March 25, 2021
Newsletter 3-23-2021
| Good day cousins: As more vaccines are distributed, we hope you are being encouraged. |
| Carolyn Leonard wrote: 03/15/2021 I might make it to Kentucky in September – you never know! The weather has been beautiful lately. I am looking at flower catalogs and continue to read continued stories! My blood lab reports go up and down. They are good today. I started the 5th round of 14 Vidaza chemo shots while continuing the daily four Venclexta chemo pills today, then I’ll have a couple weeks to recover, and I’ve accepted that is how it will be for the rest of my time here on earth. But that is not all bad. Chatted with another blood disease patient today who told me he had lived this way for several years. You just have to decide if it is worth it. I am able to work at the computer on my books for several hours a day, do email, and check Facebook. I still nap when I need to and have cuddle time with Mitten, our new pup, enjoy weekend visits from James and Judi and love spending time at home with my Jon. I’m finding the genealogy book on my German grandmother’s family has many similarities to the Dutch, altho they left Europe before 1871 when Germany became a country. I complain a little about the usual side effects of chemo (diarrhea, nausea, fatigue, coughing and tummy terrors) but I’m dealing with each thing one at a time. The Doc gave me some steroids recently, and it helps with strength and energy. My body is responding well to the treatment, Dr. Reitz says. His words: “The good news is this treatment is working and you should keep on going. That is also the bad news.” (Because we know it is only temporary.) My dear friend Dee Britt gave me a new mask — a clear plastic face that makes me look a little like Cannibal Lector, but I can breathe in it. Doctor advised me to get a COVID shot as quickly as possible and gave me the number to call so I gave them my name. He said take whichever shot they offer. I am to continue the once a week blood draw tests after today, but only see the doctor once a month. Hugs to all, Love from me Carolyn Leonard – your Cozine Cousin in Oklahoma ————————————————————————————– Pam Ellingson wrote: Subject: Westerfield Massacre Nita Burgener recently mentioned the Westerfield Massacre. Mr. Lynn Rogers compiled some fascinating documents regarding the massacre. They are available on the Dutch Cousins website at http://dutchcousins.org/documents ————————————————————————————– Judy Smith Cassidy wrote: I think I later mentioned that perhaps the money from the book sale should be applied to the Conowago Sign provided we can get one. Editor’s note: Judy is referring to the sale of the 8 copies of her book “The History of Low Dutch Slavery”, which she generously donated for the next Gathering. ————————————————————————————– Judy Smith Cassidy wrote: Subject: Book about Conewago Families Hi, I am aware that you are also members of the Dutch Cousins of Kentucky. I am not sure if you have been following the conversation of creating a book of Families, the proceeds of which would go towards the Metal Sign to be placed on the Conewago Cemetery. Hopefully such a sign will aid the preservation of the Cemetery as I understand that from time to time, the cemetery and its stones have been damaged. I wondered if you might mention this in the newsletter, as there may be families who might be interested. Barbara Whitesides is compiling a list of Families and those who have volunteered to write an essay or story about their family. People can get together with other members of their family to discuss what they would like to write, but it should focus on the Heads of Families and their children who were at Conewago, and Berkeley County and then into Kentucky, The Lake Country of New York or remaining in the Adams County, Pa area. The time frame would be ca. 1769-1830 or so. ————————————————————————————– Judith Smith Cassidy wrote: Subject: Low Dutch or Conowago Improvement Fund Since the last Mr Lott retired, my understanding is that the nephew of Arthur Weaner has taken over his position as Trustee for the Conowago Cemeteries. However, I do not have his name, address etc. Additionally, would someone please share the name of the Bank and the person in Charge of the Fund there, as well as the Attorney involved. Several people are asking questions regarding this, and I no longer have the information. ————————————————————————————– Judith Smith Cassidy also wrote: Hello Tamara, I am writing because I see that you are not a member of the Dutch Cousins i Kentucky which now has over 500 members. I just suggested to them, that we compile a book of Families from both Conewago as well as Berkeley Co. Va, who migrated to Kentucky and established the DRC Churches there as well as the Low Dutch Communities in both Mercer as well as Henry and Shelby Counties, where the Low Dutch Tract was. The money from the sale of the book to be donated to the marker at Conewago and they were very pleased with this. So everyone is deciding on which family they wish to write a Section about. I thought that this might be of interest to you as well. This is still in the thinking department as to the Hows and formatting, but people were very enthusiastic. Barbara is the Administrator of this group. ———————————————————————————– Sherron Westerfield wrote Please share the following with Nita Burgener: Hiram R. Stafford (b. 16 Nov 1804) was the SON, not the husband, of Leah Westerfield (b. 16 Nov. 1764) and her husband, William Stafford (b. 9 May 1753). The following is the verbatim narration extracted from microfilm of Draper Manuscripts Volume 24 C 148 by Sherron Westerfield, June 2004, at the Harrodsburg Public Library. “Carrolton Carroll Co. Ky May 16 1865 Mr. Lyman C. Draper, Esq Dr Sir, Your letter of April 11th should have been answered before now; but living ten miles from town and seldom there, I must plead an apology. My father was born in Amelia Co. Vir in 1753. Came to Ky when Col. Boon moved his family out on his second trip. My father resided in Ky until his death June 9 1820 – age 67 years old. He married Leah Westerfield 16 years old near Dicks River, 1783. I have no record by which I can give positive dates – it is from information received mostly from others. My father died at my brother-in-laws in now Carroll Co Ky of bilious fever and dyarreha. My mother in 1813 in now Owen Co Ky supposd milk sickness. Beazley [who?] returned to Spotsylvania Co Vir after the siege at B_______ married a miss Mary Partlow settled near Corbins [?] bridges and resided there so far as I am informed until his death; his wife also dead and his family skattered — localities not known —– So far as recollected my grand father James Westerfield emigrated to Ky 1780 from Berkley Co Vir landed at Louisville Ky in the spring with others about 30 in number by way of Pittsburg down the Ohio. Left Louisville for Harrods Station camped about 12 miles out, attacked by a party of Indians while in camp. All the movers massacred except my grandmother, [Maria Demaree Westervelt], Leah, Deborah, Isaac, Rebecca, Catherine — (My mother Leah late Westerfield) — Deborah and Polley Westerfield a daughter of John Westerfield her distant cousin was taken to Detroit thence to Montreal remained in captivity two years got released and returned by way of Philadelphia Pa. The capture of my Grand Mother I think I stated in the former letter — the history of Beazleys narrative he gave to my bro. in law Partlow at his Beazleys house in 1804 on his return from Ky 1803. Our recollection is my Father gave all the information received except what we received from others — Boons escape by jumping down the clift of Dicks river not recollected – except Boons report to Father of his swinging to and jumping by the aid of a vine down a hill on his retreat at one time to avoid pursuit also runing from log to log. His companion being killed same time the Indian tragady refered to viz. A party of Indians stole the horses from one of the stations and made for the Ohio and pursued to the river by some of the men of the station – when they arrived found the Indians had crossed over. They returned back and before geting home, passing along a trace of thick under growth heard a bell, they soon found them to be Indians, secreted themselves so that each man to select his mark and all to fire at once the Indians passing along in a trail without observing the ambuscade got oppisite each man to man at which time they the men fired eight fell dead. one wounded but killed after ward near by – and one escaped. Their horses and plunder taken. None of the men hurt or killed — the place not known – but close or near home — The history of Clarkes expidition imperfectly recollected. My father often spoke of Clarke, Boon, Callway, Trigg, Harrard, Kenton and others of his associates but particulars of all or each one not well remembered. Respectfully, H. R. Stafford” ———————————————————————————— Sarah J Vermazen wrote: (a new member to our mailing list) Dutch connection: Several surnames on both sides of my family: Father. Vermazen – immigrated 1854 from Gelderland 2x Great-grandmother. Van Pappelendam – immigrated 1851 from Amsterdam Great-grandmother. Van Pelt – confirmed descent from Teunis Jansen (Laenen) Van Pelt (1622 – 1699) 2x Great-grandmother. Van Ausdall – descent from Sijmon Jansz van Aersdalen through John C. Van Ausdall (1800-1874) branch 4x great-grandmother. Westerfield/Westervelt – descent from Mary Westerfield, daughter of James Cozine Westerfield 6x great-grandmother. Cozine – descent through Femmetje Cornelise Cozine 2x great-grandmother. Menzerolf – of German origin but intermarried in the Netherlands for a few generations. 2x great-grandmother was therefore 75% Dutch ———————————————————————————— Carolyn Leonard wrote:Found this sitting in my files. Might be a good time to send out in LETTERS and maybe get something started?————————————————— From Laurel Auchampaugh about the Owasco NY group of Dutch from Conewago. The Owasco Group came by wagon train led by Jacob and Roeliff Brinkerhoff in 1793.—————————————————An excerpt from Judith Cassidy’s book, The Low Dutch Slave TradePage 54: John Brinkenhoff Warranted 300 acres 17 November, 1786 which was Surveyed 5 December 1787 called “Prospect” a slave cemetery site.”164 It is possibly the same cemetery. The cemetery was located along a field fence several hundred feet due east of the house on the farm once owned by Richard Flickinger. Unfortunately that cemetery no longer exists.165 Joris and his wife are buried in the Conewago Cemetery (NOTE from Carolyn: The north Low Dutch cemetery near Gettysburg). Reverend George Brinkerhoff, their son, ordained October 1788-89 and the last permanent minister at Conowago was reassigned in October of 1793 to Kekiet and Rampo under the jurisdiction of the Rev. Classis of Hacksensack and later to Genesee County, New York.166 Joris’ sons, Jacobus, Luke and Roelif, left Conewago for Oswego and Niles, Cayuga County, New York in 1796 with several other Conewago families probably taking their slaves with them, later building a Reformed Dutch Church at Owasco, New York.167 Dear Cousins Our goal for several years has been to get highway historical markers up to preserve the history of our Dutch Cousins ancestors. This year the DC President, Charlie Westerfield successfully spearheaded the effort and we attended the celebration of the markers in Kentucky. Now we need to get going on the Conewago, Pennsylvania project. We are so fortunate that in September, God sent us and angel, Laurel Auchampaugh of New York, who has some special knowledge in getting this done. Have you seen the terrible condition of our ancestor’s burial grounds at Conewago (near Gettysburg PA)? Here is a look at the northern cemetery. https://dutchcousins.org/2019/11/06/banta-cabin-low-dutch-cemetery/ And here it is on findagrave.com so you can see the list of the 119 identified burials there. I have been trying for years to get the burials identified correctly and to delete duplicates. Click on the name in blue to see what info is known about that person. If you have any more info on one of your ancestors there, please let me know (carolyn). https://www.findagrave.com/cemetery/2386142/memorial-search The second graveyard, called the “Southern Low Dutch cemetery” is just a few miles away and is not in good condition either. Here is the hotlink to the 58 identified Southern burials: https://www.findagrave.com/cemetery/1222138/memorial-search?page=1#sr-138880024 Donald Lott who had looked after the burial grounds for more than 20 years retired last year, and now the “guardian” is Alan Weaner, nephew of our deceased friend Arthur Weaner. We need to send a donation to Alan from the treasury if we can, and encourage other descendants to do so as well. I will ask Alan if he can give us a financial statement. (Denise, I just updated the Cousins address book with Alan’s email contact info, not sure I have the correct phone number). Larry Voreis Malcolm Banta Laurel Auchambaugh (Dutch Cousins President 2020) Tamara Fulkerson Alan Weaner Donald Lott ————-On Dec 28, 2019, at 6:08 AM, Laurel Auchampaugh wrote: I checked the William Pomeroy Foundation ON THE INTERNET. They do provide Historic Markers in NY State AND BEYOND, INCLUDING ALASKA. The grants include the cost of the marker, and post . The recipients must provide the installation. I am well acquainted with Paula Miller, the Director. She will remember me as we (Owasco) were the only ones to invite her to the dedication ceremony out of 80 markers when they first began the marker grants. They even set up a booth at the New York State Fair. I talked with Paula there. Please advise me what to do next. Happy New Year eh? I want to contact the Pomeroy Foundation in Syracuse NY to see if they provide Historic Markers in Pennsylvania. I have worked with them , and they have sponsored one in Owasco..a stone schoolhouse . Your information will be sent to them, if Larry and Malcolm give me permission.. You all might want to check them out on Google Laurel On Sat, Dec 28, 2019 at 6:00 AM Laurel Auchampaugh wrote:Dear family.: On Thu, Dec 26, 2019 at 10:25 PM Carolyn wrote:I found the sheet Mr Weaner made up for placement of an Historical marker..The proposed text was HOLLAND DUTCH FAMILIES FROM NEW JERSEY SETTLED THIS AREA IN THE LATE 18TH CENTURY AND REMOVED IN POST REVOLUTIONARY WAR YEARS TO KENTUCKY AND NEW YORK. LATSHELL’S TAVERN AND THEIR CHURCH EXISTED NEAR THIS SITE. THE WALLED BURIAL GROUND IS AT 900 SWIFT RUN ROAD.He showed the site he believed to be the location of the church on a present day plate map on the NW corner at the junction of York and Coleman roadsHe proposed the site for the marker just to the east of this on York Road ( US 30) where there is an island created from a straightening out of a curve in the right-of-way of the old and new road beds some 18 ft long by 2 foot wide. Please let me know what else you might need. Let’s get this project on the road!Blessings, carolyn. More about ConewagoJoris/George Brinkerhoff, his wife Martina Bogart and their seven sons removed from their farm near Schraalenburgh, Bergen County, New Jersey to Conewago about 1770 settling on 525 acres in Straban Township, York County, Pennsylvania. Joris/ George Brinkerhoff, the largest slave owner in the Conewago congregation, was taxed on six slaves from 1780-1783. His youngest son George was the first ordained minister chosen from amongst the members of the congregation at Conewago and served from 1786 to 1790. John G. Brinkerhoff, the son of John Brinkerhoff, grandson of Joris, read a sketch about Joris at the Brinkerhoff Family reunion, 24 August, 1884, which gives great insight into the life of Joris and probably the lifestyle of other members of Conewago. “Like most men of property in those days he was the owner of Slaves, but before his death he provided for the freedom of them all. He was represented158 Will of Peter Cousine, York County Archives, 150 Pleasant Acres Rd., York, Pa. 17402, Archives documents filed alphabetically. 159 Weaner, Taxables, The Low Dutch Settlement of the Conewago, York County, Pennsylvania 1762-1779 (1997):30; Will of Peter Cousine (Cozine),York Co. Pa. Wills, Vol. E:37; Will of Cornelius Cozine, Mercer Co. Ky. Will Bk:1:14-17; information courtesy of Vince Akers, Indianapolis, In. 160 Weaner, Taxables, The Low Dutch Settlement of the Conewago, York County, Pennsylvania 1762-1778 (1997):31.  53 present at worship and in times of calamity or sickness, would have special prayers. All hands from shops, fields and farm (they did their own blacksmithing, spinning, weaving etc.) would have to drop their work and be present. Often I heard my grandfather (John) say that after six months into the (Revolutionary War) army he returned home in a furlough, the old gentleman would have him off again, saying he could get along fine with the slaves of which he had quite a number.”161The Act of 1780, Provision #4, is reflected in the following document of Joris Brinkerhoff executed 23 August 1803 which stated: “Whereas my mulatto man JONE age twenty four years, two months and nine days and my mulatto man JIM aged twenty three years and seven days and my mulatto girl LEAN aged eighteen years and eleven days were all born as servants to me, I, George Brinkerhoff, Senior, of Strabone Township of Adams State of Pennsylvania do, for value received, assign all my right and title of the foregoing servants until they come to the age of twenty-eight years and no longer, to Gilbert Brinkerhoff and Henry Brinkerhoff both of Mount Pleasant Township, County and State aforesaid.”162Joris Brinkerhoff died at age 91 on 3 January 1810. His will, written 22 June 1803 stated that “his three old slaves, SAM, NICK and POLL were given their liberty and freedom from slavery and they also receive their beds, bedding, clothes and household furniture.”163 This was in compliance with Provision #4. He knew to the day his slaves were born and this information was probably recorded in his Bible. Clearly his relationship with them was not one of disinterest, he was concerned about his slaves and their future. They and the three mulatto slaves mentioned in the document dated 23 August, 1803, may have been related to him as well. The fact that his slaves had been provided with what appears to be some kind of separate housing with furniture and household goods indicates the type of slave holder he was.When the death of a family slave occurred at Conewago they were most likely buried on the family farm in unmarked graves. While both a Northern and Southern cemetery was created at Conewago for members of the congregation, the burial location of their slaves is relatively unknown excepting for the Brinkerhoff slaves. Joris Brinkerhoff warranted 192 acres in Straban Township, 25 February 1789, surveyed 2 May 1788 and at one time the “Brinkerhoff Slave Cemetery” existed on this tract.161 Richard Brinkerhoff, The Family of Joris Dircksen Brinkerhoff, 1638 (New York City: self, 1887):36. 162 Brinkerhoff, The Family of Joris Dircksen Brinkerhoff, 1638 (1887):37-38. 163 Brinkerhoff, The Family of Joris Dircksen Brinkerhoff, 1638 (1887):32-38.————————————————————————— We have about 9K for both cemeteries. Don was paying 2K a year just in mowing fees out of his own pocket. Adams electric gave us 150 dollars toward the light bill. (20 a month) No other money has been given all year. I was to have an eagle scout work on the lower one. His project hasn’t been approved yet. I have a list of 4 lawn mowers that volunteer their time and equipment to help mow the places. Cemetery on swift run. (with wall that needs fixed) Trying to find folks not scared of snakes. Church of latter day saints offered teen group help, I had a mason I talked to, for get in contact with the church of lds, in october. Didn’t hear a word back on this group project. . Alan Weaner Donald Lott just called and gave me the correct phone numbers for Alan Weaner. Alan is a farmer and does house repairs. He lives in the house where his uncle Arthur lived and we visited in 2010 and 2011. Donald said we would not recognize the interior now. So that means that Alan will have the contacts and know what needs to be done on the repairs of the cemetery wall. Don said there is still money in the Low Dutch Cemetery Improvement fund established by Arthur Weaner and others several years ago. He thinks the money is now invested in a trust, but he thinks the repairs are going to be quite expensive and can’t be done until spring. Larry and Malcolm, please give Laurel the go-ahead on the William Pomeroy Foundation to get paperwork started on the highway historic markers. Charlie can testify to how long that process takes in Kentucky! (I am adding Charlie and Vince to the address list, and also Pam. Sorry those got dropped off before.) Blessings, carolyn |
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