THE TOWN OF SCARSDALE. 241 



early age of nine years, and his parents having settled in the town of 

 Newark, State of Delaware, it was in that place that he spent his youth, 

 and where he received a finished education. It was his intention to en- 

 ter upon the holy office of the ministry ; but on the breaking out of the 

 Revolutionary war, he was fired with military zeal, and accepted a com- 

 mission in the army, and immediately raised a company in defence of 

 his country. 



" His first engagement was at the battle of Long Island, where he 

 greatly distinguished himself by taking prisoner the famous Capt. Ragg, 

 with eighteen more of the enemy. He was then appointed a captain in 

 the army, and having followed the American arms to White Plains, he 

 there again distinguished himself as an accomplished soldier and a brave 

 man. As a captain he took part in the battle of Brandywine, and also 

 acted as aid to Gen. Clinton in the northern division of the army ; and 

 was also the aid of Gen. Sullivan, in the western expedition among the 

 Indians. 



" After the war he resided a few years in the city of Albany in this 

 State, where he entered upon the study of the law, and practised his 

 profession. Subsequently to that time he came to New York, and prac- 

 tised his profession for a few years. In the year 1787 he purchased a 

 farm in Westchester county, upon which he resided for many years; 

 during the whole of which time, he held the office of clerk of the Court of 

 Exchequer. He held this office until it was abolished. In 1804, he 

 again took up his abode in New York, where he remained until 1S11, 

 attending to his profession, and paying particular attention to the edu- 

 cation of his children. He then returned to his farm, and lived there 

 until the year 1836, when the death of his wife occured; and he then re- 

 turned to New York, and resided there until his own death. 



" He was ever a remarkably religious man, and died September 1847, 

 aged ninety-five, the peaceful and happy death of a firm Christian, and 

 a member of the Episcopal Church. He was not, as has been stated, a 

 man of property, though he was always blessed with an abundance. He 

 was a friend to the poor and needy, and derived much of his happiness-. 

 by doing good. He was the friend and companion of Washington, and: 

 claimed as his intimates many of the most remarkable men of his day.. 

 He belonged to the old school of American gentlemen, and in mind and- 

 body was distinguished for activity and sprightliness. He was an ac- 

 complished scholar, and, in every particular, a thoroughbred gentleman. * 

 His remains now repose in peace in the Popham family vault near SL 



a New York Ezjjress, Sept. 27th, 1S47 



