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Schermerhorn Genealogy and Family Chronicles:
Chapter II: Descendants of Ryer Jacobse Schermerhorn (Part 2 of 4)

Go back to: part 1 of Chapter 2 | ahead to: part 3 of Chapter 2

[This information is from pp. 74-103 of Schermerhorn Genealogy and Family Chronicles by Richard Schermerhorn, Jr. (New York: Tobias A. Wright, Publisher, 1914).]

Fourth Generation

9

RYER, son of (6) Jan Schermerhorn and Engeltie Vrooman; b. Sept. 24, 1716; bp. in Schenectady; d. Mch. 6, 1793; m. (1) June 8, 1746, in Schenectady, MARIA VEDDER; b. Sept. 9, 1727; dau. of Corset Vedder and Neeltie Christianse; m. (2) June 8, 1750, in Schenectady, MARIA VAN VRANKEN; b. Aug. 5, 1725; d. Feb. 18, 1799, age 73 yrs. 6 mos. 3 days; dau. of Ryckert Van Vranken and Maria Bratt.

Child, by first wife:

Children, by second wife:

Ryer Schermerhorn lived at the old homestead at Schuylenburgh. He was heir to the estate of his father, Jan R., who was principal heir of his father, Ryer Jacobse, the Patentee. (See account of long lawsuit in biography of latter.) Ryer was a representative in the Colonial Legislature at different times and an alderman in Schenectady (1766). He was a man of persevering energy and industry. As an evidence of this, an anecdote is related that every day, after dark, he sawed one log, which he said went to pay his lawyers. He was also a very liberal and charitable man to the poor, whom he never sent empty handed away. It was his custom also to send to every widow in Schenectady, each winter, at least one cord of wood and a sack of flour. Ryer was a member of Capt. Gerrit A. Lansing's Company of Schenectady in 1767. He was a faithful member of the First Reformed Church of Schenectady and occupied Bench No. 2, which was the Magistrate's bench, from 1734 to 1788. He made his will August 8, 1792, which was recorded in Albany April 13, 1793. The following is an abstract:

I, Ryer Schermerhorn of the Township of Schenectady, being advanced to the age of 75 yrs. * * * my beloved wife Mari shall have * * * the Income of all that part of my Real Estate lying about one mile southwest of the Town of Schenectady known by the name of Schuylenburg * * * with all the Houses, Furniture, Mills, Barns, Utensils & implements of Husbandrie, Negros, Chattels, Cattle * * * after her decease * * * bequeath the same part of my Real Estate above described * * * to my son Bartholemeus during his natural life and after his decease to his children * * * bequeath to son John Schermerhorn my house and lot of ground situate * * * in Town of Schoenectade on the North side of Albany St., between the Lot of Barnhardus Freeman Schermerhorn & the Lot of the heirs of Henry Van Driesen * * * children of my daughter Englie, wife of Nicolaas Schermerhorn * * * give devise & bequeath unto my two sons John & Rykert Schermerhorn * * * all my Lands lying & being on the flat commonly called the Bouwland, which I bought part of Nelie Vedder & her eldest son Harje Vedder * * * being in all 12 morgen & a half be the same more or less * * * all my right Title, Interest, claim & demand * * * land being about 3 miles southerly from where I now dwell, commonly called "het bouwelant" * * * give, devise & bequeath all my undivided share of the Lands on the south side of the Mohawks River within the limits of the Patent of Schoenectade to my 3 sons, John, Ryckert & Bartholemew * * * bequeath all my lands at Auquasenhonk in the Co. of Washington * * * granted in a patent to me John Quackenbos & o'rs in the year 1762 to my 2 sons Gerrit & Jeremias and to my daughter Engeltie wife of Nicolas Schermerhorn bequeath all that piece of land lying and being about 8 morgen which I bo't from Isaac Swits & Maria his wife unto my son Rykert Schermerhorn & my daughter Engeltie, bequeath my 1 1/2 morgans lying & being on the Flat or Bouwland near town of Schoenectade which I bo't of Dirk Van Vranken being part of Lot No. 2 to my 2 sons Jeremias & Gerrit * * * bequeath that piece of woodland lying & being in Township of Schoenectade back of the Flats or Bouwland between land of John Jacobse Schermerhorn & Jacobus Bradt, unto my Daughter Engelie, wife of Nicholas Schermerhorn * * * bequeath unto my six children, John, Ryckert, Bartholomeus, Gerrit, Jeremias, & Engeltie, * * * a certain tract of land called John Glen's purchase, lying in Co. of Saratoga, between Sagendage & Kaiaderosseras Patent * * * bequeath all my undivided share in the Patent of Schoenectade lying on the North side of Mohawk's River unto my 3 children, Gerrit, Jeremias & Engeltie * * * and furthermore it is my express will and desire that my claim to the common & undivided Lands in Pattent of the Township of Schoenectade shall be prosecuted & sued for to the utmost extent of the Law by my Devisees and in case any of my said children shall refuse or neglect to join in the Prosecution thereof, that he or they shall be utterly debarred & excluded from having or holding any part or share thereto. * * * Sons Rykert & Bartholomew, Executors.

August 8, 1792.

RYER SCHERMERHORN.

The census of 1790 lists Ryer Schermerhorn's family as follows:

Ryer Schermerhorn — 3 males over 16 (inc. father); 2 males under 16; 3 females (inc. mother); 6 slaves. (Note — His son Bartholomew probably lived with him.)

Richard, son of Ryer Schermerhorn, was a member of Col. Wemple's Regiment of Schenectady Militia in 1775.

10

JOHANNES, son of (6) Jan Schermerhorn and Engeltie Vrooman; b. Nov. 24, 1720; bp. in Schenectady; d. 1787; m. Mch. 2, 1745, in Schenectady, EVA VAN PETTEN; bp. Sept. 24, 1719; dau. of Nicholas Van Petten and Rebecca Groot.

Children:

Johannes Schermerhorn settled in Pompton, N. J., some time after 1745, and died there. His father owned 4000 acres of land in this section, which he gave to Johannes and his sister Catalina. After the death of John Schermerhorn in 1787, his family moved back to Schenectady on the farm of Barnhardus Schermerhorn.

11

SIMON, son of (6) Jan Schermerhorn and Engeltie Vrooman; b. Jan. 3, 1723; bp. in Schenectady; d. May 6, 1808; bur. in Vale Cemetery; m. HILLEGONDA VAN VRANKEN; b. May 30, 1726; d. Nov. 18, 1807; bur. in Vale Cemetery; dau. of Maus Van Vranken and Annatie Winne.

Children:

Simon Schermerhorn lived and died in Schenectady. He resided at the "Mills," which were located at the east end of State St. His name appears on the roll of Capt. Gerrit A. Lansing's Co. of Schenectady Militia in 1767, and of Capt. B. T. Sander's Co. in 1775, Col. Wemple's Regt. His will is filed in Albany, and in it are mentioned a portion of his property called "Guysbert's Island" and 500 acres of land in the John Glen & ors. patent, which he purchased from Daniel Campbell.

Anecdote. — In his youth, Simon accompanied several war parties of Indians to Canada. He had a particular friend among the Mohawks by the name of Isaac, who once saved his life. On this occasion he was stooping down at a spring to drink, when an Indian who had taken offense at some trivial circumstance, raised his tomahawk to murder him and was only prevented from doing it by Isaac, who instantly killed the traitor. This circumstance induced him to call his first son after his Indian friend, Isaac.

Simon Schermerhorn was a man of great integrity and well read in the scriptures. He was known to be a particularly godly and pious man.

12

LIEUT. COL. JACOB, son of (6) Jan Schermerhorn and Engeltie Vrooman; b. Nov. 21, 1729; d. 1812; m. Nov. 13, 1762, in Schenectady, MARIA VEDDER; bp. Jan. 7, 1739; dau. of Arent Vedder and Sara Vander Bogart.

Children:

Jacob Schermerhorn settled on property inherited from his father, about six miles south of Schenectady, near the Normanskill. He later moved to Cortlandt [Cortland] County, where he died. The census of 1790 lists his family as follows:

Jacob Schermerhorn — Residence, Schenectady, south of the Mohawk; 3 males over 16 (inc. father); 1 male under 16; 5 females (inc. mother); 4 slaves.

Extract. — On the 13th of August (1777), * * * Lt. Col. Schermerhorn proceeded to Norman's Kill with a body of Schenectady Militia and 40 Rhode Island troops * * * in all about 100 men * * * to root up a tory gathering at that place. The expedition was very successful. David Springer, a noted royalist, was killed, thirteen of his comrades captured, the remainder dispersed, and confidence again restored, where all was doubt and disaffection, without the loss of a single man on the part of the Americans. John J. Schermerhorn, son of Col. S. mentioned in the context. — From History of Schoharie County — J. R. Simms — 1845.

Jacob Schermerhorn was commissioned Jan. 17, 1764, First Lieutenant in the 1st Battalion of Schenectady Militia, Capt. John Glen's Troop of Light Horse. On Oct. 30, 1775, he was commissioned Lieut.-Colonel of the 3rd Regiment of Schenectady Militia.

13

BARNHARDUS FREEMAN, son of (6) Jan Schermerhorn and Engeltie Vrooman; b. Oct. 14, 1739; d. July 14, 1799; m. May 9, 1767, in Schenectady, ARIANTJE VAN DER BOGART; b. Sept. 15, 1745; d. Oct. 29, 1827; bur. in Vale Cem.; dau. of Takerus Van der Bogart and Neeltje De Graff.

Children, bp. in Schenectady:

Barnhardus F. Schermerhorn lived in Schenectady until 1799, and then moved to Charleston, Montgomery County, N. Y. He was named after the Rev. Barnhardus Freeman, who was settled as pastor of the Reformed Church in Schenectady in 1700. His name appears as private in Capt. John Glen's Co. of a Schenectady Troop of Light Horse, May 7, 1767, and on June 20, 1778, he was commissioned ensign of the 2nd Regiment of Schenectady Militia. In 1784 he was Lieutenant in a Regiment of Albany Co. Militia.

He was a deacon in the First Reformed Church of Schenectady in 1793. The census of 1790 lists his family as follows:

Bernhardus F. Schermerhorn — Residence, Schenectady, south of the Mohawk; 1 male over 16 (father); 1 male under 16; 3 females (inc. mother); 1 slave.

14

JOHANNES, son of (7) Jacob Schermerhorn and Margarita Teller; bp. June 22, 1717, in Schenectady; m. (1) Dec. 14, 1744, in Schenectady, MAGHDALENE BRADT; bp. May 28, 1716, in Schenectady; dau. of Capt. Arent Bradt and Jannetje Vrooman; m. (2) Aug. 2, 1765, in Schenectady, SARAH TELLER (Sally Taylor, widow).

Children by first wife:

Children by second wife:

The census of 1790 lists the family of John Schermerhorn as follows:

Residence, Schenectady, south of the Mohawk; 2 males over 16 (inc. father); 3 males under 16; 1 female (mother).

15

JACOBUS, son of (7) Jacob Schermerhorn and Margarita Teller; bp. Jan. 31, 1720, in Schenectady; d. July 28, 1782; m. Sept. 4, 1762, in Schenectady, ANNATIE P. VROOMAN; b. July 24, 1726; d. Sept. 7, 1770; dau. of Pieter Vrooman and Agnietje Vedder.

Children:

Jacobus Schermerhorn lived in Rotterdam, N. Y.

16

WILLIAM, son of (7) Jacob Schermerhorn and Margarita Teller; bp. Nov. 10, 1722, in Schenectady; m. (1) June 17, 1745, in Schenectady, ELIZABETH VAN DER VOLGEN; b. Sept. 7, 1725; dau. of Lourens Van der Volgen and Susanna Welleven; m. (2) EVA DE GRAAF; b. Apr. 27, 1725; dau. of Jesse De Graaf and Altie Hennions.

Children by first wife, bp. in Schenectady:

William Schermerhorn lived in Schenectady. In the census of 1790, his family is listed as follows: William Schermerhorn — Residence, Schenectady; 1 male over 16 (father); 2 females (inc. mother). On Jan. 5, 1758, William Schermerhorn was commissioned First Lieutenant in Capt. John Sander's Company of Schenectady Militia. His son Jacob was a private in Capt. Nicholas De Groot's Company of Schenectady Militia, May 19, 1767.

William Schermerhorn was an elder in the First Reformed Church of Schenectady in 1772, 1781 and 1785. He made his will June 28, 1809, which was proved May 6, 1811, and filed in Schenectady. In this will, his wife Eva was mentioned, and all of his children, excepting Jacob.

Lourens Vander Volgen was carried away by the Indians at the Schenectady massacre, Feb. 8, 1690, and remained with them many years, as late as 1699. He learned the Indian language perfectly and after his return was appointed interpreter of the province of the Five Nations. He held this office until the time of his death in 1740.

17

ARENT, son of (7) Jacob Schermerhorn and Margarita Teller; bp. Apr. 10, 1725, in Schenectady; m. (1) Nov. 9, 1751, in Schenectady, JACOMYNTJE VAN GUYSLING; dau. of Myndert Van Guysling and Suster Viele; m. (2) Nov. 9, 1786, in Schenectady, ANNATIE DELLEMONT TELLER (widow); b. 1737; d. Feb. 19, 1823, age 86 yrs. 3 mos. 13 days.

Children:

In the census of 1790, the family of Arent Schermerhorn is listed as follows: Arent Schermerhorn — Residence, Schenectady, south of the Mohawk; 2 males over 16 (inc. father); 3 females (inc. mother). Arent Schermerhorn and his son Jacob were privates in Capt. Nicholas Groot's Company of Schenectady Militia, May 19, 1767.

18

SIMON, son of (7) Jacob Schermerhorn and Margarita Teller; b. Sept. 19, 1730; bp. in Schenectady; d. Jan. 13, 1793; m. SARAH VROOMAN (M. L. Jan. 27, 1773); bp. June 28, 1741; d. Sept. 16, 1795, age 54 yrs. 3 mos. 15 days; dau. of Peter Vrooman and Agnietje Vedder.

Children:

Simon Schermerhorn lived on the Schenectady Flatts, upon the hindermost lot of the "Bouwland," originally patented to William Teller, probably inherited from his mother, who was a daughter of Johannes Teller. The brick house built on this lot was occupied as late as 1872 by his grandson, Simon J. Schermerhorn.

In the census of 1790, the family of Simon Schermerhorn is listed as follows:

Simon J. Schermerhorn — Residence, Schenectady, south of the Mohawk; 2 males over 16 (inc. father); 8 slaves.

19

ABRAHAM, son of (8) Arent Schermerhorn and Antie Fonda; bp. Oct. 21, 1721, in Schenectady; d. 1811; m. Sept. 8, 1750, in Schenectady, CLARA PEEK; b. Mch. 21, 1725; dau. of Jacobus Peek and Margarita Van Slyck.

Children:

Abraham Schermerhorn lived near Haverly's, in Glenville, Schenectady Co., N. Y., and died there. During the Revolution he suffered much from the Indians and Tories, and was compelled to flee repeatedly from his home to Schenectady, for safety. On one occasion a party led by Walter Butler, infamously notorious for his connection with the massacre in Wyoming Valley in Northern Pennsylvania, came to Abraham's house, plundered it of all provisions, broke in pieces all the crockery and iron ware, threw a barrel of tar into the well and wrote his name on the door of the house, that it might be known who had called there. His party carried away two boys, one a German and the other a negro, the former of whom they scalped for the sake of the bounty paid by the British for the scalps; but this was done so carefully that he recovered from the savage operation.

Abraham Schermerhorn made his will July 7, 1810, which was proved Aug. 26, 1811. All of the above children were mentioned in will and codicil. Jacobus inherited the homestead, and Abraham gave to his black man, Tom, "two acres of ground and his freedom." Abraham's name appears as member of Capt. Andries Truex' Company of Schenectady Militia in 1767.

20

RYER, son of (8) Arent Schermerhorn and Antie Fonda; b. ————; m. MARIA TELLER; dau. of James Teller.

Children, bp. in Schenectady:

The census of 1790 lists the family of Ryer Schermerhorn as follows:

Ryer Schermerhorn — Residence, Schenectady; 2 males over 16 (inc. father); 1 male under 16; 2 females (inc. mother); 1 slave. The name of Ryer Schermerhorn appears in Capt. Andries Truex' Company of Schenectady Militia in 1767 and in Capt. J. Van Petten's Company in 1775.

Fifth Generation

21

BARTHOLOMEW, son of (9) Ryer Schermerhorn and Maria Van Vranken; bp. Aug. 24, 1757, in Schenectady; d. July 16, 1845, in Rotterdam, N. Y.; m. July 10, 1785, in Schenectady, ANNATJE TELLER; d. May 4, 1844, aged 77; dau. of John Teller and Jannetje Delmont.

Children, bp. in Schenectady:

Bartholomew Schermerhorn inherited from his father the old homestead at Schuylenburgh and resided there until the time of his death. He was a private in Capt. Fonda's Co. of Schenectady militia in 1775 and served during the Revolution, his name appearing on the pension list of N. Y. State in 1833-4. In 1814 he occupied Bench No. 2 in the 1st Reformed Church of Schenectady, the Magistrate's bench. Later he occupied Pew No. 45. He was deacon in the church in 1823 and elder in 1825, 26, 29. In 1820 he was Supervisor of the 2nd Ward, Schenectady. He made his will June 6, 1837, which was proved July 16, 1845, and filed in Schenectady. His son, Bernardus F., is mentioned as occupying his farm at Rotterdam and his wife and all of his other children are also mentioned.

Ryer, eldest son of Bartholomew, was the first native printer of Schenectady. He published the Mohawk Advertiser and issued Smith's History of the State of New York. He was a resident of Albany.

22

GERRIT, son of (9) Ryer Schermerhorn and Maria Van Vranken; bp. Oct. 23, 1763, in Schenectady; d. Mch. 24, 1848, in Rotterdam, N. Y.; m. May 18, 1787, in Schenectady, MARGARITJE SCHERMERHORN; dau. of Arent Schermerhorn and Jacomyntje Van Guysling.

Children:

Gerrit Schermerhorn probably served in the Revolution, although on account of his youth, it must have been in the last year or two of the war. His name appears on the N. Y. State Pension list of 1833-34. The census of 1790 lists his family as follows:

Gerrit Schermerhorn — residence, Schenectady — 1 male over 16 (father) — 3 females (inc. mother).

23

JEREMIAH, son of (9) Ryer Schermerhorn and Maria Van Vranken; b. Oct. 22, 1768; m. ANNATJE OSTRANDER.

Children:

24

JOHANNES, son of (10) Johannes Schermerhorn and Eva Van Petten; bp. Oct. 20, 1745, in Schenectady; m. ANNATJE ————.

Children

John Schermerhorn lived in Pompton, N. J., until after his father's death in 1787, when he removed to Schenectady on the farm of Barnhardus Schermerhorn, and from thence to Florida, Montgomery Co. The census of 1790 lists the family of John Schermerhorn as follows:

Residence, Schenectady. South of the Mohawk — 2 males over 16 (inc. father) — 2 males under 16 — 3 females (inc. mother).

25

ARENT, son of (10) Johannes Schermerhorn and Eva Van Petten; b. about 1745-50; m. JANNETJE (JACOBUS).

Children:

Arent (Aaron) Schermerhorn was probably born in Pompton, N. J. He left Pompton after his father's death in 1787 with his brother John and sister Angelica, and the family lived on the farm of Barnhardus Schermerhorn in Schenectady, moving at some later time to Charlton, Saratoga County. His will was made and filed in Saratoga, N. Y.

The census of 1790 lists the family of Aaron Schermerhorn as follows:

Aaron Schermerhorn — residence, Ballston, Albany County — 1 male over 16 (father) — 2 males under 16 — 5 females (inc. mother).

26

HON. MAUS, son of (11) Simon Schermerhorn and Hillegonda Van Vranken; b. Mch. 9, 1753; bp. in Schenectady; d. Jan. 26, 1830; bur. in Vale Cem.; m. Apr. 12, 1786, in Schenectady, CATHARINA SWITS; b. May 1, 1764; d. Aug. 20, 1829; bur. in Vale Cem.; dau. of Major Abraham Swits and Margaret Dellamont.

Children:

Maus Schermerhorn was a soldier in the Revolution and served under Major Jellis Fonda in the 2nd Albany Regt., receiving a land bounty for his services in 1829. He lived at No. 218 State St., Schenectady, and his brother John lived just west, at No. 220. Their property extended southeast to Vedder Ave., and southerly to Oothout St., including the greater part of what was later called the Bouwery. He was mayor of Schenectady for sixteen years. He was elected to the Assembly Apr. 20, 1802, was a trustee of the Lancaster School at Schenectady and Supervisor of the 2nd Ward in 1809, 11, 12, and 18. With his brother John he occupied pews No. 57 and No. 66 in the 1st Reformed Church, Schenectady, in 1814, was deacon of this church in 1815 and elder in 1818, 19, 21 and 28. His will is filed in Schenectady, N. Y.

27

JOHANNES, son of (11) Simon Schermerhorn and Hillegonda Van Vranken; b. Apr. 16, 1762; d. Mch. 11, 1846; bur. in Vale Cem.; m. Feb. 21, 1796, in Schoharie, SUSANNA VANDER VOLGEN; b. Feb. 4, 1770; d. Aug. 26, 1828; bur. in Vale Cem.; dau. of Petrus Vander Volgen and Geertruy Mynderse.

Children:

John Schermerhorn lived at No. 220 State St., Schenectady, N. Y., just east of the house of his brother Maus. He was a pew holder in the 1st Reformed Church of Schenectady, as early as 1814.

28

ARENT, son of (12) Jacob Schermerhorn and Maria Vedder; bp. Oct. 6, 1765, in Schenectady; m. Oct. 20, 1791, in Schenectady, GEERTRUY POTMAN (PUTNAM); bp. Nov. 21, 1773; dau. of Arent Potman and Elizabeth de Spitzer.

Children:

Arent Schermerhorn moved to Cortland County, N. Y., near Homer, where, in 1840, his descendants still lived.

29

JACOB, son of (12) Jacob Schermerhorn and Maria Vedder; bp. Dec. 5, 1779, in Schenectady; d. July it, 1862; m. CATHARINE SITTERLY; b. 1786; d. Dec. 7, 1863.

Children:

Jacob Schermerhorn, Sr., lived in Homer, N. Y., and some time after 1809 moved to Oswego County, N. Y. In 1821, he was living in Richland, Oswego Co. His sons Jacob and Isaac were fur dealers and merchants at Daysville, N. Y. Henry was a farmer and Abraham a manufacturer of medicines. In 1824 Jacob Schermerhorn, Sr., was the proprietor of a hotel on the road between Port Ontario and Oswego. Many Schermerhorns are buried in a cemetery on the road from Arthur to Port Ontario.

30

[Painting: original size (27K) | 4x enlarged (80K)] REV. JOHN FREEMAN, son of (13) Bernard Freeman Schermerhorn and Ariantje Vander Bogart; b. Sept. 24, 1786; bp. in Schenectady; d. Mch. 16, 1851, in Richmond, Va.; bur. in Richmond; m. (1) Aug. 6, 1813, in Utica, CATHARINE YATES; b. Apr. 27, 1788; d. May 12, 1835, at Utica; bur. in Family Vault, Canajoharie, N. Y.; dau. of Col. Christopher Yates and Maria Frey; m. (2) Apr. 6, 1837, ELIZABETH HENING SPOTSWOOD of Richmond, Va.; b. 1806-7; d. Mch., 1872, in Terre Haute, Ind.; dau. of Wm. W. Hening and Agatha Banks; wid. of Robt. G. Spotswood of Orange, Va.

Children by first wife:

Children by second wife:

John Freeman Schermerhorn was born in Schenectady and was graduated from Union College in 1809 with degree of A. B. He entered the ministry of the Congregational Church, which he left in 1813 for the Dutch Reformed. He was first settled at Middleburgh, Schoharie Co., N. Y., and was pastor of the Reformed Church there from 1816 to 1827. In 1817 he visited upper Canada with Rev. Jacob Van Vechten and labored three months among the Dutch Churches there. In 1828 he was appointed secretary of Domestic Missions by the Northern Board of the Missionary Society of the Reformed Church, to call forth the resources of the Church and determine the proper missionary fields. His energy and zeal gave a new impetus to the benevolence of the Church, and among the substantial fruits of his labors were the organizations of Reformed Churches in Utica, Ithaca and Geneva, and others in less prominent places. He raised more money during his term as Secretary of Missions than had ever before been collected by Dutch Churches for Benevolent Societies. But serious difficulties embarrassed his administration and though they were eventually amicably adjusted, he resigned the office in 1832. He never afterwards held a pastoral charge, but was frequently a leading member of the ecclesiastical assemblies, and continued to interest himself in the benevolent movements of the Church. In 1832 President Jackson, of whom he was a warm personal and political friend, appointed him one of a Commission to remove the Cherokee and Chickasaw Indians beyond the Mississippi. This work also brought with it some unhappy complications which hindered his subsequent usefulness.

He was a powerful preacher and a public debater of unusual mental vigor, acuteness, tact and argumentative ability. His restless brain was always teeming with great schemes, which often were Utopian in their results. In conversation he was entertaining and suggestive beyond most men. His sympathies were tender, and when preaching or conversing on the great themes of the Gospel, he not only felt deeply, but possessed great power over the hearts and consciences of his hearers. He labored much and successfully in revivals of religion as a helper to his brethren. In person he was very large, robust and commanding.

Immediately after graduation from Union College, he was sent out by the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel. His report to the Trustees of the Missionary Society of Connecticut was published in Hartford in 1814. It is in pamphlet form and entitled "A Correct View of that Part of the United States which lies West of the Alleghany Mountains, with regard to Religion & Morals"; by John F. Schermerhorn and Samuel J. Mills. In 1816 he was Chaplain of the 9th Regt. N. Y. Infantry. In 1819, he was constituted a Life Member of the American Bible Society, by subscriptions raised by his congregation in Middleburgh. He preached his first Protestant sermon in New Orleans, where he went with a letter of introduction to Pére Antoine, a well loved priest of the latter city. They became firm friends. He made most of the trip to New Orleans on horseback. As well as being a personal friend of President Andrew Jackson, he visited him on more than one occasion at the "Hermitage," Jackson's beautiful home, a few miles outside of the city of Nashville, Tenn. One of his grandsons has in his possession a letter from President Jackson introducing John F. Schermerhorn to General Lafayette.

While Indian Commissioner, he acquired large tracts of land in Highland, Grayson, Bath and Wyth Counties, Va., in all about 400,000 acres. After long litigation the disposition of this property finally resulted in favor of his heirs.

John F. Schermerhorn was the author of the first Schermerhorn Genealogy to take definite form. This work was completed in 1847, but it was not placed in printed form. Copies of this manuscript were held by various members of the family, however, and though, with a few exceptions, it pertained only to the Schenectady branch of the family. It contained much interesting personal and biographical data, of which later generations would have had little knowledge, and in this lies its chief value.

John F. Schermerhorn moved to Carroll Co., Ind., in 1840. His wife had the first piano in that part of the country. It is now in the possession of the Vander Volgen family of Carroll Co., Ind. While Indian Commissioner, John F. Schermerhorn received a salary amounting to $6.00 per day. This was considered munificent in those times.

Mrs. Aurelian Conkling, eldest daughter of Rev. John F. Schermerhorn, lived in Buffalo, N. Y., and after the death of her husband went abroad and remained four years, most of the time in Paris. She travelled extensively through Spain, Germany and Switzerland. During the Franco-Prussian War, she was in Paris, and was Directress of the Woman's Dept. of the American Ambulance Corps, organized by Dr. Evans, dentist to the Emperor. It was to his house that the Empress Eugenie fled when she left the Tuileries. Mrs. Conkling assisted Dr. Evans in effecting the escape of the Empress, whom he took in his private carriage to the coast. She remained in Paris during the reign of the Commune and witnessed many blood-curdling scenes. Her husband, Aurelian Conkling, was an elder brother of Senator Roscoe Conkling.

31

WILLIAM J., son of (14) Johannes J. Schermerhorn and Sarah Teller; b. ————; m. Aug. 18, 1792, in Schenectady; ANNA WESSELS; bur. Jan. 6, 1804.

Children:

32

JOHN I., son of (14) John J. Schermerhorn and Sarah Teller; b. ————; m. Mch. 30, 1805, MARIA SLATER.

Children:

33

JOHANNES J., son of (15) Jacob Schermerhorn and Annatie P. Vrooman; b. Jan. 29, 1765; bp. in Schenectady; d. Jan. 7, 1814; m. Nov. 13, 1788, in Schenectady, CATHARINA BRADT; b. June 25, 1769; d. Sept. 13, 1887; dau. of Jacobus Bradt and Elizabeth Dellamont.

Children:

Johannes J. Schermerhorn lived in Rotterdam, N. Y. The census of 1790 lists his family as follows:

John Schermerhorn — residence Schenectady, south of the Mohawk — 1 male over 16 (husband) — 1 female (wife) — 6 slaves.

His will was made Jan. 4, 1814, and in it were mentioned his negro man "Tom" and negro girl "Bet." His will and that of his wife are filed in Schenectady.

34

LOURENS, son of (16) William Schermerhorn and Elizabeth Vander Volgen; bp. Feb. 12, 1749, in Schenectady; d. Mch. 26, 1836-7, in Rotterdam, aged 88-1; m. July 21, 1775, (M. L.) GEESIE (GESINA) VIELE; b. 1760; d. Sept. 26, 1847, age 87; dau. of Nicholas Viele and Neeltje Schermerhorn.

Children, bp. in Schenectady:

The name of Lourens Schermerhorn is found on the rolls of Capt. Nicholas Groot's Co. of Schenectady Militia, May 19, 1767. Later he served in the Revolution, as his name appears on the state pension roll in 1834.

35

NICHOLAS W., son of (16) William Schermerhorn and Elizabeth Vander Volgen; bp. Sept. 21, 1760, in Schenectady; m. ENGELTIE SCHERMERHORN; b. Aug. 11, 1760; d. Oct. 6, 1834, age 73-1-25; dau. of Ryer Schermerhorn and Maria Van Vranken.

Children:

The name of Nicholas Schermerhorn appears as Sergeant in Capt. J. Van Slyck's Co. of Schenectady Militia in 1775.

36

ANDREAS, son of (17) Arent Schermerhorn and Jacomyntje Van Guysling; b. July 11, 1762; bp. in Schenectady; d. about 1815 in Rotterdam, N. Y.; m. June 14, 1787, in Schenectady, NANCY (AGNES) CLYDE; b. Nov. 1, 1762, in Cherry Valley; d. between 1815 and 1820, in Rotterdam.

Children:

The census of 1790 lists the family of Andreas Schermerhorn as follows:

Andreas Schermerhorn — residence, Schenectady, south of the Mohawk — 1 male over 16 (father) — 1 male under 16 — 2 females (inc. mother).

Andrew Schermerhorn made his will June 13, 1809 and it was proved Mch. 8, 1816, and filed in Schenectady. His son Aaron inherited the property called the "Hook." He stipulated that his son Jacob "be taught reading, writing and arithmetic, and book-keeping sufficient for a mechanic to transact and keep an account of his blessings with readiness and despatch, and that when he shall arrive at the age of 14 years, that he shall be put as apprentice at some regular trade mechanic of good fame, to learn such mechanic art as he, the said Jacob, may choose to be instructed in."

37

JACOB S., son of (18) Simon Schermerhorn and Sarah Vrooman; b. Dec. 30, 1773; bp. in Schenectady; d. 1814; m. ENGELTIE BRADT; b. Feb. 21, 1775; d. Nov. 17,1843; dau. of Jacob [Handwritten note calls him Jacobus] Bradt and Elizabeth Dellamont.

Children:

The name of Jacob S. Schermerhorn appears as ensign, Mch. 26, 1794, in Lieut. Col. John Mynderse's Regiment of Albany Co. Militia, of Schenectady. In 1794, he was Lieutenant in Col. Jacob Hochstrasser's Regiment, and in 1800 was Captain in Lieut. Col. John Wendell's Regiment.

38

JACOBUS, son of (19) Abraham Schermerhorn and Clara Peek; bp. Jan. 8, 1761, in Schenectady; m. CATHRINA PEEK; bp. July 31, 1763, in Schenectady; dau. of Jacques Peek and Susanna Bratt.

Children, bp. in Schenectady:

Jacobus Schermerhorn inherited the homestead at Glenville from his father. The census of 1790 lists his family as follows: Jacob Schermerhorn — residence, Schenectady, — 1 male over 16 (husband) — 4 females (inc. wife).

39

ABRAHAM, son of (19) Abraham Schermerhorn and Clara Peek; bp. May 28, 1769, in Schenectady; m. (1) CATHALYNTJE CLEMENT; bp. Mch. 13, 1763; dau. of Johannes Clement and Jannetie Bratt; m. (2) MARIA SIXBERRY; bp. Jan. 16, 1763, in Schenectady; d. 1803; dau. of Nicholas Sixberry and Susanna Clement.

Children by first wife, bp. in Schenectady:

Children by second wife, bp. in Schenectady:

Abraham Schermerhorn lived in Glenville, Schenectady Co., N. Y. The census of 1790 lists his family as follows:

Abraham Schermerhorn — residence, Schenectady, — 2 males over 16 (inc. father) — 1 male under 16 — 2 females (inc. mother) — 1 slave. (Probably his father lived with him at this time.) As late as 1814 he occupied Pew No. 74 in the 1st Reformed Church of Schenectady. In 1818, there was an Abraham A. Schermerhorn who was paymaster of the 2nd Brigade Infantry of Otsego County.

40

ARENT R., son of (20) Ryer Schermerhorn and Maria Teller; bp. Nov. 1, 1772, in Schenectady; d. Nov. 2, 1837; m. Dec. 23, ,1797, in Schenectady, ELIZABETH VAN SLYCK; bp. Mch. 10, 1778, in Schenectady; d. Mch. 19, 1845, in Glenville, N. Y.; dau. of Martin Van Slyck and Helen Vrooman.

Children:

Aaron R. Schermerhorn was one of the organizers of the North Branch of the 1st Reformed Church of Schenectady, now the 1st Reformed Church of Scotia, N. Y., and a signer of the articles of incorporation, Nov. 21, 1812. He was clerk and treasurer, Jan. 3, 1820, for two years.

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