James Teller, direct descendant of these early settlers in Newe Amsterdame, now New York, is shown standing on the point in 2009 once called Sarah's Point, then after it was received by her Teller grandchildren, called Teller's Point, then Croton Point, and today Croton-on-Hudson. His line is documented back to John Teller, Pvt. NY in the Daughters of the American Revolution files in Washington, DC under National Number 727639; by research submitted by Susan Moore Teller, whom he married in August of 1975
by Susan Moore Teller: smt100@cox.net
Dr. Hans Kierstede, from Saxony to New Amsterdam, and his wife, Sarah Roelofs, daughter of Anneke Jans Bogardus.
Hans Kierstede and Sarah Roelofs were ancestors of Revolutionary Patriot John Teller, Pvt. NY
edited by Susan Moore Teller, see file for NS DAR National #708639 on Moore, Peck, Gayle; and did research for file on John Teller, Pvt. NY, for husband filed on female kin with NS DAR, National #727639.
Birth 1612, Magdeburg, Prussian Saxony, Germany
Death1666, New Amsterdam, New York
Father: Jacobus
Mother: Elizabeth
Prominently mentioned in the book "Young Doctor of New Amsterdam" by Norma Wood James
Hans Kierstede and his brother, Jochem, were refugees from city of Magdenburg,
Germany. This was the city that was sacked by Tilly in 1630. What occurred there
or was allowed to happen by General Tserclaes Von Tilly, who was by birth a
Dutchman, was typical of the horror men can inflict on their brothers when the
thin veneer of civilization is wiped away and evilness is loosed upon the land. It
is a wonder that anyone at all survived.
Within a period of 12 hours the city was reduced to rubble and smoking ashes. No
one was spared whether young or old including the women who were raped, then
murdered. Even the children were slain by the sword and the entire number of people
killed was not less than 30,000 with some chroniclers claiming the number was as
high as 50,000 dead.
Somehow Hans and Jochem did escape and eight years later were able to find their
way to America. How they survived and where they were in the intervening years is
a mystery. Seventeen years after their arrival, Jochem, on a trip back to
Holland with Everardus Bogardus on that same, now famous fateful ship, both perished.
And, thus it is, that Jochem never married or left any issue, but his brother, Hans, a
physician and surgeon employed by the Dutch West India Company, met and married
Sara Roelofs.
Hans and Sara raised a family of ten children, six sons and four daughters. It is
known that Hans died prior to 17 July 1667 as on that day his name is mentioned in a
deed that describes him as dead. His youngest child, Rachel, baptized 13 September
1665, must have been only a little over one year old when he passed away.
She and Hans Keirstede became the ancestors of the Teller line of the James Teller,
in photo above, shown in 2009 on Croton-On-Hudson.
The name of Hans Kierstede first shows up in the Dutch records on May 1, 1638. He
left the service of the West India Company before 28 August 1648 because on that day
a power of attorney is given to Willem Turck to collect money due him from the
Company for his late services.
After he detached himself from the West India Company he remained in New
Amsterdam working in a private capacity as a surgeon and physician.
Four of his sons lived to continue the Kierstede line: Hans, Roelof, Lucas and
Jacobus. Three daughters matured, married, and raised their families. One of these girls
was Sarah, who married Willem Teller.
Spouses
1 Sarah Roeloffse
Birth 3 Dec 1626, Masterland (island near Goteborg, Sweden/Norway)
Death abt 21 Oct 1693, New Amsterdam, New York
Father Roelof (Roeloffse) Jansen (1605-1636)
Mother Anneke Jans Bogardus(1605-1663)
Marriage 29 Jun 1642, New Amsterdam Reformed Church, New York
Outline Descendant Report for Dr. *Hans Kiersted and some of his descendents.
1 Dr. *Hans Kiersted (about 1612 - about 1667) b: Abt. 1612 in Magdeburg, Saxony, Germany, d: Abt. 1667 in New Amsterdam, Kings, New York, USA
... + Sara Roelfs b: Amsterdam, m: 1642 in New Amsterdam, now NY, d: New Amsterdam, Col. America
......2 Rachel Kierstede (1665 - after 1711) b: 13 Sep 1665 in New York, New York, USA, d: Aft. May 1711 in New Amsterdam, New York, USA
...... + Willem* Teller (1657 - about 1686) b: 1657 in Albany, Albany, New York, USA, m: 16 Oct 1686 in New York City, Dutchess Co., NY, d: Abt. 1686 in Albany Co NY
.........3 Jacobus* Teller (1703 - 1761) b: 29 Aug 1703 in Dutch Church, New York, New York, USA, d: 1761 in NY
......... + Marita Vermillye (1711 - after 1760) b: 12 May 1711 in New York, USA, m: Bef. 1730 in New Amsterdam, American Colony, (NY), d: Aft. 1760 in New Amsterdam, American Colony, (NY)
............4 John Teller (1741 - 1830) b: 1741 in Croton Point, Westchester Co., NY, d: 23 Jun 1830 in Glenville, Clinton Co. NY
............ + Sarah Haines (1750 - 1830) b: 1750 in NY, m: 1766 in New York, d: 25 Apr 1830 in Glenville, NY
...............5 Tobias Teller (1792 - 1875) b: 06 Nov 1792 in Schnectedy Co NY, d: 15 Feb 1875 in Colen, St. Joseph Co., MI
............... + *Maryann Fowler (1788 - 1871) b: 15 Mar 1788, m: 1814 in NY, d: 27 Oct 1871
..................6 George Weeks Teller (1826 - 1907) b: 21 Feb 1826 in Schnectedy Co NY, d: 14 Dec 1907 in Colen, St. Joseph Co MI
.................. + Miara Elizabeth Eberhard (1831 - 1909) b: 05 Mar 1831 in Busyrus, Crawford Co. OH, m: 29 Jun 1850, d: 18 Sep 1909 in Colen, St. Joseph Co MI
.....................7 George Lincoln Teller (1867 - 1942) b: 21 Jan 1867 in Colon, St. Joseph Co MI, d: 13 Nov 1942 in Riverside, Cook Co IL
..................... + Martha Louisa 'Lula' Curry (1871 - 1959) b: 03 Nov 1871 in Hamberg, Ashley Co AR, m: 19 Jul 1894 in St. Louis, MO, d: 14 Feb 1959 in Riverside, Cook Co IL
Additional Data:
Family Group Sheet for Dr. *Hans Kiersted
Husband: Dr. *Hans Kiersted
Birth:Abt. 1612 in Magdeburg, Saxony, Germany
Death:Abt. 1667 in New Amsterdam, Kings, New York,
Marriage:1642 in New Amsterdam, now NY
Father:Hans von Kierstede
Mother: Blandina
Wife: Sarah Roelfs
Birth:Amsterdam
Death:New Amsterdam, Col.onial America, now New York.
Father: Roelf Jansen
Mother: Anneke Jans Bogardus
Our line: daughter:
1
Name:
Rachel Kierstede
F
Birth:
13 Sep 1665 in New York, New York,
Death:
Aft. May 1711 in New Amsterdam, New York,
Marriage:
16 Oct 1686 in New York City, Dutchess Co., NY
Spouse:
Willem* Teller
Notes:
Dr. *Hans Kiersted
Notes: Data from various posted and printed material, consolidated and edited by SMT.
He was born about 1612 in Magdeburg, Sachsen-Anhalt, Germany, the capitol of Prussian Saxony. He gave his age as 32 years in 1644. It is believed that Hans and his brother, Jochem, were refugees after the dreadful sack of Magdeburg by Count Tilly's savage troops in the year 1631 at which time Hans was about nineteen years of age.
He left on 7 Sep 1637 from Texel in the West Frisian Islands of Noord-Holland arriving on 28 Mar 1638 in America at the Dutch Colony of New Amsterdam, now New York City, New York, along with Governor Kieft.
He was a Doctor by May 1638. He was the first Surgeon in New Amsterdam for the Dutch West India Company and the founder of a family of physicians and apothecaries. The first recorded Coroners inquest, May 18, 1638, ever held in New York city was conducted by Master Hans Kierstede and his assistant, Master Gerrit Schutt on the body of Gerrit Jansen, gunner at Fort Amsterdam, and found the latter had been stabbed to death on the fifth of May Ultimo.
The banns of his marriage to Sarah Roelofs were published June 29, 1642: "Mr. Hans Kierstede, Chirurgyn, j.m. Van Maegdenburg, en Sarah h Roelofs, j.d. Van Amsterdam, beyde wonende tot N. Amsterdam" (both living at New Amsterdam).) He married Sarah Roelfs on 29 Jun 1642 in New Amsterdam. She was born on 3 Dec 1626 in Maesterland, Zuid Holland . some say Amsterdam, Noord Holland, The Netherlands, the daughter of Roelof Jansen and Anneke Jans, also known (later, after her marriage to Rev. Bogardus) as Anneke Jane Bogardus.
Sarah came from Amsterdam with her parents in 1630 and became very proficient in the Indian tongue. In 1664 she acted as an interpreter in the treaty made by Stuyvesant with the River Indians. Sarah received a large tract of land on the Hudson River in return for her service in the above treaty an interpreter for the Minnisink Indian for the Dutch, and received a land grant for those services. The land called "Sarah’s Point", then "Teller's Point" after it was received by her Teller grandchildren, and then "Croton Point" today, Croton-on-Hudson. . The Minisink Indians living on the Upper Delaware River, were of Algonquin stock, part of the Deleware group, and of the Minisink tribe. They were later known as the Munsee after a large number of Munsee joined them as refugees, and are referred to as Munsee in most records.
Sarah was a member of the Dutch Reformed Church. This couple’s names are in the records of the New Amsterdam Reformed Church on the date of 1 Jan 1647 Mr. Hans Kierstede, Sarah Roelofs; Roelof; Jochem Kierstede, Annetje Bogardus, Tryntje Roelofs. This family line this writer is concerned with descends from their youngest daughter, Rachel, born 1665, who became the wife of Willem Teller. Hans Kierstede and Sarah Roelofs had many children, listed below:
.?Johanna year of birth not listed to this writer’s knowledge.
.1 Hans/Jans 1644-1691
.2 Roelof 1646-1710+.................The Main Line: 1222.0
.3. Justina -1649.
.4 Anna 1650-c1653
.5 Blandina 1653-1702+
.6 Jochen 1655-1710
.7 Lucas 1657 -1702+
.8 Catherine 1660-1703+
.9 Jacobus 1662-1c1663 d. early
.10 Jacobus 1663-1704+
.11 Rachel 1665-1703+
Dr Kierstede continued to work for the West India Company for five years or more, apparently leaving the service about 1644 and entered private practice. He continued private practice until his death in 1666. There is evidence, however, that he tried to get back into the Company's service in 1650. The exact date of his death is not known but in a letter to Governor Stuyvesant, dated 17 August 1666, van Ruyven said "since you left there have died here, to my knowledge, Abraham Klock and Hans Kierstede".
Hans joined the Dutch Reformed Church on January 11, 1665, the church in which his wife, Sarah had long been a member. He seemed to have won and held an outstanding place in the community, as said by Mariana Griswold Van Rensselaer (February 21, 1851 – January 20, 1934), usually known as Mrs. Schuyler Van Rensselaer in the "History of the City of New York", "Kierstede's descendants followed in his steps with a constancy rare in our changeful America: it is believed that since his time, New York has had a physician or an apothecary of his blood and name."
Hans died about 1667 in New Amsterdam.(6:3) His name is on the Honor Roll of the St. Nicholas Society and as surgeon of Colonial forces at Fort Orange, 1645, his name is on the Honor Roll of the Society of Colonial Wars; his descendents are consequently eligible to membership in these societies.
Sarah did not remain a widow for long with several small children to raise. On 1 Sep 1669 in New Amsterdam she married Cornelis Van Bosum. He was born on 5 Oct 1642
He died about 1681, leaving a will dated 16 June 1680 and proven 25 Sep 1682 which reads in part:
Leaves to daughter Anna "the proper portion of a child." Rest of estate to his wife Sarah "and she is to maintain my daughter Anna decently, and cause her being taught reading and writing, and a trade, by which she may live." Mentions "my wife's daughter Rachel Kierstede." If his daughter Anna dies, then his brother, Van Borsum, is to have "50 whole Beavers, at 8 guilders apiece or their value." He makes wife Sarah executrix. The document is dated June 16, 1680 and proved, September 25, 1682.
Once again a widow Sarah found another husband for on 21 July 1683 she married Elbert Elbertson. He was born about 1620. Sarah died in 1693 in New Amsterdam.
Hans Kierstede’s father was the elder Hans Kierstede born about 1586 in Magdeburg, Sachsen, Anhalt, Prussia, now Germany. His mother was Blandina, born about 1590 was “of” Magdeburg, Sachsen, Anhalt, Prussia, now Germany
He married Sarah Janz Roeloffse, born 3 Dec. 1626 in Maesterland, South Holland.
The Netherland. They were married on 29 Jun 1642 in , New Amsterdam, now New York
Their children included:
*Hans Kierestde born Sep 1644 in New Amsterdan, New York, New York,
*Roelof KIERSTEDE Dr. born ABT 1646 in , New Amsterdam, New York, New York,
*Justrina KIERSTEDE born 10 Oct 1649 in , New Amsterdan, New York, New York
*Anna KIERSTEDE born Apr 1650 in New Amsterdam, New York, New York,
*Blandina KIERSTEDE born 5 Jun 1653 in New Amsterdam, New York, New York,
*Jochem KIERSTEDE born Oct 1655 in New Amsterdam, New York, New York,
*Lucas KIERSTEDE born 23 Aug 1657 in New Amsterdam, New York, New York,
*Catharyn "Catherine" KIERSTEDE born Jun 1660 in New Amsterdam, New York, New York, Jacob KIERSTEDE born Jun 1662 in New Amsterdam, New York, New York,
*Jacobus KIERSTEDE Dr. born 25 Nov 1663 in New Amsterdam, New York, New York,
*Rachel KIERSTEDE born Sep 1665 in New Amsterdam, New York, New York,
Sources:
Repository: Name: Clark M Leonard Newport Beach, CA 92660
Title: The Leonards and Related Families; 1993 (revised 2002) Author: Clark M Leonard
Another record of the parent s of Hans van Kierstede, Dr. Hans Kierstede’s father:
:
Jacobus VON SCHIERSTEDT was born ABT 1560.
Child of Jacobus VON SCHIERSTEDT is:
i. Hans VAN KIERSTEDE was born 1586 in Magdeburg, Sachsen, Prussia. He married Blandina before ore ore ore 1612. She was born BEFORE ORE ORE 1590 in Magdeburg, Sachsen, Prussia.
Dr. Hans Kiersted was one of the first physicians in colonial North America. He was educated in Saxony, Germany, "from whence he came". His daughter, Rachel, met William Teller II in New York City, after the Tellers moved there in 1692.
Source-ACG, Vol. III, p. 411: linage for Henry Hendrickzen Kip, to Kierstede family; p. 671, biography: Kierstede, Dr. Hans, (d 1671) from Magdenburg to New Amsterdam, 1638, with Gov. Keift; Kierstede was noted physician and surgeon of New Amsterdam; m. 1642, Sarah h Roelofse, eldest dau. of the celebrated Anneke Jans.
Sarah Roelfs
ii. Sarah born in Amsterdam, late in 1626 or early in 1627, was baptized there in the Lutheran Church 5 April 1627. (On 21 June 1642 she was about sixteen years old,and her marriage record said she was born in Amsterdam.) Her will, dated 29 July 1692, with a codicil of 7 August 1693, was proved 21 October 1693.
Sarah married first, with intention dated 29 June 1642, in the Dutch Reformed Church in New Amsterdam, Dr. Hans Kierstede, a surgeon. She married second, with intention dated 1 September 1669 in New York, Cornelis Van Borsum. She married third, with intention dated 21 July 1683, in New York, Elbert Elbertsen Stoothoff, as his second wife.6
Sarah (Roelfsen) Kierstede, wife of Dr. Hans Kierstede, provided services interpreter for the Minnisink Indian for the Dutch, and received a land grant for those services. The land called "Sarah Point", then "Teller's Point" after it was received by her Teller grandchildren, and then "Croton Point" afterwards and today, Croton-on-Hudson, was land granted for that service. The Minisink Indians lived on the Upper Delaware River, were of Algonquin stock, part of the Deleware group, and of the Minisink tribe. They were later known as the Munsee after a large number of Munsee joined them as refugees, and are referred to as Munsee in most records.
More Notes: (con't)
They had at least 8 children, The first two born in New Amsterdam, the others in Westchester County, New York: (6:44-54)
.1 MARGARET 1687-c1695
.2 WILLIAM 1689-c1690
.3 WILLIAM 1690-?
.4 JOHANNES 1693-1744+
.5 MARGARET 1695-?
.6 ANDRIES 1702-?
.7 JACOBUS 1704-1753+
.8 BLANDINA 1696-?
Rachel appears in many church records in New Amsterdam: (6:46,47):
1683, 11 Mar; Pieter Bayard, Blandina Kierstede; Sarah ; Johannes Kip, Rachel Kierstede.
1686, 29 Aug; Lucas Kierstede, Rachel Kips; Maria; Mr. Hans Kierstede, Maria de Lamontagne, Rachel Kierstede.
1688, 11 Nov; Johannes Kip, Catharina Kierstede; Sarah ; Hans Kierstede, Maria Montagne, Rachel Kierstede.
1689, 12 Jun; Francois Rombout, Helena Teller; Johannes; Nicolaes Bayard, Rachel Kierstede. 1691, 11 Dec; Adriaen Man, Annetje Oothout; Geertie; Johannes Kip, Rachel Kierstede.
1692, 3 Feb; Johannes Kip, Catharina Kierstede; Blandina; Abraham Kip, Rachel Kierstede.
1694, 31 Jan; Johannes Kip, Catharina Kierstede; Johannes; Willem Teller, Junior, Rachel Kierstede. 1696, 26 Apr; Capt. Johannis Kip, Catharina Kierstede; Blandina; Abraham Kip, Rachel Kierstede, h. v. Willem Teller.
1698, 9 Jan; Luykas Kierstede, Rachel Kip; Rachel; Abraham Kip, Rachel Kierstede wife of Wil Teller. 1699, 2 Jul; Jacobus Kierstede, Anna Hoorns; Jacobus; Luykas Kierstede, Rachel Kierstede wife of Will. Teller.
1700, 20 Oct; Johannis Kip, Catharina Kierstede; Henricus; Abraham Kip, Rachel Kierstede wife of Will. Teller.
1701, 1 Oct; Jacob Brouwer, Anna Bogardus; Wyntje; Johannis Kip, Rachel Kierstede wife of Will. Teller. 1704, 18 Apr; Johannis Rykman, Catharina Kip; Johannis; Pieter Rykman, Rachel Kierstede.
1710, 7 Jun; Samuel Kip, Grietje Rykman; Maria; Johannes Rykman, Rachel Kierstede.
William died after 25 June 1710, the date of his will, in the Croton Valley, Westchester County, New York. His will was proven on 4 May 1711 and his wife, Rachel, was alive.(6:53)
Father: Hans KIERSTEDE Dr. born ABT 1612 in , Magdeburg, Saxony, Germany
Mother: Sarah h JANSZ ROELOFFSE born 3 Dec 1626 in Maesterland, South Holland, The Netherlands
Marriage 1 Willemse "William" TELLER born ABT 1661 “of” New Amsterdam, New York, New York, Married: 19 Nov 1686 in New Amsterdam, New York,
Sources:
Repository: Name: Clark M Leonard Newport Beach, CA 92660 cmleonard1@cox.net
Title: The Leonards and Related Families; 1993 (revised 2003)
Author: Clark M Leonard Publication: unpublished, available
……………………………………………………………….
Outline Descendant Report for Dr. *Hans Kiersted
from compiled records of Susan Moore Teller: 2013-Dec.
1 Dr. *Hans Kiersted born Abt. 1612 in Magdeburg, Saxony, Germany, d: Abt. 1667 in New Amsterdam, Kings, New York,
... + Sarah \Roelfs born Amsterdam, m: 1642 in New Amsterdam, now NY, d: New Amsterdam, Col. America
......2 Rachel Kierstede born 13 Sep 1665 in New York, New York, , d: Aft. May 1711 in New Amsterdam, New York,
...... + Willem* Teller born 1657 in Albany, Albany, New York, , m: 16 Oct 1686 in New York City, Dutchess Co., NY, d: Abt. 1686 in Albany Co NY
.........3 Jacobus* Teller born 29 Aug 1703 in Dutch Church, New York, New York, , d: 1761 in NY
......... + Marita Vermillye born 12 May 1711 in New York, , m: before ore ore . 1730 in New Amsterdam, American Colony, (NY), d: Aft. 1760 in New Amsterdam, American Colony, (NY)
............4 John \Teller born 1741 in Croton Point, Westchester Co., NY, d: 23 Jun 1830 in Glenville, Clinton Co. NY
............ + Sarah h \Haines born 1750 in NY, m: 1766 in New York, d: 25 Apr 1830 in Glenville, NY
...............5 Tobias Teller born 06 Nov 1792 in Schnectedy Co NY, d: 15 Feb 1875 in Colen, St. Joseph Co., MI
............... + *Maryann Fowler born 15 Mar 1788, m: 1814 in NY, d: 27 Oct 1871
..................6 George Weeks Teller born 21 Feb 1826 in Schnectedy Co NY, d: 14 Dec 1907 in Colen, St. Joseph Co MI
.................. + Miara Elizabeth Eberhard born 05 Mar 1831 in Busyrus, Crawford Co. OH, m: 29 Jun 1850, d: 18 Sep 1909 in Colen, St. Joseph Co MI
.....................7 George Lincoln Teller born 21 Jan 1867 in Colon, St. Joseph Co MI, d: 13 Nov 1942 in Riverside, Cook Co IL
..................... + Martha Louisa 'Lula' Curry born 03 Nov 1871 in Hamberg, Ashley Co AR, m: 19 Jul 1894 in St. Louis, MO, d: 14 Feb 1959 in Riverside, Cook Co Illinois.
Birth 1612, Magdeburg, Prussian Saxony, Germany
Death1666, New Amsterdam, New York
Father: Jacobus
Mother: Elizabeth
Prominently mentioned in the book "Young Doctor of New Amsterdam" by Norma Wood James
Hans Kierstede and his brother, Jochem, were refugees from city of Magdenburg,
Germany. This was the city that was sacked by Tilly in 1630. What occurred there
or was allowed to happen by General Tserclaes Von Tilly, who was by birth a
Dutchman, was typical of the horror men can inflict on their brothers when the
thin veneer of civilization is wiped away and evilness is loosed upon the land. It
is a wonder that anyone at all survived.
Within a period of 12 hours the city was reduced to rubble and smoking ashes. No
one was spared whether young or old including the women who were raped, then
murdered. Even the children were slain by the sword and the entire number of people
killed was not less than 30,000 with some chroniclers claiming the number was as
high as 50,000 dead.
Somehow Hans and Jochem did escape and eight years later were able to find their
way to America. How they survived and where they were in the intervening years is
a mystery. Seventeen years after their arrival, Jochem, on a trip back to
Holland with Everardus Bogardus on that same, now famous fateful ship, both perished.
And, thus it is, that Jochem never married or left any issue, but his brother, Hans, a
physician and surgeon employed by the Dutch West India Company, met and married
Sara Roelofs.
Hans and Sara raised a family of ten children, six sons and four daughters. It is
known that Hans died prior to 17 July 1667 as on that day his name is mentioned in a
deed that describes him as dead. His youngest child, Rachel, baptized 13 September
1665, must have been only a little over one year old when he passed away.
She and Hans Keirstede became the ancestors of the Teller line of the James Teller,
in photo above, shown in 2009 on Croton-On-Hudson.
The name of Hans Kierstede first shows up in the Dutch records on May 1, 1638. He
left the service of the West India Company before 28 August 1648 because on that day
a power of attorney is given to Willem Turck to collect money due him from the
Company for his late services.
After he detached himself from the West India Company he remained in New
Amsterdam working in a private capacity as a surgeon and physician.
Four of his sons lived to continue the Kierstede line: Hans, Roelof, Lucas and
Jacobus. Three daughters matured, married, and raised their families. One of these girls
was Sarah, who married Willem Teller.
Spouses
1 Sarah Roeloffse
Birth 3 Dec 1626, Masterland (island near Goteborg, Sweden/Norway)
Death abt 21 Oct 1693, New Amsterdam, New York
Father Roelof (Roeloffse) Jansen (1605-1636)
Mother Anneke Jans Bogardus(1605-1663)
Marriage 29 Jun 1642, New Amsterdam Reformed Church, New York
Outline Descendant Report for Dr. *Hans Kiersted and some of his descendents.
1 Dr. *Hans Kiersted (about 1612 - about 1667) b: Abt. 1612 in Magdeburg, Saxony, Germany, d: Abt. 1667 in New Amsterdam, Kings, New York, USA
... + Sara Roelfs b: Amsterdam, m: 1642 in New Amsterdam, now NY, d: New Amsterdam, Col. America
......2 Rachel Kierstede (1665 - after 1711) b: 13 Sep 1665 in New York, New York, USA, d: Aft. May 1711 in New Amsterdam, New York, USA
...... + Willem* Teller (1657 - about 1686) b: 1657 in Albany, Albany, New York, USA, m: 16 Oct 1686 in New York City, Dutchess Co., NY, d: Abt. 1686 in Albany Co NY
.........3 Jacobus* Teller (1703 - 1761) b: 29 Aug 1703 in Dutch Church, New York, New York, USA, d: 1761 in NY
......... + Marita Vermillye (1711 - after 1760) b: 12 May 1711 in New York, USA, m: Bef. 1730 in New Amsterdam, American Colony, (NY), d: Aft. 1760 in New Amsterdam, American Colony, (NY)
............4 John Teller (1741 - 1830) b: 1741 in Croton Point, Westchester Co., NY, d: 23 Jun 1830 in Glenville, Clinton Co. NY
............ + Sarah Haines (1750 - 1830) b: 1750 in NY, m: 1766 in New York, d: 25 Apr 1830 in Glenville, NY
...............5 Tobias Teller (1792 - 1875) b: 06 Nov 1792 in Schnectedy Co NY, d: 15 Feb 1875 in Colen, St. Joseph Co., MI
............... + *Maryann Fowler (1788 - 1871) b: 15 Mar 1788, m: 1814 in NY, d: 27 Oct 1871
..................6 George Weeks Teller (1826 - 1907) b: 21 Feb 1826 in Schnectedy Co NY, d: 14 Dec 1907 in Colen, St. Joseph Co MI
.................. + Miara Elizabeth Eberhard (1831 - 1909) b: 05 Mar 1831 in Busyrus, Crawford Co. OH, m: 29 Jun 1850, d: 18 Sep 1909 in Colen, St. Joseph Co MI
.....................7 George Lincoln Teller (1867 - 1942) b: 21 Jan 1867 in Colon, St. Joseph Co MI, d: 13 Nov 1942 in Riverside, Cook Co IL
..................... + Martha Louisa 'Lula' Curry (1871 - 1959) b: 03 Nov 1871 in Hamberg, Ashley Co AR, m: 19 Jul 1894 in St. Louis, MO, d: 14 Feb 1959 in Riverside, Cook Co IL
Additional Data:
Family Group Sheet for Dr. *Hans Kiersted
Husband: Dr. *Hans Kiersted
Birth:Abt. 1612 in Magdeburg, Saxony, Germany
Death:Abt. 1667 in New Amsterdam, Kings, New York,
Marriage:1642 in New Amsterdam, now NY
Father:Hans von Kierstede
Mother: Blandina
Wife: Sarah Roelfs
Birth:Amsterdam
Death:New Amsterdam, Col.onial America, now New York.
Father: Roelf Jansen
Mother: Anneke Jans Bogardus
Our line: daughter:
1
Name:
Rachel Kierstede
F
Birth:
13 Sep 1665 in New York, New York,
Death:
Aft. May 1711 in New Amsterdam, New York,
Marriage:
16 Oct 1686 in New York City, Dutchess Co., NY
Spouse:
Willem* Teller
Notes:
Dr. *Hans Kiersted
Notes: Data from various posted and printed material, consolidated and edited by SMT.
He was born about 1612 in Magdeburg, Sachsen-Anhalt, Germany, the capitol of Prussian Saxony. He gave his age as 32 years in 1644. It is believed that Hans and his brother, Jochem, were refugees after the dreadful sack of Magdeburg by Count Tilly's savage troops in the year 1631 at which time Hans was about nineteen years of age.
He left on 7 Sep 1637 from Texel in the West Frisian Islands of Noord-Holland arriving on 28 Mar 1638 in America at the Dutch Colony of New Amsterdam, now New York City, New York, along with Governor Kieft.
He was a Doctor by May 1638. He was the first Surgeon in New Amsterdam for the Dutch West India Company and the founder of a family of physicians and apothecaries. The first recorded Coroners inquest, May 18, 1638, ever held in New York city was conducted by Master Hans Kierstede and his assistant, Master Gerrit Schutt on the body of Gerrit Jansen, gunner at Fort Amsterdam, and found the latter had been stabbed to death on the fifth of May Ultimo.
The banns of his marriage to Sarah Roelofs were published June 29, 1642: "Mr. Hans Kierstede, Chirurgyn, j.m. Van Maegdenburg, en Sarah h Roelofs, j.d. Van Amsterdam, beyde wonende tot N. Amsterdam" (both living at New Amsterdam).) He married Sarah Roelfs on 29 Jun 1642 in New Amsterdam. She was born on 3 Dec 1626 in Maesterland, Zuid Holland . some say Amsterdam, Noord Holland, The Netherlands, the daughter of Roelof Jansen and Anneke Jans, also known (later, after her marriage to Rev. Bogardus) as Anneke Jane Bogardus.
Sarah came from Amsterdam with her parents in 1630 and became very proficient in the Indian tongue. In 1664 she acted as an interpreter in the treaty made by Stuyvesant with the River Indians. Sarah received a large tract of land on the Hudson River in return for her service in the above treaty an interpreter for the Minnisink Indian for the Dutch, and received a land grant for those services. The land called "Sarah’s Point", then "Teller's Point" after it was received by her Teller grandchildren, and then "Croton Point" today, Croton-on-Hudson. . The Minisink Indians living on the Upper Delaware River, were of Algonquin stock, part of the Deleware group, and of the Minisink tribe. They were later known as the Munsee after a large number of Munsee joined them as refugees, and are referred to as Munsee in most records.
Sarah was a member of the Dutch Reformed Church. This couple’s names are in the records of the New Amsterdam Reformed Church on the date of 1 Jan 1647 Mr. Hans Kierstede, Sarah Roelofs; Roelof; Jochem Kierstede, Annetje Bogardus, Tryntje Roelofs. This family line this writer is concerned with descends from their youngest daughter, Rachel, born 1665, who became the wife of Willem Teller. Hans Kierstede and Sarah Roelofs had many children, listed below:
.?Johanna year of birth not listed to this writer’s knowledge.
.1 Hans/Jans 1644-1691
.2 Roelof 1646-1710+.................The Main Line: 1222.0
.3. Justina -1649.
.4 Anna 1650-c1653
.5 Blandina 1653-1702+
.6 Jochen 1655-1710
.7 Lucas 1657 -1702+
.8 Catherine 1660-1703+
.9 Jacobus 1662-1c1663 d. early
.10 Jacobus 1663-1704+
.11 Rachel 1665-1703+
Dr Kierstede continued to work for the West India Company for five years or more, apparently leaving the service about 1644 and entered private practice. He continued private practice until his death in 1666. There is evidence, however, that he tried to get back into the Company's service in 1650. The exact date of his death is not known but in a letter to Governor Stuyvesant, dated 17 August 1666, van Ruyven said "since you left there have died here, to my knowledge, Abraham Klock and Hans Kierstede".
Hans joined the Dutch Reformed Church on January 11, 1665, the church in which his wife, Sarah had long been a member. He seemed to have won and held an outstanding place in the community, as said by Mariana Griswold Van Rensselaer (February 21, 1851 – January 20, 1934), usually known as Mrs. Schuyler Van Rensselaer in the "History of the City of New York", "Kierstede's descendants followed in his steps with a constancy rare in our changeful America: it is believed that since his time, New York has had a physician or an apothecary of his blood and name."
Hans died about 1667 in New Amsterdam.(6:3) His name is on the Honor Roll of the St. Nicholas Society and as surgeon of Colonial forces at Fort Orange, 1645, his name is on the Honor Roll of the Society of Colonial Wars; his descendents are consequently eligible to membership in these societies.
Sarah did not remain a widow for long with several small children to raise. On 1 Sep 1669 in New Amsterdam she married Cornelis Van Bosum. He was born on 5 Oct 1642
He died about 1681, leaving a will dated 16 June 1680 and proven 25 Sep 1682 which reads in part:
Leaves to daughter Anna "the proper portion of a child." Rest of estate to his wife Sarah "and she is to maintain my daughter Anna decently, and cause her being taught reading and writing, and a trade, by which she may live." Mentions "my wife's daughter Rachel Kierstede." If his daughter Anna dies, then his brother, Van Borsum, is to have "50 whole Beavers, at 8 guilders apiece or their value." He makes wife Sarah executrix. The document is dated June 16, 1680 and proved, September 25, 1682.
Once again a widow Sarah found another husband for on 21 July 1683 she married Elbert Elbertson. He was born about 1620. Sarah died in 1693 in New Amsterdam.
Hans Kierstede’s father was the elder Hans Kierstede born about 1586 in Magdeburg, Sachsen, Anhalt, Prussia, now Germany. His mother was Blandina, born about 1590 was “of” Magdeburg, Sachsen, Anhalt, Prussia, now Germany
He married Sarah Janz Roeloffse, born 3 Dec. 1626 in Maesterland, South Holland.
The Netherland. They were married on 29 Jun 1642 in , New Amsterdam, now New York
Their children included:
*Hans Kierestde born Sep 1644 in New Amsterdan, New York, New York,
*Roelof KIERSTEDE Dr. born ABT 1646 in , New Amsterdam, New York, New York,
*Justrina KIERSTEDE born 10 Oct 1649 in , New Amsterdan, New York, New York
*Anna KIERSTEDE born Apr 1650 in New Amsterdam, New York, New York,
*Blandina KIERSTEDE born 5 Jun 1653 in New Amsterdam, New York, New York,
*Jochem KIERSTEDE born Oct 1655 in New Amsterdam, New York, New York,
*Lucas KIERSTEDE born 23 Aug 1657 in New Amsterdam, New York, New York,
*Catharyn "Catherine" KIERSTEDE born Jun 1660 in New Amsterdam, New York, New York, Jacob KIERSTEDE born Jun 1662 in New Amsterdam, New York, New York,
*Jacobus KIERSTEDE Dr. born 25 Nov 1663 in New Amsterdam, New York, New York,
*Rachel KIERSTEDE born Sep 1665 in New Amsterdam, New York, New York,
Sources:
Repository: Name: Clark M Leonard Newport Beach, CA 92660
Title: The Leonards and Related Families; 1993 (revised 2002) Author: Clark M Leonard
Another record of the parent s of Hans van Kierstede, Dr. Hans Kierstede’s father:
:
Jacobus VON SCHIERSTEDT was born ABT 1560.
Child of Jacobus VON SCHIERSTEDT is:
i. Hans VAN KIERSTEDE was born 1586 in Magdeburg, Sachsen, Prussia. He married Blandina before ore ore ore 1612. She was born BEFORE ORE ORE 1590 in Magdeburg, Sachsen, Prussia.
Dr. Hans Kiersted was one of the first physicians in colonial North America. He was educated in Saxony, Germany, "from whence he came". His daughter, Rachel, met William Teller II in New York City, after the Tellers moved there in 1692.
Source-ACG, Vol. III, p. 411: linage for Henry Hendrickzen Kip, to Kierstede family; p. 671, biography: Kierstede, Dr. Hans, (d 1671) from Magdenburg to New Amsterdam, 1638, with Gov. Keift; Kierstede was noted physician and surgeon of New Amsterdam; m. 1642, Sarah h Roelofse, eldest dau. of the celebrated Anneke Jans.
Sarah Roelfs
ii. Sarah born in Amsterdam, late in 1626 or early in 1627, was baptized there in the Lutheran Church 5 April 1627. (On 21 June 1642 she was about sixteen years old,and her marriage record said she was born in Amsterdam.) Her will, dated 29 July 1692, with a codicil of 7 August 1693, was proved 21 October 1693.
Sarah married first, with intention dated 29 June 1642, in the Dutch Reformed Church in New Amsterdam, Dr. Hans Kierstede, a surgeon. She married second, with intention dated 1 September 1669 in New York, Cornelis Van Borsum. She married third, with intention dated 21 July 1683, in New York, Elbert Elbertsen Stoothoff, as his second wife.6
Sarah (Roelfsen) Kierstede, wife of Dr. Hans Kierstede, provided services interpreter for the Minnisink Indian for the Dutch, and received a land grant for those services. The land called "Sarah Point", then "Teller's Point" after it was received by her Teller grandchildren, and then "Croton Point" afterwards and today, Croton-on-Hudson, was land granted for that service. The Minisink Indians lived on the Upper Delaware River, were of Algonquin stock, part of the Deleware group, and of the Minisink tribe. They were later known as the Munsee after a large number of Munsee joined them as refugees, and are referred to as Munsee in most records.
More Notes: (con't)
They had at least 8 children, The first two born in New Amsterdam, the others in Westchester County, New York: (6:44-54)
.1 MARGARET 1687-c1695
.2 WILLIAM 1689-c1690
.3 WILLIAM 1690-?
.4 JOHANNES 1693-1744+
.5 MARGARET 1695-?
.6 ANDRIES 1702-?
.7 JACOBUS 1704-1753+
.8 BLANDINA 1696-?
Rachel appears in many church records in New Amsterdam: (6:46,47):
1683, 11 Mar; Pieter Bayard, Blandina Kierstede; Sarah ; Johannes Kip, Rachel Kierstede.
1686, 29 Aug; Lucas Kierstede, Rachel Kips; Maria; Mr. Hans Kierstede, Maria de Lamontagne, Rachel Kierstede.
1688, 11 Nov; Johannes Kip, Catharina Kierstede; Sarah ; Hans Kierstede, Maria Montagne, Rachel Kierstede.
1689, 12 Jun; Francois Rombout, Helena Teller; Johannes; Nicolaes Bayard, Rachel Kierstede. 1691, 11 Dec; Adriaen Man, Annetje Oothout; Geertie; Johannes Kip, Rachel Kierstede.
1692, 3 Feb; Johannes Kip, Catharina Kierstede; Blandina; Abraham Kip, Rachel Kierstede.
1694, 31 Jan; Johannes Kip, Catharina Kierstede; Johannes; Willem Teller, Junior, Rachel Kierstede. 1696, 26 Apr; Capt. Johannis Kip, Catharina Kierstede; Blandina; Abraham Kip, Rachel Kierstede, h. v. Willem Teller.
1698, 9 Jan; Luykas Kierstede, Rachel Kip; Rachel; Abraham Kip, Rachel Kierstede wife of Wil Teller. 1699, 2 Jul; Jacobus Kierstede, Anna Hoorns; Jacobus; Luykas Kierstede, Rachel Kierstede wife of Will. Teller.
1700, 20 Oct; Johannis Kip, Catharina Kierstede; Henricus; Abraham Kip, Rachel Kierstede wife of Will. Teller.
1701, 1 Oct; Jacob Brouwer, Anna Bogardus; Wyntje; Johannis Kip, Rachel Kierstede wife of Will. Teller. 1704, 18 Apr; Johannis Rykman, Catharina Kip; Johannis; Pieter Rykman, Rachel Kierstede.
1710, 7 Jun; Samuel Kip, Grietje Rykman; Maria; Johannes Rykman, Rachel Kierstede.
William died after 25 June 1710, the date of his will, in the Croton Valley, Westchester County, New York. His will was proven on 4 May 1711 and his wife, Rachel, was alive.(6:53)
Father: Hans KIERSTEDE Dr. born ABT 1612 in , Magdeburg, Saxony, Germany
Mother: Sarah h JANSZ ROELOFFSE born 3 Dec 1626 in Maesterland, South Holland, The Netherlands
Marriage 1 Willemse "William" TELLER born ABT 1661 “of” New Amsterdam, New York, New York, Married: 19 Nov 1686 in New Amsterdam, New York,
Sources:
Repository: Name: Clark M Leonard Newport Beach, CA 92660 cmleonard1@cox.net
Title: The Leonards and Related Families; 1993 (revised 2003)
Author: Clark M Leonard Publication: unpublished, available
……………………………………………………………….
Outline Descendant Report for Dr. *Hans Kiersted
from compiled records of Susan Moore Teller: 2013-Dec.
1 Dr. *Hans Kiersted born Abt. 1612 in Magdeburg, Saxony, Germany, d: Abt. 1667 in New Amsterdam, Kings, New York,
... + Sarah \Roelfs born Amsterdam, m: 1642 in New Amsterdam, now NY, d: New Amsterdam, Col. America
......2 Rachel Kierstede born 13 Sep 1665 in New York, New York, , d: Aft. May 1711 in New Amsterdam, New York,
...... + Willem* Teller born 1657 in Albany, Albany, New York, , m: 16 Oct 1686 in New York City, Dutchess Co., NY, d: Abt. 1686 in Albany Co NY
.........3 Jacobus* Teller born 29 Aug 1703 in Dutch Church, New York, New York, , d: 1761 in NY
......... + Marita Vermillye born 12 May 1711 in New York, , m: before ore ore . 1730 in New Amsterdam, American Colony, (NY), d: Aft. 1760 in New Amsterdam, American Colony, (NY)
............4 John \Teller born 1741 in Croton Point, Westchester Co., NY, d: 23 Jun 1830 in Glenville, Clinton Co. NY
............ + Sarah h \Haines born 1750 in NY, m: 1766 in New York, d: 25 Apr 1830 in Glenville, NY
...............5 Tobias Teller born 06 Nov 1792 in Schnectedy Co NY, d: 15 Feb 1875 in Colen, St. Joseph Co., MI
............... + *Maryann Fowler born 15 Mar 1788, m: 1814 in NY, d: 27 Oct 1871
..................6 George Weeks Teller born 21 Feb 1826 in Schnectedy Co NY, d: 14 Dec 1907 in Colen, St. Joseph Co MI
.................. + Miara Elizabeth Eberhard born 05 Mar 1831 in Busyrus, Crawford Co. OH, m: 29 Jun 1850, d: 18 Sep 1909 in Colen, St. Joseph Co MI
.....................7 George Lincoln Teller born 21 Jan 1867 in Colon, St. Joseph Co MI, d: 13 Nov 1942 in Riverside, Cook Co IL
..................... + Martha Louisa 'Lula' Curry born 03 Nov 1871 in Hamberg, Ashley Co AR, m: 19 Jul 1894 in St. Louis, MO, d: 14 Feb 1959 in Riverside, Cook Co Illinois.
Croton Point Sketch.
The Croton River meets the Hudson, and a point, or peninsula juts into the river where they join.
This is the site awarded to Sarah Roelofs Kierstede for her work as a translator for the Minnesink Indians.
Croton Point
source: Marian F. Graves, 1957
Navish - Senasqua - Sarah's Point – Teller’s
Point - Croton Point. These are the names that tell the
history of Croton Point, which in the past three hundred
and fifty years has been the scene of a fortified Indian
village. A home for the first white settlers in the town of
Cortlandt, it played an important part in the Revolution,
became known for superior grape, was the site of a
prosperous brick making industry, and finally a place of
quiet beauty. The river was designated by Westchester
County as a Park, part of which is now used for a
children's camp.
Before the coming of the white man, the
Kitchawank Indians established a fortified village on
Croton Neck, site of the present bungalow area, for the
purpose of protecting their oyster beds in Haverstraw
Bay and adjoining waters. It is believed to have been one
of the best fortified spots along the river in 1609 when
Henry Hudson explored this region. In 1924 when
Westchester County took possession of the Point there
were still evidences of the villages and the Indian
burying ground.
At an earlier period (about 1682), the southern
point and perhaps all of the area came into the
possession of William and Sarah Teller. The Indians had
called the point Navish and the flat meadows where the
Children's Camp is now located Senasqua, meaning
grass. After the transfer of the property, the southern tip
came to be known as Sarah's Point and later maps show
the whole section as Teller’s Point.
The Tellers are believed to have been the first
white settlers to have taken up residence in the Town of
Cortlandt. One of their sons married Sophia Van
Cortlandt sister of Stephanus, first Lord of the Manor.
Andre Captured
During the Revolution, the Point remained in the
hands of the Colonists most of the time. At the time of
the capture of Major Andre, the ship, The Vulture, which
was to take him down the river, was anchored off the
point. Its hasty departure brought about by cannonading,
forced Andre to change his plans of escape and led to his
capture.
In 1804 the whole area consisting of some 250
acres was purchased by Robert Underhill, owner of the
flour mills along the Croton River. The land was fertile
and Mr. Underhill became a prosperous farmer. The
story is told that during the war of 1812, he planted
eighty acres of watermelon in order to supply the New
York market which had been cut off from its normal
supply in the south because of the British patrol. Another
successful undertaking was the raising of castor beans. It
is also said that at one time the growth of mulberry trees
was encouraged with the idea of promoting silk worm
culture.
After the death of Robert Underhill, his two
sons, Dr. Richard and William A. Underhill, divided the
property and each developed a successful business. Dr.
Richard, although trained as a doctor of medicine, gave
up practice in New York to devote his time to
agricultural pursuits. He became known as one of the
leading agriculturalists of the country, and the producer
of the famous Croton Point wine. In 1865, the Times
described Croton Point wine as "decidedly the best and
safest beverage that ladies can offer their callers on New
Year's Day."
Dr. Underhill carried on numerous agricultural
experiments and at one point developed a yellowish
green grape which came to be known as the Croton
Grape. In spite of the high quality of the fruit and its
valued flavor for wine it did not become a popular grape
because the vine was difficult to grow except in a certain
type of sandy soil. The fruit was first exhibited by
Stephen Underhill, nephew of Dr. Richard, in 1868.
34 Brick Yards
William A. Underhill confined his energies to
the northern section of the Point where a village grew up
around his brick yards. The brick yards started about
1830 and were among the thirty-four brick yards along
the Hudson in the Town of Cortlandt in the eighteenth
century. Joining him in his business was his brother-in-
law, Richard Talcott, a machinist and later his son-in-
law and Richard Walker who assumed responsibility for
the transportation of the bricks.
Advertising for the bricks stressed "their fine
edge and durable qualities" and "extra large brick for the
Cube Trade - hard, smooth and strong - produced in the
steam brick works at Croton Point on the Hudson."
Many of the bricks were marked with the makers initials
W.A.U.
In the days when there was a village at Croton
Point, access to the Point was over the hill along the
north side of the Point. The bridge over the railroad was
known to local residents as the Kissing Bridge. Most of
the people living on the Point were associated with the
brick industry; there was a store, a school, tavern, and
other facilities for a small village. Maps of the area in
1880 show the existence of several streets, mostly in the
area of the present parking lot.
About 1900 the Underhill holdings on Croton
Point passed into other hands. The supply of clay was
exhausted. The Village no longer prospered. During
World War I it appeared that the Point would become
the site of enormous factories. Fortunately, it finally
became the property of Westchester County and its
development as a public recreation area began in 1924.
source: Marian F. Graves, 1957
Navish - Senasqua - Sarah's Point – Teller’s
Point - Croton Point. These are the names that tell the
history of Croton Point, which in the past three hundred
and fifty years has been the scene of a fortified Indian
village. A home for the first white settlers in the town of
Cortlandt, it played an important part in the Revolution,
became known for superior grape, was the site of a
prosperous brick making industry, and finally a place of
quiet beauty. The river was designated by Westchester
County as a Park, part of which is now used for a
children's camp.
Before the coming of the white man, the
Kitchawank Indians established a fortified village on
Croton Neck, site of the present bungalow area, for the
purpose of protecting their oyster beds in Haverstraw
Bay and adjoining waters. It is believed to have been one
of the best fortified spots along the river in 1609 when
Henry Hudson explored this region. In 1924 when
Westchester County took possession of the Point there
were still evidences of the villages and the Indian
burying ground.
At an earlier period (about 1682), the southern
point and perhaps all of the area came into the
possession of William and Sarah Teller. The Indians had
called the point Navish and the flat meadows where the
Children's Camp is now located Senasqua, meaning
grass. After the transfer of the property, the southern tip
came to be known as Sarah's Point and later maps show
the whole section as Teller’s Point.
The Tellers are believed to have been the first
white settlers to have taken up residence in the Town of
Cortlandt. One of their sons married Sophia Van
Cortlandt sister of Stephanus, first Lord of the Manor.
Andre Captured
During the Revolution, the Point remained in the
hands of the Colonists most of the time. At the time of
the capture of Major Andre, the ship, The Vulture, which
was to take him down the river, was anchored off the
point. Its hasty departure brought about by cannonading,
forced Andre to change his plans of escape and led to his
capture.
In 1804 the whole area consisting of some 250
acres was purchased by Robert Underhill, owner of the
flour mills along the Croton River. The land was fertile
and Mr. Underhill became a prosperous farmer. The
story is told that during the war of 1812, he planted
eighty acres of watermelon in order to supply the New
York market which had been cut off from its normal
supply in the south because of the British patrol. Another
successful undertaking was the raising of castor beans. It
is also said that at one time the growth of mulberry trees
was encouraged with the idea of promoting silk worm
culture.
After the death of Robert Underhill, his two
sons, Dr. Richard and William A. Underhill, divided the
property and each developed a successful business. Dr.
Richard, although trained as a doctor of medicine, gave
up practice in New York to devote his time to
agricultural pursuits. He became known as one of the
leading agriculturalists of the country, and the producer
of the famous Croton Point wine. In 1865, the Times
described Croton Point wine as "decidedly the best and
safest beverage that ladies can offer their callers on New
Year's Day."
Dr. Underhill carried on numerous agricultural
experiments and at one point developed a yellowish
green grape which came to be known as the Croton
Grape. In spite of the high quality of the fruit and its
valued flavor for wine it did not become a popular grape
because the vine was difficult to grow except in a certain
type of sandy soil. The fruit was first exhibited by
Stephen Underhill, nephew of Dr. Richard, in 1868.
34 Brick Yards
William A. Underhill confined his energies to
the northern section of the Point where a village grew up
around his brick yards. The brick yards started about
1830 and were among the thirty-four brick yards along
the Hudson in the Town of Cortlandt in the eighteenth
century. Joining him in his business was his brother-in-
law, Richard Talcott, a machinist and later his son-in-
law and Richard Walker who assumed responsibility for
the transportation of the bricks.
Advertising for the bricks stressed "their fine
edge and durable qualities" and "extra large brick for the
Cube Trade - hard, smooth and strong - produced in the
steam brick works at Croton Point on the Hudson."
Many of the bricks were marked with the makers initials
W.A.U.
In the days when there was a village at Croton
Point, access to the Point was over the hill along the
north side of the Point. The bridge over the railroad was
known to local residents as the Kissing Bridge. Most of
the people living on the Point were associated with the
brick industry; there was a store, a school, tavern, and
other facilities for a small village. Maps of the area in
1880 show the existence of several streets, mostly in the
area of the present parking lot.
About 1900 the Underhill holdings on Croton
Point passed into other hands. The supply of clay was
exhausted. The Village no longer prospered. During
World War I it appeared that the Point would become
the site of enormous factories. Fortunately, it finally
became the property of Westchester County and its
development as a public recreation area began in 1924.