Monmouth County NJ Archives History.....Couwehoven and Schenck families: Beekman's, Early Dutch Settlers ************************************************ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/nj/njfiles.htm ************************************************ File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: JMP jpaatter@comcast.net ************************************************ The html index page for this book may be found at http://usgwarchives.net/nj/monmouth/beekman-hist.html ************************************************ EARLY DUTCH SETTLERS OF MONMOUTH COUNTY, NEW JERSEY GEORGE C. BEEKMAN. MOREAU BROS., PUBLISHERS, FREEHOLD, N. J. Second Edition Printed, 1915. ============================ Pg 1 RECORDS OF THE CONOVERS, SCHENCKS AND VANDERVEERS. 3 TRAITS OF CONOVER CHARACTER. FANCIFUL ORIGIN OF THE NAME. 4 THE WILL OF JAN SCHENCK, AND SOME OF HIS DESCENDANTS. 6 DUTCH TENACITY AS SHOWN BY THEIR LOVE FOR THEIR CHURCH. 9 ROELOF SCHENCK AND HIS DESCENDANTS. -- A WOMAN OF GREAT BUSINESS CAPACITY. 12 CHRINEYONCE SCHENCK AND HIS DESCENDANTS. PROBASCO AND POLHEMUS FAMILIES. 15 RULEFF SCHENCK AND HIS DESCENDANTS. SOME OF THEIR PECULIAR TRAITS. 17 THE MASTERFUL CHARACTERISTICS OF THE DUTCH WOMEN. ========================== RECORDS OF THE CONOVERS, SCHENCKS AND VANDERVEERS. Roelof Martense Schenck was born at Amersfoort, Province of Utrecht, Hol- land, in 1619, and came to New Amster- dam with his brother Jan. and sister Annetje. in 1650. In 1660 he married Neeltje, daughter of Gerrit Wolphertse VanCouwenhoven, who was a son of Wolfert Garretson VanCouwenhoven. who came from Amersfoort aforesaid to America in 1630 with the Dutch emi- grants who settled Rensselaerwick. near what is now Albany in the state ot New York. Soon after his marriage to Neeltje Conover (as the name is now spelled) he settled permanently at Flatlands, Long Island, where his wife had been born. His will was made September 4th, 1704, proved August 3d, 1705, and is recorded in Book 7, page 209, in the surrogate's office of the county of New York. This will, with other information concerning him and many of his descendants, is published in a book compiled by Capt. A. D. Schenck, U. S. A., published in 1883, and entitled "Ancestry and Descendants of Rev. William Schenck." The will of his son Garret, who set- tled in Monmouth county, N. J., is also published in this work: it was executed January 12, 1739, proved October 7th, 1745, and is now on record in the office of Secretary of the state of New Jersey. Roelof Martense Schenck devised all his real estate to his eldest son Martin, who married June 20th, 1686, Susanna Abrahamse Brinckerhoff. He bequeaths to his two youngest sons, Garret and Jan. and to his six living daughters, Jonica, Maryke, Margaretta, Neeltje Mayke and Sara, and the two children of his decased daughter Annetje sixty and a half pounds each, and makes these legacies chargeable upon the real estate devised to his eldest son. His two sons, Garret and Jan, settled in Monmouth county about 1695. Their names appear in our court and other public records soon after this date. They and their wives were among the first communicants of the Marlboro Dutch church, as now called. Garret Schenck married Neeltje Coerten Van- Voorhees at Flatlands, L. I., and died September 5, 1745, on the farm known as the Rappleyes farm at Pleasant Val- ley, in Holmdel township, now occupied by Theodore R. Thorn. He names in his will five sons, viz: -- Roelof, who married Eugentje VanDorn; Koert, who married Mary Peterse VanCouwenhoven, and died on his farm near the present village of Marlboro in 1771; Garret, who married Jannetje Williamse VanCouwenhoven and died on the homestead farm in Pleasant Valley February 14th, 1792; John, who married for his first wife Ann Couwenhoven, and died February 13th, 1775, Albert, who married first Caty Conover, second, Agnes VanBrunt, and died May 21st, 1786. Mary, one of Garret Schenck's daughters, married Hendrick Smock and died in 1747, leaving six sons and two daughters surviving her. Altje, another daughter, married Tunis VanDerveer and had six sons and three daughters. A third daughter married for her first husband Hendrick Hendrickson and for her second Elias Golden. The Smocks and Vanderveers, now so numerous in Monmouth county, are principally descended from these sons of the above named Schenck sisters. Jan Schenck. the brother of Garret, was born at Flatlands, L. I., February 10, 1670, married there in 1691 his cousin, Sarah Couwenhover, who was born at the same place January 6, 1675 He died January 30, 1753, on the farm now owned by Edgar, son of the late Hon. George Schenck in Pleasant Val- ley. His wife died January 31, 1761. Three of Garret and Jan Schenck's half sisters married the three VanCouwen- hoven brothers, who were the first set- tlers of this name in Monmouth county, First. Cornelius Williamse VanCou- wenhoven. born at Flatlands, L. I., Nov- ember 29, 1672, married there September 8, 1700, Margaretta Schenck and died May 16, 1736, on his farm adjacent to the farms of Garret and Jan Schenck in Pleasant Valley. On pages 82 and 82-1/2 of the old town book of Middle- town township is the record of their cattle marks as follows: "June ye 24, 1696, then Garret Schenck. Cornelius Couwenhoven and 2 EARLY DUTCH SETTLERS' Of MONMOUTH. Peter Wicoff gave their ear marks to be recorded." "Garret Schenck, his ear marks, a fork on top of left ear and a piece cut aslope of the upper or foreside of the right ear, making the ear both shorter and narrower. Recorded to his son." "Cornelius Couwenhoven, his mark is a fork on the right ear and a small cut in on the underside of the left ear. Recorded to his son." "Peter Wicoff, his ear mark is a hole through the right ear and a piece cut aslope off the upper or foreside of the left ear, making the ear both shorter and narrower." "April 25, 1698, John Schenck, his ear mark is a crape of the top of the near ear and a half penny on each side of same ear." Second. Albert Williamse VanCou- wenhoven, born at Flatlands, L. I., Dec- ember 7, 1676, married there about 1701 Neeltje Schenck and died in Monmouth county July 7, 1751. [Error:- Date of Albert VanCouwenhoven's death should be Sept. 13, 1748.] Third. Jacob Williamse VanCouwen- hoven, born at Flatlands, L. I., January 29, 1679, married there November 12, 1705, Sarah Schenck and died at Middle- town, Monmouth county. December 1, 1744. [Error:- Date of Jacob VanOuuwenhoven's death should be June 4, 1744.] Thus a very clase relationship, both by blood and intermarriage, existed be- tween the two Schenck brothers, and the three Conover brothers who first settled here, and who are the ancestors of all who now bear those names in Monmouth county. The name VanCouwenhoven, as the Dutch language yielded very slowly but surely to the English tongue, under- went several changes both in spelling and pronunciation. Our early court and church records show some of these changes. The "Van" was dropped and name spelled Couwenhoven or Kowen- hoven. Then Cowenhoven, next Coven- hoven or Covenoven, and finally Conover. This family have been in America nearly three centuries. As the original progenitor came here in 1630, another generation, or 32 years from present date, will complete this period since the Conover tree was first planted in the new world. Very few families in the United States of Netherland blood can show such an ancient lineage, about which there can be no doubt. Neither can any family show greater fidelity in their obedience to the Scriptural in- junction "to increase and multiply in the land." If all the male and female descendants ol Wolphert Garritson VanCouwenhoven now in the United States could be gathered together in one place it would be a mighty multitude. Neither do I know of any of this name who has been convicted of any infamous crime. Their family history is remarkably free from all dishonor- able stains. While none of them have achieved fame as authors, ministers, presidents, generals, or millionaires, yet on the other hand they have gen- erally occupied respectable positions, led useful lives, and been good citizens. That is, the Conovers are not found at either extreme of the social scale but on the safe middle ground. During the stormy days of the Revolution I do not know of a single Conover, Smock, Schenck, or Vanderveer in Monmouth county who was a Tory. On the con- trary, so far as I can learn, they were all sturdy, uncompromising patriots. Many of them, like Captain Jacob Cov- enhoven. Colonel Barnes Smock, Cap- tains John and William Schenck and Tunis Vanderveer, did yeoman service both in council and battle for their country. During the late war of the rebellion the records of our state show- that over 50 Schencks and over 70 Con- overs, served in the New Jersey reg- iments. I, therefore, can sincerely say that I do not know of any family of Dutch descent who have a better right to celebrate the year 1930, the tricen- tennial of their residence in America (now only 32 years off) than the Con- overs and their kinsmen among the Smocks, Schencks and Vanderveers. They can then sing with gusto and truth the following verses and no one can question their right to do so, or the propriety of such a tricentennial jubilee. Ye sturdy Dutchmen, now arise, Stand up in a row, For singing of the ancient times. We're going for to go: When this fair land on every hand Was peopled by the Dutch, And all the rest however blest. They did not count for much. Of centennial celebrations. We've had some two or more; These upstarts of an hundred years. But one find in their score. And tho' they boast a mighty host, "Four Hundred," brave and fair: We quietly look in History's book And fail to find them there. Chorus. I am a Van, of a Van, of a Van, of a Van. Of a Van of a way back line: On every rugged feature Ancestral glories shine. And all our band in kinship stand. With all that's old and fine. I'm a Van, of a Van, of a Van, of a Van, Of a Van of a way back line. 3 TRAITS OF CONOVER CHARACTER. FANCIFUL ORIGIN OF THE NAME. I have sometimes heard the inquiry, what does "Covenhoven" mean in the Low Dutch language? This question I cannot answer, al- though many years ago. I heard a gentleman of this family give the fol- lowing explanation: He said that in the early settlement of Long Island, a Hollander with a long jaw-breaking name, had taken up his residence near Gravesend. His nearest neighbors were English people, who had followed Lady Deborah Moody from Massachusetts Bay. They were unable to understand his Dutch talk any better than he understood their foreign speech. Neither were they able to pro- nounce his name. Near his house he had erected on four posts an old fash- ioned oven. Such ovens were quite common in Monmouth county fifty years ago. They had a level brick bottom, some three or four feet wide, and eight or ten in length. This was arched over with brick. Light dry fuel, like old fence rails, was placed in the oven and fired. When the wood was consumed and the oven thoroughly heated, the bread, pies or other things to be baked, were shoved in with a long handled iron shovel. The door was then closed until the articles were thoroughly done. This Hollander also owned a cow. which had been brought over from his old sea-home, and was a highly prized ani- mal in those early days. One cold win- ter's night, a pack of hungry wolves approached very close to his dwelling. Their fierce howling frightened the cow. so that she broke out of the shed, and ran wildly around the house. Coming in contact with the oven on four posts she kicked it over. This incident was talked about by the English neighbors who unable to pronounce his name, described him as the man whose cow kicked over or went over the oven. This was soon abbreviated into "Cow-and-oven" or Cow-n-hoven." This is doubtless a fanciful explanation, like those given by Washington Irving in his Knickerbocker History of New York, of the meaning or origin of Dutch surnames, based on the erroneous idea that Dutch names have a meaning like English words of "idem sonans." Although this old "VanCouvenhoven" name has been often changed, yet the genuine Conovers retain in a marked degree the physical and mental char- acteristics of the Batavian and Frisian race from which they spring. That is, where they have not intermarried too often with French, Irish, English or other foreign people. The real Couvenhoven, whose Dutch blood is unadulterated, is generally a fine looking specimen of the "genus homo." Robust and well proportioned in person, square shouldered and deep chested, with ruddy complexion, light blue eyes and sandy hair. Bluff in manner, sincere and frank in expression of his opinions, honest in his dealings and grim and tenacious in resolution. Trickery, deceit and show he detests, and would rather be underestimated than overestimated by other people. He wants the substantial things of this life and not the mere show or appear- ance of things. That is, he would choose anytime a square meal of pork and potatoes, rather than a fine or fashion- able suit of broadcloth, with jewelry to match, on an empty stomach. Such are some of the traits of the genuine Couvenhoven. if a true descendant of the first Hollanders of this name. And there ought to be many genuine Con- overs in Monmouth. The late Rev. Gar- ret C. Schenek told the writer that there have been 150 marriages in Mon- mouth county since 1700 where both the bride and groom were of this name. The three brothers who settled here, must have been men of marked individ- uality, great vigor, and force of char- acter. For a century after their settle- ment, or in 1800, their respective des- cendants were spoken of as three sep- arate or distinct branches or families. The late Samuel Conover, who was twice sheriff of Monmouth county, often remarked that there were three kinds of Conovers, and distinguished as the "Lop-eared" Conovers, the "Big-foot" Conovers and the "Wide-mouth" or "Weasel" Conovers. The lop-eared variety were so called because of their protuberant ears, set at right angles with the head. They were noted for their up-to-date farms. 4 EARLY DUTCH SETTLERS OF MONMOUTH. substantial building's and good strong fences. Their crops in the rear of their farms were as well cultivated and look- ed as good as those next to the public highway, for none of them liked "Pres- byterian" farming, as they called it. They liked to set a good table with full and plenty on it, and the "wayfaring man." if half decent in looks, who hap- pened to come along at meal time, was never denied a seat at their table. The "Big-foot" Conovers, although sadly lacking in the standard of beauty which prevails in the Celestial empire, are nevertheless a fine looking people. Some of the most handsome men and most beautiful women ever raised in Monmouth county can be found among the different generations of the big- foot variety. They, too, liked good big farms, solid and comfortable buildings for man and beast, with well filled barns, well stocked cellars and smoke houses, with true friends and neighbors to gather around the blazing fire, and partake of the good cheer of their homes. The "Wide-mouth" or "Weasel" Con- overs, were generally tall and wiry men. Polished and polite in manners, smooth and pleasant in speech, and very well groomed in appearance and dress. Fond of fast horses and elegant carriages, of fashionable clothing and expensive jewelry. This variety of the Conovers were also very successful in horse trading, in running for office and also occasionally in "bucking the tiger" when led into it by bad company. In fact they were at home in any business which required diplomacy or extra finesse. How this description given by Sheriff Sam Conover tallies with the real facts the reader can judge for himself. I merely repeat the current gossip with- out vouching for its accuracy. Although I can safely say that so far as success- ful horse trading and office getting goes, nobody has ever beat the Couven- hovens in Monmouth county, unless it is the Hendricksons, Schencks, Smocks or Vanderveers, who are really nine- tenths Conover by blood and inter- marriage for some 300 years. =================== THE WILL OF JAN SCHENCK, AND SOME OF HIS DESCENDANTS. Jan Schenck. who settled on and owned the farm now owned by Edgar Schenck in Holmdel township, was a VanCouwenhoven on his mother's side He likewise married an own cousin, Sarah Couwenhoven, who was a sister of the three brothers of this name, who all married Schenck wives and settled in Monmouth county. His will was executed September 7th, A. D. 1746, proved June 3rd, 1753, and is now on record in the office of Secre- tary of State at Trenton. N.J. in Book V of Wills, pages 262, etc. The following is a true copy of this will: In the name of God Amen : The seventh day of September in the twen- tieth year of the Reign of our Sovereign Lord George the Second by the grace of God over Great Britian King, etc. Annoq Domni one thousand seven hundred and fourty-six, I, John Schenck. Sen., of Middletown in the County of Monmouth and Eastern Division of the Province of New Jersey, yeoman, being in health of body and of sound and perfect mind and memory thanks be given to God; therefore calling unto mind the mortality of my body and knowing that it is appointed for all men once to Die. do make and ordain this my last will and Testament. That is to say Principally and first of all I give and recommend my Soul into the hands of God that gave it. and my Body I recommend to the Earth to be buried in Christian like and decent manner at the dis- cretion of my Executors hereafter mentioned, nothing doubting but at the General Resur- rection I shall receive the same again by the mighty power of God; and as touching these wordly things and Estate wherewith it has pleased God to bless me in this life. I give. Devise and Dispose of the same in manner and form following. Viz: Imprimis I Will and positively Order that all my Debts and Funeral charges be paid and fully discharged in con- venient time after my Decease by my Exec- utors hereafter mentioned. Item: I give and bequeath to Sarah, my dearly beloved wife (and hereby order that she shall have) the full and sole use and possession and benefit of all and singular my Estate Real and Personal after my decease of what nature or kind soever or wheresoever the same may be found to be belonging to me, by any way or means what- ever the use benefits and profits thereof, and every part and parcel thereof to be received by and belong unto her for and during her natural life. That is to say for the support of herself and maintenance of my loving son John Schenck, so long as my above said wife's natural life shall continue. Item : I give, be- queath and Devise unto my aforesaid son, John Schenck, after the decease of my aforesaid loving wife, Sarah Schenck. all and singular my Lands and Tenements, meadows and Rights 5 EARLY DUTCH SETTLERS' OE MONMOUTH. to Lands and meadnws that I shall die posses- sed of or that shall by any way or means be- long unto me at the time of my decease; the same immediately after the decease of my aforesaid wife, to he received held possessed and Enjoyed by my said son, John Schenck. his heirs and assigns forever, to his and their own proper use, benefit and behoof forever. He performing, fulfilling and paying what is hereinafter by me appointed for him to pay and discharge as legacies to his brothers and sisters as follows: Viz: It is my will and desire and I do hereby order that my said son, John Schenck, shall pay unto my two sons, Roelof and Peter, and their seven sisters in equal portions the sum of four hundred and fifty pounds current money of the Province aforesaid at eight shillings the ounce: the one half in two years and the other half in five years after the Decease of the longest liver be it either me or my wife: that is twenty-five pounds to each of my said nine children at two years and twenty-five pounds more to each of them at the end of five years after the decease of the longest liver of us two: that is me and my wife. I do further order and it is my will and desire that the fifty pounds that falls to my daughter Sarah be equally divided between my said Daughter Sarah and all her children, as well as those she had by Johannes Voorhees, as those she had by Hendrick Voorhees : also in case of the Death of either of my two sons them should die before they have received their part of the said sum of four hundred and fifty pounds, then my will and desire is and I do hereby strictly charge and order that the share or part thereof that should be paid to such so Dying shall be by my said Son John, paid to the Heirs of their Body or Bodies them surviv- ing: also it is my will and desire that after the decease of the longest liver of us two : that my said son John shall have his outfit of my movable Estate in quantity and quality equal with his Brothers and Sisters as they had of me when they left me, and if any of my mov- able Estate be then left, I will and devise it may be equally divided between all my chil- dren. And in case my said Son John Dies be- fore he is seized and possessed of the said Es- tate in fee simple, then I give and bequeath the same to my two sons and seven daughters, viz: that the whole Estate given as above said to my said Son John shall be sold to the highest bidder amonst my children, and the money thence arising shall he equally Divided amongst my two Sons and seven daughters daughters, viz: that the whole Estate given as above said to my said Son JOhn shall be sold to the highest bidder amongst my children, and the money thence arising shall be equally divided amongst my two Sons and seven daughters in the same manner as the aforesaid four hundred and fifty pounds is to he Divided in every respect what- ever. But it is my Will and Desire anything herein contained to the contrary notwithstamf ing that my said Son John at the time of his Decease have issue of his Body, lawfully be- gotten altho it be before he is in actual pos- session: that if his Ex. shall perform in every particular what is herein by me ordered : that then the whole Estate given to him as afore- said shall be and remain to his lawful Heirs and assigns forever. Item: I Give and be- queath unto my Son, Roelof Schenck, the sum of Ten pounds money at eight shillings to the ounce with interest, to Barr him of further Claims to my Estate or part thereof either Real or Personal as Heir-at-Law or otherwise (except that which is herein before given and be- queathed to him) the sum of Ten pounds to be paid to him by my Executors in convenient time after my Decease. And lastly I do here- by make, ordain, constitute and appoint my beloved wife, Sarah Schenck. and my loving Son, Roelof Schenck, Executrix and Executor of this my last Will and Testament hereby utterly disallowing, revoking and disannulling all and every other former Testament, Wills. Legacies and Bequests and Executors by me in any wise before named willed and bequeathed. ratifying and confirming this and no other to be my last Will and Testament. In witness whereof I have here unto Set my Hand and Seal, this day and year above writ- ten. JAN SCHENCK. [L. S.] This Will contained in two half side sheet of paper, the one of fourty-seven lines, the other of fourty-one lines without any alterations or interlinations was signed, sealed and pronoun- ced by the said Jan Schenck, to be his last Will and Testament in Presence of Roelof Couven- hoven. Garret Schenck, Tho. Craven. The foregoing is a true copy Executed by THO. BARTOW. Jan Schenck and his wife were buried in the old Schenck and Couvenhoven burying ground, which lies at the cor-" ner of the farms of Edgar Schenck. Theodore R. Thorne and Henry Con- over, about half a mile from Holmdel village and near the turnpike to Key- port. This graveyard las lately been cleared up and put in order by .Mrs. Lydia Hendrickson Schenck Conover, daughter of the late Daniel P. Schenck, and widow of Dr. Charles A. Conover of Marlboro. It was a very creditable work for which she deserves commen- dation. She has also devoted much time and labor to tracing up an accurate record of the descendants of Jan Schenck from church records, inscrip- tions on old tombstones, and private family papers scattered through many farmhouses in Holmdel and the adja- cent townships. She has thus completed a genealogy which can be depended on for accuracy. I am indebted to her for nearly all the dates of births, deaths and marriages contained in this paper. She has accomplished a work which will be more appreciated in the future than though she had erected a costly mon- ument of marble over their graves. She has honored the memory of a virtuous, hardy and industrious race of men and women, who laid the foundation of the solid respectability and prosperity which their descendants have so long enjoyed in Monmouth county and else- where in the United States where they have settled. Some of the descendants of the two Schenck brothers who settled here over two centuries since, like Gen. Robert C. Schenck of Ohio, Admiral Findlay 6 EARLY DUTCH SETTLERS OE MONMOUTH. Schenck and others, have left names famous all over our country for ability and patriotism. Jan Schenck by his wife. Sarah Couwenhoven, had the following children: Roelof, b. February 21, 1692, married Geesie, daughter of Sheriff or Capt. Daniel Hendrickson; d. January 19, 1766. Sarah, b. 1696, married May 16, 1721, Johannes Voorhees of New Brunswick, N. J. Second husband, Hendrick Voorhees of Freehold township. Altje, baptized May 25, 1705, married Chrystjan VanDooren. d. 1801. Rachel, b. February 19, 1709, is said to have married a Boone of Kentucky. Maria, b. August 8, 1712, married Jacob VanDooren and died October 31, 1756. Leah, b. December 24th, 1714, married December 17th, 1735, Peter Couwenhoven and died March 14, 1769. William, baptized April 13, 1718, died young. Jannetje, baptized April 12, 1719, mar- ried Bernardus Verbryke, who is said to have settled at Neshaminy, Pa. John. b. June 27, 1722, married June 28, 1750, Nellie Bennett; d. December 24, 1808. Antje. b. ____ married Arie VanDooren. Peter, b. ____ married first Jannetje VanNostrand, second. Jannetje Hendrickson. John, to whom the father devised all his real estate, lived and died on the homestead farm in Pleasant Valley. John Schenck, by his wife, Nellie Bennett, who was born November 29, 1728, and died June 1st, 1810, had fol- lowing children all born on the farm in Pleasant Valley: *John Schenck. b. June 10, 17 52. Chrineyonce, b. September 18, 1753, died young. *William, b. March 30, 1755. Ida, b. February 1, 1757. Sarah, b. February 13, 1759, married Ruliff, son of Hendrick Schenck and Catharine Holmes, her own cousin. Dec- ember 22, 1774: d. April 13th. 1811. Chrineyonce, b. December 29, 1760, married November 20, 1793, Margaret Polhemus; d. March 15, 1840. Peter or Ogburn. b. May 27, 1763, married Anna Ogden. [Error:- Strike out "or Ogburn" after "Peter" and substitute "Rhoda Ogbourn" for "Anna Ogden."] Nellie, b. January 13, 1765, married October 20, 1785, Joseph H. Holmes: died June 5, 1838. Annie, b. November 15, 1766, married December 28, 1786, Denyse Hendrickson. Mary. b. January 23, 1769: d. May 12, 1772. Daniel, b. April 1, 1771, married October 13, 1793, Catharine Smock: d. August 9, 1845. Mary, b. April 19, 1775, married John O. Stillwell, March 25, 1806: died September 29, 1864 ============================ DUTCH TENACITY AS SHOWN BY THEIR LOVE FOR THEIR CHURCH. Roelof Schenck. the eldest son of Jan Schenck and Sara Couvenhoven, his wife, had no real estate devised to him under his father's will although he was appointed one of the executors. The reason of this was that he had acquired a large tract of land at and in the vicinity of wha is now Bradevelt sta- tion. Marlboro township, then a part of Freehold township. The younger son John, had doubtless remained at home working on his father's farm. He was 28 years old when he married Nellie Bennett. When his father's will was executed he was unmarried, while the eldest son Roelof, had been married some thirty years, and had eight chil- dren and also grandchildren at this time. His dwelling house stood near the site of the Brick Church, about two or three hundred yards south of the public road, which now passes by the Brick Church, and about 500 yards east of the railroad track. The buildings are now all gone. The lands owned by him in this vicinity are now cut up into several large and valuable farms, some of which are still owned and occupied by his descendants on the female side. Rev. Theodore W. Wells in his mem- orial address at Brick church, speaks of this Roelof Schenck, and states he was called "Black Roelof" and noted for his great physical strength. He was also the person who selected the site of the church edifice, where it has remained to this day, by carting the first load of building stones to the spot. On page 308 in "Old Times in Old Monmouth" 7 EARLY DUTCH SETTLERS OF MONMOUTH. are several references to this Roelof Schenck, who was quite a noted bus- iness man in his day and active in church work. The first two Schenck brothers. Gar- ret and Jan. were among the first or- ganizers and supporters of the Dutch church in Monmouth county. Their names appear on the early records, both as elders and deacons. The majority of their descendants down to the present day have generally sustained this church or the churches which have sprung from it. They have been married, their chil- dren baptized and their funerals sol- emnized by the clergymen of the Dutch church. Many ot them sleep then- last sleep in the yard adjacent to the Brick Church, as the tombstones show. Rev. Theodore W. Wells has given us a full history of the successive pastors of this church, but the history of the congregation is yet to be written. When it is. the Schencks and their kinsmen among the Hendricksons, Vanderveers, Conovers and Smocks, will occupy the most conspicuous places. And I assert without fear of contradiction that the progress and prosperity of the Dutch church in America is due to the stabil- ity and tenacity inherent in the Dutch character, rather than to any excellency in the church government or its polity, and ability of its trained clergymen. In fact the clergymen of this denom- ination committed a great blunder when they dropped the name "Dutch" and called themselves the "Reformed Church." This name is applicable to the Episcopalians, Quakers or any other of the many protestant sects, and has no particular meaning. Instead of resisting the detraction, ridicule and abuse, which originated in England, and was has.-, I on conflicting interests, commercial rivalries and national prejudices, which prevailed during the reign of Charles II, and which saturated all English literature of that period, they weakly yielded to it. This denunciation of Holland and the Republican government and citizens of that country was increased, through the bitter malice and rank partizan feeling which prevailed in England during the reign of William of Orange. As Macauley in his history of England has shown, every effort was made by the adherents of the Stuart dynasty and the papists to stir up English hate and prejudice, by denouncing and ridiculing the "Dutch" in order to overthrow their "Dutch King" and the Stadtholder of the Dutch Republicans. This spirit was caught up by writers in America and eagerly imitated until the word "Dutch" became synonymous with all that was vile, cruel, brutal and cowardly. Instead of resisting these Ê slanderous charges and falsehoods, and upholding the right and truth as could have been done, the "Shepherds of the Church" pusillanimously surrendered the old historical name, and the glor- ious past which belonged to it. A re- spectable body of the laymen of this denomination strongly objected to this change, but before the matter was fairly understood by the lay element, the "disgraceful deed was done." It has been the lay element of this denomination which has upheld and perpetuated this church in the United States, and their consent should have been obtained before the "standard" or "flag" was pulled down. This fact is shown by the history of each separate church, for the history of one, in its general features, is the history of all which have come down for the last century. The following aricle is from the pen of Judge John Fitch, giving an account of the old Dutch church at Schodack Landing, Rennselaer county, N. Y. The writer is a lineal descendant of the Colonial governor of Connecticut of the same name, and, I am informed, of unmixed English descent. Like Macaulay and Motley, he rises above the narrow predjudices and super- cilious arrogance and self righteousness which characterize so many English writers and their servile imitators in New England when they write of Holland or its people. We have had lately a specimen of this same spirit in the English papers when they speak of Paul Krueger and the Dutch farmers of South Africa, of Boors, as they so frequently call them. Judge Fitch does not hesitate to give others such credit as they justly deserve, even when it impairs the extravagant claims of the "Pilgrim Fathers" to all that is great and grand in the early history of our country. The following is a true copy of Judge Fitch's article: "About the year 1637 the Dutch began the first settlement on the east side of the Hudson river, between the mouths of Kinderhook creek and a point about opposite the present city of Albany, then a mere trading post. The principal settlement was on the present site of the village of Schodack Landing. The first thing they did was to build a log church at the landing. It was located 8 EARLY DUTCH SETTLERS OF MONMOUTH. near the site of the present burying ground. This was the origin of the church now in existence at Mutzeskill, which is either the third or fourth edifice. "It was regularly incorporated in 1788 by the name of 'The Ministry, Elders and Deacons of the Reformed Protestant Dutch Church at Schodack. In 1810 the church edifice was removed back from the Hudson river about two and a half miles to Mutzeskill, where it still remains. "The Hollanders were then, as their descendants are now. firm, reliable Christians - few or no infidels among them. The descendants of these men are today more free from cant, hypoc- risy and "isms" than are the descend- ants of the English. Comparatively few, if any of Holland descent, stray away from the path of rectitude and virtue or the protestant faith of their fathers; while the English become Presbyterians, Methodists, Baptists, Catholics, and frequently what all decent people despise, skeptics or relig- ious reformers, which is another name for hypocrites or infidels. Such has been the experience of those who have observed the fate of the Dutch, Pres- byterians, Methodists and Baptists of the vicinity of which I speak. "One of the reasons why the Holland- ers have so long retained and main- tained their foothold and standing in the valley of the Hudson and also along the Mohawk is because of their ten- acity and firmly fixed moral and relig- ious principles, temperate habits and homely and disinterested virtues. They do not run about, emigrate from place to place, and are not continually on the go, jump and run. They are not yearly movers, are not easily moved from their fixed residences, but are stable in all their ways. "The residence of the Hollander can be very readily distinguished from that of other nationalities, because his resi- dence once selected, the location be- comes his home and at once he sets to work to improve it. Buildings, fruit trees, gardens and shrubbery are put up, planted, looked after and cared for. "The fences are in a still betin con- dition, and the farm is mote carefully cultivated than the farms of those who are moving from place to place and who never, as it were, live anywhere long. The Hollander has been true to his country's principles of liberty and religion and he has steadily ad- hered to the Reformed Dutch church here in the State ol New York. The Protestant religion holds its own firmly imbued in the mind of the Hollander. "It is a singular fact that when a Reformed Dutch church is established, it is there to stay. In very few instan- ces has a Dutch church been abandoned when once fairly established in the vally of the Hudson. "It lives, prospers and holds its own although surrounded by Catholics, Methodists, Episcopalians, and other persuasions. The Dutch church did its full share and more in spreading" the cause of our Saviour from 1637 to 1785 than all the other persuasions in the colony of New York. "Time has rolled on, but still the dis- tinctive mark of the Hollander remains. The church at Schodack Landing may be said to be the mother church of the Dutch churches on the east bank of the Hudson river." This account comes from a man whose judicial experience, associations and English descent place it above all suspicion of bias or partiality. By sim- ply changing name of church and loca- tion, it is applicable to the First Dutch church of Monmouth county, as well as other old churches in New Jersey of this denomination. The same kind of people founded and sustained them, and the same results have followed. Our forefathers from Holland had real practical faith and trust in God. They believed He cared for them in the wilderness of the New- World, surrounded by the fierce .Mohawk warriors, the perils, diseases and hard- ships of their pioneer life, as He had in their memorable struggle of 80 years with Spain and the popish hierarchy. This church of their fathers had been born "amidst perils, tears and blood:" its countless martyrs were subjected to all the cruelties and tortures Spanish malice, treachery and bigotry could inflict or the inquisitors could invent, and their deeds of courage, sacrifice and endurance have never been excelled in the annals of human history. The persecution of the Puritans in England or of the Presbyterians in Scotland were but child's play compared to the wholesale massacres and tortures of the Dutch people by that Spanish Nero, Philip II. and that fiend incarnate, the Duke of Alva. Instead of weakly yielding to the abuse, ridicule and de- traction which had been heaped on the "Dutch." "The Shepherds of the Church" should have repelled with indignation the mere suggestion of dropping' the "historic name." Instead of being ashamed they should have gloried in 9 EARLY DUTCH SETTLERS OF MONMOUTH. their name, and with united hearts and voices raised to heaven the anthem: "From out the sea. O Motherland, Our fathers plucked thy billowy strand; As from the deep. Where treasures sleep. The pearl rewards the daring hand. And when far angrier billows broke, Of bigot hate and war's fell stroke. Our sires withstood This sea of blood, With hearts no tyrant's hand could yoke. The thrift that wrought, like Moses' rod. A path where man had never trod: That highway kept. By storm unswept, A land unpromised yet from God. A land where genius flamed with power, Where learning earned its glorious dower, Where commerce sped With boundless tread. And art bloomed forth in beauteous flower. A land where knowledge grew for all, Where conscience knew no gyve or thrall; Where exiled bandsâ From other lands. Bore truth, that made old errors fall. That land can well afford to be The theme of Irving's pleasantry; And toss the jest From off its crest. As off it tossed the mocking sea. Our hearts untraveled high expand. To read thy record strangely grand; With tongue aflame. We call thy name. And proudly own thee. Motherland." -- Vedder Roelof Schenck no only owned the lands around what is now the Marlboro Brick church, but he lived and died in his dwelling house near this spot. He also married the daughter of Daniel Hendrickson, who was one of the prin- cipal organizers of the Dutch church of Monmouth county, and one of its earli- est elders. His name and the name of his wife, Catharine VanDyke, appear among communicants of this church as early as 1709. Daniel Hendrickson came from Long Island and settled on the farm now owned by his great-great grandson, Hon. William Henry Hend- rickson at Holland in Holmdel town- ship. He was the first person of Hol- land descent to hold the office of high sheriff of this county, and he was also an officer of the county militia. He was very active in all church work, and often conducted service on the Sabbath in absence of any regular clergyman. The late Rev. G. C. Schenck had in his possession a sermon printed in Dutch language which had been written and delivered by this Daniel Hendrickson. Roelof Schenck married Geesie, one of his daughters, and Jonathan Holmes married Tuniche, another daughter. Their names also appear among com- municants of this church on pages 86- 87 of Wells' memorial address. Roelof Schenck and Jonathan Holmes, his sons- in-law, were appointed executors of his will and settled up his estate. Hen- drick, a son of Roelof Schenck. married Catharine, a daughter of Jonathan Holmes, his own cousin, and his and her children were therefore doubly the grandchildren of this Daniel Hendrickson. Roelof Schenck and his wife, Geesie Hendrickson, together with their son, Hendrick Schenck, and his wife, Catharine Holmes, are all buried in the Scheck-Couwenhoven burying ground in Pleasant Valley, Holmdel township. ================================= ROELOF SCHENCK AND HIS DESCENDANTS. -- A WOMAN OF GREAT BUSINESS CAPACITY. Roelof Schenck, by his wife, Geesie Hendrickson, had the following Children: Sarah, b. May 22, 1715, married December 1, 1731 Joseph VanMater or VanMetteren, as spelled on records of the Marlboro Brick church. He was a son of Kriin or Chrineyonce VanMater and Nelly Vancleaf; his wife Sarah, died September 1, 1748. Katrintje, baptized March 19, 1717, died young. Kalrya or Catharine, baptized December 21st, 1718, married first. Simon DeHart, second, Peter Couwenhoven. Jan, b. January 22, 1721, married November 26, 1741, Jaeomintje Couwenhoven; died January 27th, 1749. Daniel, baptized May 26, 1723, died September 20, 1747. Neeltje. b. September 10, 1724, married October 13, 1744, Garret Couwenhoven; died March 25, 1800. Engeltje. baptized April 28, 1732. Hendrick. born July 29, 1731, married his own cousin. Catharine, daughter of Jonathan 10 EARLY DUTCH SETTLERS OF MONMOUTH. Holmes and Tuniche Hendrickson, his wife, and died August 24, 1766, at the early age of thirty-five years. Catharine Holmes, his wife, was born May 11, 1731, died May 12, 1796. It is said she married a second husband, one John Schenck, of Penns Neck. Roelof Schenck made his will April 10, 1765, proved March 3, 1766, and is now on record in Secretary of State's office at Trenton in Book 1 of Wills, page 93, etc. He describes himself as a resident of Freehold township, which then included that part of Marlboro township where he resided. He gives to his grandson. Ruliff, his land at the Point. To his grandsons, Ruliff and Cornelius, the plantation he bought of Peter Voorhees. To his daughter, Nelly Couwenhoven, one hundred acres of land near the church. All the rest of his lands called Timber Neck, he devised in fee to his son, Hendrick, subject to payments of legacies amounting in all to eleven hundred and twenty pounds as follows: To his granddaughter, Geesie Schenck. £280. To his six grandchildren, the children of his daughter, Catharine Couwenhoven, viz: Simon DeHart, Geesie DeHart, Jacob Couwenhoven. Ruliff Couwenhoven, Mary Couwen- hoven and John Couwenhoven, £280, share and share alike. To his three grandchildren, the children of his daughter, Sara VanMater, £280, share and share alike. To his daughter, Nelly Couwenhoven, £280. He also speaks in this will of the children of his deceased son, John. Hendrick Schenck. his son, and Garret Couwenhoven and Peter Couwanhoven, two of his sons-in-law, are appointed executors. The will is witnessed by William Tice. Cornelius Couwenhoven and John Tice. This Roelof Schenck was a noted man in his day and did considerable business for others in the way of settling es- tates, etc. He served as foreman of the grand jury at the October term, 1754, of our county courts, and his name also appears quite frequently in public matters. Hendrick Schenck, his son, died with- in a year after his father. His will was made August 23, 1766, proved September 12, 1766, and is recorded in Secretary of State's office at Trenton in Book 1 of Wills, page 105, etc. He devises to his only son. Ruliff, all his personal and real property, subject to use by his wife of half profits of his real and all profits of his personal prop- erty Until all his children arrive at age. After this a fixed amount has to be paid annually to the widow, and she was also to have use of one room in the dwelling house so long as she lived. This will was evidently made while the testator was sick and just before his death. The injustice of some of the provisions made trouble, and it is a warning that an important matter like the making of a will should not be de- ferred until a man is on his death bed. To make a fair and judicious will re- quires all the faculties of a well man. When a man's mind is clouded by sick- ness and his time is short, it is impos- sible to make a will which is just to all concerned. Such wills generally make trouble. The devise of all his real and personal estate to his son Ruliff. was further subjected to the payment of £160 to each of his four daughters, as they came of age. He appoints his uncle, John Schenck, of Middletown township, and Daniel Holmes and Oba- diah Herbert of Freehold township, executors. The same persons witness his will as witnessed his father's will the preceding year. On the fly leaf of an old English Bible still in existence, and which the writer has seen, is this inscription: "Ann Holmes, her book, given her by her mother. Caty Schenck, July 10th, 1792." Then below is the follwing entry: "Presented to Ann Crawford by her aunt, Ann Holmes, 1815." Between the Old and New Testament is a record of the births of the children of Hendrick Schenck and Catharine Holmes, his wife, as follows: "Rulif Schenck was born April 17, 1752." "Sarah Schenck was born May 26, 1755." "Mary Schenck was born March 17, 1757." "Jonathan Schenck was born July 19, 1761." "Catharine Schenck was born March 7, 1762." "Eleanor Schenck was born March 17, 1764." "Ann Schenck was born June 14, 1766." Of these children Sarah and Jonathan died young. Ruloff Schenck, the only surviving son, married December 22, 1771, his own cousin, Sarah, daughter of John Schenck and Nellie Bennett, his wife, of Pleasant Valley, and died October 12, 1800. His wife was born February 13, 1759, and died April 13, 1811. They are buried in the old Schenck and Couwen- hoven burying ground heretofore des- cribed. [Error:- Date of Catharine Schenck's birth should be March 17, 1762.] Mary married Jacob Couwenhoven, who was known as "Farmer Jacob" on account oi his well cultivated and pro- ductive farm. It is said that he was 11 EARLY DUTCH SETTLERS OE MONMOUTH. the most handsom man of the day in Monmouth county. Catharine remained single. Eleanor was married January 27, 1797, by Rev. Benjamin Bennett to George Crawford of Middletown Village and died there May 17, 1850. Her hus- band was born December 5, 1758, and died July 10, 1834. They are both inter- red in private family burying ground on the Crawford homestead at Nutswamp. [Error:- Elleanor Schenck's marriage to George Crawford should be January 27, 1799.] Ann married Jonathan or John Holmes and died without issue. Eleanor Schenck and her husband. George Crawford, had the following children, all born on the homestead in Middletown Village: Mary, born January 12, 1800, married Nov- ember 20, 1817, William W. Murray, and is buried by the side of her husband in grave- yard of Baptist church at Middletown Village. Ann, born February 22, 1801, married Feb ruary 12th, 1833, by Rev. Doctor Milledoller to Rev. Jacob TenBroeck Beekman; died at homestead where she was born and had always lived, May 18, 1876; interred by side of her husband in Fairview cemetery. Adaline, born February 16, 1803, married John Lloyd Hendrickson and is buried by her husband in private family burying mound on the farm where she lived and died at Middle- town Village. Eleanor, born January 26, 1805, died Dec- ember 22, 1823, unmarried; interred by her father and mother in Crawford burying ground. In Book K of Deeds, pages 380, etc., Monmouth clerk's office, is the record of a deed from John Schenck, surviving executor of Hendrick Schenck. deceased, to Catharine, the widow of Hendrick Schenck, deceased. This deed is dated February 25, 1785, and consideration named therein as £1,000. The land is described as situated in Freehold town- ship (now Marlboro) and as part of a tract of land formerly belonging to Roelof Schenck, deceased, and by him devised to his son, Hendrick. After a particular description by chains and links, a general description is given as one hundred and ninety acres, bounded northwardly by Ruliff Schenck's land, westwardly in part by lands belonging to Dutch congregation and in part by lands of James VanKirk, southwardly by Jacob Couwenhoven's lands and eastwardly by Garret Couwenhoven's lands. Thus it appears that the widow, although cut off by her husband's will from all interest in his real estate except the use of one room in the dwelling house, yet in 20 years thereafter, obtained the absolute own- ership of that part of his real estate on which the house and outbuildings stood, containing 190 acres. This is the same farm which Htndrick S. Conover, son of Tunis Conover, inherited and which he sold to John McClellan within the memory of many now living. It is now owned by a son of the late Ruliff Hendrickson of Freehold. Catharine Holmes Schenck, the widow, is said to have been a woman of great energy and business capacity. She made her will December 12, 1795. It was proved May 31, 1796, and is on record in secretary of state's office at Trenton. She gives her only son, Ruliff, (to whom his father had devised nearly all his property) five shillings. The above homestead farm of 190 acres, she de- vises in fee to her three youngest daughters. Catharine, Eleanor and Ann share and share alike. She gives her eldest daughter, Mary, wife of Jacob Couwenhoven, £200. She gives to her daughters, Catharine and Eleanor, her two negro slaves, Jack and Jude, and her old negro, Brom, who is to be kept on the farm and supported for life by her two daughters. Her negro woman, Elizabeth, she gives to her daughter, Ann Holmes. Her large looking glass and a smaller one with all her tables are given to Catharine and Eleanor, and her third looking glass to her daughter, Ann. All residue of her movable prop- erty is to be equally divided between her three youngest daughters, whom she also appoints executrices. This will is singular for that period because of the appointment of females to settle the estate. She must have held advanced ideas on the rights of women. Daniel Herbert, Thomas Her- bert and Daniel Peacock were subscrib- ing witnesses to the will. Her daughter Catharine never married but occupied the homestead farm until her death. She also became the sole owner of the farm. A deed dated January 13, 1816, recorded in Book Y of Deeds, pages 811, etc., Monmouth clerk's office, shows that Ann Holmes, one of the three daughters to whom the mother devised this farm, had died intestate and with- out children, leaving three sisters. Mary Couwenhoven. Catharine Schenck and Eleanor Crawford and the children of their brother Ruliff Schenck, who had died October 12, 1800, as her heirs at law. By the above deed Eleanor Craw- ford and husband released all their in- terest in said real estate to Catharine Schenck. This Catharine Schenck died unmarried June 5, 1816, and is interred by her father and mother in the Schenck-Couwenhoven burying ground. Pleasant Valley. Her will was made 12 EARLY DUTCH SETTLERS OF MONMOUTH. May 7, 1316, proved July 1, 1816, and is recorded in surrogate's office of Mon- mouth county in Book B of Wills, page 10, etc. She gives to her four nieces, Mary, Ann, Adaline and Eleanor, daugh- ters of her sister, Eleanor Crawford, all her beds, bedding, wearing apparel and household furniture except a Dutch cupboard, to be equally divided between them. She gives her nephew. Garret, son of her sister, Mary Couwenhoven, $500. She gave her four nieces above named $700 each to be paid in one year after her decease. She gives the Dutch cupboard to her nephew. Hendrick, son of her sister, Mary Couwenhoven. She also devised to him the 190 acre home- stead farm together with all residue of her real and personal property, in fee subject to payment of above lega- cies. She also appoints her nephew. Hendrick Couwenhoven. sole executor. This Hendrick Couwenhoven was mar- ried March 31, 1805, to Ann B. Crawford. One of his daughters. Rebecca, married Tunis Conover and was the mother of William I. Conover, who still (1898)" owns and resides on the farm where his parents lived, in the township of Marlboro, near the Brick church. =================================== CHRINEYONCE SCHENCK AND HIS DESCENDANTS. PROBASCO AND POLHEMUS FAMILIES. Chrineyonce Schenck was a man well known throughout Monmouth county in his day. Many ancedotes are told of his peculiarities and of his grim ways, and great physical strength. His voice was very deep and gruff, and when angry or in earnest, it deepened into a roar, or as an enemy remarked, "Like the savage growl of a bear with a sore head." He was very bluff and open in the expression of his opinions, and in his likes and dislikes. His grim man- ner and gruff words were, however, wholly superficial for no man was more kind and considerate to his wife, children and friends than he. A well authenticated story is told of him by a lawyer who was an eye wit- ness of the incident. He was fore of a jury impanneled in a very impor- tant civil case tried in the Freehold court house. Among the prominent lawyers employed by the plaintiff was one of the Stocktons from Trenton or Princeton. The defendant was a poor man and had some unknown and young attorney to represent him. The plain- tiff was a man of great wealth, and notorious for his shrewd and unscrup- ulous methods of getting other people's property. Mr. Stockton was selected to sum up the case and had, of course, the closing speech. After speaking an hour with great ability and eloquence, tear- ing the arguments of his young oppon- ent all to tatters, he noticed that the foreman of the jury was leaning over in his chair with his arm upraised and his head resting on his open hand with his eyes closed. Thinking he was asleep and provoked by his supposed inatten- tion, he abruptly stopped. Turning to the court, he pointed his finger at Mr. Schenck and said in an angry tone, "May it please the Court, there is but little use to argue this case to a sleep- ing juror." In an instant Chrineyonce Schenck sprang to his feet: raising himself to his full height he thundered out in his deep gruff voice: "I am not asleep. I have heard all the evidence and have made up my mind from it as my oath requires, and I want you all to understand, that no lawyer by his smooth gab can persuade me to find a verdict for a scoundrel." Angry and disconcerted by this vehement explos- ion, Mr. Stockton not only lost his temper, but the thread of his argument and after stumbling along for a few minutes in an incoherent manner he sat down. Another anecdote is related of Chrin- eyonce which shows his great bodily strength and the mighty grip of his right hand. He was attacked by a large and savage bull dog. As the brute sprang at him he seized him by the throat, and lifting him clear of the ground held him out at arm's length and choked him to death. As the family records show Chrineyonce Schenck and his son, John C., mar- ried Polhemus wives. This family is also of Dutch descent, although like Lupardus, Antonides. etc., they bear a Latin name. In that case you .".n gen- erally find that the family is descended from a clergyman of the Dutch church, sent out in early times by the Classis of Amsterdam. It was quite common for scholars in that age to select a ++++++++ Photographs appear here: Front and rear views of old dwelling on the farm of Garret Schanck, settler, in Pleasant Valley, N. J. Photograph taken by Mrs. L. H. S. Conover, summer of 1900. +++++++++++ 13 EARLY DUTCH SETTLERS OF MONMOUTH. Latin name, which expressed what their surname meant in Dutch. The Polhemus family in Monmouth and Somerset counties are descendants of Rev. Johannes Theodorus Polhemus, who had been a minister at Itamaca in Brazil before coming to the New Neth- erlands in 1654. He preached at Flat- bush in the morning and at Brooklyn and Flatlands in the afternoon of each Sunday until 1660. When Brooklyn ob- tained a minister in 1665 Dominie Pol- hemus ceased to be connected with the church at Flatbush, and removed to Brooklyn where he died June 9th. 1675, the worthy and beloved pastor of that church. Among the freeholders and residents of Flatbush. L. I., published on page 147, Vol. 3, O'Callagan's Documentary- History of New York, we find in the year 1698 the name of Daniel Polhemus who is credited with six children, and Sloffel or Christopher Probasco, who also had six children. These two names, Probasco and Polhemus, have long been identified with the agricultural progress of that territory now included in At- lantic township, this county. They have stood in the front ranks of the successful and prosperous farmers of this county in the years gone by. The appearance of the buildings and or- chards on the old Polhemus homesteads at Scobeyville and the Phalanx today bear silent, but undisputable testimony to their industry, economy and intelli- gence. Generally speaking the past generations of this family have been zealous and consistent church members. As I understand, a son of Daniel Pol- hemus above mentioned at Flatlands, named Johannes, married in Brooklyn, Annatie, daughter of Tobias TenEyck. and settled on a tract of land at what is now Scobeyville. Their names appear among the early communicants of the Marlboro Brick church. They had three sons, Daniel, Tobias and John. Tobias removed to and settled in Upper Free- hold township and is the ancestor of all now bearing this name in that part of our county. Daniel married Margaret, daughter of Albert Cowenhoven and Neeltje, his wife, hereinbefore mentioned and had three sons, John, Albert and Tobias. John Polhemus married Mary, daughter of Cyrenius VanMater and Abigail Leffert his wife, and one of their daughters, Margaret, married Chrineyonce Schenck above mentioned. She lived to a great age, and was very fond of talking about her youthful days. She would often tell how she and her sister went to church. She said they "rode and tied" and "tied and rode." "What is that, grandma?" her little grand- children would ask. "Well, my dears," she would say, "we all liked to go to church, but the roads were poor and roundabout; no bridges over the streams and swamps, mere bridle paths. Father let my sister and myself have a horse to ride. One would mount and ride about a mile, while the other walked, then she would dismount and tie the horse to a tree and walk on. When the other sister came up to the horse she would untie him, get on and ride on a mile before the sister who was walking, then dismount, tie the horse and walk on, so alternately walk- ing and riding they reached the church, and in the same way returnirg home." This was to "ride and tie." Hon. Daniel Polhemus VanDorn, whose mother was a daughter of Daniel Polhemus, who owned and lived on the homestead at Phalanx, in Atlantic township, says he often heard his grandfather tell the story of his father, Tobias Polhemus' incarceration in the old sugarhouse prison during our revo- lutionary war. It happened that Garret Wyckoff of this county, was a prisoner at the same time. He was a warm friend of Tobias Polhemus. It hap- pened that he had often entertained at his home a peddler who resided in New York city. This man hearing of their wretched situation managed to intro- duce from time to time provisions to Garret Wyckoff, who generously shared them with Mr. Polhemus. This timely supply barely saved them from star- vation. So emaciated did they become that Mr. Polhemus, when released, could span his waist with his two hands. He said more Americans were killed by disease and starvation in this prison and the prison ships than fell in battle from bullets of the enemy. Among the citizens of this county who have borne the Polhemus name, were two who commanded extraordin- ary respect and regard, Dr. Daniel Pol- hemus, who practiced medicine at Eng- lishtown and died there March 1, 1858, and Henry D. Polhemus, who was Sur- rogate ol this county frcm 1833 to 1848. David S. Crater, our present Surrogate, told the writer that the records show- that he was strict, accurate and meth- odical; in short, one of the best surro- gates the county ever had. He was a man of fine appearance, very pleasant and gentlemanly and almost idolized by the people of Monmouth county. He belonged, however, to the Somerset branch. The reader will notice the names 14 EARLY DUTCH SETTLERS OF MONMOUTH. "Tobias" and "Daniel" appear from generation to generation as Christian names. This fact was noticed over a century ago by some unknown rhymn- ster, who put his observations into the following doggerel, which has been remembered because it expresses a truth, although the poet's name is for- gotten: "By Koert or Ruliff, a Schenck you may know, Chrineyonce or Cryenius with VanMater doth go. Garret or Jacob is a Couwenhoven name, From generation to generation always the same. Tobias or Daniel, without feathers or fuss. Marks the kind and gentle Polhemus. Simon and Peter a Wyckoff does show, Nor will they deny 'till a rooster doth crow." Whether the present and future gen- erations will continue to use those old names, is uncertain, for we are living in a transition age when change seems to be in the very air. Old customs and well established principles are over- turned for the mere sake of change or something new. Chrineyonce, son of John Schenck and Neeltje Bennett, his wife, married Nov- ember 20, 1793, Margaret Polhemus, who was born March 11, 1766, and died Jan- uary 13, 1857. Their children were: Mariah, b. February 2, 1795, married Garret Rezo Conover, a well known farmer who lived near Edinburg in what is now Atlantic town- ship. She died December 5, 1830. John C., b. June 2, 1797, died August 22, 1799. Ellen and Eliza were twins, b. March 2, 1799. Eliza died in infancy. Ellen married Jonathan I. Holmes and died September 17, 1877. Margaret, b. May 12, 1800, died March 10, 1835, unmarried. John C., b. June 6, 1803, married Margaret Polhemus and died August 13, 1858. Daniel Polhemus. b. May 12, 1805, married first November 30, 1831. Lydia H. Longstreet, who was born December 18, 1809, and died April 7, 1838 : married second Mary Conover, October 10, 1843. She was born June 8, 1822, died April 4, 1890. He died December 29, 1864. Daniel Polhemus Schenck and Lydia H. Longstreet, his first wife, had the following children: Abigail, b. April 28, 1808, died May 30, 1825, unmarried. Ellen L., b. November 2, 1832. married July 3, 1860. Stacy P. Conover, and died without children, August 18, 1890. Her husband was born June 5, 1828, and died on his farm near Wickatunk station, Marlboro township, August 18, 1896. He was a man of fine presence, commanding stature, with pleasant, genial manners and was well known throughout New Jersey and New York city. He was deeply interested in and always attended the meetings of the New York Holland society. Chrineyonce, b. February 21, 1838, died February 17, 1839. By his second wife, Moary Conover, he had the following children: Lydia Hendrickson, b. July 30, 1846, married December 6, 1870, Dr. Charles A. Conover, a physician who settled at Marlboro. He was born February 13, 1842, died November 2, 1882, without children. John C., b. February 21, 1848, married December 6, 1871, Charlotte L. Conover, who was born September 28, 1849. Eliza V., b. January 5, 1850, married January 7, 1874, Henry D. VanMater, who was born August 11, 1851. Margaret Polhemus. b. March 27, 1854, mar- ried December 20, 1875. William H., a son of the late Tunis VanDerveer DuBois, one of the most successful and prosperous farmers in the township of Marlboro, during the greater part of his life. William H. DuBois was born February 9, 1851, and has two children by this marriage. viz: Jennie S. and Daniel Schenck. John C. Schenck and Charlotte L. Conover, his wife, have had the following children: Mary C. b. October 26, 1872, married August 7, 1896, William Lefferts Brown. John L. C., b. May 14, 1874, married November 23, 1897, Matilda C. Carson. Nellie L., b. October 18, 1875. Abbie M., b. January 9, 1879. LuEtta H., b. July 30, 1883, died July 21, 1885. Mabel I., b. December 23, 1886. Florence A., b. September 7, 1887. So far as this branch of the family is concerned we find no divorces, scandals or grass widows. Neither do we find any member but what has been a pro- ducer and helped build up farms, mak- ing many blades of grass grow where few had grown. Nor one who has lived out of public office by politics but all by the sweat of their brow as tillers of the soil. 15 RULEFF SCHENCK AND HIS DESCENDANTS. SOME OF THEIR PECULIAR TRAITS. As has been stated before, Ruleff, the only surviving son of Hendrick Schenck and Catherine Holmes, his wife, mar- ried December 22, 1774, his first cousin, Sarah, daughter of John Schenck, who lived and died on the homestead farm in Pleasant Valley. Ruliff Schenck lived and died on his farm adjacent to Bradevelt station, and was buried in the Schenck Couwenhoven burying ground. His children were: Nellie, b. August 24, 1775, married January 18, 1795, Thomas Shepard or Shepherd. They removed to and settled in Ohio. Hendrick. b. June 13, 1777, died single December 27, 1812. Mary. b. June 15, 1779, married July 1, 179S. Elias Conover, died December 17, 1851. She was buried by her hus- band and sons in the yard of Brick church. They were the parents of three sons, viz: John E., who owned and lived on the farm lying west of Marlboro Brick church, formerly the parsonage farm of this church. After his death his son, Daniel P. Conover, owned and occupied it. He was well known to present generation and only died lately. Hendrick E., who lived the latter part of his life in the town of Freehold, was well known to all our citizens for his quiet, unobtrusive manners and his irreproachable life and conduct. He owned two of the finest farms in Marl- boro township, one of which includes the famous "Topanemus" burying ground. He left only one son. John B., a licensed lawyer of this state and at one time chosen freeholder of this township. He was also an elder of the Presbyterian church of Freehold. Ruliff E. Conover lived and died on his farm in Marlboro township, now owned and occupied by his son, Holmes R. Conover, who married Ada B., the daughter of John Buckelew and his wife, Mary A. Griggs. Ruliff E. Con- over had three other sons who are now deceased. They were: Elias R., who married Mary Ann Wyckoff and left one son, Peter Wyckoff, who still owns the farm where his father lived, adjacent to Holmes R. Conover's farm. John R., who married Mary Jane VanKirk, and Hendrick R., who married Anna Gussie VanWickle. The last two sons died childless. John R., b. May 3, 1781, married Mar- garet, daughter of Roelof P. Schenck and Elizabeth Gordon, his wife; died August 14, 1858. [Omission:- Insert after "John R." "the third child of Ruliff and Sarah Schenck."] Because of his stout, broad and bar- rel like form he was called "Chunky John Schenck." He was also famous for his original ideas, independent ways, mechanical skill and inflexible resolution. One of his daughters mar- ried Hon. William Spader of Matawan. at one time lay judge of the Monmouth county courts and well and favorably known throughout this county. He left three sons surviving him. John, Daniel and Providence, who lived on the home- stead farm he devised to them. None of them married. They were men who thought and acted for themselves with- out regard to the usages and customs of other people. Strictly honest and truthful in their dealings, they gave employment to many men and made their money out of the soil. They were a great deal better and more useful citizens than many of the "Quid Nuncs" who talked about them behind their backs and anticipated the judgment of Heaven on them after they were dead. Some of the people who thus condemned them, had beams as big as a "telephone pole" in their eye compared with the mote in John's. Daniel's and Provi- dence's eyes. Jonathan R., b. December 15, 1782. married Sarah Peacock, died January 16, 1864, leaving one son, Elias, who lived and died on his father's farm in Marlboro township. Many anecdotes are also told of this Jonathan R. Schenck. Katherine, b. November 25, 1785, mar- ried December 16, 1806, Peter VanKirk; died March 31, 1871. John VanKirk, who now owns and occupies the farm adjacent to "Old Scots Burying Ground" and who married a daughter of the late 16 EARLY DUTCH SETTLERS OF MONMOUTH. John Segoine of Smithburg, is a grandson. Sarah, b. August 16, 1787, married January 6, 1807, Garret I. Conover, died August 16, 1875. Jacob, b. August 12, 1789, died November 15, 1790. Jacob, b. September 13, 1793, died un- married December 22, 1859. He devised his farm which lay between the farms of his two brothers, John R. and Tylee, to the two youngest grandsons of his sister Mary, wife of Elias Conover, viz: Hendnek R. and Holmes R Conover. Holmes R. quit claimed to his brother Hendrick, who devised it to his widow in fee simple. She now owns it. Lydia, b. June 25, 1795, married April 4, 1815, Garret Schenck. They removed to and settled in the state of Ohio. Anne, b. November 26, 1797, married September 27, 1811, J. Schuyler Waller, died May 8, 1874. Tylee, b. October 27, 1799, married Eleanora. a daughter of John Schuyler Schenck, died June 24, 1854, leaving two daughters surviving him, both of whom married Asher H. Holmes, who now occupies the homestead farm in Marlboro township. The house which Tylee Schenck built is still standing and is very pleasantly situated on a knoll, on the west side of the turnpike from Freehold to Matawan. The barns and outbuildings are among the best in the county, and kept cleaner than some people's dwellings. The dwelling house and grounds are particularly noticeable for the neat and orderly con- dition they always present. John R. Schenck, Jonathan Schenck and Tylee Schenck are all buried in the yard of the Brick church. Hendrick Schenck and Jacob Schenck are buried in the old yard in Pleasant Valley where their forefathers are all buried. The house in which John R. Schenck lived was planned and built by him and is yet standing. It has probably been talked about and excited more curiosity than any dwelling house ever erected in this county. The stairway was construc- ted from a solid log and the whole house put together in the most durable and solid manner. A great fence some twelve feet high surrounded the house. The palings were fastened with bolts and screws. While John R. Schenck never meddled in other people's business, neither did he permit anyone to interfere with him. He strongly objected to any one shoot- ing or killing birds, rabbits or other game on his premises. He insisted that life was as dear to them as to the hunters who killed them. A German from New York City not knowing his character, came one day on his farm with dog and gun. Mr. Schenck, hearing a report of the gun, went to him and told him to go off, as he allowed no shooting on his farm. The German refused to go, whereupon he was told that if he shot a single bird or rabbit on that farm he would be shot. This threat was greeted with a laugh of derision and to show his utter contempt, he proceeded at once to shoot and kill a robin. Hardly had the report of his gun died away when Mr. Schenck fired a load of shot in his legs. As he fell Mr. Schenck said 'Now you know how a bird feels and if you ever shoot another on these premises I will shoot higher." The wound was not serious. But after this the wild game was not molested on that farm. The lightning struck and burned his barns for two successive years. He then erected small barns in different fields all over his farm. When the next thunder shower came over he stood in his doorway and shaking his clenched hand at the sky exclaimed "Strike away, you can't hit more than two this time." Some of his superstitious neigh- bors talked a great deal about this in- cident and accused him of defying "High Heaven" and forthwith adjudged him to be a "very wicked man." Mr. Schenck was a man of strong rugged sense and knew tnat electricity like the winds and frost, was an element of nature and when he thought he had circumvented their destructive forces he naturally exulted over it. It is also said that he succeeded in inventing "a perpetual motion machine." I cannot say as to this, although he was remark- ably skillful and ingenious in the use of tools. This talent seems a natural one with the Schencks. As much so as singing or music is a talent with a Smock, and physics or medicine is with a Vanderveer. Very few Smocks but are natural singers or musicians, or as was said by another many years ago: "A hardy Smock who cannot sing Is rare as a bird without a wing. A brass bell that will not ring." Among the stories told of his brother. Jonathan R. Schenck, is the following: He had a tombstone made and put up with inscriptions all complete except the date of his death. He selected a quiet spot on his farm for its location. He would often go out and look at it. One day a neighbor came along and asked why he had put up a tombstone +++++++++++++++ The dwelling house of john Polhemus, son of Daniel and Margaret Polhemus, at Scobeyville, NJ. Headstone at grave of Catherine Schanck in Schanck-Covenhoven yard. Photograph taken in 1899. +++++++++++++++ 17 EARLY DUTCH SETTLERS OF MONMOUTH. before he was dead': "For begad you see, when I die my boys may get at loggerheads and then the rascally law- yers will get them into law, and use up all my property, and so you see poor old Jonathan won't get any tombstone, at all, at all, you see, for begad, unless I put it up myself and so make sure of it." The third surviving son of Jan Schenck and Sara Couwenhoven. his wife, as heretofore stated, was Peter. By his first wife. Jannetje VanNostrand or VanOstrandt, he had the following children: Williamtje, baptized August 29, 1731, died young. Jan, baptized June 10, 1733. Williamtje, baptized 6, 1735, maarried Elbert Williamson. Sara, baptized July 17, 1737. Peter, baptized February 24, 1740. Mary, baptized April 25, 1742. I think this son Peter, was the justice of the peace whose name appears fre- quently in our court records during and after the revolutionary war. I am not sure, however, of this. By his second wife. Jannetje Hen- drickson, (maiden name) widow of Roelof Jacobse Couwenhoven, whom he married in 1747, he had the following children: Roelof P., baptized January 22, 1749, mar- ried Elizabeth Gordon. Jannetje, baptized July 28, 1751, married John Walter, December 5, 1769. Leah, baptized November 9, 1755. Francyntje, baptized March 7, 1762. Antje, baptized September 30, 1763, married Garret Conover. Jan, son of Roelof Schenck, (black Roelof) and Geesie Hendrickson, his wife, married November 26, 1740. Jac- ominkey. daughter of Cornelius Cou- wenhoven and Margaretta Schenck, his wife. He died June 27, 1749, before his father. Their children were: Roelof, baptized September 19, 1742. Cornelius, baptized October 12, 1744. Sara, baptized September 21, 1746. Geesie. baptized October 23, 1748. =============================== THE MASTERFUL CHARACTERISTICS OF THE DUTCH WOMEN. While speaking of the men of these Dutch families, we must not forget the women. The woman was indeed the "King Pin." or rather the "Queen Pin," around whom the whole family life, past, present and future revolved. The old Roman historians, when describing the Teutonic tribes, often mention, as something very singular, the consider- ation and respect shown by these "Bar- barians" to their women, that they were treated as the equals and in some cases as the superiors of the men. In important affairs the women were not only consulted but were entrusted with the management of them. Sometimes they led the men in battle. Among the Orientals and Latin races, females were treated as the inferiors of the males: as untrustworthy and on the level with children. They were caged in harems among the Orientals, and secluded behind barred windows and doors among the Spaniards, Italians and other Latin peoples. The Batavians or Fresians, from whom the Netherland people spring, belonged to the Teutonic race, and their regard and respect for women was a national characteristic. During the long war with Spain the Holland women often fought in the front ranks, side by side with their fathers, brothers, sons and husbands. During the sieges of some of the cities when people fell dead from star- ed as if human beings could not endure further suffering, the women encour- aged the men to hold out and suffer death before surrendering- to the hated Spaniard. Another trait of the Dutch women which is always noticed and commented upon by travellers through Holland, is their extreme cleanliness. Sweeping, washing, mopping and scrub- bing form a passion with them. Cleanliness is said to be next to god- liness. If this saying is true then the Holland woman must "take the cake" for superlative piety. Among the farm houses scattered through Pleasant Val- ley, Atlantic, Marlboro and other town- ships and occupied by the descendants of the Dutch, these sanu traits have been noticed about the womn folks. To soil the kitchen floor was deemed a serious matter, and the men in some houses were required to take off their shoes before stepping over the sill of the kitchen floor. 18 EARLY DUTCH SETTLERS OF MONMOUTH. House cleaning two or three times a year was a solemn and important work, especially so, if it was suspected that a bed-bug had effected an entrance into the domicile. Then the "huisvrouw" was up in arms. An angry frown mar- red her usually placid features and her tongue clattered all day # like the machinery in a grist mill, giving com- mands, orders, and urging "all hands" to the work of hunting out and exter- minating the pestiferous insects. The house, from foundation to turret, was deluged with floods of water and soap- suds, so that the men folks had no dry place where they could place their feet. They thereupon retreated to the barn or wagon house to get a little peace and comfort, from the fierce rushing to and fro of the angry vrouw and the ceaseless clatter of her tongue. The bed clothes were also inspected with a microscopic eye. The bedsteads all taken apart, the furniture all moved, the carpets all taken up, and beat and beat and beat, and then hung on a line outdoors for the free winds to blow away what little dust there was left. In short, the whole house was turned topsy turvy and there was no rest, peace or comfort for anybody, but more especially for the unfortunate bed bug, who wished he had never been born. After the whole house had thus been deluged and scrubbed, if the vrouw still suspected there was yet a solitary bed bug lurking in a deep crack of the floor or walls, she brought up her heavy ar- tillery in the shape of scalding water and bed-bug poison, and poured that into his hiding place, until the miser- able insect gave up the ghost. Then and not till then, did "order reign in Warsaw." After the whole house had been thoroughly swept and garnished and white wash applied from cellar to garret and the furniture all polished and varnished, returned to its usual place, were the "men folks" allowed any peace or comfort. The long exile was then over and once more the "good man" of the house could comfortably sit in his chair by the chimney corner and smoke his pipe. Among these fam- ilies the real "boss" was the vrouw. The very name "huisvrouw" means the "woman of the house or home." Her authority was absolute in the home. No one dared to dispute her edicts, for a woman can scold with more terrific effect in the Low Dutch language than in any other. A true story is told of a Mrs. Benjamin Van- Cleaf or Cleef which will illustrate the power and authority of the wife. Dur- ing the early part of the present cen- tury many of our school teachers were Irishmen. They were paid by the par- ents of the children. It was greatly to their interest to have all the children sent it was possible to get. This Irish teacher taught school at or near the old Tennent church. Benjamin Van- Cleaf lived some two or three miles from the school house and had a large family of boys and girls, all of whom were under eighteen years of age. The Irishman had no personal acquaintance with him. but hearing about his family called at his residence in order to per- suade him to send his children to his school. A colored man, who had long been a slave in Mr. VanCleafs family, came to the door and upon his inquiring for the master of the house, was in- formed that he was not at home. Think- -ing he could learn something from the old negro the Irishman slipped a silver shilling in his hand, and then asked how he could induce Mr. VanCleaf, the boss, to send his children to the school in question. "Ah," said the old slave, "you go an' see de vrouw. She is de real boss. Mr. VanCleaf is only called de boss. You git on de right side of de vrouw fust an' you hab no trouble den." The shrewd Irishman took the darkey's advice and secured all the children. To show the respect and regard in which the women were held, look at our court records of criminal cases in Monmouth county for the past two cen- turies, and I doubt if you could find a single case where a white man of true Dutch descent, has ever been indicted for striking or beating his wife. At least I have never seen or heard of any such case. The vrouw was the ruler of the home and inmates. The parlor was her throne room, a place kept sacred from all common uses. Closed and darkened, except when respectable company came or when the damsel of the house was visited by an approved suitor for her hand. Here before the open fireplace, in which the fire cheerily blazed and sent its dancing light and genial warmth through the room, the young couple took their seats on each side of the hearth to spend the long- winter evening, in courtship. The young "Lochinvar" would grad- ually hitch his chair nearer and nearer to the blooming and blushing fraulein, if she did not move away, his chair, before the long winter evening wore away, would get very close to hers, and before he hardly realized it he was tied hand and foot in the matrimonial knot. His liberty was gone. He was engaged. After the wedding feast the parlor was sternly closed to him. for he was one 19 EARLY DUTCH SETTLERS OF MONMOUTH. of the family and only entitled to the same usage. The huisvrouw with her store of household linen, her heavy blankets, home woven, her patchwork quilts, with more colors than Joseph's famous coat, and many other household articles were also prepared and laid away to start her daughter in housekeeping. The parlor was the trap in which many a roystering, devil-may-care, hot- headed young Dutchman was caught in the marriage noose and compelled to settle down as a sedate, meek and docile married man. Thenceforth he was ruled by the vrouw and his mother-in-law. Yet his lot was by no means an un- happy one. The great majority of the Schencks, Conovers, "VanCleafs, Van- Brockles, Gulicks and others of the Van name, had wives of unadulterated Dutch blood, on the farms of Monmouth county during the past generations, and were truly described as follows: "She will do him good and not evil ; days of her life." "She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands." "She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens." "She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy." "She looketh well to the ways of her house- hold, and eateth not the bread of idleness." "Her children arise up, and call her blessed: her husband also, and he praiseth her." =========================