In colonial times David Ramsay lived in Norfolk, Virginia. During the American Revolution he served under Lord Dunmore as mate of a prison ship, then served under the Corps of Guides and Pioneers in South Carolina and in other marine capacities. Following the war he lived for a time in the Niagara area. The following is his Claim for Revolutionary War Losses heard by the Commissioners of Claims in England on 29 Apr 1786. (AO 13 Vol. 32 FF 328-333)
Heard by the Commissioners on 29 Apr 1786
To the Right honorable Commissioners the Lords Commissioners of his Majesty’s Treasury
The Memorial of David Ramsay, Mariner late of [……]d in Virginia
Humbly Sheweth,
That your Memorialist on motives of Loyalty and attachment to the King and British Government join’d Lord Dunmore at Norfolk in [1776] and Acted under his Lordships orders for a considerable time till being on a Wooding party he was taken prisoner by the Americans – After his parole your Memorialist got to Bermuda and from thence to Britain and he served in his Majestys Navy; that he afterwards returned to America and again served a short time in the Solebay Man of War some time after he acted as Pilot on board a vessel order’d to bring a Pilot off from Virginia, which was successfully perform’d – your Memorialist then accompanied Capt Blair in the Expedition under Sir Henry Clinton to South Carolina and was at the Reduction of Charlestown acti[vl]y during the time as an assisting guide for which he never received one six pence of pay.
That your memorialist soon after the Pease purchased a parcel of British goods at New York for the Indian Trade which he had been formerly possessed in and carried same up as far as Oswego where on Account of the regulations lately established for securing that Trade to the British, they were possessed and secured, as your memorialist could not vindicate his character so as to procure a restitution of his goods and liberty to proceed with them to his intended Market, he was compelled to retu[rn to] New York and seek a passage to Britain, and he expected redress.
His business in this respect is still uncompleted and in the mean time he is in the utmost distress subsisting upon the bounty of those who formerly knew him and therefore most humbly prays for such immediate aid and relief as may be deemed proper and as in duty bound your Memor[ialist] shall ever pray &c. &c. &c. [Signed] David [Ramsay]
London 27 March 1786
These are to Certify that David Ramsay Joined and served under His Excellency the Right Hon[orable] The Earl of Dunmore at Norfolk and so far as we know and believe, was always a Loyal subject and zealous in the cause of his Country.
[Signed] Bartlet Goodnets [Signed] James Parker
[Signed] James Ingram
[Signed] Robert Shed[…]
These are to Certify that the Memorialist David Ramsay has in the course of the late War in America given repeated proofs of great Zeal in his Majestys Service, that his representation respecting his Acting as a Pilot & Guide are truths And yet he went unrewarded by the Quarter Master General.
And to do Justice to the said David Ramsay I take the liberty to mention that in the Year 1779 he offered to carry Intelligence from General Sir Henry Clinton to the Commander in Chief in Canada which offer was made thro’ me to Major Andre, His Excellency’s Aid de Camp. —
[Signed] George Blair
Capt in the late Corps of
Guides & pioneers
David Ramsay
heard 29 April 1786
To Charles Monroe Esqr
I have not words to Express my Greatefulness for the Commissioners Goodness in Granting me 25£. If they Enquire into my Character they will find that I have both Served and suffered severly in the Cause of my Country in the Late Rebelion.
I have one further favour to beg of the Commissioners that they will be Pleased to Give me up my papers, Espeassely that Signed by General Sir Henry Clinton or Certifeyed Copeys of them as they will serve me in the Recovery of my Little property Leased […..] by an, Ensin Croone, of the 34 Regt Commanding Officer at Oswego, in October 1784
Sir I am with Greatetude your moste obt and moste humble Srvt [Signed] David Ramsay
To Charles Monro Esqr Secretarey to the Commissioners at Linconsinnfields
London June ye 1st 1786
The Bearer, David Ramsay, late of the Province of Virginia, I do certify to have been a Loyal Subject and that he served with me as a Pilot and Guide in procuring material intelligence for Sir Henry Clinton during his Command at New York.
I am Sir,
Your most obt hble Servt
[Signed] George Blair
Sir
I do certify that Capt Blair was sent by me to Capes of Virginia to Land and procure intelligence which he performed with success and that what he certifies respecting David Ramsay, I believe to be true, I do therefore recommend him to the Attention of Government as an object deserving some Temporary Support
I am Sir
Your most obt hble Servt
[Signed] H. Clinton
[To] George Rose Esqr
A true Copy
[Initialed] T. J. H.
Examination in AO 12 Vol. 101 P. 329 Certificate No. 1712
Ramsay David
29th April 1786 He was at the Commencement of the Troubles in the Sea Line at Norfolk in Virginia – Joined Lord Dunmore who appointed him Mate of the Prison Ship – He was taken Prisoner by the Americans and plundered of £30 in Cash and of as much more in Notes of Hand. He was kept a Prisoner from April till Christmas 1776. Was afterwards with the British Army in South Carolina – Was in the Corps of Guides and Pioneers as appears by the Certificate he presents from Captain John Blair late of the Corps aforesaid –
A Certificate to his Loyalty, joining and Serving under Lord Dunmore from
Mr James Parker, Mr James Ingram
Mr Robt Gilmour, & Mr Robt Sheddon
Says he has some Goods at Oswego detained there which he intends to make application to Government about – Has been Eleven Weeks in England. Wishes to return to Canada and to have a Sum of Money for the purpose of defraying the expences of his Passage, and discharging some small Debts he has Contracted here. –
£26 in full
Decision
This Man appears to have been Loyal to this Government from the Commencement of the Troubles and tho’ he has lost but very little Property we are of Opinion he is intitled to some Assistance from Government for to enable him to return to Canada as he wishes to do, and accordingly Recommend that he may be paid the Sum of £25 in full of all further Temporary Support.
__________________________
JAMES RAMSEY
In colonial times James Ramsey a native of America, lived in Cherry Valley, Tryon County, New York. During the American Revolution he served in Butler’s Rangers at Fort Niagara and Fort Detroit. Following the war he settled in Niagara Township, Lincoln County. The following is his Claim for Revolutionary War Losses heard by the Commissioners of Claims at Niagara on 1 Sep 1787. (AO 12 Vol. 102-104)
State of the Effects of James Ramsey late of Cherry Valley in the province of New York Consisting of House Barn & out Houses Grain Farming Utensils Horses Horned Cattle & other Live Stock &c at the time he came to Niagara in 1778 vizt
1 Dwelling House – £80
1 New frame Barn 45 by 40 ft 166
Out Houses— 70
Farming Utensils and Grain – 170
10 Horses— 80
30 Horned Cattle— 90
25 Sheep – 25 Hogs— 24
Furniture— 90
Wearing Apparell— 35
New York Currency [Total]— £689
Claimant – Sworn
He resided at Detroit in 1783.
Is a native of America Lived at Cherry Valley, Tryon County – continued quiet in Beginning of the War – never joined the American Militia.
When the Rangers & Indians came to that settlement Claimt joined them – thinks this was in 1778 served from that time abt a year with the Rangers when he was discharged on account of Illness, and settled at Detroit, now lives near the Fall of Niagara.
He had an Estate at Cherry Valley which has been lost –
His House and buildings were destroyed by the Indians the Americans doing it –
The Indians had part of his Stock – the Americans took 2 Horses some Cattle 30 in number, 25 Sheep, Do Hogs – Cloaths some Furniture & Utensils –
All left behind when he went away he had removed most of his Things before the House were burnt.
Wm McLellan – Sworn
Knew Claimt he joined the British under Col: Butler He had a Farm in Cherry Valley he had a large Stock. —
Remembers his Buildings burnt by Indians – he left almost all his Stock behind him when he went away – carried hardly anything but the Cloaths.
He was always considered Loyal—
Name of claimant Ramsey James; Province N York; Claim for Loss of Property £387.11; Sum Originally Allowed £96; Total Sum payable under Act of Parliament £96; Balance After Such Receipt £96; Final Balance £96
Proceedings of Loyalist Commissioners
Montreal 1787
Before Commissioner Pemberton
Sept. 1st.
Claim of James Ramsey, late of Tryon Co., New York.
Repeats the evidences in AO 12 with the following marginal notes of the Commissioner:
“Allowed. He is a fair man. Q. if we can allow anything.”
__________________________
In colonial times Abraham Rapalje lived in Bushwick, Long Island, New York. During the American Revolution he served as a Captain in the Loyal Militia on Long Island and died in the service. Richard Vanderburgh, formerly of Duchess County, New York served as a Captain in Colonel Emerick’s Chasseurs. He married Abraham Rapelje’s widow Cichey. Following the war the family settled in Maugerville, New Brunswick then in Woodhouse Township, Norfolk County, Upper Canada. Abraham and Cichey Rapalje were the parents of Abraham Rapalje of Woodhouse. The following is Richard Vanderburg’s Claim for Revolutionary War Losses on behalf of Abraham Rapalje heard by the Commissioners of Claims at St. John on 15 Jan 1787. (AO 12 Vol. 25 P. 60-67). Vanderburg’s own Claim is presented under his own alphabetical listing.
To the Commissioners appointed by Act of Parliament for enquiring into the Losses & Services of the American Loyalists
The Memorial of Richard Vandeburgh and Cichey his wife late Cichey Rapaljee [sic] Widow of Abraham Rapaljee late of Bushwick on Long Island in the late Province of New York deceased (which said Memorialists are residents of Burton in the County of Sunbury & Province of New Brunswick. —
Humbly Sheweth That the said Abraham Rapaljee in his Life Time resided in the Township of Bushwick on Long Island in the late Province of New York and was ever firmly attached to His Majestys Person and Government, and that during the late unhappy War in America he aided & assisted as much as in his power lay His Majestys Cause on Long Island until the time of his Death which happened in the year 1781 having Served as Captain of Militia on Long Island. —
That in consequence of his having taken an early decided Part in favour of His Majestys Government his Property consisting of a Farm in the Township of Bushwick aforesaid mentioned in the Schedule annexed has been Confiscated and Sold by the usurped authority of the Americans and your Memorialist Cichey Vanderburgh with the Children she had with the said Abraham Rapalje totally deprived of every part of the Estate he was possessed of.
Your Memorialists therefore humbly pray that their Case may be taken into your Consideration in order that your Memorialists may be enabled under your Report to receive such aid or Relief as the Losses & Services of the deceased may be found to Desire.
(Signed) Richd Vanderburgh
Cichey Vanderburgh
In support of the Loyalty of the said Abraham Rapaljee deceased and of his Services the Memorialists beg leave to refer to the Honble Abijah Willard Esquire one of His Majesty’s Council for the Province of New Brunswick who resides at the City of St John, Captain Williams & Lieutenant Vincent both of york County in the Province of New Brunswick. —
And with respect to the Proof of the Confiscation and Value of the Property your Memorialists beg leave to refer to certain Vouchers which they expect to have ready to produce when they are heard on this Memorial. —
An Estimate of the Estate of Abraham Rapaljee late of the Township of Bushwick Long Island in the late Province of New York deceased vizt
A Farm containing 31 ½ Acres of exceeding}
good Land with a good House Barn and} Sterling
Out houses &c situate in the Township of} £675
Bushwick aforesaid}
Due from the Estate of the said Abraham}
Rapaljee on his Bond to Jeronimus}
Rapaljee of Long Island £100 New York} 56.5
Currency with Interest thereon…………}
£731.5
Evidence on the Claim of Captain Richd Vanderburgh late of New york. —
Claimant appears and being Sworn,
Saith he came to this Province in July 1783 in the Second Fleet from New york, went up the River immediately as far as Magerville, continued there during the winter. Did not hear of the Act of Parliament till about February 1784, soon determined to go to England as well with a view to other Business as that of delivering a Claim. – Went from this Province about the 4th April. —
Had not any opportunity of sending his Claim home to England after he heard of the Act, and thinks there was not any opportunity for any Persons up the River to have sent their Claims home. —
Claimant married in the year 1782 Cichey Rapaljee Widow of Abraham Rapaljee which said Abraham Rapaljee was possessed of a Considerable Estate in Long Island. —
Abraham Rapaljee died in the year 1779, leaving two Children, a Son Abraham now an Infant about 12 years, he lived with Claimant till lately but is now in the States for the purpose of recovering his Father’s Estate.
He left also a Daughter name Wineford married to Henry Van Allen now living in this Province. —
Abraham Rapaljee lived at Bushwick on Long Island when Troubles broke out.
Claimant was not then acquainted with him but understood that from the first he declared himself a friend to British Government.
Joined the British on Staten Island in 1776, Served as a Guide to Lord Cornwallis. He was often employed to collect Forage and Provisions for the Army. He died in 1779. —
Claimant says there was a Judgement of Confiscation of his Estate in consequence of his joining the British Troops. —
Claimant also understands that the Estate has been sold by the Commissioners of Forfeiture. —
Claimant was settled in Dutchess County, joined the British Army in 1775, joined as a volunteer first as Ensign in General Brown’s then as a Lieutenant. —
Had a Company in Coll Emerick’s Chasseurs in which he served three years – they were drafted in 1779. – Claimant then went home to England having been rendered incapable to Serve from several Wounds he had received. Has now Captains Half Pay & is settled in Burton. —
The late Mr Abraham Rapaljee was possessed of a Farm in Bushwick, Long Island consisting of 31 ½ Acres. —
He had purchased it at different times; and had been in possession of the whole a considerable time. —
It laid in the Center of the Township in a very fine pleasant Situation, there was a new frame House, Outhouses and very good Barn. – It has been Confiscated and Sold.
This Estate has been valued by two Appraisers Jacob Wycoff and Danl Van Martyn on Oath at £1200 york Currency. —
Claimant thinks that it appears on the Purchase Deeds that it cost Mr Rapaljee between 6 & £700. —
Claimant says his wife is entitled to 1/3d of this Estate for her life. —
The eldest Son is entitled to the rest of the Estate. —
A Suit is now instituted for the purpose of recovering this Estate and while that Suit remains undetermined Claimant admits he cannot Claim any Compensation on behalf of his wife or the Infant.
March 6th 1787. —
Charles Roberts Witness Sworn,
Says he knows the Estate of the late Mr Rapaljees at Bushwick, about 30 Acres a very good Farm, there was a good House, a good Stand for a Public House. The Land was mostly upland not much meadow. Values it at £1000 york Currency. —
Witness was there in July last; Mr Wailey was in possession. —
Young Mr Rapaljee was there. His uncle was trying to recover the Estate for him. He lost the action, which was renewed while Witness was in the Country. —
It was reported that Mr Wailey had bought it privately of the Commissioners, he turned out a Taylor one Gilbert who had taken possession.
Captain Vanderburgh says he has had a Letter from his Brother in Law Gilbert Bogart that Abraham Rapaljee the Infant has failed his renewed action and Captain Vanderburgh expects Proof of Confiscation and Sale. —
Richard Vanderburgh late of Dutchess County
Claim
Amount of Property £675
Determination 19th December 1788
Loyalty. Bore Arms. The Claimant is a Loyalist and Bore Arms in Support of the British Government – The late Abraham Rapalje was a Loyalist and his Infant Son is likewise a Loyalist. —
Losses
Real Estate. 31 Acres in Bushwick Long Island}
with Buildings and Improvements} £310
Observation
To be paid to Captain Richard Vanderburgh as follows,
For himself as his Wife’s Third….. £60
As Trustee for Abraham Rapalje 250
£310
Receives Half Pay as Capt. In Emericks Chasseurs
Resides at New Brunswick. —
Losses.
Persl Estate. Various Articles of Persl Property £25
Resides at St. John
Name of claimant Vanderburgh Richard; Province N York; Claim for Loss of Property £675; Sum Originally Allowed £310; Total Sum payable under Act of Parliament £310; Balance After Such Receipt £310; Final Balance £310
__________________________
In colonial times John Rapelje lived in Brooklyn, King’s County, Long Island, New York. During the American Revolution he supported the British cause in New York. He was related to Abraham Rapalje of Woodhouse Township, Norfolk County, Upper Canada. The following is the Claim for Revolutionary War Losses of John Rapelje heard by the Commissioners of Claims in England on 11 Jul 1786. (AO 12 Vol. 22 P. 295-308)
To the Commissioners appointed by Act of Parliament for enquiring into the Losses and Services of the American Loyalists
The Memorial of John Rapelje of Brooklyn in Kings County on Long Island in the late Province now State of New York in North Ama
Sheweth.
That this Memorialist took very early in the late Troubles in North America a decided part in favour of the Crown. That he was the Representative of Kings County in the General Assembly of said province and did every thing in his power to promote the Cause of aforesd. That his zeal and activity as such made him so obnoxious that, fearing his Influence among his Constituents, the Insurgents took him prisoner and carried him to Connecticut where he was confined for some Months and when the Kings Troops had the possession of New York and Staten Island he returned upon parole to New York and that during his Absence the American Troops first and then the British after the defeat of the Americans on Long Island had possession of his real Estate; Each in their turn did considerable damage to it, upon his return to his Family in the Autumn of 1776 He then did and ever since continued to render every Service in his power to the Kings Cause. This his Zeal added to his steady adherence to his allegiance and induced the Insurgents by a Law of the State of New York passed the 22d day of Ocr 1779 to attaint his person and Forfeit his Estate by all which he is under great difficulties and distress beside the Loss of his Estate particulared in the Schedule annexed. Considering however that there might be some tho small chance of recovering his Estate by staying in America he thought it most eligible to remain behind concealing himself in Connecticut upon the Evacuation of New York to see what his Effects will produce and if he should no be successfull he shall as soon as the Issue is known repair to England and in the meantime he has appointed his Son in Law Edward G. Lutewycke to be his Attorney and to represent his Situation Circumstances and Claim. He therefore prays that his Case may be taken into yr Consideration in order that your Memorialist may be enabled under your Report to receive such Aid or Relief as his Losses and Services may be found to deserve.
John Rapalje by his Atty
E G Lutewycke
March 6th 1784
An Estimate of the Real Estate of John Rapalje of Brooklyn [blank] County on Long Island—
No 1—The Farm on which he Lived – £30000 – £16,375
No 2—The Farm at Gwannas………… 2800 – 1,406.5
No 3—20 Acres of Wood Land at Bedford}
at £12 per Acre…………………..} 240 – 135
No 4—76 Acres of Do at New Ettrecht at £12}
per Acre……………………………..} 903 – 507.7.6
No 5—A Lot of Salt Meadow at Flat Lands – 100 – 56.5
No 6—1000 Acres of Land in Albany County}
At 10/ per Acre………………………} 500 – 231.5
No 7—6000 Acres of Do Tryon County at}
8/ per Acre……………………….} 2400 – 1350
£30,042 – £20,611.2.6
July 11th 1786
Evidence on the foregoing Memorial of John Rapalje
The Claimant—Sworn.
Memorial read and Sworn to
He is a Native of America –
Certificates to Loyalty from
Govr Tryon
Govr Martin
James De Lancey
Geo Choisey
He was taken up by the Rebels on the 11th August 1776 from his own House and was carried next day to Conect. where he was detained about 17 weeks, he was a prisoner upon Parole after which they allowed him to go to his own House having promised to get two persons released who were Prisoner under the British – never took any oath or entered into any other engagement with them – he joined the British in November of the same year and remained with them till the Evacuation of New York – never bore Arms – after the Evacuation of New York he went to Jersey to recover his property – recovered some of his Debts but could not recover any part of his real property – arrived in England June 1784.
Has an allowce from the Treasury of £140 pr Annm.
Property.
A Farm on which he Lived—
Title
2d Feby 1714 – Deed from David Harrison and wife to John Rapalje of 200 Acres of Land sit. at Brooklyn Ferry, Kings County Nassau Island New York – Cons £980 Curry
18th Ocr 1718 – Deed from John Hunter & Wife to John Rapalje of a Lot of Land sit. adjoing the aforesd Land – Consideration £70 Currency. — 100 foot Sqr—
4th Ocr 1733 Deed from Edwd Weller and Wife to George Rapelje 600 feet Square at and adjoining the first Land – Consid £400 Currency—
This Farm consisted of about 190 Acres – Says John Rapalje was his Grandfather – produces a description of this Farm – which is as follows –
The Homestead is situated directly opposite to the City of New York and only divided from it by the East River, adjoining the public Ferry from Long Island to New York on the great Road Contains near 200 Acres all in high Cultivation and has standing on it five good Houses two Black Smiths Shops and three Barns – beside two Houses and two Barns on the Land given my late Daughter which is Confiscated and sold together with mine – The Mansion House completely finished is of Stone and Brick 74 by 40 Feet with a large handsome garden well stocked with Cherie Trees and out Houses Granary &c—
One Frame House with Brick front 46 by 30 Feet and a Garden—
One Frame House 40 by 32 feet and a Garden [V]ines &c—
One Frame House 30 by 16 and a Garden of 20 Acres—
One Blacksmiths Shop 30 by 20 feet—
One Ditto— 30 by 24 feet—
The Barn belonging to the Mansion House 60 feet Square
One other Barn 30 by 28 Feet –
One other Barn 20 by 16 feet.
Three other Houses built on Leases determinable in 7 yrs & yielding a ground Rent. —
The Houses and Land given my late Daughter and was belonging to her children—
One new House finished in the best manner 56 by [30] feet with out Houses togr with a Coach House
Stabling for 8 Horses—
The other a Frame House neatly finished with a Garden the House is 26 by 22 feet and a Barn 16 feet Square, near 50 Acres of the above Land is good Orchard – the remainder is all good Garden arable and Meadow Land. Good Fisheries along the Shore – This Land extends half a Mile on the River and as much on the Great Road and is about [….] Miles from the Dutch Church […] Vicinity to the City of New York its [….] on the East River and on the main Road or Street in the Village of Brooklin and the Neighbourhood to the Ferry. Its fertility being well maintained and the many advantages it possessed among which may well be mentd the ease which New York market was supplied from it will easily point out its value – The Village of Brooklin was increasing very rapidly and Land near the Ferry growing very valuable and had not Mr R. been obliged to quit his possessions on the Evacuatn of New York He intended to have laid out his Land into Streets and divided into building Lots – on the Road or Street & River and let them out on Buildg Leases He had actually drawn the place prior to the Rebellion and placed his own Buildings agreeable thereto, and had Leased out two or three Lots which were built upon. From the Situation and the demand for Land he had every reason to think he should in a very few years have rendered his Estate more than double the value he has estimated it at. Mr Lutewyck Late Husband to his Daughter will withdraw his Claim for his Life in the Estate upon an allowance being made to J. R. for the children—
The Homestead called 200 Acres is by a late survey found to be 195 ¼ – It was purchased by J. R.’s Grandfather and Father as pr abstract of his Title and descended to him by Will—The will has not to produce tho it is expected but he has to produce the discharge of his Mother and Brother for a Legacy referring to the will – The Sister having been provided for in money J. R. has been in the actual possession from the Death of his Father until the day of the Evacuation of New York by Sir Guy Carleton, in all near 40 years during this Time. J. R. has built the Mansion Houses & all the other Buildgs except the Brick house 48 by 32 and that he enlarged from 16 to 32 feet & man other expensive Improvts
Says he thinks the Buildings and Improvements done by him on the Farm cost him near £10,000 Currency. Says from 1757 to the Commencement of the Troubles he built all the Houses &c about £2000 he laid out during the Troubles £2000 for building a Large House for his Son in Law & 1000 for Repairs – Says this property is Confiscated – all this Farm was under Cultivation – there were about 50 Acres in Orchard – The produce of this Estate in 1774 was in Hay and Corn worth £2400 to his own profit for three or four years preceeding 1774, the produce was not less than £2,200 exclusive of the Rents of the Houses and Blacksmith’s Shops – values the whole of this – Farm at £30,000 York currency – says he might have sold this in the year 1758 for £22,000 Currency – for the Land the Mansion House and Barn, was offered this Sum by a Mr Dl Marston. Mr Marston was to have paid the Money down – Thinks he could have sold the Mansion House and one half of the Farm before the Troubles for what he charges for the whole—
A Farm at Gwanas—
Title
20 May 1773 – Deed from John and Jacob Bevoise & others to John Rapalje of 86 Acres of Land sit: at Gwanas in the Township of Brooklyn aforesaid – (Cons £1000 Cury)
This Farm consists of about 86 Acres and is about 2 Miles from his Plantation – this was in a neglected state when he bought it – He built a Frame House and fenced in the whole of it – he built the House and Barn in 1773 – thinks the Buildings and Improvements cost him £1000 – he planted a very large Orchard – values this at £2,500 Currency – after he got the Land fenced in, he was offered £1200 for the Land and to be allowed an Acre where the House Barn and wall stood—Thinks the House and Barn cost him £300 – The wall cost £200 –
No 3. 20 Acres of Woodland in Bedford—
29th Augt 1733 Tract from Garat Rapaje to John Rapalje of three Lots of Land set. in Bedford in Brooklyn aforesaid – Conson £270 –
20th Jun 1771
Marginal note: Will of Geo. Rapelje since [……] Prob. [4] Sept. 1748 [….] he devised the Estate on which he lived to his wife for her life or widowhood – [….] to his eldest son John in fee.
Name of claimant Rapelje John; Province N York; Claim for Loss of Property £20,702; Sum Originally Allowed £12,361; Sum as allowed on Revision £10,630; Total Sum payable under Act of Parliament £10,587; Sum Already Received £3,708.6; Balance After Such Receipt £6,878.14; Deduct on Account of Pension £35; Final Balance £6,843.14
__________________________
In colonial times Donald (Daniel) Rose a native of Scotland, lived at the head of the Delaware River in New York. During the American Revolution he served in the Indian Department at Fort Niagara. Following the war he settled in Niagara Township, Lincoln County. The following is his Claim for Revolutionary War Losses heard by the Commissioners of Claims at Niagara on 29 Aug 1787. (AO 12 Vol. 28 P. 65-67)
To the Commissioners appointed by Act of Parliament for enquiring into the Losses and Services of the American Loyalists
The Memorial of Donald Rose late of Sussex County in the Province of New York but now at Niagara in the Provce of Quebec.
Sheweth
That your Memorialist at the beginning of the late unhappy disturbances in America was settled in Sussex County in the Province of New York where he was in possession of five Acres of Land with Buildings thereon Erected, Household Furniture Cloathing Farmg Utensils &c the whole valued at that time at £72 New York Currency.
That understanding Parliament had taken into considn the distressed State of the American Loyalists – and purpose granting them such relief as may appear just & reasonable in proportion to their Losses.
Your Memt therefore prays &c
Schedule of the Losses of Donald Rose—
5 Acres of Land— £20
House— 7
Cloathg Utensils Househd furniture – 45
New York Currency [Total]— £72
Claimant – sworn –
He was at Niagara in 1783. Is a native of Scotland, came to America in 1774 Settled on the Head of the Delaware
Joined the British in 1777, went with the Indians was in the Indian Department served all the War.
Had settled on 100 Acres – the Land belonged to a man of New York – named Banyard – Had no Lease – settled in 1775, he had Cleared 8, or 9 Acres – built an house, had been at no Expense – was going to have a pot ash Work – had 2 Kettles cost 20l had 3 more partners, but he had paid £11 for the Kettles – had several Things in his House besides.
4 partners had settled on this place – Claimt had a Share in the Stock – 7 Cows, 2 Oxen – 2 young Cattle between Claimant and George Chisholm – Says he cleared the Land after the War began.
He knew Claimant – he served in the Indian Department. He settled on Lands at Head of DeIaware in 1775 – Without Lease or Deed – 4 settled on the same place. –
They had 2 Kettles – Stock Furniture. Knew that Claimant and Wits Brother, had 7 Cows – 2 Oxen – 2 young Cattle
There was an horse
These Things were sold at vendue – because 3 of the partners had been with Capt John Macdonell. Witness saw the Cattle sold by one Col. Harpur.
Capt. Brant certifies to his Services—
Name of claimant Rose Donald; Province N York; Claim for Loss of Property £40.10; Sum Originally Allowed £32; Total Sum payable under Act of Parliament £32; Balance After Such Receipt £32; Final Balance £32
Proceedings of Loyalist Commissioners
Montreal 1787
Before Commissioner Pemberton
New Claim Aug. 29th.
Claim of Donald Rose, late of Sussex Co., N. York.
Repeats the evidences in AO 12 with the following marginal notes of the Commissioner:
“Claimt to be allowed ½ this stock and £5 for kettles.”
__________________________
In colonial times, Samuel Ryerse lived in Bergen County, New Jersey. During the American Revolution he served as a Captain in the New Jersey Volunteers. Following the war he settled in St. Annes then in Sunbury County, New Brunswick and later in Woodhouse, Township, Norfolk County, Upper Canada. The following is his Claim for Revolutionary War Losses dated at St. John on 19 April 1786. (AO 13 Vol. 21 P. 360-362)
To the Honourable Colonel Thomas Dundas and Jeremiah Pemberton Esquires two of the Commissioners appointed by an Act of Parliament to Enquire into the Losses and Services of the American Loyalists &c &c &c
The Memorial of Samuel Ryerse Late of Bergen County in the Now State of New Jersey, But now of Sunbury County in the Province of New Brunswick —
Most Humbly Sheweth —
That your Memorialist ever strongly Opposing the Making and Measures of Committees and Congresses Early became Obnoxious to Rebels, and was Obliged to flee to the British Army for protection, having a Considerable property in Lands in the Countys of Bergen and Morris in the now State of New Jersey, which Estate being Confiscated your Memorialist expects to make every Matter Relative to his Claim appear fair and Clear
Your Memorialist therefore prays, that his Case May be taken into your Consideration, that under your Report, he may be Enabled to Receive Such Aid Relief and Compensation as his Losses may be found to Deserve And as in Bound Memorialist Shall Ever pray—
(Signed) Saml Ryerse
City and County of Saint John fs, Samuel Ryerse Late of Bergen County in the now State of New Jersey But now of Sunbury County in the Province of New Brunswick Maketh Oath and Saith that he was Between the 15th of July 1783 and 25th of March 1784 at New York on his passage from New York and at this Now province of New Brunswick And further saith that he was Utterly Incapable of preferring or Delivering to the Commissioners Appointed by Act of Parliament passed in the twenty third year of the Reign of His Majesty An Act for appointing Commissioners to Enquire into the Losses and Services of all such Persons who have Suffered in their Rights properties and professions During the late Unhappy dissentions in America in Consequence of their Loyalty to His Majesty and Attachment to the British Government or at their Office any Memorial Claim or Request for Aid or Relief On Account of this deponents Losses during the late Unhappy Dissentions in America Within the time Allowed by the said Act for the receiving of such Claims, by Reason that this Deponent all Such Time, (Viz) Between the 15th of July 1783 and the 25th of March 1784 Lived or Resided at the places abovementioned, and that this Deponent Sent into the State of New Jersey Aforesaid But could Not Obtain any Certain Intelligence of the Confiscation of his Estate untill Said Act Expired by its Limitation which prevented his Claim being Delivered
Province of New Brunswick (Signed) Saml Ryerse
April 19th 1786. Sworn before
J. Putnam Ja P Supr Court
No 1523
Samuel Ryers
New Claim
Dd 27th April 1786
St Johns 13th Feby 1787
Sir
I Received your letter Dated St Johns 27 November 1786 Requesting to know the timing left New york and the Place I Resided in the Province untill March 1784 – I left New york the 15 September 1783 and after my arival her[e] Resided at St anns now Frederickton until June 1784—
(Signed) Saml Ryerse
To Mr Lintor
To Peter Lintor
Secry to the Commissioners
For American Claims
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In colonial times John Francis Ryerson lived in Saddle River, Bergen County, New Jersey. During the American Revolution he joined the Royal Army on Long Island, New York. Following the war he lived near Annapolis, Nova Scotia. Related to Samuel Ryerse above. Following is the Claim for Revolutionary War Losses of John Francis Ryerson heard by the Commissioners on 11 Feb 1786. (AO 12 Vol. 15 P. 86-96).
To the Honorable the Commissioners appointed by an Act of Parliament for Enquiring into the Losses and Services of the American Loyalists. —
The Memorial of John Francis Ryerson late of the County of Bergen & Province New Jersey
Sheweth,
That your Memorialist was uniformly and steadily attached to His Majestys Person and the British Government & was opposed to the Measures of the American Congress.
That he joined the Royal Army in 1777 and rendered them every Service in his Power for the suppression of the Rebellion and the Re-establishment of the British Government in America. —
That in 1777 he was attainted by a Law of the State of New Jersey for his having joined the British Army and his Property (on Account & appraisement of which is herewith presented) was Confiscated, sold and applied to the use of the State.
That your Memorialist has thereby lost his all and reduced to great Want & distress and by the unfortunate Determination of the Rebellion he has been obliged to leave his native Country & has removed to Nova Scotia in full Confidence that he will there have extended to him the Benefit of the late Act of Parliament, for the Relief of the American Loyalists, he prays that you will take his Case into Consideration in order that he may be enabled under Your Report to receive such Aid & Relief as his Losses & Services may be found to merit. —
(Signed) John Francis Ryerson
by his Atty Isaac Ogden
An Account and Estimate of the Real & Personal Estate of John Francis Ryerson late of Saddle River in the County of Bergen and Province of New Jersey on the 8th day of January 1777 when he left New Jersey & came within the Kings Lines at New York for the Protection & which has been since Confiscated by Virtue of a Law of the Assembly of the said Colony now State of New Jersey.
Two large dwelling Houses built of Stone valued at £1000
One large convenient & Profitable Grist Mill – ditto 700
One large new Barn 100
Two smaller Barns 70
30 Acres of good Meadow Land at £12 p Acre 360
340 Acres of Pasture, Wood & Arable Land at £5 p Acre 1700
1 other Tract of Land in Sadle River Township}
adjoining John Romine’s Farm in the said County} 110
of Bergen, containing 50 Acres at 40/ p Acre}
3 other small Tracts containing in the whole 47}
Acres adjoining Jacob Van Horton’s Land in} 94
the said Township at 40/ p Acre…………….}
One other Tract containing about 45 Acres, Laying}
near the Long Pond Furnace in Bergen County} 220
at £5 p Acre …………………………………..}
Personal Estate. Bond & Notes, the Principal & Interest whereof
amount to …………………………… 254.17
Book Debts …………………………. 64 318.17
7 Valuable Horses ……………… at £ 20 each 140
5 Cows 30
A pair of very large Oxen 40
One pair of lesser ditto 20
Carried Forward £5262.17
Amount brought forward £5262.17
39 Sheep 39
17 Hogs 32
16 young horn Cattle 64
1 Waggon & Tackle Gears &c 10
1 Negroe Man 60
434 Bushels of wheat 173.12
358 Bushels of Rye 89.10
30 Bushels of Indian Corn 7.10
1 Set of Black Smiths Tools compleat &c 25
12 Tons of good Timothy Hay 30
New York Currency £5793.9
Halifax 11th Feby 1786
Evidence in the Claim of John Francis Ryerson late of Bergen County New Jersey.
Claimant Sworn,
He is a Native of New Jersey, and was settled Seven Miles from Hackensack when the Troubles broke out, on his own Property. —
Says he uniformly took part with the Friends of Great Britain, as he thought the proceedings of the Americans would be ruinous to the Country — At the first meeting for choosing Committees he with two more opposed choosing them to the utmost, but was over ruled by a very great Majority. —
He however did his utmost to oppose their Measures which made him so obnoxious that he could not live at home but lay many weeks in the woods. —
He had made his Escape at the risk of his Life, fired at by many Parties of the Rebels.
This happened in Christmas 1776 when he joined the British and has remained with them ever since on Long Island and in the Province of Nova Scotia. —
Produces his Protection signed by General Vaughan November 1776, And His Pardon from Sir William Howe dated 28th January 1777. —
Says his Son signed an Association without his knowledge, and his Name appeared in the List of Associators —
Property No 1 ….. 400 Acres on Saddle River Bergen County with Houses and other Buildings. – Produces Deeds of Bargain & Sale dated 1st May 1749 from Martin Ryerson. Conveys 183 Acres & 10 Acres in Consideration of £300 Currency to the Claimant and to his Brother Richard Ryerson. —
He claims half of this, the other half is in Possession of his Brother’s Children. —
No 2 …. 125 Acres – Produces Deed of Bargain & Sale dated January 1749 by which Robert Hunter Morris conveys in Consideration of £56.5 to Claimant and his Brother. Claims half of this. —
No 3 …. Produces Bargain & Sale 12th December 1764 from David Ogden & Richard Morris. Conveying in Consideration of £609 Proclamation Money to Claimant and his uncle John Ryerson & John Westerfelt 400 Acres adjoining the former: – By this Deed he appears to be entitled to one-third.
Says that after the purchase he bought as much as to make his Share 240 Acres. – he paid for that Quantity at the Original Cost of One Pound Procr p acre.
52 Acres – Produces the Lease dated in 1769 from Purchasers as above, for some part of the purchase
No 4 …… Produces Deed of Bargain & Sale ‘tween Abm Ogden & Claimant for 51 Acres laying adjoining the former in Consideration of £67.9 Currency dated 1768 – Claims the whole of this. —
Property No 5 Produces Deed from his Brother George dated in 1767 for ten Acres in Consideration of £5 Currency – It was a nominal Value. —
No 6 Produces a Deed dated 24th December 1766, from John Stevens in Consideration of £121.4 Prov: grants to Claimant 101 Acres — ten Acres of this was in his Homestead. —
All these Lands he calls his Homestead, he built two Houses. — One for himself in 1752, it was a large Stone House, he thinks it cost him £300 – values it at £100 Currency, – two Smaller Barns £60.
A Grist Mill he built in 1770, it is valued at £700 Currency. Says the Man who was in possession asked £1300 for it, he was offered £1000 Currency
A House built in 1775 & 1776 for his Son, says it cost him £700. —
Values 340 Acres of the Land at £5 p Acre, Sixty Acres Meadow & Orchard at £12 p Acres. —
No 7 50 Acres. — A Tract adjoining John Romins possession in Bergen County. Says he bought this from David Ogden & Richard Morris, this was a Right to Locate. Says he took possession of Lands under this Right. —
Three small Tracts containing in all 47 Acres adjoining Jacob Van Hortens, under the same Right. —
Says there were 60 Acres more laying some distance from his Homestead. — Was likewise located under this Right and says that Cornelius Westerfelt had a third of this Right of Location. —
Values his Share at 40/ p Acre. —
Produces a Protest taken by a Notary Publick at New York October 1785, by which it appears that John Rutherford Surveyor General of the Eastern Division of New Jersey produced the aforesaid Deed from Ogden Morris for 143 Acres to Claimant of Pine Lands, but refused to deliver it, alleging that the Title of others depended on them, and that the Estate of Claimant was Confiscated. —
Says that Cornellius Westerfelt may cut Timber from that Property. —
45 Acres near Long Pond Furnace. Produces Deed of Bargain & Sale dated 13th June 1775 from John Stevens to Claimant in Consideration of £56.18 some of it was meadow, some woodland, he values it at 40/ p Acre. —
There are 90 Acres in the Purchase of No 6 lays adjoining to this, and is of the same value. —
Produces an office Copy of the Sequistation and Sentence on it as an Enemy of the State for Confiscation and Sale. —
And a Certificate from Abraham Westerfelt Clerk of the Peace for Bergen County that there was no Mortgage or Incumbrance on any part of the Property.
He was on his Property last Summer, and 342 Acres of his Homestead was Sold & another Person in Possession. —
The other part was not sold as they could not find it. —
He possessed Property in New York which is not lost, – the House on it is burnt down the first fire, he let it for £50 p Annum before the Troubles, he values the House at £500 Currency.
Notes. This is not in his Claim.
Personal Property, as follows vizt
[Transcriber’s note: the first part of the following is a repeat of a part of the above inventory]
7 valuable Horses £40
5 Cows 30
1 pair of very large Oxen 40
1 pair of lesser ditto 20
39 Sheep 39
17 Hogs 32
16 young horn Cattle 64
1 Waggon & Tackle Gears &c 10
1 Negroe Man 60
434 Bushels of wheat 173.12
358 Bushels of Rye 89.10
30 Bushels of Indian Corn 7.10
1 Set of Blacksmiths Tools compleat &c 25
12 Tons of good Timothy Hay 30
Currency £660.2
The whole of the above Property was sold by the Commissioners. —
Household Furniture to the amount of £210.4 New York Currency, all likewise sold by the Commissioners as follows, vizt
3 Feather Beds Compleat at £10 p Bed £30
2 ditto at £4 p ditto 8
3 Iron Pots at 16/ each 4
2 Brass Kettles at 20/each 2
1 Pair Hand Iron Tongs, Shovels, at Trammels}
and a Pair Smoothing Irons …………..} 4.8
16 Chairs 2.16
1 Churn, Milk Coolers & ly Tubs &c 2.8
2 Tables .12
1 Cupboard 5
1 Dresser with Poter & Earthen ware 1.4
1 Looking Glass .16
Carried Forward £61.4
Brought Forward £61.4
To 3 Spinning wheels & 1 Woolen wheel 2.16
To a Weaving Loom Compleat 5
To a Fishing Seyne & 2 Pigeon Nets 12
To 3 Guns at £3 each 9
To 1 Gun Case, 3 Hogsheads &
6 Barrels Iron bound 3.4
To 100 lb. of Wool at 2/ p lb 13
To 30 lb. Woolen Yarn 6
To 100 lb Tobacco at 6d 2.18
To 3 Ploughs compleat 12
To 5 Sleads £3.4 – & 2 pleasure Sleads £10 13.4
To a Wind Mill & Flax Mill 6
To Iron Wedges, Axes & Iron Forks 3.12
To 1 Tanners Stone & a pair of Mill Stones 12
To a Spruce Kettle & all its Tubs &c 17
To a good Iron Waggon & a pair of Horses 30
To an Iron Spinnet & Iron Work for a pair of Irons 3
To a Grinding Iron 1.4
To a Frying Pan & Baking Iron .10
New York Currency £210.4
States Debts due him £318.17 Currency.
James Van Buren Sworn 13th February 1786.
Says he lived near the Claimant in the Jerseys he always opposed the Measures of Congress, and was Zealous in the Support of the British Government, he was obliged to fly from Home in 1776 at the risk of his Life.
He knew his Homestead, if was always reckoned twixt 300 & 400 Acres. – He had a Grist Mill and a house adjoining. – The House was built during the Troubles. —
He thinks the Land was worth £5 p Acre, and would have sold for that, he does not include the Houses & Mill. —
The Lands near Long Pond were worth £2 p Acre, near Romins Place, – they were of the same value. —
He understands and believes that Claimant’s Property is sold, having seen it Advertised. —
Remembers that his Farm was well Stocked the number Claimed he thinks is within bounds.
A Negroe he knows he had, and that he was sold by the Rebel Commissioners. — He had good plain Furniture. —
Mr Ryerson made a Deed of his Property to his Son who remained in the States, but it was set a side as it was executed during the war. —
Lawrence Buskirk Sworn,
Says he lived near Mr Ryerson before the war, he was ever attached to the British Governmt when he fled he was in danger of his Life. —
He knew his Homestead, it was good Land and extensive. – He built a Grist Mill just before the Troubles. —
Thinks he could have sold his Homestead including the House for £6 p Acre. —
Has been on the Lands near Long Pond Furnace, thinks they were worth 40/ p Acre. —
His Farm was well Stocked, and his House well furnished, he has heard that all has been sold by Commissioners. —
John Buskirk Sworn,
Says he lived near the Claimant, he was a true Loyalist, and always opposed the Rebels —
Knows his House, Farm and Mill. —
The Mill was built some years before the Troubles. – Has heard that the property is sold to one Tinnables, and understands that Mr Ryerson’s Son has bought a small part of this Property. —
His Negroe joined the Rebels, but they took him and sold him as Claimant’s Property. —
His Farm was well Stocked, and believes he lost the whole excepting some Horses.
John Francis Ryerson
Claim
Amount of Property 3079.11.6
Debts 179.11.3
3259.1.0
Determination 17th February 1786
Loyalty The Claimant is a meritorious Loyalist
Losses
Real Estate 300 Acres with a House & Grist Mill}
on Saddle River near Hackensack} 950
15 Acres near the Long Pond Furnace 34
90 Acres adjoining 34
A House burnt in New York at the}
Fire of 1776 } 150 1188
Persl Estate A Negro Man 32
Various Articles of Persl Property 200 232
1472
Claims disallowed
The Claim for any Tracts of Land in Bergen County under a Right to locate – the Title appears incomplete
The Claim for a House built near the Grist Mill for his Son – as it appears to have been built Durg the Troubles Confiscation proved —
Resides near Annapolis
Name of claimant John Francis Ryerson; Province N Jersey; Claim for Loss of Property £3079.11; Sum Originally Allowed £1420; Total Sum payable under Act of Parliament £1420; Sum Already Received £426; Balance After Such Receipt £994; Final Balance £994
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