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Can anyone suggest where I can find more information regarding the English settlers in the Dutch area of Oostdorp (East Town) in 1656. The English called the settlement Westchester; today it is part of the Bronx.
The histories I have searched each list the names a little differently. I am comparing Bolton's 1848 list with O'Callaghan's 1848 list and Fernow's 1881 list. For example:
Robert Basset--Robert Basset--Robbert Bassett
Easy enough: This is Robert Basset whose wife was executed for witchcraft in 1651.
Sherrod Damis--Therwood Caniff [Davis]--Isayh Gilbert
This is Jeremiah Cannif based on Grenville Mackenzie's "Families of the Colonial Manor of Philipsburg" which states, "Jeremiah Kenniffor Akenif settled in Westchester before 1657..."
Issac Holbert--Isaiah Gilbert--Isayh Gilbert
I am certain this is Josiah Gilbert; in 1654, Lydia Gilbert (either his mother or sister-in-law) was executed for witchcraft. His brother Obadiah is also on the list.
R. Ponton--Capt. Raith Paxton--Capt. Richard Panton
Another easy one: This is Captain Richard Ponton; in 1670 he allowed Katherine Harrison, the accused witch of Wethersfield, to stay with him when she was acquitted and banished from the Connecticut Colony.
Nicholas Hurler--Nicholas Bayley--not listed
This is Nicholas Bayley; in 1655 he and his wife were ordered to leave the New Haven Colony because of various complaints including the suspicion of witchcraft.
Now for the especially challenging ones:
William H. Fenfall--William Benfall--William Benfull
James Bill--Uncles Bill--Nicklis Hill
William Elet Black (merchant)--William Elliott & Black Marchand--William Elit--Black Marchand
I'm currently wondering if they are:
William Birdsall
Hill of New Haven Colony
William Merchant of New Haven...
I have emailed the Westchester County Historical Society as well as The Bronx Historical Society.
I keep thinking this list has probably already been corrected, but I am not finding a corrected version anywhere.
Note: I began researching Katherine Harrison, the accused witch of Wethersfield, a few months ago. I wanted to figure out why Richard Ponton had given her refuge in 1670. I could go on and on about that, but the bottom line is that Westchester, since it was Dutch territory and a business venture as part of the Dutch West India Company, seems to have been a safe haven for New Englanders who were banished or had conflicts with the ministers in Connecticut and New Haven. For example, I have been told that Edward Hart went to Westchester after he was arrested and then resleased due to his participation in the Flushing Remonstrance in 1657.
I know Westchester Village was on land Thomas Pell had purchased from Native Americans in November 1654; this seems to be why the English settlers first considered the area under the jurisdiction of the Colony of Connecticut. Lieutenant Thomas Wheeler was the spokesman for the group.
Does anyone know more?
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