5^TH GENERATION; WILLIAM UPDIKE

WILLIAM UPDIKE.

(Son of William, p. 202; Son of Lawrence, p. 185; Son of Johannes, p. 154; Son of Louris,

p. 136.)

Born about 1725, died before 1780; married--------- ---------; was a farmer in Windsor township, Middlesex (now Mercer) County, N. J.

The will of William Updike of Windsor, written in 1780 and probated 1783, devised "to the children of his deceased son William the farm of 240 acres where they now live." The author has been able to find no living descendant of this William; and the descendants of his brother Levi recol lect nothing of this William or of his posterity. The records of Middlesex County contain the following who may have been his children:

242 - AMERICAN DESCENDANTS OF THE HOLLAND FAMILY.

Major Updike.

1797. Major Updike is mentioned in deed of Levi Updike to William Updike, as owning land adjoining their farms in West Windsor, near Penn's Line.

1802. Major Updike of West Windsor, and Charlotte his wife, give a power of attorney to convey all their land.

1803. The attorneys of "Major and Charlotte Updike, formerly of West Windsor, Middlesex Co.," sell 102 acres in West Windsor, adjoining Levi Updike and Court Voorhis, for 813 Pounds.

As the farm of Major Updike was immediately adjoining that of Levi, there can be little doubt that Major was one of "the deceased children of William Updike" mentioned in the will. The author has heard of a Major Updike now residing at Rawlins, Carbon Co., Wyoming, but has not been able to obtain a reply from him; the reappearance of this unusual name is almost absolute proof that he is a descendant of the Major and Charlotte who sold their property in West Windsor in 1803 and quitted the State.

Isaac Updike.

1785. Isaac Updike of Windsor, Middlesex Co., and Sarah his wife, sell for 35 Pounds. to Luther Hyde 1/4 acre in Queens Town near Princeton, adjoining "the great road," Thomas Watson & Mahlon Taylor. This plot was conveyed by Luther Hyde to Samuel Stout a few months later.

1787. Isaac Updike is a defendant in a libel suit brought by H. Piercy and wife, in Middlesex county court.

Samuel Updike.

1804. Samuel Updike marries Jane Ogden in Middlesex county.

1809. A guardian (Peter Obert) is appointed for Jane Opdike, minor daughter of Samuel Opdike deceased; in Middlesex county court.

The Genealogy of the Van Voorhees Family by E. W. Van Voorhis, recently published, mentions Ann Updike, born 1760, died 1845, married Coert Voorhees, and bore him eleven children, of whom nine married and had many children. One of Ann Updike's children was named Major, who may have been so named for his uncle Major Updike above mention We shall see that Coert Voorhis was the executor of Levi Updike, brother of the William of this sketch, and that they all three owned farms in Windsor. The concurrence of these facts seems to establish the conclusion that Ann Updike and Major Updike were certainly children of William Updike.

5TH GENERATION; LEVI UPDIKE. - 243

LEVI UPDIKE.

(Son of William, p. 202; Son of Lawrence, p. 185; Son of Johannes, p. 154; Son of

Louris, p. 136.)

Born about 1730, died 1807; married Martha------; was a farmer in Windsor, Middlesex (now Mercer) County, N. J.

Levi lived and died in Windsor, probably on the land which he inherited from his father William. He was a prosperous farmer and considerably increased his paternal inheritance, for he gave to his sons their full share of his estate before his death, and by his will he bequeathed to his daughter and granddaughter legacies which were large for those days. His birth must have been as early as 1730, as he had a son William born in 1759, and a granddaughter married before 1807. Levi's descendants, still living in and about Windsor, have well retained his name, and faintly his memory. His great-great-grandson, Levi Updike of Dutch Neck, treasures the deed of 1805, mentioned below, from which our autograph of Levi has been taken. The line of descent has been thus; William,- Levi (of this sketch),- William, -Levi,-William,-Levi now, living at Dutch Neck. The following are extracts from the Records.

1784. Levi Updike, John Covenhoven, William Coveuhoven, Martin Hoagland and Rebecca his wife, all of Middlesex County, sell for 215 Pounds to Joseph Story, "all that tract which William Updike Senior bequeathed to Martin Hoagland and Rebecca and where they now live, -65 acres of the land William Updike Senior bought of James Perrine." (N. B.)

1797. Levi Updike Senior and Martha his wife of Windsor, Middlesex Co., sell to William Updike of the same place (probably Levi's son) for 210 Pounds, 147 acres cornering on Penn's Line and adjoining Abel Slaybach, and 10 acres adjoining Abel Slaybach and Major Updike. (N. B.)

1805. Levi Updike Senior and Martha his wife of West Windsor sell to Levi Updike Jr. of same place (probably the grandson of Levi Senior), for 1,000 Pounds, the land where Levi Senior now lives, "being all the lands now held by Levi Senior," bounded by William Updike, Court Voorhees, and Clement Updike (son of Levi Senior). (N. B.)

1807. Will of Levi Updike probated, written 1806. "Levi Updike of West Windsor, Middlesex," bequeathes to his wife Martha .... "As to my sons William and Clement, what they have already received I consider sufficient for them in full." He bequeathed to his daughter Ann Slaybach 600 Pounds at the decease of his widow. "To my granddaughter Mary, wife of Ezekiah South, the residue of my estate sold at vendue and proceeds put at interest, after a deduction of .20 Pounds to my grandson Levi son of Clement, she to receive interest during the life of Ezekiah South and at his death to receive the principal."

Executors Coert Voorhis and Abel Slabach. (Original will on file.) (T)

1819. Ezekiah South and Mary his wife cite Coert Voorhis executor. He reports $2,184 in his hands. (N. B).

For the descendants of Levi Updike see Chapter C.

244. - AMERICAN DESCENDANTS OF THE HOLLAND FAMILY.

LAWRENCE UPDIKE.

(Son of John, p. 206; Son of Lawrence, p. 185; Son of Johannes, p. 154; Son of Louris,

p. 136.)

Born 1739, died 1813 ; married Alteye Lanning ; was a farmer in Bethlehem township, Hunterdon Co., N. J.

He was the oldest son of John Updike and Mary Bragaw, and named after his grandfather Lawrence according to the prevailing custom of those days. His birth in 1739 is given by his descendants, who were not aware that it fitted exactly the marriage of his parents John Updike and Mary "Bragaw" on May 11, 1738, at Newtown, Long Island, for which the marriage bond was issued by the Secretary of State of New York. This is merely one more of the many coincidences and proofs which have been given already in full under Lawrence's father John Updike, and which make the whole line of descent "strong as proof of Holy Writ" His father's will gave him 5 Pounds for his birthright.

Lawrence Updike was a soldier from Somerset county in the Revolutionary War, when he already bad a wife and three children. After his military service, he removed from the neighborhood of his father, brothers and sisters in Montgomery, Somerset Co., to Bethlehem township in Hunterdon County, on the "Great Road" near New Hampton, about six miles from the residence of his father's cousin Benjamin Opdycke. There he lived and died. His son Jesse remained in, or went back to, Montgomery in Somerset, and continued in New Jersey until after his father's death. Lawrence's son Lawrence followed his father's brothers, Burgoon, Roliph, Abraham Jacob and John Jr., to Tompkins County, New York. The other two sons of Lawrence Updike of this sketch, Isaac and John, removed westward to the fertile country about Reading, Pennsylvania, before the death of there the father. After Lawrence's death, his son Jesse followed his brother and uncles to Tompkins County, N. Y., leaving one son John J. in New Jersey. This grandson of Lawrence continued and died at Hopewell, N. J. not far from the original settlement of his New Jersey ancestors; and there his descendants still live, the only descendants now in New Jersey of this Lawrence, their relationship to the great-grandchildren of Lawre Lawrence's brothers in their immediate neighborhood being mutually unknown. The following are extracts from the records.

1776. "Lowerance Updike, Private, Captain Duryea's Company 1st. Batallion Somerset Militia." (Official Rolls of New Jersey Soldiers in the Revolution.)

1793. "Lawrence Obdyke of Bethlehem, Hunterdon Co., N. J., and his wife Alteve Obdyke, late Alteye Lanning" redeem 178 acres on East side of the "Great Road," adjoining Peter Burkark's, sold for 140 Pounds. (F)

1798. "Lawrence Opdycke Jr. of Hunterdon county marries Elizabeth Smith, in presence of and by consent of Lawrence Opdycke Sr., father to said Lawrence Opdycke Jr." (F)

5TH GENERATION; ISAAC UPDIKE. - 245

(Lawrence Jr. was probably under age. The spelling in these Hunterdon county records naturally followed the spelling of the name by the Hunterdon county Opdyckes, descendants of Albert Opdyck. )

1800. "Lawrence Updike of Bethlehem and Altie his wife" sell to John Watson part of the land conveyed to them in 1793, adjoining John Ewland, Jacob Leningar, and Aaron Gilbert. Deed signed "Lawrence Updike, Alteye Updike," and witnessed by "Lawrence Updike and Elizabeth Updike" (the son and his wife). 12 acres, 30 P'ds. F)

1803. "Lawrence Updike and Altve his wife of Bethlehem" sell to Wm. Vanfleet for $72, six acres in Bethlehem, adjoining Peter Van Buskirk and other land of Lawrence Updike. Witnessed by "Lawrence 0pdike Jr."

1809. "Lawrence Updike of Bethlehem, Hunterdon Co., N. J., and Alteye his wife" convey one acre "on East side of Great Road from Clement Bonnell's to New Hamton," for $26... (F)

1809. Lawrence Updike is mentioned in the statement of the executors of Isaac Updike of Hopewell, as sharing in the bequests of Isaac, and as a brother of Isaac, Ruliph, Peter and William............... (F)

1813, March 27. "Lawrence Updike Senior of Bethlehem, Hunterdon Co., N. J.," makes his will; probated April 14, 1813. He bequeathed his property to his wife, and to his children Lawrence, Jesse, Isaac, John, and " Margaret, wife of Wm. Poke." He appoints as his executors' his " son Lawrence Updike of Bethlehem " and Aaron Vansyckle. It is evident from this that Lawrence Jr. remained in Bethlehem until after his father's death; although the youngest of the four sons, he was appointed executor on account of his brothers having moved away, as is known ................................... (F)

For the descendants of Lawrence Updike see Chapter D.

ISAAC UPDIKE.

(Son of John, p. 206; Son of Lawrence, p. 185; Son of Johannes, p. 154; Son of Louris,

p. 136.)

Born about 1742, died 1809; resided. in Montgomery township, Somerset Co., N. J.

Isaac Updike is mentioned as son in the will of his father John, 1783-1790; in the deed of his brother Burgoon in 1793 as owning land in Somerset County adjoining the lands of Burgoon and William; in 1794 he is mentioned in a deed of Jacob Updike as owning land in Somerset adjoining Jacob and Peter Updike. These farms are known to have been in Montgomery township between Princeton and Cherry Valley; and Isaac is reMembered to have been a brother of Lawrence, Burgoon, William, Peter and the other children of John Updike and Mary Bragaw. A granddaughter of Isaac's brother William knows that Isaac's farm adjoined that of her grandfather on Stony Brook near Princeton; and her grandfather, at a vendue after Isaac's death, bought Isaac's large clock "200 years old;" this lady thinks that Isaac was married and that Isaac's wife had a sister

246 - AMERICAN DESCENDANTS OF THE HOLLAND FAMILY.

Rachel who married Foster Walters and another sister who married Zebulon Leigh, which explains Isaac's mention in his will of Rachel Waiters as his sister. A granddaughter of Isaac's sister Mary Johnson says that Isaac died first of all the brothers; and that he was married but had no children. A granddaughter of Peter remembers having heard that Isaac frequently visited her grandfather and that he was "very jolly and fond of singing." It is evident from the will of Isaac that he had no children, as he devised all his property to his brothers and sisters. The following records have been found, referring to him.

1767-8. John, Burgoon and Isaac Updike appear on the ledger of Enos Kelsey, a store-keeper in Princeton. (Princeton and its Institutions.)

1782. "Isaac Updike deposetb that he Saw the British Troops take and Carry away from James Moore's Tanyard a Large Quantity of Leather both Sole and Upper which they then took up out of the fat the time above mentioned. Sworn before Robert Stockton, Nov. 29, 1782:" From the "Inventory of Goods and Chattels of Capt. James Moore of Prince Town, N. J., destroyed or taken in Dec., 1776 and Jan., 1777 by the British Army." (From the original Inventories of Claims of Somerset County in the Revolution, on file in the N. J. State Library at Trenton.)

1794. Isaac Updike brings suit for 50 Pounds in Somerset County court. (S)

1808, Apr. 18. Isaac Updike makes his will; probated Jan. 20, 1809, "Isaac Updike of Hopewell, Hunterdon Co., late of Montgomery, Somerset Co.," bequeaths "to my sister Rachel, wife of Foster Walters, $133.33; to Hannah, wife of Zebulon Leigh, $133.33; to Isaac Richey, son of my brother Ruliph Opdycke's daughter Mary, $100 * * * Residue to my brothers and sisters, except my brother Ruliph who is to receive $100 less than the others. * * * Wearing apparel to my brothers." Foster Walters was made executor. The executor's statement is filed and says " Wearing apparel delivered per will, to Lawrence Updike, Peter Updike and William Updike."(F)

(Isaac's brothers, Burgoon, Abraham, Jacob, John Jr. and Roliph are known to have removed to New York State before this date; they consequently did not share in the distribution of the wearing apparel.)

BURGOON UPDIKE.

(Son of John, p. 206; Son of Lawrence, p. 185; Son of Johannes, p. 154; Son of Louris

p. 136.),

Born about 1744, died 1820; married Mary ........ ; was a farmer Montgomery township, Somerset County, (now Princeton, Mercer County, N. J.; and later in Ulysses township, Tompkins County, N. Y.

John Updike and Mary Bragaw (Bregaw, Brokaw) displayed filial piety in naming their eldest son for John's father, the second for Mary's father and the third for her grandfather, old Bourgon Broucard the French Huguenot. Burgoon's descendants should take pride in his name as a

5TH GENERATION; BURGOON UPDIKE. - 247

reminder of their French Protestant ancester. The clerks of the early records took their usual liberties with the spelling of a strange name, sometimes writing it "Brogan." His name alone would almost prove Burgoon Updike's parentage, without his full reference to his father John in the deed of 1793, and the mention of him in his father's will.

The descendants of Burgoon and of his brothers Holiph, Abraham and Jacob, who emigrated with him to the Lakes, have a good knowledge of their mutual relationship; his memory has come down with some as "Uncle Goony." The oldest descendants of his brothers who remained in New Jersey remember Burgoon as having moved northward.

Burgoon however spent most of his life on his New Jersey farm on Stony Brook, adjoining his brothers; each doubtless inheriting a farm from their father and adding to it. Here he married, raised his children, and fought in the Somerset Militia during the Revolution. Both the British and the Continental troops marched over his farm, and the soldiers of each took his loose property. The battle of Princeton was fought in sight of his home. Burgoon, with his enormous physical strength, probably did not show mercy to any stray Hessians after the battle.

He was over 55 years of age when he and his four brothers in 1801 placed their families and household goods in covered wagons, and with their live-stock moved through the beech-woods of Pennsylvania to the rich "Lake Country." Burgoon Jr. had just taken to himself a Jersey wife, Polly Post, but the young couple followed two years later, bringing with them their infant child.

The brothers chose well the new country in which to pitch their tents, Ulysses, Tompkins county, N. Y. There on Burgoon's farm they built the Log Meeting-house, and for fifty years their neighborhood was known as the Updike Settlement, so much did they prosper and multiply. But their later descendants have again sought broader fields further West, the Log Meeting-house has been taken down, and its graveyard, full of the tombstones of the early Updikes, is now the strongest remaining memento of their settlement in Ulysses. Burgoon's large rich farm there is still owned by his grandchildren, three of whom are living in the homestead, a fine old-fashioned spacious mansion standing far back from the public highway, very much like the best of the country homesteads in New Jersey.

A grandson of Burgoon, living at Dansville, N. Y., writes:

"Grandfather Burgoon must have been a very stout and supple man, according to accounts that are given of him. It is said that he could vault over any fence that he could climb; that he could take an ordinary man in each hand and handle them just as he wished; that he was ribbed down to his hips. On one occasion a stranger, who had heard of his wrestling, came to grandfather to try if reports were true, and went away satisfied after having been thrown from the barn-floor over the breast-girt into the bay. Once a noted bully attended a ball, where grandfather had been given the honor of ` best man' in order that the entertainment might go off

248 - AMERICAN DESCENDANTS OF THE HOLLAND FAMILY.

smoothly. Mr. Bully was throwing himself around, brandishing a large blacksnake whip, but the poor fellow was taken by Grandfather and set up on a table, the whip taken away, and he cooled down after being promised that otherwise the whip would be worn out on him. To have done all the many feats of strength that are told of him, Burgoon must have been a very powerful man.

"His wife, my grandmother, died at the age of 97 years and 7 months, I think in the year 1836. I have been told that she was never sick one day in her life, and her teeth were so perfect in her old age that she preferred the crusts of the bread. She lived with my father after her husband's death, fifteen years. I have heard her tell of many depredations made by the Hessians during the Revolution. They came into her house in New Jersey and took the silver buckles out her shoes. One day when she was washing, they came along and made a strainer of the wash-tub by shooting its bottom full of holes. On other occasions they went through the house and took anything of value they cared for."

The following Records have been found concerning Burgoon.

1767-8. John, Burgoon & Isaac Updike, appear on the ledger of Enos Kelsey, a store-keeper in Princeton.

1775-82. "Brogan Updyke," Private, Somerset Militia. (Official Rolls of New Jersey Soldiers in the Revolution.)

1782. "Inventorie of one pair Silver buckles and one shirt of Burgon Updike taken by the British in Decem'r, 1776 - 2 pounds, 2 shillings - Bergon Updike Sworn and Saith that the Above Account is just and true and has Received no satisfaction for them. Sworn before Abm. Quick 30th. Octbr., 1782 - Rulif Updike Sworn and Saith that he saw the British and their Adherents take the Above Mentioned Articles, further saith not." (From the original Inven tories of Claims of Somerset County in the Revolution, on file in the N. J.lState Library at Trenton.)

1782. "An Inventory of One Horse Taken from Burgon Updike by the Continental Army in January, 1777 - To 1 Horse 4 years old, 1: Hands, 10 Pounds 10 shillings "- Sworn to by "Burgon Updike" "Abraham Updike swears that he Saw the sd horse in the Persesson of a Continental officer." (From same Inventories.)

1793. Burgoon Updike and Mary his wife convey 30 acres to Zebulon Leigh, for 230 Pounds, reciting; "Whereas John Updike late of Somerset did by his last Will and Testament among other things give devise and bequeathe unto his son the said Burgoon two lots of land No. 3 on Map made by Joseph Skelton * * * reference being had to said Will and Map will more fully appear." The land is described as adjoining land of Henry Munro, William Updike, Isaac Updike and Robert Stockton. (S)

For the descendants of Burgoon Updike see Chapter E.

WILLIAM UPDIKE.

(Son of John, p. 206; Son of Lawrence, p. 185; Son of Johannes, p. 154; Son

Louris, p. 136.)

Born 1746, died 1839; married his cousin Naomi Johnson in 1774, who died in 1824 at the age of 79; was a farmer in Montgomery, Somerset County (now Princeton, Mercer County), New Jersey.

5th GENERATION, WILLIAM UPDIKE. - 249

William was probably named for his father's brother of Windsor township. The records of Somerset County show that the farms of William and of his brothers Burgoon, Isaac, Peter and Jacob, adjoined each other in old Montgomery Township. Owing to William's having lived to the advanced age of 93 years, surviving all his brothers, he and his homestead have become, as it were, landmarks in the family. His farm was called "Stony Brook farm," and contained over 400 acres.

His first child Samuel J. was born in 1776 and was a little baby in his mother's arms at the time of the battle of Princeton, when he was carried away from the house by some straggling British soldiers retreating north across the farm; but they gave him up on receiving something to eat..

William had six married sons and four married daughters, and lived to see his 80 grandchildren who bore the name of Updike; the number being increased by the fact that two of his daughters married sons of his brother Jacob and Peter Updike. William's children all settled in Somerset County; except William Jr. who moved across the county line into Hunterdon County, and Levi who followed his uncles to the Lake Country.

There is now living near Princeton an intelligent old colored man who was a slave in the family of William Updike and who was sent to dig the grave in the old family burial ground when William died. This burial ground is on William's farm on the old Updike road, but it is now so overgrown with a grove of trees that the spot is difficult to find, the farm having long since been sold to strangers. William's present descendants, numbering 500 or more, are scattered in many different States and cities.

A grandson of William, residing in Batavia, Illinois, has written to the author the following interesting letter:

"The old homestead of my grandfather was on Stony Brook_ and 2 1/2 miles northwest of Princeton. It was then Somerset County, and between his farm and the Hunterdon County line lay only the farm of John S. Updike who married William's daughter Polly. (This latter was the old farm of William's brother Jacob.) In 1838 Mercer County was formed with its northern line 12 miles north of William's old homestead. After his death his farm was sold to a Mr. Blackwell. My father lived upon his father's place; and after my father's death his brothers Elias and Charles moved upon it. Grandfather was possessed of considerable property at one time, but lost a great deal of it through assisting a relative. He bequeathed two shares of his property to each of his sons and one share to each of his daughters; this resulted in a law suit in Mercer County court, which cost the estate $14,000.

"My grandfather was about six feet tall, stoutly built and very strong. His children were all rather large and were of as cheerful and happy a disposition as could be found, and full of fun. The sons were known as the stoutest and strongest family of boys in that section of country; they were all bone and muscle with no superfluous flesh, and all industrious and good farmers. His son Levi was six feet three inches tall, very muscular and weighed 200 pounds; and had five sons over six feet high, and one grandson six feet six inches tall. Roman noses were frequent among the early Updikes of our branch.

250 - AMERICAN DESCENDANTS OF THE HOLLAND FAMILY.

"William's old house no longer stands. In 1876 I visited the old place and found that the house had been taken down, the ground levelled and a new house built close by. The old stone smoke-house, the old brick milkhouse, and the yard-fence were gone, and the place did not look to me natural. The scenery however up and down Stony Brook was just as it used to be; and on driving around back of the house I found the old wagonhouse, barn, cowshed, and the large old hickory trees, looking as they did in my childhood. The family burial ground on the farm was so covered with briars and bushes that the headstones could not be seen. I found the same school-house, where I went to school 60 years ago, still standing at Cherry Valley. I looked inside and saw that its walls were as firm and solid as ever, but it was used as a store-bouse for farming utensils. The same big cherry tree stood yet by the door.

"On the south side of the Pennington road, running all the way from Rocky Hill to Mount Rose, is a high strip of land called `Poplar Ridge' from its many tall poplar trees. Along this ridge is where so many of the old Updike families were settled. We children went over that ridge to school, going about three-quarters of a mile across the fields before we struck the Blawenburg and Princeton road leading to the school-house. About half a mile west of the school-house lived Aaron Updike with his sons Furman and George; and a mile further west was their old homestead where then lived my second cousins, Peter L. and Abraham, who were boys a little older than myself. I remember that Jerry Updike from Tompkins county used to visit at our house when I was a little boy and that lie called my grandfather Uncle"

William Updike's wife, Naomi Johnson, was a daughter of his father's sister Catharine Updike. William's descendants have therefore had a double portion of Updike blood; possibly this fact may have contributed to cause their unusual size and strength mentioned above and more fully given later.

Records.

1776-82. William Updyke, Private in Lieutenant Bergen's company, Somerset Militia. (From the Official Rolls of New Jersey Soldiers in the Revolution.)

1781. William and Peter Updike subscribe to the salary of a Minister at Princeton.

1793-1807. William Updike is mentioned in Deeds as adjoining Isaac, Peter, Burgoon and Jacob Updike, and John Heath, Zebulon Leigh and Henry Munro, near or on the Great Road from Rocky Hill to t Pennington ...............................................(S)

1809. William Updike is mentioned in the statement of the executors . Isaac Updike, as brother of Isaac, Lawrence, Peter and Roliph Up dike.............................. ............... .. ....(E)

For the descendants of William Updike, see Chapter F.

ROLIPH UPDIKE.

(Son of John, p. 206; Son of Lawrence, p. 185; Son of Johannes, p. 154; Son of Louris,

p. 136.)

Born about 1750, died about 1830; name of wife not known; was a farmer in Montgomery, Somerset Co., (now Princeton, Mercer Co.,) N. J., and in Ulysses, Tompkins County, N. Y.

5TH GENERATION; ABRAHAM UPDIKE. - 251

He was named for a brother of his mother. The name is spelled Rulef in his father's will; on the New Jersey records, Roliph, Rolif Ruliph, Rulif, Rulof, Roelef, &c.; and finally was settled by his descendants in its English Ralph.

His home in New Jersey was near the farms of his brothers, for his descendants say that the battle of Princeton was fought partly on his land. His son Gilbert was a baby at the time of the battle. When the British approached, his mother gave him to a hired man to be taken on horseback to a neighbor's house, while she herself fled across the fields to the same place. The hired man was taken prisoner; and the mother afterwards, searching for her little one, found him lying on the ground with his cheeks almost frozen. The English troops passing by called him a "poor little Rebel." When his mother returned to her house after the battle, she found that nearly all her home-made linen had been used in dressing the wounded, and that the floor of the house was stained with blood. Roliph's grandson, now living in Belleville, Ill., knows that his grandfather was descended from Lawrence Updick of New Jersey; he has heard his father speak of " Uncle Abraham " and " Uncle Goony " (Burgoon). He also knows that his grandfather Roliph was in Washington's army, and this is confirmed by the Official Rolls of New Jersey Soldiers in the Revolution which show " Roliph Ubdike, Private Captain Duryea's Company, 1st. Battalion Somerset Militia."

The Somerset County records show Roliph as engaged in several small lawsuits in 1786, 1787, and 1797, and as having removed from the county in 1798. He may have been the pioneer in his brothers' emigration to the Lake Country. At all events, between 1798 and 1800, he moved with his children to Ulysses Township in Tompkins County, N. Y., and died there in 1830.

The will of Isaac Updike mentions Roliph as his brother; and the omission of Roliph's name from the executors' statement shows that he had moved away before 1809, as had all the brothers excepting Isaac, Lawrence, Peter and William. Roliph was a man of medium height, squarely built and very muscular.

For the descendants of Roliph Updike see Chapter G.

ABRAHAM UPDIKE.

(Son of John, p. 206; Son of Lawrence, p. 185; Son of Johannes, p. 154; Son of Louris,

p. 136.)

Born 1752, died 1827; married Jane Vandervort; was a farmer in Montgomery, Somerset (now Princeton, Mercer), N. J., and in Enfield, Tompkins County, N. Y.

The descendants of the four brothers, Burgoon, Roliph, Abraham and

252 - AMERICAN DESCENDANTS OF THE HOLLAND FAMILY.

Jacob, who moved together to Tompkins County, N. Y., all remember Abraham as a twin brother of Jacob, and a brother of Burgoon and Roliph; and he is remembered as a brother of William and Peter by the oldest living descendants in New Jersey. The Family Record of a grandson of Jacob Updike shows

"Abraham Updike died March 12, 1827, aged about 75 years.

"Jane, wife of Abraham Updike, died Feb. 11, 1832, aged about 80."

Jacob also is said to have died in 1827, thus fulfilling the popular belief that twins die in the same year.

The records of the old Dutch Church at Harlingen, Somerset Co., N. J., contain an entry of the baptism of a child named Maria in 1775 by " Abraham Opdyke and his wife Jane; " the only entry of the family name on the books of that church. In 1777 Abraham Updike saw the horse of his brother Burgoon in the possession of a Continental officer, and testified to that effect in 1782 when Burgoon made his claim upon the Government for its value. In 1795 Abraham and John Jr. were witnesses for Jacob Updike of Montgomery township, Somerset, in buying a farm in Hunterdon County. These, and that in his father's will, are all the mentions which have been found of Abraham on the New Jersey records.

The date of the removal of Abraham and his brothers to the Lake Country is variously stated. A memorial notice of Abraham G. Updike, published in the Trumansburg Sentinel in 1881, says that Abraham G. was not a year old when his grandfather brought him from New Jersey; this would make the year 1800. A grandson of Jacob writes that Jacob and his twin brother Abraham moved together to Tompkins County in 1802. But the slight difference in date is unimportant.

Mr. Rensselaer Updike, of Schuyler County, N. Y., a great-grandson of Abraham, writes thus:

"My great-grandfather Abraham, with his three sons Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, named after the old patriarchs, came from New Brunswick or, Trenton, N. J., in company with other Updikes, and all settled near each other in Tompkins County. The place was called the Updike Settlement. My great-grandfather died m 1827, the year in which I was born. When the Updikes came in to this country, it was all a howling wilderness. They must have been of a religious cast, as the records show that they were among the first to build a church, which was of logs like their dwellings; the seats were made of slabs with holes bored for the legs. I remember going there in the days of my childhood, to meeting. In regard to the characteristic traits of the old Updikes of this State, they ranked among the best of farmers, but were not aspiring for rank or position. In stature they were above the medium height, many of them over six feet; square and strongly built, with regular features; of a gleeful, mirthful, yet go-ahead disposition as a rule, moral and religious."

Mr. Samuel Updike of Grass Lake, Michigan, a grandson of Abrabam, writes:

"My grandfather Abraham and his two brothers, Jacob and Burgoon,

5TH GENERATION; JACOB UPDIKE. - 253

fought in the Revolutionary War. I have heard my grandfather relate an experience of his during the war. While engaged in driving a baggage wagon he was surprised and pursued by the enemy; lying down in the wagon and giving the reins to his horses, he made his escape. On arriving at his destination he found the wagon pierced with, the traditional number of bullets. My grandfather was stout, thick-set and of medium height. He and Jacob were twins, and had brothers Burgoon and Roliph."

For the descendants of Abraham Updike see Chapter H.

JACOB UPDIKE.

(Son of John, p.206; Son of Lawrence, p.185; Son of Johannes, p.154; Son of Louris,

p. 136.)

Born 1752, died 1827; married Anna Savage; was a farmer in old Montgomery, Somerset Co., N. J., and in Enfield, Tompkins Co., N. Y.

Rev. Dr. John F. Hageman of Princeton says, "There was a Jacob Updike who owned a great deal of land in the neighborhood now called Cedar Grove, about four miles north of Princeton, one hundred years ago." It is well known that this Jacob was the brother of Abraham, Burgoon, Roliph, William, Peter, Isaac and Lawrence. His homestead farm lay between that of William and the old Hunterdon County line. After Jacob's removal to the Lake Country, his homestead was occupied by his son John S., who married William's daughter Mary, and remained in New Jersey, alone of all his father's children. This farm lay just south of the Updike road, between that road and Stony Brook.

Jacob appears to have moved to Bethlehem, Hunterdon County, in 1795; but he sold his property there again in 1802, the year in which he is said to have removed to Tompkins County, N. Y. His grandson, William M. Updyke, of Elmira, N. Y., has furnished the following interesting sketch.

"Previous to Gen. Sullivan's campaign in 1779 against the Six Indian Tribes of Central New York, this portion of country was very sparsely settled. But the power of these tribes, who had heretofore given the early settlers so much trouble, was then completely broken up. As soon as this fact was fully demonstrated and became generally known, many settlers soon found their way from the thickly populated States to the more fertile lands near the pure and beautiful waters of the Seneca and Cayuga Lakes. In the year 1800, my grandfather, his wife, five sons and one daughter, started from near Princeton, N. J., with an emigrant wagon drawn by oxen, driving along with them their cows, sheep and other stock necessary to form a settlement in this then wilderness. After a long and tedious journey, they arrived at Trumansburg, Tompkins Co., having lost one of their oxen on the way and being compelled to replace it with one of the cows. In this manner they finally reached their destination, locating about four miles south of Trumansburg, in what is still known as the Updike Settlement. About the same time, four brothers of my grandfather also came from near Princeton and settled in the same vicinity. In the old grave-yard, where the old Log Meeting-house once stood, are the graves of most of these early

254 - AMERICAN DESCENDANTS OF THE HOLLAND FAMILY.

settlers. I recollect, a number of years ago, going there to visit the graves of my parents who died when I was very young. I was much surprised to see so many rows of graves marked with plain brown slabs bearing the names of Updikes, many of whom died before my recollection, the inscriptions showing their ages from 60 to 80 years.

"The older members of the Updike families in New York State were described to me 30 years ago by an old lady, at that time 80 years old, who was one of the very first settlers from New Jersey in this section, as follows. The old Updikes were, she said, mostly well-to-do farmers and usually good-appearing people, above medium height, well proportioned, broad shouldered, large boned, heavy and muscular men, many of them weighing from 175 to 250 pounds. Some of them were noted, within my own recollection, as the very strongest men in the country. With few exceptions they were regarded as sober, steady, honest and industrious people. They generally had light brown hair, and a tendency to become corpulent at the age of 50 years. It was a common saying that the Updikes were `like the fiddlers in Tophet' all Abrahams, Isaacs and Jacobs. When I was quite young I knew, (without naming my grandfather who was then dead), five Jacobs, distinguished from each other as ` Big Jake,' `Little Jake,' `Jake,' ` Gentleman Jake,' and ` Little Jakee.'"

The expedition of General Sullivan, above mentioned, was sent by Gen. Washington to avenge the horrible ravages and massacres perpetrated by the Six Nations, in their attack on Wyoming and Cherry Valley. Gen. Sullivan with 5,000 troops started from the desolated region of Wyoming and moved up the west branch of the Susquehanna into the Seneca country; easily defeated the Indians and their Tory allies in a battle at Newtown, and then pushed forward into the heart of the Iroquois country as far as the Genesee river, laying everything waste, setting fire to deserted villages, destroying corn fields, orchards, gardens, everything that could give sustenance to man, with the design of starving the savages out of the country. The latter retreated with their families, and at length took refuge under the protection of the British garrison at Niagara.

Mr. Jacob S. Updike of Binghamton, N. Y., a grandson of Jacob, has taken a very warm interest in the genealogical work with the N. Y. State Updikes, and has written thus:

"My grandfather Jacob moved from near Princeton in 1802 to Enfield, Tompkins Co., N. Y., with several of his brothers and neighbors. He started in May with three yoke of oxen and one span of horses, driving his cattle, and was three weeks on the road. The cows were milked night and morning and the milk strained into a churn lashed to the rear end of the wagon; the jolting of the wagon through the day churned the milk into butter. At that time Ithaca had only three log-cabins. * * * Grandfather bought 640 acres for $1,800. At his death he left 100 acres to each son and 40 to his daughter. He was a man of fine presence, sober, honest, intelligent and industrious; respected and beloved by all who knew him.

"My father has often spoken to me of his uncles Burgoon, Roliph, and Abraham who was a twin of grandfather. Their brother Lawrence died in New Jersey, but his son Lawrence moved to Tompkins County and assisted on my grandfather's old homestead.

"The N. Y. State Updikes have been with rare exceptions, tall, strong, long-lived, prolific and unassuming. My father was the youngest of six

5TH GENERATION; JACOB UPDIKE. - 255

brothers, the shortest of the lot, and stood six feet in his stockings. His brother John S. was six feet, four inches. I visited Tompkins County last week and spent three days in calling on 15 Updike families' for the purposes of the Genealogy. I was well received wherever I went. I found them all intelligent, respectable, first-class people, all in comfortable cir cumstances, and interested in your work. Without being egotistical, I think from what I have seen and heard, that the Updikes as a race will compare favorably in intelligence, energy, honesty and liberality of thought, with any other families whatever.

"The family record in my old bible commences with the date 1817. It contains the death of my grandfather and his wife.

`Jacob Updike died Sept. 26, 1827, aged about 75 years.'

`Anna, wife of Jacob Updike, died Jan. 19, 1822, aged 70 years.'

It also gives the death, 1827, of my grandfather's brother Abraham, aged 75, and his wife, and son Peter. Two leaves are lost from this record; I think Burgoon and Tunis and many others were on those leaves."

Mr. Henry L. Updyke, of Hillsdale, Mich., writes that he has often heard a story of his grandfather Jacob being dressed in new and tight leather knee-breeches on the afternoon after his wedding, when a mad dog, which was pursued by men on horseback, chased him and his father-in-law Mr. Savage as they were out walking in the fields. This of course occurred in New Jersey, and before 1778, when leather knee-breeches were in style. The father-in-law was perhaps "John Savidge" whose name appears on old New Jersey records as owning an adjoining farm.

Records.

1794. "Jacob Updike and Anna his wife of Western Precinct of Somerset Co." sell 69 acres in Somerset Co., adjoining Peter Updike, Isaac Updike, Thos. Stockton, Lewis Huguenott, Larraillets, Zebulon Leigh, Isaac Van Zandt and John Heath; for 430 Pounds. (S)

1795. "Jacob Updike of Western Precinct of Somerset Co." buys 133 acres in Bethlehem township, Hunterdon Co., between Muscouetcong Creek and Johnson's Furnaces, from L. W. Stockton, late the property of Rev. Phillip Stockton; for 320 Pounds. Witnesses John

Updike Jr. and Abraham Updike. (F)

1802. "Jacob Updike and Anna his wife of Bethlehem, Hunterdon Co.," sell the above 133 acres in Bethlehem to John Fritz, for $1,866. (F)

1807. Jacob Updike is mentioned, in the Deed to Peter Updike, as owning land adjoining Peter and William Updike and the Great Road from Rocky Hill to Pennington. (S)

1818. Jacob Updike of Ulysses township, Tompkins Co., N. Y., and his wife Anna, appear on the Tompkins county records.

1827. Sept. 26. Jacob Updike of Enfield township, Tompkins Co., dies; Letters of Administration issued to his son Jacob on Oct. 10, 1827. (Records of Tompkins Co., N. Y.)

For the descendants of Jacob Updike see Chapter I.

256- AMERICAN DESCENDANTS OF THE HOLLAND FAMILY.

PETER UPDIKE.

(Son of John, p. 206; Son of Lawrence, p. 185; Son of Johannes, p. 154; Son of Louris,

p. 136.)

Born 1756, died 1818; was a farmer in old Montgomery township, Somerset Co., N. J.; married Mary Van Camp who was born 1757 and died 1830.

His farm was close to Cherry Valley, and adjoined those of his brothers, William, Isaac, Jacob and John Jr. His relationship is perfectly well known by all the present New Jersey Updikes. He is mentioned in the will of Isaac, as brother of Isaac, William, Lawrence and Roliph; Roliph and Burgeon each named a son for him. He was a large landholder, a prosperous farmer, a ruling elder in the Presbyterian Church at Princeton, and his grave in the Princeton grave-yard is marked by a large marble headstone with a full inscription of his name, death, age &c.A granddaughter, living in Michigan, remembers that he was a soldier in the Revolution. Another granddaughter, living near Hopewell, N. J., has furnished the following interesting recollections.

"My grandfather, Peter Updike, was of medium height and weight, but his sons, Aaron and John V., were tall and broad-shouldered. I remember seeing my grandfather's brother William, who was fleshy and during several years of his later life was lame and compelled to ride in a chair with wheels. I recollect my grandfather's brother Abraham visiting my father who called him Uncle; Abraham was not a large man. My grandfather's brother Isaac used to visit my father; he was very jolly and fond of singiug I have often heard my father speak of his uncles Ruliph and Lawrence Nearly all of the old stock of Updikes had good-sized noses with a decided' bridge."

Records.

1778, May 29. Marriage bond of Jeremiah Wood and Sarah Updike. Autograph signature of Sarah's brother, Peter Updike............ (T)

1779. Peter Updike marries Mary Van Camp ................... ...(T)

1783. Peter is mentioned as son in will of his father John ............ (T)

1784. Peter Updike and William snbscribe to minister's salary Princeton. ("Princeton and its Institutions.")

1795. Peter Updike appears as Ruling Elder on the records of the old Presbyterian Church of Princeton.

1803. Peter Updike of Montgomery, Somerset Co., buys 110 acres in Montgomery, adjoining Oliver Hunt, Ralph Lane & Zebulon Leigh, for $1,866. (S) .

1807. Peter Updike of Montgomery buys land in Montgomery township, adjoining himself, Jacob Updike, William Updike, John Heath, Henry Munroe, and the Great Road from Rocky Hill to Pennington for $2,200. (S)

1807. Peter Updike of Montgomery, Somerset Co., and Mary his wife, sell 32 acres for $64. . (S)

5TH GENERATION; JOHN UPDIKE JR. - 257

1809. Peter Updike is mentioned in Statement of Executors of Isaac Updike, as brother of Isaac, William, Lawrence and Roliph. . . (F)

1810. Peter Updike of Montgomery and Mary his wife sell 4 acres for $60. (S) 1813. The same sell 12 acres in Montgomery for $300, and 9 acres for $235.

1813. The same sell 86 acres, adjoining Oliver Hunt, Ralph Lane & (S) h Savidge. for $1,440, to Aaron Updike (their son). . . (S)

1818. Peter Updike of Montgomery, Somerset, dies intestate. Administrators Aaron Updike of Hunterdon and Ralph Johnson of Somerset. Inventory of personal property $2,712, including "goods in the store, $177." (S)

1819. The heirs of Peter Updike, namely: "Garrett and his wife Jerusha of Somerset, Aaron and his wife Rebecca of Hunterdon, John V. and his wife Elizabeth of Somerset, and Rebecca and her husband Richard Brown of Somerset," join, in selling 1012 acres on the road from Princeton to Blawenburg, and another ten acres, for $4,462. (S)

1819. Garrett, Aaron and John V. Updike, with wives as above, (heirs of Peter), sell their three-fourths part of 112 acres for $1,699...... (S)

1830. Mary Updike, late of Montgomery, Somerset, (widow of Peter), dies intestate. Administrator appointed.......................... (S)

For descendants of Peter Updike see Chapter J.

JOHN UPDIKE JR.

(Son of John, p. 206; Son of Lawrence, p 185; Son of Johannes, p. 154; Son of Louris,

p. 136.)

Born about 1758, died 1815; married Mary .... ; was a farmer in old Montgomery township, Somerset Co., N. J., and in Seneca Co., N. Y. Owing to his migration to Seneca County, and death there in 1815, he is not clearly remembered by the Updikes of Tompkins County, N. Y., nor by those of New Jersey. Of his own grandchildren there has been found only one now living, and her memory is impaired by age. The following extracts from correspondence and records are however conclusive as to his place in the family tree.

Mrs. Mary Wilson, of Kewanee, Illinois, writes that she lived with her father Jeremiah near Princeton, N. J., until she was seven years old, (which was in 1821); that her father used to carry her across Stony Brook to the house of her aunt Charity (Dumont); that there lived close by Stony Brook a William Updike whom her father always spoke of as "Uncle," and whom she has always understood to have been her grandfather's brother; that her grandfather lived somewhere in New York State, but she never lived near him and does not remember his name; that she has heard her father say that his father removed to New York State when the Indians were thick there; that she was a baby when her grandfather died (1815); that her father Jeremiah removed from New Jersey to Tompkins County, N. Y., with his family in 1821.

258 - AMERICAN DESCENDANTS OF THE HOLLAND FAMILY.

Charles J. Updike, of Centreburg, Ohio, says that his grandfather Jeremiah was born and married in Montgomery township, near Princeton, N. J.; moved in 1821 to Hector, Tompkins County, N. Y., and in 1839 to Knox County, Ohio; and has told him that he was distantly related to some grandchildren of William Updike of Stony Brook near Princeton.

William Updike's grandchildren, referred to, lived formerly in Ohio near Jeremiah; they write that they frequently talked with Jeremiah about their, relationship, and they think that their grandfather William and Jere- miah's father were brothers.

A granddaughter of Peter Updike, in Hopewell, N. J., remembers going; when a child to the Cedar Grove school-house with the children of Jeremiah; Updike who lived near by, and who afterward moved West with his children when she was ten years old (1821).

A grandson of William Updike, in Batavia, Ill., recalls a "Jerry Updike from Tompkins County visiting Grandfather's house and calling him Uncle." Another grandson of William, living in Ohio, writes that William was, brother to the father of Jeremiah. A granddaughter of William, in Pennington, N. J., writes that Jeremiah was son of her grandfather's brother John.

The conclusion seems therefore certain that the John Jr. mentioned in the will of his father John Updike, in 1783, was the John Updike who was father of Jeremiah, and who lived near Cherry Valley in Somerset, N. J., and in Seneca Co., N. Y.

Records of Somerset Co., N. J.

1783. John Updike Jr. mentioned in will of his father John Updike , of Somerset Co., N. J ... (T)

1784. "John Updike 7r." is engaged in a small law-suit.

1785. "John Updike Jr." appears again in same suit.

1785. "John Updike Jr." is engaged in law-suit with Levi Updike.

1792. Surveyors of Hillsborough, Maidenhead, Hopewell, and Trenton Townships, relay the road from Blawenburg to Princeton,- "Beginning at Blawenburg * * * to the great road leading from Pennington to Rocky Hill, across said road South to John Updike's land * * * thence Southeast to Peter Updike's land * * * thence Southeast to Thomas Stockton * * * Robert Stockton * * * Richard Stockton * * * Princeton." (This places John Updike's farm at Cherry Valley, near Princeton.)

1795. "John Updike Jr." is witness with Abraham Updike to a conyance to Jacob Updike of Montgomery.

1805. "John Updike of Seneca Co., N. Y.," and his wife Mary who is daughter of one of the heirs of Jeremiah Smith deceased of Franklin, Somerset Co., N. J., convey her one-eighth of land in Franklin, Somerset, on road from Kingston to Frederick Cruse's mill, being a house and 19 acres.

For the descendants of John Updike Jr. see Chapter K.

5TH GENERATION; GEORGE OPDYCKE.259

GEORGE OPDYCKE.

(Son of Esq. John, p. 217; Son of Albert, p. 191; Son of Johannes, p. 154; Son of Louris,

p. 136.)

Born about 1743, died in 1795; married Sophia Baker; was a miller and farmer at Milltown, Kingwood township, Hunterdon County, N. J.

George is spoken of in his father's will, 1777, as his "heir," and given ten Pounds and a " Mulatto Slave James by Name for his Birth-right, over and above what I have Given him before this time. "George had already been presented by his father with the stone house and mill on Lockatong Creek, at Milltown in Kingwood. These buildings are still standing, as strong and durable as when first built, and are now the property of Watson E. Bugler. The house was a very handsome structure for those days, containing two full stories and a kitchen in the wing, with floor depressed a few feet below that of the main house, as was considered essential in early days. The stream, as it approaches the mill and passes on down a wooded gorge, is very beautiful, running over a wide bed of immense flat rocks and overhung by a high bank with tall drooping trees. George is known to have owned a large tract of land at Milltown. His old farm is said to be now very productive. There was a silver mine, near the old mill dam, which he would not deed away, but put a proviso in the deed of sale that his " descendants should have the whole benefit of it" if it were overworked. His original tract at Milltown is now divided into several farms, all held by strangers.

When General Washington was defeated on Long Island, driven from Westchester county, and pursued across New Jersey until he took refuge behind the Delaware river, the Jersey yeomen were much discouraged and the Tory element became rampant and aggressive, especially in Monmouth and Hunterdon. Even the Chairman of the Committee of Safety, and Judge of the Supreme Court of N. J., took a written protection from the British, thus renouncing allegiance to his State, and vacated his offices. The Provincial Congress of N. J. sent a large body of militia to apprehend the disaffected in Hunterdon. On July 12, 1776, "It appearing that opposition to the draughts was made in Captain Groendyck's Company, and George Updike and John Hornpence having attended before Congress upon a charge of being concerned, when no witnesses appeared to fig the charge upon any individuals; It is ordered that the Township of Kingswood take cognizance of the offence of the people of that Company." (Minutes of Prov. Cong. & Council Safety, N. .J.) This was the last notice of the matter, and the charge was doubtless found to be false. George's father, John Opdycke, had twice taken as Justice a special oath of allegiance to George III; Rev. William Frazer, the rector of the Episcopal Church at Ringos where the Opdyckes attended, was a strong loyalist; these facts

260 - AMERICAN DESCENDANTS OF THE HOLLAND FAMILY.

probably gave rise to the charge above described. The descendants of George Opdycke know that he was an earnest, fighting soldier on the American side, and that both he and his father were as strong "Rebels" in heart and deed as could be found. George and his two brothers were said to be among the " most portly and handsome soldiers in their regiment." Before the close of the Revolution he was elected Freeholder for Kingwood township, and his name appears on the county Minutes of Hunterdon County Court in that capacity; this could not have been the case unless he had the respect and confidence of his township which, like all Hunterdon, soon proved to be intensely devoted to the American cause.

George died in his stone house on his mill property, in the prime of life like his brothers. His widow married a Mr. Stewart in the Baptisttown church in 1797, and lived to the age of 103 years. The County Clerks have taken their usual liberty with the spelling of her name, writing it Sophia, Hermay and Temiah. She was Sophia Baker before her marriage; to George Opdycke, and Sophia Stewart after her second marriage.

George Opdycke's granddaughter, Theodosia R. Opdycke of Doylestown, Pa., reading in her Testament recently, found the following slip cut from an old newspaper death notice:

"Remarkable Longevity in New Jersey. Mrs. Zerviah Stewart, widow of David Stewart of gingwood, Hunterdon County, died on the 31st ult., at the advanced age of 103 years 7 months and 19 days. By her first husband George Opdycke she had eleven children. Including them, her descendants are as follows: 84 grandchildren, 180 great-grandchildren, and 39 great-great-grandchildren; making altogether 314 descendants at the time of her death.

Mrs. Rev. Dr. P. A. Studdiford, of Lambertville, N. J., writes:

"My grandmother was an Opdycke," (Sarah Larew). "I remember visiting her mother, my great-grandmother, at Headquarters on her 101st. birthday. She was Sophia Stewart, her second husband's name having been Stewart. I was quite young at the time I visited her, in company with my father. She was somewhat childish, but I recollect my father asking her how she passed the time, as she was then too feeble to knit much or walk far, and could not see well enough to read. Her reply was quite striking to my childish mind and I never forgot it. `I say over the psalms and hymns that I learned when I was young.' As I write, there comes to me a story she then told, * * * but it is in too shadowy a form to rely on * * * about a pedlar and Washington. I think my father spoke of Mrs. Stewart's shaking hands with Washington according to the most accepted style of old stories."

Records.

1781. George Opdycke, Freeholder at Kingwood, attends the meetings of the County Boards. (F)

1795. George Opdycke dies intestate. Admtrs., Temiah Opdycke and Luther Opdycke.. (F)

1796. The widow and heirs of George Opdycke, deceased of Kingwood, appear before "Richard Opdycke and Joseph Reading two of the Jus-

5TH GENERATION; SAMUEL OPDYCKE. - 261

tices of the peace of Hunterdon County" and "manumit and set free James Cullen the Mulatto slave late the property of the said George Opdvcke deceased." Signed "Hermay Opdycke, Samuel Opdycke, Margaret Warford, Elijah Opdycke, Rachel Opdycke and David Van Sickle.". .. (F)

(This is one of the first manumissions of slaves in Hunterdon.)

1799. "Children of George Opdycke deceased of Kingwood; Margaret Warford, Mary Van Sickle, Rachel Opdycke, George Opdycke and Sophia Opdycke," join in some proceeding. (F)

1805. "The children of George Opdycke deceased of Kingwood" join in a partition regarding his one-fifth share of land in Hopewell of which the other four-fifths are described as belonging to Thomas Stevenson, . John Wolverton, Abby Barnes and Isaac Rittenhouse. Signed by said children as follows: "Margaret Warford, Mary Van Sickle, Rachel Opdycke, George Opdycke, Sophia Pierson, Sarah Larew and Abby Opdycke minor." (F)

1809. "The heirs of George Opdycke deceased of Kingwood" sell for $320. nine acres in Hopewell, " being George Opdvcke's one-fifth divided interest of Baker's Lot" Signed by: "George Opdycke and Anna his wife, William Bailey and Margaret his wife, David Van Sickle and Mary his wife, Elijah Opdycke and Rachel his wife, Isaac Larew and Sarah his wife, Samuel Pierson and Sophia his wife, and Sophia Stewart."

1815. Partition of 375 acres among heirs of George Opdycke deceased. (F)

For the descendants of George Opdycke see Chapter L.

SAMUEL OPDYCKE.

(Son of Esq. John, p. 217; Son of Albert, p. 191; Son of Johannes, p. 154; Son of Louris,

p. 136.)

Born 1749, died 1801, married Susannah Robeson ; was a miller and farmer in Amwell (now Delaware) township, Hunterdon county, N. J.

His handsome autograph is taken from his marriage bond of Dec. 7, 1775, on file in the vaults of the Secretary of State at Trenton ; two years later, when he was executor of his father's will, his signature was almost precisely the same. His father, having already given him a fine farm and mill, bequeathed him the mill tools and utensils, and "one Negro man Robbin by Name," who could tend mill on rainy days, or when Samuel was absent on his important executorship duties which were not completed in 24 years.

Samuel's stone house and mill still stand, on Wickhecheoke Creek, one mile west of Sergeantsville, two miles from Headquarters, and almost in the center of the triangle made by the properties of his father and brothers. On my visit to this spot I found a solid old two-story house, with an extension as in the residences of his brothers George and Thomas. While the skillful photographer, J. C. Sunderlin, was arranging his camera, I

262 - AMERICAN DESCENDANTS OF THE HOLLAND FAMILY.

called out to the present occupant standing in the door of his mill, "Who built this house and mill ?" "I don't know," he replied, "my grandfather bought them 80 years ago!" I informed him, "My great-great-grandfather's brother built them 135 years ago." The miller was at first inclined to resent this as a bad joke, and incredulously asked the name of the builder. But on being told it was John Opdycke, he said, "I believe you are right, for his initials are on the house !" He then showed me, carved on a large square stone over the front door

M.

I. O. 1754.

These are for John Opdycke and his wife Margaret, I standing for J in all old carving. It is well known in the family that Esq. John erected these buildings and gave them with a large farm to his son Samuel. A deed from Samuel's son John in 1805 to Charles Sergeant, for 2,500 Pounds, for 130 acres in Amwell, is on record. The mill has been known for many years as "Green Sergeant's." Wandering artists have often photographed these buildings, for they are among the most ancient in West Jersey. The house stands unaltered, as it was 20 years before the commencement of the A Revolutionary War. Its age is realized on seeing, within, the sagging of the great oak floor-beams and ceiling-timbers, which are just as solid as ever but have been less rigid than the stone walls.

Samuel is said to have fought for his country at the battle of Princeton. His bond was deemed good for 500 Pounds, and was probably good for ten times as much. He married the only child of an old English sea-captain, Joseph Robeson of the family of Robesons at Oxford Furnace, then Sussex Co. Ex-Secretary Robeson of Grant's cabinet belongs to the same family. Little is remembered concerning Samuel Opdycke by his descendants, because he and his wife both died when their children were young. The children were brought up by their grandfather Joseph Robeson, who left them all his property.

Among a list of the Vestry of St. Andrew's Church at Ringoes, appear in Sept. 17, 1785, the names of Joseph Robeson, Samuel Opdycke, Robert Stevenson and John Stevenson. About eight miles north of Sergeantsville, is St. Thomas' Church, the oldest church building in Hunterdon Co. The author has been told by his two aged aunts, born and reared in that neighborhood, that this Church of St. Thomas', known as "the old Alexandria Church," was "closed after the death of the old Opdyckes, who were its leading members and who belonged to the other branch of the family, John's branch." The original building was frame, built in 1728, from which a girder and other timbers still appear in the present stone church erected in 1768. Snell's History of Hunterdon County says that the church was closed early in the present century and regular services entirely suspended on account of the membership having become small; and that it was

5TH GENERATION; THOMAS OPDYCKE. - 263

reopened in 1822, when Margaret Opdycke conducted the Sunday-school. This Margaret was Samuel's daughter, and the date of closing of the church tallies with the deaths of Samuel and his brothers, who all died about the beginning of this century. It is probable that the Opdyckes attended generally St. Andrew's which was nearer, and that they rode up to St. Thomas' in pleasant weather; the two churches had the same rector and were sup ported by the same fund. It is even probable that Samuel's father, old Esq. John, frequently entertained at Headquarters the first clergyman in his monthly comings from Trenton, and escorted him on horseback to this. forest sanctuary of St. Thomas' in the very earliest days of its existence, 40 years before the Revolution.

Records.

1775. Dec. 7. Samuel Opdycke of Hunterdon marries Susannah Robeson of Amwell... (T)

1777. Samuel Opdycke is executor of will of his father John Opdycke. (T)

1779. Samuel Opdyke, Overseer of Road, and Constable. (Amwell Town Book.)

1781 & 1789. Samuel Opdyke, Overseer (Amwell Town Book.)

1782. "Samuel Obdike & John Buchannan, Exr's of John Obdike" sue several parties in Somerset Co. (S)

1787. Board of Freeholders meets at the house of " Samuel Obdike of Amwell," and considers the propriety of repairing " a bridge on Whichicoke Creek near " Samuel Obdike's mill."Ordered repaired "provided Samuel Obdike keeps the pillars and Buttment in good repair at his own expence for and during the Term of 50 Years from this date to come." Bond of 500 Pounds given, signed Sam'l Opdyck. (F)

1799. Samuel Opdycke of Amwell sells four acres in Amwell, adjoining Thomas Opdycke, on south side of Wachachoke Creek, for 50 Pounds. Witness George Opdycke...(F)

His wife, not joining in above deed, was probably deceased.

1801. He dies intestate. Administrator John Opdycke (his son). (T)

1802. John Opdycke, Admt'r, files an account of $1,238. (F)

1804. "The heirs of Joseph Robeson of Amwell, all being his grand-children," sell 207 acres in Amwell " on which Joseph Robeson died." Deed signed by: Hannah Opdycke, wife of Daniel Latourette; Mary Opdycke, wife of Peirson Reading; Margaret Opdycke; Nancy Opdycke; John Opdycke. Property purchased by John Opdycke, one of the heirs, at a valuation of $6,000.....(F)

For the descendants of Samuel Opdycke see Chapter M.

THOMAS OPDYCKE.

(Son of Esq. John, p. 217; Son of Albert, p. 191; Son of Johannes, p. 154; Son of Louris,

p. 136.)

Born 1756, died 1805; married Anne --; was a miller and farmer in Amwell (pow Delaware) Township, Hunterdon Co., N. J.

264 - AMERICAN DESCENDANTS OF THE HOLLAND FAMILY.

At the age of 19, Thomas was given 267 acres by his father. Two years later John bequeathed him horses, cows, oxen, and "one Negro boy touey by Name, also one Hundred and ffifty Pounds proc'I money." It is thought in the family that his father gave Thomas, like his brothers, a stone house and mill; but the records below seem to show that Thomas purchased a mill at Sheriff's sale, and in paying for it used a part of the land given him by his father.

Thomas is known to have owned and occupied the stone house and mill on Wickhecheoke Creek, one mile north of his brother Samuel and a little south of Locktown. His mill was somewhat smaller, and his house larger, than those of his brothers; like those, they are still standing as solid as when built. Their location is pretty and the creek makes an attractive view as it dashes and foams over its round rocks down the gorge to the mill. The property has been known for years past as Elisha Rittenhouse's Mill., but is now owned by Robert Holcombe.

Thomas died at 49 years of age, his wife at 73, and the tombstones of both, with clear inscriptions, stand in the family burial-ground at Headquarters.

Records.

1775. Thomas Opdyke receives from his father John a Deed for 267 acres in Amwell "on the south side of the King's Road, for five shilling love and tender regard."...(T)

1784. Thomas Opdyke, Overseer. (Amwell Town Book. )

1790. Thomas Opdyke buys the dower of the wife of Benjamin Tyson in a mill and meadow in Amwell, "bought by Thomas Opdycke at Sheriff's sale."...(F)

1790. Thomas Opdyclce, yeoman of Amwell, and Anna his wife, sell to Benjamin Tyson 107 acres out of the 267 acres in Amwell given Thomas in 1775 by his father. Consideration 410 Pounds........(F)

1793. Thomas Opdyke is paid 11 pounds 18 sh. 5 d. in hard money for services rendered in building Court House. Samuel Opdyke is paid 2 pounds 11 sh. 7 d. in paper money for the same...(F.).

1801. Thomas Opdyclce of Amwell and his wife Anna sell to Elisha Retting-house 248 acres in Amwell adjoining Whichca oak Brook, for $1,333.....(F).,

1801. Thomas Opdycke of Amwell, buys 112 acres in Amwell, on Whichsackeoak Brook, at head of Mill-dam, corner of Thomas Opdycke, from Elisha Rittenhouse. .. (F)

1802. Of Amwell, and Anna his wife, sell Aaron Barcroft of Kingwood 30 acres in Kingwood for $533. Thomas Opdycke had bought this property the same year for the same price...(F)

1805. Of Amwell, died intestate. Administrator Luther Opdycke.....(T)

1816. The heirs of Thomas Opdyke, deceased of Hunterdon Co.., obtain an order of partition. The property was reported not divisible, and thereupon ordered to be sold. Sold 112 acres at $40 per acre, making $4,480. The following sign: Mary Opdycke, wife of John Trimmer; Margaret Opdycke, wife of Aaron Baarcroft; Susan Opdycke, wife of Edward Hudnut; Joseph Opdycke; Elizabeth Opdycke; Nancy dycke, minor.... (F)

1816. Nancy Opdyclce, minor: Elisha Rittenhouse appointed Guardian...(F)

5TH GENERATION; ESQ. RICHARD OPDYCKE. - 265

1858. Sarah Opdycke of Kingwood makes her will, probated 1864, bequeathing her property to: her sister Nancy Barcroft's sons, Wm. H. & Aaron Barcroft; her deceased brother Joseph's children; her deceased sister Susan's children; her sister Margaret Barcroft; her sister Nancy Barcroft; her sister Elizabeth; residue to Sarah, wife of Opdycke Arnwine....(F)

For the descendants of Thomas Opdycke see Chapter N.

ESQ. RICHARD OPDYCKE.

(Son of Joshua, p. 224; Son of Albert, p. 191; Son of Johannes, p. 154; Son of Louris,

p. 136.)

Born about 1740, died 1825: married 1st Grace Thatcher, 2d Diana Sutton: was a farmer and Justice of Peace in Kingwood, Hunterdon Co., N. J. Richard was in office more than 40 years. The ages of his 12 children averaged, at their death, 75 years, and the ages of 12 of his grandchildren now living average 74 years. There are therefore abundant records and personal recollections. concerning this noteworthy man.

He was the eldest son and the executor of his father Joshua. The latter presented all his elder children with fine farms during his own lifetime. Richard's farm was near Barbertown, only a short distance from his father's. On this Richard built about 1765 a handsome stone house which still stands in excellent condition, looking like an old English home; so attractive in its neatness and commanding so pretty a view that one feels it would be a pleasant spot to live and die in.

About 1766 Richard married Grace Thatcher, a southern girl of much beauty, whose father owned a large plantation in Georgia, and whose brother is said to have been a Member of Congress from that State. Five sons bad been born to Richard when the call came for Jersey troops in the Revolution. He at once left his oldest boy, a lad of 10 years, at home to plough, joined the army and took part in several battles including that of Monmouth. His son Daniel, who lived 95 years, often used to tell how, while left in charge at home, he walked to Frenchtown to see Burgoyne's army as prisoners of war, ferried over the Delaware. They had been brought down from New England through northern New Jersey, and were billeted one night among the settlers about Mt. Pleasant and Everittstown, on their way to the interior of Virginia where they were farmed out, awaiting exchange.

266 - AMERICAN DESCENDANTS OF THE HOLLAND FAMILY.

Richard was six feet tall, well-proportioned and muscular. A story comes from the Updikes of New York State that he once lifted a rock, placed it upon a stump, and wondered if he would ever have a son who could lift it down. If so, his doubts were removed; for he had nine sons, all but one 6 feet high or more, and all men of great strength. One of his grandsons has been told by an old man, now dead, that when a boy he was once at Richard's farm, and saw four or five of Richard's sons mowing in the meadow in front of the house, and that they were the largest men he ever saw together. Some of their feats of strength will be described in their sketches.

Richard was one of the Hunterdon County Board who in 1775, under authority of the Provincial Congress, ordered the " Striking 100,000 Pounds on Bills of credit` * * * and the Sinking the same," for the support of the Jersey regiments in Washington's army; and who also imposed a tax upon the "Exempts from the militia."

From 1781 until his death in 1825, Richard was almost, if not quite, continuously Justice of the Peace; sat eleven years on the bench of the Court of Common Pleas; seemed to be a favorite Esquire for marriage-rites and for legal business; was frequently Member and Director of the Board of Freeholders; was in great demand as executor and guardian; and was an active member of the Baptisttown Church where be was often called upon to preside at meetings.

"Squire Richard" is well remembered as a tall, dignified, reserved man, wearing knee-breeches, and his hair in a bag; walking lame from a white swelling.

He sent one of his sons to Georgia with power of attorney to dispose of a plantation there which had been devised to Grace Thatcher. It was a val uable property, and the occupants were unwilling to give up possession; but after some trouble and sending a second son, possession was obtained, and the plantation finally sold.

After the death of Grace Thatcher, who was the mother of all his children, Richard married in 1802 Diana Sutton, a widow nee Bonham, who died in 1810; her daughter Prudence Sutton became the wife of Richard's son Jeremiah. Richard gave 100 acres to each of his farmer sons, and 50 acres to those who had learned trades, a trade being regarded as worth a farm. His daughters also received from their father landed property; and from their mother they inherited not only property but great person beauty. Richard lies buried in the Sutton graveyard near Sand Brook an Flemington.

Records.

1775, June 17. Richard Opdycke Freeholder at a Meeting of Justices and. Freeholders of Hunterdon Co. Officers were elected under an Act of Assembly, entitled an " Act for Striking 100,000 Pounds on Bills of credit and directing the mode for Sinking the same.". . . . . (F)

5TH GENERATION; ESQ. LUTHER OPDYCKE. - 267

1776. Richard Opdycke, Freeholder................................ (F)

1777. Tax collected from "Exempts from the Militia," 469 Pounds.... (F)

1778. Tax collected from "Exempts from the Militia," 460 Pounds ... (F)

1781, 1783, 1794, 1796, 1799, 1801 to 1804, 1807 to 1814, 1819, 1824. Richard Opdycke appears as Justice upon Hunterdon Co. records.... (F)

1801, 1803, 1806, 1811. He appears as Judge of Common Pleas...... (F)

1794 to 1797, 1800, 1801, 1803, 1804. He appears as Freeholder...... (F)

1788. Trustee of Baptist Church of Kingwood and Amwell ........... (F)

The Baptisttown church is said to have been built in 1741; its records commence in 1742; they show that Joshua Opdycke and his sons Richard and Luther, were prominent members of the church, and were frequently called upon to preside, and took an active part in all church matters.

1789. Executor of his father Joshua................................ (F)

1790. Executor of Jeremiah Thatcher of Kingwood................. (F)

1798. Guardian of Rebecca, daughter of John Gray ............. ....(F)

1799. Executor of William Hoagland ........... .............. . . . . (F)

1804. Director of Board of Freeholders ............................ (F)

1809. Attorney of Henry L. Wilson of Virginia, to lease or sell his land in Kingwood ..... (F)

1809. He sells his son Jeremiah 127 acres in Kingwood for $2,000.....(F)

1825. He dies intestate in Kingwood. Administrators are (his nephew) George Opdycke, and Robert Wells. Personal property inventoried at $5,552, including all claims.............. (F)

For children of Esq. Richard Opdycke see Chapter O.

ESQ. LUTHER OPDYCKE.

Son of Joshua, p. 224; Son of Albert, p. 191; Son of Johannes, p. 154; Son of Louris,

p. 136.)

Born March 29, 1750, died 1838; married 1st. Gertrude Hall, 2d. Ruth Sinclair, 3d. Mary Dalrymple; was a farmer and Justice of Peace in Kingwood and Alexandria, Hunterdon Co., N. J.

Luther is well remembered; he reached the age of 88 years, three of his sons reached or passed the age of 80, and there are yet living seventeen of the children of his sons, and the widow (aged 93) of his youngest son. The County and State Records contain Luther's doings during sixty years. He was Justice of Peace fifty years and it is said that no decision of his was ever reversed; during a considerable part of this time he was Associate Judge in the Court of Common Pleas or in the Surrogate's Court. He was repeatedly Freeholder, and continually administrator or guardian of persons and estates. He was one of the judges presiding at Flemington in a famous murder-trial of a colored lad, James Guise or "Little Jim," convicted of killing his mistress with an ox-yoke and hanged Nov. 28, 1828. He is to

268 - AMERICAN DESCENDANTS OF THE HOLLAND FAMILY.

this day always spoken of as Squire Luther, and the author has never heard his name mentioned without this title.

In the Revolutionary War he was a commissioned officer, Ensign, or what is now called 2d. Lieutenant. It is said that he served through the greater part of the Revolution, and one of his grandchildren remembers hearing him relate his experience in several battles and in many hardships. His father Joshua gave him 200 acres or more on Nioglin Creek, a part of the old homestead farm. Here Luther built about 1770 "the old red house," in which all his children were born and four generations of the family have lived, and which is still standing 1/2 mile from Barbertown; it is now the property of Jacob Wilson. Luther gave this farm to his oldest son George upon the latter's marriage, and built in 1800 the stone house, barn and mill at Nississackaway in Alexandria, where he continued to reside until his death in 1838. This house and barn still stand, not far from Everittstown. Only the ruins of his stone mill now remain, it having been replaced in 1846 by a frame mill built by his grandson Wholston Vanderbelt, and now owned by Joseph Wilson and known as Wilson's Mill.

Luther had a strong character. He acquired five or six farms, owned and ran two mills and a distillery; married three wives, and was occasionally a Baptist preacher. He gave or devised a farm to each of his sons, and bequeathed property to his daughters. The grist-mills and the flour of Hunterdon were famous. The mill-streams were thickly dotted too with distilleries, for the War of the Revolution had introduced the general use of spirits; and the pure juice of the apple filled every cellar, welcomed and sped every guest. Luther was Deacon in the old Baptisttown church and always gave out the hymns; he sometimes preached there, and more often in the church at Locktown, good strong lay-sermons, which many came some distance to hear, as is told by J. B. Calvin an aged former resident of Kingwood.

Luther's first wife was Gertrude Hall, who was the mother of all his children. Her father Theodore Hall was born in England and came with his brother Jacob to the neighborhood of Philadelphia. Theodore married Gertrude Gordon in 1729, moved to kingwood in 1757, living near the east bank of the Delaware, engaging in the milling business on the west side. He was drowned by the upsetting of his canoe while crossing the river during a freshet; his wife died in 1805, aged 95. Their daughter Gertrude spent her youth in Virginia with her older brother and sister who had settled there; soon, after her father's death, she returned to New Jersey and was married to Luther. After her death Luther married Mrs. Ruth Sinclair, a widow, who died in 1835; he then married Mary Dalrymple.

Esq. Luther is remembered as a solidly-built, square-shouldered man, not quite six feet tall, weighing 185 pounds but not corpulent, dressed in the old-fashioned short-clothes.

5TH GENERATION; ESQ. LUTHER OPDYCKE. - 269

He is said to have been a very rapid writer, going over his manuscript afterward to cross the is and dot the i's. A letter written by him in 1819 is in possession of the author, and shows a rapid and neat hand. His will, written by himself at the age of 77 years, naturally shows the effect of age. His family bible is now in the possession of his great-grandson at Frenchtown; the following is an exact copy of his own entries:

"Luther Opdycke, his book and hand.

"March ye 29th., 1750, was born Luther Opdycke.

On Monday, December ye 6, A. D. 1773, was born George Opdycke.

On Wednesday, Feb. 22d., 1775, was born Joseph Opdycke.

On Saturday, June 21, 1777, was born Sarah Opdycke.

"April ye 26th, 1780, departed this life Sarah Opdycke.

On Wednesday, ye first day of Dec. 1779, was born Rebekah Opdycke.

On Friday, Oct. ye 26, 1781, was born Amos Opdycke.

On May ye nineteenth, 1784, was born Luther Opdycke.

On Thursday, ye 30th. November 1786, was born James Opdycke.

On Friday, December ye 19, 1788, was born Gertrude Opdycke.

On Saturday, August 17, 1792, was born Hall Opdycke."

Luther was buried in the Baptisttown churchyard. His seven children who survived him were tall, robust, and all but one long-lived; few of their descendants have remained in Hunterdon.

Records.

1781. Luther Opdyke, Ensign in Captain Cornelius Johnson's company, 3rd. Regiment Hunterdon Militia, Nov. 5,1781. (Official Rolls of N. J. Soldiers in the Revolution, in the office of Adj. Gen. of N. J., at Trenton.)

1782. 1787. 1801. 1803. 1809. Luther Opdycke appears as Freeholder upon the Records of Hunterdon Co. (F)

1801. 1806. 1810. 1811. 1816. 1817. 1821. 1826. 1832. Luther Opdycke appears as Judge of Court of Common Pleas on the Hunterdon Co. Records. (F)

1810 to 1825. He appears as Judge in Surrogate's Court on Hunterdon Co. Records. (F)

1801. 1802. 1803. 1807. 1808. 1809. 1811. 1816. 1817. 1819. 1820. 1821. 1826. He appears as Justice on Hunterdon Co. Records. (F)

1787. He was appointed Guardian of person and estate of Thomas Tomlinson; and the nest year, of Francis, Dinah and Sarah Tomlinson. (F)

1795. Appointed Administrator of George Opdycke (son of Esq. John). (F)

1805. Appointed Administrator of Thomas Opdycke (son of Esq. John). (F)

1809. Appointed Guardian of Moses A. Taylor of Alexandria. (F)

1801. He buys 279 acres in Kingwood from J. Thatcher, J. Davies and Philip Young; paying $533 for two-sevenths, 100 Pounds for one seventh, 82 Pounds for another seventh. (F)

1801. He and his wife Gertrude sell for $3,138, 261 acres in Kingwood, bought from heirs of Barcalow in 1790-2, part of 312 acres located by Council of Proprietors 1711 to George Biles. (F)

1803. He and "Getty his wife " sell for $351, 29 acres; witness Rebecca Jones, (his daughter). (F)

1803. He and "Getty his wife" sell to Samuel Base, 40 acres, for 200 Pounds; witness Rebecca Jones. (F)

1810. He buys 87 acres in Alexandria from John and Rebecca Opdycke, for 700 Pounds (F)

270 - AMERICAN DESCENDANTS OF THE HOLLAND FAMILY.

1838. His will probated, reading as follows;

"I Luther Opdycke of the Township of Alexandria, County of Hunterdon, and State of New Jersey, Being of Sound mind and memory do make and publish this for my Last will and Testament.

First I give and bequeath to my son Hall Opdycke the Mill and farm, where he lives now so far as it lyes on the line of Amos Opdycke's Land, and from thence all on the North side of his Mill Brook to the west line of said farm with the use of the water of said Brook, and also a water Course for which I have a Deed, through land of Amos Opdycke, and also the scales and weights in the Mill.

Second I give to my Daughter Gertrude Snyder, all that Lot, or piece of Land which I Bought of John Opdycke, and joining the farm whereon he now lives.

third I give to my son Luther Opdycke all my wearing apparel.

fourth it is my will that all the Residue of my Estate real and personal be sold together or in parts as it may be to the most advantage or benefit to the estate and my Exctors to make the necessary Deeds &c. and sails as soon as may be &c.

fifth that my Extors pay all my j ust Debts, and after paying all my Debts and expences, that the Residue of my Estate be Divided into five equil parts and my sons George Opdycke, Joseph Opdycke, Amos Opdycke and Luther Opdycke, each to have one shair, or part, and the other shair or part to be equilly Divided between my Daughters Rebekah Jones, and Gertrude Snyder.

sixth I appoint my sons George Opdycke, and Amos Opdycke, my Exctors, to this my last Testament and will in witness whereof I have hereto set my hand and seal this twelf Day of September in the year of our Lord Eighteen Hundred and twenty seven.

My land to be sold is the farm on which I live with the land of the mill place south of sd. Brook the Lott where Isaac Bloom lives, a Lott joining John Kitchen, the Bowrauce Lott, & 2 Lotts near Quaker Town.

Luther Opdycke."

Adam Lennard Junr

Elias Lennard

Peter Lennard" (State Vaults.)

The personal estate was inventoried at $2,097. (Same.)

For the descendants of Esq. Luther Opdycke see Chapter P.

JOHN OPDYKE.

(Son of William, p. 230; Son of Albert, p. 191; Son of Johannes, p. 154; Son of Louris,

p. 136.)

Born about 1740, died 1819; married Rebecca Wharton; was a miller near Washington, Warren Co., N. J.

He is known to have been born, reared, and married in Maidenhead township near Trenton; there also, were born all or nearly all of his 14 children. He and his wife often talked to their grandchildren about "Shoe makers Mills " and they are supposed to have resided there; the locality of this place is not known, but a granddaughter who lived longest with her grandmother understood that it was near Trenton. At all events, John

5TH GENERATION; WILLIAM OPDYKE. - 271

moved over 100 years ago from near Trenton to Sherrerds Mills, near Brasscastle and two miles west of Washington, in Sussex (now Warren) County, N. J. Here he lived over 40 years, and here he was buried Christmas day, 1819. The old Sherrerds Mills were afterward called Warren's Mills, but have been torn down and replaced by a fine brick building, now known as Mattison's Mill.

John's wife, Rebecca Wharton, was a Quakeress and survived her husband 12 years. Her granddaughter Mrs. Elizabeth Lanning, now at Tecumseh, Michigan, lived with her as long as she kept house and remembers the old lady's brother Moses Wharton and other Quaker relatives often visiting her, coming in a Quaker carriage and dressed in Quaker costume.

John was a miller, and after his death his son Samuel ran the same mills (Sherrerds Mills) a number of years. John's older sons did not accompany him from Trenton to Warren county, but removed to Albany and Troy, or remained about Trenton. His daughters however came with him or settled near him in Warren and Morris counties. This separation has led to a much regretted failure of correspondence between the children on the two sides; and the author has had the pleasure of informing each of the whereabouts of the others, after a loss of knowledge during 75 years.

John's descendants have been almost all millers, prosperous and worthy. They remember well the stories about John's brother William, a Continental soldier of the Revolution, who lived in Sussex and northern Hunterdon; but naturally have forgotten about the other brothers who remained in Maidenhead near Trenton.

1761, Oct. 6. " Surveyed the following Stubble Field for Sam'l Severns at Opdykes Mill in Grenage, Beginning at an Apple Tree by the side of the pond and thence" &c.. .. . . (Dr. Jno. Rockhill's Field Notes.)

Dr. Henry Race, who is excellent authority on antiquarian subjects in northern New Jersey, writes: "Sam'l Severn's land, as I learn from other surveys, was on the Pohatcong Creek in Greenwich Township, (then Sussex Co.) * * * There are only three mills on the Pohatcong, namely: Kennedy's, one some two or three miles above on the same stream, and that at Brasscastle. The survey of the Opdyke (Severns) Mill locates it in `Grenage,' and on the Pohatcong. * * * It seems to me quite probable that ' Shoemaker's Mill' was at Brasscastle."

For the descendants of John Opdyke see Chapter Q.

WILLIAM OPDYKE.

(Son of William, p. 230; Son of Albert, p. 191; Son of Johannes, p. 154; Son of Louris

p. 136.)

Born 1755, died 1822; married Sarah Palmer; lived near Trenton until 1790, then moved to Clinton in Hunterdon Co., then to Stillwater in Sus-

272 - AMERICAN DESCENDANTS OF THE HOLLAND FAMILY.

sex Co., and finally settled at New, Germantown in Hunterdon, where he remained until his death.

William, Continental soldier of the Revolution, is well remembered by all his own descendants and by those of his brother John of Warren county; like John, having moved away from the old neighborhood at Trenton, he has been forgotten by the descendants of his other brothers who remained in Maidenhead.

His name was spelled Obdike upon the records of his Deeds at Trenton. One branch of his descendants have retained the spelling Obdyke until the present day, and are prominent in Philadelphia and in Blairstown, N. J. His other descendants have adhered to the spelling Opdyke, excepting a few of those in Pennsylvania.

His descendants in Bucks Co., Pa., remember that he was living in 1780 at the place now called Washington's Crossing just outside of the city of Trenton; that he was a soldier in the Revolution and attended General Washington; that he was a miller by trade and ran the mills at Clinton, N. J., after Independence was declared; and they have often heard their fathers talk about William's brother Hope. William's grandson, John W. Obdyke of Blairstown, N. J., has sent an interesting sketch of his grandfather, as follows

"My grandfather William was born in Hunterdon: He was a soldier in the Revolution, and always afterward drew a pension of $96 a year. He participated in the battles of Monmouth and Brandywine. After his time of enlistment had expired, he procured a team and worked for the Government until the war closed, accumulating some $3,000 and receiving his pay all in Continental money. He was on the point of purchasing a farm with the money and had partly agreed on the price and payments, but a neighbor persuaded him that he might do better by looking around for a few days. In the time of delay, the crash came and down went the Continental money on his hands. My father had some of the old cards in his time, only good to show his children how uncertain are fortunes. My grandfather tended mill in Hunterdon, at Bray's Mill (Clinton); from there he went to Stillwater in Sussex and tended mill for Mr. Shaffer and a Mr. Hunt some years. He then moved back to Hunterdon and settled in New Germantown which he made his home, going about the country to dress millstones. He lived many years at New Germantown, and there died. He and his wife were both buried in one grave at the same time, he having died in the afternoon and she the next morning. I know that my grandfather had a brother named Hope."

A contribution by Dr. John Blane of Hunterdon, to the Somerville Historical Magazine in 1873, says:

"At the junction of Spruce Run Creek and the South Branch of the Raritan, Hunt's Mills were about changing hands, the Hunt family having come here from Lawrenceville some years before, but then moving to Ohio. John W. Bray commenced improving the place and named it Clinton after Gov. De Witt Clinton of N. Y. who had just died."

This was probably the mill where the William Opdyke of this sketch was

5TH GENERATION; WILLIAM OPDYKE. - 273

first engaged in Hunterdon; he accompanied the Hunts from his and their native place Lawrenceville, and again went with one of them to Sussex county. Jacob Hunt of Stillwater, Sussex, married William Opdyke's daughter Martha. These Hunts were of the same old family of Ralph Hunt who came from Newtown, L. I., to New Jersey with Johannes Opdyck, and one of whose descendants was married to William's brother Robert Opdyke.

New Germantown, where William Opdyke resided and died, is an interesting spot for the historian. Its old "Zion Church " was almost an exact model of the Episcopal Church built by General Washington at Pohick Creek, Va. The very low walls were surmounted by an immense barrack shaped roof sloping to the four sides. The windows were small, square, and high from the ground, and the pulpit with its immense sounding-board was opposite the large doors. In the centre of the church, in the broad aisle, was a huge pit filled with glowing charcoal. There were five aisles, and at the sides two galleries, one containing a fine organ. The church was probably built by the English residents for Episcopal service, but was sold in 1749 to the German residents for Lutheran worship. The streets of the village were planted with tall poplars, imported from England. The old walls of Zion Church are now as strong and massive as the day they were laid. The following extract from the old Minutes of the Vestry is interesting in showing the depreciation of the Continental money, which ruined William Opdyke and many of his neighbors, for New Germantown sent many soldiers to the Revolution.

"There never was a time in any age or in any country, such a perplexity and uncertainty of money affairs and settling estates as we have seen in our present unhappy war since the year 1776, that therefore our successors need not wonder to see so many different actions recorded, neither can any in time to come believe what trouble and pains it required to save our little estate from destruction. From fol. 43 is to be seen in what manner the Legacy was paid to the corporation and how from time to time the money was secured and the interest settled. In the year 1779 the last settlement being made and the money depreciating from that time very fast, yea amazingly, it was not thought worth while to call the Vestry together until times might take a better turn. But this not happening, and being necessary to bring our little estate upon a better footing than the time would allow, the Vestry and some members of the congregation met the first time on March 19, 1781, to deliberate in what manner we could settle it and do justice to the Church and to the debtors. The money when received though not being of its full value then, was still looked upon as good in expectation that the war would soon be at an end. But finding the contrary, times growing worse from year to year, the money depreciating in an astonishing manner, also that by an established law of the present Government in the year 1780 the Continental or circulating money had lost already in '77 half its value, being according to law two for one, in '78 it became five for one in '79 twenty for one, in '80 sixty for one, in '81 one hundred and fifty for one, whereupon the money came entirely to no value at all, and consequently every one in the Continent had work enough to save his own from destruction," &c. &c.

274 - AMERICAN DESCENDANTS OF THE HOLLAND FAMILY.

Records.

William Opdike, Private New Jersey Continental Line.(Official Rolls of New Jersey Soldiers in the Revolution.)

William Updike, Private 3rd. Battallion, 1st. Establishment; Private Captain Patterson's company, 3rd. Battallion, 2nd. Establishment; probably same as William Opdike. (From Official Rolls of New Jersey Soldiers in the Revolution.)

1790. William Opdike of Hunterdon buys 1/4 acre in Trenton. (T)

1791. William Opdike of Trenton and Sarah his wife sell her one-thirteenth; part of 25 acres of land bought by John Bollen in 1759 in Pennington; John Bollen having left a daughter Mary who married Gershom Palmer of Hopewell and had issue Sarah Opdike; said land being situated on the middle of the road leading from Pennington Hopewell. (F)

1791. William Opdike of Hunterdon Co. and Sarah his wife sell 1/4 acre Trenton. (T)

1797. William Opdike and Sarah his wife of Hunterdon Co. sell 1 1/4 acres in Trenton. (T)

1822. William Opdike of Hunterdon County dies intestate; Letters Adm. issued to Henry Miller. ( F)

For the descendants of William Opdyke see Chapter R.

ROBERT OPDYKE.(Updike. )

(Son of William, p. 230; Son of Albert, p. 191; Son of Johannes, p. 154; Son of Louris,

p. 136.)

Born .... ; died 1820; married 1st. Abigail Hunt, 2d, Elizabeth Smith Ford; was a farmer in Lawrenceville, Hunterdon (now Mercer) County, N. J.

Robert was born, lived and died in the neighborhood where had been the homes of his father and grandfather, and near which his great-grandfather Johannes had settled and died. Robert was a Continental soldier in the Revolution, served several years, and was wounded in the hip at the battle of Brandywine, causing him to be lame until his death. He was once captured by the English and kept a while prisoner. He was of medium height, stout, strong, weighed nearly 200 pounds, was bald early in life, and had Opdycke features. His first wife is said in a History of Mercer Co., N. J., (by John F. Hageman), to have been a granddaughter of Ralph Hunt; and there is an Abigail, born 1758, recorded on the old Maidenhead Town books, among the children of a Ralph Hunt. It is probable that she was a granddaughter of Ralph Hunt, a prominent resident of Newton, Long Island, who moved with Johannes Opdyck and his children to Maidenhead about 1696.

After the death of his wife Abigail, Robert married Elizabeth Foul widow nee Smith. The youngest child of this marriage remembers her uncle Hope as stout, bald, and of medium height, like her father. She

5TH GENERATION; ROBERT OPDYKE (UPDIKE). - 275

recollects her uncle Daniel as tall, slim and bald. She does not recall her uncles John and William who moved to Sussex county, probably before her birth.

Records of Robert Opdyke and his children.

1775-83. Robert Updike, Private Captain Patterson's company, 3rd. Battallion, 2nd. Establishment New Jersey Continental Line. (From Official Rolls of N. J. Soldiers in the Revolution.)

1795. Robert Opdyke and his wife Abigail, of Hunterdon Co., cite the Executors of Edward Hunt. (F)

1807. Abigail Opdyke (wife of Robert) being deceased, Adam Race the Guardian of her children conveys 9 acres of land in Pennington and a lot on the Delaware river. (F)

1813. Mary Opdyke (daughter of Robert) marries Abner Hart. (F)

1824. John Updike of Lawrence township, Hunterdon Co., (son of Robert) dies. Letters Adm. to Sarah his widow. (F)

1826. Cornelia Opdyke (Robert's daughter) marries Samuel Smith at Hopewell, Hunterdon Co. (F)

1828. Abigail Updike, minor,. (Robert's granddaughter); Abner Hart is appointed Guardian and gives bond of $2,000. (F)

Children of Robert Opdyke.

Birth. Death. Married. Residence. Occupation.

By 1st wife

Mary. 1792. 1872. Abner Hart. Pennington, N. J. Farmer.

John. (1795). 1824. Sarah Reed. Lawrence, Hunterdon, N. J. Smith.

Abigail. 1797. 1874. Amos Horn. Trenton, N. J. Farmer.

By 2d wife

Lydia. 1804. 1864. Charles Kelly. Hopewell, N. J. Wheelwright.

William. 1806. 1857. Margaret Chamberlin. Lawrenceville, N. J. Farmer.

Cornelia. 1808 liv'g, Samuel Smith. Pennington, N. J. Wheelwright.

Mary often told.that George Opdycke of Titusville (grandson of Esq. John O.) was her (2d.) cousin. Her son Andrew Hart, aged 70, is living near Pennington where he owns a large farm.

John was stout and of medium height; he died while his only child Abigail was still a minor, and Abner Hart was appointed her guardian. She married Elijah Egge, a carpenter of Hopewell.

Abigail was stout, like her sister Mary. Her son, Amos Horn, married a daughter of his mother's sister Cornelia; they are now living in Trenton.

Lydia was tall and spare, like her sister Cornelia. William was tall and slim; he was a farmer of Lawrence township (now Mercer Co.), but moved to Trenton where he died. He had children: Ezekiel, a shoemaker of Trenton, died 1849 unmarried; Robert, a farmer of Trenton, died unmarried; Elizabeth, married, at Trenton; Sarah, at Trenton.

Cornelia, a widow, 81 years of age. is still living, with her daughter Mrs. Lawyer near Pennington. She is of medium height and weight and has the Opdyke features to a marked degree. She married in 1826 and has had 11 children, of whom six are now living; her husband and three of their sons were in the Union Army in the late war. It is unusual now to find any one

276 - AMERICAN DESCENDANTS OF THE HOLLAND FAMILY.

living whose father fought in the Revolution; for this reason her portrait and those of her three elder deceased sisters, given by us, are the more interesting.

It will be seen from the above that the male line of descendants of Robert Opdyke is already extinct; therefore they are all given here and not carried forward to a separate chapter.

HOPE OPDYKE. (Updike.)

(Son of William, p. 230; Son of Albert, p. 191; Son of Johannes, p. 154; Son of Louris

p. 136.)

Born 1762, died 1834; married Catharine Wilson; lived and died near Trenton, N. J.; was buried in the graveyard of the 1st Presb. Church of Trenton.

Whether because he was prominent at Trenton, or because he survived his brothers, or from his unusual name, Hope is remembered by the now living descendants of almost every one of his brothers and sisters. Some of them have heard their father tell that Hope was "mayor of Trenton a great many years ago."

Hope's marriage bond is on file in the vaults of the Secretary of State at Trenton, dated 1787, spelling his name Hope Opdyke. His eldest son Isaac, who left Trenton when a young man, preserved in his family the Opdycke spelling which Hope had derived from his Opdyk ancestors running back to the original settler. All of Hope's other sons, remaining in the old neighborhood of Maidenhead where they were outnumbered by the descendants of Albert's brother Lawrence, adopted from them the Updike spelling. A daughter of Isaac found her father's marriage certificate in which his name was spelled (in 1814) Obdyke; and another instrument dated 1829 in which it is spelled Opdycke, which was the way in which himself always wrote it. She recollects her grandfather's brother's children Gershom and Mary, (known by her to have been first cousins of her father), moving to Philadelphia fifty years ago and spelling their name Obdycke. She has known the name in her branch to be spelled in eight different ways: Opdycke, Opdyke, Opdike, Obdycke, Obdike, Updycke, Updyke, and Updike. Her family record shows the marriage of her grandfather Hope to Catherine Wilson, the daughter of Abram and Mary Wilson, Dec. 20,1787, and the births of their children; all spelled Updike because they were copied from the family record of Hope's son Abraham who had adopted that spelling.

Hope resided upon land owned by him 2 or 3 miles from Trenton on the road toward Lawrenceville and Princeton. He was a man of large frame and of good height, not corpulent. His sons were of medium height and

5TH GENERATION; SAMUEL OPDYKE (UPDIKE). - 277

of stocky build; one of them, Abraham, became very heavy and weighed 365 pounds. Hope's son Isaac frequently told his children of his cousin John who went to Albany.

Records.

1787. Dec. 20. Marriage Bond of Hope Opdyke and Catherine Wilson. (T)

1793. Hope Updike in the Militia of Maidenhead: (F)

1798. Hope Updike of Maidenhead buys six acres on south side of Great Road leading to Trenton, " now in his possession." (F)

1800. Hope Updike of Maidenhead buys one acre on south side of Great Road leading from Princeton to Trenton, "now in his possession." (F)

For the descendants of Hope Opdyke see Chapter S.

SAMUEL OPDYKE.(Updike.)

(Son of William, p. 230; Son of Albert, p. 191; Son of Johannes, p. 154; Son of Louris,

p. 136.)

Year of birth unknown; died after 1825; married Sarah Burtlas; was born near Trenton; moved to Troy about 1800 and engaged in milling, then moved to the west side of Cayuga Lake where he bought a farm in 1811.

Samuel's son James Updike is still living, at Tecumseh, Michigan, aged 84. He recollects that his father Samuel was a son of William and came from near Trenton to Troy, where he was a miller a number of years; but, finding that milling did not agree with his health, he moved to a farm on Cayuga Lake in the Spring of 1803, just before the birth of James, having for neighbors a family named Tooker. James visited his brothers at Troy, when he was a young man, and recollects meeting his father's sister Sarah Nefus who was with his father's family very often. He recollects Isaac Updike, a miller of Troy, who came over and bought 200 bushels of wheat of James' father in 1825 and drew it home in wagons; and he knows that this Isaac was his first cousin. This Isaac is known by Mrs. Elizabeth Lanning, granddaughter of John Opdyke, to have been her uncle; and this Sarah Nefus is known by her to have been her grandfather's sister. When James Updike first met Mrs. Lanning, he at once recognized her as a relative by her features. James also remembers that his father had a brother Hope; and he has often heard his parents tell of the depredations they suffered in New Jersey from the Hessian soldiers. He says that his father spelled his name Updike, but that "some were so foolish as to spell it Opdyke."

Another son of Samuel, told his son John M. that Samuel had some trouble about property in New Jersey after he moved to Troy; this may account for the record below in 1802 after Samuel had removed from New Jersey.

278 - AMERICAN DESCENDANTS OF THE HOLLAND FAMILY.

Records.

1793. Samuel Updike in Militia from Maidenhead. (F)

1802. Samuel Updike of Maidenhead and Sarah his wife sell six acres in Maidenhead for 108 Pounds. (F)

1811. Nov. 28. Patent by Governor Tompkins to Samuel Updike, Enos Tooker and Daniel Tooker, for Lot No. 51 of a large tract known as Lake Cayuga Reservation on the west side of Cayuga Lake, said lot containing 224 acres. (On file at Office of Sec. of State of N. Y.)

For the descendants of Samuel Opdyke (Updike) see Chapter .T.

DANIEL OPDYKE. (Updike.)

(Son of William, p. 230; Son of Albert, p. 191; Son of Johannes, p. 154; Son of Louris, p.136.)

Date of birth not known; died before 1820; wife not known; was a, farmer near Trenton.

No record has been found concerning him. All of our knowledge of him is derived from his brother Robert's daughter Cornelia, who is still living and remembers her uncle Daniel as tall, slim and early bald, and as farming near Trenton and dying there before her father's death. She gives the following

Children of Daniel.

Birth. Death. Married. Residence. Occupation.

Elizabeth. .... 1860. William Crossley. Trenton, N. J. Kept Trenton Ferry.

Wyntie. .... 1882. ........ Dey. Trenton, N. J. Farmer.

Elizabeth had a son named Smith. It is possible that he was named for Smith G. Updike who moved from New Jersey to Ohio and who was the father of Jacob V. described by us under Tunis Updike (page 212). This Smith G. is said by his descendants to have been a son of Daniel Updike of New Jersey who may have been the Daniel of this sketch. But the latter's niece Cornelia does not remember that her uncle Daniel had and sons, although she says that his daughters and their children frequently visited relatives in the West.

CAPT. ALBERT OPDYCKE.

(Son of Benjamin, p. 233; Son of Albert, p. 191; Son of Johannes, p. 154; Son of Louris,

p. 136.)

Born 1750; died 1790; married Martha Hendrickson, whose mother came from Holland and married on Long Island. He was a merchant in Bethlehem, Hunterdon Co., N. J.

5TH GENERATION; CAPT. ALBERT OPDYCKE. - 279

The will of Benjamin Opdycke, written in 1806, speaks of his son Albert as then deceased. Albert's tombstone, in the family graveyard on his father's old farm (now in possession of Albert's grandson George Opdyke), has the inscription " Albert Opdycke who died in the 40th year of his age." Letters of administration on his estate were issued in Hunterdon Co. Aug. 10, 1790, by Governor Lawrence, to Benjamin Warne. Inventory, 99 pounds.

The county and township records show that he was Justice of Peace in 1782, Freeholder in 1783 and 1785, and Town Clerk of Bethlehem in 1785. The Official Rolls of New Jersey Soldiers in the Revolution, compiled and published by Adj. Gen. Stryker of N. J., show Albert Opdycke as 2d. Lieut. of Capt. F. Lock's Company of 2d. Regiment of Hunterdon Militia, and later as Captain in the same regiment. The State Library at Trenton preserves in its safe a file of original letters written by Washington and other officers, relating to important events in the Revolutionary history of New Jersey. Among these is the following interesting letter, from which our autograph of Capt. Albert has been obtained.

" Springfield, June 19, 1780.

"This may Serve To Inform your Honour That we the under Named Com'md Officers Belonging To Col. Beavers' Batt'n of Hunterdon Militia Request & Desire that you would be Please to Order a General Court of Enquiry To Be Called To Enquire Into the Conduct of Col. Joseph Beavers' & Lieut. Col. Abram Bounell of Hunterdon afors'd * * * as we think that we Can Furnish ample Proof That They Have Not acted Nor Conducted according To the Rank They Bear and Have Been the Instrumental Cause of The General Desertion of ye Men from this Post This Day.

"To " Albert Opdycke Capt.

"Gen'l Dickenson. (7 other Captains, 3 Lieut's and 4 Ensigns.)

"Forwarded by Gen'l Dickenson to his Exc. Wm. Livingston at Trent Town."

Albert became thus prominent at an unusually early age and must have been energetic and popular. His military abilities descended from him, through his son Albert of the War of 1812, to the latter's son Maj. Gen. Emerson Opdycke of the Civil War. To have been also elected Justice of Peace and Freeholder at the age of. 33, Captain Albert must have possessed solid qualities.

About one mile north of the homestead of Benjamin was his lower farm, and at the north edge of this stood his mill and store, where the road branches and where the Bethlehem Post Office and Cornish's store stood until recently. At this spot Albert kept store, and lived in a stone house which was standing until 1862, when Benjamin Cornish tore it down and built the handsome frame dwelling that has since become the property of the West End Iron Co. The Post Office and store have lately been moved nearer the old homestead, convenient to the station of the Lehigh Valley R. R., and are now called "Valley." The old books of Jacob Anderson,

280 - AMERICAN DESCENDANTS OF THE HOLLAND FAMILY.

who kept store about three miles north of Clinton in Hunterdon, contain numerous entries of goods sold in 1785 to "Esq. Olbert Opdyke," delivered to his "son Peter" and "son Henery," consisting of dry-goods, groceries, hardware, liquors, boards, and in one case a "brown cow." On the same books are charges against Joshua Opdyke (Albert's brother), and also against Peter Hendrickson Sr. who may have been Albert's father-in-law. It is quite probable that this Jacob Anderson (born 1754), and his brother; James of Mansfield, Warren Co., and also Joseph who founded Andersontown in Warren, were descendants of Capt. Albert Opdycke's grandaunt Engeltie, (or Anna, or Tryntie) Opdykk, who each married an Anderson This Jacob Anderson was Judge, Sheriff, and Commissary in the Revolution. After Albert's death, his widow is said to have removed to Shamokin, "Ohio, probably with one of her children.

For the descendants of Capt. Albert Opdycke see Chapter U.

JOSHUA OPDYCKE.

(Son of Benjamin, p. 233; Son of Albert, p. 191; Son of Johannes, p. 154; Son of Louris

p. 136.)

Born 1756; died 1800; married Mary Dusenbury; was a farmer in Bethlehem, Hunterdon Co., N. J.

Joshua was mentioned in the will of his father in 1806 as being then deceased. His tombstone, between those of his father and brother in the old family graveyard, reads "Joshua Opdycke who died in the 45th year of his age." The county records show that letters of administration 'were issued on his estate Nov. 19, 1800, to his widow Mary. His autograph has been obtained from his bond of marriage in 1782 to Mary Dusenbury, which is on file in the vaults of the Secretary of State at Trenton. His name also appears frequently about 1785 in the old ledger of Jacob Anderson's store in Bethlehem.

Joshua lived upon the valley farm of 151 1/2 acres, bought by his father in 1766 and bequeathed to Joshua's son Benjamin J., who lived and died thereon, as did also Benjamin J's. son Benjamin. The neat farmhouse was built by Benjamin J.

Henry Dusenbury was executor of old Benjamin's will. Joshua's wife Mary Dusenbury may have been widow of a brother of Henry. Joshua's children often lived with " Uncle Henry Dusenbury" after their father's death. Joshua's son Benjamin J. married a daughter of his "Uncle

/p

5TH GENERATION; SAMUEL UPDIKE. - 281

Snyder; "Mr. Snyder's first wife died and he married Joshua Opdycke's widow, and thus became uncle, father-in-law and step-father to Benjamin J.

These connections will doubtless explain the following record; the Joanna Opdyke mentioned was the mother of Joshua.

1818. Joanna Opdyke of Oxford township, Sussex Co., N. J., dies leaving will bequeathing property to her daughter Mary Snider, and her eight sons named Dusenbury, and to her great-granddaughter Joanna Hardy; and makes her son-in-law Henry Snider executor....... (T)

For the descendants of Joshua Opdycke see Chapter V.

SAMUEL UPDIKE.

(Son of John, p. 236; Son of . . . ., p. 202; Son of Johannes, p. 154; Son of Louris, p. 136.)

Born 1745, died 1796; married Sarah .... ; resided in Bordentown, N. J.

John Updike, after the death of his first wife Sarah Farnsworth, married again and migrated to Virginia, leaving his son Samuel with the Fansworths of Bordentown. The Farnsworths were a family of considerable means and of high standing and character, and probably wished to retain Samuel because he was a namesake of his grandfather Samuel Farnsworth.

Records.

1796. Samuel Updike dies. Letters of Administration to his widow Sarah.

He is called "Samuel Updike late of Burlington." (T)

1798. Sarah Updike, Adm'tx of Samuel Updike late of Bordentown, sells 24 acres in Chesterfield, Burlington Co., devised by Samuel Farnsworth to Samuel Updike; bought by Samuel Farnsworth in 1750. (Mt. H) 1799. Sarah Updike, Adm'tx of Samuel Updike late of Bordentown, sells five acres bequeathed to him by Samuel Farnsworth late of Bordentown................................................. (Mt. H)

1800. Sarah UpdikeAdm'tx of Samuel Updike lateof Bordentown, sells land ........... (Mt. H)

1810. John Updike of Bordentown sells two-sixths of 19 acres, property of " Samuel Updike of Bordentown deceased who died intestate, leaving heirs: Ann, wife of .... Douglass; Mary, wife of .... Hance; Lydia, wife of .... Wilson; Susan Updike; John Updike". (Mt. H.)

Children of Samuel Updike.

Birth. Death. Married. Residence.

Ann D. .... ... ............ Douglass.

Mary. .... .... David Hance. Burlington Co., N. J.

Lydia. ..... ... ........ ......... Wilson.

Susan. ..... .... ....... ......... Long.

John. 1789. 1851. Diadamia...... Bordentown, N. J.

Mary Updike, wife of David Hance, received a bequest from her cousin Rachel Farnsworth, daughter of Nathaniel Farnsworth.

John Updike, son of Samuel above, lived and died in Bordentown: The records shows that in 1816 he bought land in Burlington County, and that

282 - AMERICAN DESCENDANTS OF THE HOLLAND FAMILY.

in 1823 he and his wife Diadamia sold land in Chesterfield township. He had children:

Sarah, born 1815, married John E. Edwards, is living at Bordentown, N. J., and has two sons and three daughters. Her oldest son, James M. Edwards, is abroad. One of her daughters, Mrs. Anna Nichols, is living in South Amboy, N. J.; another, Mrs. Almira Force, is living in New York.

Ann D., born 1817, married James Molyneux, is living at Bordentown, N. J.; and there also live her son Daniel M., and her daughter Susan M. (Roberson).

From the above it will be seen that the male line of descendants of Samuel Updike is now extinct.

AMON UPDIKE.

(Son of John, p. 236; Son of . . . ., p. 202; Son of Johannes, p. 154; Son of Louris, p. 136.)

Born 1749, died 1882; married Hannah Harris; was a farmer and inn keeper in Bedford County, Va. The following interesting description by his great-grandson, N. B. Updike of Lone Gum, Bedford Co., Va., cannot be better given than in his own words.

"Amon was a son of John Updike the tailor, who came from near Philadelphia to Loudoun County, Va. Anion married in Loudoun County, where his son Samuel was born; he then migrated to Bedford County, where he settled on the headwaters of Crab Orchard Greek, and purchased there a tract of land in 1778 (so says the County Deed Book) adjoining his original tract which he held under patent from the Commonwealth. After he had been in Bedford a considerable time, he visited his relatives in Loudoun County once, and his half-brother Rufus came to Bedford with him. On this return of Amon from Loudoun, accompanied by Rufus, they found the ferry-boat gone from Lynch's Ferry (Lynchburg) and no means of crossing James River but to ford; Rufus turned to go back, but Amon caught him by the arm and his horse by the bridle, and `dragged him over.' Amon said he believed Rufus was miserable all the time he was in Bedford on account of the James River being between him and his home. Amon saw his brother safely back across the river, bade him good-bye, and this was the last time Amon saw any of his brothers or sisters.

"Amon was an inn-keeper living in a quiet community of Friends or Quakers on the old Richmond Road, two miles north of Lone Gum, 25 miles south-west of Lynchburg. It is said he entertained many of the old Revolutionary heroes, with whom he was very popular and intimate. It is known that he arrested and delivered to the authorities some Tories about the close of the Revolution. There was one John Wilson of this County, a Tory, or more properly a deserter from the American cause. At the close of hostilities all such had to come forward and stand a court-martial; or flee the country. Wilson preferred the former, as there were no charges against him but desertion. He therefore made application to Amon Updike to deliver him prisoner to the court-martial sitting at New London which was then Bedford Court House. Amon shouldered an old musket and went

5TH GENERATION; RUFUS UPDIKE. - 283

with Wilson, (about 14 miles); before they arrived in sight of the Court House he put Wilson in front of him. Some of the Court knew Amon and greeted him cordially; he introduced Mr. Wilson; the members of the Court raised their cocked hats, saluted Wilson, and enquired if the war had been very hot where he had been. Amon said he saw the key turned on Wilson, and then by permission of the Court returned to his home. This I have heard my grandfather tell many times.

"Another evidence that Amon came to Bedford before the close of the Revolution, is that his son Samuel learned to walk on the way from Loudoun to Bedford, as is known by Samuel's children and grandchildren who are now here among us.

"I have to-day visited the old 'Updike Place,' as my great-grandfather's old residence is known. When Amon and his wife came from Loudoun they brought a Cannon Pearmain apple with them, ate the apple, planted the nine seeds it contained, and raised eight trees from them. From three of these trees I have eaten apples, none of them 'Cannon' apples, but all of them good keepers and very fair fruit; to-day I see the root of the last one of the old trees twisted out of the ground by a storm only a few months ago."

A grandson, of Amon's brother Rufus was told many years ago by Mr. Benjamin Dobbins of Carroll County that he had once stopped at the house of an aged Updike who lived on and owned a magnificent farm on the old Bedford County road above Lynchburg; Mr. Dobbins had asked the old gentleman to wait for payment of his bill until the return trip, but old Mr. Updike replied that he had made money by not keeping books and that his terms were " pay down as you go down and pay up as you go up; " Mr. Dobbins was so impressed with the principle of a cash system, very unusual in Virginia, that he always thereafter felt willing to trust any Updike, and he insisted upon selling a flock of sheep on credit to the grandson of Rufus. This aged innkeeper was undoubtedly Amon.

For descendants of Amon Updike see Chapter W.

RUFUS UPDIKE.

(Son of John, p. 236; Son of ......... p. 202; Son of Johannes, p. 154: Son of Louris, p. 136.)

Born 1753, died 1838; married Susan Elizabeth Ira; was a farmer in Loudoun Co., Va.

Rufus, by hard work and strict economy, accumulated money to buy 500 acres in Loudoun Co., built a house, and married Elizabeth Ira whose parents were English and were able to give her only a cow, a few dishes, two quilts, and a tow-linen bed-tick which was filled with oak leaves by four negro servants for the couch of Rufus and his bride. Rufus lived to the age of 86, his wife to the age of 70. By industry and frugality they amassed a handsome fortune, each striving to rival the other in quiet and unostentatious ways, and studying each other's happiness and comfort. Not an outbuilding was erected without the approval of Elizabeth, not a

284 - AMERICAN DESCENDANTS OF THE HOLLAND FAMILY.

wooden tray was dug out without the sanction of Rufus as to its size and style. Afraid to trust the State banks, the old-time beams of their house were their bank-safe, their youngest daughter Nancy was their treasurer; on one occasion, in counting $1,300 in silver coin of many kinds, it puzzled the appraisers to ascertain the American value. Their eight children grew to 21 years of age without having cost their parents fifteen shillings in doctor's bills, and seven of them lived to a good old age. The grandchildren are now proud to recall the simple and happy life of their grandparents.

For descendants of Rufus see Chapter X.

DANIEL UPDIKE.

Son of John, p. 236; Son of ......... p. 202 ; Son of Johannes, p. 154; Son of Louris, p. 136.)

Born 1767, died 1844; married Ruth Heaton; was a farmer in Rappahannock Co., Va.

The oldest of the recollections concerning the original settler in Virginia, given under the head of John Updike (Daniel's father), have come from the Bentonville sons and daughters of this Daniel. They have also preserved the old family register of John Updike's second wife Sarah Brown.

For descendants of Daniel Updike see Chapter Y.

JOHN UPDIKE JR.

(Son of John, p. 236 ; Son of ......... p. 202 ; Son of Johannes, p. 154; Son of Louris, p. 136.)

Born 1775, died 1852; married Elizabeth Pancoast; had a grist-mill and saw-mill in Rappahannock Co. (formerly Culpepper Co.), Virginia.

His descendants write that the description of the Virginia Updikes in general (given under John Updike, father of this John) holds true as this branch also. The men have been large and strong, as a rule. In the days when wrestling was the favorite amusement and a man was honored for his personal strength and endurance, these Virginia Updikes were almost reverenced. Many of them were so large that their very appearance saved them from a contest. Their smaller brothers had the fighting to do, but none of them were ever whipped in all their fights; it made no difference whether they were on top or beneath, as they always managed to wear their antagonists out, although they were seldom got below. They retain much of their muscular strength to the age of 70 years and more.

The smallest of the sons of the John of this sketch measured 5 feet 10 inches and weighed 200 pounds. The sons of these sons have been of good height, and even the daughters have been tall. Intermarriages have been frequent.

For descendants of John Updike Jr. see Chapter Z.