Alfred Van(Ben)Schoten, born Oct.16, 1842.
(No.2678)

In our American beginning was THEUNIS ELIASEN. Back of him it is "greatly dark" for all our searching. His sailing is unknown: no shipping list contains his name, no clue is found to his coming. This mystery and the further fact that "his mark" was a trident suggests the possibility of his having been a sea-faring man and his having while in the port of New Amsterdam abjured the deep. This though is pure conjecture.

The following additional information was received June, 1999 thanks to Evert ter Haar, Bunschoten, the Netherlands

"............. Here in Bunschoten is a historical society that has done some investigation after Teunis Eliasen and they found the following:

In some ancient records a man called Elis Teunissen shows up, having three children:

Abraham, son, baptized in 1631, who's mother is called Neeltghen Abrahams
Neelthgen, daughter, baptized November 8th, 1640
Teunis, son, baptized November 26th, 1643

Between the first and second child pass 8 years. We can assume that the mother (Neeltghen Abrahams) died in these years and Elis Tenissen married again. (To whom, that's not clear, but her name was probably Hendrickje). We are almost sure that the 3rd child Teunis is Teunis Eliasen van bunschoten, who emigrated to America somewhere between 1660 and 1670.

About the trident sign:
Bunschoten (and her twin-village Spakenburg) has always been a fishermen's village. Each fisherman had his own sign to mark his posessions (e.g. the poles for the nets). The trident was just one of the signs used here. Most of the signs were kind of monograms (e.g. a mirrored K or E). Most of them looked like capital letters. Well, I hope these facts will help you in solving the questions of the past."

Kind regards,
Evert ter Haar
Bunschoten, the Netherlands

But before proceeding a few words as to the name. Theunis Eliasen, variously spelled but always easily identified, was the name commonly used by our old ancestor. On six occasions only does he appear in any records as Van Bunschoten: once real estate deeded to him in that name; three times as sponsor for grandchildren who are given the name Theunis does he make use of his full cognomen; and twice after his name as a trustee of the Corporation of Kingston is Van Bunschoten added parenthetically. At all other appearances it is Teunis Elisse, Tones Elisen, Theunis Eliasz or some other variant of the appellation he familiarly went by and which was simply Teunis son of Elias. This was a primitive Hollandish way of identification,-the taking of the father's name and using it as we-of-today do our family name, the ending se, sen, or z (zoon) being the equivalent to son of, and "Eliasen" meaning Elias' son. In the case of the other sex se or sen was also used and occasionally dr.- brief for dochter or daughter - as illustrated in the case of our great-mother Gerritje, who at the baptism of her son Gerrit stands in the records as "Gerritje Gerritdr," i.e., Gerritje daughter of Gerrit. Such was the Dutch custom. The period, however, was a transitional one as regards to Dutch names. It was so in Holland itself, and was more particularly so in the New Netherlands where passing from the local sufficiency of the father's name for identification in a little Dutch town or community to the daily need for fuller identification in new and changing conditions out of the world's largeness was rapidly being yielded to. Therefore it is of no great surprise to find Teunis' children rarely styled Teunissen in the church book, as by analogy they should have been, but almost invariably Eliasen until the Van Bunschoten gradually supplanted both. As illustrative of this note well the table of baptisms of the children of Marritje in this genealogy; also turn to the records of Elias, Gerrit, and Solomon where you will see Elisen freely applied to them in certain warehouse accounts.

[page 11]

Among every people accidents, peculiarities, characteristics, trades, all were largely drawn on for family names, wittingly or unwittingly, they first having been used, doubtless, to particularize. But among Dutch In America the name of the town in Holland whence a family name was often utilized, preceded by "van" -from- as a settled designation. Many names thus originated *. A small number, however, bore by feudal right the names of towns, their forefathers having been over-lords of such earlier times. How it was in our case is difficult to discover: tradition tells of a coat of arms, silver plate and such trappings, but I find no tangible, sufficient evidence of the family being noble. Beyond a doubt Theunis or some forefather of his came from Bunschoten,** a small one-timed-walled town on a tidal way of the Zuyder Zee and a few miles south of that water: Van Bunschoten, not Van Benschoten, having been the early form of the name here. It seems certain that our family had its origin, whether plebeian or patrician, at this little stronghold in the marshes: Such records of the town, however, as survive tell nothing, writes the burgomaster, of Theunis Eliasen nor any over-family styled Van Bunschoten.

As stated above Van Bunschoten was the first American form of the name and by inference the last Dutch one, if indeed, the name underwent any change during the later centuries in Holland. Theunis Eliasen himself used the form, Solomon his son employed it in signing his will, and Domine Elias of Wantage, by reason of scholarship combined with tradition, the best qualified of the family to pronounce on this matter, insisted on that form, was indeed, aggressively insistent on it always, although he invariably used the o doubled - thus: Van Bunshooten. Gradually the heavy Bun was lightened to Ben, and Van Benschoten for over a century past has been the accepted form, one branch only, of the Solomon line and descendants of Joshua, retaining the Van Bunschoten to-day. My grandfather Henry in his Bible records invariably made use of the older form Bun and so as late as 1827 he employs it in making entry of birth of his grandson James, the late Professor Van Benschoten.

** In the year 1881 when spending a few weeks in Holland I made a sentimental journey to Bunschoten. That was long before I entertained my idea of a family history and my pilgrimage was without serious intent. At that time the town records were inaccessible. Bunschoten lies on a slight elevation surrounded on all sides by miles of meadow land. Dairying and fishing are the two pursuits and quite a fleet of fishing smacks in maintained.. An annual horse fair is held in July. Evidently the town has greatly shrunken since its palmy days: in 1840 it contained only 396 inhabitants and in 1860 389. It is known that the village of Bunschoten obtained in 1383 municipal rights from Bishop Floris, a descendant of the Wevelinkhovens. In 1428 it was dismantled by the Bishop Rudolf, a descendant of the Diepholts: but in 1467 Bishop David descending from the Bourgondies, counted it, however, as still among the walled towns. Very early, in 1353, a battle took place near the town between "Hollanders" and the "Utrechtschen," and in it 70 Bunschoters were killed. In 1552 the Pontioon flood did great injury to the town and its people. The harbor, at one time seriously damaged, was restored in 1732.

[page 12]

As to whether the Van should have a small or a capital V that is a moot question. In our various American records both are used and perhaps equally. If the family were originally noble the small V would seem proper; in the absence of clear knowledge as to our origin it becomes a matter of indifference, unless, indeed, the employment of the lesser V makes the Van a more negligible quantity, as I fear it does.

A name so susceptible of change has not gone unscathed as these records will show. In the Hudson-river and general Dutch regions it remains intact for here influences have not warred against it; but at no great remove from this section mutilations followed, mutilations, too, that were in almost every case the result of outside English influence, mutilations that members of the family found it much easier to accept that to stand out against. Why, at my home in the very heart of the Knickerbocker region, I have a next door neighbor who invariably calls me "Mr. Benschoten" and has done so for twenty years past. No one else in all the neighborhood thinks of leaving off the "Van", which is as vital a part of the name as any other syllable in it, yet she persistently does. Now, in a whole community given to this sort of thing one can understand how the name would be likely to succumb at last: and to pioneer communities almost the entire blame attaches for the various curtailments and perversions of the name.

[page13]

It is evident to one searching the records that Teunis Eliasen early became one of the reliable, substantial men of the little community on the Esopus. He was thrifty, intent on his own business and greatly trusted, it seems to me; certainly let it be definitely said that the court records show him to have kept remarkably free from the petty strife's and quarrels prevalent at that time and place. Various signs make it clear that he had heed for the duties and dignities of life and had regard for spiritual things.

We find that on Mar. 27, 1678, Teunis makes a purchase of eighteen morgens of land on the Esopus flats of Dirk Jansen Schepmoes: and an interesting peep is had into his affairs when Maria Van Langedyck in making her will "On to-day, the 16 May, 1679," specifies, "one cow which is at Teunis Eliasen's," - doubtless at pasture on this very land. How the above "to-day," since become so far a yesterday, begets long thoughts! Again in the same year, Maria Wynkoop wills her son Benjamin "two silver spoons, and the cow at present Teunes Eellisen's."

And we gratefully catch another glimpse into Teunis' domestic economy through the following::

"Appeared before me Wm. Montagne, secretary at Kinston, Arendt Issax who declares to have hired out his daughter named Gerritjie for the period of two current years from April next. During said time the aforesaid daughter is to properly and faithfully server her master and mistress.

Theunis Elesen is to provide her with proper board and clothing and at the expiration of the period furnish her with a presentable Sunday gown, four chimeses , two blue aprons, two white aprons, and one silver head-ornament, and is to send her to evening school during the winter. In testimony of the truth subscribed hereto the September 1, 1682, at Kingston.
Signed
Arent Isacks
The mark of Theunes Elisen by himself"

The above, in truth, is a sequel to the following pitiful story: On April 20, 1682, Arendt Isaacs'' wife died suddenly and not without suspicions of foul play. Her body was examined by the magistrates, constable and two doctors, and in conclusion - "Arendt Isaax, her husband, was ordered to place his hand upon his breast and call upon God Almighty to give a sign if he were guilty of his wife's death: which he did. But no change was visible."

And here is an item I prize: In suit between Thomas Harmonsen and Jan Luowersen, tried May 5, 1682, a witness strengthens his evidence by averring that "Theunes Eleson says the same."

At the session of the Kinston court June 14, 1682, "Theunes Elisen, Jan Focken and Hendrick Ten Eyck, appointed and authorized by the hon. Court as reviewers of chimneys and places where fires are lit." are ordered to go their rounds and act according to their instructions:

"They are to go around every three or four weeks and examine all chimneys and fire-places to see that they are clean. In case any are foul they are to fine the owners to the amount of six guilders and to warn them to clean the same." "At the second visit yet finding them dirty they are to impose a fine of twelve guilders."

"At the third visit still finding neglect they are to acquaint the hon. Court with the fact to the end that the owners may be punished as they deserve."

"They are to condemn all such dangerous fire-places, ovens, cookhouses, etc., and in case of negligence to impose the fine."

[page 14]

And here is a mater of special interest. On Sept 21, 1682, Teunis Elesen signs as witness a land contract between Joost Adriansen and Dirk Schepmoes and does so without his favorite trident or other mark, thus conclusively showing "his mark" to be but custom and not inability to write. Later a number of his signatures are found without the mark.

The next appearance of Theunes is in conjunction with rebuilding the bridge across the great Kill, the first having been washed away. The agreement is given below because of its simple completeness. Theunes Elesen signed with trident as one of the sixteen partners.

1st. Whereas their lands are situated across the great Kill therefore to again build a high bridge on the same spot where the first bridge had been.

2nd. That all the partners shall together pay for and finish the bridge in proportion to the number of their morgens (of land), and shall commence work on the 20 May and not stop till the work shall have been completed.

3rd. In case any of the partners should have performed their share and there should be a scarcity of laborers, then they are nevertheless obliged to finish the job and shall not stop until the work shall be entirely done, provided they shall be paid six guilders per day, they providing their own board. But if the partners should board them then they will receive four guilders.

4th. Nobody shall be permitted to cart any more wood or anything else across the bridge than in proportion to the number of his morgens. But if anybody should be on a necessary errand, or traveling, or visiting friends the same shall pass free.

5th. Jan Willemsen is appointed overseer, and he will be exempt of a man's work but not of his share of carting. All hereby promise to obey his orders while at work, having full confidence in his ability.

6th. After the bridge shall have been finish the same shall be kept in repair by the partners. Hendrick Albertsen is to furnish the boards from end to end twelve feet long and one and a half inches in thickness, to be delivered at his mill. He is to cart a load from the mill for which he will be free (of bridge expense) six years, but he is to deliver the boards as soon as the same shall be required.

7th. The ground from the bridge to the gate has been presented to the partners and if necessary can be used for a convenient road for ever and ever.

8th. It is stipulated that the boss, Jan Willemsen, shall decide where the gate shall come. Everyone of the partners shall be obliged to have a key to the lock of the bridge, and anybody leaving the gate unlocked shall forfeit twenty-five guilders for the benefit of the bridge, unless it be during harvest time.

In testimony of the truth was have subscribed hereto this Feb. 20, 1682/3 at Kingston.

[page 15]

Theunes Elisen's next appearance was before Wm. Montagne, secretary, acknowledging and obligation -"declares to honestly and actually owe William Jacobsen Van Tongeren the clean and net quantity of two hundred and seventeen scheples of winter wheat, which quantity the appearer promises to pay William Jacobsen or his order in Feb. next of this current year 1683/4 with interest amounting to fourteen scheples of wheat above the said quantity which originates from advanced money and from wages.

In testimony of the truth I have subscribed to the present in the secretary's office mortgaging person and estate, personal and real, present and future, none excepted, on this fourth day of July, 1683." To which he duly affixes his trident in the presence of witnesses.

Surely Theunes committed himself that time to the extremist limit. Were it not that it was all so hopelessly long ago one would feel concern.

On Oct 12, 1683, Jan Hendrix is appointed examiner of chimneys in Teunis Eleson's stead, the latter having tired, I take it, of a thankless task that must have incurred the enmity of house-wives.

On Mar. 4, 1683/4 and on later occasions, I find Teunis acting as a juryman. And during Gov. Dongan's term, 1683-88, Tunis Elisen appears as a cavalryman, the first on the list of troopers under Capt. Hendrick Beekman and Lieut. Wessell Ten Broucke.

In the winter of 1786/7, Teunes Eliasz, it appears, delivered at the Corporation of Kingston's warehouse where quit-rents in kind were received and much general business transacted, at "sundry times the quantity of 102 scheples of wheat" and was credited therefor 612 guilders.

Next the records show that on Feb. 27, 1688, and again on Mar, 4, 1689, Teunis Eliase acquires additional lots in Kingston. And on Mar. 4, 1688, the Trustees of Kingston make a deed to Teunis Elysse of a "certaine house Lott, Scituate Lying & being in said towne to ye South of the Street, to ye East of the Lott of the Deakons, & ye West of ye Lott of Teunis Pieterse. Likewise a small piece of upland to ye Southwest of said Towne, bounded by a path that runns to Marten Hofman's plantation, & an other path wch devides ye Land of William d'Meyer & Symen Kool and by ye Land of said Symen & to ye north-ward of a Rocky hill, cont. about eight acres, to have and to hold the s'd Teunis Elysse his heirs and assigns for Ever. In Testimony," etc.

[page 16]

Tunis Elise was prominent in municipal affairs - was, indeed, one of the original Trustees of the Corporation of Kinston and so named in the charted granted by Gov. Dongan in 1687, and approved in Council May 17,1688. Time and again his name is found attached to Corporation deeds. He served, at least, nine terms as Trustee, namely: 1688/89, 1692/3, 1699/1700, 1700/1, 1705/6, 1706/7, 1707/8, 1707/8, 1708/9, and 1709/10, and quite possibly more, since "from 1689 to and including 1711, the list (of Trustees) is incomplete by reason of the loss of the minutes." Surely it would seem from what follows that he must have been a Trustee in 1714. For on May 24, of that year, the Trustees agreed with Mr. Jan Cooke, a lawyer, to go to New York to care for the Corporation's interests in the matter of quit-rents, "since Mr. Teunis Ellison is sued in chancery for quit-rents which the Corporation hath received." The Trustees resolved to defend the suits, and claimed "that the Trustees have the Right, as grantees of the fee, to Receive the Quit-Rents which the said Ellissen is sued for." Tunisse Elise was thus representing the Trustees and, consequently, must have been one of that body at the time.

In continuation of this quit-rent controversy a cogent petition was presented "To his Excellency Robert Hunter, Esq., Capt. Gen'll and Gov. in chieff in and over her Majestie's Province of New York * * * in Councill br John Cook, Thomas Gorton & Charles Broadhead in behalf of themselves and others the Inhabitants of Marbletown * * * Henry Bogart, Moses Dupuis & Cornelius Switts in the behalf of themselves & others the Inhabitants of the Towne of Rochester * * and Teunis Ellyse (without his Trident) for and in behalf of the Towne of Kingston," which petition "Humbly sheweth" many truths concerning the hopeless arrearage of quit-rents. This on the 4th of June, 1714. And the petition prevailed, and on July 13, 1714, all the action for the recovery of past quit-rents ceased, "but the said Inhabitants, ffreeholders, shall be Regular in the payment of the Quit-Rents for the future at the Custom house in New York annually as their patents do direct."

In the year 1705/6 Teunis Eliase was elected by his fellow Trustees a Magistrate. After being re-elected Trustee, Mar. 4, 1706/7, he was on the same day made a "viewer of the fences" for the Corporation. On Mar. 1, 1708, and while acting as Trustee, he is allowed 12 guilders, "for viewing the land sold to John Legg."

Turning to church affairs I find our old ancestor much in evidence. Toenes Elysse first served as deacon in 1685, and thereafter served continuously, it seems,, until May 15, 1698, when he was elected "Ouderlinger" or Elder. In addition he was elected Kerkmeester, or churchmaster, in 1692. He was re-elected Ouderlinger a number of terms (just how many cannot be made out because of broken records), and on several occasions he appeared in his official capacity at the taking of persons into church membership. At a meeting of the consistory on Jan 9, 1686/7, among other business the retiring deacon, Jacob Aertsen, rendered his account. "The hundred gilders promised and paid by Schepmoes have been erroneously computed at 20 scheples of wheat, but should be 16 scheples and 4 gilders: so that Jacob Aertsen must pay back the amount of 3 1-3 scheples. Balance 73 scheples of wheat. These 73 sch. Have been paid over by Jacob Aertsen to the deacon Teunis Elysee (Van Bunschoten)." This clearly shows how current wheat was - how it, was the coin, as it were, of the Province at the time. Also we have here the name Van Bunschoten added in parentheses - one of two instances.

[page 17]

In the year 1692-93 Abraham La Maitre and Cornelis Gerritse, deacons, credit themselves with "Expenses of Dirck Schepmoes and Teunis Elysse to Albany - 48 gilders." This was evidently in connection with seeking a minister: for on April 24, 1693, a domine is called "at 112 current gelt of this province." Teunis Elysse is one of 127 subscribers to the proffered salary, all contributing in wheat, and he being down for 15 scheples.

In the church records for 1699 is "a register of the persons who have given their promise yearly to furnish the predicant (Domine Nuccella) his fire-wood." And Teunis Elissen is one of the number. He is also found contributing to the "poor of Kingstowne."

An entry in the church accounts in May, 1703/4, is of surpassing interest. Under the head of "sundry outlays and expenditures" is the item "To Teunis Elisse for a keg of good beer 22 gilders." Ah! My great-father! Since beer it was I am right glad it was "good beer." That a church, though, should be thirsty is a matter to ponder. Under the same heading in 1706/7 are the items:

"March 3, To Teunis Elise for boards, 66 gilders:
March 16, To Teunis Elise for carting boards, 10 gilders."

In these church accounts under expenditures appears in Oct., 1711, the item "Per Teunis Elisse and Johannes Schepmoes 96 gilders, 10 stivers" - whether as officials is not clear.

So much for our ancestor in his churchly relations, many minor items being left out.

The oath of allegiance was taken by Teunis in 1689, and his name is found affixed to the "Petition of the Protestants of New York to King William III," dated Dec. 30, 1701, New York City.

Again we turn to his private life of which there are a few more records. On Feb. 19, 1706/7, at a session of the Trustees, "Teunis Elisse moves to by a small tract of land lying Northward of ye Esopus Kill, or Creeke, containing about two morgen: granted at ye rate of Eight pieces of Eight per Morgen and to pay for ye Writing." On Mar.1, 1709/10, the Trustees conveyed to Teunis Elisse and Egbert Schoonmaker jointly, a small plot of ground "and ordered Clarke to seal the same."

On July 25, 1712, he takes title to another parcel of land on Kingston Flats. "For and in consideration of a certain Summe or Quantity of Six hundred schepls of good Marchanable Winter wheat to him the Dirck Schepmoes, well & Truly in hand payd, before the Ensealing of these presents, by Tunis Eliasen Van Bunschoten of Kingston, aforesaid," the former conveys all that certain tract, or parcel of land "on the north side of the Esopus Kill or Creek & on the greate piece, bounded to the south-east by the Land of said Capt. Dirck Schepmoes now in possession of William Schepmoes & by the Esopus Creek, north-westerly by the land of the Heirs of Jan Willemsen Hooghtylinck and south-westerly by the land of Gerrit Aartesen."

[page 18]

On Aug 20, 1712, Teunis Eliase transfers to his son-in-law, Mattys Van Steenbergen, "a certain house-lot in Kingston - Scittuating and Lying att the South of ye Street to the East of the Lott of ye Deakons where the Domine Lives and to the West of the Lott of the heirs of Col. Stephen Van Cortland and to the north of the Lott In ye possession of Arien Van Vliet." Clearly the lot deeded Teunis on Mar. 4, 1688.

On April 11, 1713, I find Teunis Eliassen taking title from Cornelius Tack of Marbletown, of a tract or parcel of land "on the north Side of the Esopus Kill, being part of a Certain piece of Land called the Great piece or Stuck * * * Containing thirty six acres more or less So as the same now is." This was the third purchase by Teunis of land on the Esopus flats, that coveted land all ready for the plow. A small fourth one seems to have followed for "att a Town Court held Dec. 2, 1713, "the trustees of the Corporation of Kingston bring suit against "Mr. Teunis Ellissen. The plaintiffs and defendant appear in person. The plaintiff's demand 192 guldens for two morgens of Land def't: the defendant owns to the debt but brings in an account against it of 47 guldens which is allowed by the plaintiffs. So the Court gives Judgment against the def't for the balance, which is 145 guldens, with cost of suit," which was 9 shillings, 6 pence, as it appears afterwards.

No further real estate transactions have been discovered. But it was of peculiar interest to find the trustees selling on March 10, 1713/4 three morgens of land "on Teunis Ellisse's Killetje" - "Kill" being the Dutch for a considerable stream the diminutive of it would signify a small stream, a spring run or brook. Again "Att a Trustee Meeting Feb. 24, 1714/5, a piece of land is sold to Philip Vielle 'bordering on the Teunes Elesson's Kille.'" Ah, how this Killetje touches my fancy, starts my imagination! I'm a boy again for the time - if you will, Teunis Elysse's little boy - and all day long, barefooted, I haunt that Killetje, wade up and down it, build dames across it, make sluiceways, contrive water-wheels, and try hard to fashion me a boat for it with high poop and otherwise truly Dutch. Killetje! What a suggestion of companionship, and play, and dear entertainment lurks in that name!

And - shall I say it? Teunis Elysse is to my maturity as the Killetje is to the boy within me - his acres my "Elysian Fields."

Once more on March 26, 1716, Tunis Ellise signs as a witness a transfer of land from John Kip to Jacob Kip on the east side of the Hudson.

On July 13, 1718, "Theunis Eliasz Van Bundschooten" as sponsor for his grandson, Theunis Niewkerk, makes next to last appearance in the Kingston records; his very last, the recorder having left off the Teunis, is as "Eliasz Van Buntschooten" at the baptism of another grandchild, Theunis Hood, on Feb, 22, 1719.

[page 19]

Teunis' will has not been found: that he left one is made certain by the following preamble to a deed given by the Trustees of Kingston to his heirs in rectification of the instrument of Mar. 4. 1688, whereby through miscomputation they transferred to Teunis Eliasen only eight acres of upland, whereas the bounds given resulted in fifteen acres and thirty-five rods. ?..................? .1727/8 and runs:

"To All Christian to whom this Present Writing Shall or May Come, the Trustees of the Towne of Kingston, in the County of Ulster And Province of New York in America, Send greetings.

Whereas Teunis Ellisen Late of the Corporation of Kingston aforesaid, Deceased, Stood Posest of a Certain Piece or Parcell of Land in the bounds of Said Towne Some Distance to the Southward of said Towne, And by His Last will and Testament bearing Date the fifth Day of February Anno Domi: One Thousand Seven Hundred Twenty-five and Six did Give and bequeath to his Children and the Children of his Son Gerrit Van Bunschoten Deceased All His Real and Personal Estate," etc.

. "______________ fare you well:
Hereafter, in a better world than this,
I shall desire more love and knowledge of you."

Gerritje is last seen in the church records on July 21, 1700, when she and Teunis stand as sponsors for their little grandson Johannes Van Steenbergen. "Gerritje Elisse." She is styled on that occasion. Ever after she is missed from Teunis' side; when he acts as a sponsor one of the daughters, usually Marritje, occupies that place. From this I take it, many years before Teunis she found the river

"Along whose shores the numerous footfalls cease,
The voices and the tears of life expire."

[page 20]

The children of Teunis and Gerritje were:

 
1. I. Hendreckje, bp. May 22, 1676, at Bergen, N.J. ; 
        taken into the church at Kingston at seventeen
        years of age; no later trace found of her.
2. II. Marritje, bp.
3. III. Elias, bp. Nov. 23, 1679, at Kingston.
4. IV. Gerrit, bp. Mar 12, 1682, at Kingston.
5. V. Rebekka, bp. Feb. 10, 1684, at Kingston; died young.
6. VI. Rachel, bp. Jan. 17, 1686, at Kingston; 
             died young.
7. VII. Jacob, bp. Jan.15, 1688, at Kingston; 
            evidently died young.
8. VIII. Solomon, bp.
9. IX. Rebekka, bp. Jan 28, 1692, at Kingston.
10. X. Rachel, bp. Dec.22, 1695, at Kingston.

[page 414]

"Gerrit Van Bunschoten. j. m., born in Kingstowne and residing there, and Antje Delva, widow of Lucas de Wit, born in Kingstowne and residing there. First publication of Banns, March 31."

Antje Delva was the daughter of Anthony Delva, or D'Elba, and Jannatje Hillebrants who were Roman Catholics and probably the only persons of that faith in that little community. This Antoni D'Elba it was who figured so prominently in the so-called "Esopus mutiny" in 1667 when the Dutch burghers resisted the insolence of the English soldiery. When the English Capt. Brodhead was seeking to induce some of the younger burghers to go to Albany as Reinforcements to the English garrison there, Antonio d'Elba voiced the public feeling by saying: "Shall we go fight our friends and leave our enemies at home?" For his part in this disturbance he was sentenced to banishment; which sentence was mitigated, however, and he continued on in Kinston. It seems very much in character that at a public sale on Sep. 9, 1665, of the effects of "Gysbert Van Imbroch, surgeon, deceased ," "Antonia D'Elba" should be found buying "4 small bags holding shot, ball and some flints for 30 Gldrs;" also, "a couple of canon (een paer canons), two powder horns and a shot bag with a belt - 15 gldrs." He was of French or Italian origin, and his name would suggest from the island of Elba. We find that on Feb. 10, 1669, and again on Feb. 9, 1675, he had acquired property in the Corporation of Kingston. We know he possessed property there in 1680, as it was on Dec. 8th of that year that Hon. Court decided that the town clock should be placed on his lot and decreed "that the bell should be rung at noon and in the evening." On Feb. 6, 1688, Louis DuBois conveys to him a house and lot in Kingston south of William De la Montanye's. When the stockade was ordered renewed in 1671, the portion falling to Anthony Delba, we find, was "5 rods." On Sep. 1, 1689, when the Oath of Allegiance was being administered at Kingston by the English authorities Anthony very consistently refused it: "These ffowing persons were present when ye Oath was Agivin but Did Reffucs to taike it" - he, the first on the list.

Previous to her marriage with Gerrit Antje had married on Dec. 22, 1695, Lucas De Wit who died in 1703. Lucas's will, dated Feb. 15, 1702-3, specifies: "My wife, Antje, shall have the just half of the residue in house, land, real and personal property, as well as all that is coming to me from my father, as his testament will show * * If my wife shall remarry, she is to appoint guardians over the minors and to deliver to them half part of the estate. If she remain unmarried she is possess everything."

[page 415]

Gerrit and Antje are said to have removed soon after marriage to the vicinity of what is now Catskill. Their absence from Kingston could not have been lengthy, however, as on Mar. 4, 1707, "Gerrit Van Bunschoten" was created a constable and collector of the town, and as on Jan. 8, 1710-1, Gerrit was possessed of a "lot and Orchard" in Kingston, -"the second lot from the church." This lot on Aug. 27, 1712, when is brother Elias conveyed away the adjoining property, was in possession of "Antje Van Bunschoten, Widdow." I find no other real estate credited to Gerrit, nor do I discover any will by him.

The briefest kind of glimpse is had of Gerrit and Antje in the church-warehouse accounts, previously mentioned under Elias, as follows; "Gueri Elisen, weaver, according to the balance of an account made with him and his wife upon my books, owes for various articles from May 21, 1706, up to Feb. 1, 1711-12, the sum of 46 gulden, 13 steuver."

Opposed to this are the following credits:
" Apr.11, 1712, Gueri Elisen killed a calf for one quarter 1 10.
Dec. 5, 1713 - The widow of Gueri Elisen brought to me
three deerskins, credited at 31 gulden, and I paid her nine
gulden in money; remains a payment of twenty-two gulden, 22 0.
March 15, 1713-4, Received of the widow Gueri Elisen, 23 3.
--------------------------------------------------------- 16 13."

Below are the baptisms of the children of Gerrit and Antje as recorded in the Kingston Church books, with the name of the sponsors added;

Gerrit van Bunschoten.    Gerretie,           Teunis Eliase.
Antie Delva.            Jan. 19, 1707.  Marretie van Bunschoten.

Gerrit van Bunschoten.     Antony,        Elias van Bunschoten.
Antie Delva.               Sep. 11, 1709.    Sarah Jansze.

Gerrit van Bunschoten.     Gerretie,            Jan Lasier..
Annatjen  Delva.        Nov,. 18, 1711.  Catalyntjen ten Brock.

Tabulated they stand:

1534. I. Gerritje, bp. Jan. 19, 1708.
1535. II. Antony, bp. Sep. 11, 1709.
1536. III Salomon, bp. Nov. 18, 1711.  No further trace of him 
          whatever is anywhere found; presumably he died young; 
         certainly never married.

[page 417 "GERRIT LINE" ANTONY]

1535. II. ANTONY V.B. "Anthony van Buntschooten, j. m., and Margreit Wels, j. d., both parties born and reside. In Kingstown. Banns registered 25 Jan., married 14 Feb. 1730." Thus stands the record in the church books at Kingston. She was the dau. of John Wells and Cornelia de Duyster and was baptized in this same church Dec. 15, 1706.

Antony and Margaret had their first three children bp. At Kingston. The fourth, Jacobus, was baptized "in Menissing," but the entry thereof was made in the Kingston records along with twenty-two other baptisms performed by Domine Mancius of the Kingston church when on a visit to this frontier settlement on the Delaware before a church had been established there. Their six remaining children were all born and baptized in the Delaware valley, above the Water Gap; and there it must have been that Antony and Margaret ended their days, though as to when that was their is nothing to show. Frontier life leaves few records beyond a subdued wilderness:

"His echoing axe the settler swung."

During the French and Indian war the situation in Minnisink Valley was frightful. The settlers had erected three forts or stockades in the upper, or Peenpack, neighborhood and three others in the lower neighborhood, or further down the valley towards the Water Gap. These in a general was afforded protection to some thirty families.

"The first incident that showed the people of this region how well-timed were these precautions occurred about the time of harvest in the year 1756. Three men in the lower neighborhood went out one morning to commence cutting in a grain field. As usual they took their guns along, not thinking, however, of seeing any Indians, as nothing had been heard of any in the vicinity. Arriving at the field they laid down their guns and began to work. While working along busily they got some distance from their arms and were suddenly startled by the dread war-hoop. A glance showed them their peril; a party of Indians had been lying in ambush and had seized their guns. They ran for their lives but the Indians' aim was unerring. They were all three killed and their scalped bodies found soon after.

[page 418 "GERRIT LINE" ANTONY]

Again a ban of Indians attempted to capture the fort at Westfalls. They sent out scouts who found it occupied by two women only. As soon as this intelligence reached the main body they made instant preparation to seize it. But luckily, in the interval a party of soldiers en route from New Jersey to Esopus came along and stopped at the fort for refreshments. Not knowing this the Indians suddenly burst in the doors before the soldiers were fully seated. Surprised at the unexpected presence of the soldiers but nothing daunted they fired a volley at them and then fell upon them with their tomahawk. The soldiers retreated to the chamber at the fort; and recovering from the first panic, they opened such a deadly fire on the intruders that the savages were finally forced to withdraw. 'Twas a close contest and cost the lives of several soldiers as well as a goodly number of Indians.

Over against this stands the attack on the upper fort on the Neversink. It was well manned and bravely defended and seemed safe, but suddenly caught fire from a neighboring barn to which the savages had applied the torch. What with the flames and the Indians "not a single man of the garrison escaped."

Such and such-like were the happenings in that valley, and in that sparsely settled region life was ever in jeopardy from prowling savages while the war was on.

"The Minisink country which had suffered severely from the Indian hostilities during the French and Indian war was no less exposed during the war of the Revolution to the merciless sway of the tomahawk and scalping knife. The same savage foes lurked upon the frontier familiar with all the old war-paths from Niagara to the Delaware, and ever ready to renew their bloody work at the instigation of their British allies." Twice Brant with his savages and Tories raided the settlement and at his second coming he inflicted that terrible defeat, the battle of Minisink.

When I think of Anthony I see him at night-time: his rife in its rests above the cavernous fire-place, and he himself silhouetted against the fire-light and casting grotesque shadows about the low frontier room as he busies himself on the hearth moulding bullets, shaving axe-helves and making mending gear. Surely there came to him startling experiences in the French and Indian war, and doubtless he had intimate knowledge of the savagery of Brant's red-skins and Tories in the Revolutionary period and, old as he was, reached often for his rifle. " 'Gainst Brant himself I went battle forth: Accursed Brant!"

A list of Antony's children follows. The first child was probably born in 1731, but we have no record of he baptism inasmuch as the Kingston entries are missing from Apr., 1730, to Jan., 1732.

1537. I. Cornelia.
1538. II. Elizabeth, bp. May 7, 1732. K.
1539. III. Gerrit, bp. Oct. 6, 1734, K. no furthur trace of him 
               is found in any record whatever.
1540. IV. Jacobus (James) bp. May 3, 1737. K. 
               The founder of the Benscoters.
1541. V. Antje, bp. May 29, 1739. Min.
1542. VI. Cornelius, bp. June 7, 1741. Min. 
                The founder of the Van Scotens.
1543. VII. Jenneke, bp. May 3, 1743. Min.
1544. VIII. Jesyntje, bp. Feb. 3, 1745. Min., No furthur trace.
1545.  IX. Antony bp. Oct. 12, 1746. Wal. 
                 The founder of the Van Scoters.
1546.  X. Maria. bp. Feb. 26, 1749. Min.

The three baptismal entries in the Kingston church books are as follows, the first two having been Germanized by Domine Mancius with a "t:"

Anthony Van Buntschooten.
Margriet Wels                     Elizabeth, bp. May 7, 1732 
 
Anthony van Buntschooten
Margriet Wels                      Gerrit, bp. Oct. 6, 1734.

Antonie Benschoten              Jacobus, bp. "in Minissing"
Margriet Wels.                       May 3, 1737.

Antonie Benschoten.
Margarite Wels.               Antje, bp. May 29, 1739.
    Sponsors; Hendrick Janse Kortrecht. Gerritje Benschoten.

Antony Van Benschoten.
Margarita Wels.               Cornelis, bp. June 7, 1741.

Antonie Benschoten.
Margarite Wels.                 Jenneke, bp. May 3, 1743.

Antony Bunschoten.
Margaret Wels.                  Jesyntje, bp. Feb. 3, 1745.

Antony Bunschoten.
Margaret Wels.                 Antony, bp. Oct. 12, 1746.

Antony V. Bunschoten.
Margriet Wels.                  Maria, bp. Feb. 26 1749.
*     *     *     *     *    *     *    *     *     *     *

[page 545 "GERRIT LINE" ANTONY-CORNELIUS]

.....................................................
1542. VI. CORNELIUS V.B. The records of his life are meagre. - In 1732 he stands as sponsor at the baptism of a child of his sister Antje at Walpack church, where he is entered as "Cornelius Benschooten." Next, on Dec. 26, 1765, we find him having a child of his own baptized at the same church. - he and Heyltje (Helen) Quick. The entry runs:

"Cornelius Van Benschoten .. Heyltje Van Auken,
Heyltje Quick ...................bp. Dec. 26, 1765."

On his marriage to Heyltje I have discovered no minute. Beyond question he passed his entire life in the Delaware valley, and it was from there - Sussex county - that he entered the Revolutionary army, his name on the New Jersey war record standing as "Cornelius Benscota." If, during Brant's raids into the valley, [see "Jerseymen in the Revolutionary War" page 506] Cornelius was not off in the larger warfare he certainly found quite a sufficient and more cruel one at home. But the tradition is that he saw much service; in what organizations he served though cannot be discovered. He survived the war and long afterwards, on Jan. 8, 1796, he appears as a sponsor in the Walpack record, - his name entered this time as "C. V. Bunschooten."

Of Heyltje we get a glimpse of her in her extreme old age, for a great-grandson says: "I recollect my mother telling of 'old grandmother Van Benschoten': she spoke of her as being blind or nearly so; said that she 'took snuff', and that when the table was set for a meal the old lady would persist in trying to find out by sense of touch whether the dishes were correctly placed - often leaving traces of snuff on the plates in so doing." The times of her death and that or Cornelius are unknown as are their burial places. The lie

"_____________ this hundred years Sage-smiling at old hopes and fears."

[page 546 "GERRIT LINE" ANTONY-CORNELIUS]

Children:

2583.  I. Heyltje Van Auken, bp. Dec. 28, 1765, at Walpack, N.J.
2584.  II. Gerrit, b. in 1768.
2585.  III.  Cornelius, b. in 1770.
2586.  IV.  Rachel, b. Dec. 29, 1772.
2587.  V.  Derrick (Richard), b. in 1774.
2588.  VI.  John, b. Nov. 30, 1778.
2589.  VII.  Mary, or Polly, b.
2590.  VIII.  Hannah, b.    ;never married.
2591.  IX.  Catherine, b. Feb. 12, 1786
2592.  X.  Eleanor, b. May 7, 1790

[page 547 "GERRIT LINE" ANTONY-CORNELIUS]

...................................................
2584. II. Gerrit V.(B)S. m. Feb. 14., 1796, Catherine Shannon, b. Aug. 27, 1777, dau. Of Col. Shannon of the Revolutionary War. Gerrit at the time of his son Daniel's birth was living near Wolftown in what is now Knowlton township; just when he passed the Kittatinny mountains is not known. He was a water-man - used to used to run along-, or Durham-boat, on the Delaware River, often going as far down as Philadelphia. His sons when young assisted him at this. He d. May 20, 1843, Catherine Aug. 12, 1854.

[page 548 "GERRIT LINE" ANTONY-CORNELIUS]

Children:

2599. I. Daniel, b. Jan. 16, 1797
2600. II. Nancy, b. 
2601. III. David, b. Apr.25,1803. .
2602. IV. Cornelius, b. 
2603.  V. John ,b. Apr. 18, 1810.
2604. VI.  Joseph, b.
2605. VII. Mary, b. Dec. 12, 1813.
2606. VIII. George, b. Jan. 17, 1815
2607.  IX. Thaddeus, b. Apr.24, 1818

Late in life he was familiarly known throughout that region as "Uncle Dan'l." It is said that yet in 1881 he was hale and hearty: active in business affairs; called every morning to see his children who lived near him; walked to Blairstown, four miles distance, once or twice a week; conversed with the same fluency and strength of mind as in years gone by, and delighted in entertaining his auditors with tales of his younger days, - among other things of the time when he boated it with his father on the Delaware. He d. Nov. 10, 1882.

He had m. 1st, in 1820, Sarah Titus b. Mar. 2, 1790, d. Feb. 22. 1858, dau. Of Andrew and Martha (Higgins) Titus.
.........................................

[page 554 "GERRIT LINE" ANTONY-CORNELIUS-DAVID]

2601. III. David V.(B)S. d. Apr. 1,1874; m. Louisa Horn, b. June 9, 1806, d. Jan. 28, 1892. They lived in Penn Haven, Pa.; he was a farmer and also owned a boat on the Delaware & Lehigh Canal which was operated by his sons and hired men. Children:

2672.  I.    Joseph, b. Jan, 16, 1827; d. in Aug., 1828.
2673.  II.   Elizabeth V.(B)S., b. May 30, 1829, m. H.R. Bennett; 
                 live in Michigan.  Children:  Walter and Bell.  
                 Nothing furthur learned.
2674.  III.  William, b. Oct. 11, 1831.
2675.  IV. George, b. June 9, 1834.
2676.  V.   Jacob, b. Oct. 18, 1836; d. Aug. 8, 1863; unmarried; 
                  was an engineer on the N.J. Central.
2677   VI.   Catherine, b. Aug. 2 1839.
2678.  VII.  Alfred, b. Oct. 16, 1842.
2679.  VIII. Esther A. b. Apr. 28,1845.

[page 556 "GERRIT LINE" ANTONY-CORNELIUS-DAVID-ALFRED-EMMA]

.............................................................................
2678. VII. Alfred V.(B)S. early took to firing an engine on the Erie railroad, but in 1864 he enlisted in the Navy. He first went on board the receiving-ship Vermont at New York, then he was passed on to the receiving-ship Vermont at New York, then was passed on to the receiving-ship at Pensacola, and then was transferred to the gunboat Metacomet. Much of the time before the attack on Mobile his vessel was cruising for blockade-runners in the Gulf of Mexico. In the famous attacks on the forts at Mobile Admiral Farragut lashed his wooden ships together in couples, his own flagship, the Hartford, being bound alongside the Metacomet. Later the Metacomet was engaged shelling the woods for a distance of 40 miles along the bay. After the capture of the city a steam launch was found in the navy-yard there and this was put in use as a dispatch boat. It had an injector and this the third assistant engineer of the Metacomet was not accustomed to and could not work. So young Alfred who was used to them on locomotives was made engineer of the launch, and served on it a little over two months, when the propeller got broken and it had to be abandoned. He was mustard out of the service Aug. 17,1865.

Old Homestead in Packerton, PA on the Mauch Chrink Road
note onback says"built by grandpa VanScoter about 1777."

[page 557 GERRIT LINE ANTONY-CORNELIUS-DAVID-ALFRED-EMMA]

Children:

2692.  I.  Emma Louisa, b. July 10, 1867, d. July 29, 1957
2693.  II.  Clara Jane, b. Dec. 31, 1868.
2694.  III.  Harrison, b. July 21, 1870; d. Mar. 4, 1871.
2695.  IV. Alice Elizabeth, b. Sep. 23, 1871; d. June 14, 1875.
2696.  V. William Alfred, b. Apr. 7, 1876; d. Nov. 3 1880 .
2697.  VI. Annabel V.(B)S. m. Dec. 22, 1906,  Robert  Moulthrop; 
                 live in Bethlehem, Pa; he is a machinist. 

Hankele children: (see Gower-Gauer #70.)

 2698.   I.  E. Wilbur, b. July 26, 1887, d. Jan. 13, 1960.
 2699.   II. Howard F., b. Jan. 28,1890; d. Oct. 16, 1891
                Alfred - died as a young child  
 2700.  III. Lillian M., b. Sep. 27, 1892 m. Hugh Potts.
                (see Branyans.) 
 2701.  IV. Clayton H. , b. Jan.25, 1895. 
                 Allen S., b. Apr. 22, 1906.
                 Harold Roy Conrade, b. Apr. 19, 1909. 

2602. IV. Cornelius V.(B)S. m. Mary, b. in 1814, d. in 1896, dau. of Cornelius and Hannah Van (Ben) Scoten. (See no. 2829.) They lived in Knowlton, N.J., and died without issue.

2603. V. John V.(B)S, as a boy used to boat it with his father on the Delaware. He m. June 13, 1810, Elizabeth Low, of Blairstown township, N.J., b. Mar. 16, 1816, d. June 11, 1858. He served in the Civil war, enlisting Nov. 3, 1862 in Co. E, 176th Penn. Vols. A comrade's affidavit says: "While we were encamped at or near Suffolk, Va., John Van Scoten was taken sick and sent to the hospital. Some time after that we had our marching orders, and about this time John sent for me to come see him. I went at once, as soon as I received the message, but when I got to the hospital he was dead, - this was Jan. 3, 1863."

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