HERKIMER ANCESTORS

Click here to read about the "Herkimer Homestead"

Emily Herkimer

Emily Amelia Herkimer was born at Little Falls, NY on 13 June 1811. Her father was appointed as Land Commissioner about 1820. Her parent's, Joseph and Eunice Herkimer, were living at Little Falls, New York, when Joseph Herkimer died on 29 June 1824. Eunice was left a widow with five children. The oldest was twenty-three and still not married; the youngest was only five years old. Eunice Herkimer died on 30 January 1826, and both are buried at the Herkimer Homestead cemetery.

Emily Herkimer was fifteen when her mother died. Her older sister, Anna Elizabeth was twenty-five. Emily's other older sister, Sally, married in 1827; her brother married in 1828. This left Emily and Anna with the youngest child, Alyda, who was born in 1819.

  On 23 February 1832, Emily Amelia Herkimer married Lester Greene. The ceremony was conducted by Rev John Manley of Snells Bush Reformed Church in Danube. Lester Greene was born on 19 November 1808, at Indian Castle, to John Lester Greene and Ruth Barker. Emily and Lester had four children.

Emily's sister, Anna Elizabeth Herkimer, married in 1833 to Zenas (Gervas) Greene, Lester Greene's younger brother. Zenas was the Surrogate of Herkimer County. He was a surveyor, a county clerk, a school commissioner and an accountant. Zenas and Anna had two children.

Emily and Lester lived at Minden, Danube, NY. Their first child, Oliver, was born in March 1833. Their second child, Alonzo Herkimer was born at Indian Castle in June 1834. Anna and Zenas Greene's first child was born in 1835.

Emily and Lester than had two more children born: Julia was born in 1837. Horace Lester Greene was the forth child of Lester Greene and Emily Herkimer. He was born on 13 October 1839 in a farm house at Indian Castle Emily and Lester Greene had had all their children. Anna and Zenas had a second child born in 1846.

Lester and Zenas operated a grocery store at the Indian Castle Lock, on the Erie Canal, until about 1856. In 1858, Lester was elected as the candidate of the Republican Party to the Assembly of New York State.

In 1861, Emily and Lester moved from Danube to Little Falls, where Lester died of pleurisy on 14 December 1863. Emily lived on to see all her children married, seventeen grandchildren born and four great-grandchildren born.

Emily's and Lester's oldest child, Oliver, married Cornelia Van Alstine on September 1853. He was connected with traffic and transportation on the Great Lakes, and died at Buffalo on 20 April 1913. He and Cornelia had 2 children: Ella born in 1854 and Henry in 1857.

Emily's and Lester's next oldest child, Alonzo Herkimer Greene, married first on 9 September 1856 to Elizabeth Devendorf, who was born about 1835 and died on 9 February 1859. Alonzo married again on 19 October 1864 to Mary Porter Beach, who was born at Watson on 12 February 1837 to Nelson J. Beach and Emily Porter. Alonzo had 2 children by Elizabeth and 4 children by Mary. That meant six more grandchildren for Emily and Lester between the years 1857 to 1873. One grandchild died in July 1863 when only eight months old. Alonzo was a postmaster, city engineer and justice of the peace at Little Falls. He was a civil engineer and was active with the erection of the monument at General Nicholas Herkimer's birth place.

Anna and Zenas Greene's oldest daughter, Charlotte married in 1857. She had four children born between 1860 and 1871, making Anna and Zenas grandparents.

Emily's and Lester's only daughter, Julia Sophia, was married on 8 December 1859 to George Byron Beach. They had 3 children; their first born died at two months.

Emily's and Lester's youngest child, Horace Lester Greene, married Annie (Anna) Lydia Beach on 13 July 1863 at Watson, New York. He was admitted to the bar on 9 April 1863 at Syracuse, New York. Lester Greene died in December 1863. On 1 March 1876, Horace purchased the Mohawk Valley Register of Fort Plain and, shortly afterwards, he moved from Little Falls to Fort Plain.

Horace died in his home at Fort Plain, on 2 October 1891, after suffering for three weeks with typhoid fever, leaving Annie to run the newspaper for several years. Annie became actively involved with the Fort Plain Library Association. She lived at #5 West Street, at Fort Plain in the house that they built in 1885, until her death on 28 January 1929. Horace and Annie had four children; thus Emily had four more grandchildren. She must have been a very proud grandmother!

Emily (Herkimer) Greene died at Little Falls on 18 October 1897 at the age of eighty-six. She is buried, along with Lester at the Herkimer Homestead. Question is where did Emily live after Lester Greene died in 1863 ??

Zenas Greene died at their home at Herkimer in April 1891; Anna Elizabeth (Herkimer) Greene died in 1898 at the age of ninety-seven.

Go to TOP    

Joseph Herkimer

Joseph Lester Herkimer was born at Danube, New York, on 29 November 1775. He grew up at the Herkimer Homestead with his brother and six sisters. Joseph was a toddler during the revolution. His father and Uncle Nicholas fought in the Revolution. His uncle died in 1777 from a fatal wound received at the Battle of Oriskany. As a result, Joseph's father inherited the Nicholas Herkimer's homestead. Nicholas Herkimer had no children; his first wife died and his second wife remarried and moved to Canada. His father, George Herkimer died in 1788. Joseph's older brother, Judge John Herkimer inherited the Herkimer homestead. His mother continued to live there with John and his family. Joseph Herkimer studied law at Albany and was an attorney at Herkimer County, and was also a farmer.

On 2 March 1800, Joseph Herkimer married at the 1st Presbyterian Church of Albany to Eunice (Emma) Trowbridge. She was born in 1777 to David Trowbridge and Sarah Woodbridge. Story is that Emma Trowbridge also was a lawyer with flaming red hair!  What might be more likely is that Joseph met Emma at the inn that her father owned in Albany

Joseph and Emma Herkimer were living at Albany, New York, in 1799. Is this date in error or were they living together before they were married? Their first child, Anna Elizabeth, was born on 1 November 1801. Sally Maria was born 19 September 1803.

They were living at Minden (Danube) in 1805. Warren was born at Danube, N.Y. on 12 November 1805. Emily Amelia Herkimer was born on 13 June 1811, and Alyda (Alida) was born on 1 April 1819.

Joseph Herkimer was appointed as Land Commissioner about 1820. Joseph and Eunice were living at Little Falls, New York, when he died on 29 June 1824. She died on 30 January 1826, and both are buried at the Herkimer Homestead cemetery.

Joseph's mother, Alida (Schuyler) Herkimer died in 1829. Both of his parents, George and Alida Herkimer, are buried in the family cemetery near the grave of General Herkimer, at the Herkimer Homestead.

Go to TOP 

Eunice Trowbridge

In 1777 the Trowbridge family moved to Amherst, Mass. Here Eunice Trowbridge was born in 1777. Eunice was the fourth child born to David and Sarah Trowbridge. In 1779, Sarah Trowbridge gave birth to another little girl, which they named Sarah. Another boy and girl, David and Susan, were born later.

Eunice's father, David Trowbridge, was in the Amherst Company of the Militia under Captain Moses Cook and served in the defense of the Government of Springfield for seven days in September 1786, during the Shay's Insurrection.

After the Revolution the Trowbridges must have lived in Deerfield, Mass. Their last child, Emily Trowbridge, was born at Deerfield in March 1793.

The Trowbridges moved to Albany, N.Y. about 1796, where Eunice's father was an inn keeper. Eunice Trowbridge was nineteen when her family moved to Albany. At the time Joseph L. Herkimer was a law student at Albany. Eunice Trowbridge will marry Joseph Herkimer in 1800. The Trowbridges later moved to Utica, N.Y. where Eunice's father was a hotel keeper.

Eunice Trowbridge married Joseph Herkimer at the First Presbyterian Church  of Albany, N.Y. on 2 March 1800. Joseph was born in December 1776 to George Herkimer and Alida (Schuyler) Herkimer. Both Eunice Trowbridge and Joseph Herkimer lived at Albany NY in 1799. Eunice and Joseph Herkimer lived at Albany, where Joseph was a lawyer. Their first child, Anna Elizabeth Herkimer was born on 1 November 1801. Sally Maris Herkimer was born 19 September 1803.

Eunice and Joseph were living in Minden (Danube) NY in 1805, when a baby boy, Warren Herkimer, was born on 12 November. Eunice's parents returned to Albany in 1806 to live. Eunice and Joseph Herkimer moved to Little Falls, NY. Emily Amelia Herkimer was born at Little Falls, NY in June 1811. Here the three Herkimer girls and one boy grew up.

In 1814 Joseph's brother, Judge John Herkimer, had to sell the Herkimer Homestead including the house and the surrounding 236 acres. At that time Joseph's mother returned to her 'homestead lot' in the Town of Danube [Schuyler Lake]. I guess the Herkimer Homestead cemetery remained.

Eunice's parents came to visit them at Little Falls, NY. Eunice's father, David Trowbridge, died at Little Falls, N.Y. on 16 September 1816, while visiting.

Eunice's husband, Joseph Herkimer, died in June 1824. Joseph was only forty-eight. Eunice was left with four children. Anna was twenty-three, Sally was twenty-one, Warren was nineteen and the Emily was thirteen.

Eunice (Trowbridge) Herkimer died on 30 January 1826. Eunice was only forty-nine. Both Joseph and Eunice are buried at the Herkimer Homestead Cemetery. Eunice's mother, Sarah (Woodbridge) Trowbridge, died at Albany, N.Y. on 24 October 1826 .

Go to TOP    

George Herkimer

George Herkimer was born about 1744 at Fort Herkimer, Danube, New York. George was next to the youngest of thirteen children. His oldest sister was twenty-two when George was born. His oldest brother, Nicholas was born in 1727 and his younger brother, John, was born about 1745. His sister, Elizabeth Barbara, was born in 1726. The thirteen Herkimer children were very close and all grew up to maturity.

George's parents were Johan Jost and Anna Catherine (Petrie) Herkimer. His father  operated the trading post at Fort Herkimer which was next to the stone house his father built in the 1730's. During the French and Indian War (Seven Years' War), a stockade was built around the house. The French and Indian war was fought in New England between England and France, who had the support of Indian allies. The war broke out in 1754. George was just about ten years old at this time; Nicholas was seventeen. All the leaders in the War were housed at Fort Herkimer. Although the war brought loss of life and property to many, it did provide prosperity to those who supplied food and shelter to the Army, including the Herkimers.

George's father and brother were granted 2,000 acres in 1652 on the south side of the River, known as Fall Hill Patent. During the 1760's George's father divided the Fall Hill Patent among his children.

George served in the Schenectady Battalion of the New York Militia. On 6 May 1767, he was listed as a Captain in the 1st Grenadier Company. George Herkimer married on 15 November 1768 to Alida Schuyler, who was born at Canajoharie, New York, in 1752, to David Pieterse Schuyler and Maria Hansen. Alida's half-brother, Peter Schuyler, had married George's sister, Barbara Elizabeth Herkimer in 1643. Peter Schuyler was born in 1722. Looking at the difference in ages, it appears the Peter and Barbara Schuyler were like parents to their younger siblings, George and Alida. With the turmoil and threats of the French and Indian War, there was a type of guardianship relationship between the brothers and sisters. This may have resulted in George's and Alida's romance.

George received Lot #36 from his father's will, which was written in 1771. This lot consisted of 500 acres of Fall Hill tract, near Little Falls. His father, Johan Jost, had lived on this land until he built the stone house (Herkimer Homestead). George and Alida had nine children. The first three were born at Fall Hill. John was born in 1773/75. Joseph Lester Herkimer was born in 1775 and Margaretha in 1777.

In 1775, George was appointed a Captain in the Tryon County Militia, commanding a small group of "frontier guards". After an altercation with one of his troops, he was accused of "conduct contrary to the Law of Arms". He was discharged from service as an officer on 24 November 1775. He represented the German Flatts and Kingsland Districts, on the Tryon County Committee of Safety, from 24 May 1775 to 26 October 1775, when he resigned. He is recorded as having captured four prisoners as suspicious enemies from Canada.

George's brother, General Nicholas Herkimer, lead 800 militiamen to rescue Ft. Stanwix in August 1777. General Herkimer and his troops were ambushed at Oriskany by a force of Indians and Loyalists. Nicholas was mortally wounded but fought back fiercely causing the Indians and loyalists to retreat. The battle was a victory but the troop had to carry the fatally wounded general back to camp. Nicholas died a short time later as a result of his wounds.

The records show that George Herkimer was an enlisted man in the 2nd Regiment  as well as the 4th Regiment of the Tryon County Militia. At the Battle of Oriskany, on 10 August 1777, George was listed as the Captain of the 8th Company of the 4th Battalion of Col. Bellinger's Regiment, of the Tryon County Militia (German Flatts and Kingsland District). On 3 March 1780, he was promoted to Colonel of a Battalion of Minute Men of the 5th Regiment of the Tryon County Militia.

George was the principal heir to the estate of his brother - Nicholas, and in 1777 he moved into the Brick Mansion, (now known as the Herkimer Homestead State Site) at Danube. Alida had six more children born at the Herkimer Homestead. Margaretha was born 5 September 1777, and died before 1781. Catherine (Polly) was born 26 March 1779. Margaretha (Peggy) was born 19 March 1781. Magdalena (Helen, Helena or Lannah) was born 7 August 1782. John Nicholas was born 1 February 1787, and died young. Alida was born 3 May 1784, and Gertrude was born 21 February 1788.

George Herkimer's occupancy of General Herkimer's house during the remainder of the war was not altogether a happy one. On several occasions he was confined to the premises by the Committee of Safety, on suspicion of assisting Loyalists, and on 10 March 1778 he was ordered to "Gaol" (jail). The house was commandeered for military purposes, as reported by the Revolutionary soldier - Peter Woolaver, in his pension application. The house housed Captain Dygert's Company of Col. Bellinger's Regiment during 1779; and in 1781, there was a skirmish between some Indians and Tories and the Garrison at the house. There is other evidence that the house was used for military activity.

By the war's end, George Herkimer was in debt and probably bankrupt. On 26 November 1785, he received a letter from his brother-in-law - Hendrick Frey "in an effort to settle the accounts".

George and Alida Herkimer lived at the "Homestead" until George died. Judge John Herkimer, George's oldest son, inherited the "Homestead" and lived there with his mother, Alida, and family until about 1814 when it became a tavern. In 1913, the New York Legislature provided the necessary funds to purchase the home and surrounding property.

George Herkimer died at the Herkimer Homestead on 24 May 1788 and an inventory of his personal estate was taken on 30 November 1789. It was not until 1798 that the "lands belonging to George Herkimer deceased" were finally divided. Only fragmentary records of that distribution have been found. In 1814 Judge John Herkimer (George's oldest son) and his wife Polly sold the house and 236 surrounding acres to John Van Orden of Catskill.

Alida (Schuyler) Herkimer resided on her "homestead lot' in the Town of Danube In 1826, when she wrote her will. She died at Schuyler's Lake on 3 November 1830. Both George and Alida Herkimer are buried in the family cemetery near the grave of General Herkimer, at the Herkimer Homestead.

Go to TOP 

Alida Schuyler 1752-1829Alida Schuyler was born at Canajoharie in 1752. Her father was David Pieterse Schuyler and her mother was Maria Hansen. David and Marie had eight children; Alida's step-brother, Pieter, was thirty when she was born; Alida had six older siblings and her youngest sister, Catharina, was born after 1752.

Alida's step-brother, Pieter D. Schuyler, married Elizabeth Barbara Herkimer in 1743. Elizabeth Barbara was the daughter of John Jost Herkimer and the sister of George Herkimer.

On 25 May 1754, Alida's father and brother, Pieter, purchased 43,000 acres of land from the Mohawk Indians. The land was on the west side of Schuyler's Lake and is now the area known as Richfield Springs in Otsego County. The Schuyler family lived at Schuyler's Lake, when they were not at their home at Albany. Alida's father owned extensive lands at New York City, Albany, Canajoharie as well as at Schuyler's Lake.

David Schuyler died at Canajoharie, and was buried on 8 November 1762. His will was dated 3 April 1759 and was proven at Canajoharie on 10 February 1764. Alida was only ten when her father died. Alida's mother resided at Schuyler's Lake where Alida and her younger sister grew up.

Alida Schuyler, at the age of sixteen, married on 15 November 1768 to George Herkimer. He was born at Fort Herkimer in 1744 to John Jost Herkimer.

Alida (Schuyler) Herkimer had at least nine children, including our ancestor - Joseph L. Herkimer. He was born in 1775, and married in 1800 to Eunice Trowbridge. Alida and George Herkimer lived at the Fall Hill tract near Little Falls. Their first three children were born at Fall Hill. George Herkimer served in the Tryon County Militia from 1775 to 1780.

In 1777, Alida's husband was principle heir to the estate of his brother, General Nicholas Herkimer. General Herkimer had died from fatal wounds encountered at the Battle of Oriskany. Alida and George Herkimer moved into the Herkimer Homestead. Alida had six more children born between 1777 and 1788.

Times were not easy at the 'homestead'.  The family was confined to the premises because Alida's husband, George Herkimer, was suspected of assisting Loyalists. The 'homestead' was often commandeered for military reasons. By the end of the Revolutionary War the Herkimers were deeply in-debt.

George Herkimer died in 1788. Alida (Schuyler) Herkimer was a thirty-six year old widow with nine children between the ages of 15 years and 3 months. Alida's oldest son, John Herkimer, inherited the 'home stead' and continued to live there with his family and Alida until 1814 when the 'homestead' became a tavern.

Alida (Schuyler) Herkimer died at Schuyler's Lake on 6 November 1829 at the age of seventy-seven.

Click on George Herkimer to learn more details of Alida (Schuyler) Herkimer's adult life.

Go to TOP    

David Schuyler from Holland before 1650

  David Pieterse Schuyler, was born at Amsterdam, Holland about 1629. He was baptized on 12 February 1636 in the New Church at Amsterdam. He was the youngest child of Pieter Tjercksz and Geertruyt Van Schuyler. David's father, Pieter Tjercksz, was born at Emden, Holland about 1601. He was a baker who lived in Amsterdam, Holland. He was married at the Old Church at Amsterdam on 24 October 1627 to Geertruyt (Geertje) Philips Van Schuyler. She was born about 1603 to Philip Van Schuyler and lived at Amsterdam. Pieter and Geertruyt's four children were all born at Amsterdam, Holland and were baptized there at the New Church. The four children adopted their mother's surname - Schuyler.

David Schuyler, his brother, Philip, and his father emigrated from the Netherlands before 1650. His father settled at N.J. David and his brother, Philip, arrived at New Amsterdam between 1647 and 1650, and first settled at Fort Orange (known as Rensselaerwyck and became Beverswyck). Philip married Margareta Brants Van Schlictenhorst in 1650. She was the daughter of Brant Van Schlictenhost who was the Resident-Director of the colony of Rensselaerswyck at that time.

David married at the Dutch Reformed Church at New Amsterdam on 13 October 1657  to Catalyna (Catalyntie) Ver Plank. They first lived on the lands of patron Kiliaen Van Rensselaer, which was known as Rensselaerwyck and became Beverswyck. David and Catalyna Van Schuyler had eight children between 1659 and 1648.

Their first child, Pieter Davidse Van Schuyler, was born at Rensselaerswyck, NY on 18 April 1659. Gertrude was born on 19 September 1661, and Abraham was born at Albany on 16 August 1663. Maria was born on 29 September 1666. David was born at Albany on 11 June 1669. Myndert was born on 16 January 1672. Jacobs was born at Albany on 14 June 1675, and Catalyne was born 14 January 1678.

In 1660, David and Catalina lived at Beverswyck (now Albany). He became a Magistrate at Albany on 6 October 1673 and was the Justice of the Peace from 1683 to 1685. About 1683, Pieter Davidse Van Schuyler married at Beverswyck, NY to Alida Van Schlictenhorst. David Schuyler was an Alderman in 1686, and a Member of the Convention of 1689, which governed Albany. He was a Magistrate again in 1690, which lead to his death.

In 1689 Jacob Leisler, employed by the Dutch West India Co. seized Ft. James and was left in control of the city of New York when Lt. Governor Nicholson fled. Leisler called upon representatives to join the government in New York. Some towns refused to participate; Albany being one. Albany elected his own officials. David Schuyler, being a Magistrate of Albany, was sent to Schenectady. A mixed force of French and Indians raided and burned  Schenectady on 9 February 1690. David Schuyler died at Albany on 9 February 1690, following the massacre at Schenectady.. His will was dated 21 May 1688 and was proved on 11 April 1691. Catalyn died on 8 October 1708.

Go to TOP 

Pieter Davidse Van Schuyler (1659-1696)

Pieter Davidse Van Schuyler (1659-1696) grew up in Albany with his seven younger brothers and sisters. Pieter became a resident of Albany, N.Y. and was a trader. He married, at  Beverswyck, NY about 1683 to Alida Van Schlictenhorst, who was the widow of Gerrit Goosen Van Schaick. Gerrit Van Schaick died in 1679 a year after he and Alida were married.

Pieter and Alida Van Schuyler had eight children, all baptized at Albany. Their first child, David, was born about 1682, and died young. Gerrit was born about 1683 and named after his grandfather. Alida's father, Gerrit Van Schlictenhorst, died in January 1684. Pieter's and Alida's third child, Johannes, was born and baptized 3 December 1684. Alida's mother, Aeltje (Lansingh) remarried a week after Johannes' baptismal.

When Albany was chartered in 1685, Pieter Van Schuyler was commissioned as Judge of the Court of Oyer and Terminer for Albany County. Two more children were born to the Schuylers. Catalina was baptized on 10 October 1686,and David Pieterse Schuyler was born about 1686, and was baptized in the Dutch Reformed Church at Albany on 26 December 1688.

Alida (Van Schlictenhorst) Schuyler was thirty-two when "little Alida"  was born. She was baptized on 21 January 1693, and died young. Another son was born; Philip was baptized at Albany on 28 October 1694..

The Schuylers lived at Claverack, N.Y. in 1694. Their last child was born in 1696 was named "Pieter" for his father. Before his son was even baptized, Pieter Schuyler died suddenly at Albany on 7 March 1696. Little Pieter was baptized on 9 August 1696. Alida was left a widow with seven children to raise. The oldest was fourteen and the youngest was still an infant. David Van Schuyler was only ten when his father died.

Go to TOP    

David Pieterse Schuyler

David Pieterse Schuyler was married in the Dutch Reformed Church at Albany on 17 July 1720 to Anna (Annetje) Bratt. Their first child was born in February 1721, but died as an infant. Pieter David Schuyler was born 24 September 1722. Anna died on 14 October 1722, after giving birth to her second child. David became a widower with a one month old infant. I guess his mother, Alida Van Schuyler, looked after her grandson.

David married again on 2 December 1725 to Maria Hansen. She was baptized at Albany on 18 April 1697 by Hendrick Hansen and Debora Van Dam. They first lived at Albany, and in the early 1740's they moved to Canajoharie, NY.

David and Maria had nine children, and the last seven were baptized at the German Lutheran Church at Canajoharie. Their first child, David, was born about 1729; John (Honyost) was born about 1732. Jacob was born at Albany on 24 March 1734. Adonijah (Anton or Anthony) was born about 1735. Two other children were born later.

Alida Schuyler was born at Canajoharie in 1752. Now David and Marie had seven children; their older children were grown [ ages 21 to 17; David Schuyler's son, Pieter, by his first wife was thirty]. Alida and David's youngest child, Catharina, was born after 1752.

Alida's step-brother, Pieter D. Schuyler, married Elizabeth Barbara Herkimer in 1743. Elizabeth Barbara was the daughter of John Jost Herkimer and the sister of George Herkimer. George Herkimer will marry Alida Schuyler, who was just born!

On 25 May 1754, David and his son, Pieter, purchased 43,000 acres of  land from the Mohawk Indians. The land was on the west side of Schuyler's Lake and is now the area known as Richfield Springs in Otsego County. David and his family lived at Schuyler's Lake, when they were not at their home at Albany. David owned extensive lands at New York City, Albany, Canajoharie as well as at Schuyler's Lake.

David Schuyler died at Canajoharie, and was buried on 8 November 1762. His will was dated 3 April 1759 and was proven at Canajoharie on 10 February 1764.

Go to TOP    

Henderickson (Hansen) Ancestors Holland

Captain Hans Hendrickson was born at the Netherlands. He was an early settler at Beverwyck where he was a trader. He married, at Beverwyck, to Eva Gillse Meyer, who was baptized at New Amsterdam on 26 April 1643. Eva was the daughter of Gillis (Jellis) Pieterse Meyer and Elsie Hendricks Van der Gouw (or Van der Gouda). Eva's father, Gillis, was a carpenter, who originally came from Gouda, Holland as early as 1633. Eva's mother, Elsie, was a native of Amsterdam, Holland, and married Gillis on 6 July 1642.

Captain Hans Hendrickson lived at Albany and died there about 1697. Hans made his will on 12 February 1694 and died about 1697. Hans' and Eva's children followed the English custom of adopting the surname - Hansen, rather than follow the patronymic - Hendrickson, according to the Dutch custom. Many others, about the same time, adopted "van" surnames from their place of origin, which was often a farmstead or hamlet.

Hans and Eva Hendrickson had at least four children. Their first child, Hendrick Hansen, was probably born at Albany about 1665. Hendrick grew up in Albany with his younger brother and two younger sisters.

Hendrick Hansen, at the age of twenty-seven married at Beverwyck (Albany) on 21 September 1692 to Debora Van Dam. Debora was born on 5 June 1664 to Class Ripsen Van Dam and Maria Bords. Class Ripse Van Dam was a carpenter at Beverwyck and married Maria Bords before 1660. Class and Maria Van Dam had six children: two died young. Cataryna was born 3 October 1655, and married in 1668 to Hendrick Van Nes. "Rip" was born about 1660. Deborah was born in 1664 and then Margaret who married Andrew Van Alst. Rip Van Dam moved to New York City about 1684, where he was a merchant.

Hendrick Hansen and Debora Van Dam  had at least seven children. Their first child, Debora, was baptized on 20 August 1693. Hans (Johannes) was baptized on 30 June 1695. Maria [Maud] Hansen was baptized on 18 April 1697. Nicolas was baptized on 25 September 1698.Hendrick and Debora Hansen's youngest sons, Pieter Hansen was baptized on 28 April 1700, and Richard (Rykart) was born at Albany on 15 August 1703. Their last child, Jefie, was baptized on 14 October 1705, and died young.

Hendrick Hansen was a merchant and was appointed as the fifth Mayor of Albany on 29 September 1698, by Gov. Richard Coote. He also served as an alderman, an assemblyman, and an Indian Commissioner. He owned land at Albany, Schenectady, on the east side of the Hudson River, on the Maquase River and on the Canada Creek. He was a member of the Albany Dutch Reformed Church and was buried there on 19 February 1724 (his will was dated 2 September 1723).

Go to TOP 

Van Schlickenhorst Ancestors Holland

Gerrit Brantsz Van Schlictenhorst was born at Holland, and was baptized there on 17 January 1627. His parents, Brant and Aeltje Van Schlictenhorst, had nine children, four of them died young. The five survivors were - Arend, Gerrit, Gisebrechtha, Margaretha and Hillegonda.

Gerrit's mother died about 1645 before they left Holland for Virginia. Gerrit emigrated with his father and sister, Margaret. Gerrit was seventeen years old at the time.

The Van Schlickenhorsts came to Rensselaerswyck in 1646, by way of Virginia. Gerrit's father became the first Director of Rensselaerwyck. On 22 March 1648, he was appointed the Resident-Director of the colony of Rensselaerswyck, (Albany, NY) as well as the commander of the fort. He replaced Kiliaen Van Rensselaer, who died in 1646.

Back in 1629 the States General of the Dutch West India Co. confirmed the Charter of Freedoms and Exemption. This charter empowered the Company to grant settlers land and feudal rights. The grantees were known as patroons. By 1630, five patroonships were granted. Rensselaerswyck, near Ft. Orange was the patroonship of Kiliaen Van Rensselaer. He was an Amsterdam diamond and gold merchant, who ruled as an absentee proprietor. Rensselaerswyck was the only patroonship that succeeded. Its tenants held perpetual leaseholds.

In addition to being appointed director from 1648 to 1652, Brant Van Schlictenhorst also became the chief Magistrate and Superintendent. He established a court, appointed officers, and held regular sessions. Stuyvesant, the Director-General of New Netherlands, preceded Brant by about a year.

Over the next twelve years, there was much bitter controversy between Van Schlictenhorst and Stuyvesant. This resulted in Brant's arrest and imprisonment on Staten Island for a period of four months in 1652. Brant returned to Holland, alone, in 1660 to live with his daughter - Hillegond (Goude). He died there before 26 September 1666, near his ancestral estate of Aert Brantsgoed.

Gerrit's sister, Margaretha Brant Van Schlictenhorst, married Philip Pietersz Schuyler in 1650. Philip and his brother, David, had arrived in New Amsterdam after 1647 and settled at Fort Orange (now Albany).

Gerrit Van Schlictenhorst was a trader and had a respectable position in the social and political circles of Beverwyck. [On 10 April 1652, Peter Stuyvesant established Beverwyck to be in the colony of Rensselaerswyck]. By his own enterprise and energy, Gerrit secured a fair estate. He acted as his father's clerk or secretary for awhile, and he was an officer in the church, as well as a Magistrate of the Colony.

Gerrit was married, about 1655, to Aeltje Gerrits Lansingh, the daughter of Gerrit Frederickse Lansingh and Elizabeth Hendricksdse Ten Cate, of Albany. Aeltje was born in 1637 and had three older brothers and two younger sisters. The Lansingh family had come to New Amsterdam about 1640 and settled at Rensselaerwyck a few years later. Gerrit Lansingh had died sometime before 31 January 1654 when Elizabeth remarried another baker, Walter Albertsen Van den Uyhthoff. Aeltje's mother and step-father purchased land at Rensselaerwyck (now Albany) about 1650.

Gerrit and Aeltje Van Schlictenhorst had seven children. Their first child, Gerrit, was born at Ft. Orange. Alida Van Schlictenhorst was born at Fort Orange (Beverwyck) about 1660. She was named after her mother, Aeltje, who was also known as Alida.

On 1 November 1671, Gerrit Van Schlictenhorst was appointed as one of the Magistrates of Schenectady, but the next year he was again at Albany. He owned several houses at Albany and at Claverac, N.Y.. He returned to Holland, in 1668, for about a year. Gerrit returned to New York and lived out his remaining years at Esopus (now Kingston), where he died on 8 January 1684. Aeltje remarried on 9 December 1684 to Aard Mertenz Dooren, and died about 1700.

Alida Van Schlictenhorst married first, in 1678, to Gerrit Goosen Van Schaick, who died on 11 November 1679. About 1683, she remarried, at Beverwyck, to Pieter Davidse Schuyler. The Schuylers lived at Beverwyck where Pieter's father was the Justice of Peace. Click on Pieter Schuyler to read about Alida Van Schlictenhorst's adult life.

Pieter and Alida Van Schuyler had eight children, all baptized at Albany. Their first child, David, was born about 1682, and died young. Gerrit was born about 1683 and named after his grandfather. Alida's father, Gerrit Van Schlictenhorst, died in January 1684. Pieter's and Alida's third child, Johannes, was born and baptized 3 December 1684. Alida's mother, Aeltje (Lansingh) remarried a week after Johannes' baptismal.

When Albany was chartered in 1685, Pieter was commissioned as Judge of the Court of Oyer and Terminer for Albany County. David's father was active in the Albany government; he was Justice of Peace, then an Alderman and a member of the Convention of 1689. An alderman is a member of the municipal legislative body in a town or city in many jurisdictions.

Two more children were born to the Schuylers. Catalina was baptized on 10 October 1686,and David Pieterse Schuyler was born about 1686, and was baptized in the Dutch Reformed Church at Albany on 26 December 1688.

Alida (Van Schlickenhorst) Schuyler was thirty-two when little "Alida" was born. She was baptized on 21 January 1693, and died young. Another son was born; Philip was baptized at Albany on 28 October 1694..

The Schuylers lived at Claverack, N.Y. in 1694. Their last child was born in 1696 was named "Pieter" for his father. Before his son was even baptized, Pieter Schuyler died suddenly at Albany on 7 March 1696. Little Pieter was baptized on 9 August 1696. Alida was left a widow with seven children to raise. The oldest was fourteen and the youngest was still an infant. David Schuyler was only ten when his father died. Alida died on 25 December 1747.

Go to TOP

Johan Jost Herkimer  Germany 1710

Johan Jost (Han Jost) Herkimer was born at the Grand Duchy of Baden about 1695 and was baptized at the Reformed Church of Leimen at Sandhausen, Germany on 20 June 1700. Jurg Herkimer had at least six children, one by Eva Barbara and five by Magdalana. The records seem to indicate that only Johan Jost survived.

Johan Jost Herkimer and his parents emigrated with 13,500 other Palatines, to London, England. The Herkimers were among the 4,000 people, who left England in January 1710, and among those who survived the six month voyage, arriving at New York in June 1710. Johan Jost Herkimer was about 15 years old when he made the long hard journey across the ocean with his parents and he third company of Palatines. The Petries and Herkimers apparently came together on the second expedition in 1710.

The Herkimers lived at Brunnendorf (today's village of Schoharie), one of the seven communities formed along the Schoharie Creek.

The Herkimers and the Petries were among the fifty families moved to Schoharie, onto lands that had been promised to them by Queen Anne, only to learn that the lands had been granted to people in Albany. They were offered the land, rent free, for ten years. In 1720, when Gov. Burnet succeeded Gov. Hunter, orders were issued to move the Palatines to lands more suitable for them. Some families went to Pennsylvania, under the leadership of Conrad Weiser.

Johan Jost Herkimer married Anna Catherine Petrie about 1722. They were one of the Burnetsfield patentees, having drawn lot #36, which was about a 1/2 mile east of the stone church, at Fort Herkimer. What is now known as Fort Herkimer, was called Fort Kouari by the Indians. Their cabin stood east of the church and here some of his children were born.

Johan Jost Herkimer acted as a carrier at Little Falls and at Wolfe's Rift; he was also a 'busy' farmer. Next to Sir William Johnson, he was the most respected man of the Mohawk region. Besides speaking his native German, he spoke English, as well as several Indian dialects, and thereby acting as an interpreter for both sides. Johan Jost Herkimer was a tall and powerfully built man, and he constantly amazed the local Mohawk and Oneida Indians with his feats of strength. He rapidly gained popularity with them. Trading rum and hardware in exchange for beaver, Herkimer soon established himself as the most influential German in the valley.

John Jost and Catherine Herkimer settled their family at the Burnetsfield Patent before 1725. Johan Jost Herkimer was a carpenter, a builder, a surveyor of public roads, and eventually a trader.

Johan Jost Herkimer began trading with the Indians, and played a leadership role in establishing the community. He was one of eleven grantees named in a deed dated 24 September 1730, by Nicholas Wooliver, of "one English acre and nine rodd" for use as a school and church on Wooliver's Lot #30.

Trade with the Oswego outpost seemed to begin soon after it was built, in 1726. Herkimer grew the grain, ran the mill that ground the grain, owned the boats that transported the grain, and paid the men who helped do all these jobs, with presumably a profit for himself on all these ventures. His popularity with the Indians kept the fur trade healthy, and his prosperity and power were well known.

From 1727 to 1748, there are records of Johan Jost Herkimer supplying the garrison at Fort Oswego, in a partnership with Gerrit A. Lansing, Jost Petrie, and Henry Van Rensselaer.

Things were going so well in the 1730's, that a large stone house was built in 1740, with a spot for a trading post. Johan Jost built the stone house west of the site of the present Fort Herkimer Church, near the bank of the Mohawk River. This is the house to become known as the "Herkimer Homestead".

The earliest local church records of Burentsfield Patent begin in 1763, making the dates of most of Johan Jost's and Catherine's children an educated guess, as no early family bible has surfaced. With the exception of son - George's known birth date, the children birth dates are based on their children's or spouse's dates. This is the best one can do until a record is discovered to change them. They had thirteen children, who all lived to maturity:

1.Gertrude was born about 1722, and married in 1746 to Rudolph Shoemaker. She died on 12 February 1806, and had 6 children.

2. Magdalena (a Pitcher ancestor) was born about 1724, and married 1st about 1747 to Werner Dygert, who was born in 1719 and was killed by Indians in 1780. She married 2nd in 1782 to Nicholas Snell, and 3rd in 1786 to Johannes Roorbach. She died before April 1817, and had 9 children, including a Pitcher ancestor -Catherine Dygert.

3. Elizabeth Barbara was born about 1726, and married in 1743 to Peter David Schuyler. She died 1800, and had 7 children.

4. Nicholas was born at the Burnetsfield Patent about 1727, and married 1st about 1760 to Maria Madeline Dygert(b.ca 1730, d.ca 1775). He married again about 1776 to Maria Dygert. She was the niece of his first wife, and was born about 1758. Nicholas was the General that lead the Americans at the Battle of Oriskany. He died 10 days later, on 16 August 1777, as a result of wounds suffered in that battle. Maria married again about 1780 to John Jost Krause, and later moved to Canada, where she died. Nicholas left no children.

5. Delia (Ottilia or Curtelia) was born on 14 July 1728, and married in 1750 to Peter Bellinger. She died on 17 October 1804, and had 9 children.

6. Hendrick was born about 1730, and married before 1750 to Catherine Dygert. Henrick's older sister and brother had married a Dygert. Hendrick died on 1 August 1779, and had 11 children.

7. Johan Jost was born about 1732, and married in 1758 to Maria VanAllen. He was a Loyalist and fled to Canada in 1777. He was buried on 17 August 1795 at Kingston, Ontario, and had 9 children.

8. Elizabetha Margaret was born about 1733, and married in 1758 to Henrick Frey (a Tory). She died on 10 December 1825, and had 2 children

9. Maria (Anna) was born about 1733, and married in 1758 to Rev. Abraham Rosencranz. She died about 1806, and had 9 children.

10. Annetje (Anna) was born about 1738, and married about 1758 to Peter Ten Brock. They were Loyalist and also fled to Canada, where they both died, and had 8 children.

11. Catherine was born on 10 August 1739, and married in 1753 to George Heinrich Bell. She died about 1820, and had 6 children.

12. George Herkimer was born about 1744 at Fort Herkimer, Danube, New York.

13. John was born about 1745, and died on 20 April 1817. He may have married Catherine ---.

Work on the Ft. Herkimer  church began early, but the church was not finished until 1767. The church was a community effort, but it is Johan Jost's initials that appear over the doorway of the church. During the revolution the church was used as a block house for defensive firing or observation and storing supplies. In 1812, a second story was added to the church, and the interior underwent a major renovation.

On 5 April 1748, Johan Jost Herkimer purchased the 3,000 acres in the Livingston /Lindesay Patent from Edward Holland. On 12 June 1751, Johann Jost Herkimer and son - Henrick (now 21 years old), petitioned the governor for 2,000 acres on the south side of the River. They were granted this land on 13 April 1752, known as the Fall Hill Patent. The 1750 decade was dominated by the tensions of the French and Indian War. Sir William Johnson decided that Johan Jost's stone house would be the best place to fortify. In 1756, a stockade was built around Johann's home and it became Fort Herkimer. Fort Herkimer would also house all the leaders in the French and Indian War. Although the war brought loss of life and property, it did provide a prosperity for those who supplied food for Army.

 During the 1760's, the records show that Johan Jost divided the Fall Hill Patent among his children. In each case, the daughters were given title to the land in their own names, with their husbands acting as witnesses.

Fort Herkimer served as a protected area for the settlers to retreat to, during the numerous Indian raids. The Fort was garrisoned in the Revolutionary War by Continental Troops and the Militia. On 6 May 1767, Johan was a Colonel of the 1st Grenadier Company.

Johann Herkimer's son, George, served in the Schenectady Battalion of the New York Militia during the French and Indian War. On 6 May 1767, he was listed as a Captain in the 1st Grenadier Company.

George Herkimer married on 15 November 1768 to Aleta (Alida) Schuyler, who was born at Canajoharie, New York, in 1752, to David Pieterse Schuyler and Maria Hansen. Alida was the sister of Peter Schuyler, who had married Barbara Elizabeth Herkimer.

John Jost Herkimer wrote his will on 5 April 1771, showing fairness to all his children. Eleven of Johan Jost's 77 grandchildren would marry first cousins, reminding us of the problem of these early families. There were not that many people to marry nor an interest in dividing property. These 77 grandchildren produced 335 great grand children.

In 1773, Johan Jost Herkimer was listed as a Lieutenant on the List of Officers of the Albany Militia. Johan Jost served as the Justice of the Peace of the area for over forty years. It is interesting that he and two of his sons were patriots and fought in the American Revolution, while he had other children who were Tories and fled to Canada. Johan Jost Herkimer died at Fort Herkimer on 26 August 1775 and his will was probated on 4 October 1783 or on 30 April 1784. At the time of his death, Johan Jost was a member of the Committee of Safety and a company of the 4th Battalion from German Flatts and Kingsland District Militia. Catherine died about 1777.

The growth of the farming and trade made the original Burnetsfield Patent into several thriving communities. When the settlers first came to the area in 1723, both sides of the River were known as German Flatts. With the growth of Johan Jost Herkimer's power and prosperity on the south side of the River, the area became known as Fort Herkimer and the north side known as German Flatts. It took a misunderstanding between the state surveyor and the state assemblymen, in 1788, to name the area on the north side of the River as Herkimer, and German Flatts on the south.

 Go to TOP

HERKIMER HOMESTEAD

National Landmarks, supported by the National Park Service include "Herkimer Home", "Fort Herkimer Reformed Church", and Indian Castle Church". All are a prominent part of the Herkimer Ancestry.

"Herkimer Home (c. 1764) Next to Johnson Hall, the most pretentious early dwelling in the Mohawk Valley. Built by General Nicholas Herkimer, the hero of Oriskany"

"Fort Herkimer Reformed Dutch Church (1730) Part of a stockade fort during the Revolution."

"Indian Castle Church. A surviving Mohawk church built in 1769 and given to by William Johnson to his Indian friends." - Greatest Historic Places.

Now learn what the real truth is!

The Mohawk Corridor running from Rome to Albany NY was marked with colonists that were both Tories (loyal to England) and Whigs (Patriot of the colonies) as well as friendly and hostile Indians. The lovely valley of the Mohawk River contained little settlements like Stone Arabia, Germans Flats, Deerfield, Canajoharie, and Fairfield. The Mohawk Valley had many forts built for peaceful purposes, but used as blockhouses out of necessity - like the Fort Herkimer , and Fort Plain.

About 1717, Jurgh and Magdalana Herkimer settled at German Flatts, along the Mohawk River in 1721. Unlike most early patents, the Burnetsfield Patent gave women 100 acres of land as well as the men. Jurgh (George) Erghemar [note the spelling of Herkimer] was given Lot #44, Madalana Erghemar Lot #24 and a large island in the River. Their son, John Jost Erghemer, was allotted Lot #36 (about 1/2 mile east of the stone church at Fort Herkimer) and his wife Catherine Erghemer Lot #5, all were on the south side of the Mohawk River. Johan Jost Herkimer acted as a carrier at Little Falls and at Wolfe's Rift; he was also a 'busy' farmer. Next to Sir William Johnson, he was the most respected man of the Mohawk region. Besides speaking his native German, he spoke English, as well as several Indian dialects, and thereby acting as an interpreter for both sides.

The growth of the farming and trade made the original Burnetsfield Patent into several thriving communities. When the settlers first came to the area in 1723, both sides of the River were known as German Flatts. With the growth of Johan Jost Herkimer's power and prosperity on the south side of the River, the area became known as Fort Herkimer and the north side known as German Flatts. It took a misunderstanding between the state surveyor and the state assemblymen, in 1788, to name the area on the north side of the River as Herkimer, and German Flatts on the south.

Johan Jost Herkimer began trading with the Indians, and played a leadership role in establishing the community. Trade with the Oswego outpost seemed to begin soon after it was built, in 1726. Herkimer grew the grain, ran the mill that ground the grain, owned the boats that transported the grain, and paid the men who helped do all these jobs, with presumably a profit for himself on all these ventures. His popularity with the Indians kept the fur trade healthy, and his prosperity and power were well known. Trade with the Oswego outpost seemed to begin soon after it was built, in 1726.

Johan Jost and Anna Catherine (Petrie) Herkimer operated the trading post at Fort Herkimer which was next to the stone house his father built in the 1730's. Johan Jost Herkimer was one of eleven grantees named in a deed dated 24 September 1730, by Nicholas Wooliver, of "one English acre and nine rodd" for use as a school and church on Wooliver's Lot #30. During the French and Indian War (Seven Years' War), a stockade was built around the house. All the leaders in the French and Indian War were housed at Fort Herkimer. Although the war brought loss of life and property to many, it did provide prosperity to those who supplied food and shelter to the Army, including the Herkimers.

George Herkimer, son of Johan Host Herkimer, was born about 1744 at Fort Herkimer, Danube, New York. George was next to the youngest of thirteen children. The thirteen Herkimer children were very close and all grew up to maturity.

The 1750 decade was dominated by the tensions of the French and Indian War. Sir William Johnson decided that Johan Jost Herkimer's stone house would be the best place to fortify. In 1756, a stockade was built around Johann Herkimer's home and it became Fort Herkimer. Fort Herkimer would also house all the leaders in the French and Indian War. Although the war brought loss of life and property, it did provide a prosperity for those who supplied food for Army.

Even more than the French and Indian conflict, the Revolution turned the Mohawk Valley into a dark, bloody ground, torn by the fiercest kind of fighting between Tory, Patriot, and Indian.

"On a wooded bluff overlooking Nowadaga Creek stands the Indian Castle, site of the Mohawk Bear clan between 1700 and 1775, and the place where Sir William Johnson built Fort Hendrick. A simple clapboard church was built for Indian friends." This is the Fort Herkimer Church.

Work on the Ft. Herkimer church began early, but the church was not finished until 1767. The church was a community effort, but it is Johan Jost Herkimer's initials that appear over the doorway of the church. During the revolution the church was used as a block house for defensive firing or observation and storing supplies. In 1812, a second story was added to the church, and the interior underwent a major renovation.

Fort Herkimer served as a protected area for the settlers to retreat during the numerous Indian raids. The Fort was garrisoned in the Revolutionary War by Continental Troops and the Militia. On 6 May 1767, Johan Jost Herkimer was a Colonel of the 1st Grannadier Company.

Johann Herkimer's son, George, served in the Schenectady Battalion of the New York Militia during the French and Indian War. On 6 May 1767, he was listed as a Captain in the 1st Grannadier Company.

In 1773, Johan Jost Herkimer was listed as a Lieutenant on the List of Officers of the Albany Militia. It is interesting that he and two of his sons were patriots and fought in the American Revolution, while his other children who were Tories and fled to Canada. John Jost Herkimer died at Fort Herkimer on 26 August 1775. At the time of his death, Johan Jost was a member of the Committee of Safety and a company of the 4th Battalion from German Flatts and Kingsland District Militia. Catherine died about 1777.

In 1775, George was appointed a Captain in the Tryon County Militia, commanding a small group of "frontier guards". After an altercation with one of his troops, he was accused of "conduct contrary to the Law of Arms". He was discharged from service as an officer on 24 November 1775. He represented the German Flatts and Kingsland Districts, on the Tryon County Committee of Safety, from 24 May 1775 to 26 October 1775, when he resigned. He is recorded as having captured four prisoners as suspicious enemies from Canada.

George's brother, General Nicholas Herkimer, lead 800 militiamen to rescue Ft. Stanwix in August 1777. General Herkimer and his troops were ambushed at Oriskany by a force of Indians and Loyalists. Nicholas was mortally wounded but fought back fiercely causing the Indians and loyalists to retreat. The battle was a victory but the troop had to carry the fatally wounded general back to camp. Nicholas died a short time later as a result of his wounds.

The records show that George Herkimer was an enlisted man in the 2nd Regiment as well as the 4th Regiment of the Tryon County Militia. At the Battle of Oriskany, on 10 August 1777, George was listed as the Captain of the 8th Company of the 4th Battalion of Col. Bellinger's Regiment, of the Tryon County Militia (German Flatts and Kingsland District). On 3 March 1780, he was promoted to Colonel of a Battalion of Minute Men of the 5th Regiment of the Tryon County Militia.

George Herkimer was the principal heir to the estate of his brother - Nicholas, and in 1777 he moved into the Brick Mansion, (now known as the Herkimer Homestead State Site) at Danube. George's older brother, General Nicholas Herkimer died of fatal wounds received at The Battle of Oriskany. General Nicholas married for the second time about 1776 to Maria Dygert. She was the niece of his first wife, and was born about 1758. After General Herkimer's death his second wife married again and moved to Canada. Nicholas left no children.

George Herkimer's occupancy of General Herkimer's house during the remainder of the war was not altogether a happy one. On several occasions he was confined to the premises by the Committee of Safety, on suspicion of assisting Loyalists, and on 10 March 1778 he was ordered to "Gaol" (jail). The house was commandeered for military purposes, as reported by the Revolutionary soldier - Peter Woolaver, in his pension application. The house housed Captain Dygert's Company of Col. Bellinger's Regiment during 1779; and in 1781, there was a skirmish between some Indians and Tories and the Garrison at the house. There is other evidence that the house was used for military activity.

By the war's end, George Herkimer was in debt and probably bankrupt. On 26 November 1785, he received a letter from his brother-in-law - Hendrick Frey "in an effort to settle the accounts".

George and Alida Herkimer lived at the "Homestead" until George died. Judge John Herkimer, George's oldest son, inherited the "Homestead" and lived there with his mother, Alida, and family until about 1814 when it became a tavern. In 1913, the New York Legislature provided the necessary funds to purchase the home and surrounding property.

George Herkimer died intestate at the Herkimer Homestead on 24 May 1788 and an inventory of his personal estate was taken on 30 November 1789. It was not until 1798 that the "lands belonging to George Herkimer deceased" were finally divided. Only fragmentary records of that distribution have been found. In 1814 Judge John Herkimer (George's oldest son) and his wife Polly sold the house and 236 surrounding acres to John Van Orden of Catskill.

In 1826, when she wrote her will, Alida (Schuyler) Herkimer resided on her "homestead lot' in the Town of Danube. She died at Schuyler's Lake on 3 November 1830. Both George and Alida Herkimer are buried in the family cemetery near the grave of General Herkimer, at the Herkimer Homestead.

 

 Go to TOP

Johannes Jost Petrie

Johannes Jost Petrie was baptized on 28 February 1664 at Breitscheid (a village a few miles south of Siegen), Strassburg, Alsace, as the son of Johann Jost and Catharina Petri. Johannes was married to Anna Gertruyd, who we think was a Von Ringh or a Van Beigh. She was born at Breitscheid. Tradition says that Anna was of noble blood and may have been a cousin of Queen Anne, of England. They moved first to Heidelberg, Germany and later to the lower Palatinate.

Johannes Jost Petrie and Anna Gertruyd Von Ringh had at least ten children: Johan Jost was born in 1686, Anna Elisabetha was baptized in 1691,Jost Henrich was baptized in 1693, a son that was baptized on 6 January 1695, John Conrad was born at Strassburg in 1698, and Anna Gertraud was baptized in 1697, and died on 22 December 1700. Anna Catherine Petrie was baptized, at Strassburg, Alsace, on 5 May 1700. Then there was Christian, George, and Jacob. Johannes Petri died and was buried on 24 June 1700. This left Anna Petrie a widow with ten children ranging in age from 14 to an infant.

The Petries and Herkimers, like many other German and French, were driven from the Palatinate by religious persecution. In 1708, the first Palatine immigrants came to this country and settled at the present Newburg, New York. In January 1710, the second expedition left England and by June 1710, when the last vessel reached New York. Four thousand people had embarked; seventeen hundred died in passage or soon after landing. The Petries and Herkimers apparently came together on the second expedition in 1710.

Anna Petrie and at least three of her children emigrated from England in the Second Palatine Expedition in January 1710, and reached New York in June 1710. Catherine Petrie was ten at the time. Anna Petrie was listed on the New York Palatines Subsistence Lists of 1 July 1710 and 1712. Anna and two of her children were recorded at East Camp of Livingston Manor in 1711.

Anna's oldest son - Johan Jost Petri, was a soldier in Col. Nicholson's expedition against the French at Canada in 1711 at the age of seventeen. Also Jurg Herkimer was listed as among the 300 Palatines who went on the British expedition to Canada in 1711. Jurg Herkimer's son, Johann Jost Herkimer was then 16 years old. Anna's daughter, Catherine was eleven. Apparently Anna Petrie was very close to the Herkimers and the Schuylers. The Petries as well as the Herkimers were among those original Palatines, who settled at the Burnetsfield Patent.

After the 1711 expedition to Canada, Gov. Hunter began his experiment of having the Palatines produce tar and pitch for the British Navy. When the experiment proved unsuccessful, he released them from their contracts and ordered them to shift for themselves. Anna Petrie and Jurg Herkimer was among the fifty families moved to Schoharie, onto lands that had been promised to them by Queen Anne, only to learn that the lands had been granted to people in Albany. They were offered the land, rent free, for ten years. In 1720, when Gov. Burnet succeeded Gov. Hunter, orders were issued to move the Palatines to lands more suitable for them. Some families went to Pennsylvania, under the leadership of Conrad Weiser.

Anna Catherine Petrie

Anna Catherine Petrie married, about 1722, to Johan Jost Eigheimer (Herkimer). They were one of the Burnetsfield patentees, having drawn lot #36, which was about a 1/2 mile east of the stone church, at Fort Herkimer.

Anna Catherine Petrie was baptized at the Breitschied Reformed Church in Germany on 5 May 1700. Her parents were Johannes and Anna Gertrude Petrie. Catherine's father died when she was a baby. She emigrated from England in 1710 with her mother, Anna Petrie where they lived at Livingston Manor in New York before moving to Schoharie in New York.

The Petrie name is listed as a patentee along with Herkimer. The Petries as well as the Herkimers were among those original Palatines, who settled at the Burnetsfield Patent.

Anna Catherine Petrie and Johan Jost (Han Jost Erghmer) Herkimer married about 1722. Johan's parents were Jurgh and Magalana Erghemar. John Jost and Catherine Herkimer settled their family at the Burnetsfield Patent before 1725. Their cabin stood east of the church and here some of his children were born. Anna Catherine (Petrie) and Johan Jost Herkimer had thirteen children, who all lived to maturity. Their first child, Gertrude, was born about 1722, followed by Magdalena (a Pitcher ancestor) born about 1724 and Elizabeth Barbara in 1726.

Johan Jost Herkimer was a carpenter, a builder, a surveyor of public roads, and eventually a trader. He began trading with the Indians, and played a leadership role in establishing the community.

Trade with the Oswego outpost seemed to begin soon after it was built, in 1726. Johan Jost Herkimer grew the grain, ran the mill that ground the grain, owned the boats that transported the grain, and paid the men who helped do all these jobs, with presumably a profit for himself on all these ventures. His popularity with the Indians kept the fur trade healthy, and his prosperity and power were well known.

Elizabeth Barbara was born about 1726 Nicholas was born at the Burnetsfield Patent about 1727 Delia (Ottilia or Curtelia) was born on 14 July 1728

Johan Jost Herkimer was one of eleven grantees named in a deed dated 24 September 1730, by Nicholas Wooliver, of "one English acre and nine rodd" for use as a school and church on Wooliver's Lot #30.

Hendrick was born about 1730 Johan Jost was born about 1732 Elizabetha Margaret and Maria (Anna) were born about 1733 Annetje (Anna) was born about 1738 their eleventh child, Catherine, was born on 10 August 1739.

Things were going so well in the 1730's, that a large stone house was built in 1740, with a spot for a trading post. Johan Jost Herkimer built the stone house west of the site of the present Fort Herkimer Church, near the bank of the Mohawk River. This is the house to become known as the "Herkimer Homestead".

George Herkimer was born about 1744 and John was born about 1745. there were now thirteen children. Catherine (Petrie) Herkimer's daughter, Elizabeth Barbara, had married Peter David Schuyler in 1743. This left only twelve chilldren at home between the ages of 23 and a baby. Her oldest child, Gertude, married in 1746 to Rudolph Shoemaker. Her next oldest, Magalena, married Werner Dygert in 1747.

From 1727 to 1748, there are records of Johan Jost Herkimer supplying the garrison at Fort Oswego, in a partnership with Gerrit A. Lansing, Jost Petrie, and Henry Van Rensselaer.

By 1748, there were nine children at home; the Nicholas Herkimer was 21, George Herkimer was four and the 'baby' John was three. Of course, with all Johann Herkimer's wealth, Catherine had servents to help. Now the Dygert family must have been neighbors in Ft. Herkimer, because Catherine (Petrie) Herkimer's son, Henderick married Catherine Dygert before 1750. There will be more "Dygert" daughter-in-laws! Delia was the oldest daughter living at home; she was twenty-two where she married in 1750. Daughter, Catherine married in 1753 at the age of nineteen.

This left only seven children living at home in 1754. Nicholas Herkimer was twenty-seven, George was ten and "baby" John was nine. The other children, ages 22, 21 and 14. For the next four years the Catherine (Petrie) Herkimer's children remained at the "homestead" where the living was good. In 1758 there were four more weddings! This left only Nicholas, George and 'baby' John livng at home.

The 1750 decade was dominated by tensions of the French and Indian War (1754-1763). Sir William Johnson decided that the Herkimer Homestead would be the best place to fortify. A stockade was built around the homestead. All the leaders of the war were housed at Ft. Herkimer. Although the war brought loss of lives and property to many, it provided prosperity to those who supplied food and shelter to the Army, including the Herkimers. Of course there was constant intrusion of the military into Catherine Petrie Herkimer's home.

During the French and Indian War (1754-1763) a stockade was built around the homestead. All the leaders of the war were housed at Ft. Herkimer. Although the war brought loss of lives and property to many, it provided prosperity to those who supplied food and shelter to the Army, including the Herkimers.

It wasn't until Nicholas Herkimer was thirty-three that he married Maria Madeline Dygert in 1760. George Herkimer married Alida Schuyler in 1768 and 'baby' John also married.

Catherine (Petrie) and Johann Jost Herkimer finally had the Herkimer Homestead to themselves, but war and conflict continued for Catherine.The American Revolution was evolving! Nicholas Herkimer married again about 1776 to Maria Dygert. She was the niece of his first wife, and was only eighteen years old. Nicholas Herkimer was forty-nine.

Her son, George Herkimer, served in the Schenectady Battle of the New York Militia during the French Indian War. In 1767 George Herkimer became a Captain in the 1st Grannadier Company. In 1773, Catherine's husband, seventy-eight year old Johann Jost Herkimer, became a lieutenant in the Albany Militia in 1773. In 1775, Catherine's son's, Nicholas and George were enlisted in the Tryon Count Militia. George Herkimer became a captain; Nicholas Herkimer became a general.

Catherine's husband, John Jost Herkimer, died at Fort Herkimer on 26 August 1775 and Catharine (Petrie) Herkimer died about 1777. Catherine (Petrie) and Johannes Jost Herkimer never lived to know about the downfall that laid ahead for the Herkimer Homestead.

Nicholas Herkimer was the General that lead the Americans at the Battle of Oriskany in the Revolutionary War. He died 10 days later, on 16 August 1777, as a result of wounds suffered in that battle. Nicholas' second wife, Maria, married again about 1780 to John Jost Krause, and later moved to Canada, where she died. Nicholas left no children.

It is interesting to note that three of Catherine Petrie Herkimer's children were Tories or Loyalists who favored the British side during the period of the American Revolution, while her husband and two sons fought for America's freedom.

 Go to TOP

Jurg [George] Herkimer  Germany 1710

Jurg [George] Herkimer was born about 1670 at the District of Schwaben, at Bavaria, to Christopher Herchheimer and Anna Maria Schneider. Jurg married first about 1694, to Eva Barbara --- and second about 1696 to Magdalana ---. They lived at the Upper Rhine Palatinate at Sandhausen, near Heidelberg, Germany.

Jurg Herkimer had at least six children, one by Eva Barbara and five by Magdalana. The records seem to indicate that only Johan Jost survived. Johan Jost (Han Jost) Herkimer was born at the Grand Duchy of Baden about 1695 and was baptized at the Reformed Church of Leimen at Sandhausen, Germany on 20 June 1700.

The Petries and Herkimers, like many other German and French, were driven from the Palatinate by religious persecution. In 1708, the first Palatine immigrants came to this country and settled at the present Newburg, New York. In January 1710, the second expedition left England and by June 1710, when the last vessel reached New York, four thousand people had embarked; almost half of the people died in passage or soon after landing. The Petries and Herkimers apparently came together on the second expedition in 1710 and were among those survived the six month voyage.

Jurg Herkimer and his wife, along with a son, Johan Jost, emigrated with 13,500 other Palatines, to London, England. To alleviate the overcrowding and slum conditions developing at London, the refugees were sent to the New World. To pay back the English for their voyage expenses, the Germans were to collect tar from the many pine trees along the Hudson River for the Queen's Navy.

After a short time at New York City (then a settlement of only 6,000 people), the Herkimers were among the 1,761 people sent to settle along the Hudson River. The Herkimers were listed on the Hunter Lists of 4 October and 31 December 1710 as well as that of 24 June 1711 as living at East Camp, not far from the other communities on the east side of the Hudson River (presently Germantown), and the three towns on the west side. The 1710 record shows George Herchemer with two people over 10 years and one under, while the 1712 list shows that there were four over 10 years in his household." Gro. Kerchner " [probably Jurg Herkimer] was listed as among the 300 Palatines who went on the British expedition to Canada in 1711.

After the 1711 expedition to Canada, Gov. Hunter began his experiment of having the Palatines produce tar and pitch for the British Navy. After two years the tar project was declared unsuccessful and funding from England stopped in 1712. The Palatines were left with no way to make a living. The Herkimers joined a group who went over the hills to the Schoharie Creek, where another effort to establish homes and farms was made. The Herkimers lived at Brunnendorf (today's village of Schoharie), one of the seven communities formed along the Schoharie Creek. As they began to get settled, the land they were farming was claimed by men living at Albany. John Conrad Weiser was sent to London, as a representative of the various communities, to protest this unfair sale. The trip was unsuccessful and the Palatines lost the land.

From Munsell's "Annals of Albany", it was noted that "Juryh Herck Heemmer" was issued a certificate of naturalization, in the Mayor's Court at Albany's City Hall at on 11 October 1715. The Simmingdinger's Register lists him at Schoharie about 1715. "Hans Jury Herckhemer" was issued his certificate of naturalization, at Mayor's Court, on 31 January 1716. About 1717, Jurgh and Magdalana were at Neu-Heidelberg, and were recorded as having settled at German Flatts, along the Mohawk River in 1721, with 88 other people.

Unlike most early patents, the Burnetsfield Patent gave women 100 acres of land as well as the men. Jurgh (George) Erghemar [note the spelling of Herkimer was given Lot #44, Madalana Erghemar Lot #24 and a large island in the River, John Jost Erghemer Lot #36 (about 1/2 mile east of the stone church at Fort Herkimer) and his wife Catherine Erghemer Lot #5, all were on the south side of the Mohawk River. Catherine Petrie is also listed as a patentee along with the Herkimers.

Anna Catherine Petrie married, about 1722, to Johan Jost Erghemar (Herkimer). They were one of the Burnetsfield patentees. It is uncertain whether they were married before or after becoming Patentees.

The Patentees agreed to cultivate at least three acres within three years. Johan Jost and his family lived on Lots #24 and #30. The Herkimers were among those original Palatines, who settled at the Burnetsfield Patent. Jurg (George) Herkimer died sometime before 1725.  

 Go to TOP