It is generally accepted that he was the Thomas Palmer who was drowned in Hellgate, 23 Aug. 1681. Administration on the estate of Thomas Palmer, "lately drowned," was granted to Thomas Olive (Oliver?), 2 Nov. 1681. An inquest was held, and the jury reached the verdict that he was drowned, and in the night. His apprentice, Matthew Smith, testified that they went in a canoe, intending to go to Flushing, and were overset by the eddy tide when going through Hellgate; Smith was some time in the water, but reached shore. (See N. Y. Wills, 1:110, 430; 2:426-7; 16:104, for further particulars.)
