her usual thirst for dominion, claimed the whole of North America, simply because Cabot had sailed along the coast and had occasionally seen land.

The Dutch settlement was composed neither of religious refugees as in New England, nor of needy adventurers as in Virginia, but was a commercial enterprise of the most successful Holland merchants who were in full sympathy with their home government and church. From 1621 the Government of New Netherland was given entirely into the hands of the Dutch West India Company, under a charter from Holland, with power to appoint governors, maintain soldiers, administer justice, make treaties with the Indians, and to control trade, under the direction of a "Board of XIX" in Holland; the States General agreeing to assist with money and twenty vessels in case of war. This commercial character of its government was fatal to the Dutch Colony; for its Governors sought only to increase the profitable traffic of the West India Company, neglected the settlement of the country, and by their arbitrary conduct discouraged their colonists.

Peter Minuit, of Wesel, was the Director (Governor) of the colony from 1626 to 1632 ; van Twiller from 1633 to 1637; William Kieft from 1638 to 1646. Gysbert Opdyck may have come to the colony with Peter Minuit from Wesel, or under van Twiller, as the records before 1638 are entirely lost excepting the land-patents. Although he was a German from Wesel, he was doubtless not without consideration whenever he came, for the people of that town had been like brothers to the Dutch from time immemorial, their city had been the city of refuge from Spanish religious persecution for the Hollanders of the 16th century, and we find the Ÿacht Wesel" among the earliest vessels coming to New Amsterdam.

In 1638, the first year of the records which have been preserved, we find Gysbert Opdyck as the Commissary of Fort Good Hope, and from then until the English capture in 1664 we find him mentioned on the records, in one capacity or another, in almost every year except those in which the records are again missing.

The West India Company managed each of their three distant settlements, Albany, Hartford, and on the Delaware River, by a Commissary

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who was in each case Commander of the soldiers at the Fort and was in full charge of all matters pertaining to that colony. As early as 1623 the Dutch had settled six men and two families on "Fresh" (Connecticut) River, had commenced to build a small trading-post or fort, and carried on a brisk fur-trade with the Indians. Up to 1631 the Dutch were the only Europeans who had visited what is now Connecticut. In 1633 they had bought from the Indian tribes most all the lands on both sides of the river, and at Saybrook Point where the arms of the States General "were affixed to a tree in token of possession." They completed "Fort Good Hope" on the site of the present city of Hartford, building a redoubt on the edge of the river and fortifying it with two cannon. But now the Puritans, growing weary of their barren New `England soil, cast longing eyes upon the fertile valley of the Connecticut, ungratefully forgetting that Holland had been their refuge and home against the religious persecutions of the English Crown during twelve years before they embarked in the Mayflower for the American wilderness. Massachusetts asserted the English title to Connecticut, and a party from Plymouth passed the Dutch fort on the pretense of coming to trade, but immediately set up there a small house for which they had brought the materials concealed in their vessel. Director van Twiller sent a band of about 70 men in a warlike manner with colors displayed to dislodge the intruders, but the Plymouth men stood upon their defense, and the Dutch force withdrew, averse to shedding the blood of their fellow-Protestants when only land and not principle was involved. The Dutch were the bravest nation in Europe ; alone, they had defeated the mighty empire of Spain ; later they drove back the armies of Louis XIV of France. But the West India Company's administration of New Netherland aimed at trade, not at territory; it could not appreciate the territorial greed of the English, and temporized until it was too late. The Dutch Governor sent a protest to Massachusetts, showing the Dutch title by discovery, purchase, and possession, adding very sensibly. "In this part of the world are divers heathen lands that are empty of inhabitants, so that of a little part thereof there needs not be any question." The New Englanders "pushed on, built a fort, settled at Springfield, and soon far outnumbered the Dutch in Connecticut. This was the state of affairs when Gysbert Opdyck was seat there with a very small body of troops. In 1639 the English had 50 houses in Stratford, 100 houses and a fine church in Hartford, and more than 300 houses and a handsome place of worship in New Have, - while the Dutch had only Fort Hope. Gysbert's only possible course was to "hold the fort." Disgusted with so unpleasant a position, and receiving no reinforcements, he resigned his office Oct. 25, 1640, and Fatherland. " returned " to the Fatherland.

After his departure the same troubles continued and increased. In 1641 the English again tried to drive out the Dutch from Fort Hope by continued

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annoyances and interference with the cultivation of the land around the Fort. Governor Kieft started two yachts with 50 soldiers for Hartford, but they were recalled to defend Staten Island plantations against hostile Indians. The matter was discussed in Europe and the English ambassador at the Hague privately recommended that the English in Connecticut should "crowd on, -- crowding the Dutch out of those places where they occupied." Lord Say wrote to the Dutch ambassador in England that there were only five or six Hollanders on the river, and more than 2,000 English. The inhabitants of New England were said to number 40,000 ; all the Dutch in America were certainly not one tenth so many.

Gysbert's " black boy," who died from accident at Fort Hope, was his slave. The West India Co. agreed to supply as many negroes from Brazil as the colonists might be "willing to purchase at a fair price." Gysbert's explanation of the circumstances of the death was received as final and his word was not questioned.

Gysbert must have soon tired of the old Fatherland, for be reappears in 1642 at New Amsterdam, appointed Commissary of Provisions, with an assistant. We find this office described in a report by the Board of Accounts to the College of XIX in Holland in 1644: "It would be advantageous for the company to keep a well supplied store and cellar there, in order to accommodate the inhabitants, at a certain reasonable price, either for money or produce, which will otherwise be overvalued or monopolized by the private traders. But if private individuals are allowed to continue trading, a fixed price ought to be placed on their imported wares." The accompanying estimate of expenses states: "Commissary of the merchandise and store goods, 720 florins " per year. This salary was the same as that of the Fiscal and the Secretary, and was exceeded only by that of the Vice Director, and the Clergyman ; we must recollect too that money was much more valuable then than now. We find Gysbert again entitled Commissary on the Council Minutes, twice in 1645, and twice in 1646. He appears to have been firm in protecting the property of the Company and he was sustained by the Council. The office was an important one, as it controlled the principal trade in supplies to the colony which has since grown to be New York city, New York State and New Jersey.

The Council of New Netherland, holding sessions at New Amsterdam (New York), enacted all the laws, decided all questions of policy, and was also the highest Court of Justice. Governor Kieft formed his council of himself and his Secretary, reserving two votes for himself', but this led to such general complaint that he generally adjoined two or more officers or citizens, and we find no one more frequently called upon to act thus than Gysbert Opdyck. While sitting as Judge, Gysbert was on one occasion challenged for bias, but his impartiality was soon acknowledged and the challenge was withdrawn.

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The Dutch Church was a power in the colony, and we find Gysbert connected with it in many interesting ways. The church of Holland agreed substantially in belief with the church of England. English prelates and churchmen conformed without scruple to the doctrines of the established Dutch church. King James of England sent a bishop and other church delegates to the Synod of Dort, and the Dean of Worcester, after his return, constantly wore the gold medal of the Dutch Synod. The Dutch clergymen were admitted to livings in the church of England without reordination by an English bishop. Strange to say, the English puritan refugees also found the belief of the church of Holland almost the same as their own, and urged only a stricter observance of the Sabbath. The real secret of the difference was that English churchman and English puritan each wished his Church to govern the State; while the Dutch resolutely kept Church and State separate, and it is to their example that our country now owes its religious freedom.

The colonists at Manhattan first worshiped in the loft of the horse-mill. In 1633 a plain wooden church, "like a barn," was built on what is now Broad Street between Pearl and Bridge Streets, and near it was erected a dwelling for the first clergyman sent out from Holland, Domine Everardus Bogardus. Bogardus, like all Dutchmen, believed in plain language, and soon called Governor van Twiller "a child of the devil," and threatened him with "such a shake from the pulpit as will make him shudder." Bogardus was censured in Holland, and petitioned the next Director, Governor Kieft, for leave to return and defend himself before the Classis. But Kieft declared that the Domine could not be spared and asked the Classis to protect "their esteemed preacher." Bogardus married the Annetje Jansen, who owned the 62 acres now in possession of Trinity Church, concerning which has arisen the much litigated claim of the heirs of Anneke Jans. Gysbert Opdyck and Bogardus were warm friends, Gysbert acting as sponsor at the baptism of his son, and dining with him at the tavern.

In1642 Governor Kieft resolved to build a stone church within the fort, and chose the wedding feast of Bogardus's daughter, "after the fourth and fifth round of drinking," for starting a subscription. The next morning many of the guests regretted having made such large subscriptions, but "nothing availed to excuse." Gysbert was active in the building of the new church, and his signature appears upon the building contract. The church was "of rock-stone," 72 ft. long, 50 ft. broad, and 16 ft. high. It was in this building that Gysbert was married, that he baptized his children, and officiated so often as sponsor.

When Governor Kieft attempted to collect taxes from the Indians and by many unwise acts brought on a bloody Indian war, fining and banishing leading citizens who opposed his policy, Bogardus thundered from the pulpit: "What are the great men of the country but vessels of wrath and

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fountains of woe and trouble. They think of nothing but to plunder the property of others, to dismiss, to banish, to transport to Holland." Kieft in return absented himself from church, and encouraged the soldiers in fire cannon, beat drums, and indulge in noisy amusements during the sermon hour. But the " Breeden Raedt " is wrong in saying that Gysbert joined Kieft in absenting himself from church from Jan., 1644 to May, 1647, for during this period Gysbert baptized two of his children. The Domine continued his censures, and was summoned by Kieft before the Council. Finally friends of both, foremost among whom was no doubt Gysbert Opdyck, brought about a reconciliation.

"The Indian problem," says Fernow, "was solved by the Dutch of New Netherland without great difficulty. Persecuted by Spain and France for their religious convictions, the Dutch had learned to tolerate the superstitious and repugnant beliefs of others. Not less religious than the Puritans of New England, they made no such religious pretexts for tyranny and cruelty as marred the records of their neighbors. They treated the Indian as a man with rights of life, liberty, opinion, and property, like their own, Truthful among themselves, they inspired in the Indian a belief in their sin and honesty, and purchased what they wanted fairly and with the consent of the seller."

But the irascible Kieft undertook a different course which almost ruined the colony. He sent an expedition against the Raritan Indians and killed several of them, on account of a theft which had really been committed by some of the Company's own servants. The Raritans in revenge destroyed a Dutch plantation and killed four planters. An Indian at Hackensack had been sold liquor and then robbed by the whites; he in return while drunk shot a white. His tribe offered in atonement 200 fathoms of wampum, the Indian price for a life; Kieft however demanded the murderer. Just at this time in Feb., 1643, the river Indians, fleeing from an attack of the Mohawks, flocked in terror, half-famished, to Manhattan where they were kindly entertained. The majority of the colonists believed that the savages could now be easily won back to a sincere friendship. But Kieft declared that God had delivered their enemies into their hands, and, against all opposition, sent at night two troops of soldiers who murdered 120 of the Indian refugees with their women and children, as they lay sleeping in fincied security at the Dutch buweries of Pavonia and Corlaer's Hook. To add to the lesson of terror the Long Island settlers petitioned for leave to attach the Marreckawick Indians living near Breucklen '(Brooklyn), and the Director now submitted the matter to a Council consisting of Bogardus, Gysbert Opdyck and three others, who decided against the attack "as it would draw down an unrighteous war on our heads." What followed is thus described in Broadhead's History of New York, I, 353-5:

"Kieft, yielding to the advice of Bogardus and others of his council,

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refused his assent. * * * Nevertheless, if these Indians showed signs of hostility, the director authorized every colonist to defend himself as best he might. Kieft's proviso was unfortunate. The red man's corn was coveted; and some movements of the Marechkawiecks were conveniently construed into those signs of hostility for which the ambiguous decree had provided. A secret foraging expedition was presently set on foot, and two wagon loads of grain were plundered from the unsuspecting savages; who, in vainly endeavoring to protect their property, lost three lives in the skirmish which followed. It only needed this scandalous outrage to fill the measure of Indian endurance. Up to this time, the Long Island savages had been among the warmest friends of the Dutch. Now they had been attacked and plundered by the strangers whom they had welcomed, and to whom they had done no wrong. Common cause was at once made with the North River Indians, who burned with frenzied hate and revenge, when they found that the midnight massacres at Pavonia and Manhattan were not the work of the Mohawks, but of the Dutch. From swamps and thickets the mysterious enemy. made his sudden onset. The farmer was murdered in the open field; women and children, granted their lives, were swept off into long captivity; houses and bouweries, haystacks and grain, cattle and crops, were all destroyed. From the shores of the Raritan to the valley of the Housatonic, not a single plantation was safe. Eleven tribes of Indians rose in open war; and New Netherland now read the awful lesson which Connecticut had learned six years before. Such of the colonists as escaped with their lives, fled from their desolated homes to seek refuge in Fort Amsterdam. In their despair, they threatened to return to the Fatherland, or remove to Rensselaerswyck (Albany), which experienced no trouble. Fearing a general depopulation, Kieft was obliged to take all the colonists into the pay of the company, to serve as soldiers for two months. At this conjuncture, Roger Williams, who not having liberty of taking ship in Massachusetts, `was forced to repair unto the Dutch,' arrived at Manhattan, on his way to Europe. 'Before we weighed anchor,' wrote the liberal-minded founder of Rhode Island, eleven years afterward, `mine eyes saw the flames at their towns, and the flights and hurries of men, women and children, the present removal of all that could for Holland.'"

Kieft became alarmed and ordered a day of fasting and prayer. As soon as the savages had planted their corn, they burst upon the settlements. The River Indians plundered Dutch boats and killed fifteen colonists; the Westchester Indians murdered Ann Hutchinson and her family, who had fled from the religious persecutions of Massachusetts and had settled at Pelham Neck ; the Long Island tribes devastated the colony of Gysbert's father-in-law at Mespath; the Hackinsacks and Nevesincks laid waste the plantations in New Jersey and murdered the whites; on Manhattan Island itself no more than five or six bouweries were left. The colonists all took refuge within the fort, which could muster only 50 soldiers, 200 Dutch citizens and some English, against 1,500 savages armed with muskets. For the protection of the few remaining cattle at pasture, a strong north fence of palisades was built on the line of the present Wall Street. The next year, 1644, the Dutch forces carried the war into the Indian homes, attacked them in their fastnesses, slaughtered 120 savages on Long Island and 500 at Greenwich, Connecticut. Many English who had come away from the puritan discipline of Massachusetts and taken the oath of allegiance to the

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Dutch government here, were enrolled in the little Dutch army; there also arrived 150 Dutch soldiers from Brazil. The tribes near Manhattan were still hostile and unsubdued. It was resolved by the Council, including still again Gysbert Opdyck, to employ a friendly Long Island Sachem and his warriors against the enemy. The wily chief used policy instead of force and brought friendly messages from the chiefs of the tribes, which resulted in peace after five years of war.

Hitherto we have found Gysbert always as an officer and friend of Kieft, but the Director had found the plan of retaining all power in himself and the Council, selected by him, beset with many difficulties. The people had been accustomed to the republican government of Holland and its "free cities," and when Kieft first proposed to make war upon the Indians, had refused to raise money until they were allowed to select popular representatives called the " Twelve Men." These opposed the war and demanded reforms in the government. The Director immediately dissolved them but in 1643 the Indian crisis had again compelled him to call a meeting of the colonists, who thereupon elected new representatives called the "Eight Men." Kieft found these still more independent and troublesome, for they, dared even to send remonstrances to Holland against his reckless management and arbitrary rule, and to petition for his removal. The Director fined and banished and forbade appeal to the Fatherland, all in vain; the Eight denounced him only the more strongly. In the following year, 1645,we find among the Eight men elected were Gysbert Opdyck and his father-in-law Richard Smith; a remarkable proof of the confidence of the colonists in Gysbert's fairness and judgment, considering his intimate relations with Kieft. This year the "Eight Men" succeeded in making with all the Indian tribes the great Treaty of Aug. 30, 1645, signed by Gysbert and all the Eight Men, celebrated by a day of general thanksgiving, and securing a peace which was not disturbed during ten years.

It was at the very worst of the Indian war that we find stout-hearted Gysbert taking to himself his young wife and living in his house on Stone Street. His home was no doubt, like all others in the town at that date, a plain one-story structure encased with slabs, surmounted with a steep roof containing perhaps two stories of garret, and in the rear a wide outside stone chimney and oven. The first two years of his married life must have often seen Gysbert and his vrouw taking refuge in the Fort at the Battery, from threatening savages. His residence must have been a pleasant one. The old citizen of New York now looks back with regret to the days of his youth, when a short and pleasant walk carried him from his office to his home. Still more he envies the earlier generations, who lived over their stores and their counting-houses at the lower and pleasanter part of the island. But it requires an effort to imagine the position of Gysbert's house,- within a few hundred yards of the Battery on the one side and of the

1ST GENERATION; GYSBERT OPDYCK. - 55

East River on the other, with unbroken breezes from river to river, open view of the Dutch ships coming and going on the bay, and pleasant pasture fields at the rear. How we would like to have sat on his wooden stoop, under the shade of an old forest tree, while the drums beat at the fort, the children fished on the grassy bank of the river, and Gysbert smoked his pipe and told sadly of the departed glory of old Wesel. But gone too, now, and long forgotten, is the glory of Stone Street. Trade reached it and then left it, and few now know the street. , Short, curved and lined with brick warehouses bearing closed iron shutters, it is at mid-day as quiet as a street of tombs.

Gysbert had other property. He owned all Coney Island, duly patented to him by Director Kieft and recorded by the. Secretary, as can still be seen on the old Dutch records now preserved in the Albany State Library. The present Coney Island was then composed of three islands, of which the easternmost was know as "Gysbert's Island " for many years ; but all three were covered by the patent to him.

In 1647, the Board of XIX recalled Kieft and granted the reforms demanded by the Eight Men. Kieft sent Kuyter and Melyn, his two boldest accusers, as criminals to Holland on the same vessel on which he and Bogardus returned. The ship was wrecked on the coast of Wales. Seeing death at hand, Kieft begged their forgiveness. He and Bogardus with 80 others were drowned. Kuyter clung to a part of the wreck, on which was a cannon, and was thrown on land, to the great astonishment of the inhabitants, who set up the cannon there as a lasting memorial. Melyn floated safely on his back to shore.

Now was sent from Holland the blustering Peter Stuyvesant as the new Director of New Netherland. He had lost a leg in an attack upon the . Portugese, but he was better at writing Latin than at either fighting or governing. The colonists welcomed his arrival, but his arrogance soon gave such universal offence that they refused to be taxed until they were again allowed to elect popular representatives called the "Nine Men." These, finding their advice unheeded by the Director, their papers seized and themselves threatened with arrest, sent three of their number with a statement of grievances to the States General of Holland who compelled the West India Company to grant a Burgher government to the city of New Amsterdam (New York), and the same freedoms were afterward granted to the Dutch towns on Long Island. This was the spirit shown by our Dutch ancestors in America 126 years before our American Revolution.

Gysbert took no active part in this matter, because one of the first acts of Governor Stuyvesant was to revive the Dutch claim to Connecticut and to reappoint Gysbert as Commander at Hartford, June 20, 1647. Believing that the new Governor meant now to enforce the Dutch right, Gysbert accepted the difficult position and remained at Fort Hope until 1650.

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Stuyvesant sent long letters to the New England Governors, claiming as far east as Cape Cod, and made much warfare on paper, but despatched no army or fleet to Gysbert's support, and finally made the "Hartford Treaty" by which the line between the Dutch and English Territory was to run through Greenwich Bay northerly. Fort Hope was now abandoned by the Dutch. During this last three years' stay of Gysbert "at the House the Hope," we find him giving powers of attorney "to sell his account," and to the City Schoolmaster at Wesel to collect 500 "dalers " with eight years interest from a merchant at Wesel. We know nothing of his official employment during the next four years, because the Council Minutes from August, 1649, to November, 1653, are mostly lost. In 1655, he witness to (and perhaps assisted in negotiating) a deed from the Indians to the West India Co. for a considerable portion of the present State of Delaware for " twelve coats of duffels, twelve kettles, 12 adzes, 24 knives, 12 bars of lead, and four guns with some powder." In this year we find him also selling his land at Hempstead, L. I., in the next year witnessing an Indian treaty there ; and in the following year he was still owning land and under cultivation at "Cow Neck " near Hempstead.

In 1656 Gysbert was appointed, by Governor Stuyvesant, Tithe Commissioner of Long Island, and held the office two years. Under the original patents for land in New Netherland, the settlers agreed to pay the tenth part of the produce after ten years to the West India Company. These tenths were now beginning to fall due. Gysbert, in connection with the Schout, was entrusted with full, power and discretion to fix the amounts, to make fair settlements, and to release entirely those who were poor and unable to pay. This was an unusual trust, but he did not abuse it to his own profit. During these same two years he filled the office of Court Messenger, or Marshal, both for the Council and the city government of New Amsterdam. This office is said on good authority to have been "of some dignity." At the same period he was the host of the principal hotel in the city, situated next to the old Stadt Huys, which had recently been changed from hotel to City Hall. In our day the position of chief hotel keeper in New York City is not without importance. In those days of infrequent communications and no newspapers, the stranger must have been indeed a welcome guest, and the inn was the headquarters of general information as well as the resort of the best citizens. Of course the Dutch inn of those days, as well as in Holland, " had in one corner a closet, which, when opened (and, honestly, it was not unfrequently opened), disclosed sundry decanters, glasses and black bottles; and on one side of the room a rack, in which were suspended by their bowls a score or two of very long pipes, each one inscribed with the name of a neighbor, its owner."

It is doubtful whether many of the residents of New Netherland acquired fortunes. The regulations of the West India Company were exacting and

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oppressive, and the dangerous neighborhood of the Indians always checked enterprise. The peace of 1645 was not permanent. In 1647, on Stuyvesant's arrival, scarcely 50 bouweries (farms) could be counted, and only 300 men capable of bearing arms in the colony. The savages were still brooding over the slaughter of 1,600 of their people. In 1655, Henrick Van Dyck, the former Schout-Fiscal, killed a squaw who was stealing his peaches. At once 1,900 Indians in 64 canoes appeared before New Amsterdam, landed, roamed the streets, broke into houses and shot Van Dyck. Attacked by the soldiers and the burgher guard, and driven to their canoes, they crossed the river, laid waste Hoboken and Pavonia, killed or captured most of the inhabitants and desolated Staten Island. In three days they slaughtered 100 Dutch, took prisoners 150, ruined 300 in estate, and destroyed 28 bouweries. The damage to property was estimated at 200,000 guilders. A state of armed hostility continued until 1660, when a new treaty of peace was made with the Indians around Manhattan. In 1656 a survey of New Amsterdam showed only 120 houses and 1,000 people; in 1660 the city contained 350 houses, almost all of wood; in 1664 Stuyvesant claimed only 1,500 inhabitants for the city. Under their repeated misfortunes our Dutch ancestors found wealth as difficult to retain as to acquire. We judge that Gysbert was no exception, from his wording of some communications to the Council, requesting that he be made Sheriff of Flushing, &c. It is to his honor that he went out of office poor. The lands of the settlers did not become valuable until in the hands of their children and grandchildren in later and more quiet times.

We cannot doubt that Gysbert had a legal and valid patent to all of Coney Island, and this seems to be recognized by all the historians. He had never been able to occupy it without danger from the Indians. Wishing to sell a portion of it in 1661, he complained to the Director and Council that the inhabitants of Gravesend were using it for pasture, and in a few weeks he transferred his claim to Dirck de Wolff, a wealthy merchant of Holland who commenced to manufacture salt on the island and who immediately brought suit before the Director and Council to restrain the Gravesend people from pasturing or mowing grass there. The latter resisted the suit on the ground that Gysbert had never taken possession. Stuyvesant was a close friend of Lady Moody, who was rich and influential, owned the greater part of Gravesend, and had entertained him at her house. Besides, Gravesend was an English settlement, had been lately seditious and threatened to join the other English towns on Long Island just at this time seceding from the government of the Dutch to that of New England. Stuyvesant therefore felt it all important to conciliate the favor of its inhabitants, and induced his council to decide the patent void for want of proof that it had ever been signed by Governor Kieft. Gysbert had mislaid the original patent, but its record by Secretary van Tienhoven had stood twenty years

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in the Book of Patents, open to general inspection, and had never been questioned. Kieft's bones now lay at the bottom of the ocean; the Secretary had left New Netherland and was probably not to be found. The matter did not end with this decision. Gysbert's grantee complained to the Directors of the West India Co. in Holland, who immediately, wrote to Stuyvesant that they believed the place had "been taken away from him, by your sentence upon apparently frivolous claims made by the English in the village of Gravesend" and they ordered the Governor to send them all the documents used in the law suit. The Governor not complying the Holland Chamber of Directors again wrote to him more peremptorily. This was only a few months before the capture of New Netherland by the English, who, of course, did not listen to any claim against their fellow English men of Gravesend.

England was always jealous of the Dutch colonies of New Netherland, Even republican Cromwell without warning seized Holland ships in English ports and impressed their crews. War at once commenced between two countries. The first year of hostilities closed with a victory which forced the English admiral Blake to take refuge in the Thames; and the victorious Dutch admiral Tromp placed a broom at his mast-head, in token that he had swept the channel free of all English ships. The next year, Cromwell Protector of England, sent four ships to subdue New Netherland with the aid of the New England colonies, but the squadron did not reach until the next summer, when peace had been declared.

The English East India Company and the English African Company continued to complain of the rivalry of the Dutch commerce, which over shadowed the English. An English expedition was sent against the Dutch in Africa, in the midst of a covenanted peace ; even Clarendon described this as without any shadow of justice." In New Netherland, Stuyvesant had grown more and more unpopular. He had persecuted Lutherans and flogged or imprisoned Quakers, until the West India Co. ordered him to desist. Two general Landtags or Diets of the colonists had condemned severely his management of affairs. Charles II determined to rob Holland of her American province, and presented to his brother, the Duke of York, a patent for all New Netherland. The Duke of York, as Lord High Admiral, sent four ships with 450 soldiers under Nicolls to take possession with the assistance of New England. The Dutch were misled by false reports that the expedition was designed only to settle affairs in New England. August 19, 1664, the English squadron anchored in New York Bay and, having been joined by Connecticut troops, summoned fort Amsterdam to surrender, declaring that all, who would submit to the English government, should be protected " in His Majesty's Laws and Justice" and peacefully enjoy their property; also that "any people from the Netherlands may freely come and plant there, or thereabouts; and such vessels of their

1ST GENERATION; GYSBERT OPDYCK. - 59

own country may freely come thither, and any of them may as freely return home in vessels of their own country." The Dutch citizens, unprepared and surprised as they were, had organized themselves for defense; but when Stuyvesant refused to communicate Nicolls' letter to the burgomasters and in a fit of passion "tore the letter in pieces," the citizens at once ceased 'their work at the palisades and demanded the letter with "complaints and curses." "The letter! The letter!" was the general cry. Stuvesant was forced to yield, and a copy, made out from the collected fragments, was handed to the burgomasters. There were 1,500 souls in New Amsterdam, but only 400 men able to bear arms. The City authorities, the officers of the burgher guard, and 85 principal citizens, forced Stuyvesant to yield. The English rule could not be worse than Stuyvesant's. The government of the New England colonies seemed to the Dutch more like the freedom to which they bad been` accustomed in Holland than did the arbitrary rule of the West India Company Director. The articles of capitulation secured to the Dutch their property, their liberty of conscience and church, and the town was to be allowed to choose deputies, with "free voices in all public affairs." A century later, it was fortunate that the North American Colonies were all united, that they might together pull down that English Rag.

After the English capture, nothing further is found on the records concerning Gysbert. His name is not on the list of those who took the oath of allegiance to the English government, nor on any of the lists, after this date, of citizens, freeholders, taxpayers, etc., etc., of New York or of any of the towns on Long Island or elsewhere in New York State. The tradition is doubtless correct that be went with his children to Narragansett, after the death of Richard Smith, Sr in 1666, to take possession of the lands about Wickford bequeathed to the children of Gysbert's deceased wife Catharine. Gsybert's eldest son Lodowyck appears upon the Kingstown records at Wickford, R. I., as early as 1668, and others of his children later; the place was then thinly settled, and its scant records have been almost totally destroyed by fire.

Records and Authorities.

1635. " Gysbert Op Dyck, or Op ten dyck, emigrated from Wesel to New Amsterdam in 1635." (Bergen's Early Settlers of Kings Co., p. 218.)

1638, Gysbert Opdyck, Commissary of Fort Good Hope (Connecticut). (O,Callaghan's N. N. Register, p. 49.)

1639, Nov 9. "Declaration. Gysbert Opdyck, Commissary at Fort Hope respecting the manner in which Lewis Barbese, his black-boy, came to his death.

"Gysbert Opdyck at request of the Fiscal, declares that Lewis Barbese took a pan to bake cookies and as the fire was too hot for the boy, Opdyck took the pan from him and ordered him to bring a shovel. The shovel which the boy brought was dirty, whereupon Opdyck whipped the boy who, to escape the whipping, ran away and

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Opdyck gave him a kick in the side. The boy ran before the door where he fell down. Opdyck went toward the boy and found a crooked knife bent like a hook and that the boy had a wound `' left side near his arm wherefrom he died very soon.". . (Dutch MSS IV, 52.)

1639. "The Dutch, however, continued in possession of the flat lands around ` the Hope,' where Gysbert op Dyck was now commissary with a garrison of fourteen or fifteen soldiers. At their first coming, the English conducted themselves discreetly; but increasing in numbers, they boldly began to plow up the reserved lands around the Dutch redoubt. Op Dyck endeavored to resist; but the English cudgeled some of the garrison who attempted to stop their proceedings; and Haynes, the newly-elected governor of Connecticut, justified his countrymen. The Dutch, he said, had been many years in possession, and had done nothing to improve the land, which. 'was lying idle' around their house. `It would be a sin to leave uncultivated so valuable a land, which could produce such excellent, Thus the Hartford people vindicated their conduct. They 'gave out that they were Israelites, and that the Dutch in New Netherland, and the English in Virginia, were Egyptians.' "

1640. "The next year witnessed still bolder aggression. The right to any of the land around their little fort was openly In vain Commissary Op Dyck pleaded Dutch discovery before English knowledge of the river, and Dutch possession under a title from the Indian owners, anterior to English purchase and settlement Show your right,' said Hopkins, who had succeeded Haynes as governor, `and we are ready to exhibit ours.' Evert Duyckingk, one of the garrison, while sowing grain, was struck a hold in his head with a sticke, see that the blood ran downe very strongly' Ingenuity was taxed to devise modes of worrying the Hollanders; and to fortify the English claim of title, Sequasson, the son of the sachem who had assented to Van Curler's original purchase, was brought into court, to testify `that he never sold any ground to the Dutch, neither was at any time conquered by the Pequods, nor paid any tribute to them.' Kieft's repeated protests brought no alleviation of annoyance; for no re-enforcements came from Manhattan to vindicate the rights of the West India Company. Disgusted with a post where he was so constantly insulted, Op Dyck resigned his office 25 October, 1640............... (Broadhead's Hist. N. Y., I, 294-5.)

1640. The following written Remonstrance was presented to the Hon'ble Director and Council of New Netherland, by Gysbert Opdyck, Comissary on the part of the General Incorporated West Ind Company:

"That we, on the 23rd. April, 1640, did tell and notify Mr. Hopkins, the English Governor on the Fresh river of New Netherland, that we proposed ploughing, for the Company, a piece of land lying behind Fort Hope, as it was our purchased and paid for ground, forbidding him, Mr. Hopkins, or any of his, to attempt doing anything on the aforesaid piece of land; who gave for answer, that 'twas their ground, inasmuch as they and not we, had bought it from the right owners, and that the Pequatoos never owned the land, which he will prove by a chief of the Morahtkans, who dwelt near the Pequatoos, and that the owners had fled away to seek assistance from their people. Whereunto we, Opdyck, and the other servants of the Company, made answer, that the lands, many years before their coming were taken possession of, and payment in full made to the right own-

1ST GENERATION; GYSBERT OPDYCK. - 61

ers, which was also approved of by the residents. Mr. Hopkins said Show your right; we shall show ours; also, that he sought to deal in friendship with us; which, Opdyck said, was our intention, but that he meanwhile wished to have the use of the land, it being our ground. To this he, Hopkins, and the other English, would never agree.

"Also, that the English Constable on the Fresh river did, on the 24th. April, 1640, come with ten @ eleven men, each being armed with a thick stick, to our people, who were busy ploughing on the Hon'ble Company's ground, who, with blows and shoats, so frightened our horses that were drawing the plough, that, from terror, they broke the ropes and chains, and ran away. And whereas we had that day notified the Governor not to molest us on the Hon'ble. Company's land, we, in an hour after the constable came to us, resumed ploughing without hindrance.

"On the 25th. April, 1640, the English, in the night, sowed with corn the land that, in the day, Opdyck had caused to be ploughed, against which Opdyck protested, delivering a written protest to the Governor, who would not answer it as 'twas in Dutch, saying: ' I can also protest,' and that we were not acting right; asking, likewise, that Opdyck should show the Company's title to the land; also, that the English sought to live in friendship with our people, but if we came with force, they should use force against us, and that their King would fully maintain them as our Prince of Orange would us. Thereupon, Gysbert Opdyck gave for answer: He was not bound to show them any title, but if they had anything to say, they should deliver it to him in writing, and he Would forward it to the Hon'ble Director.

"Moreover, that we very well knew that his Majesty of England did not require them to wrong another in his property. In the afternoon, Opdyck had barley sown in the ploughed field, but the English drove the people off. Whereupon Opdyck himself went thither, but the English, who were standing on a ridge, would oppose our people, and sought to prevent them sowing our own land, which was ploughed by our men. Meanwhile, Evert Duyckingh ran past the English with a hat full of barley; whilst sowing, an Englishman struck him on the arm with a club, so that he could not move; another cut Duyckingh in the head with an adze stuck in a long handle, so that the blood ran down his face and clothes. Whereupon we were forced to depart, but Opdyck said: ' You do us wrong and violence.'

"In the night of the 30th. May, one of the Company's mares that was going astray, was taken by the English and brought in their pound without our knowledge. A man came afterwards, who told us that the Governor's servant had taken it because the horse had eaten their grass.

"If Opdyck would pay the damage, they would restore the animal. To which was answered, that the ground and grass were ours; that they had nothing to do with our horses, and should bring them back whence they were taken.

"On the 21st. June, 1640, Gysbert Opdyck being come from the Manhattans and about an hour at home, the English carried off, in the twinkle of an eye, a cow and calf, and drove them to their pound.

"On the 22d. June, 1640, the English Governor in the Fresh river (sent) two men to Opdyck, on the demand of the Hon'ble Director, William Kieft, and consented to give up the horse, cow and calf, if

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we would pay the damage done by them to the grass, wherenunto the Commissary gave for, answer: If they would give back the cattle belonging to us, they could do so, but he did not intend to pay any damage, as they had sought their food on our purchased land, and no damage had been done.

"On the 28th. June, 1640, an English clergyman took a load of the hay which the Company's servants had cut; wherefore the Commissary served him with a protest, at the house of the Governor, who was not at home.

"On the 15th. August, Peter Colet, the steward, and other of the Company's servants, whilst cutting the Company's grain, were driven off by the English, who said 'twas their grain and that they had sown it. Whereupon Opdyck protested at the house of Deputy Governor Hengst, who answered that he had nothing to do with any protest, and that they knew it." . . . . (Doc. Col. Hist. N. Y., II, 141-2.)

1640, Oct. 25. Appointment of Hendric Roesen to be commissary Fort Hope, " vice Gysbert van Dye, about to sail for Fatherland." (Dutch MSS. IV, 79.)

1642. Gysbert Opdyck, Commissary of Provisions.... (O'Callaghan's N. N. Register, p. 31.)

1642. Contract to build stone Church within the Fort at New Amsterdam, Signed by (Director) William Kieft, Gysbert op Dyck and Thomas Willet, on behalf of the Churchwardens ....... (Alb. Rec. III, 31.)

1642, Nov. 18. Commission to Gysbert Opdyck and others to act as judges at the trial of Hendrick Jansen, tailor, for slandering the director-general ...................... (Dutch MSS. IV, 149.)

1643, Jan. 4. Mr. Gysbert opten dyck witness (or sponsor) to baptism of child of Domine Everardus Bogardus.. (Rec. N. Y. Dutch Church)

1643, Feb. 27. New Netherland Council. Postil. "We cannot at present resolve to attack the Indians at Mareckkawich, as they have not given us hitherto any provocation, and as it would draw down an unrighteous war on our heads, especially as we are assured that they would be on their guard and hard to beat, and apparently excite more enemies, and be productive of much injury to us, whilst we trust that it will, through God's mercy, now result in a good issue. But in case they evince a hostile disposition, every man must do his best to defend himself. Meanwhile each must be on his guard and arm himself, as is done here according as time and circumstance shall best determine. In presence of the Hon'ble Director, the Fiscal, Everadus Bogardus, Hendrick van Dyck, Ghysbert Op Dyck and Oloff Stevensen." ..................... (Doc. Col. Hist. N. Y., I, 417.)

1643, May 3. Gysbert op ten dyck witness to baptism of child of Mr. Herman Meyndertsz ..................... (Rec. N. Y. Dutch, Church.)

1643, Sept. 24. Married, Gysbert op dyck, a bachelor from Wesel, and Catharina Smit, a maiden from old England...... (Rec. N. Y. Dutch Church)

1644, Jan. 6. Mr. Gysbert op ten dyck, witness to baptism of child of Stephen Jougen ........................(Rec. N. Y. Dutch Church.)

1644, Jan. 25. Declaration. Olof Stevensen and Gysbert Opdyck as to a statement of Lambert van Valckenborch, respecting property of Peter Livesen, dec'd. Gysbert's autograph. (Dutch MSS. II, 95.)

1644, Mar. 17. Declaration by Gysbert Opdyck and others, who, with the Minister, and their wives, had been invited to sup with Philip Gerritsen at the City Tavern, respecting an outrageous attack made on the party by Capt. John Underhill, Lieut. Geo. Baxter and other English men.

1ST GENERATION; GYSBERT OPDYCK. - 63

- "and Gysbert Opdyck, aged 37, testify that they and their wives were at the inn of Phillip Gerritsen, where one hour after dinner, John Underhill and his Lieut. Baxter entered, to whom Phillip Gerritsen said `I have invited here these persons with their wives and I request you to move to another chamber,' which they finally did after many words, and went away after having been invited by affiants to drink, which they did. Finally George Baxter came back by order of Underhill and demanded that Gvsbert Opdyck come out to him which Opdyck refused. Thereupon Underhill and his company assaulted the people in the inn with their bare swords .................................... (Dutch MSS. II, 101.)

A graphic account of this is given in " The Old Stadt Huys of New Amsterdam," and read before the N. Y. Hist. Society, by Jas. W. Gerard,-as follows:

" There was a lively time in March, 1644, when Gerritsen, proud of his position as the City Boniface, and of the merits of his cook, invited some of his cronies to a supper at the tavern. There was Dr. Hans Kierstede, from the Strand, then a lively young fellow of thirty two, and his blooming wife Sara; and Nikolaes Koorn, just appointed ` Wacht meester' at Rensselaerswyck, and his substantial vrouw whom he had brought from the fatherland; and Gysbert Opdyck, with his new wife Catrina, whose cheeks shone rosy through the snow white skin. Things went merrily and bright eyes sparkled; toasts went round and songs were sung. When opens the door-and insolently and unmannerly break in John Onderhill, formerly Captain in the Pequod Wars, and George Baxter, then the English Sec. at New Amsterdam, both in the Dutch employ, but noted Swish-bucklers, and thereafter troublesome seditionists. With them was Thos. Willett, a New Plymouth Captain also, thereafter in his staid days the first Mayor of New York-now a roysterer like the rest. The English interlopers are far in their cups. With many maudlin bows and scrapes they ask to join in the festive party, which is refused them. Then they insist that Gysbert Opdyck shall come out and drink with their party in another room. Opdyck refuses, and tries to get them out. Whereupon. we are informed, that they drew their swords and valorously hacked the cans on the tavern shelf and the posts of the doors, and slashed about in a terrible way, frightening the ladies and uttering words of boasting and insolence. Then other English soldiers came in, chums of the former, and fight is imminent, for the Dutch blood is warmed. Whereupon mine host sends for te Fiscal and the guard. This functionary, arriving, orders Onderhill's people to depart. He refuses, and, with little regard for authority, hiccups to the Fiscal this severe remark: `If the Director came here, t'is well; I would rather speak to a wise man than to a fool. 'Then says one of the Dutch party in his affidavit before the authorities, `in order to prevent further mischief, yea, even bloodshed, we broke up our pleasant party before we intended.' '

1644. May 24, Patent for Coney Island. "We Willem Kieft, Director General and Council of N. Y. etc. herewith testify and declare, that today, date underwritten, we have given and granted to Gysbert op Dyck, the whole Coney Island, situate on the east side of the bay running into the North river, with the valleys thereto belonging; on condition that in case it should be deemed necessary or advisable the Company reserves the right to establish fisheries upon the said Coney Island where most suitable; also a piece of land situate near Coney Hook stretching N. E. from Coney Hook, it lies with its S. E. point

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to or near the seashore and on its west side a kill comes in on the east side of Coney Hook, from this kill E. forty-nine rods, E. by S. two hundred and forty rods, S. S. W. half point W. one hundred and thirty rods, W. a little N. two hundred and twenty-five rods, N. by W. to the place of beginning one hundred rods, containing together forty-three morgens five hundred and fifty-one-rods; with the express condition and stipulation etc., etc.". . . . . (Dutch MSS. Land Papers, G. G. 95.)

The piece of land granted in the latter part of the above patent was afterward called "Gysbert's Island ". . . .(Doc. Col. Hist. XIV, 57, note.)

1644, July 27. Gysbert op ten dyck baptises his daughter Elizabeth. Witnesses: Governor William Kieft, Secretary Van Tienhoven, and Hendrick Huygen....................... (Rec. N. Y. Dutch Church)

1644-7. Governor Kieft, on account of a difference with the Domino Bogardus, absented himself from the church from Jan. 3, 1644, to May 11, 1647. "His example was followed by his Fiscal van der Hoyckens, his counselor, Jan de la Montaigne, who was formerly an elder, the ensign, Gysbert de Leeuw, Orloff Stevenson, deacon, and Gysbrecht, van Dyck, besides various inferior officers and servants of the company.".. (" Breeden Raedt," 22, quoted in Broadhead's Hist. N. Y., I 760)

1645. Gysbert Opdyck was one of the "Eight Men ". . . (O'Callaghan's N. N. Register, 54.)

1645. April 28, May 11. Court Proceedings of the Council: Commissary Opdyck and three others adjoined to the Council for the trial of two citizens. A challenge by one of the accused against Opdyck was withdrawn............................ (Dutch MSS., IV, 220, 2.)

1645. May 2, 11. Gysbert Opdyck brings suit for slander against Tunis Cray's wife: "defendant ordered to prove her words;" lately, "defendant, failing to prove her assertion, is ordered to hold her tongue on pain of punishment.". Council Minutes, (Dutch MSS., IV, 221, 2.)

1645. May 24. Council Minutes: Gysbert Opdyck one of a Council convoked by the Director to meet a L. I. sachem and his 47 armed warriors, who had offered their services to the Dutch. Resolved to send these Indians in a Dutch sloop against the enemy.. (Doc. Col. Hist N. Y. XIV, 60.)

1645. Aug. 30. Gysbert Opdyc signs the "Articles of Peace Concluded in Presence of the Mohawks between the Dutch and the River-Indians." The following is Fernow's translation:

"To-day, the 30th of August 1645, came to the Fort Amsterdam before the Director and Council in presence of the whole community these Sachems or Chiefs of the savages in their own behalf and as attorneys for the neighboring chiefs, to wit Oratamy, chief of Achkinkehacky, Sesekemu and Willem, chiefs of the Tappaens and Rechgawawanck, Pacham, Penneheck having been here yesterday and having given them power to act for him, who also answer for men of Onamy and their neighbors, Magauwetinnemin for the tribe of Marechhawieck, Nayeck and their neighbors, also pesonally Aepjen, speaking for the Wappinck, Wiqueeskecks, Sintsings, and Kichtawanghs.

"1. They agree to conclude a firm,' inviolable peace with us, which they promise, as we ourselves, to keep and never to break.

"2. If it should happen, which God prevent, that any difficulty should arise between them and us, no war shall be begun on that account, but they shall come to our Governor and we to their Sachems

l ST GENERATION; GYSBERT OPDYCK. - 65

with the complaint and if any one should have been killed or murdered, the slayer shall be promptly brought to justice. A friendly intercourse shall be kept up between them and us.

"3. They shall not come armed upon the Island of Mauhataus to the houses of the Christians. We will neither come with guns to them except in company of a savage, who may warn them.

"4. Whereas there is still a English girl among them, whom they promised to bring to the English at Stamford, they again promise to do so and if she is not brought there, they will bring her here and we are to pay them the ransom, promised by the English.

" We promise to have the foregoing strictly observed throughout New Netherland.

"Thus done in the Fort under the blue canopy of heaven in presence of the Council of New Netherland and the whole community called together, also in presence of the Maquas ambassadors, who have been asked to come to these negotiations of peace as mediators and Cornelis Antonissen their interpreter and co-mediator in this matter. Date as above. The original was signed by the marks of Sisiadego, Claes Norman, Oratamin, Aurange Sesekennis, Willem of Tappaen and by William Kieft. La Montaigne, Jan Onderhil, Francis Douthey, Goo. Baxter, Richard Smith, Gysbert Opdyc, the mark of Jacob Stoffelsen, the mark of Aepjeu, Sachem of the Mahikanders, Jan Everson Bout, Olof Stevenson, Cornelis van Hoyckens, the mark of Cornelis Tonissen.

"To my knowledge

"Cornelis van Tienhoven, Secretary "

(Doc. Col. His. N. Y., XIII, 18.)

"The ratification of this important treaty terminated, to the great joy of high and low, the disastrous and unrightous war which bad been waged, with but short interval of five months, between the Indians and the Dutch, from July, 1640, to Aug., 1645, to the incalculable injury of the colony, to the manifest displeasure of the authorities at Holland, and in violation of the received laws of nations. At its conclusion there were found around the Manhattans, besides private traders, no more than one hundred men, so desolating was its effect upon the population ; while the Indians were several thousand a strong, and the New England colonies contained between fifty and sixty thousand souls. In celebration of the happy event, and in order to proclaim the good tidings throughout New Netherland,' the sixth of September was ordered to be observed, as a day of general thanksgiving". , .................... (O'Callaghan's Hist. N. Y., I, 357.)

1645, Sept. 5. Gysbert op Dyck mentioned in a patent to Olof Stevensz (van Cortland) as adjoining owner of land on the "road" (to the Ferry), now Stone Street, New York City... (Dutch MSS., Land Papers, G. G. 104.)

The position and size of Gysbert's lot are shown on a map published in Valentine's Manual of the Common Council of N. Y. for 1857, p. 498. The dimensions of Stevenson's lot show that Gysbert's must have been at least ten rods deep.. Val. Man. '57, 500). The Road * * * was among the earliest streets built upon * * * The name of 'Brouwer straat,' or Brewer's street, was given to it from the circumstance of two or three breweries having been erected upon it. It was the first street in this city paved with stone, the ordinance for which passed in 1657. It afterward came to be called Stone street, probably from this circumstance." * * * It was the line of the first road laid out from the fort to the (present

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Peck Slip) ferry. The early occupants of that part of the road between the present Whitehall and Broad streets, were the following their property being generally described as on `the road:' Adam Rolantsen, one hundred feet front; Arent, the smith ; Philip Geraerdy, a trader; Oloff Stevenson Van Cortland, commissary; Harman Myndertsen ; Isaac De Foreest, brewer; Gysbert Opdyck, commissary ; Peter Cornelisen. From the character of these residens, it is to be inferred that this was one of the best streets of the town." (Valentine's Hist. N. Y. City; 115, 35.)

1645, Sept. 29. Catharyn op dyck (Gysbert's wife), acts as witness of the baptism of Mary, the daughter of Henry Brezier.. (Rec. N. Y. Dutch Church)

1646, Jan. 25 and Feb. 2, Court Proceedings of the Council: "Abrham Pietersen, miller, vs. Gysbert Opdyck, commissary, slander, in accusing plaintiff of having stolen wheat ; defendant produces affidavits in support of the charge; copies of evidence to be furnished plaintiff." Later : "Suit settled, and the miller ordered, in future, wind and weather permitting, to grind the company's grain before that of private persons, and so to conduct himself that no complaint be brought against him; the commissary is at the same time ordered to weigh the grain on sending it to and receiving it from the mill," O'Callaghan's abstract translation...... (Dutch MSS., IV, 245, 61.)

1646, June 10. Gysbert Opdyck has a son baptised Lodowyck. Witness: Michael Ter Oycken, Fiscael de la Montagne, Richard Smit, Margariet Kalder (probably Gysbert's sister)..... (Rec. N. Y. Dutch Church.)

1647, June 20. Council minutes. Appointment (by Stuyvesant). Gysbert commissary of Fort Hope vice Provoost.(Dutch MSS., IV 296.)

1648, May 26. Gysbert Opdyck, "at the House the Hope, " gives power of attorney to David Provoost "to sell his account".(Dutch MSS., III, 54.)

1649, Aug. 19. " Sieur Gysbert Op Dyck, now in the service of the Company as Commissary at the House the Hope " executes at Fort Amsterdam a power of attorney to "the worshipful Hendrick Schendel, City Schoolmaster at Wesel,"to collect from "Jan Hannes, merchant at Wesel, the sum of 500 dalers with interest therefore from the year 1641 until the day of payment, as may be seen in the accompanying obligation." Autograph signature, " Gysbert op den Dyck .................................... (Dutch MSS.; OOO. 59.)

One Billis van Scheyndel was married at Wesel to Christina al den Dyck, Aug. 27, 1617. . (Wesel Church Arch., gefach 74, XXXVII, 322.)

1650, Oct. 23. Gysbert op dyck has a daughter baptised Sara. Witness Marten Cregier, Christina Capoens .... (Rec. N. Y. Dutch Church.)

1655, July 19. Gysbert Opdyck acts as a witness to an Indian deed to Stuyvesant for the Company, of part of the present State of Delaware; ............................. (Col. Doc. Hist. N. Y. I, 609.)

1655, Sept. 12, "The Tytle of Thomas Langdon's Accommodations. Know all men that I Gisbert up Dicke have sould unto Allexander Bryan, all my accomodations in or belonging about Hempsteed for and in Consideration of twenty five pounds, to be paid unto hereof, ye s'd Gisbert or his assignes, w'thin thirty dayes after the date hereof, Alsoe I the said Gisbert doe hereby ingage my selfe to delliver unto ye s'd Allexander both ye Lotts, w'th all the accomodations w'ch was Jonas Woods and that w'ch was Allexander Knowles two lotts. And to free the Lotts of all rates, and duties to this day unto ye s'd Alexander Bryan his heires or Assignes, peaceably to enjoy for ever witnes my hand ye 13th of September, 1655.

Teste George Wolsey was written, Gisbert up Dyke.

Daniell Whitehead.

1ST GENERATION; GYSBERT OPDYCK. - 67

" Received ye 13th. of Septemb'r the above said some of twenty five pounds, and doe hereby acknowledge to have received full sattisfaction to content of ye s'd Allexander Bryan:

Gisbert up Dyck."

1657, Dec. 27. Bryan sells to Langdon "the farme that formerly was Gisbert op Dycks * * the said farme howsing Land Meadowes " etc ............................. (Hempstead Rec., A. 25.)

1653, March 12. In copy of Indian treaty the last name is "Gisbert Van Dick .......... (Same, p. 41.) .

1656, July 6. Instructions for the Tithe-Commissioners of Long Island." Peter Tonneman, Schout, and Gysbert op Dyck are appointed to designate the tenths to be paid by the farmers and planters of Brooklyn, Flatlands, Gravesend, Hempstead, and Flushing. It was "left to their discretion to make fair settlements with or release entirely for this year all those, whom they or the Magistrates of the villages deem to be poor and unable," etc. (Doe. Col. Hist. N. Y., XIV 360.)

1656, Nov. 6. Gysbert Opdyck appears in Court requesting permission to sell wine and beer by the small measure, as he has hired the house next the City Hall and is occasionally asked to lodge strangers and to sell them wine and beer. Petition granted ....... (Burgomaster & Schepens, II, 645.)

1657, Jan. 26. Gysbert op Dyck appointed Court Messenger, and allowed a yearly salary from the Director General and Council of 150 guilders, and on the part of the City, 50 guilders. Done Dec. 21, 1656.. (Same, p. 728.)

1657. " The numbers of every mans yatts that they have of the necke (Cow Neck) * * Mr. Gisbard van dicke bath fower yatts. danell Whighthed bath sixe yatts. * * *

The totall sum being 526.". .. .. .... (Hempstead Rec., A. 7.)

1658, Jan. 16. Gysbert op Dyck and Catharina Smit baptise their sons, Johannes and Jacob.................. (Rec. N. Y. Dutch Church.)

1658, Mch. 19. Council Minute. Order to allow Gysbert Opdyck a certain sum for his services as Commissioner of the Tenths..... (Dutch MSS., VIII, 778.)

1658, April 16. Gysbert Opdyck, Court Messenger to the Council; the duties were similar to those of a marshal or constable.. (O'Callaghan's N. N. Reg. 109.)

1658, Aug. 20, 7. The Burgomaster van der Grist vs. Gysbert Opdyck. Suit for 147.8 florins. In answer to a summons, defendant states that his wife and children lie sick.... (Burgomaster & Schepens, III, 195, 203.)

1659, Apr. 3. "The deposition of Gisbert op Dyck

Taken in open Court ye 3d of Aprill Ao 1659. This deponent saith, That to ye best of his memorie he did let out unto William Smith three hollowes lyeing to ye East of this towne of Hempsteede and ye Web he sould unto Allexander Bryan of Milforde, and doth belonge to decedent of Land now in ye pocession of Thomas Langdon And declareth that, he never did sell ye said hollowes to William Smith Aforesaid, but did lett them for one bushell of wheate the yeare, and he did receive the hire of it for 2 yeares, and saith absolutely that he never sould them; the said hollowes are scituate over the runn at ye East meadow or therabouts,

(Signature probably autograph.) Gysbert op d Dyck."

(Hempstead Records, A; 27.)

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1659, Sept. 16, Att'y of Hendrick Huyges brings suit against Gysbert Op Dyck for "184 florins in good merchantable zeawant......:. (Burgomaster & Schepens, IV, 46,)

1661, May 24. Gysbert Op Dyck brings suit against Richard Smith, who pleads in counterclaim a debt due to his father.... (Same, IV, 508)

1661, Aug. 25. Gysbert op Dyck petitions the Director and Council, as "an old servant of the Company but now out of the service," for permission to sell his "Gysbert's Island, which the petitioner could not occupy without danger from the Indians on account of its distants. The inhabitants of Gravesend have hitherto used the said island as pastureland for their calves and are still using it so to-day," etc. (Dutch MSS., IX, 739.)

1661, Oct. 20. Conveyance from Gysbert op Dyck by virtue of his patent "for Coney Island with the meadows and a parcel of land on Coney Hook," as exhibited before the Council. Gysbert's grantee was Dirck de Wolff, merchant at Amsterdam.

1662, Jan. 12. Att'ys. for Dirck de Wolff demand that the Magistrates and Inhabitants of Gravesend be ordered to keep their cattle away from said Island and said piece of land and not to mow there any grass. The defendants claim under a later patent, and declare that "Gysbert op Dyck has never taken possession of said island or of any part of it." Decision in favor of defendants, because the original patent to Gysbert op Dyck is not produced, and its record "by the then Secretary" of May 24, 1644, is held insufficient proof. (Dutch MSS., X, 7.)

1662, Dec. 6. Letter from the Holland Chamber of Directors to Gov. Stuyvesant, referring to complaints from Dirck de Wolff., concerning Coney Island, declares that " we believe these complaints are not without foundation, because the place, which you allotted to his representative, at Coney Island etc., has now again been taken away from him by your sentence upon apparently frivolous claims made by the English in the village of Gravesend. * * * We are therefore compelled to direct, that you send us by the first opportunity a detailed report of this matter with all such documents and papers, as both parties have used in their lawsuits or which may be produced...................... (Doc. Col. Hist. N. Y. XIV, 518.)

"Stuyvesant, however, who was no friend to Guisbert Op Dyck, the original patentee, and who had good reason to keep on the best of terms with the Gravesend people, manifested no especial haste to comply with the orders of his superiors. For, in January, 1664, the directors of the W. I. Company again wrote to him complaining of his delay ; which, however, continued until the transfer of the Nieuw Netherlands to the English in September of that year".. (Stillwell's Hist. Gravesend, 36.)

1664, Jan. 20. Letter from the Holland Chamber of Directors of Gov. Stuyvesant, referring to their former command of Dec. 6, 1662, relating to the case of Dirck de Wolff and Coney Island: "You are therefore once more recommended not to postpone compliance any longer, but to forward those papers by the first opportunity to us that we may make use of them in such way and manner as we shall think proper........................... (Doc. Col. Hist. N. Y., OO. 221.)

1662, Apr. 10. GysberOpdyck, an old servant of the Company and at present without any employment and consequently incapacitated from closing the remnant of his old age in honorable competency," petitions the Council that he be appointed Sheriff of Flushing, Newtown, and Jamaica........................ (La Chaire Reg., 253.)

1ST GENERATION; GYSBERT OPDYCK. - 69

1663, Feb., May and later. Gysbert op Dyck brings suit against Paulus Heimans for 40 guilders in Beavers. Judgment for plaintiff, execution and levy ......... (Burgomaster & Schepens, V. 130, 152, 200, 288, 301.)

1664. "In 1664, when New Amsterdam * * surrendered to the English, under Colonel Nichols, Gilbert Updike, a German physician of considerable celebrity * * emigrated to the Colony of Rhode Island. Gilbert married the daughter of Richard Smith, and settled on his estate * * * * The sons of Gilbert were Lodowick, Daniel and James......... (Updike's Mem. R. I. Bar, 1842; 34-6.) See also Updike's Hist. Narragansett Church, 1847; 119.

"Dr. Gilbert Updike, a German physician of some celebrity, who settled on Lloyd's Neck, L. I. When Col. Nichols reduced N. Y. in 1664, Dr. Updike went to R. 1. Gilbert married a daughter of Richard Smith. Dr. Updike had three sons, Lodowick, Daniel and James........................ (N. E. Hist. Gen. Reg., XXI, 375.). "Dr. Gilbert Updike was of a Dutch family settled on Lloyd's Neck on Long Island. When Col. Nichols reduced New York, he came to Rhode Island and married a daughter of Richard Smith who lived near where Wickford now is. His sons were Lodowick, Daniel, James etc.............................. (R. I. Hist. Col., III, 311.)

"Updike, Gilbert, Newport, came, it is said, in 1664, from New York, married a daughter of Richard Smith of Narragansett, had Lodowick about 1666 (!), who was father of Daniel, a man of distinction in Rhode Island a century ago "........ (Savage's N. E. Geneal Dict .; 1862; IV, 360.)

Children of Gysbert Opdyck.

Bapt. Death. Married. Residence. Occupation.

1 Elizabeth. 1644. ..... George Wightman. Wickford, R. I. Planter.

2 Lodowick. 1646. 1737. Abigail Newton. Wickford, R. I. Planter.

3 Richard. . .... 1675. Unmarried. Wickford, R. 1.

4.Sarah. 1650. ..... ...... Whitehead.

5 Johannes. 1658.

6 James. 1658. 1729. Elizabeth ........ Boston & Wickford. Sea Captain.

7 Daniel. . . ... 1704. Martha .......... England. Sea Captain.

RICHARD SMITH.

Richard Smith, whose daughter Catherine became the wife of Gysbert Opdyck in 1643, was a man of wealth, character, activity and energy, and was prominent in Massachusetts, New Amsterdam and Rhode Island. He Was born 1596 in Gloucestershire, England, and came to New England for the sake of religious freedom, bringing with him his daughter Catherine and other children. He "was a most acceptable inhabitant and prime leading man in Taunton in Plymouth Colony." About 1639 he bought from Narragansett Sachems 30,000 acres on the west side of Narragansett Bay, erected there a house for trade among the thickest of the Indians, and gave free entertainment to travellers. It was on a very ancient path, often referred to in the old Deeds as the "Pequot Path," which was adopted by

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the early settlers as the great road of the country, all the travel from Boston and the North and East to Connecticut and New York passing by Smith's trading-house. His was the first purchase and the first house for many years in the Narragansett country. Very little was done however towards the settlement of the country by the whites for many years afterward. Richard Smith did not probably occupy this house with his family for any length of time, although he kept coming and going with his children and servants. It was a trading post, 50 miles from any settlement; and in a neighborhood abounding with dangerous savages.

Not finding in Plymouth Colony the religious freedom which he sought and the Narragansett country being as yet too lonely and dangerous a residence for his family, Richard Smith came to New Amsterdam, where he was gladly welcomed by the Dutch. With him came from Taunton others, who too sought freedom of conscience; among them was John Smith, probably a brother of Richard, and Rev. Francis Doughty, a dissenting clergyman who, while preaching at Cohasset, Mass., had been dragged out of the assembly for venturing to assert that " Abraham's children; should have been baptised. "Director Kieft immediately (1642) granted to them an absolute title to more than 13,000 acres of land at Mespath, now Newtown, Long Island. The Patent was made to "Francis Doughty and companions," and gave them full power to build villages and churches, to exercise their own form of Christian religion and church discipline, and to administer their own laws, subject only to their acknowledging, during their possession of the land, the sovereignty of the Dutch West India Company, Doughty had no means of his own and had merely acted as agent for Richard Smith and his associates, who were to prepare for him a farm in the new colony, on the proceeds of which he might live, in return for his services as their preacher. But Doughty assumed high authority and attempted to collect for his own use rents from the settlers ; compelling Richard Smith to complain to Director Kieft and his Council, who decided that Doughty should be content with the farm reserved to him and that the associates should have full control of the land granted by the patent. Doughty undertook to appeal to Holland, but Director Kieft would not allow permit this, and imprisoned and fined him. Kieft's action was sustained afterward by his successor, Director Stuyvesant, who would not allow Doughty to return to Europe until he promised not to complain of what had befallen him in New Netherland.

There were eighty settlers at Mespath during the first year, and the colony was prospering, when the war broke out in 1643 between the Dutch and Indians. The savages attacked the settlement, destroyed houses and cattle, and killed John Smith and others of the colonists. The settlers fled to Manhattan (New York). The next year a Dutch force of eighty men marched to Mespath and slew one hundred of the savages. The following

RICHARD SMITH. - 71

year peace was concluded with the Indians, and the English colonists returned to their ruined homes. The subsequent history of the settlement is not well known, on account of the destruction of the early records by a British regiment who were in full possession of the town for several years during the Revolution. We know however that Richard Smith continued to own land at Newtown until 1662. Adjoining the Mespath colony on the east, there had been made, under Patent from Stuyvesant in 1652, a new settlement called by the Dutch " Middleburgh " but more familiarly 'known as "Newtown," which soon absorbed Mespath into its jurisdiction and records. We find Richard Smith appealing successfully in 1662 from a decision of the court of Middleburgh to the Director and Council ; and the same year we find him assessed the tenth of the produce of his lands in that neighborhood.

During the greater part of these twenty years, Richard Smith had his family-residence among the Dutch on Manhattan Island. Here his daughter Katharine married Gysbert Opdyck in 1643; and at the baptism of their first son in 1646, Richard Smith acted as sponsor with the Fiscal and others. His daughter Joan married Thomas Newton at Flushing in 1648, a romantic runaway marriage to which her father was soon reconciled, although the imperious Governor Stuyvesant vindicated the majesty of the law by fining the bridegroom and the Sheriff who had solemnized the marriage without the consent of the bride's parents. Thomas Newton himself became Sheriff of Flushing five years later, and the Rhode Island Updikes trace their descent from a daughter of this marriage and her husband, Gysbert's son Lodowick. In 1645 Richard Smith was elected one of the "Eight Men," appointed to devise ways of protection against the Indians, and meeting once a week for that purpose. His son-in-law Gysbert Opdyck was one of this important Committee, and they signed together the great Treaty of Peace, Aug. 30, 1645, between the Dutch and all the River Indians in the presence of the Mohawks. It is probable that this Treaty was secured by the efforts of these "Eight. Men," as all the eight attached their signatures; the original document is preserved among the archives in Holland. In 1645 Richard Smith received a Patent for a lot on the East River, a portion of which he sold in 1656, holding the remainder still later. In 1651, being temporarily absent, he sold through his son a house and lot on Manhattan Island; but he still owned the lots on the East River above described, as well as one near the Strand in 1656 or later, and perhaps possessed or hired another house.

During all this time he continued his Narragansett Indian trading-house, making frequent visits there with some of his family, being himself skipper of his good sloop Welcome, and occasionally appearing before the Dutch Council at New Amsterdam for protection of his rights or on questions connected with his trading.

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The records of Rhode Island do not mention him, after his first appearance there about 1639, until 1659 when he appears as witness on an IndianDeed, from which we have taken our facsimile of his signature. The same year he joined Governor Winthrop of Connecticut and Major Atherton of Massachusetts in the purchase of a large tract of land from a Narragansett Sachem, who confirmed in this Deed the previous large sale to Smith. The jurisdiction over the Narragansett country being claimed by Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Connecticut, in this unsettled state of affairs Richard Smith with his son and others of Narragansett requested in 1663 the protection of Connecticut. This action resulted in his receiving the next year from the Governor of Rhode Island, by the authority of the General Assembly at Newport, a very respectful and rather plaintive letter urging loyalty to that colony upon the ground of old friendships, and hinting at compulsion if necessary. Richard Smith had no intention of complying and wrote to his friends, Captain Hutchinson and Captain Hudson, to urge Connecticut to prompt action. The Rhode Island Gen. Assembly in October or November 1664 ordered that he and Captain Hudson be arrested; we have no knowledge whether this order was carried out. There soon arrived a letter to the Colonies from King Charles II, commanding that Richard Smith and his friends in Narragansett be no longer molested "by Certaine unreasonable and turbulent sperits of Providence Collony."

Two years later, Richard Smith died at his Wickford trading-house, dividing his large Narragansett tracts, by his will, among his children Richard and Elizabeth (Vial), and the children of his "deceased Katharine sometime wife to Gilbert Updike,"and the children of his "deceased daughter Joan sometime wife to Thomas Newton."

Records and Authorities.

1638-40. Richard Smith appears on a list of "Inhabitants admitted at the Towne Nieuport since 20 Mch 1638," and before 1640. . (R. Rec. I. 92.)

1640. A list of Freemen of Taunton, Mass., previous to 1640, begins with the name of Richard Smith; third on the list appears John Smith. (Emery's Ministry of Taunton, I, 20.)

1641. Richard Smith purchased a tract of the Narragansett Sachems; among the thickest of the Indians, (computed 30;000 acres), erected a house for trade and gave free entertainment to travelers; it being the great road of the country.................... (Mass. Hist. Coll. I, 216.)

Within a few years after this, trading houses were built in Narragansett by Roger Williams and Wilcox. Roger built within seven or eight years after Smith, and not far from him, but after keeping it a few years, he in 1651 sold out to Smith his trading house, his two big guns, &c .......................... (Mass. Hist. Coll. I & II.)

1642. "Francis Doughty, a dissenting clergyman, while preaching at Cohasset, (Massachusetts), was dragged out of the assembly for venturing to assert that ' Abraham's children should have been baptised.' Accompanied by Richard Smith, and several other liberal-minded men, Doughty came to Manhattan, to secure a happy home. He betook

RICHARD SMITH. - 73

himself to the protection of the Dutch, 'that he might, in conformity with the Dutch Reformation, have freedom of conscience, which, contrary to his expectation, he missed in New England.' Kieft received the strangers kindly, and immediately granted to Doughty and his associates ' an absolute ground-brief' for more than thirteen thousand acres of land at Mespath, or Newtown, on Long Island........................... (Broadhead's Hist. N. Y. I, 333.)

1642, March 28. Patent "to Francis Doughty and companions," (written in Latin.) Land on Long Island, "containing 6,666 acres Holland measure; "-"with power to build on the aforesaid land a village or villages, a church or churches, to exercise the Reformed Christain religion, which they profess, and ecclesiastical discipline; also to legally administer high, middle and low jurisdiction. * * * bound as long as they shall remain in possession of the aforesaid land to acknowledge the said Lords Directors as their Masters and Patroons, to pay after the lapse of ten years the tenth part of the produce of the fields," &c..."Willem Kieft." (Doc. Col. Hist. N. Y. XIV,38.)

1647, Feb. 7. Council Minutes. Court proceedings. "Richard and William Smith vs. rev. Francis Douthy; plaintiffs demand that the defendant declare, in writing, who are his partners; ordered accordingly."

March 7. (Same.) "Motion of Mr. Smith for the (de)termination of the suit between him and Mr. Douthy; parties ordered to appear at the next session, when judgment will be pronounced........... (Dutch MSS. IV, 282-4.)

Statement received at the Hague from van Tienhoven Secretary of the Director and Council of New Netherland: "Francis Douthay, an English Minister, was granted a colonie at Mespacht, not for himself alone as Patroon, but for him and his associates whose Agent he was, and who at the time were residing at Rhode Island and at Cahanock and other places. Mr. Smith was one of the leaders of these people, for said Minister had scarcely any means of himself to build a. hut, let alone to plant a colonie at his own expense. He was merely to be employed as a clergyman by his associates who were to prepare a bouwerie for him in that Colonic, in return for which he should discharge the duty of preacher among them, and live on the proceeds of the bouwerie.

"The Mespacht Colonie was never confiscated; that is proved by the actual residence on it of the owners, who had an interest in it as well as Douthay; but as the latter wished to obstruct its settlement and to permit no one to build in the colonie unless on paying him a certain sum down for each morgen of land, and a yearly sum in addition in the nature of ground rent, and endeavored thus to convert it into a domain, against which those interested in the Colonie, especially Mr. Smith complained, the Director and Council finally concluded that the copartners should enter on their property, and the bouwerie and lands in the possession of Douthay be reserved to him, so that he hath suffered no injury or loss thereby. This I could prove, were it not that the documents are in New Netherland and not here." Nov. 29, 1650.......... (Doc. Col. Hist. N. Y. I, 426.)

1645, July 4. Patent. Richard Smith; lot on the East river, Manhattan island . .(Dutch MSS. GG, 106.)

1645, July 15. New Amsterdam Council Minutes. Court Proceedings. "Richard Smith vs. John Wilcock; plaintiff complains that defendant traded, contrary to contract, at his trading-house, which defendant denies; case continued.'

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July 20. Same. "Richard Smith vs. John Wilcox; referred arbitration........................... (Dutch MSS. IV, 227,

1647, Aug. 14. New Amsterdam. "Richard Smith of New Netherland." gives a bond as security for a debt due by John Wilcox, and takes counter bonds from Wilcox ................ (Dutch MSS. II, 164.)

1648, July 17. New Amsterdam. " Receipt from Richard Smith of satisfaction for a bond given in behalf of Wilcox, and order of said Smith in favor of Adam Mott, on skipper William, for 17 guilders." (Dutch MSS. III, 6.)

1648, April 3. Now Amsterdam Council Minutes. " Sentence. William Harck, sheriff of Flushing, for having solemnized a marriage between Thomas Nuton widower, and Joan, daughter of Richard Smith, against her parents' consent, and contrary to law, fined 600 guilders, dismissed from office and the marriage annulled."

April 3. "Sentence. Thomas Nuton for having married Miss Smith, aforesaid, fined 300 guilders, and to have the marriage again solemnized after three proclamations....... (Dutch MSS. IV, 374-5.)

1651, May 29. New Amsterdam. "Bond. Richard Smith, skipper, of the sloop Welcome, to sail direct to the South river and return thence with his cargo to the Manhattans............ (Dutch MSS. III, 85.)

1651, Aug. 16. "Deed. Richard Smith Jr., agent for Richard, his father at present in Connecticut, to Gillis Pietersen, of a house and lot on Manhattan island." ...................... (Dutch MSS. III, 90.)

1652, March 11. New Amsterdam Council Minute. "Of the appearance of William Smith of Heemsteede, and Richard Smith, respecting some wampum in the hands of the clerk of that town, and other thereupon..................... (Dutch MSS. V. 30.)

1655, Aug. 26. "Patent. Abraham Clock lot near the Strand adjoining Richard Smith, New Amsterdam." .......(Dutch MSS. H. H., 44.)

1656, Nov. 10. "Richard Smith Sr., of Rhode Island, to Evert Duyckinck. A lot on the East river, abutting on the east the house and a lot of Abraham Clock, and on the west lot of said Richard Smith, opposite the house of Rut Jacobsen on the north, and on the south the East river. Width, front and rear on the north and south sides, 2 ˝ rods English feet; depth, from the road at the north side, as the street line runs or hereafter may run to the river or street piling; being premises patented to said Richard Smith July 4, 1645.". ....(Valentine's 1861 Manual N. Y. 590.)

1659, June 13, he and James Smith act as witnesses of a confirmatory Indian deed to men of Providence ............... (R. I. Col. Rec. I., 37.) The fac-simile of his signature given above is taken from this deed.

1659. The following are extracts taken from "The grant of the Northern Tract of the Narragansett Sachem to Gov Winthrop, Humphrey , Atherton, and others" printed in R. I. Col. Rec. L, 464, from the MS. Coll. of J. C. Brown Esq., copied from the original in the State Paper office in London, vol. I, no. 16.

"Coginaquam, Sachem of Narragansett, in consideration of the great love and affection I doe beare unto Englishmen, especially Mr. John Winthrop, Governor of Connecticut, Major Humphrey, Atherton of the Massachusetts, Richard Smith, Senior, and Richard Smith Junior, of Cocumcosuck, Traders * * * grants to his said friends one tract of land in my countrey, called by the name of Wyapumseatt, Mascacowage, Cocrimcosuck and suchlike be itt conteining more or lesse, bounded by the brooks or river called Muscachowage, on the southwest: the common path or way betweene these on the northwest or northbounds, and the sea or waters on the south;

RICHARD SMITH. - 75

to have and to hold * * * onely excepted, the Lands in posession of and belonging already to Richard Smith, Sen'r, which was his proper right, and is expressed by Deed before this Grant, to be to him and his heirs and assigues forever * * * Dated this seventeenth day of June 1659."

1659, Dec. 1, Richard Smith, Richard Smith Jr., and James Smith witness another Indian deed of confirmation to men of Providence . . . (R. I. Col. Rec. I., 36.)

1660, May 2, by the General Court of Commissioners held at Portsmouth for the Colony of R. I. "Mr. Richard Smyth, Sen'r, and three others are authorized to consider some way of makinge a bridge over Pawtuxett river, and present their result and agreement thereon unto the next court of Commissioners.".... ....(R. I. Col. Rec. I., 430.)

1662, Oct. 15, he testified in relation to an Indian deed (one of those above mentioned as witnessed by him), and called himself about the age of sixty six years.......... (Land Transcripts, 439, Rec. Office, Prov.)

1662, July 6. New Amsterdam Council Minutes. " Order. Granting Richard Smith an appeal from a judgment of the court of Middleborgh in favor of John Coo....................... (Dutch MSS. X, 167.)

1662, Aug. 24. New Amsterdam Council Minutes. "Judgment in appeal, reversing a decision of the court. of Middleburgh, in the case of Richard Smith appellant against John Coo.". (Dutch MSS. X, 204.)

1662, July 10. New Amsterdam. "To-day his Honor, the Director-General, on the one side, and the Magistrates of the village of Middleburgh, on the other side, agreed, that the said village should pay as tenths for this year and bring to the edge of the water near the house of Thomas Wandell. eighteen schepels, one half of wheat, the other of peas and it is further provisionally agreed, that the below named persons and plantations shall be under the jurisdiction of Middleburgh. These persons are hereby ordered, to submit to the taxation for tenths by the said Magistrates or to make a fair agreement with the same: Francois Douthy, * * * Richard Smit 2 lots," and many other residents ......... (Doc. Col. Hist. N. Y. XIV, 514.)

1663. New Amsterdam Council Minutes. "To-day Richard Smith brought the following note, which he says he received from Pantom, to be delivered to the Fiscal: * * * 'Surr we vnderstand that by the instigation of a bisey pradmaticall ffelloe you have apprehended and imprisoned one of our Colony,' &c, &c. John Coo,- Richard Panton, Midilburrough 1663 September 14."'...(Doc. Col. Hist. N. Y. XIV, 534,)

1663, July 3, he and his son Richard, and others of Narragansett, desire the protection of Connecticut............... (Austin, R. I. Geneal.)

1663, July 10, the Conn. Council appoint him one of three select men, and his son Richard constable of said town, to be for the future called Wickforde .................... (Donn. Col. Rec., II, 407.)

1664, May 5, the General Assembly of R. I. sitting at Newport "Ordered, That the Governor be desired to write to Mr. Richard Smith, Sen'r, to desire him to come before the court * * * The letter that the Governor hath drawne up to be sent to Mr. Richard Smith, Sen'r, is approved of, and ordered to be sent him presently.". .. (R. I. Col. Rec. II., 45.)

The letter is reprinted in the book just cited, from Mr. J. C. Browns collection.

"Mr. Smith and worthy Sir: After the presentation of respects unto you: these are presented purposly at this time to informe and advise you: that whereas you are an antiant inhabitant of this Collony, and

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for whome the Collony hath had a good report, as by their moderate demonstrations (in all occasions heather unto, in such cases where force might have been extended), it hath appeared: the which was alwaies believed and desired would operate on your more ingenuous temper to returne your candid and respective presentation of the same, and an answerable and reciprocall kind deportment towards to the government in all offices of love and duty: yett seeing things seem as volgarly presented, that yew seeme rather incline to an estraingment from, and neglect of your friends, neighbors and the government established and settled in this Collony with other additional relations and representations, as if your inclinations are (if not your practices also) to adhere unto, or rather, to provake a remote jurisdiction to take place and to exercise power in the heart and bowills of this Colony: upon the constant and frequent report of your inclinations, &c., the Court still remaininge the same your respective friends, and retaining the same desires of your welfare and honorable deportment in this sayd Collony, have therefore waved the absolute acceptation of the aforesayd representations for truth untill the Court shall, from your personal returne to them cleerly demonstrate the certainty of your own persuasions in this respect: to which end they. desire yow to come over with this bearer, mr Robert Carr, and here declare your minde or desires in the premises; which said returne of yours accordingly will, in a great measure remove the occasions of discontent; which wee seriously and heartily desire may be done, considering the effects which must necessarily ensue upon a noncompliance and correspondence to his Majeestyes gracious letters pattents granted unto this Collony, to which there must be such a dutifull and obediant submission and subjection as is most naturall and agreeable unto faythfull subjects to performe, which doth also oblidg us to urge (and in case to compell) a suitable conform c ity from all men residing on the main land of Nahantick, Narragansett, &c., as well as on the Islands contained within the sayd Royall gaunt to this Collony; The which conformity wee desire may, for their sakes that are to conforme, as in espetiall manner yourselfe: may rather be free and cheerefull than with compulsive meanes which the Court desire not to use except necessitated: wherefore Sir, your returne to these presentations are attended as abovesayd. And in meantime wee bid yow farewell; and rest your loveing neighbors, expecting your presence here. Signed in the name and by the order of the Generall Assembly of the Colony of Rhoad Island and , Providence plantations, met at Newport May the 4th, 1664.

Joseph Torrey, Generall Recorder."

Superscribed: "To the respected our loveing neighbour, Mr. Richard Smith of Narragansett Cohgomsquisitt, in the Collony of Rhoade Island and Providence plantations. These p. mr. Robert Carr."

Following this letter in the R. I. Col. Doc. are two others relating to the same matter, and also printed from the originals Mr. Brown's collection.

1664. May 14. "Wickford. Capt. Hutchinson: My kind respects presented unto you, Sir. This ma give you to understand some late actions and proceedings of Rhode Island men; and if those actings of theyrs be not countermanded by the government of Connecticut, they will insult beyond measuer. Three days since they came to John Green's house att Aquidnesett with a warrant from theyre court, under the Governor's hand, and forceably fetched him away to Rode Island

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where he yet remaynes. His goeing was also not known to any here; they have also constituted offisers at Petacomscott. A letter was sent to me from theyr Courtt perswadeing me to comply with them, the which I have enclosed that you may see. I suppose that by force and violence they intend to fetch others from hence. Sir, itt will be necessary for you to give Connecticut intimation of theyr proceedings, (for) we may be easily overturned by them if they stick not to us. Some speedy course had neede be taken, for now they have given us just cause as can be to fetch one away by force, and absolutely exercising power, by warrant under theyr hands. Be pleased to send me back theyr letter agayne. Remember me to Capt. Hudson and all other friends; not else. To theyr letter I returned them answer only by word o'month by ye bearer that brought it. But just your loving friend Richard Smith, Sen'r."

1664. "Capt. Hutchinson and Capt. Hudson: I have lately been to Rode Island, where I have seen men working wonders in theyr owne conceipts. They have ingaged Mr. Gould to appeare there agayne next October, come twelve months, if they see not cause to release us sooner, the bond to continue till then, as also good behaviour; but we are not tyed within the bowndry of theire colony. They did pretend much love to as, desireing us to crave favor of them, which implyes that we should owne ourselves guilty of something; but we refusing that, the result of the court was above said, or to prison. They are resolved to drive all before them if they can not prevent them, not else. But I rest your obliged friend and servant Ric. Smith, Jun'r. Wickford, May 14, 1664." The following is an extract from the proceedings of the General Assembly of Rhode Island, held at Newport in October and November of the same year:

1664. "For as much as it is well knowwe unto us by credible witnesses that Captaine William Hudson and Richard Smith, Sen'r, the one an inhabitant in the Narragansett Country * * * have both of them taken upon them the office of magistrates, and have acted and officiated therein within the bounds of the Collony, as in marrying people, &c., and making use of said offices without any lawfull call thereunto, contrary to the intent and purport of his Majestyes noble Charter granted to this Collony of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, within (Wherein?) the Narragansett Country is in exprese words included and comprised, &c.: see not to acte any thinge in matter of judicature without order or power from sayd Collony. It is therefore ordered by this Assembly that the Generall Sargant shall take such ayd as hee thinker meet, to attach and arrest the bodyes of the abovesaid Captaine William Hudson and Richard Smith Seniour." (R. I. Col. Rec. II., 75.)

We have no knowledge whether this order was carried out or not. It was doubtless voted before the following letter arrived in the Colonies.

1664. "Letter from Charles the Second to the Collonies.

"Charles R.

"Trusty and well beloved: Wee greet you well. Whereas wee have bin given to understand, that our good subjects, Tho: Chaffinch. Jno. Scott, John Winthrop, Daniell Denison, Lyman Bradstreete, The: Wallet, Rich'd Smith, Edw. Hutchinson, Amos Richeson, Jno: Alcock Wm. Hudson and their associates, having in the right of Major Atherton a just propriety in the Naroganset Country in New England, by grants from native Princes of that country, and

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being desirous to improve it as an English Collony and Plantation to the inlarging of our empire, and the common good of our subjects, they are yet dayly disturbed and injustly molested in their possetion and laudable indeavors by certaine unreasonable and turbulant sperits of Providence Collony of New England aforesaid, to the great scandal of Justice and Government, and the eminent discouragement of that hopeful plantation, wee have therefore though fitt hereby effectually to recommend the Proprietors to your neighbourly kindness and protection, the proprietors to be permitted peasably to improve their Colony and Plantation in New England, willing you to bee on all occasions assisting to them against such unjust oppressions and molestations, that see they may be secured in the full and peacable injoyment of their said Country, according to the right and title they have to it whearin we will not dought of your readyness and care, and shall on all good occasions express how gratiously we accept of your complyance with this our recommendation, and so we bid you farewell. Given at our Court at Whitehall, the 21st day of June, in the fifteenth year of our Raigne. By his Majestys Command, Henry Bennet.".. . . . . . . . (R. I. Col. Rec. I., 466.)

1665, Dec. 28, an Indian deed was witnessed by Richard Smith Jr., and a letter was written by Robert Carr at " Mr. Smith's Tradeing House ........................... (R. I. Col. Rec. II, 133.)

1679, July 21, in testifying before the Assembly, John Greene said that "forty years and more, Mr. Richard Smith, that I did live with, did first begin to make a settlement in the Narragansett.".. . (R. I. Col. Rec. III., 56.)

Savage's Gen. Dict. of N. E., (IV, 129), contains the following :

"Smith, Richard Sr. In that wide estate (the Narragansett country) after a brief trial at Newtown, L. I., he enjoyed great esteem 40 years as sovereign of all Misquamicuck, Caucumsquissie, and Pettaquamscutt." " His son of the same name was made costable there in 1663, when the Conn. council dignified his neighborhood with the town rights of Wickford."

1679, July 24. Testimony of Roger Williams in favor of Richard Smith's title to the Wickford lands.

"Nahiggonsett, I, Roger Williams, of Providence, in the Nahiggonsett bay, in New England, being (by God's mercy) the first beginner of the mother town of Providence and of the colony of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, being now nearly four score years of age; yet, (by God's mercy), of sound understanding and memory; do humbly and faithfully declare, that Mr. Richard Smith, sen., who for his conscience to God left fair possessions in Glostershire and adventured with his relations and estate to New England, was a most acceptable inhabitant, and prime leading man in Taunton, in Plymouth colony. For his conscience sake, (many differences arising), he left Taunton and came to the Narragansett country, where by God's mercy, and the favor of the Narragansett Sachems, he broke the ice (at his great charge and hazard) and put up in the thickest of the barbarians the first English house among them. I hum humbly testify that about fort years ago from this date, he kept possession, coming and going himself, children and servants, and he had quiet possession of his houses, lands and meadows, and there in his own house, with much serenity of soul and comfort, he yielded up his spirit to God, the father o spirits, in peace. I do humbly and faithfully testify as aforesaid, that since his departure his honored son, Capt. Richard Smith, hath kept possession, (with much acceptation

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with English and Pagans,) of his father's houses, lands and meadows, with great improvement, also by his great cost and industry, and in the late bloody Pagan war, I, knowingly testify and declare, that it pleased the Most High to make use of himself m person, his houses, his goods, corn, provisions and cattle, for a garrison and supply to the whole army of New England, under the command of the ever to be honored Gen. Winslow, in the service of his Majesty's honor and country of New England. I do also humbly declare, that the said Richard Smith, Jun., ought by all the rules of equity, justice and gratitude to his honored, father and himself, to be fairly treated with, considered, recruited, honored, and by his Majesty's authority confirmed and established in a peaceful possession of his Father's and his own possessions in this Pagan wilderness and Narragansett country. The premises I humbly testify, as now leaving the country and this world. Roger Williams....................... (Memoirs R. I. Bar, 253-4.)

1703. Samuel Smith, aged 67, and Elizabeth (wife of Nehemiah Smith and formerly wife of William Ludlam of Southampton) aged about 70, both residing at Jamaica, testify in court at Jamaica, that "about 60 years ago John Smith, father to these deponents, living at Taunton m Plymouth Colony, now under ye government of ye Massachusetts Bay, left his said habitation and went to Masbpett Kills in Queens county, on Nassau Island, then under ye government of ye Dutch, and was there killed by ye Indians." (Riker's Annals of Newtown. L. I.)

1664-6. Will. "In the Name of God, Amen. The fourteenth day of July, in the year of Our Lord, one thousand, six hundred, sixty and four, in the Sixteenth year of the reign of our Sovereign Lord, Charles the Second by the Grace of God of England and Scotland, France and Ireland, King, Defender of the Faith &c. I, Richard Smith, of Wickford, in the Narragansett Countrey, in New England, Yeoman, being in health of Body, and of good and perfect memory, (Thanks be unto God) Do make this my last Will and Testament, and I do hereby revoak and renounce all former and other Wills and Testaments whatsoever heretofore by me made, by Word, Writing or otherwise And make and ordain this to be my very true, last Will and Testament, and no other Concerning my Lands, Chattels, Debts, and every part and parcel thereof, in manner and form as followeth. First. I Commend my soul to Almighty God, and to his Son Jesus Christ, my Saviour and Redeemer, by whom I hope to obtain full pardon, and remission of all my Sins, and to Inherit Everlasting Life. And I will that my Body be decently buryed by the Discretion of my Executors hereunto named. Item. I will that my debts which I shall owe unto any Person or Persons at the time of my decease either by Law or Conscience be well and truly Contented and paid, within Convenient time, out of my Goods and Chattels. "Item, I give unto my Son Richard Smith all my Right, Title and interest of, in and to, my Dwelling house, and Lands thereto belonging, Situate, being and lying in Wickford aforesaid, and is bounded on the Southwest by Annoquatucket river, and by the Lauds of Capt. William Hudson, Northeasterly and on the East by a fresh river or brook and Creek and Cove.

"Item, I give unto my Son the s'd Richard Smith, all my right title and interest of, in and to my propriety of Lands lying in Cunnani-cot Island and Dutch Island, with the privileges and appurtenances to them or either of them belonging or in any way appertaining. Item, I give unto my daughter Elisabeth wife of John Vial of Boston,

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Vintner, all that my Share, which is a one Third part of Land lying on the Southerly side of my son, Richard Smith's two thirds part of a tract of land lying on the Easterly side of the aforesaid ffresh river or Brook, and Creek and Cove; Commonly Called by the Saga.

"Item, I will that all my share and part in the Great Neck of Land beyond Capt. Edward Hutchinss house, Westward and Southward and all the rest of my share of Land belonging to that purchase And also all my share of Land of the last purchase and all my Cattle, Horses, Mares, Sheep, Goats, & Swine and all my Goods and Debts whatsoever to me appertaining be (after my decease) Divided into Four Equal parts and portions, the which after my Debts paid & funeral Charged thereout, I Give and bequeath as followeth. That is to say. To my son Richard Smith, and his heirs, the one fourth part or portion thereof, and to my Daughter, Elisabeth, wife John Vial and her issue, I give one other Fourth part thereof, and to my Grand Children, the Children of my dece 'd daughter Katharine, sometime wife to Gilbert Updike, one other fourth part thereof to be Equally Divided amongst them, And to my Grand Children, the Children of my deceased daughter, Joan, sometime wife to Thomas Newton, one other fourth part thereof to be Equally divided amongst them my S'd Grand Children, parts to be paid to each of them, Viz. To Each of my Grandsons as they Come to the age of Twenty one years; And to Each of my Grand Daughters as they Come to the age of Eighteen years, or on day of marriage which shall first happen, And in Case that any One of my Grand Children, the Children of my daughters Katharine and Joan, do Dye before they come to be of the age aforesaid or Marr'yd, then such part or share, as should have been to such deceased, shall be to the Survivours of them, part and alike to them to be divided. Item, I make and ordain my sons, Richard Smith, and John Vial, to be my full whole and only Executors of this my last will and Testament. And my well beloved Friend Capt. Edward Hutchinson of Boston." (Here the is torn and cannot be copied.)

"Before John Leverett Assistant, Entered and recorded at the request of the s'd Vial the 22d. of August, 1666. Robert Howard, Not. Pub. An attested Copy."

(The above will is taken by us from a copy, so old as to have been often mistaken for the original, in the possession, descendant of Lodowick Updike. It is referred to in Potter's History of Narragansett, page 270; and also in Austin's Rhode Island Genealogy.)

RICHARD SMITH, JR.

Born 1630; died 1692 at Wickford, R. I. Was the only son who survived Richard Smith Sr.; the other son, James, dying about 1660, unmarried. Richard Jr. is interesting as the brother of Gysbert Opdyck's wife, as a prominent man in Rhode Island Colony, and as having devised Smith's Castle and other large possessions Rhoade Island in to Lodowick, Daniel and James Updike, three of the seven children of Gysbert Opdyck.

Richard Jr., like his father, probably resided chiefly at New Amsterdam (New York), between 1642 and 1663; he there sold a house for his father in 1651, and he was there sued in the Burgomaster's court by Gysbert Opdyck in 1661. He is said to have served as Major in Oliver Cromwell's army, but this is doubtful, and he probably derived his title of "Major" from an appointment in 1686 by the President and Council of New England. He called himself "merchant" in a deed, and he undoubtedly continued his father's trading with the Indians at the Block House near Wickford, until the Narragansett Indian war of 1675-6 resulted in almost the extermination of the savages. After

RICHARD SMITH, JR. 81

the great "Swamp Fight" near Wickford, in 1675, the whole New England army of 1,000 men retreated in the cold winter weather, carrying their wounded, to his Block House, or "Castle," where they were supplied by him with shelter, provisions, cattle and goods; he is said to have had the foresight to detain a loaded sloop of grain for the use of the army on their return and thus to have prevented much suffering. His house was partly, destroyed by fire during the war, but was rebuilt by him, largely out of the old materials.

He early became prominent in public matters. Like his father, he favored the jurisdiction of Connecticut over the Narragansett country, and he was no doubt the writer of the petition to the King in 1679, quoted by us under Lodowick Updike. His arrest was ordered by the R. I. Assembly, but the question was settled peaceably, and he was not disturbed in property, and probably not in person, as he was justice, Major, Member of Council, after that date, and his house was the place of meeting in 1683 for the Governor of New Hampshire and others. His title to the large tracts of land, granted to his father by the Narragansett Sachems, was upheld by Roger Williams in 1679 in the letter already quoted under Richard Smith Sr. He died without children.

Records and Authorities.

1659. Aug. 23, R. I. Assembly declares he will be liable for damages if he arrest any member this colony for obstructing him in taking possession by building on Hog Island. (Austin.)

1662, Oct. 8. Testified in relation to an Indian Deed, calling himself aged about 32 years. (Providence Rec. 439.)

1664, May 14. Writes a letter as to rival claims of Connecticut and Rhode Island to jurisdiction over Narragansett. (R. I. Col. Rec. II, 47.)

1669, May 21. Conservator of the Peace in R. I. (Austin.)

1671, Sept. 26. Newport. Bought 240 acres in Portsmouth for 40 pounds. He did not long dwell at Newport. (Austin.)

1672, May 14. Appointed on a Commission to meet the Connecticut Commissioners to put a final end and issue of all differences between the two colonies. (Austin.)

1672, June 25. Empowered by Assembly to take the best course he can to put the inhabitants of King's Province in the Narragansett country into a posture of defence. (Austin.) .

1673, May 7. Appointed on a Committee to treat with the Indian Sachems to prevent the extreme excess of the Indians' drunkeness. (Among these Sachems was King Phillip.)

1675, June 25. In a letter dated from Mr. Smith's at Narragansett, Roger Williams wrote to Gov. Winthrop : "Mr. Smith is now absent on Long Island. Mrs. Smith, though too much favoring the Foxians (called Quakers), yet she is a notable spirit for courtesy towards strangers and prays me to present her great thanks for your constant remembrance of her, and of late." (Austin.)

1678, Petitions the King of England that Rhode Island yield to Connecticut the jurisdiction over Narragansett. (R. I. Col. Rec. II, 50.)

1679, July 19. Warrant issued by Assembly for his arrest and ordered to be brought to Assembly at Newport to answer charges. (Austin.)

1683, Aug. 22. His house was the place of meeting of Gov. Cranfield, New Hampshire, and others; and the said Governor and others were there prohibited by Gov. Coddington from keeping court in any part of this jurisdiction. (Austin.)

1686, May 28. He was appointed Justice of the Peace, also Sergeant Major and Chief Commander of his Majesty's Militia, both horse and foot, within the Narragansett country. This appointment was from the President and Council governing New England. (Austin.)

1687, Sept. 6. Taxed 2 pounds, 10d.; (the heaviest tax paid in Kings Town.) (Austin.)

1688, April 16. "Commission under our Great Seal of England constituting (Sir Edmund Andros) our Captain Generall and Governor in Chief in and over our Colonies of the Massachusetts Bay and New Plymouth, our Province of New Hampshire and Main, the Narraganset Country or King's Province, of New York and East and West Jersey. * * * And you are accordingly * * * with all convenient speed to call together the Members of the Council, by name * * * Richard Smith and * * * (liven at our court at Whitehall the 16th. day of April 1688, in the fourth year of our Reign. By His Majesty's Command." (Doc. Col. Hist. N. Y. 111, 543.)

1689, July 9, Van Cortlandt to Gov. Andros. " We also resolved to write to the gentlemen of the Council that live neare us to come and assist us with their advice, but none came nor wrote an answer but Major Smith, Clarke and Newbury." (Written from New York.) (Doc. Col. Hist. N. Y. III, 591.)

1687-8. Richard Smith, Justice of General Court of Sessions and Inferior Court of Com mon Pleas. (Austin.)

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1691, March 16. Will of Richard Smith; probated July 12, 1692 before Governor Sir William Phips. (Boston Prob. Off. Suffolk XIII, 29.)

The inventory of will amounted 1,159 pounds. It includes articles " contained in warehouse, shop, and rooms in the great house; 2 negro men, 40 pounds; 5 negro children and old woman, 40 pounds; 3 horses, 20 pounds; 135 cattle young and old, 250 pounds; 30 sheep, 9 pounds; 1/2 sloop Primrose, 100 pounds; maps and books, 5 pounds."

Will. "In the name of God, Amen. I, Richard Smith of Rochester in the King's Province att Naragausett in New England, Gent. being of sound mind and perfect disposing memory, doe make this my last will and Testament, revoking all wills by Ins formerly made. ffirst I bequeath my soul to God that gave itt, in hopes that through the mercy and meritts of my Saviour Jesus Christ to obtain everlasting life in the Kingdome of Heaven, and my body to be buried at the discretion of my Executors hereafter named; and for my lands and worldly goods I bequeath as followeth. First I order my debts to be truely paid, and my funerall Expenses discharged. Item I give unto my beloved wife the Rents; issues and profitts of all during her naturall life and no longer and after her decease I give unto my kinsman Lodowick Updick the housing and lands I now dwell on as far southward as now fenced in by me and as far northward as my bounds goeth of this homested joyning to Joseph Dallavar with all my lands at Sagaoe with all Rights and Titles thereto belonging outward without the fence north and westward the breadth of said lands to he and his heirs forever: provided he gives up and and resigns all his right he owneth and hath in Wesquoge farms, to remain as I have ordered itt in this Will after herein mentioned, otherwise he said Lodowick shall not have Sagoe lands nor Caulfsnecke; also I give to Daniel Updick my land now in possession of Jacob Pinder and John Thomas, one moity, and to James Updick the other moity of said lands with back out-Lett the breadth of said neck north westward with all Rights thereto belonging, to they and their heirs forever. Item I give unto Israeli Neuton and to James Neuton all my lands at Wasquoge farme with all priveledges thereto belonging to they and their heirs forever. Item I give unto Thomas Neuton of London and to him and his heirs forever my house at Bristoll and land thereunto belonging: also hog Island alias Chisewanack, near adjoyning to he and his heirs forever. Item I give unto my sister Elizabeth. Violl alias Newman my farme on Boston Neck which Alexander King lived on after my wifes decease to her and as she shall dispose of itt to hir children and them and their heirs forever. Item I give to Aquila Ketch all the house and land within fence, and an hundred acres to be lay'd to it where Thomas Withers lives, and his Mother and to him and his heirs forever. Also I give unto my Negro Ceasar, and to his wife Sarah their freedome after my decease, and one hundred acres of land in convenient, place to be lay'd out by Lodowick Updick on some of my out Sheares of land either mortgage or Surplices of the neck. Also I give unto Ceasar's children all their freedome when thirty years old and to Ebedmelish the like freedome: and the land Ceasar is to have, to him and his heirs forever, this after my wifes decease not in her lifetime, for she shall possess her life in all. Item I give unto Mr. Francis Brinley all my right in my housing and lands on Rhode Island during his naturall life, and after him to his soon Thomas Brinley and to his heirs forever. Item I give unto all my sisters children and to their childrens children all my shears of land besides what is already given in this Will, both in the Surplices of the Boston neck and mortgage land, equally between them and their heirs forever. Item I give unto Richard Updick, Lodowick's sonn, twenty pounds, Smith Neuton, Thomas Neuton's sonn, ten pds to be paid after my wifes decease. Also I Impower my wife to dispose of part of my goods to my Relations as she shall see best cause for, and their neces. sity's require, and do make my wife Ester Smith, and Lodowick Updick, whole and sole Executrix and Executor of this my last Will and Testament, only my wife to enjoy all during her natural life. And I give Captain Fones 10s. to buy him a sing. And do set my hand and seal this 16th. day of March, 1690-1. Richard Smith and a seal. Signed and Sealed and owned in presence of us, Joseph Pendleton, John Shelden, March 16th., 1690-1. The above written Will and Testament was owned and acknowledged by the above written Testator before John Fones Justice of the Peace."

COCUMSCUSSUC. WICKPORD. UPDIKE MANSION.

The thirty thousand acres of land in Narragansett, purchased by Richard Smith from Narragansett Sachems about 1639, comprised all the land on the west side of Narragansett Bay, north of Annaquatucket river, east of the "Pequot path" (now the Post road), and south of Allen's harbor. It was upon this tract, called" Cocumscussuc," that be erected a blockhouse or " Smith's Castle," for trading in furs and sewan with the Indians.

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In 1859 Richard Smith Sr. and Jr. joined with Gov. Winthrop of Connecticut and Major Atherton of Massachusetts in the purchase of another large tract from the Narragansett Sachem, who then confirmed the previous grant to Richard Smith. Smith's possessions included a great art of what is now North Kingstown, and South Quidnessett.

In 1664 the R. I. Assembly addressed their letter to " Richard Smith of Narragansett Cohgomsquisitt." But the place was called "Wickford" even then, for' in that year Richard Smith dated a letter from " Wickford," and wrote his will describing himself "of Wickford." It has retained that name to the present day.

The township, of which Wickford is the seat, is called Kingstown and was established in 1674. by the R. I. General Assembly, with " the power of probation of wills." In 1686 its name was changed to Rochester, but was changed back in 1689 to Kingstown, and it has born that name ever since, except that it is now divided into North and South Kingstown.

The Kingstown records, as we are informed by Mr. Nicholas Spink, the venerable ex-Town Clerk, did not begin until 1696, the population being very scant before that time; the Smiths and Updikes were almost the only residents before the great Swamp Fight in 1675; and long afterward the country was unsettled and the Indians were so dreaded that every stray savage was shot on sight like a wild beast. The old Kingstown records were unfortunately partly burned in 1870 in the Wickford bank where they were stored, burglars having set fire to the building in an attempt to rob the bank-safe. Some of the old books were entirely destroyed, and the others so charred that only the centres of the detached leaves now remain. The author and his cousin spent two days in the examination of these charred leaflets and found only a few earlier than 1696, which in fact is the beginning of the records according to the titles upon the tin boxes which now contain them. In the few records which were found of earlier date, no mention was made of any Opdyck or Updike. It is therefore impossible to conclude from these records whether Gysbert Opdyck ever moved to Rhode Island, or which of his children resided there before 1696.

It is proved however by other records of Rhode Island Colony, that Gysbert's children, Lodowick, Richard, and Elizabeth, resided at Wickford, or near there, as early as 1668 and 1671, Sarah (Whitehead) probably lived in Newtown, L. I. Daniel was a mariner and died in England. James was "of Boston," and in a Massachusetts Company of soldiers when he was wounded in 1675; he became a mariner and probably did not to retire to Wickford until he quit the sea in old age.

Richard Smith Sr. died in 1666, leaving by his will his dwelling house and " lands thereto belonging lying in Wickford," to his son Richard; and dividing all his "share in the Great Neck of Land," and all his " share of land of the last purchase " and all his personal property, between his four children or their heirs, among whom were the children of his daughter Catherine Smith, the deceased wife of Gysbert Opdyck.

Richard Smith Jr., after his father's death, occupied the Wickford estate, rebuilding in 1680 the "Castle " which had been partly burned by the Indians after the Swamp Fight. At his death in 1692 he bequeathed the house and lands to his widow for life and then to Lodowick, Daniel and James Updike, and to his Smith sister's children, no devise to Gysbert's other children, Elizabeth, Sarah, Johannes, on to their heirs.

Lodowick married a daughter of one of the Smith sisters and thus increased his share. About 1709 he laid out village lots and streets in Wickford less than a mile from the old house, and began to sell. plots to purchasers, the place being called " Updike's New Town"and so named on some old maps. At death he devised the greater part of his Wickford property to his son Daniel, who also received the shares of his uncles Daniel James by their wills, they dying without children.

Smith's Castle now became known as " the Updike mansion " and has been so called to the present day. It passed, as we have seen, from Lodowick to his son Daniel (Att'y Gen. of R. I.); then to Daniel's son Lodowick; then to Lodowick's children. It was sold in 1816, by Wilkins Updike to a Mr. Congdon, who sold it to a Mr. Rathburn, who sold it to a Mr. Chapin. It is now owned by Henry A. Babbitt of Pomfret Centre, Conn., and with 300 acres of land is occupied by his tenant as a dairy-farm.

The author visited the house in 1886 and 1887, and was shown through it by the present tenant. It measures about 53 ft. by 42 ft. and is of two stories with ceilings 7 ft. 8 in. high. Each. floor contains four large rooms, 21 ft. by 20 ft., in all of which appear the heavy ceiling-plates and cross-beams; some of the rooms are pannelled with wood to the ceiling. It is quite probable that much of the wood work was imported from England, as : was customary and in fact necessary at the time. The immense kitchen fire place, the wrought-iron latches, hinges, and door-knockers show great age. The roof has been modernized, and the house has been surrounded by a piazza, impairing the antique effect of the exterior.

As the first and long the finest house of Narragansett, and belonging during 180 years to one of the most prominent families in Rhode Island, the house has welcomed many distinguished foreign guests and has shared in many festive scenes of the life of Narra-

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gansett planters of the last century. In the dining-room there have been entertained the following: Roger Williams, Gov. John Winthrop Jr., Sir Edmund Andros, Edward Randolph, Bishop Berkeley, Smibert the artist, Benjamin Franklin, the Marquis de la Fayette, the Due de Lauzun, Bishop Seabury, Dr. Jas. McSparran.

The old dock, which was near the house, is decayed, and there is now only 5 ft. depth of water in front at high tide; but there was probably more in earlier days, as the shore`; is generally known to be advancing under the water. There is a deep channel 40 rods away, through which there still come vessels of considerable size to a dock near by on the place.

The land of this whole section of country was originally covered with timber. It is esteemed the most fertile portion of Rhode Island, but is not fertile compared with New Jersey except for grass, stock and dairy purposes.

The graveyard, about 200 yards from the house, and near the bay and a beautiful grove, contains the tombstones of Lodowick (2d.), his wife and children, other tomb. stones whose inscriptions have crumbled away, and a small gray stone (probably not the original) inscribed " Richard Smith." On another hillock further removed is what 1, called "the Indian graveyard," which is really the burial place of the family slaves Near the house is " the grave apple-tree," under which are believed to have been buried the forty colonists killed in the Swamp Fight and brought here by the army on return from the battle; the grass still grows coarse and rank at this spot and is never touched by the cattle.

There are no family memorials now at the house, they having been divided among the various branches of the family. The camlet cloak of Richard Smith Jr. is preserved at Providence by the Reynold descendants (of Lodowick Updike 2d.) who still own one of the original Updike farms. The children and grandchildren of Wilkins Updike have the embroidered scarlet and blue silk waistcoats, the coats, short clothes, ruffled shirts, silver ware &c. of Daniel Updike, the first Att'y General, and the oil portraits of his wife Anstis Jenkins and of her mother Mary Wilkins, painted by Smibert in 1729. The old family papers passed from Wilkins Updike to his son Caesar.

A hundred years ago, Wickford contained so many of the name that it was often called " Updike Town." Very few of the blood and none of the name now reside there, It is an interesting old village, containing many large residences more than a century, old, built directly upon the border of the wide street according to ancient custom. The sidewalks are wide and are shaded by large old trees. It is now a terminus of the Boston and Providence Railroad, where passengers take the steamboat to cross Narragansett Bay to Newport. The residents have not allowed the railroad to enter the towsn and destroy the old-fashioned quiet and simplicity to which they have been so long accustomed.

St. Paul's Church of Narragansett was built in 1707, about four miles from Wickford, and was moved in 1800 to Wickford through the efforts of Lodowick Updike 2d, Service is now held in it only in August, and during the remainder of the year in the newer and larger church in Wickford. The old church is a tall, almost square building, with small panes of glass in round topped windows. It has a wide gallery, and is still very quaint and antique although the original pulpit and pews have been changed. There hangs near the the door a plan of the old square pews in 1760, showing the pew of Richard Updike near the pulpit, and that of Lodowick in a corner. Its graveyard contains the tombstones of Capt. Richard Updike (grandson of Lodowick 1st.) with b is; wife and children.

ELIZABETH OPDYCK (WIGHTMAN).

(Daughter of Gysbert Opdyck, page 46.)

Was baptised July 27, 1644, in the Dutch Church of New Amsterdam in the presence of Governor Kieft and Secretary van Tienhoven, sponsors. Died before 1722. Married George Wightman, who appears to have been a man of prominence at Wickford, R. I., from the very earliest records of that Colony.

1673, May 6. George Weightman of Narragansett admitted freeman of Colony of R. I. and Prov. Plantations, at meeting of General Assembly at Newport............................ (R. I. Col. Rec. II 483)

1671, May 20. "Acquednesitt Court, calledRead commission from Gen. Assembly for holding this Court." George Wightman was among 13

2D GENERATION; ELIZABETH OPDYCK (WIGHTMAN). - 85

who desired " to know whither or noe this Court on behalf of the Colony doe lay any claim to their possession, which they now inhabit; to which demand, this present Court doe returne unanimously their answer, that on behalfe of the Colony, this Court doe not lay any claime to their possessions which they now inhabitt." "The persons engaged at Acquednesitt by the Court," twenty in all, included George Wightman, Lodowick Updike, and Richard Updike. "These persons being engaged, were desired to nominate a person for to be the Conservator of the Peace, in jointe commission with Mr. Richard Smith and Mr. Samuel Dyre; and also a Constable." The persons selected by them were "solemnly engaged" by the Court as such officers .. (Same, 391.)

1722. Will of George Wightman, on the half-burned records, mentions his three daughters; Elizabeth (Ruling), Alice (Weight), Sarah (Peterson), to whom he wills household articles of "my deceased wife;" to a grandson "my chest which I brought from England; " to a son he devised 300 acres .............................. . (Wickford Rec.) George Wightman and Elizabeth Updike, his wife, had the following children, born between 1664 and 1681: Elizabeth, Alice, Daniel, Sarah, George, John, Samuel, and Valentine. (Austin's R. I. Geneal.) Some descendants of the above are still living at Wickford; among them is Mr. Chistopher Weightman, Warden of St. Paul's Episcopal Church, and now having charge of its old records. Other branches of the family have changed their name to Witman, in other neighborhoods. The name Weight," of a son-in-law of Elizabeth, is now spelled Waite by his descendants.

LODOWICK UPDIKE.

(Son of Gysbert Opdyck, page 46.)

Was baptised June 10, 1646, in the Dutch Church of New Amsterdam, in the presence of his father Gysbert Opdyck, and of his grandfather Richard Smith and the fiscal de La Montague who acted as sponsors. Three years of his infancy were probably passed at Fort Hope (Hartford) where his father was commander. His childhood and youth were spent at New Amsterdam in his father's house on Stone Street or in the house "next the City Hall," and on Long Island about Hempstead and Newtown. The lad must have often accompanied his Smith grandfather and uncle in their sloop to the trading-house at Narragansett. He was eighteen years of age when the English seized the New Netherlands, and New Amsterdam became New York. The change from the arbitrary rule of Stuyvesant, not much regretted by many of the Dutch who had often looked with envy at the greater growth and prosperity of the neighboring English colonies, could not have affected Gysbert's children whose thoughts were probably already directed to Narragansett. Two years later, in 1666, Richard Smith died leaving a portion of his immense purchases from the Narragansett Indians he children of his deceased daughter Katharine, wife of Gysbert Opdyck; and in 1668 we find Lodowick at Wickford, R. I., where the Smith trading-house stood. If Richard Smith Sr. bad been "weary of living alone in a

86 - AMERICAN DESCENDANTS OF THE WESEL FAMILY.

desolate wilderness, and desired neighbors," no doubt after his death his son Richard Smith Jr. was still more desirous to induce his nephews, Gysbert's sons, to join him at Smith's Castle, and it is not strange that the two eldest removed thither as soon as they became of age, or soon afterward. There were "plenty of Indians and wild creatures," who had not yet proved dangerous, to attract their adventurous spirits; and there too was their large landed inheritance which, if held and improved, would in time become a valuable estate.

At the age of 22, Lodowick is found at Wickford joining others in a petition to Connecticut, for the protection of that government. There had been much conflict as to the jurisdiction over the Narragansett country. In 1665 the King's Commissioners had constituted that territory into a separate district under the name of the King's Province, and it remained for many years a bone of contention between Connecticut, Rhode Island, the Marquis of Hamilton, and the Atherton claimants. The question was not decided in favor of Rhode Island until long afterward, and some of the boundaries were finally settled only in the next century when Lodowick's son Daniel was Attorney General. At the early age of 25, Lodowick was appointed by the authorities at Acquednesitt, on a committee of twenty, with his brother Richard and the husband of their sister Elizabeth, to select a Conservator of the Peace to act with Richard Smith.

Soon came Indian troubles. The Narragansett tribe still occupied the western shore of Narragansett Bay, and the white settlers were as yet few. In fact the entire white population of New England in 1675 did not exceed 60,000, distributed along the sea coast and the banks of the Lower Connecticut; the rest of the country was an immense forest. Greed and severity on the one side, and passionate resentment on the other, led to mutual suspicions and fears. The Indians in Narragansett became "insolent and very injurious," killed the cattle and plundered some houses; soon the war broke out, which had been long foreseen by Richard Smith and the Updikes, and which caused "the ruin and destruction" of their" visible estates in that Province, so that it became a desolate wilderness again, and, instead of Christian people, replenished with howling wolves and other wild creatures." The settlers retreated with what little they had left to Rhode Island; where they found cold charity and where it cost them one half of their cattle to feed the rest and pay the taxes imposed upon them. They returned again the King's Province, braving the dangers and hardships, living in cellars and holes underground, until by industry and hard labor they were able to rebuild. At Wickford, for many years thereafter, every strange Indian found lurking in the woods was shot at sight. This war of 1675-6 had been disastrous on the side of all the colonists. Twelve or thirteen towns had been entirely ruined, and many others partly destroyed. Six hundred houses had been burned, near a tenth part of all in New England. Twelve

2D GENERATION; LODOWICK UPDIKE. 87

captains, and more than six hundred men in the prime of life, had fallen in battle. There was hardly a family not in mourning. The pecuniary losses and expenses of the war were estimated at near, a million of dollars. Of the Indians upward of two thousand had been killed or taken; the prisoners, if suspected of having shed English blood or of having been present at the Swamp Fight, were sentenced to death; all other captives were distributed as slaves among the colonists, Roger Williams receiving a boy for his share. The tribes lost their freedom and rude virtues, intermarried with the blacks and gradually dwindled away.

Lodowick is found continually: on the Rhode Island and Wickford records, and must have been a man of prominence and energy. He was Lieutenant, Assessor, repeatedly Grand Juryman and on the most import ant Town Committees, and Deputy to the R. I. General Assembly. To attract settlers he laid out the town of Wickford and sold many lots. It has been supposed that the town derived its name from "Lodowick's ford;" but this is an error, as Richard Smith dated a letter from "Wickford" in 1664. No new comer was allowed to settle except on a year's probation, and he must find some one to be security that he would not become a town charge.

In 1692 Richard Smith, Jr., died without children, and left Smith's Castle, now rebuilt, and the larger portion of his property to Lodowick, who had already doubled his share of inheritance, from his grandfather by marrying his cousin Abigail, daughter of Joan Smith and Thomas Newton. Lodowick's wife, at the age of 63, was among the first converts to the Episcopal Church, of Dr. McSparran lately arrived from England. She was 17 years younger than Lodowick. The dates of birth of Lodowick's children (excepting Daniel) are not known; his daughter Sarah was probably not born before 1700, as her son was born in 1740.

Lodowick had his children educated at home by a foreign tutor, and saw one of his sons marry the daughter of a Governor of. Rhode Island and ` become one of the most eminent men of the Colony. Two of Lodowick's daughters married prominent men of Connecticut.

That the spelling of the name in Rhode Island was changed from Opdyck to Upike, is not at all strange to one who has searched the records as the author has. Wherever in early times an Opdyck lived among settlers of English descent, he was called Updike by his neighbors and his name was so written on the records by the clerks of English descent. Soon the family were themselves led so to write their name, " to take off the Dutch of it." The name of the descendants of the Wesel family underwent the same changes in Rhode Island through Lodowick, that the name of one half the descendants of the Holland family underwent in New Jersey through Johannes 0pdyck's son Lawrence, first Updick, then Updike.Even now Opdyke is commonly pronounced Updike, just as of is generally pronounced uv.

88 - AMERICAN DESCENDANTS OF THE WESEL FAMILY.

Neither is it strange that the Rhode Island. as well as the New Jersey family have at this day forgotten many relatives. The author's labors have given him a wide knowledge of the extent of family memories. Few know many of their second, scarcely any know their third cousins, and five generations constitute a Chinese Wall that is never surmounted except where there exists a written genealogy. The descendants of one of Lodowick's two sons have generally lost trace of the descendants of the others; no living New Jersey Opdyke knew positively that he was related to New Jersey Updikes until the author found the old wills at Trenton.

The Virginian Updikes have a remarkable tradition that their ancestor came from Rhode Island, and that one of his family, "named something like Roderick, was engaged in a sea fight." This would suggest that they at are descended from Lodowick. But Lodowick's descendants are otherwise accounted for, and, as the Virginia settler John Updike is known to have lived and married in New Jersey, we have placed the Virginians among the descendants of Johannes.

Lodowick lived to the age of 90 years. In the 70 years which he passed in Narragausett, that country rapidly changed from a wilderness of savages to a state of society described under our sketch of his grandson Lodowick.

Records.

1668, May 4. Kingston, R. I. Lodowick Updike and others of Wickford petition Connecticut for protection of their government, or else they might look for government elsewhere ...... (Austin's R. I. Geneal.)

1670, July 15. Lodowick Updike was present in the shop at the time of the difference between Thomas Flounders and Walter House, (reulting n the death of the latter,) and Flounders testified that said, Updike could inform as touching the matter........ (Austin's R. I. Geneal.)

1671, May 20, the Com'rs. of the R. I. Assembly record Lodowick and Richard Updike as "inhabitants of Wickford or Aquidnessett." (Narragans't Hist. R., II 113.)

1671, May 20. Lodowick Updike "Engaged at Acquednesitt by the court"with 19 others "to nominate a person for to be the Conservator of the Peace " ........................... (R. I. Col. Rec. II, 391.)

1679, March 3. Lodowick Updike petitions concerning land of Richard Smith . . (Austin's R. I. Geneal.)

1679, July 29, the following petition was signed (in one hand) with forty two names, among which are those of Richard Smith and Lodowick Updike.

"To the Kings Most Excellent Majesty. The humble Petition and Remonstrance of your subjects, the inhabitants of the Narragansett Countrey, in the Southerne parts of New England, called by your Majesty's Commissioners the Kings Province.

"May it please your Majesty: About forty-two years since, the father of one of your petitioners, namely, Richard Smith, deceased, who sold his possessions in Gloucestershire, and came into New England, began the first settlement of the Narragansett Country (then liveing at Taunton, in: the Colony of New Plymouth), and erected a trading house on the same tract of land where now his son Richard

2D GENERATION; LODOWICK UPDIKE. - 89

Smith inhabits, not only at his cost and charge, but great hazard, not without the consent and approbation of the natives, who then were very numerous, and gave him land to sett his house on, being well satisfied in his comeing thither, that they might be supplyed with such necessaries as aforetimes they wanted, and that at their owne homes, without much travell for the same. The said Richard Smith likewise being as well pleased in his new settlement in a double respect; first, that hee might bee instrument all under God in propogating the gospell among the natives, who knew not God as they ought to know him, and took great paines therein to his dying day; and secondly, that place might afford him a refuge and shelter in time to come, for the future subsistence of him and his; wherein he was not only deceived in his expectation for loosing almost all hee had in the Indian war among the Dutch, where he likewise made a settlement, chose at last this place of Narragansett for his only abode; no English liveing neerer to him than Pawtuxet, at his first settleing, being neare twenty miles from him. That place now called Warwick, was not then thought on. Much about that time, some gentlemen of the Massachusetts Collony removed from their habitations and came to the Narragansett Bay and purchased of the natives an Island in said Bay, and called it Rhode Island; Mr. Wm. Coddington being the chiefest of them, and who only purchased the same, and was the first and chiefest Governor they had for many years; settling up among themselves a government by consent for the well ordering of their owne affairs, and for the peace and security thereof. In process of time, that place called Warwick, was settled by Mr. Gorton and Mr. Holden and others; whereby Richard Smith aforesaid had some neighbors nearer to him; and afwards Mr. Roger Williams of Providence, likewise came to Narragansett and built a house for trade, near unto the former house of Richard Smiths, who in some short time quitted his settlement, and sold it to the said Richard Smith, who lived there alone for many years, his house being the resting place and rendezvous for all travellers passing that way, which was of great benefit and use to the country; and was at no small cost and charge therein for many years together, to the great reliefe of all travellers. But time, that produces changes, caused him, being wearie of living alone in a desolate wildernesse; yet having plenty of Indians and wild creatures, to desire neighborhood and invited his neighbours in New England to purchase of the Indians and settle the countrey with him, which accordingly some well affected persons of Rhode Island, and some of the Massachusetts Collony, Connecticut and New Plymouth joined with said Richard Smith, and his son Richard Smith, your present petitioner, who lived there with his father, and made two small purchases of two tracts of land by the seaside * * * The country being all this while under no settled government; yet claimed by several Collonies by virtue of grants from some Lords in England in the times of the troubles there. But no settled Government til your Majesty was pleased to grant your gracious Letters - Pattents to Connecticut and Rhode Island, both which including the Narragansett Country, caused great roubles to the inhabitants by making them offenders for not complying with either as they were commanded, when in truth they knew not whom to submit to; and was the only binderance of the settlement of that Country * * * In the times of these troubles and contests, the Indians proved insolent and very injurious to your petitioners, the inhabitants, not without private abetters, as

90 - AMERICAN DESCENDANTS OF THE WESEL FAMILY.

was suspected, killed our cattle, destroyed our creatures and plundered some of our houses, * * * which many of us foresaw would end in a warn with the Indians if not timely and wisely prevented. Which afterward came on apace, to the ruin and destruction of your petitioners' visible estates in that Province. So that it became a desolate wildernesse againe; and instead of Christian people, replenished with howling wolves and other wild creatures. But it pie the Lord in his due time to put a period to these warrs, and petitioners the former inhabitants, went over from Rhode Isli whither wee retreated with what little wee had left, where it cost us one halfe of our cattle to keep the rest and carry us over. So cold was their charity to their poore neighbours in distress; and then and since imposed taxes on us, when your petitioners had hardly any thing left for the subsistence of themselves and little ones; and settled in the King's Province againe, when very dangerous liveing in (cellars and holes) under ground, til we got a little beforehand to rebuild, which with our owne industry and bard laboure we hope in time to effect, if not discouraged and hindered by many that threaten to turn us off."

The petition goes on to pray a settlement by the King of the question as to which colonial government the " Narragansett Country" belonged, and is dated "King's Province, in Narragansett, July 29, 1679".................................. (R. 1. Col. Rec. III., 58.)

1680. Lodowick Updike, Grand Juryman......(R. 1. Col. Rec.IIl. 245.)

1687. Taxes under Gov. Andros. "Assessments of ye Towne of Rochest'r in ye King's Province sep't 6, 1687.Lef't Updick, 6.s 9.d Pole money 1. s.". . . . .... . . . . (N. E. Hist. Gen. Reg. XXV, 125.)

1692. Oct. 13. Lodowick Updike makes oath to "Inventory of, the Personal Estate of his late Uncle Major Richard Smith dec' d.". (Boston Prob. Office Inv.1970)

1696. "Proceedings of the General Assembly held for the Collony of R. I. and Providence Plantations at Newport the 5th. of May 1696." "Mr. Lodowick Updike Deputy For James Towne.". .. (R. I. Col. Rec. III., 311.)

1696. Deputy for Kings Towne.................. (Austin's R. I. Geneal.)

1696. Dec. 21. His name first on list of Freemen of Kingstown.. (Austin's R. I. Geneal.)

1697. Dec. 20. "Mr. Lodowick Ubdike chosen on a Committee to discourse with the Commttey of the Towne of Westerly aboute the Boundes Between said Townes.".. ............... (Wickford Rec.)

1697. "Lodowick Ubdike" chosen as Town Assessor .....(Wiekford Rec.)

1701. Jan. 6. "Mr. Lodowick Ubdike " chosen on Committee to determine about place of Town meetings..................... (Wickford Rec.)

1702. Feb. 25. As only surviving executor to will of his uncle Richard Smith,he deeded land to Israel Newton, declaring that said uncle "Richard Smith gave to Israel Newton and James Newton all his right of land in a farm in Boston Neck, now in possession of James Newton and myself, having formerly had three full shares bequeathed by my grandfather Richard Smith (father to my said uncle), one to myself and one that I bought of my kinsman James Newton many years since .................. (Austin's R. I. Geneal.)

1703. July 12. He was chosen one of twelve men "to lay out highways or roads" in Kingstown .................. (R. I. Col. Rec. III, 40.)

1705. March. Second Grand Juryman ........... (Austin's R. I. Geneal.)

1706. March 3. First Grand Juryman........... (Austin's R. I. Geneal.)

1709 to 1715. He made many Deeds to lots "in a Towne now Newly

2D GENERATION; LODOWICK UPDIKE. - 91

Laid out by me, ye s'd Lodowick Updike, named Wickford in ye Towne of Kings Towne aforesaid." . ............ (Wickford Rec. )

1713. April 28. He and wife Abigail sold to Henry Loyd of Boston, a quarter acre for four pounds................... (Austin's R. I. Geneal.)

1706-16. Made numerous conveyances to tracts of land in Kings Town. (Wickford Rec. )

1716. Deeded land in Kings Town to " James and Daniel Updike mariners," (probably his brother and son) ............ (Wickford Rec.)

1724. Catherine and Sarah Updike have pew No. 10 in St. Paul's Episcopal Church near Wickford. (These were daughters of Lodowick.). .(St. Paul's Church Reg. )

1726, Sept. 11. "At night, clinick baptism was administered by Mr. McSparran to Abigail, wife of Capt. Lodowick Updike, it being the sixty-third year of her age............... (St. Paul's Church Reg. )

1730, March 29. Sarah Updike and Catherine Updike witnesses and sureties to baptism of a child of ten years ........ . . . (St. Paul's Ch. Reg. )

1732, May 1. Contribution for maintenance of ministry of Church. "Messrs. Updike" gave six pounds......... ; . (St. Paul's Church Reg.)

1734, Aug. 16. Lodowick Updike sold to his son Daniel Updike, of Newport, two tracts of land in North Kingstown, 300 acres, for 3,000 pounds .................................... (Wickford Records.)

Among the half-burned old records at Wickford, R. I., appear the remains of the record of the will of Lodowick. The edges of the leaves have been destroyed by the fire, but the detached leaves still show the following:

1737 (Probate.)

" By virtue of the power granted to the

Council of North Kingston in King's

in the Colonv of Rhode Island be for

Probate of Wills and Granting of

Administration within Said Town

Sons to whome these presents Shall come Gree

upon the Twenty first day of March

in 1736-7 was Exhibited before the to

North Kings Town aforesaid the Last wi

of Capt. Lodowick Updike of said tow

rich will was proved and approved

il he having Whilst he Lived

tles within said town; the administr

Committed unto Daniel Updi

and sole Executor Nomina

Will he well and"

1734 (Will.)

"pdike a Lott of Land

rand son Lodowick Updike one

to them by my Executor and he to

Heirs and assigns forever.

give devise and bequeath unto my five Daug

Catherine Sarah Abigail & Martfia & to

and Assigns forever in equal Manner all the

Town of Wickford by me undisposed of heretofore

the above mentioned Lotts. And also in like Ma

t of Land lying at the North End of my Farnr

Lott containing about one hundred and Twenty

And the Money said Hudson's Lott is Mortgaged

v Executor to pay.

I give and devise unto my said son Daniel U

92 - AMERICAN DESCENDANTS OF THE WESEL FAMILY.

Heirs and assigns forever all the Remainder

and Farm not hereinbefore devised to wit

House and the Land adjoining bounded North

hereinbefore devised unto my Daughters

South-East on the Salt Water chiefly

leading down to Wickford and Westerly on

and the Little Island lying before my D

I order my said son Daniel Updike out of

it of ye said Estate last devised to take

to Six Children of my son Richard Updik

Boys out to Trades when fit or othe

spose of them. And if my said son

be providentially hindered

H be equally divided among

I order my Executor to pay to each

Sixty Pounds in Bills of Public Credit.

Item All my Stock of Cattle and other E

before disposed of I give devise and bequeathe

Daniel Updike and to his Heirs and Assigns

Whatsoever and Wheresoever the same may be

I give to my said son Daniel Updike all the

and Pasture adjoining which lies to the Westward

road near to my Dwelling House which shall be

and Assigns forever

But it is my Mind and Will that the Lot

Town of Wickford by me formerly designed f

of England in North Kingston be Excluded

Devises and be forever appropriated for th

of said Church.

And I do hereby nominate Constitute and App

Son Daniel Updike Whole and Sole Executor

Will and Testament revoking and rendering

other & former Wills by me made and rat

this present Writing only to be my Last

In Witness whereof the said Lodowick Up

set his Hand and Seal Sixteenth

Year of His Majesty's Reign George the

Britain &c. Annoque Domini 1734

aled and published pronounced

ed by the sd. Lodowick Updike to be

Testimony in the presence of"

1745 Will of Abigail, widow of Lodowick Updike, written in 1742 and probated 1745 at Wickford. She appointed her daughter Catherine Executrix and bequeathed 5 pounds to her son Daniel; and 200 pounds equally divided among John, Richard Smith, Daniel, James, Mary and Elizabeth, (her grandchildren), all children of Richard Updike deceased, the money being in the hands of her son, Daniel, and her sons-in-law Thomas Fosdick and Giles Goddard. To her daughter Abigail Cooper, wife of Matthew Cooper, a feather bed and all wearing apparel. The remainder of the estate to her five daughters, Esther, Catherine, Abigail, Sarah and Martha.......(Wichford Records)

Children. Birth. Death. Married. Residence. Occupation.

Richard. ........ 1734. Hannah Eldred. Wickford, R. I. Farmer

Daniel. 1694. 1757. 1. Sarah Arnold. Wickford, R I. & Lawyer &

2. Anstis Jenkins. Newport, R. I. Attý Gen.

3. Mary Wanton.

2D GENERATION; LODOWICK UPDIKE. - 93

Children. Birth. Death. Married. Residence. Occupation.

Esther. ..... 1755. Thomas Fosdick. New London, Conn. Physician.

Catherine ..... 1782. Unmarried. Wickford, R. 1.

Abigail. ..... ...... Matthew Cooper. Wickford, R. 1.

Sarah. ..... 1770. Giles Goddard. New London, Conn. Physician.

Martha. ..... 1780. Unmarried. Wickford, R. 1.

Esther had children: Esther; Thomas; Catherine; Sarah. Her husband, Dr. Thomas Fosdick, was born 1696 and died 1774.

Abigail mrried Matthew Cooper, son of James Cooper and Elizabeth Shippee. The records of old St. Paul's Church at Narragansett show "1738. July 8. Baptised by Rev. Dr. McSparran at Mrs. Updike's, widow of Captain Lodowick Updike, six children of Matthew Cooper and Abigail his wife." Their children were named: Thomas, Gilbert, James, Abigail, Christiana, Catherine, and Elizabeth; thus repeating the old family names.

Sarah married Dr. Giles Goddard of New London, Connecticut. Her husband was postmaster of that town for many years, a prominent Episcopalian and a skillful physician. He died at New London in 1757, leaving his widow with two children, a son William and a daughter Mary Catherine. William, in 1762, at the age of 22, established the "Providence Gazette and Country Journal." His mother soon became associated with him in this enterprise, and the publication bore the imprint of " Sarah Goddard & Co." The Gazette was the first paper ever printed at Providence, and when established there was but one other in the Colony; it earnestly espoused the cause of the colonies and the Declaration of Independence. In 1766, William Goddard left the Gazette in the hands of his mother and established the "Pennsylvania Chronicle and Universal Advertiser" in Philadelphia, which soon gained a wide circulation. In 1773, he established in Baltimore "The Maryland Journal and Baltimore Advertiser," which he continued to publish until 1792, when he sold it and retired to a farm in Rhode Island. During the Revolution, William Goddard was appointed, by Dr. Franklin, Surveyor of Postroads and Comptroller of the Post Office. At Baltimore he was involved in fierce political controversy and on several occasions was forced to place himself under the protection of the government at Annapolis. His Baltimore Journal was frequently left to the management of his sister. A portrait of him from a woodcut is given in our Chapter A. William Goddard left a son, William Giles Goddard, who was eminent in Rhode Island as editor of the Rhode Island American, as professor of philosophy in Brown University and as a political writer; and who married Charlotte R. Ives (daughter of Thomas P. Ives, a prominent merchant of Providence); three of their sons are now leading members of the old house of Brown & Ives, in Providence.

Mrs. Sarah Goddard died in Philadelphia in 1770. The New York Gazette, in January, 1770, published a sketch of her life, closing thus: "Her conduct through all the changing. trying scenes of life, was not only unblamable but exemplary; a sincere piety and unaffected humility, an easy

94 - AMERICAN DESCENDANTS OF THE WESEL FAMILY.

agreeable cheerfulness and affability, an entertaining, sensible and edifying conversation, and a prudent attention to all the duties of domestic life endeared her to all of her acquaintances, especially in the relations of wife, parent, friend and neighbor. The death of such a person is a public loss."

For sketches of other children, see 3d Generation -pages indicated in Chart 2.

RICHARD UPDIKE.

(Son of Gysbert Opdyck, page 46.)

Was probably born between the dates of baptism of Lodowick and Sarah 1646-1650. His baptism does not appear on the records of the Dutch Church at New Amsterdam, but it is known that some of these records have been lost. He may have been baptised at Fort Hope, where Gysbert, was stationed between the above dates. The Rhode Island traditions place him positively as a son of Gysbert and a brother of Lodowick, James, Daniel & c. He was undoubtedly named for his mother's father, Richard Smith.

Richard, like his brother Lodowick, moved to Narragansett, wh appears in 1671. On Dec. 19, 1675, he was killed in the great "Swamp Fight" fought between the one thousand soldiers of New England the Indians under King Phillip, and resulting in the annihilation savage tribes in Rhode Island. The colonists burned the Indian villages which might have sheltered them, and returned in the bitter winter weather to Richard Smith's block-house, carrying their dead and wounded. Forty of the slain, including Richard Updike, were buried under the apple-tree," which is still pointed out in the grounds of the old "Smith Castle," or "Updike Mansion," at Wickford.

1671. May 20. Richard Updike was among the 13 "persons engaged at Acquednesitt by the Court " to nominate officers for the Province. (R. I. Col. Rec. II, 391.)

1675. In "A list of Maj. Sam Apleton Souldjers yt were slayne and wounded the 19th. Decemb. 75 at the Indians Fort at Narragansett." "Rich. Updick of Narragansett" is mentioned among. six men that were killed, and "James Updick of Boston" among nine were wounded. The original is in the handwriting of Edward Rawson, Secy. of the Colony. (Mass. MSS. Arch. XLVIII,.103, Boston.),

"Winter was unfavorable to. the Indians; the leafless woods on longer concealed their lurking attacks. The frozen surface of the swamps made the Indian fastnesses accessible to the colonists. The Massachusetts companies under Major Appleton, and the Plymouth forces, marched to Petasquamscot, on the west shore of Narragansett Bay, where they made some forty prisoners. Being joined by the troops from Connecticut, and guided by an Indian deserter, after a march of fifteen miles through a deep snow, they approached a swamp in what is now the town of South Kingston, one of the ancient strongholds of the Narragansetts. Driving the Indian scouts before them, and penetrating the swamp, the colonial soldiers came in sight of the Indian fort, built on the rising ground on the morass a sort of island of two or three acres, fortified by a palisade, and sur-

2D GENERATION; RICHARD UPDIKE. - 95

rounded by a close hedge a rod thick. There was but one entrance, quite narrow, defended by a tree thrown across it, with a block-house of logs in front and another on the flank. It was the "Lord's Day," but that did not hinder the attack. As the captains advanced at the heads of their companies, the Indians opened a galling fire, under which many fell. But the assailants pressed on and forced the entrance. A desperate struggle ensued. The colonists were once driven back, but they rallied and returned to the charge, and after a two hour's fight, became masters of the fort. Fire was put to the wigwams, near 600 in number, and all the horrors of the Pequod massacre were renewed. The corn and other winter stores of the Indians were consumed, and not a few of the old men; women, and children perished in the flames. In this bloody contest, long remembered as the "Swamp Fight," the colonial loss was terribly severe. Six captains, with 230 men, were killed or wounded; and at night, in the midst of a snow storm, with a fifteen miles' march before them, the colonial soldiers abandoned the fort, of which the Indians resumed possession. But their wigwams were burned, their provisions destroyed; they had no supplies for the winter; their loss was irreparable; of those who survived the fight, many perished of hunger. * * * Major Church, at the head of a body of 200 volunteers, energetically hunted down the hostile bands in Plymouth colony. * * * Philip returned to his own country, was watched and followed by Church, who surprised his camp, killed upward of 100 of his people, and took prisoners his wife and boy. Philip still lurked in the swamps, but was now reduced to extremity. Again attacked by Church, he was killed by one of his own people, a deserter to the colonists. * * * On the day appointed for a public thanksgiving, his head was carried in triumph to Plymouth."

(Hildreth's Hist. of the U. S., I, 487-491.)

The author informed his niece that one of her relatives had been killed by King Philip, and she immediately replied: "Then it is even! My ancestor killed King Philip! " Her father, Edward Church Strobell, was a direct descendant of Major Church.

SARAH OPDYCK (WHITEHEAD).

(Daughter of Gysbert Opdyck, page 46.)

Baptised Oct. 23, 1650, in the Dutch Church in New Amsterdam; the sponsors were Martin Cregier, who was afterwards Burgomaster many years,-and Christina Capoens, who was a lady of some prominence and later applied for leave to form a village in the vicinity of the Wallabout. Sarah died after 1704, the year in which her brother Daniel bequeathed to sister Sarah Whitehead, cattle in the hands of brother Lodowick." The same will, and also the will of her brother James in 1727, made large bequests to her children Richard and Sarah Whitehead, and mentioned no other children.

Her residence after marriage, and the fall name of her husband, are not Positively known. No Whitehead appears on the Wickford records. At Hempstead, Long Island, where her father Gysbert owned land in 1655-7, ': there lived a Daniel Whitehead who had been one of the first settlers there

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as early as 1647, and who witnessed Gysbert's deed at Hempstead in 1655. It is quite probable that Gysbert named his son Daniel for this friend Daniel Whitehead, and that a son of Daniel Whitehead married Gysbert's daughter Sarah.

Daniel Whitehead was a prominent man at Lloyd's Neck (formerly called Horse Neck), Huntington, Oyster Bay,. Hempstead and Newtown. We find the following concerning him, in the N. Y. Documents, &c.

1649. He brings letter from the Hempstead authorities to Stuyvesant.

1652. He was Magistrate at Hempstead.

1652. He appears before the Council on behalf of Hempstead.

1653. He buys a lot at Brooklyn ferry and sells the same.

1656. He and other citizens of Hempstead demand of Stuyvesant that there damages from the Indians be offset against their tithes.

1657. He and others " request Director Stuyvesant to make out the Dutch title to Oyster Bay or free them from the claims of New Haven.

1658. He obtains a judgment at Hempstead.

1664. In proceedings in court at New York, about the title of Horse Neck (Lloyds Neck), it is proved that Daniel Whitehead "was ye first Purchaser thereof from ye Natives." Also "Daniel Whitehead, one of the first Purchasers of the Lands at Oyster Bay and Huntington, * * * declared that Horse Neck never did belong to either of the Townes, it being reserved by the Indyans at their first sale for Hunting, & yt Mr. Leveredge being told by a Cheife Sachem, hee writt to the said Daniel Whitehead to buy it."

1667. He was one the seven to whom Gov. Nicoll granted Patent for New Towne, for themselves and their associates.

1668. He was elected one of the three surveyors of Newtown.

He is said (in Riker's Annals of Newtown) to have been among the first purchasers of Smithtown, L. I., in 1650; also to have located some years later at Mespat Kils, and to have died upon his farm at the Kils in Nov., 1668, aged 65, leaving sons, Daniel, Johnathan, David and Adam.

Daniel Whitehead Jr., son of the above, married Abigail Stevenson and settled in Jamaica. He was:

1680. A large owner of land at Hempstead, Jamaica, Flatland and New Utrecht.

1685. Ranger general of Long Island.

1689-1693. Justice of the Peace for Queens County.

1691-1701. Represented Queens County in the Colonial Assembly.

1701. Was recommended for the Council.

Was called Captain and Major; died in 1704 and left a large estate, and two sons Jonathan and Thomas.

Jonathan, son of Daniel Whitehead Sr., was a Justice of the Peace, at Newtown in 1703. In Onderdonk's Hist. Grace Church Jamaica, he appears as a prominent member of that church 1710-6, and is called "Justice;" it is probable that he moved from Newtown to Jamaica. He may have married Sarah Opdykk.

JAMES UPDIKE.

(Son of Gysbert Opdyck, page 46.)

Was doubtless the Jacob baptised by Gysbert Opdykk and Catherine Smith, Jan. 16, 1658, in the Dutch Church of New Amsterdam, Jacob

2D GENERATION ; JAMES UPDIKE. - 97

being a Dutch equivalent for the English name James. Died 1729. He moved to Boston before 1674; was wounded in the "Swamp Fight," when his brother Richard was killed. He was described in 1716 as a mariner; the records mentioning Captain Opdyke and Captain Updike in 1698 and 1702 at Boston and New York, given under Daniel Updike, may refer to James. When aged, living at Wickford, R. L, he was very fond of fishing alone in a skiff in the bay, and one day was found dead from apoplexy in his boat; the spot has ever since been called "James' Ledge."

1674. James Opdyke appears (no. 35) in a preliminary list of inhabitants of Constable Greenwood's division of Boston, but not in a tax-list of that year .................... (Report Boston Rec. Com'rs., I, 31.)

1675. "A list of Capt. Henry Mossley's Company taken at Dedham the 9th. day of Xber, 1675." "James Vpdeicke"..(Mass. MS. Arch. LXVII, " 294, B.)

1675, Dec. 10.James Updike, Sergt."Credited with military service under Capt. Moseley, in King Phillip's War, 4 pounds, 9 sh., 4 d...

(N. E. Hist. Gen. Register, XXXVII, 182.)

1675, Dec. 19. "James Updick of Boston " among nine men of Maj. Appleton's soldiers wounded at Indian fort in Narragansett.. . (Mass. MS. Arch., XLVIII, 103.)

1676, Apr. 24. James Updike credited with 2 pounds, 14 sh. for military service under Capt. Moseley, in King Phillip's War. (The credits were given at the close of service).. (N. .E. Hist. Gen. Reg. XXXVII, 183.)

1691, June. James Updikk appears on the Boston tax-list. Constable Wm. Rouse's list................. (Report Boston Rec. Com'rs., I, 151.)

1693, Jun. 7. "James and Elizabeth Vpduke" have the birth of a daughter Katharine recorded on the Boston town records.... (Same, IX, 208.)

1695. James Updick appears on the list of the inhabitants of Boston, as of the 3d precinct or ward ... (Same, 1, 169.)

1716, Land in Kings Town deeded to "James and Daniel Updike, mariners," by Lodowick Updike.................. (Wickford Rec.)

1719. Petition to the R. I. Gen. Assembly by Daniel Updick in behalf of himself and James Updick and Jos. Smith for liberty to fence up the highway lately run through the said Updicks' land, for it is of very little service to the people ............... (R. I., Col. Rec. IV, 250.)

1727, Oct. 12. Will of James Updike, proved July 8, 1729

"To nephew Richard Updike, a money legacy.

"To Richard Whitehead and .... Dunham, sister of the latter, 25 Pounds each.

" To Kinsman Daniel Updike of Newport, his interest in a farm in Kings Town.

"To Rev. James Mason, a legacy.

"To Daniel Updike, the' rest of the estate ". .(Austin's R. I. Gen., & Wickford Rec.)

DANIEL UPDIKE.

(Son of Gysbert Opdyck, page 46.)

Born ...... ; died 1704 in England; married Martha ..... His baptism, like that of his brother Richard, does not appear upon the records of the Dutch Church of New Amsterdam; but some of these records are lost;

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he may have been baptised at Fort Hope or on Long Island. The traditions of the Long Island branch fix him positively as a son of Gysbert Opdykk; and his own will mentions his brothers Lodowick and James, and his sisters Elizabeth (Whiteman) and Sarah (Whitehead). Daniel doubt less followed his brothers either to Wickford or Boston, although no record is found of his residence at either place. He was a mariner, was captured by Algerine pirates Jan. 24, 1680, and was ransomed by his uncle Richard Smith Jr., by the payment of 1500 gunlocks. He came from England to thank his uncle, remained one night at Smith's Castle, and is said to have returned to England, where he died. The references below to Captain Updike and Captain Opdyke at Boston and New York, in 1698 and 1702, may refer to Daniel's brother James.

1680. "Letter from William Harris to his wife, dated `Algiers, April 6, 1680. * * * Taken in a ship from Boston, on the 24th. of January, and they were all sold in the Market on the 23d. and 24th. of February, and shut up till the last of March. John Chapman of Boston, promises 1200 dollars, William Harris, 800 dollars an expenses to make out 1200. Mr. Leget's ransom cost him 5,000 dollars. * * * Since I came, I saw Daniel Updike, and he says he had a plague-sore, and that the said sickness is here every summer, and begins in May, and that the last summer here died 9 or 10 of the English captives, but some say not so many. Speak to Mr. Smith to redeem him and tell Lodowick, his brother, Mr. Smith, Mr. Brindley and others.......................... (Updike's Memoirs R. I. Bar; 35.)

1680. April 4. Letter from WilliamHarris to Mr. Brindley at Newport. "Pray tell Mr. Smith, Daniel Updike is well. He may do well to redeem him." .. . . . . . . . (Wilkins Updike's Memoirs R. I. Bar, 36.)

1698, May. Extract from Samuel Sewall's Diary, Boston. "Captain Updike arrives and brings intelligence that the Joseph Galley was cast away on Ireland and all lost." . . . . . . . (N. E. Hist. & Gen. Reg. VI, 77.)

1702, Sept. 29. Letter of Lord Cornbury to the Boards of Trade. "In the beg'ing of June came into the Port of New York the ship Benjamin, Capt. Opdyke commander. She came from Jamaica, she is by her charter Party (of which 7 send your Lordships a Copy) bound to go to the West Indies and in her return to take in Masts & Timber at New York. Upon that ship's arriving in this Port * *' * . I found that the number of Masts was cut, but that they were not of the dimensions agreed for, nor were they brought from New York as they ought to have been ; * * *, so I sent for the Captain of the Jersey and the Captain of the Benjamin and ordered them to go to Albany along with Schemerhoorn to view those masts in order to have them brought down.............. (Doc. Col. Hist. N. Y., IV 975.)

1704, Feb. 9. Will of DanielUpdike ; proved Sept. 1704. He call himself of St. Dunstans, Stepney, County Middlesex, (England).

"To sister Sarah Whitehead, the cattle in hands of brother Lodowick.

"To nephew Richard Whitehead, land in Boston Neck.

"To nephew Daniel Updike, half of land in New Rochester and to brother James the other half.

As to property in old England or at sea &c., he devised

"To brothers Lodowick and James and sister Elizabeth Whiteman, each a ring.

3D GENERATION; RICHARD UPDIKE. - 99

"To niece Sarah Whitehead, 200 pounds.

"To poor of parish of St. John Baptist at Margate in the Isle of Thanet. 20 pounds. To Stephen Smith, son of Matthew Smith the younger, testator's part of ketch Loving Brothers. To Elizabeth, daughter of Moses Moyle, his part of ship Generous Adventure.

"To wife Martha, rest of estate, and if she happen to have a son or daughter by him, all legacies to be revoked, and half of estate to go to wife and half to child................... (Austin's R. I. Geneal.)

RICHARD UPDIKE.

(Son of Lodowick, p. 85; Son of Gysbert Opdyck, p. 46.)

Born before 1691; died 1734; married Hannah Eldred, born 1703, daughter of Daniel and Mary Eldred; resided in Kingstown, R. I. His death was caused by his rupturing a blood vessel in lifting a heavy stone. He is said, by Wilkins Updike (Memoirs R. I. Bar, p. 36) to have been the eldest son of Lodowick and to have "died before his father, leaving two sons, Richard and the late John Updike of Providence."

"Lodowick Updike died about 1737; he left several children; Daniel, * * * , and Richard the eldest who died before his father. Richard was ancestor of the late Daniel E. Updike of Wickford, Mrs. Noyes, &c. His sons were Richard and John, who were both sea captains,"................ (N. E. Hist. & Gen. Reg. XXI. p. 375.)

1691. Will of Richard Smith Jr. bequeaths unto Richard Updick, Lodowick's sonn, twenty pounds."

1712. Richard Updike appears in a list of inhabitants of Kingstown, as Freeman of the Colony ................. (R. I, Col. Doe. IV. 141.)

1720. June 9. He was Executor of the will of his cousin Israel Newton and received, under the will, a farm at Boston Neck near Kingstown...................................... (Austin's R. I. Gen.)

1722. Joined in a protest in regard tothe division of Kingstown.... (Wickford Records.)

1730. Sept. 21. He bought 102 acres of Stephen Cooper for 400 pounds.. (Austin's R. I. Gen.)

1734. June 12. Deceased. Inventory 296 pounds.. .(Austin's R. I. Gen.) The old Register Book of St. Paul's Episcopal Church, of Narragansett, mentions him as follows:

1722, Richard Updike, Vestryman, (on the first list given of vestrymen).

1726. Feb. 24. "Richard Updike married to Hannah Eldred by Mr. McSparran, their banns of marriage having first been duly published."

1734. May 7. "Mr. Richard Updike, being sick and visited by Mr. McSparran, he the said Richard Updike desired his children might be baptised in his Presence; and Mr. McSparran baptised them accordingly; Jno., Richard Smith, Daniel, James, Mary, and Elizabeth Updike: the sureties were Capt. Updike the Grand Fa'r, Christopher Phillips, and Mrs. Updike the Grand Mo'r of said children."

1745. April 21. "At Coll. Updike's at Narragansett, the Dr. married James Boon, son of Samuel, to Mary Updike, eldest daughter of 'Richard Updike deceased."

The Will of Lodowick Updike, written 1734, probated 1737, speaks of the " Six Children of my Son Richard Updike."

For descendants of Richard, see Chapter A.

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DANIEL UPDIKE.

(Son of Lodowick, p. 85; Son of Gysbert Opdyck, p. 46.)

Born 1694; died 1757. Married in 1716 Sarah Arnold who died in 1718 he again married in 1722 Anstis Jenkins who was born 1702; after her death, he married in 1745 Mary Wanton. All of his children were by his second wife, Anstis Jenkins. He owned 3,000 acres in Kingstown, R. I.; was a prominent lawyer, statesman, and Attorney General of Rhode Island Colony. The following sketch of his life is derived from "Memoirs of the R. I. Bar," published by his grandson Wilkins Updike in 1842.

Daniel Updike was the son of Lodowick, (the oldest son of Gysbert Opdyck), and of Abigail, daughter of Thomas Newton. Daniel was educated in his father's house, by an able French instructor, in the Greek, Latin and French languages, and his sisters in the Latin and French. After Daniel's education was completed he visited Barbadoes, in the company of a friend of his father and was admitted to the first circles of society on the Island. His intercourse with the residents was highly beneficial; in improving his mind, and polishing his manners. Upon his return, he immediately applied himself to the study of law. After his admission, he opened, an office at Newport; married Sarah the daughter of Gov. Benedict Arnold, and she dying without issue, he married for his second wife, Anstis Jenkins, the great grand daughter of Mr. Wilkins, whose wife was a Polish lady, who by her intermarriage with Mr. Wilkins, below her degree, lost the favor of her family and emigrated with him to America. By this connection Mr. Updike became possessed of a considerable property, in addition to his patrimonial estate.

Mr. Updike continued in profitable, practice, at Newport. From his popularity of manner and prompt discharge of official duty, he soon rose into public favor. In 1722, Henry Bull Esq. having been elected Attorney General and declining the office, Mr. Updike was elected to fill the vacancy, and was annually re-elected by the suffrages of the people, until May 1732, when he declined, having been nominated for Governor of the Colony, in opposition to Gov. William Wanton. From Mr. Updike's general popularity, his success was expected; but during the canvass, an impression was industriously made, that if he succeeded, the titles to the estates by Fone's records, (then safely nailed up in a chest, by order of the Legislature of the Colony, and deposited in the Secretary's office,) in which he was a large claimant, would be re-opened and the titles, subsequently granted by the Legislature, of some of the lands, jeoparded; he was consequently defeated.

3D GENERATION; DANIEL UPDIKE. - 101

In 1723 he was appointed, by the General Assembly, as State's Counsel to attend the trial of the thirty six pirates, captured by Capt. Solgar, commander of his Majesty's ship Greyhound, twenty six of whom were executed at Newport in July of that year.

An angry controversy had subsisted between the Colonies of Connecticut and Rhode Island, respecting the boundary line between them. For the purpose of an amicable termination of it, in 1724, the Legislature of Rhode island appointed a board of Commissioners, of which Mr. Updike was one, to meet the Commissioners of Connecticut, to effect an adjustment of this irritating subject. All efforts to procure a settlement proved fruitless. It continued an open controversy until 1726, when it was finally decided by the King in Council.

The same year the Colony of Massachusetts sent an expedition against the Eastern Indians (who had commenced depredations) and demanded assistance from Rhode Island to prosecute the war. The General Assembly of Rhode Island appointed a committee, to answer the letter of the Governor of Massachusetts. Mr. Updike was one of the committee and he drafted the answer which was sent, declining the request upon the grounds that Rhode Island was a small colony and far extended upon the sea-coast and would be weakened by uniting with Massachusetts to carry on a war so far from their borders; that ways might possibly be found to induce the Indians to submit without the melancholy prospect of shedding much blood; and that Rhode Island had never been consulted by Massachusetts in proclaiming war against said Indians nor in any former treaties with them, but that Massachusetts had generally taken care to restrict the Indian trade to her own Province; adding however that, if said war had been carried on in a defensive manner only, Rhode `Island would have lent all due assistance.

In 1727, Mr. Updike was appointed by the Legislature one of the committee to draft an address, in behalf of the General Assembly, to be transmitted to George It on his accession to the throne.

In 1729, Mr. Updike and two others were appointed a committee to run the Eastern Line of Rhode Island Colony with Massachusetts, according to the Charter; and as Attorney General, Mr. Updike was ordered to commence actions of ejectment against those claiming under Massachusetts, in order to try their titles. In 1731 the General Assembly enacted that, if their and the Massachusetts commissioners could not agree upon the eastern line, Richard Ward and Daniel Updike were appointed to draw a report of the case and to represent the same to his Majesty for his decision thereon. In the autumn of the same year, Rhode Island proposed a reference for the purpose of settling the exciting controversy. If it should not be accepted, Mr. Updike and Mr. Martin were directed to prepare a full statement of the facts in dispute, for our agent in London, who

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was requested to lay the same before his Majesty. In 1739 a Committee, of which Daniel Updike was one, addressed the communication to Massachusetts, mentioning that their agent in London had sent information of the King's pleasure, that commissioners should decide the question.

In 1740 Rhode Island appointed Henry Bull, Daniel Updike and four others to superintend and manage the affairs of the colonies before the commissioners, appointed by the King, to hear and determine matters concerning the said boundary; and to prepare the necessary documents and papers and also to procure houses for the reception and entertainment of the commissioners. The Governor and Council were requested to send a suitable vessel to Annapolis, to convey to Providence the commissioners appointed to sit on the trial.

In June, 1741, the King's commissioners met at Providence, to hear and determine the cause.- Cadwalader Colden, of New York, was President of the Board. To Rhode Island the issue was eventful. Her existence as a Colony depended on the decision. If Massachusetts could establish her claim to the Narragansett B &V on the south west, the exclusive political jurisdiction of Rhode Island over the Narragansett waters would be lost forever; but if Rhode Island could establish her jurisdiction over the territory described in her Charter, she would hold within her control the great naval and commercial key of New-England. The land was not a feather in the balance. Both parties were confident; and both were arrayed with their best talents, for the conflict. Plymouth had become incorporated with Massachusetts, under the corporate name of Massachusetts Bay, by which she expected to succeed to every right and immunity attached to Plymouth, before the act of incorporation. Each party thought they understood their case ; they were ready for the trial ; neither ask for postponement or delay. Mr. Shirley, or Bollan, and Auchmuty, distinguished advocates in Boston,, argued the cause in behalf of Massachusetts, and Messrs. Honyman and Updike in behalf of Rhode Island. Judge Lightfoot, who heard the trial, spoke of it as one of the most anxious, exhibitions that he ever witnessed, and that the argument of Mr. Updike, in the close, was a masterly effort. As Rhode Island was the claimant, she was entitled to open the cause and establish her claim.

The judgment of the commissioners did not establish the claim of Rhode Island to the extent demanded, but established a three mile line, from certain designated points, on the margin of the Narragansett Bay; although Mr. Colden, the President of the board, was in favor of fixing the line three miles from the point whence the tide ebbed and flowed up Taunton River, in conformity to the views entertained by Rhode Island.

Massachusetts expressed great surprise at the judgment of the commissioners; complained that the influence of the Councillor of New York, who was President, had too great a control at the Board and that the argument

3D GENERATION; DANIEL UPDIKE. - 103

that had been too successfully made use of, in former controversies, had been revived, (that Massachusetts was too extensive, and that the other governments they were contending with, of which New York was one, were too contracted.)

The adjudication gave to Rhode Island the gore in controversy, called Attleborough gore, which was erected into a township, called Cumberland, after William, Duke of Cumberland, then just covered with the laurels gained at the battle of Culloden; Bristol entire; part of Swansea, being forty seven families; and a great part of Barrington:-which last two were constituted into a township, called Warren, in honor of Sir Peter Warren, Knight of the Bath, and Admiral in the Navy, an honest benevolent gentleman always favorable to trade; and the three mile strip constituting the present towns of Tiverton and Little Compton.

Judgment was rendered on June 30th, 1741, and the Board adjourned to the 4th. of September, that the colonies might appeal or affirm from their judgment. Massachusetts appealed to his Majesty in Council, from every part of the judgment, as grievous and injurious; and their committee were instructed to prepare all necessary documents for the Hon. Robert Auchmuty, and for Christopher Kelly, their agent in London, who was to be informed that Mr. Auchmuty was associated with him and would shortly depart, so that they might prosecute their appeal before the King in Council. At the October session of the Rhode Island Legislature, Messrs. Honyman, Updike and Ward, were instructed to draw up a history of the whole cause, in order to be sent home, and funds furnished their agent to carry on the appeal.

In 1746 this protracted and bitter controversy was finally decided by the King in Council, confirming the judgment of the commissioners; and the line was immediately run and established in conformity to the decree.

In 1740 the General Assembly enacted that one Attorney General be thereafter appointed for each county, dispensing with the office of Attorney General for the Colony. In 1741 Daniel Updike was appointed Attorney General for King's County. In 1742 he was re-elected for King's County and also elected one of the committee to revise the law.

In 1743, the General Assembly having repealed the law relating to the appointment of Attorney Generals for counties, revived the former law, appointing one Attorney General for the Colony. Mr. Updike was elected Attorney General, which office he continued to sustain, by annual reelections by the people, until his death.

In 1745 the profession held their first bar meeting in this colony. The name of Mr. Updike appears first on the compact.

In 1749, the Supreme Court decided, in a cause before them, that the statutes of England were not in force in this country except they were introduced by statute, a decision, which shook the colony to its founda-

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tion. Messrs. Updike, Honeyman, John Aplin and Matthew Robinson, Attorneys at Law, represented unto the General Assembly, by memorial under their hands, " that the Supreme Court in this colony, have of judicially determined that the statutes of that part of Great Britain, formerly called England, are not in force in this government, except such as are introduced by some law of the colony. And this, notwithstanding all, heretofore, the courts throughout this colony, both superior and inferior, have admitted such statute as relate to the common law, to be in force and have adjudged upon them as such, so that there has been no occasion of an act of` the Assembly, for the formal introduction of those stay But as the case now stands, the laws of this colony are altogether imperfect, and scarcely any one law proceeding can now be commenced or brought to issue." The Assembly having taken the same into consideration, reso "That the memorialists be constituted a committee, to prepare a bill for introducing into this colony such of the laws of England as are agreeable to the Constitution."

The Committee, at the next February session, made the following viz:

"We, the subscribers, being appointed to report what statutes of Great Britain are, and ought to be in force in this colony, do report the following, viz

The statutes of,

Merton, concerning Dower.

Westminster, the first, as far as concerns bail.

Gloucester.

Westminster, the second, de donis conditionalibus.

First, Henry V., chap. 5, of additions.

Partition, in General.

Thirty second of Henry VIII, concerning leases, saving and excepting the last paragraph of said statute.

Twenty first of James 1, chap. 16th., for limiting real actions, and that of the thirty second of Henry VIII, chap. 2.

James & Elizabeth, and all other statutes that concern Bastardy, so far as applicable to the constitution of this colony.

All the statutes against criminal offenders, so far as they are descriptive of the crime and where the law of the colony hath not described or enjoined the punishment also , always saving and excepting such statutes, as from the nature of the offences mentioned in them, are confined to Great Britain only.

The statute of the twenty seventh, Henry VIII, commonly called the statute of Uses.

The statute of the twenty ninth of Charles II, chapter 3'd commonly called the statute of Frauds and Perjuries.

The statutes of the twenty second and twenty third of Charles II, chap. 10^th., for distributing the estates of intestates.

The statutes of the third and fourth of William and Mary, chap. 14th.

The statutes of the fourth and fifth of Anne, chap. 16, relating to joint tenants and tenants in common.

That part of the statute of the of Anne, that subjects lessees who hold over their ;. term, against the will of the lessor, to the payment of double rent, during the time they hold over.

All statutes relating to the poor, and relating to masters and apprentices, so far as , they are applicable in this colony, and where we have no law of the colony.

DANIEL UPDIKE

J. HONYMAN Jr.,

JOHN APLIN."

The General Assembly, having taken the said report into consideration voted and resolved that: "All and every of the statutes aforesaid be, and they are hereby introduced, into this colony, and shall be in force therein, until the General Assembly shall order otherwise."

3D GENERATION; DANIEL UPDIKE. - 105

The defeat of Gen. Braddock opened the American frontier to the savages, and their bloody incursions were made in all directions. In the year 1755, Gov. Hopkins and Mr. Updike were appointed by the Legislature, commissioners in behalf of this colony, to meet with his Excellency Major General Shirley, Commander-in-Chief of his Majesty's forces in America, to concert measures more effectually to prosecute the campaign against the French in Canada.

In 1730, the first literary institution in the colony was formed out of which subsequently grew the Redwood Library. Mr. Updike was one of its founders, and owned a number of its shares: He was the first signer to the constitution of the literary society; and himself, Scott, Callender, Honyman, Ellery, and Checkley were among its most active and zealous members. From the intimacy of these gentlemen with Dean Berkeley, who then resided in Newport, the utility of such a society, for the promotion of knowledge and science, was suggested. The learned Dean sometimes encouraged and stimulated their efforts by his presence. Mr. Updike and Dean Berkeley were intimate friends, and repeatedly visited Narragansett together; and the latter was so much enraptured with the romantic prospect exhibited by Barber's heights, in North Kingstown, as to declare that if the funds appropriated for Bermuda could be obtained, he would select it as the most eligible site for his intended University. If such an event had occurred, how different might have been the literary character of Narragansett, from what it now is ? In testimony of the friendship and esteem which the Dean entertained for Mr. Updike, he presented him, on his departure for Europe, an elegantly wrought silver coffee-pot; and after his arrival, sent him his "Minute Philosopher," which now remain in the family, as remembrancers of this distinguished divine.

Mr. Updike in person, was about five feet ten inches in height, with prominent features. As an advocate, he sustained a high reputation, and among other personal advantages, possessed a clear, full and musical voice. Dr. Bradford used to speak of him as being a " fine speaker, with great pathos and piercing irony." Among his professional brethren he was highly respected, and in all literary and professional associations of his time, his name stands at the head. His professional acquaintances were extensive without the colony. His intimacy with Gridley the Colonial Attorney of Massachusetts, Shirley who was appointed Governor by the Crown and received his commission while attending the trial of the eastern boundary line at Providence, Judge Auchmuty the elder, and Bollan, induced him frequently to visit Boston. The two last named gentlemen often argued causes in this colony, and occasionally made Mr. Updike's mansion their place of residence.

Mr. Updike possessed a large library in classical and general literature, a considerable portion of which is now extant.

106 - AMERICAN DESCENDANTS OF THE WESEL FAMILY.

In May, 1757, Mr. Updike was re-elected Attorney General and died in the same month, having been elected by the people twenty four years Attorney General of the Colony, and two years Attorney General for the County of Kings.

From the records of St. Paul's church, under the rectorship of Dr. McSparran, the following entry is extracted, "Colonel Updike of North Kingstown, Attorney General of the Colony, died on Saturday, the 15th. of May, 1757, about noon, and after a funeral discourse was preached by Dr. McSparran, was interred in the burial ground of the family, beside the remains of his father and second wife, Anstis Jenkins, mother of Lodowick and Mary Updike, his surviving children."

Records.

1719. Petition to the Gen. Assembly by Daniel Updick, James Updick, and Jos. Smith for liberty to fence up the highway lately run through the said Updicks' land................. (R. I. Col. Rec. IV, 250.)

1722 to 1732, and 1743 to 1757. Daniel Updike Attorney General of R. I. Colony..... ........(Arnold's Hist. R. I. & Prov. Plant'ns, II, 257.)

1723. Daniel Updike admitted free of this Colony........ (R. I. Col. Rec. IV, 325.)

1728. Daniel Updike on a committee to revise and print the laws of R. L; the committee were allowed 15 pounds each by the Assembly.. (R. I. Col. Rec. IV, 408.)

1730, May 2. "Dan'l Updike, Att'y Gen'l for ye Colony of R. I. and Let. Col. of ye militia of the Islands in said Colony was baptised by Rev. Mr. McSparran by immersion" (in Petequamscut river).. (St. Paul's Church Reg.)

1736. In some proceeding concerning the descent of the Vernon family, there were depositions by Daniel Updike, Gentleman, of Newport, aged about forty two, and by " Mrs. (Mistress?) Katharine Updike," who had lived in the Vernon family. A Vernon is spoken of as having been a tutor in the house of Lodowick Updike..... (N. E. Hist. Gen. Reg., XXXIII, 313-15.)

1740. Daniel Updike appointed by Gen. Assembly, on Committee " to draw up an answer to the queries from home relating to our paper currency............................. .. .. (R. 1. Col. Rec. IV, 584.)

1740. On Committee on boundary of R. I. & Mass........ (R. I. Col. Rec. " IV, 590)

1755. On Committee with Gov. Hopkins, as to war measures... (R. I. Col. Rec. V. 564.)

1757. May 15. Death of Daniel Updike.Administration to his son Lodowick. Inventory mentions; silver-hilted sword, 8 gold rings, 119 oz. plate, books, two desks, book-case, pair of pistols, clock, oval table, tea-table, pair of andirons, two linen wheels, woolen wheel, coffee mill, warming pan, cooper's tools, 19 negroes, ten mares, three colts, stal. lion, six oxen, three steers, eight cows, three heifers, bull, 270 sheep &c ..................................... (Austin's R. I. Geneal.

For the descendants o f Daniel Updike, see chapter B.

CHAPTER A ; DESC'TS OF RICHARD UPDIKE. - 107

CHAPTER A.

DESCENDANTS OF RICHARD UPDIKE.

(See Charts 2 and 3.)

Children of Richard.

Daniel and James do not appear upon the records of Kingstown, R. I., '' and have not been found elsewhere; nor have any descendants of them been 'found. It is therefore probable that they died young and unmarried.

1 JOHN UPDIKE.

Married Nov. 13, 1760, Anne Crawford, daughter of John Crawford. lived and died in Providence, where he was a prominent citizen. Was a Sea Captain.

The Rhode Island Census of 1774 states that John Updike of Providence had in his family, in that year, one male over 16 years and three under, "four females over 16 years and three under.

Snow's Index of births, marriages and deaths, at Providence, shows :"James Updike, the son of John, buried in 1776."

1758. Report of Com. appointed to examine the laws relative to Flags of Truce "find that a commission hath been granted to John Updike." (R. I. Col. Rec. VI. 173.)

1768. Petition to the General Assembly relative to a supposed coal mine near Prov.; signed John Updike for self and Richard Jackson..(R. I. Col. Rec. VI. 537.)

1770. John Updike in List of Petitioners regarding the instruction of youth in Providence .......................... (R. 1. Col. Rec. VII. 6.) 1772. John Updike appointed a director in a lottery to raise money to finish the Kings Church in Providence..... (R. I. Col. Rec. VII. 196.)

Sarah moved to Cuba, where her husband made plantations; had one son William Scott Jenckes, who was married twice, to Spanish ladies; and had large family of daughters, (all married to Spaniards, with many descendants), and also four sons, none of whom married.

Richard Eldred Updike is said to have died in New York; no trace has found of his children, if any. He married Aug. 16, 1795.

Anne married Isaac Pitman of Boston, Nov. .23, 1806, lived mostly in

108 - 4TH-8TH GEN. OF DESC'TS. OF WESEL FAMILY.

Providence and some time in Boston. Her husband, born 1752, died 1818, was one of the party that threw the tea overboard in Boston harbor. He was the youngest child of William P. (whose father was Captain of a packet ship between London and Boston), and Mary, (born 1721, died 1816 at age of 95, daughter of Judge Blower of Halifax, N. S.). Anne left one son, Isaac Pitman, born 1807, who has been actively engaged in the commission business in Massachusetts, now retired, living recently at Cambridge, and now at Somerville, Mass.; he has seen seven generations of his father's family, and has the Crawford genealogy back to 1682.

Abida married John Miller Noyes and had eight children: John Updike who married Frances, daughter of his uncle Daniel, and left two sons and two daughters; Anne Crawford who married Joshua Spooner and left three sons, one of whom is Henry J. Spooner now Representative in Congress from the Eastern District of Rhode Island; Sarah who married Rev. Lucius Bolles of Boston and left two sons now deceased; Mary unmarried, died 1885; Samuel Miller who married Maria J. Casteel, is now living at Providence and has had four children, all deceased, and has one grandchild now living; Emily and Ruth, deceased in childhood.

2 RICHARD (SMITH) UPDIKE.

Born 1730, died 1805, married Jemima Havens, was a cooper by trade; lived and. died at Wickford, R. I., and was buried in the graveyard of the old Episcopal Church, where a neat enclosure contains the graves and tombstones of Richard, his wife Jemima (died 1827, aged 87), and their sons Daniel E. and James. His tombstone reads " Captain Richard Updike;" it is said also that there is added "brave in the cause of his country," which probably refers to some military service in the militia during the Revolution, as he was not a sea captain. ;

This interesting old Episcopal edifice was built in 1707 and was moved in 1800, about four miles, to Wickford. Its arched windows, small panes, curved ceiling and wide gallery are very quaint. The old box-pews have been changed, but a framed plan of the church as it was in 1760 still hangs inside and shows Richard Updike as owner then of a large box-pew near the pulpit, and (his cousin) Lodowick Updike as owner of one in the corner.

The R. I. Census of 1774 shows that Richard Updike had that year, in his family, one male over 16 years and two under, one female over 16 years and one under.

Children. Birth. Death. Married. Residence. Occupation.

20 Daniel E. 1765. 1835. Elizabeth Wall. Wickford, R. I. Merchant.

21 Hannah. 1766. 1808. Ephraim Hazard. N. Kingston, R. I. Farmer.

22 James. 1772. 1822. Unmarried. Wickford, R. 1. Cooper.

James was a very thick-set and heavy man.

Hannah (Hazard) had a daughter Nancy who married Henry Burlingame and whose daughter, Mrs. Lucy Congdon, is now living at Wickford.

CHAPTER A; DESC'TS. OF RICHARD UPDIKE. - 109

10 DANIEL UPDIKE.

15 JOHN CRAWFORD UPDIKE.

Was generally called Crawford; married Mary Field in 1813; died in Providence at the age of 34 years. Had two children who died in infancy,

George 1817. liv'g. Elizabeth B. Snow. Providence, R. I. Tailor.

20 DANIEL E. UPDIKE.

Was a Justice of the Peace at Wickford, R. I. The Wickford records show him as witness to a marriage in 1799. His tombstone in St. Paul's Episcopal Church graveyard at Wickford reads "Daniel E. Updike Esq., 1835 aged 70;" by its side are the tombstones of his widow Elizabeth Wall, "daughter of Henry and Mary Wall, died 1847 aged 82," and of their second son John Wall. His children were

106 SCOTT W. UPDIKE.

Is a commission merchant and Post Master of Rochester, N. Y.

150 - GEORGE UPDIKE.

200 RICHARD SMITH UPDIKE.

110 - 4TH-8TH GEN. OF DESC'TS. OF WESEL FAMILY.

John Wall Updike left children; Sarah E., 1846; Mary A.,1851; Charles W., 1856; - all living. Charles W. is a merchant in Belton. Sarah E. married Dr. J. S. Walker of Delavau, Ill.

George Whitman Updike is Secretary of the Grier Commission Company, grain merchants at St. Louis. He has children: Maggie H., 1868; George W. Jr. 1874; Martha E., 1879; -all living.

202 THOMAS W. UPDIKE.

Born 1795; married Julia Bentley; was a farmer at Elida, Franklin Co., Iowa; was living eight miles from Rockford, Illinois, when he died 1865.

Daniel E. has child Francis F., born 1886.

CHAPTER B. DESCENDANTS OF DANIEL UPDIKE.

(See Charts 2 and 4.)

Children of Daniel Updike.

.Mary married Jan. 17, 1759. Her husband, John Cole, was the son of Elisha Cole of North Kingstown, R. I., who was for many years a member of the State Senate and one of the largest landholders in the county. John Cole was instructed under a foreign teacher in Latin and Greek, studied law with Daniel Updike (whose daughter he married), and commenced practice in Providence. In 1763 he was elected associate Justice of the Supreme court of the colony; and in 1764 was promoted to the chair of Chief Justice. In 1764, when the agitation arose through all the American colonies owing to the passage of the Stamp Act by England, John Cole was an active and influential member of various committees of Rhode Island to confer with the committees of the other Colonies and to present remonstrances. In 1765, having resigned from the bench, he was elected a Member of the R. I. Legislature from Providence, and was one of a committee which declared the Stamp Act unconstitutional. He was re-elected to the Legislature in 1766, and was made Speaker of the House in 1767. In 1775 he was made Advocate General, which office he retained until his death in 1777. He also was for many years President of the City Council of Providence.

CHAPTER B ; DESC'TS. OF DANIEL UPDIKE.- 111

1 LODOWICK UPDIKE.

Born at Newport, R. I., 1725; died 1804; married 25 Jan. 1759 Abigail Gardiner, the daughter of John and granddaughter of William Gardiner of Boston Neck in South Kingstown, R. I., and niece of Dr. McSparran and of Dr. Sylvester Gardiner of Boston; she survived her husband several years. Lodowick was educated under private tutors according to the practice of that day, his latest teacher being Rev. John Checkley, Rector of St. John's Church in Providence, an Oxford scholar and learned divine. Lodowick studied for the Bar, but did not practice, the care of his large estate in. North Kingstown occupying his time. He owned five farms, containing 1,500 acres, and resided in the old Updike Mansion, or Smith Castle, near Wickford; which had come down to him through his father and grandfather, from Richard Smith. In the graveyard in that place are the graves and tombstones of Lodowick, his wife and children.

Lodowick was regarded in his time as one of the most eminent citizens of Rhode Island. His qualifications were such as fitted him to shine either at the Bar, in political, or in military career. But he preferred the dignity and scholarly leisure of the private life of a large landed proprietor. To strong intellectual powers, be added an improved taste and great acquirements. His hospitality was conspicuous; his door was ever open to the way-worn traveller, as well as to the more wealthy guest; and all ages and conditions were pleased and enlivened with his cheerful, learned, and refined conversation. Like his father, he was a devoted adherent to the Church of England, and the tendency of his family was consequently decidedly Tory. To his zeal was largely due the erection of an Episcopal church at Wickford. In personal appearance, he was tall and fine-looking; always wore wig and small-clothes, and was said to resemble George III. His great delight was the entertaining his numerous friends.

Life and society at Narragansett, during the period between Lodowick's birth and death are highly interesting. The following facts are derived from Wilkins Updike's " Hist. Narragansett Church," quoting largely from old authorities and descendants of old Narragansett families.

Rhode Island Colony in general was a country for pasture, not for grain; extending along the shore of the ocean and a great bay, the air was softened by a sea vapor, and the winters were milder and shorter than up inland.

In Narragansett resided the land aristocracy of the Colony. Their plantations were large, many containing thousands of acres, and noted for dairies and the production of cheese. The grass in the meadows was very thick

112 - 4TH-8TH GEN. OF DESCTS. OF WESEL FAMILY.

and as high as the tops of the walls and fences; two acres were sufficiet for the annual food of each cow. One farm had twelve negro women as dairy women, each of whom had a girl to assist her. Land was sold as high as $60. per acre, when money had double the value it has now. Large flocks of sheep were kept, and clothing was manufactured for the household, which sometimes exceeded seventy persons in parlor and kitchen. Grain was shipped to the West Indies. The labor was mostly performed by African slaves, or Narragansett Indians.

Ancient Narragansett was distinguished for its generous hospitality. Strangers and travelling gentlemen were always received and entertained as guests: an acquaintance with one family was an introduction to all their friends. Public houses were rare. he society was refined and well informed. Books were not so general as now, but the wealthy employed tutors for their children, and completed their education by placing them in the families of learned clergymen. That the gentlemen of ancient Narragansett were well informed and possessed of intellectual taste, the remains of their libraries and paintings would be sufficient testimonials. Many of these paintings and libraries are now dispersed. The portraits of the wife and mother-in-law of Col. Updike (Daniel, father of Lodowick), by Smybert, are in the family. Three portraits of the Hazard family, painted by Copley before the Revolution, with the carved frames gilded, cost $1,000 at that period.

This state of society supported by slavery would produce festivity and dissipation, the natural result of wealth and leisure. Excursions to Hartford to luxuriate on bloated salmon were the annual indulgencies of May. Pace races on the beach for the prize of a silver tankard; and roast of shelled and scaled fish, were the social indulgencies of summer. When autumn arrived, the corn husking festivals commenced. Invitations were extended to all those proprietors who were in habits of family intimacy, and in return the invited guests sent their slaves to aid the household of the host. Large numbers would be gathered of both sexes, expensive entertainments prepared, and after the repast the recreation of dancing commenced, as every family was provided with a large hall in their spacious mansions and with natural musicians among their slaves, Gentlemen in their scarlet coats and swords, with laced ruffles over their hands,- hair turned back from the forehead and curled and frizzled, clubbed or queued behind, highly powdered and pomatumed,-small-clothing, silk stockings, and shoes ornamented with brilliant buckles; and ladies dressed in brocade, cushioned head-dresses, and high-heeled shoes, performed the formal minuet with its thirty-six different positions and changes. These festivities would sometimes continue for days, and the bauquets among the land proprietors would for a longer or shorter time be continued during the season of harvest. These seasons of hilarity and festivity were as gratifying to the slaves as to their masters, as bountiful preparations a were made and like amusements were enjoyed by them in the large kitchens and outhouses, the places of their residence. The great land proprietors indulged in these expensive festivities until the Revolution. People now living relate the fact of John Potter having had a thousand bushels of corn husked in one day. This practice was continued occasionally down to the year 1800, but on a diminished scale of expense and numbers.

At Christmas commenced the Holy-days. The work of the season was completed, and the twelve days were devoted to festive associations. All connections by blood or affinity were entitled to respectful attentions and were treated as welcome guests, as a matter of right on one side and courtesy on the other. Every gentleman of estate had his circle of connections, friends, and acquaintances, and these were invited from one plantation to

CHAPTER B ; DESC'TS. OF DANIEL UPDIKE. - 113

another. Every member of the family had his particular horse and servant, and rarely rode unattended by his servant, to open gates and to take charge of the horse ; carriages were unknown. Public roads were few; there were driftways with gates from one plantation to another.

The fox chase, with hounds and horns, fishing and fowling, were objects of recreation; game of many kinds abounded. But the wedding was the great gala; the exhibition of expensive apparel and the attendance of numbers almost exceed belief.

In imitation of the whites, the negroes held a mock annual election of their Governor; when the slaves were numerous, their election was held in each town. The annual festivity was looked for with great anxiety, and party-feeling was as violent as among the whites. The slaves assumed the ranks of their masters, whose reputation was degraded if their negroes appeared in inferior apparel or with less money than those of masters of equal wealth. The horses of the wealthy landholders were on this day all surrendered to the use of the slaves, who with cues, real or false, head pomatumed and powdered, cocked hat, mounted on the best Narragansett pacers, sometimes with their master's sword, with their ladies on pillions, pranced to election at ten o'clock.

It is years since the state of Narragansett society changed, and the revolution has been deep, effectual, complete. The abolition of slavery, the repeal of the law of primogeniture, the division of estates equally among all, has divided and subdivided inheritances into such small portions that the whole has disappeared from every branch of their families; and in most instances not a foot remains among them,- nay, not even "the green graves of their sires."

We extract the following from a published sketch of "The Narragansett Planters," by Edward Channing, Ph. D.

"In the southern corner of Rhode Island there lived in the middle of the eighteenth century a race of large landowners who have been called the Narragansett Planters. Unlike the other New England aristocrats of their time these people derived their wealth from the soil and not from their success in mercantile adventures. They formed a landed aristocracy which had all the peculiarities of a landed aristocracy to as great an extent as did that of the Southern colonies. Nevertheless, these Narragansett magnates were not planters in the usual and commonly-accepted meaning of the word. It is true enough that they lived on large isolated farms surrounded by all the pomp and apparent prosperity that a horde of slaves could supply. But, if one looks under the surface, he will find that the routine of their daily lives was entirely unlike that of the Virginia Planters. The Narragansetter's wealth was derived not so much from the cultivation of any great staple like tobacco or cotton as from the product of their dairies, their flocks of sheep and their droves of splendid horses, the once famous Narragansett

Pacers. In fine they were large - large for the place and epoch - stock farmers and dairymen.

"Narragansett society was unlike that of the rest of New England. It was an anomaly in the institutional history of Rhode Island. It has been claimed that the progenitors of the Narragansett farmers were superior in birth and breeding to the other New England colonists, and that to this the aristocratic frame of Narragansett society is due. I do not find this to have been the case. Nor do I believe the settlers of this particular portion of Rhode Island to have been one whit better born or bred than the founders of other Rhode Island, Massachusetts or Connecticut towns.

"The later leaders of Narragansett society were, for the most part, well-educated men. The Updikes, who inherited the Smith property, enjoyed

114 - 4TH-8TH GEN. OF DESCTS. OF WESEL FAMILY.

the teachings of the best tutors-men like Checkley, the editor of an edition of Leslie's Easy Method with the Deists, and Daniel Vernon, an Englishman who was learned in the languages. McSparran, Fayerweather, and Robinson are said to have possessed large collections of books ; and we know that Col. Updike, who lived in the middle of the last century, had a library so full of treasures that it could have been surpassed by few private libraries of Colonial Rhode Island. This refinement, however, belongs to the best period of Narragansett social life. It was a result of a peculiar social development and not a cause of that development.

"Undoubtedly the most important factor in that growth was the economic condition of the environment of the settlers of the King's Province. From McSparran Hill and Boston Neck along the shore to the Champlin tract in Charlestown-a district twenty miles long and two to four miles wide - the soil like that of the island of Rhode Island is more fertile than any where else in New England. * * * Horses were so plentiful that special regulations as to their registration were found necessary. * * One tradition states that Wm. Robinson imported the first pacing horse from Spain, while another is to the effect that Old Snip, the ancestor of the Narragansett pacer, was found among the wild horses on Point Judith. Whatever their origin, these pacing horses formed a very valuable article of export to the sugar islands, where they were held in great estimation.

"Sheep were raised in large quantities. Their wool was worked up at home, and also seems to have been used to a considerable extent outside the Narragansett country. But it was from their dairies that the greatest profits were made. The herds of cows which the great farmers left behind to be inventoried were very large. Mrs. Richard Smith brought the recipe for Cheshire cheese with her and the cheese of Narragansett was at one time famous in New England and also formed an important article of export.

"Slavery, both Negro and Indian, reached a development in Colonial Narragansett unusual in the colonies north of Mason and Dixon's Line. In 1730 South Kingston contained 965 whites, 333 negroes and 223 Indians. Eighteen years later the proportion was nearly the same: 1,405 whites, 380 negroes and 195 Indians. Undoubtedly a few of these Indians and negroes were free, but then the indented servants (practically slaves for a term of years) here reckoned among the whites, were probably sufficient in number to more than balance the free negroes and Indians. The proportion then of slave to free was between one-half and one-third, a proportion to be found nowhere else in New England.

"Considering the area of the province, the estates were very large. Thus, according to a reliable tradition, the Smiths owned at one time a tract of land nine miles in length, by three in width. * * * Of course in the lapse of time these great estates became divided but not to such an extent as would have been the case elsewhere. In the first place, the real estate of a debtor actually residing in Rhode Island could not be attached for debt. In the second place although a man could leave his property by will to whomsoever he chose, yet if he died intestate the whole realty descended to the eldest son, by the well-known rule of English common law.

"Many persons, ignoring the early history of the Narragansett country, seem to take it for granted that the progenitors of the great families were Episcopalians. Such, however, was not the case. We are told, for instance, that the elder Richard Smith possessed a conscience too tender for the English Gloucestershire or the Old Colony Taunton. He sought refuge in the Narragansett wilderness where he bought and hired large tracts of land from the natives and opened a trading house for their convenience. His son, Major Richard Smith, who joined him in 1659, had served if tradition

CHAPTER B ; DESC'TS. OF DANIEL UPDIKE. - 115

is correct, as an officer in Cromwell's victorious army. Assuredly neither of them was the man to entertain a kindly feeling towards Episcopacy. Their early neighbors and associates were either fellow members of the Atherton Company or men sent out by it, and they hailed, almost to a man, from Massachusetts or Connecticut where the English Church of the Restoration was regarded with almost as much horror as the "Babylonian woe " itself. * * * Roger Williams preached to the assembled Indians and English; and other godly men, at one time or another, ministered to the spiritual needs of the Narragansett people. * * * It was because the Episcopal form was well suited to the time and the place that it became the established church of the country, and added a pleasing color to the social life of the Narragansett farmers.

"To sum up, in Colonial Narragansett the nature and constitution of the the place, the extension of slavery, both of negroes and Indians, the mode of colonization, the political predominance enjoyed by freeholders in Rhode Island were all favorable to the production of a state of society which has no parallel in New England. That these causes did produce such a result no one, who has carefully studied the early records, can deny."

Children of Lodowick Updike.

The united ages of the above eleven children of Lodowick amounted, at death, to 890 years,- an average of over 80 years each, although two of the number died in middle age. Six of the number lived to over ninety years.

James died at 93 years, leaving by will to St. Paul's Church, Wickford, R. I., the sum of $3,000, for its benefit.

Anstis married Wm. Lee, Sept. 25, 1811. She died in the 100th. year of her age; had no children. At her decease, she left a legacy to St. Paul's Church, and also a large and beautiful communion table of mahogany and dove-marble, imported from Europe more than a century ago and once belonging to her father; by the order of the recipients, an inscription was tastefully cut in the marble, to perpetuate the memory of the giver.

Mary had no children.

Abigail (Reynolds) had children: Abigail, died 1802; Alfred, died 1883 ; Lodowick, died 1837; Edwin Halsey, died 1878.

Sarah (Hagan) had a son, David Updike Hagan born 1809 and now living at Cranston, R. I.

Lydia (Crary) had children: Lodowick ; Augusta; William; Frederick; James.

Lodowick Jr. had children: Catherine, died 1884, unmarried; Lodowick, died 1833, unmarried.

116 - 4TH-8TH GEN. OF DESC'TS. OF WESEL FAMILY.

Alfred had no children.

Gilbert moved to the West, where he died. He had children: Thomas D., born 1808, married .... Gould, was a cabinet maker at Wickford, died, 1863 without children; Elizabeth, married, and died in the West.

11. DANIEL UPDIKE.

Born 1761, died 1842; married Adolissa Arnold; resided at East Greenwich, R. I. He was the oldest of the family of six sons and five daughters of Lodowick Updike, and was grandson of Daniel who was King's Attor. ney and Attorney General of Rhode Island for so many years in Colonial times.

In 1790 the Daniel Updike of this sketch was elected Attorney General of Rhode Island. He was a man of noble presence, of fine personal appearance and polished manners, a true gentleman of the old school; always wore small clothes, shoe-buckles &c. In conversation he was full of anecdote and reminiscences of the olden time. In his later life he was proprietor of the Updike House in East Greenwich.

The following notice containing a memoir, drawn by Prof. William G. Goddard, is extracted from the Providence Journal in 1842:

"The late Daniel Updike, Esquire, who died at his residence at East Greenwich, on the 15th. of June, 1842, at the advanced age of eighty-one years, was extensively known to the people of this State. He was the eldest son of the late Lodowick Updike, one of the most accomplished gentlemen of the times in which he lived, and grandson of Daniel Updike, many years Attorney General under the Colonial Government. According to a somewhat prevalent fashion of that day, his early education was superintended by skillful private tutors, who resided in the family, and were, at the same time, the instructors and companions of their pupils, Mr. Updike was bred to the bar, and at the time of his death was the oldest lawyer in Rhode Island, all his professional contemporaries having long since departed this life, with the exception of Mr. Ray Greene, who was admitted after him. Both Mr. Updike and Mr. Ray Greene studied law, with James Mitchell Varnum, probably the most eminent man that ever practiced in Rhode Island. In 1784, he was admitted to the bar, and com-

CHAPTER B ; DESC'TS OF DANIEL UPDIKE. - 117

menced in Washington county the practice of his profession, which, however, he did not continue after the year 1795.

"Mr. Updike was repeatedly honored with public trusts. For many years he was elected Clerk of the House of Representatives, and he was likewise chosen for several terms to represent North Kingstown, his native town, in the General Assembly. In 1790, he was Secretary of the Convention, which, on the part of the people of Rhode Island, ratified the Constition of the United States. In the same year, he was elected the Attorney General of this state. To this office, he declined a re-election. In 1796, he was appointed by the Electoral College of this State to carry its vote to Philadelphia, then the Seat of the National Government. Since that time it is not known to the writer, that Mr. Updike has sustained any public office.

"Mr. Updike was a gentleman of the old school, both in manners and in dress. His urbane and courteous deportment was on all occasions remarkable, and he left upon every mind the most grateful impression in regard to his character. It is no mean praise to add, that in politics, he was a federalist of the old school.

"He possessed a good library, and he found in books both a solace and companionship. His memory, uncommonly accurate and retentive, was well stored with facts in relation to events long since past, as to personages kown to the present generation only through the means of tradition. With all the old lawyers of his day was well acquainted. He preserved distinct recollections of Honeyman, Matthew Robinson, Aplin, Augustus Johnson, Oliver Arnold, and Henry Marchant. At the bar, he was associated with Bradford, with Bourne, with Goodwin, and with Channing. A pupil of General Varnum, frequently his companion on his circuit, and for three years an inmate of his family, he had an intimate knowledge of the habits and character of that remarkable man. Having listened to all his great efforts at the bar, and before the Legislature, he was better qualified than any other man to estimate his powers as an orator.

"Among the interesting relics of the past, in the possession of Mr. Updike at the time of his death, is a well-wrought silver coffee-pot, which was presented by Bishop Berkeley to Daniel Updike, who was for twenty-years Attorney General of the Colony of Rhode Island. This coffee-pot being intended as a mark of the personal friendship of the Bishop for their ancestor, is likely to be preserved, as a sort of heir-loom in the family of the Updikes."

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19 WILKINS UPDIKE.

Hon. Wilkins Updike, youngest of eleven children of Lodowick, was born at North Kingstown, R. I., Jan. 8, 1784. He pursued his early studies under tutors in his father's house, and then was sent to the academy in Plainfield, Conn. On completing his academic course he entered the law office of Hon. James Lanman, and was afterward a student in the offices of Hon. Wm. Hunter and Hon. Asher Robbins of Newport, and Hon. Elisha Potter of Kingston. He was admitted to the bar in 1808 and soon rose to distinction in his profession. For some time he resided at Tower Hill, then for two or three years at the old homestead at North Kingstown, and finally moved to Kingston where he passed the remainder of his life. He died Jan. 14, 1867.

He was, during many years, a member of the General Assembly of R. I. was an earnest co-laborer with Hon. Henry Barnard in giving increased efficiency to the system of public education; and also interested himself in securing the removal of restrictions upon the rights of married women. His influence in the General Assembly was felt in many directions. At his decease, the General Assembly passed the following resolutions;

"Resolved, that we desire to inscribe upon the record some memorial of our respect for this old-fashioned gentleman, this vigorous and honest legislator, this hospitable and warm-hearted citizen.

Resolved, that in the decease of Hon. Wilkins Updike, has passed away from earth almost the last of a generation of true Rhode Island men, worthy of our respect and imitation in the walks of private and of public life."

Such resolutions, as well as the eulogies with which they were accom panied, are not customary in the history of Rhode Island legislation, which seldom goes outside of the record of those who are at the time members of the House. He was declared to have been identified with legislative reforms, the Married Woman's Act, the system of public schools, and very many of the great public enterprises of the time. His labors were pronounced herculean, his pen and tongue never idle. In debate he was said to be most effective, in logic convincing, in appeals to sympathy often drawing tears, and in ridicule most powerful.

Mr. Updike was also an author; a frequent contributor to the public press almost up to the time of his death, and an indefatigable member of the Historical Society of R. I. His "Memoirs of the Rhode Island Bar," published in 1842, is a valuable work. But for these memoranda, which could have been collected only at that time, many of these men, so distinguished in their day, would now be forgotten.

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He also wrote a "History of the Episcopal Church in Narragansett, R. I.," published in 1847. To collect the materials for this work, he carried on an extensive correspondence, in addition to the many valuable papers which he had inherited or was gathering constantly during his life. This book is now out of print and has become very valuable from its rarity.

In Judge Staples' book, giving an account of the action of Rhode Island as to the adoption of the Constitution of the United States, may be found to some of the Minutes of the Convention upon that subject. These Minutes were for some time in the possession of Mr. Updike, and it was his purpose to prepare a full account of the Convention, with notices of its prominent members; but the state of his health prevented him from carrying out this intention.

He married, Sept. 3, 1809, Abigail Watson, daughter of Walter and Abigail Hazard Watson, of South Kingston; she died many years before her husband, and was a lady oŁ remarkable powers of mind, much beloved and esteemed. Her portrait was painted in 1817, in water-colors by Gimbrede, and was subsequently copied in oil.

We give below, in full, an admirable pen picture of Wilkins Updike. published in the Providence Journal, Feb. 11, 1867, and said to have been written by an eminent member of the Rhode Island Bar.

"There is a portrait of Mr. Updike by Lincoln, excellent both as a picture and as a likeness, when he was in the full maturity of his physical and mental powers. It is a radiant face, suggestive of strength and enjoyment. If it were hung in a gallery of portraits of men who have made a mark in the world, it would at once arrest attention and provoke inquiry about the original. As the picture so the man. In whatever company Mr. Updike was, he was a centre of attraction, not because he asserted himself, but because he was alive in every part of his nature. He enjoyed himself, so was a source of joy to all around him. He loved to eat and drink, laugh and work. What was worth seeing he saw. What was worth knowing he knew.

"I first saw him in Gen, Carpenter's office, where he came to see his son Walter, then a student at law. It is true of most men as it is of most women, that they have no characters' at all. But Gen. Carpenter had one, and so Mr. Updike was his friend. If there was any thing either good or bad in a man, Mr. Updike paid attention to him. The common sort of people who conform to established rules and in themselves are neither one thing nor another, he passed by. If there was sufficient originality about a man to enable him now and then to make a fool of himself, Mr. Updike at once took a fancy to him and proceeded to point out to all bystanders what he had discovered in his friend. This gave his ordinary conversation a tone of banter which made shallow people call him a trifler. But no man was ever more in earnest. The real triflers are your solemn people, who

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make no distinctions, to whom all things are equally important, who cannot discern absurdity, and therefore can neither make nor enjoy fun.

"It was about the time of the suffrage movement that I first saw Mr. Updike. The subject presented itself to different minds in a variety of aspects. Mr. Ames said it was a tempest in a tea-pot. To Mr. Dorr it was an attempt to apply the declaration of independence and democratic principles to the government of the State. To Judge Durfee it furnished occasion for uttering in his modest way, some of the profoundest political philosophy of the time. To Mr. Updike it was an ordinary electioneering rumpus; a mere question whether the 'ins' should go out. The old charter was well enough. More people could vote under it than knew how to vote. This was his view of the matter, and so he laughed at the long procesison and the roasted ox, and Mr. Dorr's elaborate speeches, until there_, was a prospect of a fight, and then his wrath was kindled, and he was what Mr. Whipple said every Rhode Island man should be, a tiger in his den.

"I may remark in passing, that if these tigers had not been quite so pigheaded in resisting a most reasonable demand for an extension of suffrage, there would have been no occasion for any exhibition of their fighting qualities.

"After the arsenal and Acote's hill came the constitution, but before that went into effect, a struggle in the General Assembly to continue the established system, forbidden in the constitution, of licensing lotteries. Mr. Updike's course upon this subject is suggestive of the habit of his mind. He knew the evils of the lottery system, but he did not believe that they could be cured. Some men would sell lottery tickets and other men would buy them. The money derived from licenses would lighten the burdens of the people, and was a practical good. The attempt to suppress lotteries was fighting a wind-mill. But (what did not often happen to him in the General Assembly) he was defeated. Messrs. Phalen & Co. no longer paid a license, nor do the churches and charitable societies who continue substantially the same business.

"The judiciary has been improved, quite often in this generation, and as I perceive by the daily proceedings, the General Assembly are tinkering it now. To Mr. Updike, more than to any other man, we owe a very good judicial system. His judicial reforms were practical, and consisted mainly in diminishing the number of courts and judges. The old Common Pleas with its twenty-five judges, fast anchored in the affections of local politicians, drifted and disappeared on the tide of ridicule raised by Mr. Updike.

"He did another good work in pushing through the Married Woman' act. Here he had to encounter a dead weight of prejudice, and he overcame it.

"He labored incessantly in the cause of popular education, and his great and valuable services therein have deserved and received ample acknowl-

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edgment. This is a good record. But let us come a little nearer to Mr. Updike, for after all what a man is, and not what he does, is the main thing. He was first of all an orator. He worked not by moving masses of capital, for he was not rich, nor by run-party machinery, for in this he had no skill, but by direct action on the minds and hearts of men by means of speech. Not formal orations but talk; not in mass meetings, but wherever en and women were gathered together-at dinner tables, in railroad cars, in taverns, in Court Houses, and above all, in the General Assembly. It is the fashion now to decry mere speakers, and fools have much to say in praise of practical men and to disparage talkers. But Napoleon III has shown how Caesar acknowledged Cicero as a power in the State and he has been made to feel that only a large army can balance the eloquence of Thiers, and that only for a time. For two generations, there was no contest in Rhode Island in which the tongue of Mr. Updike could be safely counted out.

"But how did he speak? Since his death there have been many friendly notices of him, and some of them say he was not logical. If that means anything, it means that he was not stupid. I think the popular idea of logic is methodical stupidity, and in this sense, Mr. Updike certainly was not logical. Nor did he make much display of argumentative tools. He reasoned very much as lightning moves. He went right at his mark, and left the result to show the force of the blow. In the dreary work of reporting the proceedings of the General Assembly, it has been my duty to hear many excellent speeches, to listen to which was a discipline and a toil. Listening was a necessity when Mr. Updike was talking. You might agree with him or differ from him, but you must hear him. It is easy to talk about his sarcasm, his ridicule and this and that, after the usual manner of those who must say something and don't know what to say. It is not easy to reproduce Mr. Updike as he was. Like all living things he dies in the process of analysis. You may retain what he was made of, but you have lost him. He was always in earnest. If he urged a measure, it was because he thought it ought to pass. If he abused a man it was because he thought he ought to be abused. If he raised a laugh against a man in debate, it was with the zeal of a man in the discharge of a religious duty. Perhaps there was never on the whole a more favorable exhibition of his powers then in the discussion on the old State debt. He did not think that the farmers ought to be taxed to pay that debt. I do not know whether it ought to have been paid or not. Having made up his mind to oppose its payment, payment, Mr., Updike did not waste his power in answering the learned and logical and historical arguments in its favor. He went right at the practical purpose of making the members of the General Assembly vote against it. He had to deal with the history of the State, with all the leading men whom he had known. His blows were all hard, some I doubt not fell on

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innocent shoulders, but they all told. One reason that he gave why the scrip was valueless, was that a certain man had given some of it away which he would not have done if it had been worth anything. Another was that one of the holders had a squeaking voice, which he mimicked till the House was in a roar. These things made many people mad, but they told on the final vote. They were low arts perhaps, but they have been used by Thad. Stevens, and Benton and Palmerston and Charles James Fox and Demosthenes, and all robust men who have wielded at will popular assemblies. Right or wrong, they killed the old State debt.

"Mr. Updike stood by the country against the city of Providence, and yet was always ready to help along any measure for the city which he thought ought to pass. On one occasion an appropriation was wanted which the country members opposed as extravagant. It was recommended by the Committee on Finance, but it stood no chance. Mr. Updike was called upon, and said he would do what he could. He began by telling Updike was how these Providence people would outwit the country and in about two , minutes had the whole Assembly except the Providence delegation, in full sympathy with him, and then said: `But, Mr. Speaker, this measure is recommended by the Chairman of the Committee on Finance;' and went on to tell how sharp these Providence traders were, how far they could see a cent, and how this particular Chairman was the keenest of the whole tribe, and how safe it was one conomical grounds to pass anything that he recommended. The Hon. Chairman had the pleasure to see his measure pass without a dissenting vote. Perhaps this was not a high style of art, but it accomplished a practical result. Whoever thinks it was an easy thing to do, had better try it.

"A very good member of the General Assembly once moved to translate all the Latin phrases in the Statutes so that common people could understand them. The exquisite folly of such a measure was by no means obvious to the great body of the Assembly. It was quite as likely to pass as not. A good solid argument against it would probably have carried it through. Mr. Updike took the ground that it was no advantage to have the people understand the laws. They were not afraid of any thing which they understood. It was these Latin words that they were afraid of. Mr. Speaker, there was a man in South Kingstown about twenty years ago, a perfect nuisance, and nobody knew how to get rid of him. One day he was hoeing corn and he saw the sheriff coming with a paper, and he asked what it was.. Now if he told him it was a writ, what would he have cared? But he told him it was a capias ad satisfaciendum, and the man dropped hi hoe and ran, and has not been heard of since.' Nor has the proposition to translate the Latin words in the statutes.

"But such sallies of wit do not give a man any permanent influeu mere joker is almost as tiresome as a man who never jokes at all.

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all this play of his faculties, Mr. Updike had the solid basis of common sense, and thorough earnest work towards practical and worthy ends. And these made him a power in the General Assembly for many years. In the dearth of eloquence, Mr. Choate once mourned for `one roll of Websterian thunder.' In these later years, who has not lamented the absence from the House of 'Old. Updike!' His very presence would have suppressed infinite twaddle. The weary talk about Gen. Frieze's accounts could never have been where he was. He would have pricked the bladder at once.

"Mr. Updike had strong convictions, formed' from his own observations more than from reading the thoughts of other men. Mr. Whipple thought and read much about Athens. Mr. Atwell was much exercised about the doings of the Barons of Runnymede. For anything that Mr. Updike cared, the human race might have had its origin in South Kingstown. He gave Roger Williams credit for his doctrine of soul liberty, but he did not like the man, and had a contempt for what he called his notions of equality. Mr. Updike's idea of a well ordered society, was a strong government, supported by the Episcopal Church, with the different classes of society pretty distinct, and each minding its own business.

"He loved to study individual character. He knew the exact measure of the men he came in contact with. He believed in blood, and loved to explore the history of families. He knew all about the Edwards family, attracted by the fame of the great Johnathan. Him he admired for his sturdy qualities of character and not for his opinions. I doubt if he knew whether Edwards upon the vexed question of freedom of will held with Rowland G. Hazard or with J. Stuart Mill. But whatever had been done by an Edwards anywhere he knew. It was his delight to talk about men, and his talk was a perennial charm to all who heard him.

"But most of all he loved to talk of his old neighbor, the late Elisha R. Potter. On one occasion in his own home within a few years, after talking about Mr. Potter for an hour, he fell into a fit of musing, and was silent for a long time; when he suddenly roused himself and as if he had a most important message to deliver, said with emphasis, ' I tell you, sir, it was a great effort of nature to create such a man as Mr. Potter.'

"He loved to be known as a churchman. But he treated the church as he did his friends. He cherished her substance and made fun of her shams. Who that ever heard can forget his account of the revival which; as he said, `he and Elder White made in South Kingstown,' or his explanation to a friend, who was shocked by a professor who played cards and was a little profane, - that Mr. ---- was a high churchman.' He revered all good men and all sacred things, but no amount of solemnity, nor any vestments of any sort, could conceal a humbug from him.

"He was as zealous a friend of temperance as Neal Dow, and labored in his way in the General Assembly, and among his neighbors, to cure the

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evils of intemperance. But he made a distinction between temperance and abstinence, which some of the friends of this cause did not perceive. His account of his labors and trials `in getting a demijohn in Maine-law times from the depot to Little Rest Hill,' might provoke the envy of Rabelais.

"He was a nobleman, in personal appearance, and in the generous humanity of his nature. In the House of Lords, he would have been among his peers. But he did not need titles or broad acres. ever he sat was the head of the table, and he would have entertai a royal duke at his house in South Kingstown, without any sense of social inferiority..

"He was a gentleman; scrupulously neat in all his habits, and always considerate of the happiness of those around him. He was seized with the illness from which he never fully recovered, some six years since, on the morning of the day when he had invited some friends to his with. He insisted that the dinner should go on, and concealed his condition well as he could, and only after the company had gone was it known' sick he was. To the last he made his daily toilet as carefully as w young man, and was only confined to his bed for a day or two, mind was unclouded to the end, I have heard him express regret that he had not early in his professional life located himself in some larger than Kingston. This was a natural feeling. All men whose spirits are touched to fine issues are discontented. Discontent is a human trait, of which aspiration is a healthy and whining a diseased exhibition. But I doubt if Mr. Updike could have been transplanted with any advantage. It seems to me that his roots were deep in the South County soil.

"There a large family grew up around him. He was the idol of his children, and beloved and respected by the families which he lived to see grow up around them. His sons-in-law and daughters-in-law seemed as anxious to make his old age happy as did his own sons and daughters. In a good old age he was laid to rest by a loving group of relations and friends. But I must pause, though the half has not been said which crowds, upon the memory."

Children of Wilkins Updike.

Isabella W. (Randolph) has taken a warm interest in this Genealogy, and

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has kindly furnished the author many interesting facts concerning her ancestors, sketches of her father and uncle, photographs of her honored parents, and a copy of Channing's "Narragansett Planters." In her possession are several heir-looms of her great-grandfather, Daniel the Att'y General, brocaded silk waistcoat, silverware, &c. She writes: "The Updike family owned and occupied the old homestead, built by Richard Smith Sr. in 1639, variously called `Smith's Palace,' the 'Block House,' 'Nemisquessett' (Indian name), for nearly two hundred years. It was once partly burned, but rebuilt partly of the same materials. It was my birth place in 1812, the last of my race born in the old family homestead, my father soon after that date removing to Kingston, South Kingstown, the shire-town of the county, to practice his profession, the Law.* * * I regret the change of the good old name Opdyck."

Abigail A. (Hidden) is living in Providence. Her husband has presented the author with a copy of her father's "Memoirs R. I. Bar."

Angeline (Greene) left sons who are now engaged in the wholesale leather trade in N. Y. City. They have some of the family treasures, including two old portraits in oil, by Smybert, of Anstis Jenkins, wife of Daniel Updike the first Att'y General, and of her mother Mary Wilkins,- said to be the first portraits painted in Newport, but now stained by time and the smoke of the old wood fires. They have also a complete old-fashioned full dress suit of Daniel's, scarlet silk waistcoat, knee-breeches, silver buckles, ruffled shirt, &c.

Caesar A. Updike was born in Kingston, R. I., was fitted for college under the tuition of Rev. Thomas Vernon (whose classical school had a high reputation), and graduated from Brown University in the class of 1849. Soon afterward he commenced the study of law in the office of his brother Walter W. Updike Esq., and was admitted to the bar in 1851. In addition to the discharge of his professional duties he served his fellow citizens in various offices to which he was elected. He was a member of the Common Council of the city of Providence from 1859 to 1863; a member of the lower House of the General Assembly from 1860 to 1864; and was Speaker of the House from 1860 to 1862, discharging the duties of the office with dignity, impartiality and ability. He was a fine public speaker, inheriting much of his distinguished father's wit and humor, and like him was a thorough Rhode Islander, attached to the traditions and institutions of his native State and familiar with its history. In the later years of his life there were developed symptoms of heart-disease, from which he died suddenly in Oct., 1877.Mr. Updike married in 1858 Elizabeth B. Adams, of Providence, who with one son survives him............ (R. I. Biog. Ency.)

Caroline (Eddy), like her two living sisters and her one living brother, has been greatly interested in the author's labors. She has furnished a sketch of her grandfather, a portrait of her aunt Mrs. Lee, and a copy of

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her father's "Hist. Narragansett Church;" she has aided in tracing the other division of the Rhode Island branch, and has even insisted upon contributing to the publication fund. She writes : "We all wish you success in your very pleasant undertaking, and are gratified that the task has been taken up by such willing hands. We have always thought that your family and ours came from the same common ancestors on the other side of the water, and we are proud to claim relationship."

190 THOMAS BOWDOIN UPDIKE.

Has been engaged many years in the wholesale drug business in Pittsburg, Pa., and is said to have been the first wholesale druggist in that city. He writes as follows

"Aug. 4, 1887. I should be pleased to see the Rhode Island branch included in your Book; I am inclined to think them one family (with the New Jersey branch). * * * All that I know of the family, except the merest gossip, is contained in the 'History of the Narragansett Church' and the "R. I. Bar,' both by my father. I think my father and his brothers and sisters - a very large family - were the finest specimens physically that I have met;-large, tall and erect, with unexampled health and spirits, both retained to extreme old age. I knew personally five of them who died between ninety and one hundred years,-one sister in her 99th. year. An uncle, then in his 94th. year, told me that he had never taken a dose of medicine since early boyhood. * * * You have been at immense trouble in this matter and I have no doubts of your success. You have my best wishes for it and I shall await the publication, almost with impatience."

Stella (McClintock) has two infant sons.