From- History of Jefferson County, NY, 1905:
DR. ELBRIDGE GERRY MINAR, a practicing physician of Mannsville, New York, is a native of the state, born in Elhsburgh, July 23, 1859, son of Captain John Minar and Betsey R. Blount. He is a descendant of an ancient and widespread family whose name variously appears as Miner, Minor, Minar and Minard. His American ancestor was John Minar, born April 11, 1780, died October 28, 1845. John Minar took to wife Catherine Colon, who was a lineal descendant of Dominie Bogardus and Anneke Jans, a princess, and granddaughter of William III of Holland. To Dominie Bogardus was born a son William, William was father of a daughter Annette, who became the wife of Jacob Bower. Their daughter, Anna Elizabeth Bower, became the wife of Jacob Quackenbos. whose son Ryemier, married Catherine Walden. They had a son Peter, who married Lytic Marsenas, of Schenectady, New York, November 1, 1701, whose son married Anna Scott, May 10, 1723. John Quackenbos, son of the marriage last named, was grand- father of Catherine Colon. John Minar, Sr., and his wife, Catherine (Colon) Minar, were the parents of the following named children: i. Christian, born December 16, 1803, died September 16, 1804. 2. Henry, born April 11, 1806. 3. John, February 15, 181 1. 4. Ann Eliza, March 22, 1813. 5. Abra- ham, May 7, 1815. 6. Lydia. April i, 1818. 7. Lyman. February 19, 1822. 8. Catherine, June 16, 1825. 9. Norman, June 11, 1830, drowned November 21, 1846.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
HISTORY OF Schoharie County, NEW YORK By WILLIAM E. ROSCOE Published by D. MASON & CO., SYRACUSE, N.Y. - 1882. - Chapter XV:
The first settlers of the present condensed town (of Sharon, NY) were: ..... Christian Myndert,
CAPTURE OF MYNDERT AND OTHERS.
The next hostile movement in the town was made where the little hamlet long known as Moak's Hollow now stands, and upon the farm owned and occupied by Joseph Sharpe. About the year 1755 or 1760, one Christian Myndert, now pronounced "Miner" settled upon Mr. Sharpe's farm. His house stood a little north of the foundry site upon the side hill, on the farm near where the present one stands. Several incursions were made during the season of 1781, by Colonel Willett's men to obtain supplies from the Tories for the garrison at Fort Plain, and squads of Indians were frequently sent to intercept them, and were secreted by the Tories to catch their opportunity to kill or take them prisoners, but being too cowardly to undertake such risks, they failed to be of service until about the middle of September, 1782. Myndert and family, knowing the Indians were frequently secreted in the neighborhood, became fearful of their safety, and in the fall of 1781, removed to Middleburgh Fort, and returned in the spring with several scouts, to do their spring's work. In September, as above stated, he made a bargain with six others to return to his farm, to harvest his crops, agreeing with the six to divide equally with them. Those that engaged in the peculation were Jacob and Philip Karker, Lieutenant Jacob Borst, of Cobleskill; Williarn Kneiskern and two others whose names our informant cannot recall.
Mrs. Myndert came over to cook for the party. They had worked but a day or two, when one afternoon it began to rain, and they sought the house for shelter, not perceiving a squad of Indians that had gained access to the barn, assisted by one of the neighboring Tories. In entering the house the party placed their guns in one corner of the kitchen and sat down in front of the fireplace to dry their clothing and while chatting, without any idea of insecurity, the door was thrown open and nine powerful lmlians with guns and tomahawks, headed by an inveterate tory, rushed in, between the party and their guns. The Karkers and Kneiskern enjoyed a knock down, but the muzzle of the Indians' guns being brought to their breasts, they agreed to submit as prisoners, and were soon on the road to Niagara, by the way of the Susquehanna river, with their hands bound behind them.
Mrs. Myndert was allowed to return to the middle fort, alone, with the compliments of the Tory commander, to Colonel Vroman. Upon marching through the southern part of the town they barely escaped a party of Willett's men, who were upon a foraging expedition, and had found shelter from the Storm in the Tory Philip Crysler's house, but a short distance from the captors' and captives' path. The prisoners were severely treated, especially as they passed through Indian villages, when they were compelled to run the gauntlet for the amusement of the younger class of the "noble red man." Their vengeance seemed to be more especially upon Lieutenant Borst, as he had been a terror to the Indians and Tories. The prisoners secretly consulted with each other, except Myndert, upon the propriety of effecting an escape, but hardly dared to speak of it to him as he seemed to be a willing captive, but upon arriving at Niagara, they became better acquainted and had opportunities to talk with him upon their desired escape, and found he had wished to broach the subject many times, but was fearful of being unsuccessful. The whole party were retained after peace was proclaimed, but they made their escape by digging beneath the pickets that enclosed their prison.
William Kneiskern was taken to Rebel Island and there he secretly procured three brandy casks and lashed them together and set himself afloat upon them. He safely landed upon the.American side several miles from the Island and returned to his home. He afterwards settled in Decatur, Otsego county, and was one of four brothers living in Carlisle, two of whom were loyal to the Crown and two true and faithful patriots. Lieutenant Borst had acted as scout through the war, previous to his captivity, and being exposed to all kinds of weather and hardships, he had contracted a severe cough, which terminated in consumption and death, soon after reaching home. Our informant, Solomon Karker, is a nephew of the Karker prisoners, and was conversant with the men themselves and has been a faithful as well as retentive listener to many interesting conversations between the actors of the Revolution.
SHARON, OR MOAK'S HOLLow
Christian Myndert was the first resident here, and upon the survey being made for the turnpike, Tinas Pynneo, a practical physician from New England, purchased from Myndert the farm now owned in part by Seneca Bergh, and sometime after 1795 built a house for the public convenience, which was soon occupied by Elisha S. Wales and his son-in-law, Joseph Alexander, from Arlington, Vermont. Alexander kept a store and Wales the inn. The former died in 1803, and his widow afterwards married John Sharpe, who became the father of Joseph Sharp, the present resident of the Myndert farm. Upn the death of Mr. Sharpe his widow married Jedediah Miller. Another daughter married John Redington, who, upon the death of Mr. Redington, and her sister, Mrs. Miller, became the second wife of Miller. Mr. Wales met with a sudden death on the 10th of May, 1808, near the present residence of Orrin Griffith. He was upon a heavy load of potash, going to Albany, and having occasion to get off the load, he endeavored to mount the same while the team was in motion He slipped and fell beneath the broad-tire wheels, and was literally crushed. The property was soon purchased by Zachary Keyes, an Eastern man. "Zack Keyes," as he was familiarly called, was a cute, fun-loving, hospitable, yet rough man, and was known from one end of the road to the other as a practical joker. Many anecdotes are still related of him which are amusing and enough to fill a goodly-sized volume. One perhaps will suffice. A temperance organization was formed in the town and its members knowing Zack's love of the cup, asked him in a very polite way to join. Ready at all times to comply with the wishes of his neighbors, he agreed to do so immediately,
upon one condition, "to be allowed to use stimulants in the form of liquor when he washed sheep." Having, as most Yankees, a large flock, the temperance men did not mistrust any joke, from the fact that it was customary for all to use spirits upon that "chilly occasion," and they agreed to his proposal, thinking they were about to gain one good step towards a reformation of the man. Zack had a cosset sheep running in the yard, and whenever a chum asked him to drink or he felt thirsty, he would catch
the cosset and throw him in a large tub filled with water which he had placed on purpose for the occasion. He was sure to drink before and after the operation. The poor sheep, if not the lodge in general, must have had but little faith in the "reform" as far as Zack was concerned, as it was compelled to undergo the washing several times each day. He was a free-hearted , jolly business man, and remained here several years, but at last removed to Cherry Valley where he died. Reuben Moak followed Keyes in the hotel, beside keeping a variety store, and the hamlet has borne the sobriquet of Moak's Hollow ever since.
HISTORY of SCHOHARIE COUNTY, and BORDER WARS OF NEW YORK;
containing also A Sketch of the Causes which led to the American Revolution; and Interesting Memoranda of the Mohawk Valley; together with Much Other Historical and Miscellaneous Matter, Never Before Published. by Jeptha R. Simms Albany; Munsell & Tanner, Printers. 1845
Chapter XV
At the Keyes' place in Sharon,12 dwelt in the Revolution, a Hanoverian named Christian Myndert, whose family was the only one in that part of Sharon. Having been alarmed several times in the summer, he removed towards fall, in 1781, to Fort Duboise; leaving, at the time of his departure, several hogs running in a field, and a quantity of peas growing on the ground. In the latter part of October, Myndert, accompanied by Lieut. Jacob Borst, of Cobelskill, sergeant Wm. Kneiskern, and Jacob Kerker, proceeded to the dwelling of the former, in Myndert's valley, to secure his peas, shut up his hogs, and take care of some other property. John Crounse now lives on the Myndert farm. The party were endeavoring to secure the hops, when six Indians commanded by Walradt, a tory from the Mohawk valley, who had been watching their motions for some time, secreted themselves in Myndert's barn near his dwelling.
After Lieut. Borst and his companions had been thus engaged, they repaired to the house, wet and cold, to warm themselves. On entering it, they set their guns in one corner of a room and gathered round the fire place, where was igniting a quantity of dry wood. At this time the enemy entered the dwelling, and so suddenly, that not one of the party could seize a gun in time to fire. Borst snatched up his, however, but in attempting to turn around to discharge it, he was prevented by an Indian who had anticipated his movement. Kneiskern seized a chair to strike one of the invaders, but the latter grappled it in the same instant. Seeing the foes nearly double their own number, with arms in their hands, the Americans surrendered themselves prisoners without further resistance. The latter were then bound, Borst and Kneiskern very tightly, some little plunder made, and all set forward on their journey to Canada. They proceeded to New Dorlach, but a few miles distant, on their way toward the Susquehanna, and encamped for the night. Borst and Kneiskern, thinking their foes all asleep, were planning their destruction and their own escape, when an Indian who had been watching their intimacy, approached and asked them what they were talking about; and whether they did not contemplate killing their captors. They replied that they were complaining of the cords being so tight they could not sleep. The Indians did not allow them an unguarded moment, and they found it impossible to escape.
It began to snow soon after they left Myndert's place, and the captives suffered very much on their journey from the severity of the weather, the want of proper food, and the cruelty of their masters. As they approached Indian settlements, they were compelled to run the gantlet, by which severe corporal chastisement was inflicted on all, but the most severely on Borst, who fell into a decline soon after reaching Niagara, owing to his cruel treatment on the journey, and death soon after ended his miseries.
Thus ignobly fell one of the most daring spirits Schoharie produced during the war. Kerker, who was confined with Borst, was a good nurse, and took good care of the latter while lingering with consumption. Kneiskern, who was imprisoned on an island in the St. Lawrence, succeeded one night, in company with several other prisoners, in making his escape. They dug out beneath the pickets which inclosed the fort where they were confined, made a raft on which they floated down the river; and one of the party, from fear the raft might not be sufficient to carry them in safety, swam eight or nine miles with but little support, his clothes being upon it, to where they effected a landing on the American shore. After suffering incredible hardships in the forest, living on birch bark, roots, & c., they arrived in safety among friends, where their wants were supplied, and they reached their homes.--Henry France, and John M. Brown.
DR. ELBRIDGE GERRY MINAR, a practicing physician of Mannsville, New York, is a native of the state, born in Elhsburgh, July 23, 1859, son of Captain John Minar and Betsey R. Blount. He is a descendant of an ancient and widespread family whose name variously appears as Miner, Minor, Minar and Minard. His American ancestor was John Minar, born April 11, 1780, died October 28, 1845. John Minar took to wife Catherine Colon, who was a lineal descendant of Dominie Bogardus and Anneke Jans, a princess, and granddaughter of William III of Holland. To Dominie Bogardus was born a son William, William was father of a daughter Annette, who became the wife of Jacob Bower. Their daughter, Anna Elizabeth Bower, became the wife of Jacob Quackenbos. whose son Ryemier, married Catherine Walden. They had a son Peter, who married Lytic Marsenas, of Schenectady, New York, November 1, 1701, whose son married Anna Scott, May 10, 1723. John Quackenbos, son of the marriage last named, was grand- father of Catherine Colon. John Minar, Sr., and his wife, Catherine (Colon) Minar, were the parents of the following named children: i. Christian, born December 16, 1803, died September 16, 1804. 2. Henry, born April 11, 1806. 3. John, February 15, 181 1. 4. Ann Eliza, March 22, 1813. 5. Abra- ham, May 7, 1815. 6. Lydia. April i, 1818. 7. Lyman. February 19, 1822. 8. Catherine, June 16, 1825. 9. Norman, June 11, 1830, drowned November 21, 1846.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
HISTORY OF Schoharie County, NEW YORK By WILLIAM E. ROSCOE Published by D. MASON & CO., SYRACUSE, N.Y. - 1882. - Chapter XV:
The first settlers of the present condensed town (of Sharon, NY) were: ..... Christian Myndert,
CAPTURE OF MYNDERT AND OTHERS.
The next hostile movement in the town was made where the little hamlet long known as Moak's Hollow now stands, and upon the farm owned and occupied by Joseph Sharpe. About the year 1755 or 1760, one Christian Myndert, now pronounced "Miner" settled upon Mr. Sharpe's farm. His house stood a little north of the foundry site upon the side hill, on the farm near where the present one stands. Several incursions were made during the season of 1781, by Colonel Willett's men to obtain supplies from the Tories for the garrison at Fort Plain, and squads of Indians were frequently sent to intercept them, and were secreted by the Tories to catch their opportunity to kill or take them prisoners, but being too cowardly to undertake such risks, they failed to be of service until about the middle of September, 1782. Myndert and family, knowing the Indians were frequently secreted in the neighborhood, became fearful of their safety, and in the fall of 1781, removed to Middleburgh Fort, and returned in the spring with several scouts, to do their spring's work. In September, as above stated, he made a bargain with six others to return to his farm, to harvest his crops, agreeing with the six to divide equally with them. Those that engaged in the peculation were Jacob and Philip Karker, Lieutenant Jacob Borst, of Cobleskill; Williarn Kneiskern and two others whose names our informant cannot recall.
Mrs. Myndert came over to cook for the party. They had worked but a day or two, when one afternoon it began to rain, and they sought the house for shelter, not perceiving a squad of Indians that had gained access to the barn, assisted by one of the neighboring Tories. In entering the house the party placed their guns in one corner of the kitchen and sat down in front of the fireplace to dry their clothing and while chatting, without any idea of insecurity, the door was thrown open and nine powerful lmlians with guns and tomahawks, headed by an inveterate tory, rushed in, between the party and their guns. The Karkers and Kneiskern enjoyed a knock down, but the muzzle of the Indians' guns being brought to their breasts, they agreed to submit as prisoners, and were soon on the road to Niagara, by the way of the Susquehanna river, with their hands bound behind them.
Mrs. Myndert was allowed to return to the middle fort, alone, with the compliments of the Tory commander, to Colonel Vroman. Upon marching through the southern part of the town they barely escaped a party of Willett's men, who were upon a foraging expedition, and had found shelter from the Storm in the Tory Philip Crysler's house, but a short distance from the captors' and captives' path. The prisoners were severely treated, especially as they passed through Indian villages, when they were compelled to run the gauntlet for the amusement of the younger class of the "noble red man." Their vengeance seemed to be more especially upon Lieutenant Borst, as he had been a terror to the Indians and Tories. The prisoners secretly consulted with each other, except Myndert, upon the propriety of effecting an escape, but hardly dared to speak of it to him as he seemed to be a willing captive, but upon arriving at Niagara, they became better acquainted and had opportunities to talk with him upon their desired escape, and found he had wished to broach the subject many times, but was fearful of being unsuccessful. The whole party were retained after peace was proclaimed, but they made their escape by digging beneath the pickets that enclosed their prison.
William Kneiskern was taken to Rebel Island and there he secretly procured three brandy casks and lashed them together and set himself afloat upon them. He safely landed upon the.American side several miles from the Island and returned to his home. He afterwards settled in Decatur, Otsego county, and was one of four brothers living in Carlisle, two of whom were loyal to the Crown and two true and faithful patriots. Lieutenant Borst had acted as scout through the war, previous to his captivity, and being exposed to all kinds of weather and hardships, he had contracted a severe cough, which terminated in consumption and death, soon after reaching home. Our informant, Solomon Karker, is a nephew of the Karker prisoners, and was conversant with the men themselves and has been a faithful as well as retentive listener to many interesting conversations between the actors of the Revolution.
SHARON, OR MOAK'S HOLLow
Christian Myndert was the first resident here, and upon the survey being made for the turnpike, Tinas Pynneo, a practical physician from New England, purchased from Myndert the farm now owned in part by Seneca Bergh, and sometime after 1795 built a house for the public convenience, which was soon occupied by Elisha S. Wales and his son-in-law, Joseph Alexander, from Arlington, Vermont. Alexander kept a store and Wales the inn. The former died in 1803, and his widow afterwards married John Sharpe, who became the father of Joseph Sharp, the present resident of the Myndert farm. Upn the death of Mr. Sharpe his widow married Jedediah Miller. Another daughter married John Redington, who, upon the death of Mr. Redington, and her sister, Mrs. Miller, became the second wife of Miller. Mr. Wales met with a sudden death on the 10th of May, 1808, near the present residence of Orrin Griffith. He was upon a heavy load of potash, going to Albany, and having occasion to get off the load, he endeavored to mount the same while the team was in motion He slipped and fell beneath the broad-tire wheels, and was literally crushed. The property was soon purchased by Zachary Keyes, an Eastern man. "Zack Keyes," as he was familiarly called, was a cute, fun-loving, hospitable, yet rough man, and was known from one end of the road to the other as a practical joker. Many anecdotes are still related of him which are amusing and enough to fill a goodly-sized volume. One perhaps will suffice. A temperance organization was formed in the town and its members knowing Zack's love of the cup, asked him in a very polite way to join. Ready at all times to comply with the wishes of his neighbors, he agreed to do so immediately,
upon one condition, "to be allowed to use stimulants in the form of liquor when he washed sheep." Having, as most Yankees, a large flock, the temperance men did not mistrust any joke, from the fact that it was customary for all to use spirits upon that "chilly occasion," and they agreed to his proposal, thinking they were about to gain one good step towards a reformation of the man. Zack had a cosset sheep running in the yard, and whenever a chum asked him to drink or he felt thirsty, he would catch
the cosset and throw him in a large tub filled with water which he had placed on purpose for the occasion. He was sure to drink before and after the operation. The poor sheep, if not the lodge in general, must have had but little faith in the "reform" as far as Zack was concerned, as it was compelled to undergo the washing several times each day. He was a free-hearted , jolly business man, and remained here several years, but at last removed to Cherry Valley where he died. Reuben Moak followed Keyes in the hotel, beside keeping a variety store, and the hamlet has borne the sobriquet of Moak's Hollow ever since.
HISTORY of SCHOHARIE COUNTY, and BORDER WARS OF NEW YORK;
containing also A Sketch of the Causes which led to the American Revolution; and Interesting Memoranda of the Mohawk Valley; together with Much Other Historical and Miscellaneous Matter, Never Before Published. by Jeptha R. Simms Albany; Munsell & Tanner, Printers. 1845
Chapter XV
At the Keyes' place in Sharon,12 dwelt in the Revolution, a Hanoverian named Christian Myndert, whose family was the only one in that part of Sharon. Having been alarmed several times in the summer, he removed towards fall, in 1781, to Fort Duboise; leaving, at the time of his departure, several hogs running in a field, and a quantity of peas growing on the ground. In the latter part of October, Myndert, accompanied by Lieut. Jacob Borst, of Cobelskill, sergeant Wm. Kneiskern, and Jacob Kerker, proceeded to the dwelling of the former, in Myndert's valley, to secure his peas, shut up his hogs, and take care of some other property. John Crounse now lives on the Myndert farm. The party were endeavoring to secure the hops, when six Indians commanded by Walradt, a tory from the Mohawk valley, who had been watching their motions for some time, secreted themselves in Myndert's barn near his dwelling.
After Lieut. Borst and his companions had been thus engaged, they repaired to the house, wet and cold, to warm themselves. On entering it, they set their guns in one corner of a room and gathered round the fire place, where was igniting a quantity of dry wood. At this time the enemy entered the dwelling, and so suddenly, that not one of the party could seize a gun in time to fire. Borst snatched up his, however, but in attempting to turn around to discharge it, he was prevented by an Indian who had anticipated his movement. Kneiskern seized a chair to strike one of the invaders, but the latter grappled it in the same instant. Seeing the foes nearly double their own number, with arms in their hands, the Americans surrendered themselves prisoners without further resistance. The latter were then bound, Borst and Kneiskern very tightly, some little plunder made, and all set forward on their journey to Canada. They proceeded to New Dorlach, but a few miles distant, on their way toward the Susquehanna, and encamped for the night. Borst and Kneiskern, thinking their foes all asleep, were planning their destruction and their own escape, when an Indian who had been watching their intimacy, approached and asked them what they were talking about; and whether they did not contemplate killing their captors. They replied that they were complaining of the cords being so tight they could not sleep. The Indians did not allow them an unguarded moment, and they found it impossible to escape.
It began to snow soon after they left Myndert's place, and the captives suffered very much on their journey from the severity of the weather, the want of proper food, and the cruelty of their masters. As they approached Indian settlements, they were compelled to run the gantlet, by which severe corporal chastisement was inflicted on all, but the most severely on Borst, who fell into a decline soon after reaching Niagara, owing to his cruel treatment on the journey, and death soon after ended his miseries.
Thus ignobly fell one of the most daring spirits Schoharie produced during the war. Kerker, who was confined with Borst, was a good nurse, and took good care of the latter while lingering with consumption. Kneiskern, who was imprisoned on an island in the St. Lawrence, succeeded one night, in company with several other prisoners, in making his escape. They dug out beneath the pickets which inclosed the fort where they were confined, made a raft on which they floated down the river; and one of the party, from fear the raft might not be sufficient to carry them in safety, swam eight or nine miles with but little support, his clothes being upon it, to where they effected a landing on the American shore. After suffering incredible hardships in the forest, living on birch bark, roots, & c., they arrived in safety among friends, where their wants were supplied, and they reached their homes.--Henry France, and John M. Brown.
From- History of Jefferson County, NY, 1905:
DR. ELBRIDGE GERRY MINAR, a practicing physician of Mannsville, New York, is a native of the state, born in Elhsburgh, July 23, 1859, son of Captain John Minar and Betsey R. Blount. He is a descendant of an ancient and widespread family whose name variously appears as Miner, Minor, Minar and Minard. His American ancestor was John Minar, born April 11, 1780, died October 28, 1845. John Minar took to wife Catherine Colon, who was a lineal descendant of Dominie Bogardus and Anneke Jans, a princess, and granddaughter of William III of Holland. To Dominie Bogardus was born a son William, William was father of a daughter Annette, who became the wife of Jacob Bower. Their daughter, Anna Elizabeth Bower, became the wife of Jacob Quackenbos. whose son Ryemier, married Catherine Walden. They had a son Peter, who married Lytic Marsenas, of Schenectady, New York, November 1, 1701, whose son married Anna Scott, May 10, 1723. John Quackenbos, son of the marriage last named, was grand- father of Catherine Colon. John Minar, Sr., and his wife, Catherine (Colon) Minar, were the parents of the following named children: i. Christian, born December 16, 1803, died September 16, 1804. 2. Henry, born April 11, 1806. 3. John, February 15, 181 1. 4. Ann Eliza, March 22, 1813. 5. Abra- ham, May 7, 1815. 6. Lydia. April i, 1818. 7. Lyman. February 19, 1822. 8. Catherine, June 16, 1825. 9. Norman, June 11, 1830, drowned November 21, 1846.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
HISTORY OF Schoharie County, NEW YORK By WILLIAM E. ROSCOE Published by D. MASON & CO., SYRACUSE, N.Y. - 1882. - Chapter XV:
The first settlers of the present condensed town (of Sharon, NY) were: ..... Christian Myndert,
CAPTURE OF MYNDERT AND OTHERS.
The next hostile movement in the town was made where the little hamlet long known as Moak's Hollow now stands, and upon the farm owned and occupied by Joseph Sharpe. About the year 1755 or 1760, one Christian Myndert, now pronounced "Miner" settled upon Mr. Sharpe's farm. His house stood a little north of the foundry site upon the side hill, on the farm near where the present one stands. Several incursions were made during the season of 1781, by Colonel Willett's men to obtain supplies from the Tories for the garrison at Fort Plain, and squads of Indians were frequently sent to intercept them, and were secreted by the Tories to catch their opportunity to kill or take them prisoners, but being too cowardly to undertake such risks, they failed to be of service until about the middle of September, 1782. Myndert and family, knowing the Indians were frequently secreted in the neighborhood, became fearful of their safety, and in the fall of 1781, removed to Middleburgh Fort, and returned in the spring with several scouts, to do their spring's work. In September, as above stated, he made a bargain with six others to return to his farm, to harvest his crops, agreeing with the six to divide equally with them. Those that engaged in the peculation were Jacob and Philip Karker, Lieutenant Jacob Borst, of Cobleskill; Williarn Kneiskern and two others whose names our informant cannot recall.
Mrs. Myndert came over to cook for the party. They had worked but a day or two, when one afternoon it began to rain, and they sought the house for shelter, not perceiving a squad of Indians that had gained access to the barn, assisted by one of the neighboring Tories. In entering the house the party placed their guns in one corner of the kitchen and sat down in front of the fireplace to dry their clothing and while chatting, without any idea of insecurity, the door was thrown open and nine powerful lmlians with guns and tomahawks, headed by an inveterate tory, rushed in, between the party and their guns. The Karkers and Kneiskern enjoyed a knock down, but the muzzle of the Indians' guns being brought to their breasts, they agreed to submit as prisoners, and were soon on the road to Niagara, by the way of the Susquehanna river, with their hands bound behind them.
Mrs. Myndert was allowed to return to the middle fort, alone, with the compliments of the Tory commander, to Colonel Vroman. Upon marching through the southern part of the town they barely escaped a party of Willett's men, who were upon a foraging expedition, and had found shelter from the Storm in the Tory Philip Crysler's house, but a short distance from the captors' and captives' path. The prisoners were severely treated, especially as they passed through Indian villages, when they were compelled to run the gauntlet for the amusement of the younger class of the "noble red man." Their vengeance seemed to be more especially upon Lieutenant Borst, as he had been a terror to the Indians and Tories. The prisoners secretly consulted with each other, except Myndert, upon the propriety of effecting an escape, but hardly dared to speak of it to him as he seemed to be a willing captive, but upon arriving at Niagara, they became better acquainted and had opportunities to talk with him upon their desired escape, and found he had wished to broach the subject many times, but was fearful of being unsuccessful. The whole party were retained after peace was proclaimed, but they made their escape by digging beneath the pickets that enclosed their prison.
William Kneiskern was taken to Rebel Island and there he secretly procured three brandy casks and lashed them together and set himself afloat upon them. He safely landed upon the.American side several miles from the Island and returned to his home. He afterwards settled in Decatur, Otsego county, and was one of four brothers living in Carlisle, two of whom were loyal to the Crown and two true and faithful patriots. Lieutenant Borst had acted as scout through the war, previous to his captivity, and being exposed to all kinds of weather and hardships, he had contracted a severe cough, which terminated in consumption and death, soon after reaching home. Our informant, Solomon Karker, is a nephew of the Karker prisoners, and was conversant with the men themselves and has been a faithful as well as retentive listener to many interesting conversations between the actors of the Revolution.
SHARON, OR MOAK'S HOLLow
Christian Myndert was the first resident here, and upon the survey being made for the turnpike, Tinas Pynneo, a practical physician from New England, purchased from Myndert the farm now owned in part by Seneca Bergh, and sometime after 1795 built a house for the public convenience, which was soon occupied by Elisha S. Wales and his son-in-law, Joseph Alexander, from Arlington, Vermont. Alexander kept a store and Wales the inn. The former died in 1803, and his widow afterwards married John Sharpe, who became the father of Joseph Sharp, the present resident of the Myndert farm. Upn the death of Mr. Sharpe his widow married Jedediah Miller. Another daughter married John Redington, who, upon the death of Mr. Redington, and her sister, Mrs. Miller, became the second wife of Miller. Mr. Wales met with a sudden death on the 10th of May, 1808, near the present residence of Orrin Griffith. He was upon a heavy load of potash, going to Albany, and having occasion to get off the load, he endeavored to mount the same while the team was in motion He slipped and fell beneath the broad-tire wheels, and was literally crushed. The property was soon purchased by Zachary Keyes, an Eastern man. "Zack Keyes," as he was familiarly called, was a cute, fun-loving, hospitable, yet rough man, and was known from one end of the road to the other as a practical joker. Many anecdotes are still related of him which are amusing and enough to fill a goodly-sized volume. One perhaps will suffice. A temperance organization was formed in the town and its members knowing Zack's love of the cup, asked him in a very polite way to join. Ready at all times to comply with the wishes of his neighbors, he agreed to do so immediately,
upon one condition, "to be allowed to use stimulants in the form of liquor when he washed sheep." Having, as most Yankees, a large flock, the temperance men did not mistrust any joke, from the fact that it was customary for all to use spirits upon that "chilly occasion," and they agreed to his proposal, thinking they were about to gain one good step towards a reformation of the man. Zack had a cosset sheep running in the yard, and whenever a chum asked him to drink or he felt thirsty, he would catch
the cosset and throw him in a large tub filled with water which he had placed on purpose for the occasion. He was sure to drink before and after the operation. The poor sheep, if not the lodge in general, must have had but little faith in the "reform" as far as Zack was concerned, as it was compelled to undergo the washing several times each day. He was a free-hearted , jolly business man, and remained here several years, but at last removed to Cherry Valley where he died. Reuben Moak followed Keyes in the hotel, beside keeping a variety store, and the hamlet has borne the sobriquet of Moak's Hollow ever since.
HISTORY of SCHOHARIE COUNTY, and BORDER WARS OF NEW YORK;
containing also A Sketch of the Causes which led to the American Revolution; and Interesting Memoranda of the Mohawk Valley; together with Much Other Historical and Miscellaneous Matter, Never Before Published. by Jeptha R. Simms Albany; Munsell & Tanner, Printers. 1845
Chapter XV
At the Keyes' place in Sharon,12 dwelt in the Revolution, a Hanoverian named Christian Myndert, whose family was the only one in that part of Sharon. Having been alarmed several times in the summer, he removed towards fall, in 1781, to Fort Duboise; leaving, at the time of his departure, several hogs running in a field, and a quantity of peas growing on the ground. In the latter part of October, Myndert, accompanied by Lieut. Jacob Borst, of Cobelskill, sergeant Wm. Kneiskern, and Jacob Kerker, proceeded to the dwelling of the former, in Myndert's valley, to secure his peas, shut up his hogs, and take care of some other property. John Crounse now lives on the Myndert farm. The party were endeavoring to secure the hops, when six Indians commanded by Walradt, a tory from the Mohawk valley, who had been watching their motions for some time, secreted themselves in Myndert's barn near his dwelling.
After Lieut. Borst and his companions had been thus engaged, they repaired to the house, wet and cold, to warm themselves. On entering it, they set their guns in one corner of a room and gathered round the fire place, where was igniting a quantity of dry wood. At this time the enemy entered the dwelling, and so suddenly, that not one of the party could seize a gun in time to fire. Borst snatched up his, however, but in attempting to turn around to discharge it, he was prevented by an Indian who had anticipated his movement. Kneiskern seized a chair to strike one of the invaders, but the latter grappled it in the same instant. Seeing the foes nearly double their own number, with arms in their hands, the Americans surrendered themselves prisoners without further resistance. The latter were then bound, Borst and Kneiskern very tightly, some little plunder made, and all set forward on their journey to Canada. They proceeded to New Dorlach, but a few miles distant, on their way toward the Susquehanna, and encamped for the night. Borst and Kneiskern, thinking their foes all asleep, were planning their destruction and their own escape, when an Indian who had been watching their intimacy, approached and asked them what they were talking about; and whether they did not contemplate killing their captors. They replied that they were complaining of the cords being so tight they could not sleep. The Indians did not allow them an unguarded moment, and they found it impossible to escape.
It began to snow soon after they left Myndert's place, and the captives suffered very much on their journey from the severity of the weather, the want of proper food, and the cruelty of their masters. As they approached Indian settlements, they were compelled to run the gantlet, by which severe corporal chastisement was inflicted on all, but the most severely on Borst, who fell into a decline soon after reaching Niagara, owing to his cruel treatment on the journey, and death soon after ended his miseries.
Thus ignobly fell one of the most daring spirits Schoharie produced during the war. Kerker, who was confined with Borst, was a good nurse, and took good care of the latter while lingering with consumption. Kneiskern, who was imprisoned on an island in the St. Lawrence, succeeded one night, in company with several other prisoners, in making his escape. They dug out beneath the pickets which inclosed the fort where they were confined, made a raft on which they floated down the river; and one of the party, from fear the raft might not be sufficient to carry them in safety, swam eight or nine miles with but little support, his clothes being upon it, to where they effected a landing on the American shore. After suffering incredible hardships in the forest, living on birch bark, roots, & c., they arrived in safety among friends, where their wants were supplied, and they reached their homes.--Henry France, and John M. Brown.
DR. ELBRIDGE GERRY MINAR, a practicing physician of Mannsville, New York, is a native of the state, born in Elhsburgh, July 23, 1859, son of Captain John Minar and Betsey R. Blount. He is a descendant of an ancient and widespread family whose name variously appears as Miner, Minor, Minar and Minard. His American ancestor was John Minar, born April 11, 1780, died October 28, 1845. John Minar took to wife Catherine Colon, who was a lineal descendant of Dominie Bogardus and Anneke Jans, a princess, and granddaughter of William III of Holland. To Dominie Bogardus was born a son William, William was father of a daughter Annette, who became the wife of Jacob Bower. Their daughter, Anna Elizabeth Bower, became the wife of Jacob Quackenbos. whose son Ryemier, married Catherine Walden. They had a son Peter, who married Lytic Marsenas, of Schenectady, New York, November 1, 1701, whose son married Anna Scott, May 10, 1723. John Quackenbos, son of the marriage last named, was grand- father of Catherine Colon. John Minar, Sr., and his wife, Catherine (Colon) Minar, were the parents of the following named children: i. Christian, born December 16, 1803, died September 16, 1804. 2. Henry, born April 11, 1806. 3. John, February 15, 181 1. 4. Ann Eliza, March 22, 1813. 5. Abra- ham, May 7, 1815. 6. Lydia. April i, 1818. 7. Lyman. February 19, 1822. 8. Catherine, June 16, 1825. 9. Norman, June 11, 1830, drowned November 21, 1846.
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HISTORY OF Schoharie County, NEW YORK By WILLIAM E. ROSCOE Published by D. MASON & CO., SYRACUSE, N.Y. - 1882. - Chapter XV:
The first settlers of the present condensed town (of Sharon, NY) were: ..... Christian Myndert,
CAPTURE OF MYNDERT AND OTHERS.
The next hostile movement in the town was made where the little hamlet long known as Moak's Hollow now stands, and upon the farm owned and occupied by Joseph Sharpe. About the year 1755 or 1760, one Christian Myndert, now pronounced "Miner" settled upon Mr. Sharpe's farm. His house stood a little north of the foundry site upon the side hill, on the farm near where the present one stands. Several incursions were made during the season of 1781, by Colonel Willett's men to obtain supplies from the Tories for the garrison at Fort Plain, and squads of Indians were frequently sent to intercept them, and were secreted by the Tories to catch their opportunity to kill or take them prisoners, but being too cowardly to undertake such risks, they failed to be of service until about the middle of September, 1782. Myndert and family, knowing the Indians were frequently secreted in the neighborhood, became fearful of their safety, and in the fall of 1781, removed to Middleburgh Fort, and returned in the spring with several scouts, to do their spring's work. In September, as above stated, he made a bargain with six others to return to his farm, to harvest his crops, agreeing with the six to divide equally with them. Those that engaged in the peculation were Jacob and Philip Karker, Lieutenant Jacob Borst, of Cobleskill; Williarn Kneiskern and two others whose names our informant cannot recall.
Mrs. Myndert came over to cook for the party. They had worked but a day or two, when one afternoon it began to rain, and they sought the house for shelter, not perceiving a squad of Indians that had gained access to the barn, assisted by one of the neighboring Tories. In entering the house the party placed their guns in one corner of the kitchen and sat down in front of the fireplace to dry their clothing and while chatting, without any idea of insecurity, the door was thrown open and nine powerful lmlians with guns and tomahawks, headed by an inveterate tory, rushed in, between the party and their guns. The Karkers and Kneiskern enjoyed a knock down, but the muzzle of the Indians' guns being brought to their breasts, they agreed to submit as prisoners, and were soon on the road to Niagara, by the way of the Susquehanna river, with their hands bound behind them.
Mrs. Myndert was allowed to return to the middle fort, alone, with the compliments of the Tory commander, to Colonel Vroman. Upon marching through the southern part of the town they barely escaped a party of Willett's men, who were upon a foraging expedition, and had found shelter from the Storm in the Tory Philip Crysler's house, but a short distance from the captors' and captives' path. The prisoners were severely treated, especially as they passed through Indian villages, when they were compelled to run the gauntlet for the amusement of the younger class of the "noble red man." Their vengeance seemed to be more especially upon Lieutenant Borst, as he had been a terror to the Indians and Tories. The prisoners secretly consulted with each other, except Myndert, upon the propriety of effecting an escape, but hardly dared to speak of it to him as he seemed to be a willing captive, but upon arriving at Niagara, they became better acquainted and had opportunities to talk with him upon their desired escape, and found he had wished to broach the subject many times, but was fearful of being unsuccessful. The whole party were retained after peace was proclaimed, but they made their escape by digging beneath the pickets that enclosed their prison.
William Kneiskern was taken to Rebel Island and there he secretly procured three brandy casks and lashed them together and set himself afloat upon them. He safely landed upon the.American side several miles from the Island and returned to his home. He afterwards settled in Decatur, Otsego county, and was one of four brothers living in Carlisle, two of whom were loyal to the Crown and two true and faithful patriots. Lieutenant Borst had acted as scout through the war, previous to his captivity, and being exposed to all kinds of weather and hardships, he had contracted a severe cough, which terminated in consumption and death, soon after reaching home. Our informant, Solomon Karker, is a nephew of the Karker prisoners, and was conversant with the men themselves and has been a faithful as well as retentive listener to many interesting conversations between the actors of the Revolution.
SHARON, OR MOAK'S HOLLow
Christian Myndert was the first resident here, and upon the survey being made for the turnpike, Tinas Pynneo, a practical physician from New England, purchased from Myndert the farm now owned in part by Seneca Bergh, and sometime after 1795 built a house for the public convenience, which was soon occupied by Elisha S. Wales and his son-in-law, Joseph Alexander, from Arlington, Vermont. Alexander kept a store and Wales the inn. The former died in 1803, and his widow afterwards married John Sharpe, who became the father of Joseph Sharp, the present resident of the Myndert farm. Upn the death of Mr. Sharpe his widow married Jedediah Miller. Another daughter married John Redington, who, upon the death of Mr. Redington, and her sister, Mrs. Miller, became the second wife of Miller. Mr. Wales met with a sudden death on the 10th of May, 1808, near the present residence of Orrin Griffith. He was upon a heavy load of potash, going to Albany, and having occasion to get off the load, he endeavored to mount the same while the team was in motion He slipped and fell beneath the broad-tire wheels, and was literally crushed. The property was soon purchased by Zachary Keyes, an Eastern man. "Zack Keyes," as he was familiarly called, was a cute, fun-loving, hospitable, yet rough man, and was known from one end of the road to the other as a practical joker. Many anecdotes are still related of him which are amusing and enough to fill a goodly-sized volume. One perhaps will suffice. A temperance organization was formed in the town and its members knowing Zack's love of the cup, asked him in a very polite way to join. Ready at all times to comply with the wishes of his neighbors, he agreed to do so immediately,
upon one condition, "to be allowed to use stimulants in the form of liquor when he washed sheep." Having, as most Yankees, a large flock, the temperance men did not mistrust any joke, from the fact that it was customary for all to use spirits upon that "chilly occasion," and they agreed to his proposal, thinking they were about to gain one good step towards a reformation of the man. Zack had a cosset sheep running in the yard, and whenever a chum asked him to drink or he felt thirsty, he would catch
the cosset and throw him in a large tub filled with water which he had placed on purpose for the occasion. He was sure to drink before and after the operation. The poor sheep, if not the lodge in general, must have had but little faith in the "reform" as far as Zack was concerned, as it was compelled to undergo the washing several times each day. He was a free-hearted , jolly business man, and remained here several years, but at last removed to Cherry Valley where he died. Reuben Moak followed Keyes in the hotel, beside keeping a variety store, and the hamlet has borne the sobriquet of Moak's Hollow ever since.
HISTORY of SCHOHARIE COUNTY, and BORDER WARS OF NEW YORK;
containing also A Sketch of the Causes which led to the American Revolution; and Interesting Memoranda of the Mohawk Valley; together with Much Other Historical and Miscellaneous Matter, Never Before Published. by Jeptha R. Simms Albany; Munsell & Tanner, Printers. 1845
Chapter XV
At the Keyes' place in Sharon,12 dwelt in the Revolution, a Hanoverian named Christian Myndert, whose family was the only one in that part of Sharon. Having been alarmed several times in the summer, he removed towards fall, in 1781, to Fort Duboise; leaving, at the time of his departure, several hogs running in a field, and a quantity of peas growing on the ground. In the latter part of October, Myndert, accompanied by Lieut. Jacob Borst, of Cobelskill, sergeant Wm. Kneiskern, and Jacob Kerker, proceeded to the dwelling of the former, in Myndert's valley, to secure his peas, shut up his hogs, and take care of some other property. John Crounse now lives on the Myndert farm. The party were endeavoring to secure the hops, when six Indians commanded by Walradt, a tory from the Mohawk valley, who had been watching their motions for some time, secreted themselves in Myndert's barn near his dwelling.
After Lieut. Borst and his companions had been thus engaged, they repaired to the house, wet and cold, to warm themselves. On entering it, they set their guns in one corner of a room and gathered round the fire place, where was igniting a quantity of dry wood. At this time the enemy entered the dwelling, and so suddenly, that not one of the party could seize a gun in time to fire. Borst snatched up his, however, but in attempting to turn around to discharge it, he was prevented by an Indian who had anticipated his movement. Kneiskern seized a chair to strike one of the invaders, but the latter grappled it in the same instant. Seeing the foes nearly double their own number, with arms in their hands, the Americans surrendered themselves prisoners without further resistance. The latter were then bound, Borst and Kneiskern very tightly, some little plunder made, and all set forward on their journey to Canada. They proceeded to New Dorlach, but a few miles distant, on their way toward the Susquehanna, and encamped for the night. Borst and Kneiskern, thinking their foes all asleep, were planning their destruction and their own escape, when an Indian who had been watching their intimacy, approached and asked them what they were talking about; and whether they did not contemplate killing their captors. They replied that they were complaining of the cords being so tight they could not sleep. The Indians did not allow them an unguarded moment, and they found it impossible to escape.
It began to snow soon after they left Myndert's place, and the captives suffered very much on their journey from the severity of the weather, the want of proper food, and the cruelty of their masters. As they approached Indian settlements, they were compelled to run the gantlet, by which severe corporal chastisement was inflicted on all, but the most severely on Borst, who fell into a decline soon after reaching Niagara, owing to his cruel treatment on the journey, and death soon after ended his miseries.
Thus ignobly fell one of the most daring spirits Schoharie produced during the war. Kerker, who was confined with Borst, was a good nurse, and took good care of the latter while lingering with consumption. Kneiskern, who was imprisoned on an island in the St. Lawrence, succeeded one night, in company with several other prisoners, in making his escape. They dug out beneath the pickets which inclosed the fort where they were confined, made a raft on which they floated down the river; and one of the party, from fear the raft might not be sufficient to carry them in safety, swam eight or nine miles with but little support, his clothes being upon it, to where they effected a landing on the American shore. After suffering incredible hardships in the forest, living on birch bark, roots, & c., they arrived in safety among friends, where their wants were supplied, and they reached their homes.--Henry France, and John M. Brown.
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