| Notes |
- The story begins early in the eighteenth century when groups of influential and enterprising men were busy securing patents in the counties of Orange and Ulster. These lands formerly belonged to Jon Evans, a Captain in the British Navy, but his claim was revoked in 1708, leaving thousands of acres to be divided by the royal governors among their political and personal associates.
One of these patentees was John Haskell, a military officer who was then serving as the steward of Brigadier Robert Hunter, colonial governor of New York and New Jersey. In 1715 he acquired a one fifth share in a tract lying north of the Palatine settlement at Newburgh, known as the Harrison patent. Four years later, "being desirous to settle, cultivate and improve on some part of the land formerly granted to Captain Evans," Haskell petitioned the governor for an individual grant, and in 1719 and 1721 he received two tracts, each of two thousand acres, situated in the precinct of the Highlands, of which New Windsor was then a part.
After deeding the western portion to an Elizabeth Stollard, "spinster", he retained the other half, which included Muchattoes Hill (now Snake Hill) and Little Pond (now Washington Lake) within its boundaries. This tract consisted of uplands and meadows, with a swamp along the western line; although it may have been partially cleared to supply masts for the royal navy, there were few other signs of civilization, and old deeds refer to the property as the "Hermitage."
For the site of his homestead, Haskell chose the lot sloping from Muchattoes Hill eastward to the Hudson River, and here during the 1720's the house was built. Its exact date is unknown, but a house was there by 1729, for highway records of that year describe a road which has to pass "along a footpath which is now used between ye house of Mr. John Haskol and the mill of … Mr. Chambers.
From legislative records of the province, deeds, an old account book, receipts and other memoranda, "John Haskell of New York, Gentleman" appears as a man of some importance in his period. He made himself useful to two colonial governors: Brigadier Robert Hunter and his successor, William Burnet, receiving from them large grants of land - shares in tracts along the Mohawk as well as several thousand acres in Ulster County. Especially gratifying must have been the patent he was awarded in 1724 - a lot in the East Ward of New York - granted "in consideration of … [his] long and faithful Service" as "Master Gunner" of the city garrison and "Door Keeper" of the Council Chamber.
According to tradition Haskell came to America after military experience in Europe where he may have served under Brigadier Hunter. During Hunter's term of office as governor (1710-19), Haskell had the title of "Steward", evidently a position of trust which brought him into contact with the distinguished men of the province.
Governor Burnet invested in six thousand acres adjoining the Hermitage on the north, and when the Palatine settlers in Newburg were selling their farms, Haskell bought some of the lots for the governor. Burnet's will made in 1727, was witnessed by John Haskell.
The historian Samuel Eager, writing in 1846, describes him as a gentleman farmer, for this is how his Ulster neighbors new him. Eager says he conducted agricultural experiments at the Hermitage with "seeds plants and cattle" he brought from England, "employing plenty of negroes to assist him and cultivate his fields." Colden writes that "Mr. Haskell who attends Brigadier Hunter" traveled to England in 1719 - he may have obtained stock for the farm at this time.
He seems to have maintained a home in New York, and would sometimes carry letters and messages for Dr. Colden on his trips between New Windsor and the city. Henry "Hasell", presumably a son is listed on the tax rolls in 1728, and may have managed the farm in his father's absence.
Appointed a road commissioner for the Highlands precinct in the Assembly of 1732, Haskell served for several years - an indication that he may have spent more time on his farm in the 1730's. He helped layout an early highway from "Shawaugunck" over "Palts Creek" (the Walkill) and on to the "Hudson's River" at Newburgh.
A highway record of December 1739 contains the last mention of John Haskell locally. Whether he died soon after this date or simply moved away, no one knows; an "aged lady" informed Eager a century later that he was buried in a "burying yard" on his farm.
Reference
18th Century Homes in New Windsor and its vicinity as depicted by Simeon De Witt, Geographer to the Army on his Map of the Cantonment, 1783
By Marion Mackenzie Mailler & Janet Dempsey
Published for the National Temple Hill Association, Inc.
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- Abt 1739
