Person:Jacob Van Bunschoten (8)

From Source:Van Benschoten, William Henry. Concerning the Van Bunschoten or Van Benschoten Family in America : A Genealogy and Brief History:

JACOB V.B., born just in time for the Revolution, signs the "Roll of Honor," Apr. 29, 1775, and takes an active part in the war. He was a member of the Ulster County Militia, Third Reg., and took part in the battles of Long Island and White Plains, his graphic tale of seeing Gen. Putnam's charger "white with foam" in the former battle still being a family recollection. We find that one of his enlistments was on May 14, 1777, when he is sworn in "per me, Cornelius DuBois, Lieut." The records show. that in 1781 he is among the Levies under Col. Pawling and Major Van Bunschoten on the western frontier. A year later we find him in a "class" in the Third Ulster County Militia furnishing "an Able Bodied man" for the frontier service. Evidently he was in the Third Ulster Co. Reg. throughout the war and so certainly saw much service in the Highlands and on the frontier.

A History of Delaware Co. says regarding him that "When eighteen he enlisted in the Revolutionary army and served until the surrender of Cornwallis. Some time after this he removed to a farm in the vicinity of Margaretville where he lived for a time. He next turned his attention to the broad wooded valley of New Kingston, — so-called because on the five thousand acre tract of land given by Robt. R. Livingston for the relief of the sufferers from the burning of Kingston by the British in 1777, — and was the first man to grapple with the monster maples and pines that grew there. As he first penetrated the dense wilderness to the westward from the settlement on the East Branch he took the precaution to blaze the trees that he might know his way back; and years afterwards this lonely path was known as 'Uncle Jacob's road.' He suffered all the hardships of a new country. For several years the nearest flouring mill was at Kingston or Woodstock forty to fifty miles distant; there being no roads grists had to be carried on horses and sometimes on the backs of men. Wolves, bears and panthers were a great annoyance as they preyed upon domestic animals, especially sheep, and often endangered human life as well." Stories are told in the family of how Jacob's daughter Sally on several occasions was chased from the sheepfold to the house by prowling wolves. Frequently after dark the wolves would come. close around the fold and house and set up their howls. Then the old Revolutionary musket would be stuck out of a window and fired into their midst. Despite all frontier hardships and problems Jacob prospered "and at his death left a good farm to be occupied by his son."

He m. 1st, at Kingston church, May 1, 1785, Catherine, bp. Nov. 17, 1754, dau. of Peter Du Mond and Maria Van Wagenen. Children :

Catherine having died, Jacob m. 2nd, Aug. 26, 1798, at Kaatsbann church, Jannetje, b. Aug. 12, 1766, dau. of William Elting and Jannetje DuBois of Woodstock, and sister to his brother John's wife.

Jacob d. at New Kingston, Aug. 18, 1823, and Jannetje, June 27. 1838.

1. ↑ ^1.0 1.1 4280, in Van Benschoten, William Henry. Concerning the Van Bunschoten or Van Benschoten family in America: A Genealogy and Brief History. (Poughkeepsie, NY: A. V. Haight Co. Printers, 1907)
   pp. 777-778.