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CHRONOLOGY OF NEW YORK CITY'S FACTUAL "FIRST" 1524-1999
Researched and Compiled by Miriam Medina
S E C T
I O N
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*Please note this is a work in progress. New
researched information will be added periodically.
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1) New York's first Irish politician, Sir Thomas Dongan, who
became governor in 1683.
2) New York City receives a corporate charter from Governor
Dongan; mayor to be appointed by governor. * (beatl.)
3) In 1683, the city was divided into wards by Governor
Dongan. The West Ward took in both sides of Broadway, its
eastern boundary being New Street, and its western one , the
Hudson; it extended from Battery Place on the south to Wall
Street on the North. The Out Ward was "To contain the town
of Harlem, with all the farms and settlements on this
island, from north of the Fresh Water." *(Bwy)
4) First meeting of the General Assembly was held October
17, 1683 in New York City with Matthias Nicoll as speaker.
The province was divided into counties by this first
Assembly. Its first act was to accept a "Charter of
Liberties and Privileges," which had been granted by the
duke. This instrument provided for self-government,
self-taxation, and freedom of conscience, three principles
which the people had long been striving for.*NYS History
5) 1683 The Towns of Brooklyn, Bushwick, Flatbush,
Flatlands, Gravesend and New Utrecht join to make up Kings
County * (BTL)
6) First Shearith Israel Graveyard at 55-57 St. James Place
in Manhattan, this small graveyard of the Sephardic Jewish
congregation dates back to 1683. * (Museums)
7) Wyllem Jansen Van came to New Amsterdam and settled at
Flatlands L.I. in 1683.
8) The Schenck family, belongs among the earliest Dutch
settlers in the New World. The first ancestor to come to
America was Johannes Schenky who arrived and settled in 1683
on Bushwick, Long Island. The old burial stone of Johannes
Schenck "first of the family departed this life February 5,
1748, aged 92" is now the property of the Musuem of the City
of New York, Fifth ave. * (Hollanders)
9) The Towns of Brooklyn, Bushwick, Flatbush, Flatlands,
Gravesend and New Utrecht join to make up Kings County. *(BTL)
10) Mass was celebrated for the first time in New York City,
inside Fort james on October 30, 1683. * (epic)
11) On what slender threads hung the hopes and fears of our
ancestors in 1683! On March 7 they noted a serious rival in
trade on the opposite shores of the Hudson, and the Mayor of
the city petitioned the Government and Crown to have East
Jersey (which heretofore had been claimed as attached to the
colony of New York, but had been separated) "reannexed to
this province, as trade and revenue had suffered by the
dismemberment, and fears were entertained in consequence
that New York would be supplanted by the diversion of
trade." At this time New York had the exclusive privilege,
by law, of bolting and packing flour and meal, and this was
the sole support of at least two-thirds of its citizens, and
was complained of by the country people as a grievance.* (cdony)
12) In March, 1683, a law establishing the office of
"viewers and searchers of chimneys and fire-hearths"
inflicted a penalty of twenty shillings for defects in the
construction of the wooden chimneys or the fire-hearths; and
directed "that no person shall lay hay or straw or other
combustible matter within their dwelling-houses, and that
provision he made for hooks, ladders, and buckets,"
inflicting a fine of fifteen shillings upon "every person
who shall suffer his chimney, to be on fire." (34)
13) The first House of Representatives convened in 1683.
(39)
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1) Governor Dongan came promptly forward in 1684, backed by
royal instructions, with orders that all towns bring their
patents and Indian deeds preparatory to obtaining new
charters. The authorities of Brooklyn complied with this
order and after waiting until May 3, 1686, obtained a grant
confirming former grants, and once more giving them a title
to the land comprised in Brooklyn, Gowanas, Wallabout,
Bedford and other sections within their jurisdiction. * (b.d.e.
9/25/1887)
2) In 1684 New street and Beaver street were ordered to be
paved, and the first watch was appointed, consisting of
eight persons, at 12 pence a night.* (cdony)
3) In 1684 religious dissensions began to agitate the people
of the Colony. Governor Dongan and some of the principal
officers were Catholics, and had been appointed by the
reigning Stuart family in England. It was feared, therefore,
that the Protestant religion was in danger. To further
increase the fear, a Latin school was opened under the
management of a learned Jesuit. * (cdony)
4) In 1684, the rates of ferriage to Nassau Island, (Long
Island) were, for a single person, 8 stivers in wampum, or a
silver two pence. Persons in company, half the above; or if
after sunset, double price. Each horse or least one
shilling, if single, or nine pence, in company. Rip Van Dam,
being the "fairest bidder" for the ferry, had it on a lease
of 7 years, at 165l per annum. (39)
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1) Pieter Van Stryker was one of the patentees named in the
Dongan patent of November 12, 1685 and was High Sheriff of
Kings County. * (Hollanders)
2) A further patent of confirmation to the town was issued
by Governor Dongan, March 24, 1685, to strengthen the former
title to the lands and to prevent controversy from
Tackapausha, Succanemen. Runasuck or other Indian sachems
who might claim the land belonging to the inhabitants of
Flushing. The persons named in this last mentioned patent as
patentees were Elias Doughty, Thomas Willets, John Brown,
Mathias Harvety, Thomas Hicks, Richard Cornell, John
Hinchman, Jonathan Wright and Samuel Hoyt. (B.D.E.
5/20/1894)
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1) In this year, New York was the first incorporated and
chartered city in American colonies, although it might boast
of an earlier existence as such under the Dutch form in 1653
and under the English form in 1665. (NYS History)
2) Governor Dongan's charter bears date of April 22, 1686.
It recites that "Whereas, New York is an ancient city and
its citizens a body politic and corporate and have enjoyed
divers privileges and franchises and have established one
ferry from said city to Long island for the accommodation
and convenience of passengers, the said citizens and
travelers do," etc., etc.This charter, granted, ratified and
confirmed to the mayor, aldermen and commonalty, the
aforementioned ferry, with all the rights, profits and
benefits arising therefrom. (b.d.e. 5/11/1890)
3) In 1686, James II having come to the throne on the
renewal of Governor Dongan's commission, refused to confirm
the privileges granted when he was Duke of York. The
assembly was prohibited, and orders were given to Dongan to
"suffer no printing-press in his government." Much
disaffection arose at this time among the colonists on
account of the appointment of professed Catholics to the
principal crown offices.* (owc)
4) In 1686, James II abolished the representative system,
and prohibited the use of printing presses. A meeting of
commissioners, denominated a congress of the several
colonies, was this year assembled at New York. A regulation
for lighting the city was established in 1697, requiring
that lights be put in the windows of the houses fronting on
the streets, on a penalty of nine-pence for every night's
omission; and that a lighted lantern be hung out upon a pole
at every seventh house, the expense to be borne equally by
the seven intervening houses. * (owc)
5) The first House of Representatives was abolished by James
II in 1686, during which year he forbade the use of printing
presses. * (cdony)
6) IN 1686, "by reason of great damage done by fire,"
it was ordered, first, "that every person having two
chimneys to his house provide one bucket;" secondly, "that
every house having more than two hearths provide two
buckets;" and, thirdly, "that brewers shall have six
buckets, and all bakers six buckets, under penalty of six
shillings for every bucket wanting." (34)
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In 1687 the news of the revolution in England and the
accession of William and Mary to the throne reached the
colonies. On the arrival of the news a militia captain,
Leisler, seized the fort, where he acted as Governor, and
convened the Assembly. Two years after, on the arrival of
Governor Slaughter, Leisler and his secretary, Malborne,
were tried and convicted of high treason in not promptly
giving up the fort. They were executed, and the proceedings
in Leisler's trial were printed in Boston, as there was no
printing press in New York. * (cdony)
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1) Glen Cove was deeded in due form by Suscaemon and Werah,
indian chiefs of the Matinecock tribe, to Joseph Carpenter,
the first white settler, on May 24, 1688.
2) In 1688, the first Hugenot Church was established in New
York.* (epic)
3) In 1688, the assessors' valuation of property in the
several wards, which were called West, South, East, and Dock
Wards, together with Harlaem and the Bowery, amounted to
78,2311. Of this sum, 29, 2541 was in the South Ward.(39)
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1) On the 29th of September, 1689, by order of the Committee
of Safety, the people assembled in their wards and elected
their aldermen and councilmen, and for the first time, their
mayor also. * (hocny)
2) In 1689, Governor Dongan being recalled by King James,
one Jacob Leisler took possession of the garrison for King
William and Mary, and assumed the government of the
province. Upon the arrival of Governor Slaughter at New
York, who was commissioned by the king, Leisler refused to
surrender the garrison, for the seizure of which he and his
son were tried and condemned as guilty of high treason.
Governor Slaughter hesitated to command their execution, and
wrote to the English ministers how to dispose of them. Their
enemies fearing a reaction in their favor invited the
governor to a sumptuous entertainment, who when his reason
was drowned in wine was seduced to sign the death-warrant.
Before he recovered his senses the prisoners were executed.
* (owc)
3) In February, 1689, "fire-ladders, with sufficient hooks
thereto," were "ordered to be made;" and, having gone so
far, the city fathers proceeded to appoint "brandt meisters,"
or fire masters, the "chief engineers" of later days. (34)
4) The large increase of houses in the city, noticed in a
former section, necessarily caused an increased demand for
building lots, and accordingly we find frequent mention of
sales of public property for that purpose. A few years
previous to the time now under notice, a portion of the old
burying-ground in Broadway was ordered to be laid out in
lots of twenty-five feet front, and " sold at public
outcry." This is the first case on record of the sale of
real estate at auction in this city. In 1689 fourteen lots,
" near the Countess's Quay," were sold at auction for about
thirty-five pounds each, and eleven others at twenty-seven
pounds each. A little later public surveyors were appointed
to lay out streets and lots; and frequent grants of land
were made by the corporation for trifling considerations.
(37)
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1) May 1, 1690, witnesses the first meeting of Commissioners
(called a Congress) from the several colonies, preparatory
tot he establishing of provincial laws, which was done in
1691, when the Duke of York's Laws ceased and the first
General Assembly convened in New York, composed of seventeen
members, selected as follows: City and County of New York,
4; Ulster and Dutchess 2; Westchester, 1; Richmond, 2:
Albany, 2; Suffolk, 2; Kings, 2, and Queens, 2. * (cdony)
2) 1690 In this year an important office was established by
the council, that of "inviters to funerals." Richard Chapman
and Cornadus Vandor Beeck were the successful candidates for
the position, and their profits were to be equal. Amsterdam
was the sponsor for this office and its duties. At a funeral
the inviter was dressed in black, with a mourning crape on
his hat reaching to the ground, and carried a scroll in his
hand containing a list of the persons invited. A similar
office is performed to-day by the undertaker's assistant,
which doubtless is a survival of the old custom. Hogs were
not "suffered to goe or range in any of the streets or
lands, within the fire wards, under the penalty of the
forfeiture of all such swine," etc., and "poysonous and
stinking weeds within this city, before every one's door, to
be forthwith pluckt up, upon the forfeiture of three
shillings for the neglect thereof." * (cdony)
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1) On April 13, 1691 Leisler and Melborne and six more of
the council were convicted of high treason and condemned to
death. Leisler and Melborne were executed before the great
crowd of people in what was later the Commons, or city Hall
Park in New York City * (NYS History)
2) New York City receives a corporate charter from Governor
Dongan; mayor to be appointed by Governor Benjamin Fletcher
passes Ministry Act -- provides financial support from
provincial tax receipts for Anglican churches in NYC,
Westchester, Queens and Staten Island.
3) In July of 1691 the first autopsy was performed in New
York City on Governor Henry Sloughter. * (epic)
4) The "Ducking Stool", a form of punishment for scolds, was
ordered built on the wharf in front of City Hall, New York.
Although this form of punishment by plunging into water was
not used frequently in New York City, it was common in the
South. *(eoafd)
5) "Kings County, in which the township of Brooklyn is
situated, has been called the garden of the State, and after
describing its boundaries the writer says that it abounds
with all the conveniences and many of the luxuries of life.
The county, was first legally separated from other counties
in the year 1691, and contained the several towns of
Boshwick, Bedford, Breucklin, Flatlands, Flatbush, New
Utrecht and Gravesend, with the settlements and plantations
adjacent. After the Revolution an act of the Legislature was
passed which prescribes that "The County of Kings", (the
name seems to have been transposed from Kings County as
before written, in accordance with changed relation of the
country to the old gentlemen who filled the position from
which the county was named. The County of Kings contains all
that part of this State bounded easterly by Queens County,
northerly by the County of New York, westerly partly by the
Hudson River and partly by the ocean, and southerly by the
Atlantic ocean, including Coney Island. " (Brooklyn Eagle:
5/4/1860)
6) In 1691 the public authorities sold all the land fronting
the water, from Wall street to Maiden lane, for 25 shillings
a foot, and from there to Cliff street for 18 shillings a
foot. From Cliff street to Beekman street it was sold for 15
shillings a foot. Water lots were sold at one shilling a
foot. On December 8 of this year a piece of ground was
granted for the Dutch church in Exchange Place, between
Broad and William streets, "175 feet on the north and 180
feet on the south, for 180 current pieces of eight, at six
shillings a piece, to be paid upon sealing the patents." The
church first built on this spot was erected in 1693. The lot
was not to be appropriated to any other use or assigned to
any other person. * (cdony)
7) Surveyors were appointed in 1691 to lay out streets and
lots for each of which they were to receive six shillings.
Of their work a chronicler of the history of new York says:
"The moderate expectations of the founders of the city as to
its future extent and influence, together with the European
notions imbibed by them as to the compactness and narrowness
of streets, as in the Continental cities, caused that
closeness and irregularity in the ancient form and aspect of
the city which has devolved on their posterity a full
measure of vexation and expense in remedying the mistakes of
their ancestors." * (cdony)
8) The colonists were preparing for family quarrels in 1691,
as it was ordered "that there be a ducking stool built
forthwith upon the wharfe before the towne-house" (Coenties
Slip, between Pearl and Water streets). * (cdony)
9) Captain Kidd
Assembly Journal, Saturday the 18th of April 1691.
Gabriel Monville Esq.: and Thomas Willett, Esq.: are
appointed to attend the House of Representatives, and
acquaint them of the many good services done "to this
Province, by Capt. William Kidd, in his attending here with
his vessels, before his Excellency's Arrival, and that it
would be acceptable to His Excellency and this Board, that
they Consider of some suitable Reward, to him for his good
services. * (man1869)
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1) 1692 dates New York City's custom of honoring notables
and celebrating important events with impressive parades. *
(epic)
2) On the 25th of February, 1692, the people of Brooklyn
held a town meeting to discuss the question as to what
should be done with the large amount of public land obtained
from time to time from the Indians, when it was decided to
divide the common lands and woods into three parts: 1) "All
lands after Bedford and Cripplebush, over the hills to the
path of New Lotts, to go to Gowanis. 2) "All lands and woods
that lyes betwixt the abov e path and the highway from the
ferry toward Flatbush shall belong to the freeholders and
inhabitants of Bedford and Cripplebush. 3) "All lands that
lyes in common after the Gowanis, betwixt the limits and
bounds of Flatbush and New Utrecht, shall belong to the
freeholders of Brooklyn, fred neck (Frederick Lubbersten's
neck of land), the ferry and the Wallabout." The preceedings
were reported to the Court of Sessions and duly approved by
it at a session held at Flatbush on the 10th of May, 1693. *
(b.d.e. 9/25/1887)
3) Abram de Peyster became Mayor in 1692, and he recommended
that the city make one wharf fronting King street (now Pine
street),thirty feet wide, and two other wharfs, twelve feet
wide, one on each side of maiden Slip (?), running to
high-water mark. It appears that the tide entered up the
street as far as William street. "Spuyten Devil" Creek
bridge was built in this year. * (cdony)
4) 1n 1692, one wharf was built, fronting King-street, (now
is Pine-street,) of thirty feet wide; and two other wharves,
! of twelve feet wide, on each side of Maiden-slip, running
to high-water mark, which was then, probably, as far up as
William-street. (39)
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1) Trinity church in New York City was built and supported
under the act of 1693, although not opened for worship until
February 6, 1697. * (NYS History)
2) William Bradford, the Philadelphia printer, having become
involved in difficulties in consequence of his connection
with George Keith, who had attempted to produce a revolution
in Quakerism, removed to New York, and established the first
printing press in the city. He was at first employed by the
city authorities to print the corporation laws, and a few
years after established a newspaper, which proved a
successful speculation. * (hocny)
3) In 1693 the Church of England became the Colony's
official religion. * (epic)
4) IN 1693 the lower tip of Manhattan was named the Battery.
* (epic)
5) The first bridge over the Harlem River was built under a
franchise for 99 years, granted in June, 1693, to Fredryck
Flypsen or Philipse, to build and maintain at his own
expense a bridge over the Spuyten Duyvil Creek, and to
collect certain "easy and reasonable tolls" from such
passengers as might cross it. The bridge was to be
twenty-four feet wide and provided with a draw of sufficient
size to permit the passage of small craft. It was further
stipulated that it should be free for the passage of the
King's forces, and should be called King's Bridge. This
bridge was built during the same year, a little to the east
of the site of the present structure which bears the same
name. It remained in the hands of Philipse's descendants
down to Revolutionary times, when it was forfeited to the
State on account of the adherence of the family to the
English Crown.*(borobx)
6) July 8, 1693__"Ordered that the Mayor doe provide a coat
of the city livery, with a badge of the city arms, shoes and
stockings for the bellman, and charge it to the account of
the city." Also, "ordered that the Recorder doe draw up an
address to congratulate his Excellency on his safe return
from Albany. "Further, it was ordered "that the Mayor doe
provide a cup of gold to the value of one hundred pounds to
be presented unto his Excellency on behalf of this city, as
a token of their gratitude." The Mayor bought of Peter Jacob
Marius twenty ounces of gold for the cup at a cost of £106,
for which he and others gave their bonds, and desired a fund
might be raised to pay the same, and it was ordered that the
revenue of the ferry between the city and Brooklyn, "which
doth annually arise, be not converted unto any other use
whatsoever until the said one hundred and six pounds be paid
as above."
7) In 1693 the Dutch built a church in Garden-street, now
Exchange Place, and on entering that edifice the other house
of worship passed into the entire possession of the
Episcopal Church. This first Episcopal Church stood till
1741. * (lcr)
8) The first bridge over the Harlem River was built under a
franchise for 99 years, granted in June, 1693, to Fredryck
Flypsen or Philipse, to build and maintain at his own
expense a bridge over the Spuyten Duyvil Creek, and to
collect certain "easy and reasonable tolls" from such
passengers as might cross it. The bridge was to be
twenty-four feet wide and provided with a draw of sufficient
size to permit the passage of small craft. It was further
stipulated that it should be free for the passage of the
King's forces, and should be called King's Bridge. This
bridge was built during the same year, a little to the east
of the site of the present structure which bears the same
name. It remained in the hands of Philipse's descendants
down to Revolutionary times, when it was forfeited to the
State on account of the adherence of the family to the
English Crown. (21)
9)I n 1693, eighty-six cords of wood, at 13 shillings a
cord,were ordered for stockades, and to make a platform for
a
battery, on the outermost rocks, before the fort. (39)
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1) The Quaker Meeting House, at 137-16 Northern Blvd,
Flushing, N.Y. The meeting house was built in 1694 on land
given by John Bowne and is one of America's oldest places of
worship. It is a memorial to the early citizens of the
Flushing area who refused to persecute the Quaker settlers
as ordered by the Governor of their colony. * (Museums)
2) The Quaker Meeting House in Flushing New York was built
in simple rectangular form with a hipped roof. The oldest
religious building on L.I. it has been in continuous use.*(eoafd)
1 6 9 5
1) Governor Fletcher approves grant of land in New York City
for an Anglican Church; allows Dutch to use their taxes to
support Dutch Reform clergy; greatly expands land patents to
favored supporters.
2) Overseers to administer public relief to the poor were
appointed in New York City. They estimated the amount to be
handed out as well as the poor tax. Paupers clothed by the
city had to sew a badge on their garments "with this Mark
N.Y. in blew or red cloath." * (eoafd)
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1) The first attempt to clean the streets was made in 1696,
when a contract was made at thirty pounds sterling a year.
2) The Kings Arms opened in 1696 on Broadway just south of
Trinity Church. The Kings arms housed Manhattan's earliest
theatrical performances.
3) Trinity Church was erected in 1696; the first sermon
being preached on the 6th February, 1697, by Rev. Mr. Vesey,
who continued as pastor until his death, about fifty years
subsequently. The church was enlarged in 1737, it being one
hundred and forty-eight feet in length and seventy-two in
breadth. The steeple was a hundred and seventy-eight feet
high. In 1761, it was struck by lightning, and consumed to
the belfry. An excellent organ, brought from London, was one
of the attractions of this edifice. Beneath the floor were
vaults of the leading families attached tot he congregation,
denoted by sculptured entablatures along the side walls in
the building.* (Valentine's 1865)
4) On June 26, 1696, a city hall was ordered built on the
corner of Nassau and Wall streets, to cost £3,000. It was a
modest, plain, substantial edifice, sufficient for those
days of primitive simplicity, and continued, with occasional
repairs and alterations, until after the War of the
Revolution. Prior to the assembling of the Congress of the
United States in this city in 1787 and 1789 the building was
altered and enlarged for its accommodation by the
corporation, and remained so until demolished in 1811. It
had a spacious
portico projecting into Wall street several feet and resting
on arches, with arcades underneath, extending around into
Nassau street. From the portico of the second story, facing
Broad street, General Washington was inaugurated first
President of the United States. * (cdony)
5) In 1696, Teunis De Kay petitioned the corporation for
leave " to open a carte way" from the head of Broad-street
toward the city Common, "by the pye-woman's," offering to do
all the work necessary at his own expense, if he could have
" the soil." Probably at that time there was an opening in
the wall at the head of Broad-street, allowing the egress
and ingress of teams and vehicles, as it is known there was
no gate at that place. The petition was granted, and the
beginning of Nassau-street was the result. At first,
indicating the professed design of the projector of the
enterprise, it was called " Horse-and-cart-street," and
afterward " Kip-street," till it received its present name.
(37)
1 6 9 7
1) Trinity Church founded by NYC Anglicans with royal
charter from King William; given 7-year lease of 32 acres of
prime NYC property [ "Queens Farm"] by Governor Fletcher;
William Vesey (Harvard, 1688) named first rector of Trinity
Church; held position to 1745 . *(beatl)
2) Stephanus Van Cortlandt, american merchant and politician
was granted a royal patent in 1697 making his estates a
manor and himself lord of the manor. * (C.E.)
3) In 1697 the first attempt at lighting the streets was
made. This was done by hanging out a lantern and candle upon
the end of a pole from the window of every seventh house, on
the nights when there was no moon; the expense being divided
equally among the seven houses.* (hocny)
4) The first regular night watch, consisting of four men,
was established during the same year. * (hocny)
5) Fire wardens were probably the first paid fireman in
America appointed for each ward in New York City. The
Warden's main task was to enforce fire laws. Homeowners
could be fined for dangerous chimneys as well as fires
caused by negligence. * (eoafd)
6) In 1697 Church street was laid out, and a city watch of
four sober men was ordered by the Council. * (cdony)
7) Lighting The City: "December, 1697: Resolved, that the
mode of lighting the city be that 'during the dark time of
the moon until the 25th of March next every seventh
householder cause a lanthorn and candle to be hung out on a
pole every night.' The expense to be divided equally between
the seven. The aldermen are charged to see this done." *
(man1869)
8) In December, 1697, it was ordered that, because of "the
danger that may happen by fire for want of a due inspection
made to cleaning of chimneys and mending of hearths within
the city, two sufficient persons in every ward of this city
be appointed as viewers of chimneys and hearths, to view the
same once a week; upon finding a defect, to give notice that
such be repaired; if a person refuse, he to forfeit the sum
of three shillings, one-half to the city, the other half to
the viewers." Still farther we read that "if any person's
chimney be on fire after such notice, he shall forfeit the
sum of forty shillings; if the viewers neglect to perform
their duty, they forfeit the sum of six shillings, and
others shall be appointed in their place." This is the first
record of a paid Fire Department in the city of New York.
"Viewers" and "overseers" there were already; but now
arrangement was made for paying, for fining, and for
discharging them; and also a systematic performance of duty
was required: they were to view the chimneys and hearths
once a week. (34)
9) The first order for lighting the city was passed November
23d, 1697, by which the owners of houses were required to
put lights in their windows fronting the streets, under
penalty of nine pence for each night of default; and on the
2d of December following, it was ordered, "that every
seventh house do hang out a pole with a lantern and candle;
and the said seven ho9uses do pay an equal portion fo the
expense." (39)
1 6 9 8
1) The first census of Kings County is taken, listing the
population of King's County as 2,017 (1,721 white; 296 of
African descent).
2) The first Trinity Church went up on the west side of
Broadway at the head of Wall Street. It was first used for
religious services on March 13, 1698.
3) In 1698, the Town granted liberty to John Robinson to set
up a grist and fueling mill at the Head-of-the-Harbour, on
condition of grinding for its inhabitants one twelfth of all
the grain ground. The mill passed to various owners, until
finally it came into the possession of Hendrick Onderdonk,
grandfather of the Bishops Onderdonk. *(E.L.I.)
1 6 9 9
1) In 1699 Captain Johannes Benson (1655-1715) purchased a
hundred acres in what was later Greenwich Village for which
he paid 2000 guilders. * (Hollanders)
2) A more famous, or rather, infamous, building than the
Bridewell also stood in the Commons, northeast of the City
Hall. The old City Hall in Wall Street (erected in 1699) had
been used as a jail and debtor's prison. * (bwy)
3) Ferry to Long Island: 1699, February. The ferry is let
for seven years, on condition of security for payment given.
The farmer to provide two great boats or scows for cattle,
etc., and two small boats for passengers, one of each to be
kept on each side. That the city build a ferry-house within
the first year of the lease. The fare for a single person is
fixed at eight strivers in wampum, or a silver two pence. If
a company cross together, each to pay four silvers in wampum
or a silver penny; but after sunset double ferriage. A
single horse, 1s.; several in company 9d.; a colt 3d.; a
hog, the same as a single person; a sheep, half; a barrel of
liquid, 3d; an empty barrel, four strivers in wampum, or a
silver penny; a beast's hide, do; a firkin or tub of butter,
two strivers in wampum; a bushel of corn, half; a hogshead
of tobacco, 9d. The rent per year, £165. * (man1869)
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