Monmouth County NJ Archives History....More Van Mater family: 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. ============================ 84 GARRETT VAN MATER; HIS CHARACTERISTICS AND DISPOSITION. There is another VanMater, hereto- fore named along with the descendants of Gilbert VanMater and Micha Hen- drickson, his wife, who, I think, de- serves particular notice. This was Gar- rett VanMater, the fourth son of Wil- liam VanMater and Mary Hendrickson, his wife, born during the early part of the present century, and who died at his home on Chapel Hill, Middletown township, in 1879. He was well known to many people still (1899) living, and familiarly addressed and called Garry VanMater. In his youth, without any advantages of education, save such as could be had in the rough country schools of his boyhood days, he engag- ed in business at Hoboken, N. J. By steady and persistent industry and his natural good judgment, he amassed quite a fortune, according to his modest desires. Instead of spending all the years of his life in piling up dollars, he came back to his native county to enjoy country life, before age had impaired his strength and interest in the world. He purchased a tract of five acres, known as the Cornelius Mount proper- ty, on one of the lofty eminences of that range of hills called the Navesink Highlands, and commanding a magnif- icent view of Raritan Bay, from the cedars of Sandy Hook to the two Am- boys at the mouth of Raritan river. Here, where he could see the mingled glories of earth and sea and sky at one glance, he took up his abode, and lived until the end came in 1879. Garrett VanMater was a domestic man and neg- lected no step which would promote the comfort and welfare of his wife and children. The careful provisions in his will to guard them from the misfor- tunes of life, testify to his care and foresight in this particular. He pos- sessed a logical mind, with the hard, practical sense of the Hendricksons, his mother's people, and the sensitive na- ture and buoyant disposition of the VanMaters. His laugh was hearty, spontaneous and contagious. Any one who ever heard Garry laugh will re- member it. He was fond of argument and reasoned well, for he was a natural debater "wayback from Debaterville." Although no scholar or bookman, he and treasured up many facts. He was an observant man and understood hu- man nature well. For the mere pleas- ure of argument, he would often take sides contrary to his real convictions. In these wordy tournaments he was very earnest and vehement, and a stranger hearing him, would think some of his opinions highly reprehen- sible. Garry made no distinction be- tween the man in his shirt sleeves and the man who wore a clerical gown. They were all men in his eyes, with their sins, foibles and weaknesses, for he had no bump of veneration. As he was always plainly dressed and looked like a country farmer, people often misjudged him. Country ministers, or some young tbeologian, fresh from the artificial life and training of a sectar- ian seminary or college, would some- times tackle Garry, upon hearing him make some heterodox remark, as he stood in a crowd on a platform await- ing a train, or in some other public place. Much to Garry's delight, he would call the plain, ignorant old farm- er, as he thought, to book for such un- orthodox opinions. Then the ball would open, much to the entertainment of the bystanders. The clerical champion would strike at Garry with his book knowledge, his cut and dried sectarian learning, and his ipse dixit on eternal damnation. Whereupon, Garry, with his ready wit, shrewd practical sense, and knowledge of the world would give it back, in his high pitched voice, in a way to make all the bystanders roar with laughter. After afew years Garry became known, and none of the min- isters cared to tilt with him. They al- ways had business somewhere else, when Garry wanted to argue with them. The young farmers of Middletown town- ship, who attended the debates at Headden's Corner schoolhouse many years ago, will remember the zest and interest which Garry took in these wordy combats. Although a great deal older than any of them, he seemed a companion, for his heart was always young, and he liked young company. His high spirits, hearty laugh, and the vehemence with which he debated a question, made him the life and soul of this debating society. He served +++++++++++++++ Photos: Lonely grave of Michael Fields, by the side of the public road, near Vanderburg. He was killed in a skirmish with the British near this place on June 28, 1778. Col. Asher Holmes, with a part of his regiment made an attack on the baggage train, but were repulsed with the loss of this man killed and several wounded. Four of the British soldiers and one drummer boy were killed in the attack. The division of the British army in charge of the baggage train began their march from Freehold at 3 o'clock A. M. on June 28, 1778, and by daylight must have been several miles on their road. Garret Smock, who participated in the attack, stated the above facts to R. C. Smock, his grandson. _______________________ Bridge over Hop Brook and mill pond on the road between Marlboro and Brick Church. Photographed in the summer of 1900 by Mrs. L. H. S. Conover. +++++++++++++++++ 85 EARLY DUTCH SETTLERS OF MONMOUTH. occasionally on the grand jury, and made a good juryman, for the "axe- grinders" could never hoodwink or de- ceive him. He loved justice and hated wrong, with all the deep intensity of his nature. Any abuse of even a dumb beast in his presence excited his anger, and he would then express himself in language more forcible than polite, for a spade with him was a spade, and nothing more. There was nothing theatrical, deceitful or subterranean about him. He carried his "heart on his sleeve," as the saying is. Although at times rough in his words, he was truth- ful and faithful to principle and friends. He was hospitable to those he liked, and nothing pleased him more than to have them visit his home. He had a very pleasant and comfortable home. The magnificent view from the rear piazza seemed to harmonize with his broad, lib- eral, and charitable ideas. For the eye could take in at a glance, not only the whole expanse of Raritan Bay, but the lofty hills of Staten Island on the north west, the spires and steeples of New York rising beyond the grim forts at the Narrows, with the white beach and background of green pines of the Long Island shore, stretching away eastward until lost in the Atlantic ocean. Here, seated on his piazza, Garry VanMater passed many hours gazing at this pleas- ant and grand view. The great ocean steamers with their pennants of trail- ing smoke, the ships, schooners, and other vessels with their snowy canvas, coming in from distant lands, or going down to the great ocean, afforded in- exhaustible subjects of thought and speculation to one of his observant and active mind. From the foot of the lofty eminence on which his dwelling stood, the land sloped gradually away to the bay shore, and lay like a picture be- neath his eye. The well cultivated gar- dens, fields and farms, the comfortable farm houses nestling amidst orchards and vineyards, afforded a marked con- trast to the blue water of the bay, and what looked like fairy land beyond. The dock at Port Monmouth, the steam- boat lying by it. taking in the products of this region from a long train of farm wagons, made a scene of anima- tion and life, and just distant enough to lend enchantment to the view. I often think the same ideas must have passed through Garry VanMater's mind, when he gazed on this beautiful and animated scenery, as those expressed by Steadman in "Alice of Monmouth:" "Ladies in silks and laces. Lunching with lips agleam, Know you aught of the places Yielding such fruit and cream? South from your harbor-islands, Glisten the Monmouth hills; There are the Ocean Highlands, Lowlands, meadows, and rills. Berries in field and garden, Trees with their fruitage low, Maidens (asking your pardon), Handsome as cities show. Know you that night and morning A beautiful water Fay, Cover'd with strange adorning Crosses yon rippling bay? Her sides are white and sparkling, She whistles to the shore; Behind her hair is darkling, And the waters part before. Come with nme, ladies; cluster Here on the western pier; Look at her jewels' lustre, Changing with the changing year. First of the months to woo her, June her strawberries flings Over her garniture, Bringing her exquisite things. Rifling her richest casket, Handing her everywhere Garnets in crate and basket, Knowing she soon will wear Blackberries, jet and lava, Raspberries, ruby and red ; Trinkets that August gave her Over her toilet spread. After such gifts have faded, Then the peaches are seen, Coral and ivory braided, Fit for an Indian queen. And September will send her Proud of her wealth and bold, Melons glowing in splendor, Emeralds set with gold. So she glides to the Narrows, Where the forts are astir ; Her speed is a shining arrow's; Guns are silent for her. So she glides to the ringing Bells of the belfried town, Kissing the wharves and flinging All of her jewels down. Whence she gathers her riches. Ladies, now would you see? Leaving your city riches. Wander awhile with me." 86 DESCENDANTS OF BENJAMIN VAN MATER AND ELIZABETH LANE, HIS WIFE. Benjamin VanMater,* third surviving son of Kreijn VanMater, and Elizabeth Lane, his wife, their children and some of their descendants: Neeltje (Eleanor)** b. Sept. 8, 1730 ; m. 1748, Garrett Janse Couwenhoven, and was his first wife as already mentioned. She died ____________ * In book I of deeds, page 255, Monmouth county clerk's office, is record of a deed from John Hartshorne and Lucy, his wife, to Benjamin VanMater, dated March 4, 1761, (consideration $2,600) for a tract of 274 acres in Shrewsbury township, beginning on north- erly side of Hockhockson branch of Falls River. Also, on page 252 of same book a deed from Thomas Lemming and Hannah, his wife. to Benjamin VanMater, dated August 3, 1770, for 40 acres in Shrewsbury township, bounded on Pine brook and Tintern brook in part. This deed is witnessed by Cyrenius VanMater, Benjamin Couwenhoven and Cornelius VanMater. ** An old Dutch Bible was brought by Neeltje VanMater into the Conover family when she was first wife of Garrett Couwenhoven. It has remained there ever since and is now in possession of John Lyall, son of the late Peter G. Conover. The following are exact copies of certain entries in this Bible: "Crinjance VanMater deyed March, 1720." "Jon Lyle 10 January 1761." "My father Jacob Lain dyed 21 Nov. 1761. "My daughter Elizabeth Bennett dyed 10 Aug. 1769. "My son Jacob VanMater dyed April 20, 1775." "Benjamin VanMater dyed July 21, 1776-- 73y. 5m. 29d." "My grandson Cyrenius VanMater son Cornelius VanMater, dyed July 30, 1775-- 4 years 25 days." The following entries were evidently make by Garret Couwenhoven: "William Schanck b. March 3, 1789." "Nelly is born 8 Sept. 1730." "I married with Nelly VanMater in 1748." "My daughter Jacoba is born 10 sept 1749." "Benjamin b. 25 Jan. 1753." "Catharine, b. 25 Dec. 1756." "John. b. Sept. 1, 1766, dyed 28 Aug. 1775." "Garrett B. 28 Sept. 1770." The last five entries give us names and births of children of Garrett Couwenhoven by his first wife Neeltje (Nelly) VanMater. The eldest daughter Jacoba is said to have been designated by the last syllable of her name "Coba.," or as the Dutch expressed it, Cobatje, pronounced in English, "Cobauchee." __________________ prior to 1786, for about that time Garrett J. Couwenhoven married his second wife, Antje Schanck. Jacob, b. March 12, 1732 ; m. Neeltje. daugh- ter of Hendrick Hendrickson and Neeltje Gar- retse Schanck, his wife. She was bap. Sept. 30, 1740. Jacob VanMater died April 20, 1775, aged 43 yrs., 1 mo. and 8 days, according to his tombstone in VanMater graveyard. His widow was about 35 years of age at date of his death and may have married again. Cyrenius, bap. July 29, 1737 ; m. first, Anne, daughter of Arie VanDorn and Antje Janse Schanck, his wife. She died June 1, 1765, aged 27 yrs. 3 mo., according to her head- stone in VanMater graveyard ; m. second, April 6, 1766, Cobatje or Cobauchee Couwenhoven. Cornelius, bap. April 28, 1744 ; m. December 3, 1767, Sarah, daughter of Cyrenius Van- Mater and Abagail Lefferts, his wife. She was born Octoher 3, 1748 ; bap. October 23 of same year, and died February 25, 1824, aged 75 yrs, 4 mos., 22 days according to tomb- stone in VanMater yard. Cornelius VanMater is buried by her side and date of his death given as March 30, 1797, aged 52 yrs., 1 mo., 16 days. He was captain of a company of Monmouth militia during the early part of the Revolutionary war. Sarah VanMater, widow of Cornelius, made her will February 20, 1824, proved March 10, 1826 ; recorded in Book B of Wills, p. 386, etc., Monmouth Surrogate's office. She describes herself as the widow of Cornelius VanMater. She bequeaths to her grandniece, Eleanor Hendrickson, (daughter of John Hendrickson and Mary Lloyd, his wife, and granddaughter of Daniel Hendrickson and Eleanor VanMater, his wife,) and to Elizabeth Weathers and Anna Scott, widow of James Scott, all her wearing apparel to "be equally divided between the three by her friend, Jane Lefferts." She also directs her son-in-law and executor, Jacob B. VanMater, to give each of them $10 to purchase black clothes. All her silver spoons and plate and residue of her personal property is given to her son-in-law, Jacob B. VanMater, in fee, and he is made sole ex- ecutor. Elizabeth, b. September, 1748 : m. November 9, 1762, William, son of Jan Bennett and Ida VanMater, his wife: died August 10, 1769. They had a child named Ida bap. July 28, 1769. Jacob VanMater by Neeltje Hendrick- son, his wife, had the following children: Benjamin, b. January 28, 1757; bap. May following; m. July 12, 1778, Sarah, daughter of 87 EARLY DUTCH SETTLERS OF MONMOUTH. Daniel VanMater ; d. May 31, 1817, aged 60 yrs., 4 mos. and 3 days, according to inscrip- tion on his tombstone in VanMater yard. His wife is buried by his side and her tombstone states that she died September 5, 1840, aged 81 yrs., 23 days. Neeltje, bap. Oct. 18, 1761 ; m. first, Conrad Lovefield ; second, Jacob Holmes. Elizabeth, bap. April 30, 1764 : m. Daniel, son of Johannes Polhemus and Mary Van- Mater, his wife ; d. October 23, 1813, aged 49 years.* Hendrick, bap. March 6, 1766 ; d. unmarried November 20, 1840, aged 74 yrs., 9 mos. and 14 days, according to his tombstone in Van- Mater yard. He left a will dated August 1, 1829; proved February 20, 1841; recorded in C of Wills, p. 322, Monmouth Surrogate's office. He gives his nephew Henry, son of his brother Benjamin, six silver spoons and an eight day clock and all his wearing apparel. Residue of his property to be divided in six equal shares. Two shares to his nephew Dan- iel, two shares to his nephew Henry, one share to each of his nieces, Maria and Eleanor, daughters of his brother, Benjamin, "Not doubting." he says in the will, "but what they will contribute a support to their aged mother, for whom I ever entertained the most un- feigned respect and friendship, and also their two brothers, Jacob and Gilbert, who have exercised towards me innumerable acts of kindness, but whose misfortunes may require assistance and protection of my legatees." Daniel and Henry, his two nephews, are ap- pointed executors. The will is witnessed by James Nevius, Joseph H. VanMater and Catharine Nevius. Cyrenius, second son of Benjamin VanMater and Elizabeth Lane, his wife, by Anna VanDorn, his first wife, had two sons: Benjamin, bap. June 27, 1762; m. Sept. 11, 1787, Elizabeth, daughter of Cornelius VanMater and Sarah VanMater, his wife. She was pabtised Oct. 9, 1768; d. March 16, 1795, aged 26 yrs., 6 mos. and 16 days, according to her tombstone inthe Vanmater yard. Benjamin VanMater d. March 14, 1825. Arie, (generally called and known as Aaron) bap. April 30, 1764; m. April 7, 1785 Mary, daughter of Albert Polhemus amd Altje (Alche) VanMater, his wife, and died Sept. 2, 1835, leaving only one daughter, Anne, bap. Dec 20, 1785, who m. Joseph H. VanMater, the famous horseman of Monmouth county. By his second wife, Cobatje Couwenhoven, he had the following children: William, bap. May 10, 1767; m. _____________ * Daniel Polhemus died June 22, 1831, aged 71 years, according to his tombstone in Polhemus burying ground at Scobeyville, Monmouth county. He had the following children by his wife, Elizabeth VanMater: Jacob, b. June 28, 1795; Abbie, b. Dec. 19, 1797; m. William Schanck. John, b. Jan. 17, 1801, d. young. John, b. May 7, 1803, and Daniel, b. July 26, 1806. ____________ 1792, Ida Bennett.** and died about 1800, leav- ing two children, a son and daughter. His widow married for her second husband, James Smith. Agnes, b. 1769 ; m. Jacob Smith. Jacob, bap. May 19, 1772 ; m. Feb. 13, 1804, Mary Vanderveer. Cornelius, bap. Sept. 5, 1773; m. June 18, 1797, Orpah Taylor. Garrett, bap. Aug. 25, 1776; m. Betsey Lake. Elizabeth, bap. May 10, 1778 : m. John W. Bennett. Mary, or Polly, bap. April 23, 1781 ; d. in infancy. Nelly (Eleanor) bap. Sept. 9, 1781; m. William Wyckoff, and had following children, viz: John, b. Aug. 20, 1800; Mary, b. March 1, 1802; Garrett, b. Feb. 28, 1804: Cyrenius, b. Oct. 9, 1807 : Charles, b. Aug. 23, 1809; and Sarah, b. Oct. 17, 1811. Catharine, bap. Dec. 7, 1783 ; m. June 24, 1802, Matthias Golden. Peter, bap. Oct. 16, 1786 : m. Lavinia Beasley. Sarah, bap. April 11, 1790; m. Joseph Lake. John C., bap. April 5, 1793. I do not know who this last son married. Cyrenius VanMater, father of the above 14 children, made his will Oct. 13, 1800; proved Feb. 28, 1801. and recorded in Book A of Wills, p. 623, in Monmouth surrogate's office. He gives to his two sons, Benjamin and Arie (Aaron) by his first wife, Anne VanDorn, all the goods and chattels received from their mother and says that he gives them no more because they are well provided for by their mother's relatives. He then gives to his second wife Cobatje. use of all his property during her widowhood. He then devises, subject to use of widow, to his two sons. Garrett and Peter, the farm he bought of Edmund Williams, formerly the John Tilton farm, to be equally divided between them. ________________ ** One of William VanMater's children was Elizabeth, or Betsy, born Feb. 16, 1794; m. Jan. 11, 1816, William Lake, son of Capt. John Lake of Colts Neck. Soon after this marriage, he removed to Freehold where he lived. here he had one son, William Henry, b. Oct. 19, 1817. He then moved to New York City, where he followed his trade as a carpenter until about 1833, when he came back and took up his residence at Morrisville in this county. While in New York he had two sons born, John Bennett about 1824 and Joseph T., b. Sept. 26, 1830. His eldest son, William Henry, followed the sea and physically was as fine a specimane of the American sailor as ever trod the deck of a ship. He, however, contracted hasty consumption, which carried him off in the morn of his manhood. He is buried in the yard of the old White Meeting House in Holmdel township. The second son, John Bennett, was drowned while shad fishing in the north River. Joseph T. Lake, the youngest son, has resided in Freehols nearly all his life and is still (1899) living. He served during the war of the Rebellion as Captain of Company e, 29th Regt, N. J. Vols., and came home with the respect and good of all of his men, for he looked after them like a father. __________________ 88 EARLY DUTCH SETTLERS OF MONMOUTH. He bequeaths to Chrineyonce * and Elizabeth, children of his deceased son William Van- Mater, and to Sally Ann and Cyrenius Smith, children of his deceased daughter Agnes, who married Jacob Smith, $500 to be equally div- ided between them when they become of age. All residue of his estate he devises to his seven children, Jacob. Cornelius, Elizabeth Bennett, Eleanor Wyckoff, Catharine Van- Mater, Sarah VanMater and John C. Van- Mater, after their mother's use has ended, share and share alike. His son Cornelius and his friend Tylee Williams, are appointed executors. Cornelius, third son of Benjamin Van Mater and Elizabeth Lane, his wife, married Sarah VanMater, and had the following children: Elizabeth, b. Aug. 30, 1768 ; bap. Oct. 9, fol- lowing ; m. Sept. 11, 1787, Benjamin VanMater ; d. March 16, 1795. Cyrenius, bap. Sept. 15, 1771 ; d. when a boy. Abagail, bap. May 14, 1780; m. Dec. 22, 1800. Jacob B. VanMater ; died Aug. 25, 1802. Benjamin, eldest son of Jacob Van- Mater and Nelly Hendrickson, married Sarah VanMater and had the following children: Jacob B., b. Feb. 13, 1779: bap. April 4, following; m. Abagail VanMater, Dec. 22, 1800 ; d. Dec. 2, 1836, aged 57 yrs., 9 mo., and 9 days, and is buried in VanMater yard. His wife, Abagail, is interred by his side and her age given as 22 yrs., 10 mo. Daniel, b. March 3, 1782 ; bap. June 20, fol- lowing ; d. May 10, 1852. _________________ * This son of William VanMater, Chriney- once, enlisted as a soldier in the war of 1812. and, while at Trenton. N. J., awaiting orders, was taken with a fever which proved fatal. He died unmarried. His sister, Elizabeth or Betsey, married William Lake, as stated above. _________________ Gilbert b. Dec. 18, 1787; bap. March 23, 1788 ; d. May 11, 1850. Maria, b. Feb. 15, 1790 ; bap. May 2 follow- ing ; d. unmarried May 18, 1867. Henry, b. October 8, 1791; bap. Dec. 11, following; d. June 6, 1841. He married Catherine S. Bennett. Eleanor, b. Oct. 20, 1793; bap. Oct. 21 (same year) d. single may 27, 1862. It would puzzle one to define the relationship of the above six children, or state the exact relation of each to the other. Benjamin, eldest son of Cyrenius Van Mater by his first wife, Anne VanDorn. married as already stated, Elizabeth. daughter of Cornelius VanMater and Sarah VanMater, his wife, and had the following children: John, b. Nov. 11, 1800; m. Jane, daughter of William I. Conover (who resided in what is now Manalapan township) and d. Sept. 16, 1868, on his farm at Colts Neck which lay on the south side of the turnpike. He had the following children, viz: John, who m. Mary E., daughter of Hon. William P. Forman, who for many years was one of the lay judges of the Monmouth county courts and who resided in Millstone township on the farm now owned by his son, Hon. Peter Forman. John C. Van- Mater served as collector of Atlantic town- ship many years and died only recently. Benjamin, who married Ann Eliza Sherman : William, who married Kate Stillwell, and Eliza, who married Foster VanKirk of Mercer county. Eliza Ann, b. June 30, 1804 ; m. March 9, 1824, Hon. Thomas G. Haight of Colts Neck, and d. about 1881. They were the parents of Hon. John T. Haight, who was collector of Monmouth county several years and elected clerk of the county after a memorable struggle at the primaries and ballot box. He died in office greatly mourned by his numerous friends. Cornelius, b. Dec. 13, 1807: d. young. Jacob, b. Oct. 11, 1811; d. young. 89 DESCENDANTS OF CYRENIUS VAN MATER AND ABAGAIL LEFFERTS, HIS WIFE. Cyrenius VanMater, fourth surviving son of Kreijn VanMater, and Abagail Lefferts, or Leffertse, his wife, had the following children: Chrynjans (Chrineyonce), bap. March 20, 1730 ; m. his cousin Eleanor, daughter of Jos- eph VanMater and Sarah Roelofse Schanck, his wife; d. Sept. 11, 1785, aged 54 yrs., 9 mos., 17 days, according to his tombstone in the VanMater burying ground. Mary, b. March 7, 1733 ; m. Nov. 16, 1758, Johannes (son of Daniel Polhemus and Mar- garet Albertse Couwenhoven, his wife). He was born Oct. 28, 1733; d. March 24, 1820. His wife Mary VanMater, d. Sept. 27, 1809. Both are interred in Polhemus cemetery at Scobeyville, N. J. They had the following children: Daniel, b. April 17, 1760: m. Eliza- beth VanMater: d. June 22, 1831. His wife died Oct. 23, 1813, aged 49 years. Both are interred in the Polhemus yard.* Abigail, b. May 3, 1762 ; m. Cornelius Suydam; d. June 7, 1801, aged 39 years; buried in above yard. I do not know where her husband is buried. ______________ * The Polhemus family burying ground is on the old homestead at Scobeyville, in Atlantic township, Monmouth county, N. J. The fol- lowing inscriptions were taken from the tombstones in the fall of 1898 by Mrs. Lydia H. S. Conover: Daniel J. Polhemus, d. Sept. 26, 1763, aged 67 yrs. Margaret Couwenhoven, wife of Daniel J. Polhemus, died June 17, 1780, aged 70 yrs. John Polhemus, son of Daniel and Margaret Polhemus, d. March 24, 1820, aged 89 yrs. Mary, his wife, (daughter of Cyrenius Van- Mater and Abigail Lefferts) d. Sept. 27, 1809, aged 76 yrs. John Polhemus, Jr., son of John and Mary, d. Nov. 26, 1814, aged 38 yrs., 4 mo., 6 days. Tobias Polhemus, son of Daniel and Mar- garet Polhemus, d. Aug. 24, 1826, aged 82 yrs. Mary, his wife, (daughter of Garrett Gar- retse Schanck and Jannetje Williamse Cou- wenhoven) d. July 17, 1826, aged 69 yrs. Daniel T. Polhemus. d. Oct. 1, 1826. Catharine Couwenhoven, (his first wife, daughter of Cornelius Couwenhoven and Mary Hendrickson) d. June 20, 1797. Sarah VanDyke, second wife Daniel T. Polhemus, d. Feb. 7, 1857, aged 88 yrs. Daniel J. Polhemus, d. June 22, 1831, aged 71 yrs. Elizabeth VanMater, wife of Daniel J. Pol- hemus, d. Oct. 23, 1813, aged 49 yrs. Alkey VanMater (widow of Albert Polhemus and wife of William Bennett) d. Oct. 24, 1804, aged 64 yrs. Daniel A. Polhemus, d. Jan. 29, 1820, aged 57 yrs. Micha Clarke, his wife ____ __. Abigail Suidam. wife of Cornelius Suidam (and daughter of John Polhemus and Mary VanMater) d. June 7, 1801, aged 39 yrs. Hannah Polhemus (daughter of Daniel Pol- hemus and Margaret Couwenhoven) d. Oct. 29, 1792, aged 54 yrs. Aukey Lefferts, d. Nov. 26, 1769, aged 92 yrs. Mary TenEyck, his wife, d. Sept. 1, 1732, aged 55 yrs. Benjamin Leffers, d. July 28, 1785, aged 62 yrs. Mary Lefferts. d. June 28, 1800, aged 94 yrs. Colonel Auke Wikoff, d. April 16, 1820, aged 72 yrs. The tenant of the last grave was one of the brave and trusted leaders of our Revolutionary sires. He was Lieut. Col. of 3rd Regt., Mon- mouth militia, and a stern, unyielding enemy of caste and royalty, as embodied in and per- petuated by the government of Great Britain. The Wyckoffs of Monmouth county were all sterling patriots and several of them rendered valuable services to the people in this war. ______________________ Margaret, b. March 11, 1766: m. Nov. 20, 1793, Chrineyonce Schanck of Pleasant Valley, mentioned in a former article. Mary, b. June 16, 1768; m. Jacob Suydam. Cyrenius, died young. Neeltje, died young. John, b. July 20, 1776; d. unmarried Nov. 26, 1814, aged 38 yrs., 4 mos. 6 days. Eleanor, b. August 4, 1735 ; bap. Aug. 17, same year ; m. according to marriage licence dated Nov. 14, 1758, and on file in office of the secretary of state at Trenton, Daniel, son of John Hendrickson and Annetje (Jacobse) Couwenhoven. Daniel was born July 3, 1735 and d. Nov. 17, 1809. He and his wife are both buried in family burying ground on the farm which he owned, and which is still (1899) in ownership of his descendant, situated on s.uth side of street at eastern end of Middle- town village, next to so-called Presbyterian graveyard. This burying ground is near and in plain sight from the dwelling house on this farm. In the above marriage liscense, Daniel Hendrickson is put down as a resident of Middlesex county. He was then holding some clerkship at Perth Am- boy, at that time the seat of govern- ment of East Jersey. They had the following children: Anne. b. Feb. 14, 1761 ; bap. April 26 same year ; m. Charles DuBois, and died June 26, 1798. Her husband was born Feb. 25, 1767; d. Sept. 8, 1804, at Middletown village. Both are buried in the above family cemetery. Cyrenius, b. May 3, 1766 : d. young. John, b. June 13, 1773; m. Nov. 27, 1793, Mary, daughter of John Lloyd and Sarah Cou- 90 EARLY DUTCH SETTLERS OF MONMOUTH. wenhoven. his wife; died in Jan, 1807, leaving one daughter, Eleanor, and three sons, Daniel J., Charles J., and John Lloyd, surviving. Ann Hendrickson and Charles Du- Bois, her husband, left one daughter, Eleanor and two sons, Daniel H. Du- Bois and Peter DuBois, surviving them. The two sons both died in early man- hood unmarried, and are buried by their parents in above yard. Eleanor DuBois, the only surviving child afore- said, was b. Aug. 19, 1792; m. Jan. 12, 1812, William H., son of Capt. Hendrick Hendrickson, who owned the old Hen- drickson homestead at Holland, in Holmdel township, and d. Sept. 25, 1879, aged 87 yrs., 1 mo., 6 days. She was the mother of Hon. William Henry Hen- drickson, one of the honored citizens of this county, who recently died on the old homestead at Holland, which he owned and occupied all his life. Daniel Hendrickson. the husband of Eleanor VanMater and maternal great grand- father of the late Hon. William H. Hendrickson, made his will Aug. 4, 1809. It was proved Dec. 29 of same year and is on record in Monmouth sur- rogate's office in Book B of Wills, p. 316. In this will he speaks of the farm on which he then lived, and the one allotted to his son John Lloyd, as called the "Stout farm." He gives to his widow, Eleanor VanMater, and to Mary Lloyd, the widow of his deceased son John, use of all his property so long as they remain unmarried. He charges them with care, maintenance and edu- cation of his three grandsons. Daniel. John Lloyd and Charles, who he states are now living with him. At death of the two widows, all his real estate was to be equally divided between his said three grandsons, sons of John Hen- drickson, deceased. He gives legacies to Eleanor, the daughter of his son John, and to the children of his daugh- ter Anne DuBois. Tylee Williams, Joseph Taylor and Mary Lloyd, widow of John Hendrickson, are appointed ex- ecutors. Daniel Hendrickson, his son John, and son-in-law, Charles DuBois. owned together a tract of about 20 acres near central part of Middletown village, on north side of the street. By Book O of Deeds, page 739, Monmouth deed dated July 3, 1804, recorded in clerk's office. Daniel Hendrickson con- veys to his son John, certain lands on north side of Middletown street, and between lands of Edward Taylor and Jacob Covenhoven's lands. The last premises were afterwards known as the Murray homestead, and owned by George Crawford Murray, son of Wil- liam W. Murray. The corner of Charles DuBois' lot is called for as one of the monuments in this deed, and also as a monument fixing the north line of the Middletown street. The DuBois lot was afterwards owned by John Casler, who for many years carried on the black- smith business in Middletown village. His shop stood on the opposite side of the street from this lot on which his residence stood. Daniel J. Hendrickson, the son of John and grandson of Daniel Hendrick- son, received as his share of his grand- father's estate, a farm at the eastern end of Middletown village on north side of street, and about opposite to his brother, John Lloyd Hendrickson's farm on the south side. It is now in pos- session of the Morfords. It passed out of the ownership of Daniel J. Hendrick- son prior to his death. He died Dec. 24, 1845, aged 48 years, 11 months, ac- cording to inscription on his tombstone in Episcopal churchyard of Middletown village. Charles J. Hendrickson was well known to the present (1899) gen- eration, as an honorable man and a good citizen. He died only a few years ago at his residence on his farm, lying on north side of the street through Middletown village. For particular de- tails of his life see biography and pic- ture in Ellis' history of Monmouth county. John Lloyd Hendrickson, m. Dec. 16, 1822, Adeline, daughter of George Crawford by his second wife, Eleanor Schanck, and d. Sept. 25, 1845, at his residence on the homestead farm afore- said. He left one son George Crawford, and one daughter Mary L., surviving him. The son died unmarried on the homestead where he was born and had always lived, Oct. 12, 1875, aged 46 yrs., 6 mo., 4 days, and is interred in family plot on this farm. A brief but truthful sketch of his life and char- acter, accompanied by a steel engraving which hardly does him justice, for he had a strong, intelligent face with reg- ular well marked features, can be seen in Ellis' history. When he passed away he left a good name as an upright man. considerate and charitable to the poor, and helpful and obliging to his neigh- bors. He wronged no man; but dealt truly and fairly with all, so that no reproach rests upon his memory, al- though he never made any profession. Altje (Alice) fourth child of Cyrenius Van- Mater and Abigail Lefferts, bap. Oct. 7, 1737 : m. first Albert, son of Daniel Polhemus and Margaret Albertse Couwenhoven, his wife; m. second, William Bennett, who was then a 91 EARLY DUTCH SETTLERS OF MONMOUTH. widower, having first married Elizabeth, daughter of Benjamin VanMater and Elizabeth Lane. Altje VanMater d. Oct. 24, 1804. She had the following children by her second hus- band, William Bennett, viz: Elizabeth, b. June, 1773; John, b. Dec. 1774: Albert, b. July 1776 : and Cyrenius. b. Aug. 1779. The fifth child of Cyrenius VanMater and Abigail Lefferts was Sarah, b. Oct. 3 ; bap. Oct. 23, 1748: m. Dec. 3, 1767, Cornelius, son of Benjamin VanMater and Elizabeth Lane and d. Feb. 25, 1824, aged 75 yrs., 4 mo., 22 days, buried by her husband in VanMater yard. Her will, recorded in B. of Wills, p. 386, Monmouth surrogate's office, and the names of her children, have been heretofore given. Chrynjans (Chrineyonce) the only son of Cyrenius VanMater and Abigail Lefferts, by his wife Eleanor VanMater. had two children, viz: Joseph C., b. ____: m. Feb. 28, 1803, Cath- arine. daughter of his cousin Chrineyonce VanMater and Huldah Holmes, his wife. She was born Jan. 9, 1784; d. Jan. 20, 1804. She was a bride for only one year, and Joseph C. VanMater never married again. This is the Joseph VanMater about whom so many stories are told, as to the ownership of land, stock and negro slaves. He was called "Big Joe Van- Mater" on account of his size, and to dis- tinguish him from others of the same name. Abigail, b. May 7, 1775 ; died in infancy. Joseph C. VanMater lived at what is now called the Phalanx, in Atlantic township, and owned an extensive tract of good farming: land running from the vicinity of Tinton Falls on over to the lands owned by his maternal grand- father, Joseph VanMater, in the vicinity of Holmdel and Colts Neck. He also owned nearly one hundred adult negro slaves. Joseph C. VanMater executed his will January 20, 1825. It was proved before Peter C. Vanderhoef, surrogate of Monmouth county, Dec. 31, 1832, by oaths of Gilbert B. VanMater and Henry VanMater, two of the subscribing wit- nesses. Daniel T. Polhemus was the third witness to this will. It is record- ed in Book C of Wills, pp. 300-3. He gives to Joseph, son of Holmes Van- Mater, "my silver tankard." To Joseph E.? Holmes, son of Daniel Holmes, $50 to buy a silver tankard. He gives to Mary Lloyd, Rhoda Holmes and Eleanor Croes, all his mother's wearing apparel, and to Eleanor Croes a chest of drawers belonging to his mother, Eleanor VanMater. He bequeaths to Sally Thompson $100. To John Bennett, son nf "my uncle William Bennett." £100 ($500). To Albert Bennett and his brother Cyrenius Bennett each £100 ($500). To Charles and Catharine, children of William and Mary Lloyd, £1,400 ($7,000) to be paid to them when they arrive at age. To Rhoda Holmes, daugh- ter of his uncle Chrineyonce VanMater, £1,400 ($7,000). To Louisa VanMater £1,400 ($7,000). To children of Benjamin Cooper and Sarah VanMater, his wife, £1,400 ($7,000). To chil- dren of Rev. John Croes, Jr., and Eleanor VanMater, his wife, £1,400 ($7,000). To Eliza Jane VanMater £1,400 ($7,000). He wills and orders that "all his black people" be set free, both male and female. "It is my will," he says, "that all those under 40 years be regularly manumitted by my executors before they have their freedon, and alla the black children born free be given up to their par- ents." He adds "It is my will if any of the black people of my family or that have be- longed to the family, become a charge upon my estate, the expense shall be equally borne by my legatees, (except Mr. Thompson, John, Albert and Cyrenius Bennett). I devise to my two brothers-in-law, Joseph H. VanMater and Holmes VanMater, the farm whereon I live, called the homestead farm, also the VanBrunt farm, together with all the remainder of my real and personal property, in fee, to be equally divided between them." Joseph H. VanMater, Holmes VanMater and Daniel Holmes are appointed executors to ad- minister the estate. Joseph C. VanMater lived and died on the homestead at what is now called the Phalanx. He owned nearly 100 adult negroes not affected by the new law. He speaks of them in his will as the "black people of my family." He never married after losing his young bride of a year, but lived there among his col- ored people, whom he treated with great kindness. Like the other Van- Maters, "Big Joe" never made merchan- dise of his black people, and by his will orders the freedom of them all, num- bering nearly 100 adults, whom he could have sold, if so disposed. They were probably worth, at this time in the Southern markets over $30,000. Un- like many modern abolitionists, who take out their views in cheap talk or speeches "Big Joe" without any talk or fuss, frees them all at a great pecun- iary loss, at a time when anti-slavery sentiments had made no great headway. A story has been current for some two generations, among the farmers of Holmdel and Atlantic townships, that "Big Joe" VanMater, childless and wife- less, wanted to own an even 100 adult slaves, but although he made many efforts, yet when he reached this num- ber, some accident or fatality would happen, which would cut down his "human chattels" to ninety and nine. As it was, he had more than he knew what to do with. After his death they were all set free, as directed by his will. Many of them by years of depen- dance for food, clothing and shelter on their easy going, good-natured master, were like children, unable to take care of themselves. Neither were they con- tent with a new place of abode. They 92 EARLY DUTCH SETTLERS OF MONMOUTH. clung to their old home. It is said that after "Big Joe's" death the road from what is now the Phalanx to Colts Neck, was black with these newly freed negroes, and they wandered back and forth, perplexed and bewildered with the great change. For it was hard to find another home, where the "black people" would be treated as part of the family, and where there was another man, like lonely, but good-natured and generous-hearted "Big Joe" VanMater. Many of them sought homes and shelter from Joseph H. and Holmes VanMater, the devisees and legatees of the de- ceased. For in his will he strictly charges them to take care of the "black people of my family" and "those which had belonged to the family." This brought upon these two men, all the helpless and indigent ones of this es- tate, as well as those of their grand- father and father. There are people now living, who remember Joseph H. VanMater when he drove over to church at Holmdel on Sundays. Not only his immediate family, but crowded in with the whites, in a big carryall, would be all the colored people who wished to go to church. This burden of the negroes, together with heavy legacies charged in the will of "Big Joe" made a heavy financial load for his devisees to carry. For the land brought in no income except as farmed and the profits were then small. ======================== THE LONG AND INTERESTING WILL OF JOSEPH VANMATER. Joseph VanMater. the fifth and youngest son of Kreijn Janse, and Sarah Roelofse Schanck, his wife, had the following children: Eleanor, or Neeltje, b. Oct. 4, 1735: bap. June 20, 1735 ; m. her cousin Chrineyonce, son of Cyrenius VanMater and Abigail Lefferts, as already mentioned. Ruloff, (named for his maternal grand- father) b. March 2, 1738, bap. April 23 ensu- ing : m. Catharine Kearney, then the widow of Joseph VanMater, as set forth in a former article. She was the daughter of James Kearney of Chinqueroras, as the region about Keyport was then called. Ruloff VanMater d. Dec. 10, 1817, aged 79 yrs, 9 mo., 8 days, ac- cording to inscription on his tombstone in VanMater yard. His wife is interred by his side, and her headstone informs us, she died May 10, 1807, aged 54 yrs., 9 mo., 20 days. The above couple had only two children, both daughters, viz: Sarah, who married Benjamin Cooper, and Eleanor, who was married Oct. 13, 1812, to Rev. John Croes. Jr., by Rev. John Croes. Sr., then rector of Christ church at New Brunswick, N. J. In Book I of Deeds, p. 214 Monmouth clerk's office, is record of a deed dated July 23, 1787, consideration £820 4-5 current money of New York, from Cath- arine VanMater, wife of Ruloff VanMater, Jacob Tice, and Anna his wife, James Holmes, and Margaret his wife, Henry Chappe, and Sarah his wife, legatees of James Kearney, late of Middletown township, to Ruloff Van- Mater. They quit claim and convey to him four-fifths of a tract of land in Middletown township, lying at a place called Brown's Point, beginning at the very point, thence up Matawan Creek 32 chains to Whingson Creek, etc. After particular description by chains and links, comes this general description. A tract of 520-1/2 acres bounded northeasterly by the Bay, northwesterly by Matawan Creek, and WingBon Creek, easterly by Luparticong Creek and brook, and southerly by lands lately the property of James Kearney, deceased. The witnesses are Gilbert VanMater, Joseph Throck- morton and Cyrenius VanMater (miller). The conveyance by a wife directly to her husband, as in this deed, is considered illegal and void by the artificial rules of law. The courts have solemnly adjudged that a man and wife are one person in law, and therefore cannot make a contract with each other. This, too, in face of the experience of mankind that the marital relation is formed and continued by mutual agreement or contact to give and take, to bear and forbear. The third child of Joseph VanMater and Sarah Roelofse Schanck, Cyrenius, was b. Aug. 1740; bap. Sept. 21, following, and d. Dec. 23, 1745, aged 5 yrs., 5 mo., according to his tombstone in VanMater cemetery. Catharine, b. March 15, 1743; bap. May 6 following and d. unmarried Aug. 27, 1763, aged 20 yrs., 5 mo., 12 days, as we are informed by her headstone in family burying ground. Chrineyonce, b. Jan. 23, 1747 : m. about 1772 Huldah, daughter of Obadiah Holmes and Catharine Remsen, his wife, and d. March 24, 1803, aged 56 yrs., 2 mo., 1 day, as stated on his headstone. Cyrenius, b. Dec. 23, 1750 ; d. in infancy. Only three of the above six children sur- vived to grow up and marry, viz: Eleanor, Ruloff and Chrineyonce. These are the three mentioned in the will of Black Roe'off Schanck. as the three children of his daughter, Sarah VanMater. Joseph VanMater, the father of the above children, lived on and farmed the old home- stead, where Kreijn Janse first settled. The family graveyard is on these premises, and re- served forever for that purpose, by the will of this Joseph VanMater. The following is a true copy of the will of Joseph VanMater and cod- icil, as same are recorded in the office of the surrogate of Monmouth county: 93 EARLY DUTCH SETTLERS OF MONMOUTH. JOSEPH VAN MATER'S WILL. In the name of God, Amen ; I, Joseph Van- mater of the township of Middletown, in the county of Monmouth and State of New Jersey, being of a sound disposing mind and memory, thanks be given to Almighty God, therefore duly considering the mortality of my body, and knowing it is appointed for man once to die, do make and ordain this my last Will and Testament, in manner and form following, that is to say, principally and first of all. I give and recommend my soul into the hands of God. &c, and as for my body I recommend it to the earth, to be buried in a christian like and decent manner at the discretion of my executors hereinafter named, &c, and as touching such wordly estate wherewith it hath pleased God to bless me with in this life, I give, devise and dispose of the same in man- ner and form following:--My mind and will is, and I hereby order all my just debts and funeral charges to be well and truly paid, in same convenient time after my decease by my executors hereinafter named. Secondly. I give and devise my beloved son Rulolf Vanmater, all that piece or lot of wood saplin marked on three sides, on the land and meadow beginning at a small butten- south side of Hop brook in the line that part me, the said Joseph Vanmater from my son Ruloff; thece northerly across the meadow along said Ruloff's line till it comes to a ditch. on the north side of said meadow; thece easterly down the ditch to a small oak saplin marked on three sides, standing on the bank of said ditch ; thence southerly across the meadow, as the fence now stands, on the westerly side of a road, to the mouth of a gully on the southerly side of Hop brook ; thence up said gully untill it comes opposite the middle of the bank, thence westerly along the middle of the bank to said Ruloff Van- mater's line; thence to the beginging; also I give and devise to my son Ruloff Vanmater, all that tract of land called the Barren lands, which was taken up between me the said Joseph Vanmater and Benjamin Vanmater, also one certain piece or lot of salt meadow lying on Shrewsbury River, which I bought with the plantation I purchased of Joseph Holmes, as also one equal half of my upland or stacking place at Little Neck, also all that tract or lot of land which I the said Joseph Vanmater bought of Joseph Holmes, adjoining land formerly Peter Tilton. Also that small lott of land lying to the Northward of my farm and said Ruloff's farm next to Obadiah Holmes, Beginning at a poplar tree standing in the line between me and my son Ruloff, marked on two sides with the letter (R), on the east side from thence, easterly about ten paces to a small run of water, thence north- erly down that stream until it comes to Hop brook, thence westerly up said brook, untill it comes to said Ruloff's line, thence along his line to the beginning. I also give unto my son Ruloff, my negro man Herculus, my negro woman Deon and her two boys names Cesar and Jersey, and ny negro woman Dine, also one silver tankard and six silver spoons now in his possession, as also the one half of my wearing apparell. I also give unto my son Rulloff the one equal half of my farming utensils, as also the one equal half of my stock of creaatures of all kinds, I also give unto my son Ruloff the fruit of the westerly half of my orchard four years after my de- cease, from the first of September untill the middle of November yearly, I also give unto my son Ruloff the sum of Five hundred pounds procklamation, to be paid to my said son Ruloff as shall be herein after ordered and directed; all which devises or gifts are to my son Ruloff his heirs and assigns forever. Thirdly. I give and bequeath unto my son Crinceyonce Vanmater his heirs and assings forever, these following tracts of lands (to wit) all my farm or plantation whereon I now live, called my homestead fram, except such parts thereof as are devised to my son Ruloff, also all that lot of land whereon Wil- Arnold lately lived, beginning at a tree marked (L. M.) as may appear by a deed of sale under the hand and seal of John Taylor, formerly high sheriff, also I give unto my son Crinceyonce one certain lott or piece of salt meadow lying at Shrewsbury River, which I cht of Thomas Shepherd, as also the one equal half of my upland or stacking place at Little Neck, as also the residue or remainder of my lands wheresoever the same may lay not herein disposed off: also I give unto my son Crineyonce one silver Tankard and six silver spoons now in my possession, as also my negro man Tom, and my negro women Hagar, and her two sons, Sam and Robbin and all the remainder of my negroes, that shall not be herein otherwise disposed of, I also give unto my son Crineyonce the one equal half of my farming utensils, together with the one equal half of my stock of creaatures of all kinds; all heretofore of my real and personal estate and what may hereafter be given him, my said son Crineyonce, shall be subject to the following conditions (to wit), that my son Crineyonce do pay my son Ruloff's legacy of five hundred pounds, procklamation, two years after my decease, and also pay unto my daughter, Nelly, the sum of five hundred pounds procklamation one year after my decease, both of which legacies to my son Ruloff and to my daughter Nelley, is to be paid by my son Crineyonce in gold or silver, allowing dol- lars in payment of the above legacies at seven shillings and six pence each, they being of full weight; and if it should happen that my son Crineyonce should bring in any ac- count against my estate after my decease, then and in such case I do hereby order, the amount of such account to be taken out of that part of my estate herein devised to my said son Crineyonce, and in case anyh law of this State of of the United States or any impediment whatever, should prevent my son Chineyonce Vanmater from holding or enjoy- ing the aforesiad devises or gifts then it is my will and I do give and devise all the lands and moveables to him devised to the children of my said son Crineyonce Vanmater, to be divided by him in such proportion among his children, as he my said son thinks proper, under the same restriction as it is given and devised to my said son which devises or gifts is to them and each of them, their heirs and assigns forever, provided he my said son cannot hold and enjoy the same, nor enter into the peacable possession thereof at any time before the children shall arrive to the age of twenty-one. then the gifts and de- 94 EARLY DUTCH SETTLERS OF MONMOUTH. ises to remain good to the children , their heirs and assigns forever ; but in case my son Crineyonce can hold and enjoy the same any time before the children arrives to the age of twenty-one, and no law to pre- vent him from the same, then it is my will that every of the devises and bequests given to my son Crineyonce, remain good to him his heirs and assigns forever. Item. --I give unto my daughter Nellie Van- mater and to her heirs and assigns, all my household furniture not heretofore disposed off, also all my linen cut up or not cut up, also one silver tankard and six silver spoons now in her possession, as also my negro woman called Roseatt and the said Roseau's female children, and all her grandchildren, I also give unto my only daughter Nellie, the sum of Five hundred pounds procklamation money, to be paid her one year after my decease, by my said son Crineyonce as above enjoyned him ; I also give unto my three children Ruloff, Nelley and Chrineyonce, all my bonds, bills noats and book debts and all other of my moveable or personal estate, not herein al- ready disposed off, to be equally divided be- tween them or each of their respective heirs of assigns; but if my son Crineyonce cannot hold and enjoy his bequests or gifts by means of any hindrance whatever, then it is my will and I do give the same to the children of my son Crineyonce, to be disposed off by him to his children as before directed, to them their heirs and assigns forever : Also it is my Will and I do allott and set apart and give one chain square of land where there is now our family's burying place, to remain forever for the fam- ily of the Vanmaters to bury their dead and for no other use whatever. And Lastly, I do hereby nominate constitute and appoint my only daughter Nelly Vanmater, my son Ruloff Vanmater. Hendrick Hendrick- son, Esq., and William Crawford,* Executors of ____________ * William Crawford, one of the executors named in Joseph VanMater s will, was the paternal grandfather of the late James G. Crawford of Holmdel township, who was the father of Ann, who married Joseph H. Holmes, as mentioned hereafter. William Crawford was a son of George Crawford and is named in his will probated at Perth Amboy May 10, 1745, and now on record in the Secretary of State's office at Trenton. The above testator was not the son of John Crawford, the pioneer settler of this name, as has been heretofore supposed. This fact is established beyond any doubt, by a deed dated Feb. 29, 1723, from George Crawford to Nich- olas Stillwell, conveying six acres, and record- ed in Book H of Deeds, page 86, Monmouth county clerk's office. It is stated in this deed that this six acres is a part of a tract granted to John Crawford, the grandfather of said grantor, by patent dated Dec. 3, 1687, from the Proprietors. This patent is recorded in Book B. page 211, in office of the Secretary of State of New Jersey. In Book A of Deeds, page 36, Monmouth clerk's office, is record of a deed dated Aug. 3, 1691, from John Crafford. Sr., to John Craf- ford Jr., conveying in consideration of father- ly affection, 280 acres of land in the towhship of Middletown. The name Crawford is spelled in Books A. B. and C of Deeds, Monmouth clerk's office. Crafford, Crawfford, and other ways. This John Crawford, Jr., is named as a grand jury- man in year 1693 in the minutes of the Mon- mouth courts. This would show he was then at least 21 years of age. In Book C of Deeds, pages 111-12 is record of a deed dated May 8, 1691, from Sadler to Jobs. John Crawford and George Crawford appear as subscribing witnesses to its execu- tion. They, together with Gideon Crawford, were sons of John Crawford, Sr., the pioneer settler. This George is said to have migrated to and settled in one of the southern counties of New Jersey, or in one of the eastern coun- ties of Pennsylvania. The John Crawford, Jr., to whom the real estate was conveyed by his father, according to tradition, married the daughter of Henry or Moses Lippet, and besides his eldest son George, had Richard, William, Samuel, John and Andrew. Several of these sons removed to other parts of New Jersey and Pennsyl- vania and there settled, according to family traditions. _______________ this my last Will and Testament, ratifying this and no other. In Witness Whereof I the said Joseph Van- mater have hereto set my hand and seal this twenty-fifth day of September in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and ninety. Signed sealed published, pronounced and declared by the said Joseph Vanmeter to be his last Will and testament in the pres- ence off [sic] JOSEPH VANMATER [L. S.] CYRENIUS B. VANMATER, BARNES SMOCK. WILLIAM VANMATER. Be it known unto all men by these presents. that I, Joseph Vanmater of Middletown in the County of Monmouth and State of New Jersey Yoeman, have made and declared this my last will and Testament in writing, bearing date the Twenty-fifth day of September in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and ninety, I the said Joseph Vanmater do by these presents contained in this Codicil, con- firm and ratify my said will only that part I intend to alter. I give and bequeath unto my son Ruloff the sum of Five hundred pounds now in his possession, in lieu of a legacy of the five hundred pounds, ordered to be paid him my said son Ruloff by my son Crineyonce. I give unto my said son Crineyonce all my farming utensils, and stock of creatures of all kinds. Thirdly.--I give unto my only daughter Nelley VanMater, all my notes, bills, bonds and cash, except the five hundred pounds given to my son Ruloff, all which devises and gifts are to them and each of them, and to each of their heirs and assigns. And whereas Hen- drick Hendrickson, Esq., is nominated and appointed an executor in my last Will and Testament, I do hereby make null and void all his power as an executor to my last will and Testament, on any pretense, whatever. And my will and meaning is that this Codicil or schedule be esteened and adjudged to be part 94 EARLY DUTCH SETTLERS OF MONMOUTH. and parcell of my said will and Testament, and all things contained and mentioned therein be faithfully performed, in as full and ample manner in every respect as if the same were so declared and set down in my said will. In witness whereof, I the said Joseph Van- mater have hereunto set my hand and seal the Seventeenth day of July in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and ninety two. Sealed and delivered in presence of JOSEPH VAN MATER (L. S.) DANIEL SCHENCK, JOSEPH VAN MATER, his JOHN X WOLLEY. mark Probated in Monmouth County Surrogate's Office January 20, 1821. and recorded in Book B of Wills, page 221. etc. Joseph VanMater and Sarah Schanck. his wife, were both members of the First Dutch Church of Monmouth, and were particular to have all their chil- dren baptized, as records of the church now show. They were very regular and punctual in performance of all church duties. Their descendants have very generally followed their example down to this day. A number of the deacons and elders will be found among the different generations of this branch of the VanMater family. This line, too, have been noted for their modest, unobtrusive manners, courteous address and peaceable dis- positions They have avoided strife and litiga- tion, and made very little business for our courts and lawyers. Neither have they pushed themselves forward for offices, honors and other political emol- uments, but have pursued the honored and quiet occupation of farmers and asked favors from no man. To this branch of the VanMaters our county is largely indebted for the blooded stock of race horses, for which Monmouth became celebrated during the first half of the present century. The VanMaters of the older generations were born lovers of thoroughbred horses. They seemed to possess an in- tuitive judgment about the good or bad qualities of a horse. They had a nat- ural talent or ability to manage and train these animals so as to develop their best qualities. Their introduction of blooded and thoroughbred stock and successful training of race horses like "Monmouth-Eclipse," "Horn-blower.," and others, whose names and pictures at one time were all over the United States, led many of the Monmouth farmers to engage in the business of raising blooded horses for sale or rac- ing. Customers for blooded stock, and sporting or racing men came to Mon- mouth from all over the country, for no place at one time stood higher than Monmouth county for good horses. Fifty years ago it was a very com- mon remark for strangers visiting Monmouth county to make, that the people here "thought nothing and talk- ed of nothing but trotting horses, races, and horse trading." Chrineyonce VanMater and Huldah Holmes, his wife, their children and some of their descendants are as follows: Sarah, b. March 17, 1773, d. unmarried Jan. 1, 1819. Joseph H., b. Nov. 13, 1775; m. Sept. 28, 1808, Anne, the only child of Aaron (Arie) VanMater and Mary Albertse Polhemus, his wife ; d. Oct. 10, 1860, and is buried in yard of "Old White Meeting House," which lies north side of road from Holmdel village Middletown, a little distant northeast from residence of Dr. Henry G. Cook. This is "Joe H. Vanmater." famous in his day for thoroughbred and fast race horses. At one time his name was one to conjure with among the people of the county. He was a tall, well proportioned man, affable and courteous in his manners and very liberal and generous in his dispotition. He and his brother Holmes, are the divisees in the will of their brother-in-law and cousin "Big Joe" VanMater. These lands, together iwth what came to them from their grandfather, Joseph VanMeter, and theri father Chrincehyonce, made them the owners of one of the most textensive tracts of good farm- ing landsn which could be found in Monmouth county. It extended almost continuously from Holmdel village over to Tinton Falls. Catharine, b. Jan. 9, 1784; m. Feb. 28, 1803, Joseph C. VanMater (Big Joe as called) al- ready mentioned. She died Jan. 26, 1804, childless and a bride of less than a year. Mary, b. Sept. 13, 1786 ; m. William Lloyd; d. Feb. 10, 1869, leaving two children, Charles S. Lloyd, b. 1813; m. Emma, daughter of John W. Holmes, and Deborah, his wife. d. Feb. 18, 1881. He was a well known citizen and a leading farmer in Holmdel township. His sister, Catharine Lloyd, m. Aaron, son of Hendrick Longstreet and Mary Holmes, his wife. Holmes, b. Aug. 20, 1789 ; m. Micha, daugh- ter of Gilbert VanMater and Margaret Sprauge (widow Rapelje) his wife, of long Island. She was born Aug. 21, 1795. Holmes VanMater is interred by his brother, Joseph H., in yard of "White Meeting House. Rhoda, b. Feb. 14, 1792; m. Nov. 15, 1813, Daniel, son of John S. Holmes. John S. Holmes d. Aug. 15, 1821, on the farm he owned in Pleasant Valley and the same farm on which his grandson. Joseph P. Holmes, lived, die. He is buried in family bury- ing ground on his farm. Daniel, his son, was born Dec. 27, 1792 - lived, died and was buried on this farm. Schanck. b. June 1795; d. single Jun 20, 1812 96 EARLY DUTCH SETTLERS OF MONMOUTH. Daniel Holmes was elected sheriff of Monmouth county in 1828, and a mem- ber of the council of New Jersej in 1832. He was a very popular and influ- ential man in the Democratic party of that time. A likeness of him and his son, Joseph H., with biographical sketches appear in Ellis' History of Monmouth county. Rhoda VanMater, his wife, died June 20, 1838. Only one son of Daniel Holmes and Rhoda VanMater, his wife, lived to grow up. This was Joseph H. Holmes, born July 28, 1824; married September 19, 1848, Ann, daughter of James G. Crawford of Crawford's Corner in Holmdel township: died November 28, 1892, and is buried on the homestead. His wife, Ann Crawford, was born September 1, 1821, and died June 6, 1894. Joseph H. VanMater and Ann Van- Mater, his wife, had the following chil- dren, all born on the original VanMater homestead, now occupied by William Jones. Huldah Holmes, b. Sept. 14, 1810: d. Feb. 1812. Huldah Holmes, b. Oct. 15, 1812: d. single Feb. 27, 1868. Aaron S., b. Aug. 17, 1814; m. Sept. 28, 1843, Ann, daughter of Peter R. Smock and Catharine Hendrickson, his wife. William C., b. Oct. 20, 1816; d. Feb. 4, 1817. William P., b. March 6, 1818; d. 1822. Joseph C. b. Nov. 18, 1821 ; d. 1822. Mary Polhemus, b. Feb. 14, 1822. and is still (1899) living. Mary Polhemus VanMater has always been active in church work, and for many years taught a class of girls in the Holmdel Dutch Reformed church. Many matrons now residing in Holmdel township are indebted to Miss Mary VanMater. not only for religious instruction, but the example of her gentle and refined manners has exerted a good influence. Eliza Ann, b. Jan. 9, 1824 ; d. June 30, 1840. Joseph I., b. July 20, 1825; m. Eliza M., daughter of Daniel Ayres of Brooklyn Heights, L. I. Joseph I. VanMater. like many others of this branch, has been a zealous mem- ber of the Holmdel Dutch church, serv- ing both as deacon and elder. Holmes VanMater owned and resided at one time on one of the best farms in Monmouth county. At least it was so considered, and was known as the Academy farm. It embraced more land than it does now. By Micha VanMater, his wife, he had the following children: Joseph H., b. Nov. 23, 1818; m. Margaret, daughter of Paul Rapelje and Catharine Van- Mater, his wife, (daughter of Gilbert Van- Mater and Margaret Sprague, his wife.) This Joseph H. VanMater owned and resid- ed on the farm now occupied by Edward Smith on the south side of th turnpike from Free- hold to Englishtown, about three-quarters of a mile east of the latter place. He was a quiet, but pleasant and obliging man. His old neighbors in this vicinity still cherish his memory, and speak of him as a kindly neigh- bor and a good and charitable man. He died May 13, 1874. Gilbert H., b. June 12, 1820 ; m. Sarah, daughter of John W. Holmes and Deborah, his wife. Gilbert I. VanMater, too. was a faithful adherent to the church of his fathers, and in his unobtrusive and modest way tried to live a Christian life. He removed a number of years ago from Monmouth county to a plan- tation in the state of Virginia, where he is still (1899) living and highly respected for his gentlemanly manners and honorable conduct. Prior to the Civil War he operated a large grist mill, known as the VanMater, or Red Mills, at Holmdel. The pond covered the meadow which lies in front of the Dr. Cook property, while the dam was where the public road crosses this meadow and the stream. The road then was laid over this dam and a bridge spanned the flood gates. These mills acciden- tally caught fire and were entirely destroyed. They were at the time full of wheat and other grain and wholly uninsured. It entailed a heavy loss on Mr. VanMater. Catharine, b. Feb. 2, 1822; m. Jesse A. Dennis. They were the parents of Holmes VanMater Dennis, who now owns and resides on the Smock farm, near East Freehold. Daniel H., b. Feb. 25, 1824 ; m. Frances L. Dennis. Daniel H. VanMater represented Monmouth county in the New Jersey Assembly in 1869-70 He now resides on his farm which lies just west of Marlboro village. Like his forefathers he is a staunch and through supporter of the old Dutch church, wherein he has served as deacon and elder. Hon. Daniel H. VanMater has one son and three daughters. William H., b. Nov. 5, 1828 ; d. young. Augustus, b. June 28, 1830 : m. M. E. Rapplije. Margaret, b. Oct. 15, 1832. Charles S.,, b. April 20, 1835; Anne Kirby. Huldah, b. April 17, 1837. Joseph H. VanMeter and Margaret Rappelje, his wife, had the following children: Elizabeth, b. Sept, 1841; m. a Mr. Gorselin of Long Island. Catharine, b. Aug. 19, 1843; m. W. C. Lefferts. Holmes, b. July 20, 1845. Jacob, b. Feb. 17, 1847. Paul, b. Aug. 29, 1849 ; m. Lou Kirby of Imlaystown, N. J. John Henry D., b. July 11, 1851; m. Eliza, daughter of Daniel P. Schanck and Mary Con- over, his second wife, and now (1899) owns and resides, on the old VanCleef farm near Wickatunk station, in Marlboro township. Joseph H., b. Aug. 27, 1852 ; m. a Miss Johnson of Spotswood, Middlesex county. Gilbert and Augustus, twins, b. March 5, 1855. Gilbert d. young. Gilbert, b. Oct. 20, 1858. Margaret, b. July 6, 1860: m. ex-Sheriff Fick of New Brunswick, N. J. William, b. May 16, 1867. ========================