This is truly fascinating information about your family and early New York. So, is it believed that the Chelsea area of NYC is still called such after Chelsea House, belonging to Mary Stillwell Clarke?
I don't know exactly why Benjamin didn't leave when the other clergy ran. I do know that the Moore family was split in terms of loyalty. Some fought with the patriots, others favored the Brits. And, to complicate things even more, a few appear to have become aligned with the Quakers.
His father-in-law died in 1776 and had retired from the British military some time before. Mrs. Clarke evacuated during the war. There is a story that she wrote Washington after the home was used for target practice, asking him to intercede to save the property. Allegedly, he visited her but did not make any promises. At some point, a cannonball struck the home, leaving a large hole in the wall. She was told about the damage when she returned at the end of the war. But she didn't have it repaired for some time.
Some other good stories about Benjamin may or may not be true. I'm still researching them. He may resurface in a later stack.
That's not fair! Why didn't Benjamin have to leave? Why didn't his father-in-law, the British officer, lose his property? Which leads us to, if all the Anglican priests were expelled, who would run the churches?
And 2, Happy Christmas to All! And to All a Good Night!
Yes. I'll be covering that in next week's installment, among other interesting items.
This is truly fascinating information about your family and early New York. So, is it believed that the Chelsea area of NYC is still called such after Chelsea House, belonging to Mary Stillwell Clarke?
Awww, you spoiled my spoiler!
I don't know exactly why Benjamin didn't leave when the other clergy ran. I do know that the Moore family was split in terms of loyalty. Some fought with the patriots, others favored the Brits. And, to complicate things even more, a few appear to have become aligned with the Quakers.
His father-in-law died in 1776 and had retired from the British military some time before. Mrs. Clarke evacuated during the war. There is a story that she wrote Washington after the home was used for target practice, asking him to intercede to save the property. Allegedly, he visited her but did not make any promises. At some point, a cannonball struck the home, leaving a large hole in the wall. She was told about the damage when she returned at the end of the war. But she didn't have it repaired for some time.
Some other good stories about Benjamin may or may not be true. I'm still researching them. He may resurface in a later stack.
2 thoughts:
That's not fair! Why didn't Benjamin have to leave? Why didn't his father-in-law, the British officer, lose his property? Which leads us to, if all the Anglican priests were expelled, who would run the churches?
And 2, Happy Christmas to All! And to All a Good Night!