161. HENDRICK4 BANTA married at Schraalenburgh, Aug. 12, 1738, Rachel
Brower, daughter of Abram Brower and Leah Demarest, who was baptized at
Hackensack, Dec. 9, 1716. He was a member of the church at Hackensack in 1741.
His wife died about 1750 and he married again, Antie Demarest, daughter of Samuel
David and Lea Demarest, who was baptized Dec. 23, 1733, and who survived him.
He removed from Bergen County to Somerset County, N. J., and was an Elder of the
church at Bedminster, Oct. 25, 1758. The baptismal records of that church have not
been preserved, but at least four of his children were born while he was living in that
county, whose date of birth we cannot determine. About ten years later, with a
colony from New Jersey he removed to Conewago, York County, Pa., near the present
site of Gettysburg, and was a member of the church there at its formation, and proba-
bly and Elder. The oldest document on record in York County is a deed given by one
Van Arsdale in 1768 for land described therein as adjoining land of Henry Banta,
which fixes the date of emigration to Pennsylvania as early as 1768. The only records
of the Conewago church that have been preserved are a few scattering items of the
Consistory, and the baptismal register which is partially illegible. The latter begins
Oct. 23, 1769, and on this date, among others, a child of Henry Banta was baptized.
About 1780 with a colony from Conewago he migrated to Kentucky, and located at
first near Boonsborough, on the Kentucky river, to which place Captain Daniel Boon
had moved with his family four or five years previously and made a settlement.
Collins' History of Kentucky, p. 521 says" "White Oak Spring, sometimes called
Hart's Station, one mile above Boonsborough, was settled in 1779 by Capt. Nathaniel
Hart and some Dutch families from Pennsylvania." * * * "Not far is a spring
twelve feet square at the top and one hundred feet deep, boiling up pure, cold and
fresh and flowing off in a large and constant stream."
P. 523: "The first Dutch emigration to Kentucky in a company was in 1781, to
White Oak Spring Station, on Kentucky river, Madison county, one mile above Boons-
borough. Among the immigrants were Henry Banta, sr., Henry Banta, jr., Abraham
Banta and John Banta. A little later the colonists went where Harrodsburg now stands,
but in the course of a few years they established themselves permanently about a village
now called Pleasureville, then Six Mile, in Henry County. There some of them pur-
chased twelve thousand acres of land which the called the 'Low Dutch Tract,' and
divided it among themselves."
Those whose attention has not been directed to the subject, can have no adequate
idea of the hardships and the perils of this long journey from eastern Pennsylvania to
Kentucky. At that period Conewago was almost at the western limit of settlement,
and between it and Kentucky was an unbroken wilderness of over six hundred miles.
The road by which these pioneers travelled was doubtless that known as "The Wilder-
ness road," which passed through the valley of Virginia, between the Blue Ridge and
the Alleghanies, and across the mountains by Cumberland Gap to Fort Harrod. The
road was really only a "trace." No wagon passed over it until at least fifteen years
later, and these colonists were compelled to journey on foot and with pack-horses.
The "pack-saddle" was a forked branch of a tree fastened on the horse, upon which
were hung all the household goods and provisions. One of the early accounts of such
a journey in 1779, describes the "men on foot with their trusty rifles on their shoulders,
driving stock and leading pack-horses, and the women, some walking with pails on
their heads, others riding with children in their laps, and other children swung in
baskets on horses, encamping at night, expecting to be massacred by Indians, subsist-
ing on stinted allowances of stale bread and meat, encountering bears, wolves and wild-
cats in the narrow bride-path overgrown with brush and underwood." Another
account mentions that a colony, migrating to Kentucky in 1783, had reached within
half a dozen miles of the first settlement in the territory, when seven families of the
train stopped to encamp for the night, the others passing on. That night the Indians
attacked the families who had encamped an all were killed except one man. One of
Henry4 Banta's sons was killed by the Indians in Kentucky.
At the time of removal to Kentucky, Henry4 Banta was the father of twenty-one
children, of whom three had died in infancy, and his oldest son had recently died leaving
nine children, who were brought up by their grandfather. Five or six of his sons were
married, two of whom, Samuel and Peterius, remained for awhile in Pennsylvania, as did
his three married daughters. His family, who accompanied him in this toilsome, dan-
gerous journey of several months' duration, consisted of his wife and twelve children,
five of whom were under twelve years of age, and nineteen grandchildren, almost all of
whom were under twelve years of age.
An account of the settlement of the "Low Dutch Tract," written by Mr. George
W. Demaree, was published in the Shelby Courant, Shelbyville, Ky., May 15, 1873,
and so much of it refers to the Banta family is quoted therefrom, to illustrate some
of the difficulties these hardy pioneers encountered in building their new homes on
"the dark and bloody ground":
I propose to devote this chapter to the origin of the purchase and final settlement
of the Dutch tract, together with incidents connected with the men who figured in this
part of our history.
About ten years before the final settlement was effected--i.e., about the year 1785,
Capt. Daniel Banta, Cornelius Banta and John Banta, Sr., followed the "trace" leading
from Harrod's station in Mercer County, to Hoagland's station, in what was afterwards
Shelby County, till within a few miles of the latter place where they boldly plunged
into the wilderness, and built a cabin about two miles north-east of Hoagland's station
and what was afterwards known as the old Magruder farm, now the property of Thomas
Eaton, Esq. This was, beyond doubt, the first cabin built in the limits ot the Dutch
tract. It was constructed of blue ash logs, and was torn down but a few years ago,
after having braved the storms for more than eighty winters. The Bantas, while on
their hunting expeditions, doubtless saw a considerable part of the tract of land after-
wards purchased by the Dutch Company--though hardly all of it, as it was no child's
play to expore so vast a wilderness. I have no means at hand of knowing the precise
number of acres contained in the original survey, but from my knowledge of the
boundary thereof I presume it could not be less than fifteen or twenty thousand acres.
The Bantas had enjoyed their novel position but a short time when one of those period-
ical storms of wrath burst in upon the frontier settlements, and they wisely retired to
Hoagland's station. This station was poorly manned and provisioned at the time, and
was threatened daily with an attack from the redskins. So squally did the times
become that the little garrison determined to send to Harrod's station for re-inforcements,
etc. Jake Banta, an officer of the fort (brother to the other Bantas), volunteered to
perform the dangerous mission. The wilderness being full of prowling savages, he
chose the darkness of night to pass through the "narrows" on the waters of Benson
Creek, near where Hardinsville now is. But poor Jake never reached Harrod's station.
As he crept silently and all alone in the darkness of night through the dreaded "narrows",
the redskins pounced upon him from ambush and cleaved his skull with the tomahawk.
They left Capt. Banta on the tragic spot with his own tomahawk buried in his skull as a to-
ken of their firece vengeance. The loss of this brave man was deeply felt by the frontier
settlement. As soon as the storm had subsided out three heroes, who had taken an
active part in the exciting scenes with which they were surrounded, went back to
Harrod's station fully satisfied that their attempt to take possession of an isolated wil-
derness at that time was immature. It can hardly be doubted that their good report
of the excellent quality of these lands, carried back to the Dutch Company of which
they constituted a part, led to the purchase and ultimate settlement of the same. The
Banta family, was both dreaded and hated by the Indians. Being men of wonderful
strength and constitution, and brave to a fault, they had taught the savages many lessons
in their own mode of warfare. If all their conflicts with the Indiana, the heroism of
their women, etc., were traced by the pen of an able writer, a book of truly thrilling
adventures would be the result. The writer remembers hearing the old folks talk
of "Shaker John Banta." This circumstance led him to inquire into the origin of
the appellation, and his researches have satisfied him that the Shaker Society of Kentucky
had its origin in the limits of the Dutch Settlement--i.e., in Shelby County, about the
year A.D. 1804. The first Shaker meeting held in Kentucky, beyond doubt, was held
at the house of John Banta, who was one of the original members of that sect in this
State, hence the name Shaker John Banta. Some of the Voorhees and Montforts
adopted the Shaker system at the same time.
I doubt not that the long custom of the Dutch Company to have certain things
"common," such as tools, farming implements, mills, etc. (the writer has seen the
"Dutch Company sledge hammer" many times, and he doubts not that it is now in use
in Henry County, where he last saw it), had no little to do in preparing the minds of
those good men to receive the friendly, though absurd, doctrine of Ann Lee. The
doctrine of Ann Lee met with but poor success, however, with the mass of the company,
hence John Banta and his few associates separated from them and returned to Mercer
County, and purchased the present site of Pleasant Hill. The result if familiar to
everybody.
The following extract from a Kentucky paper on the same subject is also given.
Among the purchasers mentioned will be found several of the sons and sons-in-law of
Henry4 Banta:
WHO SETTLED NEAR PLEASUREVILLE AND PURCHASED LAND FROM
SQUIRE BOONE.
[Eminence Constitutionalist.]
While this section of Kentucky was all forest and inhabited by Indiana, the "Low
Dutch colony" came and located on land now is and around where Pleasureville is now
situated. The land was then owned by Squire Boone, brother of Daniel Boone, the
famous pioneer. The colony purchased about 10,000 acres in 1774, and it is as remark-
able as true that some descendents of this colony now reside on a portion of the original
purchase. The company had a trustee whose duty it was to look after all the estate, as
the thirty or more settlers with their families resided in a fort built of logs and stones.
The hostility of the Indians forced the "Low Dutch Colony" to remove to Mercer and
Clark Counties in a short while, but they returned in 1786. The Bantas, Bergins and
Shucks still own the land of their ancestors, together with many old relics and papers
which they value very highly.
Papers show that thirty-four lots of land were purchased by the company, varying
in size from two hundred acres and upward, which was paid for in pounds, shillings and
pence. The following is the number of each lot, purchaser, and price paid:
Value
No. L s. d.
1 John Commongore transferred
to James Morton, . . . . 24 11 1 +49/3/2
2 Daniel Vorees, . . . . . . 52 17
22 " " . . . . . . 43 19 11
3 Andrew Shock, . . . . . . 70 11 11
4 Albert Banta, . . . . . . 59 10 3
5 Albert Voras, . . . . . . 26 8 7 1/2 +52/17/3
6 John Banta, . . . . . . . . 62 17 3 +52/17/3
7 Abraham Banta, . . . . . 52 17 3
8 Simon Vanarsdal, . . . . . 24 11 8
9 Henry Banta, . . . . . . . 66 3 3
10 Samuel Demaree, . . . . . 52 17 3
19 " " . . . . . 43 10 11
11 Daniel W. Banta, . . . . . 49 3 3
12 Remus Monfort, transferred to
Louis Maston, . . . . . 52 17 3
13 Benj. Spader, . . . . . . 62 16 9
[column break here]
14 Daniel Banta, . . . . . . . . 52 17 3
15 [none]
16 Heirs of Cornelius Cozine, . . . 49 19 11 +49/3/3
17 Samuel Banta, . . . . . . . . . 43 19 11
18 Frances Casart, . . . . . . . . 43 19 11
20 Aaron & Jno. Munfort, . . . . . 52 17 11 +52/17/3
21 Albert Banta, Jr. 55 1 7
23 Blu John Voras, . . . . . . . . 21 16 7
24 Lucas Vanosdal & Jacob Smock, . 21 16 7
25 Luke Voras 21 16 7
26 Peter Banta, . . . . . . . . . 12 19 4 +12/19/3
27 Jacob Banta, . . . . . . . . . 32 18 3
28 Illegible, . . . . . . . . . . .
29 Wm. Shock & Big John Vores, . . 52 17 3
30 Uncle Peter Banta, . . . . . . 59 19 3 +59/10/3
31 Abraham Brewer, . . . . . . . 17 4 11 +77/4/11
32 Cornelius Bogard & Uncle Peter
32 Banta, . . . . . . . . . . . 62 16 9
33 Peterius Banta, . . . . . . . 56 3 9
34 Sophia Voras, . . . . . . . . . 29 11 9
+Difference in souurces
Mr. Richard Shuck showed us a deed for a section of this land which was signed ny Jas. L. Whittaker, Shelby County Clerk, on July 22, 1833, which was a conveyance to Geo. Bergin and Tunice Vannyse as Trustees, the land being originally settled by Abram Banta. The old spring of water which used to supply the colony with water is still in use.
We give, also, a letter preserved in the Theological Seminary, Reformed Church, at New Brunswick, N. J., which shows the religions condition of the State at that early period, and evidences that the venerable Elder, then seventy-six years of age, was still earnest in his Master's cause:
EXTRACT OF A LETTER FROM A FRIEND TO THE DUTCH CHURCH AFTER HIS RE- TURN FROM A VISIT TO KENTUCKY, DATED JAN. 20, 1794.
As I viewed almost every settlement in the Kentucky country, and tarried some
time at different places, I had a very good opportunity to learn the state of religion
and what progress the gospel had made there, an account of which I doubt not but
will be acceptable to you.
The concern and works of ministers of various denominations which I saw there,
to form congregations, was such that I was astonished. The people in general seem
to be more concerned about their eternal welfare than any place I have been in. I
have seen much devotion among them and heard many of their preachers, some of
whom made use of expressions that would by no means be acceptable to our congrega-
tions. I have never seen more preachers and travelling preachers in my life that I did
there for the term of time--consisting of Presbyterians, Regular Baptists, Separate
Baptists, Methodists and two Universalists, with several of whom I had the pleasure of
conversing and this got much intelligence, the particulars of which would be too much
for a letter. I shall therefore be particular only in regard to our Low Dutch in that
country, with the most of whom I am acquainted and with whom I principally resided
while there. They are very numerous, scarcely credible considering the time the
country has been settled. There are nearly 500 families, the major part live well, and
if formed into a society they might make up £150 annually to support a minister, be-
sides a good parsonage. These people are at present in a good deal of confusion, and
no wonder they consider themselves as a people forsaken by the church to which they
formerly belonged and from which they have long waited for help. They would before
now have fallen in with other demoninations, but many of them are firm friends to our
church constitution and very loth to part with our church forms, besides still entertain-
ing some hope that our Synod will yet provide for them. They have at present no
public worship of their own excepting the lecturing of old Mr. Henry Banta, and
praying societies, which is not attended to by many, especially when within reach of
preaching of any kind whatever. They are much exposed to be led astray by
heterodox preachers, viz.: Separate Baptists and Methodists who are doing all in their
power to gain them over to their churches, but have not as yet been able to effect it.
They gained one person, viz.: Mr. 485Albert Banta, who joined the Separate
Baptists, and without license commenced preaching, and for some time nade much
disturbance among them, some favoring but the greater part opposed him, and by
what I could learn he would no more be permitted to officiate for them. The oppo-
sition he met with made him move to a considerable distance from the Dutch
settlement. But notwithstanding this, some of their leading men entertained senti-
ments which, to me, were altogether new and strange, and which I firmly believe the
presence of an orthodox minister would easily remove. A particular affair to which I
was an eye-witness I cannot help mentioning:
A number of them had children to baptize; they procured a minister of their own
choosing on condition he should use our Form of Baptism, though only as far as he
should think proper. He only read the explanatory part and then, without answer or
promise of any kind, baptized seventeen children.
Some of the people present expressed their dissatisfaction at this; but one of their
leading men, and the principal one among them, stepped up and said that the minister
had done right, and that it was wrong to cause an unconverted person to make answer
of that nature. After hearing and seeing what I have mentioned, and especially the
trouble and cost of other denominations to extend their churches, I was astonished and
much dissatisfied at the conduct of our Synod--that they have never sent one mission-
ary into that country. This led me to question myself in the following manner:
Whether other denominations had not more concern for their churches than we have
for ours? whether our young ministers have not the same courage and resolution, and
zeal for the cause of Christ that others have? whether our Synod could not do a part
of the same trouble and cost that others do? and whether that rising generation in the
Kentucky country, originally of our church, were to be a forsaken people?
I heard several ministers of different denominations, who were acquainted with the
situation of these people, express their surprise at the conduct of our Synod--saying
their people are in general very moral, they are strict in their observances, they have
their church forms of which they are very tenacious, and yet we see no provision made
for them. Other preachers there, especially Separate Baptists and Methodists, often
endeavor to break their attachment to our church by saying that our Synod have suf-
ficiently shown by their conduct that they pay no attention to them, and that waiting
longer will only be in vain--and in reality they are almost out of patience. However,
they have now sent a call to the Classis of New Brunswick for any minister of our
church they can get, but in my opinion one is required who is very well qualified for
the business. Many of these people have not subscribed for this call, giving for reason
they might hear him first. I sincerely pray they may be successful, for if they do not
get one soon, or if nothing else is done for them, they are without lost to our
Church; but I am persuaded that if our Synod were acquainted with their real situation
they would do more for them than they have hitherto done.
The following communication, published by Rev. Dr. David D. Demarest, of New Brunswick, N. J., in the Christian Intelligencer, of New York, March 26, 1890, will also be of interest:
Mr. Editor: Many of the readers of the Intelligencer have expressed great interest
in the accounts you have been pleased to publish of the Dutch emigration to Kentucky
in the last century. I know that the publication of the following memorial addressed
to Congress, and of the letter of introduction by Dom. J. M. Van Harlingen, will be a
great gratification to them. Copies of the originals were obtained by me throuth the
kindly aid of Prof. Scott, of Rutgers College, from the State Department at Washington.
Mr. Theodore Roosevelt, in his fascinating work, "The Winning of the West,"
says that 150 heads of families of Low Dutch people came in a body to Kentucky in
1780, and he refers to this memorial as authority. But he made a mistake by failing to
notice that only one-third of the 150 names attached to the memorial were names of
actual residents at the time; the other two-thirds were names of their friends who in-
tended to come and settle with them on the lands that should be acquired, but who were
at the time in their homes at Conewago, Pa., as the baptismal records if that church
show, and perhaps some were still in New Jersey.
The emigration to Kentucky was by detachments. A few families went as early as
1771. We have no reason to think that a church was organized until the arrival
among them of the Rev. Peter Labagh in 1796. But they had a meeting-house long
before that time, located where is now the village of Pleasureville, and they doubtless
held regular services under the direction of the Voorleser, and of Hendrick Banta, the
Exhorter.
The reader will notice that in some instances a name is spelled in various ways. I
have in several cases presumed to try to aid those who are not skilled in interpreting
signatures of that period by inserting modern forms in brackets.
I also call attention to the fact that no date is attached to these documents. The
copyist, in an accompanying note, assigns them to 1783. He must have had some
authority for saying so, and we feel sure of his correctness when we call to mind that
we learn from other sources that a grant of 12,000 acres of land was obtained which was
divided among the settlers in 1784.
New Brunswick, Feb. 17th, 1890 D. D. DEMAREST.
To the Honorable President and Delegates of the Free United States of america in Con-
gress Assembled.
Gentlemen: A Memorial and Petition of a number of inhabitants of Kentucky
Settlement of the Low Dutch reformed Church Persuasion in behalf of themselves and
other intended Settlers was brought to me by one of those Petitioners desiring me in
the Name of the rest to give a Testimonial of their Character to the Honourable Con-
gress, because I was Personally acquainted with them. Some have lived amongst us
and belonged to my Congregations. They were a Plain, nonest, peaceble, Sober and
Industrious People remarkale for Agriculture, and by Current reports we have of them
they are all hearty friends to out Glorious Revolution and the Honourable Congress.
Gentlemen, I remain with due Respect; Your Most Humble Serv't.
J. M. VAN HARLINGEN
Minister of the Gospel at Sourland and New Shennick.
To the Honourable President and Delegates of the Free United States of America in Con-
gress Assembled:
The Memorial and Petition of a number of Inhabitants of Kentucky Settlement of
the Low Dutch reformed Church persuasion on behalf of themselves and intended settlers,
Humbly Sheweth,
That in the Spring of the Year 1780, they moved to Kentucky with their families
and effects with a view and expectation to procure a Tract of Land to Enable them to
settle together in a body for the convenience of civil Society and propagating the
Gospel in their known (own?) language; when they arrived there, to their sorrow and dis-
appointment they were, thro' the dangerousness of the times by a cruel Savage Enemy,
oblidged to settle in Stations of Forts in such places where there was the most
appearance of safety; notwithstanding all their precaution numbers of them suffered
greatly in their property, several killed and others captivated by the Enemy, living in
such distressed confined way, alway in danger, frequently on Military duty, it was
impossible for them to do more than barely support their families with the necessaries
of life, by which means they are much reduced; and what adds more to their dis-
appointment and affliction is that, contrary to their expections, before their arrival
and since, the most or all the Tillable Land has been located and monopolised by
persons that had the advantage of your Memorialists, by being acquainted with the
country. And your Memoralists, being strangers and confined as aforesaid, and being
so reduced, are rendered unable to purchase Land at the advanced price, and especially
in a body conveniently together agreeable to their wishes. Whereas, Providence has
been pleased to prosper and support the virtuous resistence of the United States in the
glorious Cause of Liberty, which has enabled them to obtain an Honorable Peace
whereby they have obtained a large extent of unappropriated Territory. And whereas
it is currently and repeatedly reported amongst us that Congress has broke or made
void Virginia's right or claim to Land in Kentuckey Settlement.
Your Petitioners therefore humbly pray (in behalf of themselves and other intended
settlers of that persuasion) the Honourable Congress would indulge them with a grant
of a Tract or Territory of Land in Kentucky settlement, if the Virginia claim thereto
should be made void, or otherwise in the late ceeded land on the Northwest side of the
Ohio river, whereto there is not any prior legal claim, to enable them to settle in a
body together, on such reasonable terms as Congress in their wisdom and prudence
shall see just and reasonable, they complying with, and performing all reasonable con-
ditions required, to enable them to put their intended plan and purpose in execution,
they having principally in view the Glory of God, the promotion of Civil and religious
society, Educating and instructing their fasing generation in the principals of religion
and morality. Hoping the Honrable Congress will give all due encouragement to
such a laudable undertaking; The Premisses duly considered. Your Petitioners as in
duty bound shall ever pray, &c.
Hendrick Banta, Peter Demaree, Cornelius Bogart, John Demaree, Cornelius Banta, Samuel durie, Albert durie, Marga Cozart, widow, Antje durie, widow, Daneel banta, Albert Vorhis, John Vorhis, Junr., Luke Vorhis, Samuel Demaree, Peter Demaree, Junr., Henry Shiveley Samuel Demaree, Jr., Benedick Yury, Henery Yury, John Voreis [Voorhis?], Simon Vunosdol [Van Arsdale?], Sophia Voreis, widow, Francis Voreis, [column break] Aaron Von Hoor [Horn?], John Ryker, Cornelius Voreis, Henry Banta, Jr., Abraham Banta, Jr., Peter Banta, Jr., John Banta, William Vancleave, Catharine Darling, widow [Dorland?], Lambert Darling [Dorland?], John Darling [Dorland?], James Voreis, John Vancleave, John Harris, Peter Banta, Samuel Westervelt, Mary Westerfield, widdo, Samuel lock, David Allen, [column break] Johanna Seburn, widow [Sebring?], Albert Banta, Jacob Banta, Abraham Banta.
Samuel Banta, James Cook, John Vanasdale, Samuel Bogart, Peter Seabourn, George Seabourn, David Seabourn, Jacob Seabourn, William Seabourn, Derrick Conine, Brogun Covert, Derrick Kroesen [Cruser?], Peter Wickoff, Henry Bogart, James Westervelt, Tunes Vanpelt, Andrew Shoc, Mattis [Matthias?] Shuc, garrit Vanarsdalen, Yoseph debaen [Debaun?], Abrahaem debaen, Peter Banta, Cornelius Couzine, Jun., John Couzine, Lucas Vanarsdal, Barney Smock, John O'Bleaner, Peter Monfoort, Garret Dorland, James Stagg, George Burnett [Bonnett?], David Brower [Brewer?], [column break] Rulef Vorhis, John Brewer, Daniel Brewer, Jun., Henry Comminger, John Comminger, Samuel Demarest, John Conrad [Kneght or Servant], John Knight, Peter Persel [Parsell?], Martin Neavous [Nevius?], William Jewel, John Monfoort, John Monfoort, Jun., Francis Cossaart, Jacob Cossart, Simon Van Arsdal, Peter Carmicle, John Van Arsdal, John Bodine, John Smock, Maties [Matthias?] Smock, John Kip, Barney [Bernard] Kipp, Abraham Degroff, Thos. Johnson, Abraham Johnson, Andrew Johnson, Thomas Vantine, Jaquish Vantine, Francis Monfoort, Peter Monfoort, Sen., Wilhelmus Hooghtelin, [column/page break] Abraham Hooghtelin, Hezekiah Hooghtelin, James Vanderbilts, Charls Vantine, Mickel [Michael?] Degraft, William S. Degroff, John Cowoven [Couwenhoven?], Peter Van Dyck, George Brinkerhof, Jacobus Monfoort, Cornelius Cosyne, Cornelius Vorhis, Cornelus Trueb, Laurens Trueb, Lawrence Monfort, Abraham Croire, Gilbert Brinkerhoft, Luke Brinkerhof, Andrew Conine, John Persyl [Parsell?], Cornelius Demaree, [column break] Corn'l D. Lowe, George Hall, Brogun Spader, Jacob Probascow, Samuel Briten, Gilbert Lowe, David Cossaart, Henry Stryker, Rhoalef Brinkerhoff, Jacob Brinkerhoff, John Aten [Auten?], Adrian Aten, John Aten, Cornelius Aten, George Williamson, Richer [Richard?] Persely [Parsell?], John hiels [Hols?], Daniel haris [Harris?], Beniemin [Benjamin?] Sloot, Jacob Smock.The following letters referring to the early settlers of Kentucky will be of interest to the descendents of the Dutch pioneers:
Beloved in the Lord, Grace,
Peace and Mercy--Amen.
HENDRICK BANTA, GARRET DORLAND,
JOHN SMOCK, ISAAC VAN NUYS,
ALBERT BANTA, CORNELIUS A. VAN ARSDALEN,
SAMUEL DURIE, ABRAHAM BREWER.
TO REV. JNO. H. LIVINGSTON, D. D.
HENDRICK BANTA, GARRET DORLAND,
ALBERT BANTA, LUCAS VAN ARSDALEN,
JOHN SMOCK, SIMON VAN ARSDALE,
ISAAC VAN NUYS, ISAAC VAN ARSDALEN,
ABRAHAM BREWER, LAURENCE DE MOTT.
CORNELIUS A. VAN ARSDALEN,
Kentucky, Mercer Co., the Head of Salt River,
------------------------------
From:
The Banta Genealogy, T.M. Banta, pgs. 49-58,
Full title:
A Frisian Family: The Banta Genealogy: Descendants of Epke Jacobse,
Who Came From Friesland, Netherlands, to New Amsterdam, February, 1659
aka
The Banta genealogy: Descendants of Epke Jacobse, Who Came From
Friesland, Netherlands, to New Amsterdam, February, 1659;
T. M. Banta, 427p, 1893.
[Typed July 1999.]