Lot
Minthorne Farm
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Original Grants and Farms
Property Was Used in 1660 For:
Original Grants and Farms Document(s)
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THE MINTHORNE FARM (The Schout's Bouwery) Block Check List. 460-403-401-417-456-460.
The Minthorne farm, earlier known as the Schout's Bouwery, was part of Bouwery No. 3.
As specified in the "Instructions" of April 22, 1625, Bouwery No. 3 was laid out with a breadth along the road of 55 rods (687.50). Maerschalck's survey of the Minthorne lands, Oct. 1765, shows a frontage along the road of 692.90, Enghsh measure.
It is further set forth in the "Instructions" that "Farms No. 3 and No. 8 shall be reserved for each succeeding pastor and under-commissary, which two farms Crieckenbeeck and Fongers may provisionally take up."
Daniel van Krieckenbeeck was killed by the Indians in 1626, at Fort Orange. There is nothing in the records to indicate that he ever lived on the farm.
The Schout's Bouwery derived its name from Coenraet Notelman, second schout-fiscal of New Netherland, who occupied it for about two years as agent for Kiliaen van Rensselaer. Notelman, who succeeded Jan Lampo in office, sailed in the "Eendracht" early in July, 1631. — Van Rensseker-Bowier MSS., 806.
On his arrival (earlier than October, 1631 — ibid., 277) he settled on De Reux's vacant farm, Bouwery No. 2. When Bylevelt was recalled from Bouwery No. 3, Van Rensselaer wrote to Notelman, July 20, 1632: "I wish, now that the farm of minuit has been granted to my nephew isouter van Twiller, that you might get that of Bylvelt, and also that I might get the surplus young stock of both." He admonished the schout: "if I had not exerted my influence they [the Company] would have recalled you ... as my nephew . . . will no doubt tell you. He has also done his best to keep you there, so that you will now have to pay close attention to your duties . . .
or they will the next time easily find occasion to remand you." — Ibid., 213.
Having control of both farms, Notelman evidently preferred to live on the farm so long known as the "Schout's Bouwery." Probably the dwelhng house which was built on Bouwery No. 3 during Van Twiller's time was erected for his use. Van der Gouw refers to it in his report. Undoubtedly it was nearer the main road than the house on Bouwery No. 2; that stood near the river, when Smeeman lived in it.
Van Rensselaer found Notelman an unfaithful steward. He seems to have been idle and dissolute. De Vries, who met him in 1633, speaks of him contemptuously, and expresses surprise "that the West India Company would send such fools into this country, who knew nothing, except to drink." — Jameson, Nar. N. Neth., 191.
Notelman was succeeded as schout-fiscal by Lubbertus van Dincklagen, who sailed by the "Eendracht," early in May, 1634. — Van Rensselaer-Bowier MSS., ii)i.
In removing Notelman, the directors of the West India Co. also strictly enjoined van Rensselaer not to remove the animals from these two farms. The effect of the order seems to have been virtually to dispossess the patroon from Manhattan Island.
Van Rensselaer's policy had been completely selfish; he had taken over the leases of farms 7, 2, and 3 without the slightest intention of cultivating the land. His only idea was to send every animal and all the farm implements to his own colony up the river.
The order from the directors has not been found, but its tenor may be surmised from Van Rensselaer's letters of protest. April 23, 1634, before the sailing of the "Eendracht," he wrote at great length to Director Van Twiller, setting forth his own position, haughtily, and instructing his nephew as to the work he thought necessary. — Ibid., 271-78.
A similar letter of instructions was sent to Notelman, in case he should not have left for home. — Ibid., 288.
April 27, 1634, he sent a vigorous protest to the West India Co., holding them to accountability for any loss that might ensue from their action, and, two days later, he sent a letter to the director and council of the Chartered West India Company in New Netherland, enclosing a copy of his protest to the Amsterdam Chamber, and reiterating his argument that he had every right to use the farms here as he pleased.
In this letter, he seems to have made up his mind to compromise, for he writes, "however, if the aforesaid two farms shall be put in the same condition as the six farms were when first leased, I am willing to take one of them on the former terms. I hope that Officer dincklagen, who now sails thither, will take the other for himself" — Ibid., 293-97.
It is doubtful whether Kiliaen van Rensselaer ever again exercised any authority on Manhattan Island.
He wrote to van Twiller in September 1636: "I think it advisable to keep a farm for me at the Manathans; please look after that." In 1638, May 6, he wrote again: "I urge you to keep the farm at the manhatans for me." — Ibid., 322, 402.
However, Kieft, who had arrived as director in March, 1638, was evidently not friendly to the patroon.
He wrote to him, Aug. 14, 1638: "I also find on the books here that your honor has since the beginning been indebted to the Company for so much money, goods and also horses and cattle that I shall do nothing in this matter [of payment for grain to Van Rensselaer] without express orders from the directors." — Ibid., 423.
Van Rensselaer said. May 12, 1639: "I have at present no one at the Manhatans, . . . [where] as I understand . . . five farms are unoccupied." Again, May 29, 1640: "I have no special person or house at the Manhatans." — Ibid., 428, 477.
The extremely interesting history of Bouweries No. 2 and No. 3 is to be found in the Van Rensselaer-Bowier MSS., to which students are referred.
Between 1640 and 1646, nothing has been found relating to the Schout's Bouwery. A farm so centrally located, with a house and other improvements, must have been in possession of some settler. The government may have leased it to Gerrit Hendricksen before he was given a ground-brief.
WiLLEM KiEFT, Director etc., to Gerrit Hendricksen from Deventer. Ground-brief dated Dec. 6, 1646. — Liber GG: 161 (Albany).
Conveys "A certain parcel of land heretofore called and known by the name of the Schout's Bowery, containing 25 morgens of land as can be better seen by the marks; with the valley [salt meadow] which is to be occupied by him during the Company's pleasure."
In 1653, Secretary Van Tienhoven demanded payment of the tithes or surrender of the bouwery. — Rec. N. Am., I: 104.
The salt meadows which constituted so large a part of this farm were granted to Hendricksen by Stuyvesant, May 13, 1654. The grant, not found of record, is recited in the following confirmation.
Richard Nicolls, Governour, etc., to Gerrit Hendricksen. Confirmation dated May 3, 1667. — Liber Patents, II: 22 (Albany).
Recites ground-brief, Kieft to Hendricksen, dated Dec. 6, 1646. Recites the confirmation of the meadow by Stuyvesant, May 13, 1654.
Confirms "A certain parcel of land heretofore called and known as the Schout's Bouwery . . . together with the meadows heretofore used and belonging to the said bouwery."
In May, 1664, Gerrit had a serious dispute with Stuyvesant about the meadows and the farm road which led south "to the point where the three roads meet," directly through his farm. This orchard lane was almost on the line of the present Orchard St. from Rivington to Houston St. There are indications that it originally went as far north as the present Stuyvesant St. (forming the western boundary of Harman Smeeman's bouwery), before Stuyvesant closed it. — Ibid., V: 51.
Gerrit's second wife was Josyntje Jans, widow of Pieter Wessels2en van Norden, whom he married by license of Oct. 22, 1679. — Marr. in Ref. Dutch Church, 46. She was called Josyntje Thomas on her first marriage. May 19, 1669. — Ibid., 2,2-
After the Dutch fashion, Gerrit made his will, Nov. 8, 1683, and swore to it before Notary Bogardus.
Last Will and Testament of Gerrit Hendrickse. Dated Nov. 8, 1683. Not recorded. In bundle No. i, surrogate's office. New York.
"Appeared before William Bogardus, Notary, November 8, 1683, Geritt Hendrickse, dwelling near Stuyvesants Bowery. He leaves to each of his seven children, begotten on the body of his former wife, Margaret Moll, deceased, viz., Henry, Huybert, Johanes, Abraham, Isaac, Margaret and Maria Gerrits, 350 guilders in wampum. He leaves all the rest to his wife Josyntie Thomas, and she is to pay all debts and to bring up the children begotten by her, viz., Elizabeth and Peter. If the Bowery or Plantation be sold, his wife shall see that the children are put at trades."
Hans Kierstede and Jan Jansen Langstrete, overseers. Jan Pieterse Herring, Jan Tiebout, William Bogardus, witnesses.
Endorsed on the will is the approval of his sons, Hendrick Gerrittsen and Abraham Gerrittsen, and Lambert Aertsen, the husband of Margaret Gerritsen. — Abstracts of JVills, I: 471.
The date of Gerrit Hendricksen's death is unknown. His widow married Anthony Sarley, March 4, 1685. — Marr. in Ref. Dutch Ch., 56.
March 29, 1688, "Anthony Serly and Josyntie Thomas, man and wife," made their will, jointly, and on Nov. 19, 1702, letters of administration were issued to Wessel and Johannes Peterse, sons of Mrs. Sarley by her first husband, "for the use and in trust for the children of . . . Anthony Serley named Jacob and Kathelin Serley." The instrument recites that Serley and his wife "lately dyed, leaving behind them the will annexed." — Liber fVills, VII: 53 (New York).
Catalyntie was baptized Jan. 25, 1689; Jacobus, Feb. 27, 1691. — Baptisms in Ref. Dutch Ch., 188, 201. These were the only minor children.
Between 1702 and 1732, it has been found impossible to trace any history of this important farm. By Aug. 18, 1732, Philip Minthorne owned it. In his will, made that day but not proved until March 10, 1756, he speaks of himself as "Philip Minthorne in the Bowree." — Liber tVills, XIX: 380 (New York).
The deed' of partition between his heirs, dated Oct., 1765, recites that Philip Minthorne lived and died on this farm. — Liber Deeds, XXXVII: 448 (New York).
In 1746, Mr. Minthorne tried to sell his farm, as the following advertisement shows, without success:
"To Be Sold, A Very good small Farm or Plantation in the Bowery-Lane, a little above a Mile from the City of NewYork, situate between the Plantation of Gerardus Stuyvesandt, Esq.; and the House of Capt. Isaac De Peyster; There is on it a good Dwelling-House and Barn, and a good bearing Orchard, with about ten Acres of Meadow, both fresh and salt: The whole contains about fifty Acres more or less, all in good Fence and Repair. Any Person inclining to purchase the said Plantation, may apply to Mr. Philip Minthorn, living on the Premisses, and agree on reasonable Terms." — A'". Y. Post Boy, Ja 20, 1745/6 (No. 157); Ja 27, F 3, Mr 24, 31; Ap 28, 1746, last time of entry.
A map surveyed by Francis Maerschalck, Oct. 15, 1765,13 annexed to Liber Deeds, L: 370 (New York). It shows three divisions of nine lots each, that is, nine front lots, on the Bowery Lane, nine meadow lots, and nine orchard lots. The curious fan-like arrangement of the front lots is shown on the Ratzer Map (Vol. I, PI. 41).
Philip Minthorne, of the Bowery, the third of his name, was of English ancestry. As early as April, 1658, Philip Mintorn or Minturn, and three other Englishmen, Joris Wolsey, Thomas Waldron, and Nicholaas Emmerson, were engaged in a law-suit with John Archer about tobacco. Minturn did not understand Dutch, so the proceedings were translated for his benefit. — Rec. N. Am., II: 372,411.
Minturn may have settled on Long Island. In a memoir of Robert Bowne Minturn, in the Long Island Hist. Soc, is a statement that "the records of Long Island shew that a Richard Minthorne lived in South Hampton in 1672, who may probably have been an ancestor of the Minturn family, as they were known to have emigrated from England to Long Island." See also Howell, Early Hist, of Southampton, L. I., p. 4I.
Philip Minthorne, 2nd, was from Vlissengen (Flushing, L. I.), when he married Hillegond, daughter of Wolphert Webbers, July 19, 1696. — Marr. in Ref. Dutch Ch., 83.
Philip Menturn and Hillegond Webbers had a son, Philip 3rd, baptized Dec. 6, i6g6. — Baptisms in Ref. Dutch Ch., 240. He married Johanna, daughter of Mangel Jansen Roll, Feb. 9, 1723. — Marr. in Ref. Dutch Ch., 139.
They had two sons, named Philip, one baptized Oct. 13, 1723; another baptized Oct. 7, 1724. — Baptisms, 44^, 4^1. This later Phihp is named in his father's will.
The Minthorne farm, earlier known as the Schout's Bouwery, was part of Bouwery No. 3.
As specified in the "Instructions" of April 22, 1625, Bouwery No. 3 was laid out with a breadth along the road of 55 rods (687.50). Maerschalck's survey of the Minthorne lands, Oct. 1765, shows a frontage along the road of 692.90, Enghsh measure.
It is further set forth in the "Instructions" that "Farms No. 3 and No. 8 shall be reserved for each succeeding pastor and under-commissary, which two farms Crieckenbeeck and Fongers may provisionally take up."
Daniel van Krieckenbeeck was killed by the Indians in 1626, at Fort Orange. There is nothing in the records to indicate that he ever lived on the farm.
The Schout's Bouwery derived its name from Coenraet Notelman, second schout-fiscal of New Netherland, who occupied it for about two years as agent for Kiliaen van Rensselaer. Notelman, who succeeded Jan Lampo in office, sailed in the "Eendracht" early in July, 1631. — Van Rensseker-Bowier MSS., 806.
On his arrival (earlier than October, 1631 — ibid., 277) he settled on De Reux's vacant farm, Bouwery No. 2. When Bylevelt was recalled from Bouwery No. 3, Van Rensselaer wrote to Notelman, July 20, 1632: "I wish, now that the farm of minuit has been granted to my nephew isouter van Twiller, that you might get that of Bylvelt, and also that I might get the surplus young stock of both." He admonished the schout: "if I had not exerted my influence they [the Company] would have recalled you ... as my nephew . . . will no doubt tell you. He has also done his best to keep you there, so that you will now have to pay close attention to your duties . . .
or they will the next time easily find occasion to remand you." — Ibid., 213.
Having control of both farms, Notelman evidently preferred to live on the farm so long known as the "Schout's Bouwery." Probably the dwelhng house which was built on Bouwery No. 3 during Van Twiller's time was erected for his use. Van der Gouw refers to it in his report. Undoubtedly it was nearer the main road than the house on Bouwery No. 2; that stood near the river, when Smeeman lived in it.
Van Rensselaer found Notelman an unfaithful steward. He seems to have been idle and dissolute. De Vries, who met him in 1633, speaks of him contemptuously, and expresses surprise "that the West India Company would send such fools into this country, who knew nothing, except to drink." — Jameson, Nar. N. Neth., 191.
Notelman was succeeded as schout-fiscal by Lubbertus van Dincklagen, who sailed by the "Eendracht," early in May, 1634. — Van Rensselaer-Bowier MSS., ii)i.
In removing Notelman, the directors of the West India Co. also strictly enjoined van Rensselaer not to remove the animals from these two farms. The effect of the order seems to have been virtually to dispossess the patroon from Manhattan Island.
Van Rensselaer's policy had been completely selfish; he had taken over the leases of farms 7, 2, and 3 without the slightest intention of cultivating the land. His only idea was to send every animal and all the farm implements to his own colony up the river.
The order from the directors has not been found, but its tenor may be surmised from Van Rensselaer's letters of protest. April 23, 1634, before the sailing of the "Eendracht," he wrote at great length to Director Van Twiller, setting forth his own position, haughtily, and instructing his nephew as to the work he thought necessary. — Ibid., 271-78.
A similar letter of instructions was sent to Notelman, in case he should not have left for home. — Ibid., 288.
April 27, 1634, he sent a vigorous protest to the West India Co., holding them to accountability for any loss that might ensue from their action, and, two days later, he sent a letter to the director and council of the Chartered West India Company in New Netherland, enclosing a copy of his protest to the Amsterdam Chamber, and reiterating his argument that he had every right to use the farms here as he pleased.
In this letter, he seems to have made up his mind to compromise, for he writes, "however, if the aforesaid two farms shall be put in the same condition as the six farms were when first leased, I am willing to take one of them on the former terms. I hope that Officer dincklagen, who now sails thither, will take the other for himself" — Ibid., 293-97.
It is doubtful whether Kiliaen van Rensselaer ever again exercised any authority on Manhattan Island.
He wrote to van Twiller in September 1636: "I think it advisable to keep a farm for me at the Manathans; please look after that." In 1638, May 6, he wrote again: "I urge you to keep the farm at the manhatans for me." — Ibid., 322, 402.
However, Kieft, who had arrived as director in March, 1638, was evidently not friendly to the patroon.
He wrote to him, Aug. 14, 1638: "I also find on the books here that your honor has since the beginning been indebted to the Company for so much money, goods and also horses and cattle that I shall do nothing in this matter [of payment for grain to Van Rensselaer] without express orders from the directors." — Ibid., 423.
Van Rensselaer said. May 12, 1639: "I have at present no one at the Manhatans, . . . [where] as I understand . . . five farms are unoccupied." Again, May 29, 1640: "I have no special person or house at the Manhatans." — Ibid., 428, 477.
The extremely interesting history of Bouweries No. 2 and No. 3 is to be found in the Van Rensselaer-Bowier MSS., to which students are referred.
Between 1640 and 1646, nothing has been found relating to the Schout's Bouwery. A farm so centrally located, with a house and other improvements, must have been in possession of some settler. The government may have leased it to Gerrit Hendricksen before he was given a ground-brief.
WiLLEM KiEFT, Director etc., to Gerrit Hendricksen from Deventer. Ground-brief dated Dec. 6, 1646. — Liber GG: 161 (Albany).
Conveys "A certain parcel of land heretofore called and known by the name of the Schout's Bowery, containing 25 morgens of land as can be better seen by the marks; with the valley [salt meadow] which is to be occupied by him during the Company's pleasure."
In 1653, Secretary Van Tienhoven demanded payment of the tithes or surrender of the bouwery. — Rec. N. Am., I: 104.
The salt meadows which constituted so large a part of this farm were granted to Hendricksen by Stuyvesant, May 13, 1654. The grant, not found of record, is recited in the following confirmation.
Richard Nicolls, Governour, etc., to Gerrit Hendricksen. Confirmation dated May 3, 1667. — Liber Patents, II: 22 (Albany).
Recites ground-brief, Kieft to Hendricksen, dated Dec. 6, 1646. Recites the confirmation of the meadow by Stuyvesant, May 13, 1654.
Confirms "A certain parcel of land heretofore called and known as the Schout's Bouwery . . . together with the meadows heretofore used and belonging to the said bouwery."
In May, 1664, Gerrit had a serious dispute with Stuyvesant about the meadows and the farm road which led south "to the point where the three roads meet," directly through his farm. This orchard lane was almost on the line of the present Orchard St. from Rivington to Houston St. There are indications that it originally went as far north as the present Stuyvesant St. (forming the western boundary of Harman Smeeman's bouwery), before Stuyvesant closed it. — Ibid., V: 51.
Gerrit's second wife was Josyntje Jans, widow of Pieter Wessels2en van Norden, whom he married by license of Oct. 22, 1679. — Marr. in Ref. Dutch Church, 46. She was called Josyntje Thomas on her first marriage. May 19, 1669. — Ibid., 2,2-
After the Dutch fashion, Gerrit made his will, Nov. 8, 1683, and swore to it before Notary Bogardus.
Last Will and Testament of Gerrit Hendrickse. Dated Nov. 8, 1683. Not recorded. In bundle No. i, surrogate's office. New York.
"Appeared before William Bogardus, Notary, November 8, 1683, Geritt Hendrickse, dwelling near Stuyvesants Bowery. He leaves to each of his seven children, begotten on the body of his former wife, Margaret Moll, deceased, viz., Henry, Huybert, Johanes, Abraham, Isaac, Margaret and Maria Gerrits, 350 guilders in wampum. He leaves all the rest to his wife Josyntie Thomas, and she is to pay all debts and to bring up the children begotten by her, viz., Elizabeth and Peter. If the Bowery or Plantation be sold, his wife shall see that the children are put at trades."
Hans Kierstede and Jan Jansen Langstrete, overseers. Jan Pieterse Herring, Jan Tiebout, William Bogardus, witnesses.
Endorsed on the will is the approval of his sons, Hendrick Gerrittsen and Abraham Gerrittsen, and Lambert Aertsen, the husband of Margaret Gerritsen. — Abstracts of JVills, I: 471.
The date of Gerrit Hendricksen's death is unknown. His widow married Anthony Sarley, March 4, 1685. — Marr. in Ref. Dutch Ch., 56.
March 29, 1688, "Anthony Serly and Josyntie Thomas, man and wife," made their will, jointly, and on Nov. 19, 1702, letters of administration were issued to Wessel and Johannes Peterse, sons of Mrs. Sarley by her first husband, "for the use and in trust for the children of . . . Anthony Serley named Jacob and Kathelin Serley." The instrument recites that Serley and his wife "lately dyed, leaving behind them the will annexed." — Liber fVills, VII: 53 (New York).
Catalyntie was baptized Jan. 25, 1689; Jacobus, Feb. 27, 1691. — Baptisms in Ref. Dutch Ch., 188, 201. These were the only minor children.
Between 1702 and 1732, it has been found impossible to trace any history of this important farm. By Aug. 18, 1732, Philip Minthorne owned it. In his will, made that day but not proved until March 10, 1756, he speaks of himself as "Philip Minthorne in the Bowree." — Liber tVills, XIX: 380 (New York).
The deed' of partition between his heirs, dated Oct., 1765, recites that Philip Minthorne lived and died on this farm. — Liber Deeds, XXXVII: 448 (New York).
In 1746, Mr. Minthorne tried to sell his farm, as the following advertisement shows, without success:
"To Be Sold, A Very good small Farm or Plantation in the Bowery-Lane, a little above a Mile from the City of NewYork, situate between the Plantation of Gerardus Stuyvesandt, Esq.; and the House of Capt. Isaac De Peyster; There is on it a good Dwelling-House and Barn, and a good bearing Orchard, with about ten Acres of Meadow, both fresh and salt: The whole contains about fifty Acres more or less, all in good Fence and Repair. Any Person inclining to purchase the said Plantation, may apply to Mr. Philip Minthorn, living on the Premisses, and agree on reasonable Terms." — A'". Y. Post Boy, Ja 20, 1745/6 (No. 157); Ja 27, F 3, Mr 24, 31; Ap 28, 1746, last time of entry.
A map surveyed by Francis Maerschalck, Oct. 15, 1765,13 annexed to Liber Deeds, L: 370 (New York). It shows three divisions of nine lots each, that is, nine front lots, on the Bowery Lane, nine meadow lots, and nine orchard lots. The curious fan-like arrangement of the front lots is shown on the Ratzer Map (Vol. I, PI. 41).
Philip Minthorne, of the Bowery, the third of his name, was of English ancestry. As early as April, 1658, Philip Mintorn or Minturn, and three other Englishmen, Joris Wolsey, Thomas Waldron, and Nicholaas Emmerson, were engaged in a law-suit with John Archer about tobacco. Minturn did not understand Dutch, so the proceedings were translated for his benefit. — Rec. N. Am., II: 372,411.
Minturn may have settled on Long Island. In a memoir of Robert Bowne Minturn, in the Long Island Hist. Soc, is a statement that "the records of Long Island shew that a Richard Minthorne lived in South Hampton in 1672, who may probably have been an ancestor of the Minturn family, as they were known to have emigrated from England to Long Island." See also Howell, Early Hist, of Southampton, L. I., p. 4I.
Philip Minthorne, 2nd, was from Vlissengen (Flushing, L. I.), when he married Hillegond, daughter of Wolphert Webbers, July 19, 1696. — Marr. in Ref. Dutch Ch., 83.
Philip Menturn and Hillegond Webbers had a son, Philip 3rd, baptized Dec. 6, i6g6. — Baptisms in Ref. Dutch Ch., 240. He married Johanna, daughter of Mangel Jansen Roll, Feb. 9, 1723. — Marr. in Ref. Dutch Ch., 139.
They had two sons, named Philip, one baptized Oct. 13, 1723; another baptized Oct. 7, 1724. — Baptisms, 44^, 4^1. This later Phihp is named in his father's will.
