Lot
Thomas C. Pearsall Farm
Lot Group
Original Grants and Farms
Property Was Used in 1660 For:
Original Grants and Farms Document(s)
Grant Lot Document(s)
Tax Lot Events
Full Stokes Entry (See images below)
THE THOMAS C. PEARSALL FARM Block Check List. 1434-1370-1454-1474-1349-1372. This farm comprised
A. All of the land granted to John Danielson east of the old Post Road: about twenty acres.
B. A parcel of land, four acres more or less, adjoining parcel A at the river. Part of the land granted to Jacobus Fabricius.
A. The Grant to John Danielson Sir Edmund Andros, Governour, etc., to John Danielson. Patent dated March 15, 1676. — Liber Patents, IV: 120 (Albany).
"Whereas there is a certaine lott of land upon this Island Manhattans, the which, by vertue of my warrant, hath been laid out for John Danielson, lying to the north-east of Dewtell Bay, being in breadth by the river side 40 r., and in length by the land of Jacobus Fabritius 120 r., bounded to the northwest by the Commons, and to the south-west by the land of David Du Four. Containing the quantity of 30 acres, as by the returne of the survey doth and may appeare."
John Danielson to John Jennings. Deed dated May 28, 1681. Not found of record; recited in Liber Deeds, XXV: 159 (New York) .
Conveys same property.
John Jennings and Greta, his wife, to Pieter Bockholst. Deed dated Oct. 22, 1688. Not found of record: recited ibid.
Conveys same property.
Pieter Bockholst and Elsie, his wife, to Daniel Bluit. Deed dated Sept. 25, 1703. Not found of record: recited ibid.
Daniel Blewit and Mary, his wife, to Pieter Bockholst. Mortgage dated Sept. 27, 1703. — Liber Deeds, XXV: 159 (New York). Covers same property. This instrument was recorded for Mr. Pieter Boeckhout. Probably that was the correct spelling of the name.
Peter Boeckhout was appointed surveyor of highways for the Bowery Division of the Out Ward, Sept. 29, 1694. — M. C. C, I: 367.
A mortgage in the old form with reversionary clause was in effect a deed.
No title has been traced into Elias Andries, or Anderson, whose heirs were in possession here before 1738. The entire tract was then known as "The Union Flag Farm." The tavern stood west of the road on the Thomas Addis Emmet farm.
The farm is next mentioned in the following advertisement:
"To be sold at publick Vendue the estate of Elias Andrise, Consisting of the House above Tortoise Bay, known by the name of the Union Flag, and the personal Estate left by Marytje Andrisen; on the loth of February next, for Title and Conditions of Sale enquire of Jacob Anderson, at Turtois Bay on the Rock."— A^. Y. Jour., Feb. 6, 1738.
Eleacom Anderson and Mary, his wife; Anderow Allbody and Annetie, his wife; Pieter Anderson and Cornelia, his wife; Aberam Anderson and Elisabet, his wife; Lucas De Witt and Engeltie, his wife; Samuel Stridc, and Annie, his wife; James Roberson and Selvie, his wife, to Jonaton Hardman, Vintner. Deed dated Feb. 25, 1738. — Liber Deeds, XXXIl: III (New York). Consid., £173.
Conveys "all that messuage or tenement, dwelling house and barn and lot of land situate, lying and being to the north east of Dewtell Bay, being in breadth by the river side 40 r. and in length by the land of Mangell Janse Roll 107 r., 5 ft. and J^. Bounded by the N. W. by the land of Aberam Anderson, from thence with a square line 12 r., 10^ ft.; and from thence with a square towards the N. W. 12 r., 4^^ ft.: bounded by the commons, and to the S. W. by the land of David Devoor. Containing 29 acres.
"All of the land in the Danielson patent except a square acre at its north west corner, in possession of Abraham Anderson."
Committee to lay out the land of Jonathan Hardman and Abraham Anderson "lying a little to the Eastward of Turtle Bay run of water" and to report encroachments on the Common Lands and what portion may be -leased to Abraham Anderson without damage to the neighbourhood, etc. April 4, I739--A/. C. C, IV: 455.
Lawrence Hardman, eldest son and heir of Jonathan Hardman, Vintner, Deceased; Robert Atkins and Frances, his wife (late Frances Hardman, widow of Jonathan Hardman), to Simon Johnson. Mortgage dated July 8, 1756. — Liber Mtges.,1: 45 (New York). To secure £160.
"Covers all that certain tract, farm, piece, lott or parcel of
land, situate, lying and being in the outward of the City of New York, to the N. E. at Turtle Bay, being in breadth by the river 40 r. and in length by land formerly of Jacobus Fabritius, now of John Van Zandt, 120 r., in the rear or along the Commons, in breadth 40 r., and in length along the land of David Devoore 120 r., containing 30 acres. Bounded S. E. along the river; N. E. to the land now of the said John Van Zandt, N. W. to the Commons and S. W. to the land of the said Devoore."
"To Be Let:" "A Small Lot of about 22 Acres, belonging to the noted Tavern, known by the Name of The Union-Flag, about 4 Miles distant from New- York, on the Post-Road, adjoining to the East-River, having a good Wharf, and a good Landing belonging to it: There is on it a good Orchard and Garden. Enquire of James McKinney, living near TurtleBay." — A''. Y. Post-Boy, Jan. 24, 1757.
Between 1757 and 1767, this farm lot, evidently vacant, vested in John Provoost. The source of title has not been ascertained. By his will dated Sept. 23, 1767, proved Nov. 3, 1767 {Liber JVills, XXVI: 80, New York), he devised it to his son, Samuel Provoost, as "my farm with the edifices and appurtenances."
Samuel Provoost and Maria, his wife, to Hugh Gaine. Deed dated June 5, 1784. — Liber Deeds, LI: II (New York).
Conveys the farm by the same description.
Hugh Gaine, of the City of New York, stationer and bookseller and Cornelia, ux, to Josiah Ogden Hoffman, Esq. Deed, dated March 6, 1795. — Liber Deeds, XXVII: 375 (.Albany). Consid., £8,000.
Conveys "All that certain tract or parcel of land, situate, lying and being in the 7th Ward to the Northeast of Deutel or Turtle Bay, Beginning at the N. E. corner of the land formerly of David Devore, deceased, and runs from thence along or near the East River, lo ch. thence N. 45° W. 22 ch. and 40 links to the public road or highway where the breadth thereof is on a S. W. course, 10 ch.; thence along the said public road or highway, S. 9° 30', W. 6 ch.; thence S. 32°, W. 4 ch.; thence S. 23°, W. I ch., 10 links; thence S. 45°, E. 18 ch., 50 links to the place of Beginning; Bounded to the S. E. along the East River; on the N. E. by land which did formerly belong to Jacobus Fabricius, since to John Van Zandt and now belongs to Peter Praa Van Zandt; on the N. W. by the road to Harlem; and on the S. W. by the land late of David Devore, deceased; same as Samuel Provoost and wife to Hugh Gaine, June 5, 1784."
Recorded, July 10, 1795.
Josiah Ogden Hoffman to Thomas Pearsall. Deed dated April 27, 1797. — Liber Deeds, LVII: 399 (New York).
Conveys same property.
Thomas Pearsall died, March 17, 1807. His will, dated June 8, 1805, proved April 9, 1S07, gave to his wife the use of his country seat during lier life. After her death to his son, Thomas C. Pearsall.— /,/^fr mils, XLVI: 531 (New York).
Mr. Thomas Pearsall probably built the house shown on the Randel Map, in the bed of Ave. A between 58th and 59th Sts.
Parcel (B) of this farm was purchased by Mr. Thomas C. Pearsall in 1809.
B. About Four Acres, Formerly Part of the Fabricius Patent
Sir Edmund Andros, Governour, etc., to Jacobus Fabricius. Patent dated March 13, 1676. — Liber Patents, IV: Ii5 (Albany).
"Whereas there is a certain piece of land lying in common upon this Island Manhattans, the which by virtue of my warrant hath been laid out for Mr. Jacobus Fabricius, being in breadth by the river side 80 r., and in length 1 20 r. Containing 60 acres. Bounded to the N. E. by the land of Cornelius Mattysen, to the S. W. by the lot number 4, and to the N. W by the Commons, as by the return of the survey under the hand of the surveyor doth and may appear."
Mangel Jansen Roll owned the southerly one-half of the Fabricius patent in 1723, when his daughter, Johanna, married Philip Minthorne. — Marr. in Ref. Dutch Ch., 139. He described himself as of Turtle Bay when he made his will, Aug. 16, i-]22.— Liber Wills, XV: 186 (New York). The will was proved April 19, 1744.
Beginning Jan. 21, 1745, Samuel Beekman and Philip Minthorne, Roll's executors, advertised the 30 acre farm "opposite to the Sign of the Union Flag" for sale.
1745, Nov. 18. "To be Sold at Public Vendue, on Tuesday the 19th, of the instant November, A Good small Farm or Plantation in the Out Ward of the City of New- York, containing Thirty Acres, adjoining upon the East River, a little beyond Turtle Bay, and opposite to the Sign of the Union Flag; it is very conveniently situated, and has a commodious safe Landing-Place and Harbour in a Cove, shelter'd from Ice and stormy Weather; it has two Houses upon it, and a good bearing Orchard, a Stream of Water running through it, and the River before it abounds in great Plenty of Fish, Lobsters and Crabs; the King's High-Way runs through it, near an equal Part of the Land being on each side: and lately belong'd to Mangel Roll, deceased: The Vendue to be held at the Premises. . . ."—N. Y. Post-Boy.
Earlier advertisements had this final clause:
"Whoever inclines to purchase the said Farm, may apply to Mr. Samuel Beekman, or to Mr. Philip Minthorne, hving next to William Sackerly's, in the Howry-Lane, and agree on reasonable Terms."
Evidently Johannes Van Zandt bought the property at this time. The line between his farm and the commons was to be adjusted, June 7, 1748. — M. C. C, V: 223. See also Hid., 230, 264. Aug. 31, 1750, the city agreed to endorse a release or surrender on his deed from Minthorne and Beekman. — Hid., 302. He was still encroaching on the commons, threatened with ejectment, in May, 1753. The house of John Van Zandt, where he now lives, mentioned in July, 1753. — Hid., 317. 363, 401, 408.
Peter Pra Van Zandt is assumed to have inherited from John Van Zandt.
Peter Pra Van Zandt and Sarah, his wife, to William S. Smith. Deed dated March 25, 1795. — Liier Deeds, XXVIII: 477 (Albany). Consid., £5,000.
Conveys " all that certain messuage or tenement, outhouses, buildings, barns, gardens, orchards, and all that piece or parcel of land situate and lying within the City and County of New York, near Turtle Bay. Beginning at the N. W. corner of the division fence of Mr. Hugh Gaine and Peter Pra Van Zandt running along the said fence of Mr. Hugh Gaine, N. 49° [E] W. 23 ch. to the East River; thence N. E.'ly 10 ch. at right angles along the river to the division fence of said farm and the farm of Abraham Beekman; thence S. 49° E. [W.] 23 ch. along said division fence as it now stands to the Post Road; thence along the Post Road 10 ch. to the place of beginning. Containing 23 acres, more or less."
Although Col. William Stephens Smith owned this farm less than two years, he built upon it one of the finest country houses on the island. He called the estate "Mount Vernon," and it was known as "Mount Vernon" in real estate records for a long time.
Therefore, a brief history of the mansion seems to belong to the Philip Brasher tract, although the mansion had been destroyed by fire before Brasher bought the property. However, the mansion and the stable, so often mistaken for the mansion itself, are shown on Map No. 58, in the office of the register of New York Co. The house was not standing in September, 1826, when the map was made.
William S. Smith and Abigail, his wife, to William Ward Burrows. Deed dated Oct. 5, 1796. — Liier Deeds, LXVII: 73 (New York). Consid., £20,000.
Conveys same premieses.
William S. Smith mortgaged the farm, Nov. 10, 1795. — Liier Mtges., VII: 339 (New York). This mortgage was assigned to William T. Robinson, Dec. i, 1798. — Hid., II: 60.
William Ward Burrows and Mary', his wife, to William T. Robinson. Deed dated Dec. 7, 1798. — Liber Deeds, LVI: 59 (New York). Consid., $13,750.
Conveys same premises.
The property was sold under foreclosure of mortgage.
Elbert Herring, Master in Chancery, to Thomas C. Pearsall. Deed dated Aug. 10, 1809. — Liier Deeds, CLXI: 127 (New York).
A. All of the land granted to John Danielson east of the old Post Road: about twenty acres.
B. A parcel of land, four acres more or less, adjoining parcel A at the river. Part of the land granted to Jacobus Fabricius.
A. The Grant to John Danielson Sir Edmund Andros, Governour, etc., to John Danielson. Patent dated March 15, 1676. — Liber Patents, IV: 120 (Albany).
"Whereas there is a certaine lott of land upon this Island Manhattans, the which, by vertue of my warrant, hath been laid out for John Danielson, lying to the north-east of Dewtell Bay, being in breadth by the river side 40 r., and in length by the land of Jacobus Fabritius 120 r., bounded to the northwest by the Commons, and to the south-west by the land of David Du Four. Containing the quantity of 30 acres, as by the returne of the survey doth and may appeare."
John Danielson to John Jennings. Deed dated May 28, 1681. Not found of record; recited in Liber Deeds, XXV: 159 (New York) .
Conveys same property.
John Jennings and Greta, his wife, to Pieter Bockholst. Deed dated Oct. 22, 1688. Not found of record: recited ibid.
Conveys same property.
Pieter Bockholst and Elsie, his wife, to Daniel Bluit. Deed dated Sept. 25, 1703. Not found of record: recited ibid.
Daniel Blewit and Mary, his wife, to Pieter Bockholst. Mortgage dated Sept. 27, 1703. — Liber Deeds, XXV: 159 (New York). Covers same property. This instrument was recorded for Mr. Pieter Boeckhout. Probably that was the correct spelling of the name.
Peter Boeckhout was appointed surveyor of highways for the Bowery Division of the Out Ward, Sept. 29, 1694. — M. C. C, I: 367.
A mortgage in the old form with reversionary clause was in effect a deed.
No title has been traced into Elias Andries, or Anderson, whose heirs were in possession here before 1738. The entire tract was then known as "The Union Flag Farm." The tavern stood west of the road on the Thomas Addis Emmet farm.
The farm is next mentioned in the following advertisement:
"To be sold at publick Vendue the estate of Elias Andrise, Consisting of the House above Tortoise Bay, known by the name of the Union Flag, and the personal Estate left by Marytje Andrisen; on the loth of February next, for Title and Conditions of Sale enquire of Jacob Anderson, at Turtois Bay on the Rock."— A^. Y. Jour., Feb. 6, 1738.
Eleacom Anderson and Mary, his wife; Anderow Allbody and Annetie, his wife; Pieter Anderson and Cornelia, his wife; Aberam Anderson and Elisabet, his wife; Lucas De Witt and Engeltie, his wife; Samuel Stridc, and Annie, his wife; James Roberson and Selvie, his wife, to Jonaton Hardman, Vintner. Deed dated Feb. 25, 1738. — Liber Deeds, XXXIl: III (New York). Consid., £173.
Conveys "all that messuage or tenement, dwelling house and barn and lot of land situate, lying and being to the north east of Dewtell Bay, being in breadth by the river side 40 r. and in length by the land of Mangell Janse Roll 107 r., 5 ft. and J^. Bounded by the N. W. by the land of Aberam Anderson, from thence with a square line 12 r., 10^ ft.; and from thence with a square towards the N. W. 12 r., 4^^ ft.: bounded by the commons, and to the S. W. by the land of David Devoor. Containing 29 acres.
"All of the land in the Danielson patent except a square acre at its north west corner, in possession of Abraham Anderson."
Committee to lay out the land of Jonathan Hardman and Abraham Anderson "lying a little to the Eastward of Turtle Bay run of water" and to report encroachments on the Common Lands and what portion may be -leased to Abraham Anderson without damage to the neighbourhood, etc. April 4, I739--A/. C. C, IV: 455.
Lawrence Hardman, eldest son and heir of Jonathan Hardman, Vintner, Deceased; Robert Atkins and Frances, his wife (late Frances Hardman, widow of Jonathan Hardman), to Simon Johnson. Mortgage dated July 8, 1756. — Liber Mtges.,1: 45 (New York). To secure £160.
"Covers all that certain tract, farm, piece, lott or parcel of
land, situate, lying and being in the outward of the City of New York, to the N. E. at Turtle Bay, being in breadth by the river 40 r. and in length by land formerly of Jacobus Fabritius, now of John Van Zandt, 120 r., in the rear or along the Commons, in breadth 40 r., and in length along the land of David Devoore 120 r., containing 30 acres. Bounded S. E. along the river; N. E. to the land now of the said John Van Zandt, N. W. to the Commons and S. W. to the land of the said Devoore."
"To Be Let:" "A Small Lot of about 22 Acres, belonging to the noted Tavern, known by the Name of The Union-Flag, about 4 Miles distant from New- York, on the Post-Road, adjoining to the East-River, having a good Wharf, and a good Landing belonging to it: There is on it a good Orchard and Garden. Enquire of James McKinney, living near TurtleBay." — A''. Y. Post-Boy, Jan. 24, 1757.
Between 1757 and 1767, this farm lot, evidently vacant, vested in John Provoost. The source of title has not been ascertained. By his will dated Sept. 23, 1767, proved Nov. 3, 1767 {Liber JVills, XXVI: 80, New York), he devised it to his son, Samuel Provoost, as "my farm with the edifices and appurtenances."
Samuel Provoost and Maria, his wife, to Hugh Gaine. Deed dated June 5, 1784. — Liber Deeds, LI: II (New York).
Conveys the farm by the same description.
Hugh Gaine, of the City of New York, stationer and bookseller and Cornelia, ux, to Josiah Ogden Hoffman, Esq. Deed, dated March 6, 1795. — Liber Deeds, XXVII: 375 (.Albany). Consid., £8,000.
Conveys "All that certain tract or parcel of land, situate, lying and being in the 7th Ward to the Northeast of Deutel or Turtle Bay, Beginning at the N. E. corner of the land formerly of David Devore, deceased, and runs from thence along or near the East River, lo ch. thence N. 45° W. 22 ch. and 40 links to the public road or highway where the breadth thereof is on a S. W. course, 10 ch.; thence along the said public road or highway, S. 9° 30', W. 6 ch.; thence S. 32°, W. 4 ch.; thence S. 23°, W. I ch., 10 links; thence S. 45°, E. 18 ch., 50 links to the place of Beginning; Bounded to the S. E. along the East River; on the N. E. by land which did formerly belong to Jacobus Fabricius, since to John Van Zandt and now belongs to Peter Praa Van Zandt; on the N. W. by the road to Harlem; and on the S. W. by the land late of David Devore, deceased; same as Samuel Provoost and wife to Hugh Gaine, June 5, 1784."
Recorded, July 10, 1795.
Josiah Ogden Hoffman to Thomas Pearsall. Deed dated April 27, 1797. — Liber Deeds, LVII: 399 (New York).
Conveys same property.
Thomas Pearsall died, March 17, 1807. His will, dated June 8, 1805, proved April 9, 1S07, gave to his wife the use of his country seat during lier life. After her death to his son, Thomas C. Pearsall.— /,/^fr mils, XLVI: 531 (New York).
Mr. Thomas Pearsall probably built the house shown on the Randel Map, in the bed of Ave. A between 58th and 59th Sts.
Parcel (B) of this farm was purchased by Mr. Thomas C. Pearsall in 1809.
B. About Four Acres, Formerly Part of the Fabricius Patent
Sir Edmund Andros, Governour, etc., to Jacobus Fabricius. Patent dated March 13, 1676. — Liber Patents, IV: Ii5 (Albany).
"Whereas there is a certain piece of land lying in common upon this Island Manhattans, the which by virtue of my warrant hath been laid out for Mr. Jacobus Fabricius, being in breadth by the river side 80 r., and in length 1 20 r. Containing 60 acres. Bounded to the N. E. by the land of Cornelius Mattysen, to the S. W. by the lot number 4, and to the N. W by the Commons, as by the return of the survey under the hand of the surveyor doth and may appear."
Mangel Jansen Roll owned the southerly one-half of the Fabricius patent in 1723, when his daughter, Johanna, married Philip Minthorne. — Marr. in Ref. Dutch Ch., 139. He described himself as of Turtle Bay when he made his will, Aug. 16, i-]22.— Liber Wills, XV: 186 (New York). The will was proved April 19, 1744.
Beginning Jan. 21, 1745, Samuel Beekman and Philip Minthorne, Roll's executors, advertised the 30 acre farm "opposite to the Sign of the Union Flag" for sale.
1745, Nov. 18. "To be Sold at Public Vendue, on Tuesday the 19th, of the instant November, A Good small Farm or Plantation in the Out Ward of the City of New- York, containing Thirty Acres, adjoining upon the East River, a little beyond Turtle Bay, and opposite to the Sign of the Union Flag; it is very conveniently situated, and has a commodious safe Landing-Place and Harbour in a Cove, shelter'd from Ice and stormy Weather; it has two Houses upon it, and a good bearing Orchard, a Stream of Water running through it, and the River before it abounds in great Plenty of Fish, Lobsters and Crabs; the King's High-Way runs through it, near an equal Part of the Land being on each side: and lately belong'd to Mangel Roll, deceased: The Vendue to be held at the Premises. . . ."—N. Y. Post-Boy.
Earlier advertisements had this final clause:
"Whoever inclines to purchase the said Farm, may apply to Mr. Samuel Beekman, or to Mr. Philip Minthorne, hving next to William Sackerly's, in the Howry-Lane, and agree on reasonable Terms."
Evidently Johannes Van Zandt bought the property at this time. The line between his farm and the commons was to be adjusted, June 7, 1748. — M. C. C, V: 223. See also Hid., 230, 264. Aug. 31, 1750, the city agreed to endorse a release or surrender on his deed from Minthorne and Beekman. — Hid., 302. He was still encroaching on the commons, threatened with ejectment, in May, 1753. The house of John Van Zandt, where he now lives, mentioned in July, 1753. — Hid., 317. 363, 401, 408.
Peter Pra Van Zandt is assumed to have inherited from John Van Zandt.
Peter Pra Van Zandt and Sarah, his wife, to William S. Smith. Deed dated March 25, 1795. — Liier Deeds, XXVIII: 477 (Albany). Consid., £5,000.
Conveys " all that certain messuage or tenement, outhouses, buildings, barns, gardens, orchards, and all that piece or parcel of land situate and lying within the City and County of New York, near Turtle Bay. Beginning at the N. W. corner of the division fence of Mr. Hugh Gaine and Peter Pra Van Zandt running along the said fence of Mr. Hugh Gaine, N. 49° [E] W. 23 ch. to the East River; thence N. E.'ly 10 ch. at right angles along the river to the division fence of said farm and the farm of Abraham Beekman; thence S. 49° E. [W.] 23 ch. along said division fence as it now stands to the Post Road; thence along the Post Road 10 ch. to the place of beginning. Containing 23 acres, more or less."
Although Col. William Stephens Smith owned this farm less than two years, he built upon it one of the finest country houses on the island. He called the estate "Mount Vernon," and it was known as "Mount Vernon" in real estate records for a long time.
Therefore, a brief history of the mansion seems to belong to the Philip Brasher tract, although the mansion had been destroyed by fire before Brasher bought the property. However, the mansion and the stable, so often mistaken for the mansion itself, are shown on Map No. 58, in the office of the register of New York Co. The house was not standing in September, 1826, when the map was made.
William S. Smith and Abigail, his wife, to William Ward Burrows. Deed dated Oct. 5, 1796. — Liier Deeds, LXVII: 73 (New York). Consid., £20,000.
Conveys same premieses.
William S. Smith mortgaged the farm, Nov. 10, 1795. — Liier Mtges., VII: 339 (New York). This mortgage was assigned to William T. Robinson, Dec. i, 1798. — Hid., II: 60.
William Ward Burrows and Mary', his wife, to William T. Robinson. Deed dated Dec. 7, 1798. — Liber Deeds, LVI: 59 (New York). Consid., $13,750.
Conveys same premises.
The property was sold under foreclosure of mortgage.
Elbert Herring, Master in Chancery, to Thomas C. Pearsall. Deed dated Aug. 10, 1809. — Liier Deeds, CLXI: 127 (New York).
